Latest news with #AbdulRahmanMohamed
New Straits Times
5 days ago
- General
- New Straits Times
Penang plots climate of change with action plan
GEORGE TOWN: The Penang Island Climate Action Plan 2030 was handed over to the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) today. The plan focuses on climate mitigation and adaptation measures. This plan provides a framework for the council to implement climate mitigation and adaptation actions. It aims to transform Penang into a low-carbon city by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. The plan focuses on five themes: GREEN transportation and pedestrian prioritisation; PLANNING and managing green spaces; DEVELOPING resilient communities, and, DISASTER risk reduction and management. The document is supported by primary and secondary data, as well as international modelling tools such as the Asia-Pacific Integrated Model, which is recognised by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. This makes it a science-based and internationally credible reference. Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) vice-chancellor Professor Datuk Seri Ir Dr Abdul Rahman Mohamed said the document is not merely a technical report. Rather, it the result of collaboration between researchers from USM, MBPP, and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, under the Urban Studies Chair, School of Social Sciences. "This collaboration represents our commitment to building a more sustainable, climate-resilient, and livable future for Penang. "As Malaysia's APEX university, USM plays a role not only in producing knowledge and technology but also in leading sustainable development initiatives that are evidence- and science-based. "Therefore, the Science to Action approach used in the development of this Climate Action Plan aligns with national aspirations and global agendas such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 2030) and the Paris Agreement. He said this at the handover ceremony. Mayor Datuk Rajendran P. Anthony, who received the doucment, said the council was more than just a city management entity. He said it was an institution that supported holistic, balanced and livable development. "The plan is not just a policy document but a manifestation of a shared commitment to make Penang a carbon-free state by 2050. "It outlines steps to address climate change challenges in a more systematic and holistic way. "MBPP's role in climate action in Penang is critical. "In the context of sustainable urban development, resource management, spatial planning and policy enforcement are key elements. "With the launch of this plan, the council's role in sustainable urban development will be boosted.
The Star
06-07-2025
- General
- The Star
‘Sustainability in our DNA'
SUSTAINABILITY is part of the identity and way of life at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), says Prof Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Mohamed. The USM vice-chancellor affirmed that the varsity is deeply rooted in its commitment to sustainable development and practices that have a tangible impact on society, the nation and the world. Prof Abdul Rahman was responding to USM's performance as Malaysia's highest-ranked institution in the recently released Times Higher Education (THE) University Impact Rankings 2025. The varsity sits in joint 14th position with National Taiwan University in the overall ranking, up from 18th place last year. 'This achievement is the result of the collective efforts of the entire USM community. 'Sustainability has become an integrated culture across all aspects of administration, academics and campus life. 'It is not merely an effort to secure a strong position, but part of our identity and work ethic,' he said in a statement. The varsity also topped the global rankings in three of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It came first for SDG 1 (no poverty), SDG 16 (peace, justice and strong institutions), and joint first with Universiti Malaya (UM) for SDG 17 (partnerships for the goals). In total, 65% of USM's performance falls within the world's top 100, including SDG 2 (zero hunger), SDG 3 (good health and well-being), SDG 5 (gender equality), SDG 6 (clean water and sanitation), SDG 7 (affordable and clean energy), SDG 11 (sustainable cities and communities), SDG 14 (life below water), and SDG 15 (life on land). Meanwhile, Universiti Malaya (UM) - the country's second highest-ranked university - secured joint 25th position with King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Saudi Arabia. Besides sharing first place with USM for SDG 17, UM was ranked fourth globally in SDG 1 for its strong student support systems - including financial aid, affordable housing and transportation - and outreach to marginalised communities. It also leads the Asia region in sixth place for SDG 14, and ranks joint seventh globally for SDG 11 due to its green campus efforts and sustainability policies, and 12th for SDG 15 for its leadership in biodiversity conservation and environmental education. Commenting on UM's number one global ranking in SDG 17 with a 99.8% score, its vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Seri Dr Noor Azuan Abu Osman called it a testament to the university's shared vision and collective effort. 'This recognition reaffirms our unwavering commitment to the cause of sustainable and future-driven development. 'It reflects how strategic sustainable plans have been transformed into practical realities - benefiting not only our immediate community, but future generations and the world as a whole,' he said in a statement. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) and Sunway University are the other two Malaysian universities that made their way into the top 100 of the rankings. UKM climbed to joint 53rd while Sunway University ranks 81st, up from the 201–300 band. In total, Malaysia has 34 universities in the rankings. Other Malaysian universities that stood out in individual categories include Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA), which ranks 18th for SDG 7; Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM), 41st place for SDG 10 (reduced inequalities); and UKM, 26th position for SDG 12 (responsible consumption and production). The seventh edition of the University Impact Rankings was released on June 18 by THE, publisher of the globally recognised THE World University Rankings. The rankings are the only global performance tables that assess universities against the UN SDGs across four broad areas - research, stewardship, outreach and teaching. Universities are ranked across 18 tables: one overall ranking and 17 tables representing each individual SDG. A record 2,526 universities were ranked globally from 130 countries, with Asian universities claiming more than half of the rankings for the first time. THE chief global affairs officer Phil Baty said: 'Universities worldwide are stepping up to help the world take on its most pressing grand challenges, from the climate crisis to delivering economic growth to supporting peace and justice across the world. 'Asia is leading the way on the sustainability agenda. 'Asia's clear dominance of the rankings in terms of overall representation, and so many outstanding individual university performances, including several world number-one positions for individual SDGs, shows that when it comes to universities' social and economic impact, the world will increasingly look to Asia.' For more information, visit
New Straits Times
29-05-2025
- General
- New Straits Times
3,000 community rangers to strengthen forest and wildlife protection
GEORGE TOWN: The Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry (NRES) will increase the number of community rangers to 3,000 this year under the Biodiversity Protection and Patrolling Programme (BP3), to curb illegal activities involving wildlife and forests. NRES secretary-general Datuk Dr Ching Thoo said the new appointments, comprising mainly members of the Orang Asli community as well as veterans of the armed forces and police, aim to strengthen protection efforts against encroachment in permanent forest reserves nationwide. "With the RM80 million allocation received this year, we plan to appoint up to 3,000 community rangers. "The impact has been positive so far, with reports indicating a clear reduction in illegal activities, especially poaching," he told reporters after launching the Jelajah Kelestarian Alam 2.0 programme at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) yesterday. "BP3 enables us to monitor forests more effectively and combat threats such as encroachment, illegal logging and poaching," he added. The programme, jointly organised by NRES, the Sultan Mizan Antarctic Research Foundation and the Department of Environment (DOE), drew over 250 participants, including USM vice-chancellor Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Mohamed and DOE director-general Datuk Wan Abdul Latiff Wan Jaffar. Meanwhile, Ching urged residents affected by wildlife disturbances that damage property or crops to apply for the Property and Crop Damage Compensation (BKHT). He said RM10 million was allocated for the programme last year, but only 10 percent was disbursed due to the low number of applications. "BKHT was introduced last year to assist victims facing significant losses due to human-wildlife conflicts. "The initiative will continue this year with an additional RM1.5 million," he said. He said the ministry is reviewing a proposal to increase the BKHT payout rate from 50 percent to 60 percent of the reported damages to better support affected individuals. "Based on records, most of these claims involve elephant-related damages, especially in Johor, Kelantan and Pahang. "There are also reports involving monkeys, though to a lesser extent," he said. – Bernama
Barnama
29-05-2025
- General
- Barnama
NRES To Deploy 3,000 Community Rangers To Enhance Forest And Wildlife Protection
GEORGE TOWN, May 29 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) will increase the number of community rangers to 3,000 this year under the Biodiversity Protection and Patrolling Programme (BP3), to curb illegal activities involving wildlife and forests. NRES secretary-general Datuk Dr Ching Thoo said the new appointments, comprising mainly members of the Orang Asli community as well as veterans of the Malaysian Armed Forces and Royal Malaysia Police, aim to strengthen protection efforts against encroachment in permanent forest reserves nationwide. 'With the RM80 million allocation received this year, we plan to appoint up to 3,000 community rangers. The impact has been positive so far, with reports indicating a clear reduction in illegal activities, especially poaching,' he told reporters after launching the Jelajah Kelestarian Alam 2.0 programme at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) today. 'BP3 enables us to monitor forests more effectively and combat threats such as encroachment, illegal logging and poaching,' he added. The programme, jointly organised by NRES, the Sultan Mizan Antarctic Research Foundation and the Department of Environment (DOE), drew over 250 participants, including USM vice-chancellor Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Mohamed and DOE director-general Datuk Wan Abdul Latiff Wan Jaffar. Meanwhile, Ching urged residents affected by wildlife disturbances that damage property or crops to apply for the Property and Crop Damage Compensation (BKHT). He said RM10 million was allocated for the programme last year, but only 10 percent was disbursed due to the low number of applications. 'BKHT was introduced last year to assist victims facing significant losses due to human-wildlife conflicts. The initiative will continue this year with an additional RM1.5 million,' he said. He added that the ministry is reviewing a proposal to increase the BKHT payout rate from 50 percent to 60 percent of the reported damages to better support affected individuals.
The Star
29-05-2025
- General
- The Star
3,000 community rangers to be deployed to enhance forest, wildlife protection
GEORGE TOWN: The Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry (NRES) will increase the number of community rangers to 3,000 this year under the Biodiversity Protection and Patrolling Programme (BP3), to curb illegal activities involving wildlife and forests. NRES secretary-general Datuk Dr Ching Thoo said the new appointments, comprising mainly members of the Orang Asli community as well as veterans of the Malaysian Armed Forces and Royal Malaysia Police, aim to strengthen protection efforts against encroachment in permanent forest reserves nationwide. "With the RM80mil allocation received this year, we plan to appoint up to 3,000 community rangers. The impact has been positive so far, with reports indicating a clear reduction in illegal activities, especially poaching,' he told reporters after launching the Jelajah Kelestarian Alam 2.0 programme at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) on Thursday (May 29). "BP3 enables us to monitor forests more effectively and combat threats such as encroachment, illegal logging and poaching,' he added. The programme, jointly organised by NRES, the Sultan Mizan Antarctic Research Foundation and the Department of Environment (DOE), drew over 250 participants, including USM vice-chancellor Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Mohamed and DOE director-general Datuk Wan Abdul Latiff Wan Jaffar. Meanwhile, Ching urged residents affected by wildlife disturbances that damage property or crops to apply for the Property and Crop Damage Compensation (BKHT). He said RM10mil was allocated for the programme last year, but only 10 percent was disbursed due to the low number of applications. "BKHT was introduced last year to assist victims facing significant losses due to human-wildlife conflicts. The initiative will continue this year with an additional RM1.5mil,' he said. He added that the ministry is reviewing a proposal to increase the BKHT payout rate from 50 percent to 60 percent of the reported damages to better support affected individuals. "Based on records, most of these claims involve elephant-related damages, especially in Johor, Kelantan and Pahang. There are also reports involving monkeys, though to a lesser extent,' he said. - Bernama
