Latest news with #CultureandEnvironment
Borneo Post
5 hours ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
CM: Sabah a new sailing destination
Joniston mingles with the sailors during the Dalit Bay Nautica Carnival 2025 event in Tuaran today. TUARAN: The presence of more than 100 sailors and 29 yachts from 16 countries for the Dalit Bay Nautica event is proof that Sabah is now being recognised and appreciated globally as a sailing destination, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor. He expressed hope that nautical tourism such as this will soon become one of the main tourist attractions or activities in the state. 'Sabah offers a variety of sailing experiences and in fact, there is strong potential to become a sailing destination given our beautiful and pristine beaches. 'I believe nautical tourism or recreational sailing activities have the potential to attract more visitors to Sabah, and in turn, generate economic spillovers for the local communities. 'Therefore, we need to seize the prospects of sailing activities given the state's strategic location with its natural advantages and many waterways. Just like Dalit Beach, with its stunning coastline, rich cultural diversity, and strategic location facing the South China Sea, this area holds great potential to become a world-class tourism destination,' he said. He said this when officiating the Dalit Bay Nautica 2025 event here today. His speech was delivered by Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Joniston Bangkuai. The Chief Minister said the event will also help to boost tourism, promote cultural heritage and stimulate economic activity in the state. 'This will definitely put Sabah on the global coastal map and is a good indicator of growth in the state's tourism sector. Without a doubt, this event will further diversify our tourism offerings and help us achieve our target of 3.5 million tourist arrivals to Sabah this year. 'As the second-largest state in Malaysia, Sabah has everything to offer — from deep seas to towering mountains. This makes Sabah one of the world-class tourism destinations. 'The beauty and richness of our flora and fauna, and the wonders of nature such as our oceans, islands, mountain ranges, and forest reserves are natural treasures enjoyed and admired by many,' he said.
The Star
17 hours ago
- The Star
Taking a compassionate approach to jumbo care
Conservation measures include cultivation of Napier grass along Sg Kinabatangan as alternative food source for Bornean elephants UNDER the relentless sun, a boat glides through the murky waters of Sungai Kinabatangan, a habitat known for Sabah's largest crocodile population. Today, however, the focus is not on these reptilian giants but on the endangered Bornean elephant, which numbers have been steadily declining due to habitat loss. This decline in their population is primarily due to the clearing of forests for agriculture and development, leading to conflicts between farmers and elephants displaced in search of food. Guided by Sharon Rahman from the RESPonsible Elephant Conservation Trust (Respect), the boat passengers await a signal. After nearly four hours, a crackling radio announces the sighting of wild elephants near Kampung Bilit, setting the stage for an awe-inspiring encounter. Two majestic adults first emerge from the dense forest, their movements with unexpected grace belie their massive size. A curious calf follows and then two more adults join, creating a scene of serene beauty along the riverbank, observed by tourists in hushed silence. The Bornean elephant (Elephas maximus borneensis), the smallest subspecies of the Asian elephant and endemic to northern Borneo, now numbers about 1,000, with the majority residing in the Kinabatangan region and some in Kalimantan, Indonesia. Towards long-term survival The solution to Sabah's human- elephant conflict involves more than just physical barriers. It requires finding a balance where both humans and elephants can coexist peacefully. The Bornean elephants are protected by law, including Sabah's Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997. Also in place is the state government's Bornean Elephant Action Plan (2020-2029) to ensure the long-term survival of the species. Viewed as a pragmatic policy by experts, the 10-year plan focuses on habitat protection, research and, most importantly, human-elephant conflict mitigation. Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew recently discussed the plan's importance in an interview with Bernama. 'We are making genuine attempts to prevent these gentle giants from joining the ranks of the disappeared,' she stressed. 'Elephants are among the animals I am most passionate about,' said Liew. 'We are very lucky in Borneo that we have this particular species. So we must protect them.' Despite interest from international zoos in Borneo's elephants, Liew has remained firm in her resolve to keep them in their |natural habitat, stating, 'They belong here, not in foreign zoos.' The action plan outlines a |comprehensive approach, acknowledging that some elephants will inevitably require human care. It emphasises humane treatment and dignity, moving beyond the outdated practice of displaying them as zoo exhibits. Other items in the plan – elephant corridors, habitat restoration, community engagement and enforcement – read like a conservationist's dream. Progress reports are already rolling in and Liew can barely contain her excitement. 'The impact of the action plan has been significant, with several key initiatives now underway,' she said. Rescue, Rehabilitation, Release A cornerstone of this initiative is the Captive Elephant Manage-ment Plan, introduced by Liew in April. The plan transitions from 'free contact' to 'protected contact' management, enhancing the safety of handlers while ensuring the elephants receive proper care. This approach minimises direct physical interaction, prioritising the well-being of both elephants and their caretakers. One of the key components of the plan is Sabah's 3R programme – Rescue, Rehabilitation, Release – which embodies a pragmatic and compassionate approach to conservation. The Bornean Elephant Sanctuary in Kinabatangan and Lok Kawi Wildlife Park near Kota Kinabalu are not mere tourist attractions; they serve as sanctuaries for elephants in need. 'When elephants are hurt, we bring them to the sanctuary for treatment and rehabilitation,' said Liew. 'Once they are well enough, we release them back into the wild.' Referring to the sanctuaries, she said: 'This is it. Our final 'dance' for these magnificent creatures. 'Failure isn't an option when extinction is waiting in the wings.' Napier grass: A peace offering Another innovative strategy involves cultivating Napier grass within designated habitats, providing an alternative food source to deter elephants from encroaching on farmland. A 9km stretch along Sungai Kinabatangan, managed by Respect with support from the Australian-based Intrepid Foundation and local communities, has shown promising results. 'We are rewriting an age-old conflict into one of coexistence,' remarked Respect chairman Alexander Yee, adding that the Napier grass they plant is sweeter than the variety commonly found on riverbanks. Initially a modest 0.4ha experiment launched in March last year, the project has grown significantly. Yee recounted a pivotal moment: 'Two months after planting, seven elephants, including a calf, discovered and devoured half of the grass.' This confirmed that wild elephants would consume human-cultivated grass within designated feeding areas, paving the way for broader acceptance and success. By January, the initiative expanded to 13.5ha at Kampung Bilit riparian reserve along Sungai Kinabatangan, creating what they now call the Borneo Elephant Food Corridor. Yee said more than 20 elephants were recently observed grazing peacefully from dawn until dusk, longer than they have ever stayed before, marking a significant shift towards a harmonious coexistence. Villagers who once viewed elephants as nuisance are now actively involved in planting Napier grass. Even resort operators along the river have taken to planting the grass. Yee said this initiative is not just about feeding elephants. It is about creating harmony in a land where man-wildlife conflict has become all too common. The strategy is straightforward: just give them their own 'dining rooms', far away from the farms and oil palm plantations they are forced to raid. Besides Napier grass, elephants also favour Barau grass and perupok (a type of shrub), though more research is needed to determine which type of grass works best. Elephants, it turns out, are master gardeners. As they move through the forest, they create natural clearings that allow sunlight to penetrate the canopy, fostering new growth. Yet challenges remain. Incidents of intrusions are still reported, like a case where a baby elephant wandered into a house in Kalabakan, Tawau, searching for food and water. But Yee and his team remain committed to their vision. 'We need long-term support from all parties, namely the government, NGOs and local communities,' he highlighted. Blueprint for coexistence In Lahad Datu, another ambitious grass-planting initiative has taken root – the 33ha Malambabula elephant pasture. Initiated by the Borneo Rhino Alliance (Bora) and funded by The Hornbill Award, with assistance from Kuala Lumpur Kepong Bhd, the project began in August 2021. It offers an 'all-you-can-eat buffet' for elephants, meant to entice them away from neighbouring oil palm plantations. 'Buffet', in this case, consists of tall, lush grasses, mostly Napier and a couple of other varieties. Bora programme director Dr Zainal Zahari Zainuddin said the Malambabula pasture project architects have thought of everything these creatures need. There is ample fresh water flowing from Sungai Malambabula. There is even an artificial salt lick, complete with all the essential nutrients their massive bodies require. While initial visits to the project site were sporadic, the breakthrough came in June 2023 when a herd of 70 elephants showed up for an 'extended feast'. They consumed about 20 tonnes of grass – six days without any incident of human-elephant conflict in the area. The project illustrates how nature and industry can coexist sustainably, Zainal said. Elephants have shown a preference for Napier grass, particularly before it flowers, about a month after planting. As the grass matures, it becomes less appealing, but its ability to regrow swiftly ensures a continuous supply. 'The Malambabula pasture is more than a feeding programme; it is a blueprint for coexistence,' Zainal emphasised. 'Even if the elephants stay in our area (elephant pasture) for just two days, that is two days of not disturbing people or entering plantations. 'Recently, they stayed there for three weeks. It was a bonus for us. 'But now they have moved to the far end of the pasture,' he noted. The team managing the pasture studies every elephant visit and feeding pattern, learning their habits and preferences. But while the adults can handle the tough, tall grass, the calves need something more tender and manageable. 'These giants are incredibly attentive parents,' said Zainal. 'If the little ones can't eat, the whole herd moves, searching for more suitable feeding grounds. It is all or nothing with them.' This insight has revolutionised how Bora manages the grass at the elephant pasture. To ensure the entire herd gets to eat, young Napier grass is also made available so that the calves can eat too. Oil palm and conservation Sabah, with the second-largest oil palm cultivation in Malaysia, faces the challenge of balancing conservation with industry. The Jurisdictional Certification of Sustainable Palm Oil (JCSPO) and the Jurisdictional Certification Steering Committee (JCSC), established in 2016, aim to harmonise these interests. The initiative seeks broader commitments from stakeholders to sustainable practices, aligning the goals of conservation, supply chain sustainability, and green development. Sabah's chief forest conservator Datuk Frederick Kugan shares his vision for coexistence: 'This isn't just about protecting a few patches of forest. It is about creating a model where both nature and industry can thrive.' Local communities play a crucial role in the success of these initiatives. Respect guide Sharon underscores the importance of community engagement and support: 'We are on the right track, but we need more people to join the efforts to protect these elephants.'
Daily Express
2 days ago
- Business
- Daily Express
China's Guizhou eyes strategic ties with Sabah
Published on: Thursday, July 24, 2025 Published on: Thu, Jul 24, 2025 Text Size: Liew (first right) in discussion with Liu Baochang and Datuk Frankie Liew. Kota Kinabalu: A delegation from the Guizhou Provincial Foreign Affairs Office visited Sabah on Tuesday with the aim of establishing a friendly provincial-state relationship with Sabah, marking a potential new chapter in bilateral cooperation between China's Guizhou Province and the Malaysian state. The proposal, which centres on strengthening ties in economy, culture, trade, tourism and people-to-people exchanges, was well-received by State Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment, Datuk Seri Christina Liew, and State Minister of Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship, Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe. The visit, facilitated by the Sabah China Chamber of Commerce (SCCC), saw the Guizhou delegation pay courtesy calls to both ministers to present the province's vision for collaboration. Leading the delegation, Deputy Director-General Liu Baochang outlined Guizhou's strengths, including its status as a hub for new energy, computing power infrastructure, scientific innovation, and liquor production, as well as being home to tech giants like Apple and Huawei, and the globally renowned 500-metre Aperture Spherical Radio Telescope, 'Sky Eye'. He said Guizhou is now actively expanding its reach to Central, South, and Southeast Asia, and sees Sabah as a strategic partner in the region. Liu also extended an invitation for Sabah leaders to visit Guizhou and witness firsthand the province's industrial and technological advancements. 'We hope to deepen and broaden cooperation in economic, cultural, and tourism fields, and establish a formal friendly relationship between our two governments,' Liu said. Christina welcomed the initiative, describing it as an opportunity to connect with one of China's dynamic provinces. 'This visit opens doors for greater understanding and collaboration, especially in areas like eco-tourism and the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme,' she said. She introduced Sabah's strengths in sustainable tourism, its rich biodiversity, and ongoing efforts to preserve indigenous cultures. She also revealed plans for a 65-acre Cultural Centre in Kinolok, where all 35 indigenous ethnic groups in Sabah will showcase their heritage, further enriching the state's tourism appeal. Meanwhile, Phoong highlighted Sabah's push toward industrialisation and infrastructure development, citing upcoming projects like the Pan Borneo Highway, airport expansions in Kota Kinabalu and Tawau, and the upgrading of Sepangar Port. 'Sabah is undergoing transformation through innovation and infrastructure. We see Guizhou as a valuable partner in this journey,' said Phoong, who also invited the delegation to participate in the 2nd Sabah-China Expo this November. He added that the state is working towards increasing its power supply by 700 megawatts by 2030, including launching Malaysia's first wind power plant. Datuk Frankie Liew, President of the SCCC, praised the high-level composition of the Guizhou delegation, which includes senior officials from the foreign affairs office, commerce department, and municipal governments. 'Sabah and Guizhou share similarities in natural resources and cultural heritage. With strong will from both sides, I believe we can foster pragmatic cooperation,' he said. He noted strong potential in areas such as ecological protection, creative industries, environmental technology, and green development, expressing confidence that the partnership would spur mutual growth. Also present during the visit were SCCC Deputy President Brett Chua, Vice President Ir. Ts. KJ Tan, JP, Datuk Jonathan Koh, JP, and officials from Invest Sabah including CEO Dr. Firdausi Suffian. The visit is seen as a stepping stone toward building a long-term cooperative relationship between Guizhou and Sabah, paving the way for increased economic opportunities and cultural exchange between the two regions. * 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
The Star
3 days ago
- Health
- The Star
Community-based tourism players urged to leverage growing wellness travel trend
Datuk Joniston Bangkuai for the cancer awareness campaign in Kiulu. KOTA KINABALU: Community-based tourism operators across Sabah have been urged to integrate wellness elements into their products to remain competitive and aligned with global tourism trends. Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai said Sabah's natural beauty, clean air, and cultural richness provide the ideal foundation for eco-wellness tourism, which is on the rise. 'Villagers should start thinking beyond sightseeing by incorporating wellness into their packages through mindful activities, traditional healing, or healthy local meals. These are simple additions that can add meaningful value to rural tourism,' Bangkuai said during the Program Jejak Kanser at Pekan Kiulu on Tuesday (July 22). The Kiulu assemblyman stressed that wellness tourism is no longer a niche, and travellers today are seeking places that help them relax, recharge, and reconnect. He pointed to last month's Sustainable Wholistic Wellness International Conference and Expo in Sabah as a strong signal that the state is ready to lead in this sector. Bangkuai said many rural communities already practice sustainable living and have access to nature-rich surroundings, making them well-positioned to offer genuine wellness experiences. 'In line with our efforts to transform Kiulu under the Sabah Maju Jaya agenda, which focuses on tourism, agriculture, and manufacturing, we also want to see Kiulu become a healthy and thriving rural community model. 'By hosting regular health screenings, nature-based therapy sessions, and awareness programmes, Kiulu can set a clear example that rural areas can advance healthy living,' he added. Bangkuai said establishing a wellness centre would support this vision, adding that integrating health elements into tourism can benefit both visitors and locals, and open up new economic and social opportunities.
Borneo Post
5 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sabah receives the Most Outstanding State award
Datuk Masidi Manjun (centre), flanked by Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Seri Christina Liew (on his right) and Group Managing Director, The IBR Asia Group, Dato' Beatrice Nirmala, at the International Business Review (IBR) ASEAN Awards 2025 event held at the Sabah International Convention Centre on Saturday night. KOTA KINABALU (July 20): Sabah was conferred the Most Outstanding State in Malaysia for the Year 2024 award during the International Business Review (IBR) Asean Awards here on Saturday. The award is a recognition of Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor's exemplary leadership, as the state has made marked improvements across the board through his comprehensive Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) roadmap. Positive and impactful changes have been made economically, in championing the state's and her people's rights, in infrastructural improvements, and so forth, under his administration. It was also under this administration that many historic firsts have been successfully achieved, as Sabah's landscape transforms for the better. State Finance Minister Datuk Seri Manjun who received the award, expressed gratitude from the state government. He described the prestigious conferment as a sign that Sabah has achieved a higher level that it could not reach before. Sabah was one of nine recipients for awards in various categories during the ceremony. Negeri Sembilan was awarded the Most Progressive State in Malaysia for 2024. It is a recognition of Menteri Besar Dato Seri Utama Aminuddin Harun for ensuring the ambituous Rancangan Struktur Negeri Sembulan (RSNS) 2045 roadmap remains futureproof. In reworking the Malaysia Vision Valley plan into its 2.0 iteratuon, he has set a clear path for Negeri Sembilan's rapid industrialisation and development. Another recipient was Sabah Ports Sdn Bhd, who was named the winner for the Corporate Excellence in the Logistics Sector for Port Management. Sabah Ports, as a wholly owned subsidiary of Suria Capital Holdings Berhad, manages Sabah's port operations. Through their eight ports, they provide berthing, handling and cargo facilities for port customers. In September 2024, they signed a partnership with DP World to manage Sepanggar Bay Container Port, with a goal of making it a key regional port for BIMP-EAGA. The other winners are National Heart Institute for the Corporate Excellence in the Healthcare Sector for Leadership in ESG Innovations category; Clean Kinetics Pte Ltd (Corporate Excellence in the Renewable Energy Sector for Sustainable Energy). Millenium Minerals Ltd (Corporate Excellence in the Mining Industry for Ethical Mining); AiRTS Pte Ltd (Innovative Technology in the Artificial Intelligence Sector for Enhancing Workplace Efficiency). Alpine Integrated Solution Sdn Bhd (Corporate Excellence in the Event Management Sector for Mega Government Projects); Education Malahsia Global Services (Corporate Excellence in the Education Sector for Strengthening Malaysia's Position as a Global Education Hub). Hosted by the state government and organised by IBR Asia Group, the IBR Business Review Asean Awards 2025 highlights significant achievements in various industries, also providing winners with comprehensive publicity.
