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Daily Express
28-06-2025
- Science
- Daily Express
UMS Sandakan students get taste of sun bear conservation
Published on: Saturday, June 28, 2025 Published on: Sat, Jun 28, 2025 Text Size: Student volunteers from UMS Sandakan pose during the preparation and design of enrichment items for the sun bears. SANDAKAN: A group of students from the Faculty of Sustainable Agriculture, University of Malaysia Sabah (UMS) Sandakan recently spent their morning contributing to wildlife conservation efforts by volunteering at the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC), Sepilok, Mile 14, here. The initiative, titled Hands for Paws, was organised by the Faculty of Sustainable Agriculture Students' Association. It brought together 19 undergraduate students from various Agricultural Science majors, along with their accompanying lecturer, Dr Sharif Azmi Abdurahman. Throughout the half-day programme, the students were involved in a series of conservation activities under the guidance of Boniface Joss, Bear Care Coordinator, and Kelson Kuangon, Bear Keeper at BSBCC. These included cleaning sun bear enclosures, carrying out fence maintenance, and enhancing the natural surroundings of the centre. They also planted native tree saplings such as Belian, Kapur Paji, and Laran Putih, which were contributed by the Sabah Forestry Department. In a more creative and engaging task, the students designed and prepared enrichment items for the bears, such as puzzle logs filled with hidden treats. These items stimulate natural behaviours like foraging and exploring, while also supporting the bears' mental well-being. After placing them inside the enclosures, the students observed the bears' responses from the observation platform. 'Organising Hands for Paws has been an eye-opening journey,' said Jeff Winter Joseph, the programme director. 'It gave us first-hand insight into conservation work and reminded us how even small efforts can contribute to something much larger. We hope this initiative inspires more students to get involved in volunteerism and conservation.' He added. He said the experience taught them not only about wildlife care, but also about teamwork, leadership, and the importance of doing something meaningful beyond academic life. A highlight of the visit was a special session with Dr Wong Siew Te, Chief Executive Officer and founder of BSBCC, who praised the group for their efforts. 'I deeply thank the students from UMS Sandakan for their contributions today.' 'Everyone did a great job even though but what matters most is the spirit and commitment from the students,' Wong said. Wong has worked with sun bears for over 27 years. He also reminded the students that the sun bear is the world's least-known bear species. He stressed the importance of education, awareness, and youth involvement in ensuring their survival. Wong also welcomed the opportunity for more collaborations between students and the centre in the future. The programme left a lasting impact on the students, many of whom were visiting BSBCC for the first time. They described the experience as unforgettable, particularly the rare opportunity to enter the sun bear enclosures, which are usually off-limits to the public. Several shared how working alongside BSBCC staff gave them a deeper understanding of the vital conservation work carried out at the centre. One student summed up the experience by saying, 'It's one thing to learn about conservation in class. But seeing it up close, getting your hands dirty and being a part of it is something we'll carry with us long after we graduate.' The students left the centre not only with muddy boots and tired arms, but also with a renewed appreciation for environmental efforts and a stronger motivation to take part in future community and volunteer initiatives. The student organisers aim to carry out similar efforts in the near future, continuing the same spirit of service, learning, and environmental engagement. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Borneo Post
26-06-2025
- Science
- Borneo Post
UMS Sandakan students get hands-on with sun bear conservation
A group photo with Dr Wong Siew Te at the end of the programme. SANDAKAN (June 26): A group of students from the Faculty of Sustainable Agriculture, University of Malaysia Sabah (UMS) recently spent their morning contributing to wildlife conservation efforts by volunteering at the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC) in Sandakan. The initiative, titled Hands for Paws, was organised by the Faculty of Sustainable Agriculture Students' Association. It brought together 19 undergraduate students from various Agricultural Science majors, along with their accompanying lecturer, Dr Sharif Azmi Abdurahman. Throughout the half-day programme, the students were involved in a series of conservation activities under the guidance of Boniface Joss, Bear Care Coordinator, and Kelson Kuangon, Bear Keeper at BSBCC. These included cleaning sun bear enclosures, carrying out fence maintenance, and enhancing the natural surroundings of the centre. They also planted native tree saplings such as Belian, Kapur Paji and Laran Putih, which were contributed by the Sabah Forestry Department. In a more creative and engaging task, the students designed and prepared enrichment items for the bears, such as puzzle logs filled with hidden treats. These items stimulate natural behaviours like foraging and exploring, while also supporting the bears' mental well-being. After placing them inside the enclosures, the students observed the bears' responses from the observation platform. 'Organising Hands for Paws has been an eye-opening journey,' said Jeff Winter Joseph, the programme director. 'It gave us firsthand insight into conservation work and reminded us how even small efforts can contribute to something much larger. We hope this initiative inspires more students to get involved in volunteerism and conservation.' He added that the experience taught them not only about wildlife care, but also about teamwork, leadership, and the importance of doing something meaningful beyond academic life. A highlight of the visit was a special session with Dr Wong Siew Te, Chief Executive Officer and founder of BSBCC, who praised the group for their efforts. 'I deeply thank the students from UMS Sandakan for their contributions today. Everyone did a great job. Even though it was just for a few hours, sikit-sikit lama-lama jadi bukit. What matters most is the spirit and commitment from the students,' said Dr Wong, who has worked with sun bears for over 27 years. He also reminded the students that the sun bear is the world's least-known bear species. He stressed the importance of education, awareness, and youth involvement in ensuring their survival. Dr Wong welcomed the opportunity for more collaborations between students and the centre in the future. The programme left a lasting impact on the students, many of whom were visiting BSBCC for the first time. They described the experience as unforgettable, particularly the rare opportunity to enter the sun bear enclosures, which are usually off-limits to the public. Several shared how working alongside BSBCC staff gave them a deeper understanding of the vital conservation work carried out at the centre. One student summed up the experience by saying, 'It's one thing to learn about conservation in class. But seeing it up close, getting your hands dirty and being a part of it is something we'll carry with us long after we graduate.' The students left the centre not only with muddy boots and tired arms, but also with a renewed appreciation for environmental efforts and a stronger motivation to take part in future community and volunteer initiatives. The student organisers aim to carry out similar efforts in the near future, continuing the same spirit of service, learning, and environmental engagement.
Daily Express
11-06-2025
- Daily Express
July 23 decision on LD Vocational College murder case
Published on: Wednesday, June 11, 2025 Published on: Wed, Jun 11, 2025 By: Bernama Text Size: TAWAU: The High Court today postponed to July 23 its decision on the case involving 13 male students of Lahad Datu Vocational College, who are jointly charged with the murder of their college mate Mohamad Nazmie Aizzat Mohd Narul Azwan, last year. The verdict, initially scheduled for today, was postponed to allow for clarification related to the submissions, according to deputy public prosecutor, Nur Nisla Abdul Latif. Advertisement She said that both prosecution and defence had filed their written submissions. The prosecution had filed a total of 366 pages of written submission. 'The defence team, comprising eight lawyers, has also filed their submissions,' she told reporters at the High Court, here, today. On May 14, High Court Judge Datuk Duncan Sikodol had set today to decide on the Mohamad Nazmie Aizzat murder case. However, a notice issued by the High Court yesterday (June 10) informed parties of the rescheduling. On Feb 28, Duncan ordered the 13 teenagers, aged 16 to 19, to enter their defence on the charge of murdering Mohamad Nazmie Aizzat, 17, in the dormitory rooms 7 Resak and 5 Belian at the Lahad Datu Vocational College, between 9pm on March 21 and 7.38am on March 22, 2024. They were charged under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder, read together with Section 34 of the same Code which carries the death penalty, or up to 40 years' imprisonment and not more than 12 strokes of the cane, if convicted. The defence proceedings began on March 10, with 18 witnesses, including all 13 accused, called to testify. The prosecution had earlier opened its case on Nov 19 last year, calling 25 witnesses, including students and teachers from the vocational college. Apart from Nur Nisla, the prosecution team also includes DPPs Ng Juhn Tao and Batrisyia Mohd Khusri. Eight of the students were represented by lawyers Datuk Ram Singh, Kamarudin Mohmad Chinki and Chen Wen Jye, while five others were represented by lawyers Mohamed Zairi Zainal Abidin, Abdul Ghani Zelika, Vivian Thien, Jhesseny P. Kang and Kusni Ambotuwo. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Borneo Post
14-05-2025
- Borneo Post
June 11: Decision on vocational college student murder case
Some of the 13 students accused of murder at the High Court in Tawau on Wednesday. – Bernama photo TAWAU (May 14): The High Court here Wednesday set June 11 to decide on the case of 13 students of the Lahad Datu Vocational College accused of murdering their college mate Mohamad Nazmie Aizzat Mohd Narul Azwan last year. Judge Datuk Duncan Sikodol set the date when the case came up for mention Wednesday. This was after the prosecution, represented by Deputy Public Prosecutor Nur Nisla Abdul Latif, requested time to respond to the submissions by the defence. Also appearing for the prosecution are deputy public prosecutors Ng Juhn Tao and Batrisyia Mohd Khusri. On Feb 28 this year, Duncan ordered the 13 teenagers, aged 16 to 19, to enter their defence on the charge of jointly murdering Mohamad Nazmie Aizzat, 17, in the dormitory rooms 7 Resak and 5 Belian at the Lahad Datu Vocational College between 9 pm on March 21 to 7.38 am on March 22 last year. They were charged under Section 302 of the Penal Code, read together with Section 34 of the same law, and face the death penalty or 30 to 40 years' imprisonment and not more than 12 strokes of the cane, if convicted. Eight of the students were represented by lawyers Datuk Ram Singh, Kamarudin Mohmad Chinki and Chen Wen Jye, while five others were represented by lawyers Mohamed Zairi Zainal Abidin, Abdul Ghani Zelika, Vivian Thien, Jhesseny P Kang and Kusni Ambotuwo. – Bernama
Daily Express
14-05-2025
- Daily Express
LD Vocational College murder: Court to deliver decision on June 11
Published on: Wednesday, May 14, 2025 Published on: Wed, May 14, 2025 By: Bernama Text Size: TAWAU: The High Court here today set June 11 to decide on the case of 13 students of the Lahad Datu Vocational College accused of murdering their college mate Mohamad Nazmie Aizzat Mohd Narul Azwan last year. Judge Datuk Duncan Sikodol set the date when the case came up for mention today. This was after the prosecution, represented by Deputy Public Prosecutor Nur Nisla Abdul Latif, requested time to respond to the submissions by the defence. Also appearing for the prosecution are deputy public prosecutors Ng Juhn Tao and Batrisyia Mohd Khusri. On Feb 28 this year, Duncan ordered the 13 teenagers, aged 16 to 19, to enter their defence on the charge of jointly murdering Mohamad Nazmie Aizzat, 17, in the dormitory rooms 7 Resak and 5 Belian at the Lahad Datu Vocational College between 9 pm on March 21 to 7.38 am on March 22 last year. They were charged under Section 302 of the Penal Code, read together with Section 34 of the same law, and face the death penalty or 30 to 40 years' imprisonment and not more than 12 strokes of the cane, if convicted. Eight of the students were represented by lawyers Datuk Ram Singh, Kamarudin Mohmad Chinki and Chen Wen Jye, while five others were represented by lawyers Mohamed Zairi Zainal Abidin, Abdul Ghani Zelika, Vivian Thien, Jhesseny P Kang and Kusni Ambotuwo. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
