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Daily Express
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Express
Fighting against drug abuse via film screening drive
Published on: Saturday, June 28, 2025 Published on: Sat, Jun 28, 2025 By: Cynthia D Baga Text Size: Wong (centre) taking a group photo with the members of the Lions Clubs International after the press conference. Kota Kinabalu: Lions Clubs International is once again stepping up the fight against drug abuse with the launch of 'No More Drugs 1.2'. This is the second phase of its highly praised campaign aimed at empowering youth, tackling hotspot districts, and strengthening community-wide action against drugs abuse in Sabah. Organising Chairperson Nelson Wong following the remarkable success of 'No More Drugs 1.0' earlier this year through screenings for the impactful anti-drug film No More Drugs, which engaged more than 8,000 participants across major towns including Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan and Tawau in which the new phase seeks to continue the momentum with renewed focus and broader outreach. 'No More Drugs 1.2' will now expand its reach to communities in Kota Kinabalu, Keningau and Tenom. 'This is more than a campaign, it's a promise to our youth, our future and we are targeting 6,000 people this time. We are deeply committed to addressing the root causes of drug abuse and giving young people the strength and knowledge to choose a healthier path,' said Wong at a press conference on Friday. Wong said the screening and outreach sessions for the campaign are scheduled to begin on July 16 in Kota Kinabalu, with the first programme set to take place at St. Michael, at 2pm. 'On July 17, the campaign moves to Keningau with a morning programme at SJK (C) Yuk Yin at 9am followed by sessions at SJK (C) Yuk Kong and SMJK Ken Hwa (CF). 'A public screening will also be held that evening at 7pm at SJK (C) Yuk Yin. On July 18, the focus shifts to Tenom with events scheduled across multiple schools including SM Chung Hwa, SJK (C) Chung Hwa, Tenom Tshung Tsin Secondary School, SJK (C) Tsi Sin and Maktab Nasional. 'The final day of the campaign, July 19, brings the initiative back to Kota Kinabalu with screenings at SM Tshung Tsin in the morning, Yue Min in Penampang in the afternoon, and a final programme at Holy Seal, City Mall, at 5pm,' Wong said. According to Wong, the 'No More Drugs 1.0' left a lasting impression with attendees from diverse backgrounds including students, educators, and community leaders. 'The campaign delivered powerful testimonies and hosted interactive awareness sessions that sparked crucial conversations and real change in affected communities. 'In 'No More Drugs 1.2,' participants can also expect a wide array of youth-focused activities including forum, film screenings, school assemblies, and creative workshops designed to educate and inspire. 'The campaign will also work in close collaboration with local authorities, schools and NGOs to reinforce local support systems. 'Public service messaging will be shared through social media, local radio stations, and community bulletin boards. Free counselling resources and rehabilitation referrals will also be available at various campaign events. 'By continuing to provide safe spaces for open dialogue and awareness, Lions Clubs International remains steadfast in its mission to help young people in Sabah build a brighter, drug-free future,' said Wong, adding the campaign underscores its message with a powerful reminder, 'When You Say No To Drugs, You Say Yes to Dreams and Better Future'. Among the main sponsors of the campaign are the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment (KePKAS), WSG Group, Delicious Curry House Sdn Bhd, Sabah Publishing House Sdn Bhd, Crest Megaway Sdn Bhd, and Bazaar 2.0. Additional sponsors for 'No More Drugs 1.2' include TCT Trading – WareHouz, Ho Chiak Kopitiam, and Yit Foh Factory and Park Sdn Bhd. As Sabah continues to face challenges related to substance abuse, initiatives like 'No More Drugs' are a beacon of hope for many communities driven by education, compassion, and the belief that every youth deserves the chance to thrive. * 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


Daily Express
3 days ago
- Daily Express
Jail for 17 Filipino, Indonesian illegals
Published on: Thursday, June 26, 2025 Published on: Thu, Jun 26, 2025 By: Cynthia D Baga Text Size: They were charged under Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/1963, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison, a fine of up to RM10,000, or with whipping, upon conviction. Kota Kinabalu: Seventeen illegal immigrants were sentenced to jail terms ranging from four to six months each after pleading guilty to entering the State without valid documentation. Alim Alex, Arwina Jailani, Lina Jailani, Rian Walki, Antonio Alfon, Basir Asis, Domenandor Saniel, Joel Albario, Ruswin Tawasir, Alex Ahmad, Jani Ajudi, Muhammad Asyraf Arsyad, Roy Amir, Sam Sam Gaber, Sujiana Roy, Albasir Abdullah and Habib Ismail were nationals from Indonesia and the Philippines. The 17 entered separate guilty pleas before Sessions Court Judge Hurman Hussain. All of them were jail four months each for entering the State without valid documents. They were charged under Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/1963, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison, a fine of up to RM10,000, or with whipping, upon conviction. Meanwhile, Albasir and Habib were jailed to another six months plus a stroke of the cane each for illegally entering the State again after being moved out from the country on Oct 1, 2024 and Apr 18, 2023, respectively. The court ordered the duo to serve the jail sentence consecutively which means they needed to serve 10 months in jail. They were arrested during Immigration enforcement operations carried out in several districts including Sepanggar and Ranau this month. At the time of arrest, none of them were able to produce valid identification or travel documents. In mitigation, the offenders told the court that they had been residing in the State for several months or years without documentation and were working as labourers, carpenters and farmers. They requested for leniency and deportation to their home countries as soon as possible. The court ordered their sentences begin from the date of their respective arrests. Upon completion of their jail terms, all 17 individuals were referred to the Immigration Department for further action, including deportation. Prosecuting Officer Norizan Awang Tanda from the Immigration Department led the prosecution. * 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


Daily Express
21-06-2025
- Daily Express
Drugs: Man freed from two charges
Published on: Saturday, June 21, 2025 Published on: Sat, Jun 21, 2025 By: Cynthia D Baga Text Size: The offence, under 39A(2) of the Dangerous Drugs Act (DDA) and read together with Section 34 of the Penal Code, is punishable under Section 6 of DDA, which carries a jail term of between five years and life imprisonment, and whipping at least 10 strokes of the cane, on conviction. Kota Kinabalu: A 25-year-old, charged with two counts of having drugs, was freed from the charges after full trial. Sessions Court Judge Dayang Ellyn Narisa Abang Ahmad discharged and acquitted Mohd Jamri Basir, after ruling that the prosecution had failed to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt against Jamri. The court made the decision at the end of the defence stage. On the first count, Mohd Jamri was accused of having 158.6gm of cannabis at 10.30pm on May 15, 2020 at Angkasa Apartment in Jalan Tuaran Bypass, here. The offence, under 39A(2) of the Dangerous Drugs Act (DDA) and read together with Section 34 of the Penal Code, is punishable under Section 6 of DDA, which carries a jail term of between five years and life imprisonment, and whipping at least 10 strokes of the cane, on conviction. On the second count, he allegedly had in possession 6.64gm of syabu at the same place and time. Advertisement Mohd Jamri was charged together with another accused Syafika Abdul Suaib who was discharged and acquitted from the charges without her defence being called but Mohd Jamri was told to enter his defence. The trial had commenced on Dec 7, 2022 and about 10 witnesses were called to testify during the prosecution's stage. During the defence's stage, the defence had called three witnesses to testify in the hearing. Mohd Jamri was represented by counsel Dominic Chew. * 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


Daily Express
21-06-2025
- Daily Express
Bomoh freed of rape charges against teen
Published on: Saturday, June 21, 2025 Published on: Sat, Jun 21, 2025 By: Cynthia D Baga Text Size: Ronie (right) with his counsel Azhier after the proceedings. Kota Kinabalu: A self-proclaimed traditional healer (bomoh) was freed from two charges of raping a university student, without his defence being called. Sessions Court Judge Marlina Ibrahim discharged and acquitted Ronie Apolinario, 55, after ruling that the prosecution had failed to establish a prima facie case against Ronie. In making the decision, the court stated that the court had thoroughly evaluated all the evidence and submissions before determining that the prosecution had not proven the essential elements of either charge. 'Having read and considered both parties' written submissions in enclosures 43, 46, and 47, and upon maximum evaluation of the evidence, the court finds that the prosecution has failed to prove the ingredients of the offence in the first and second charges. 'Accordingly, a prima facie case has not been made out,' Marlina said. On the first charge, Ronie was accused of raping the 19-year-old girl between 11am and 1pm on June 17, 2021 at a rented room in Lorong Kelapa Bersaudara, Kolombong, Inanam, near here. Advertisement On the second charge, he allegedly raped the same girl between 1.15pm and 3pm on Sept 3, 2022 at a room of a lodging house in Kg Air, here. He was charged under Section 376(1) of the Penal Code, which provides for a jail term of up to 20 years' jail, and whipping, upon conviction. The prosecution had called four witnesses during the hearing which started in October 2024 and concluded on Dec 9, 2024. Deputy Public Prosecutor DK Afiqah Alya conducted the prosecution while counsel Azhier Farhan Arisin represented Ronie. According to the police report lodged by the alleged victim, she was taken to meet the accused by her mother for a traditional healing session, purportedly to remove a spiritual disturbance or 'saka' inherited from her grandmother. * 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


Daily Express
20-06-2025
- Daily Express
Filipino, Indonesian illegals jailed
Published on: Friday, June 20, 2025 Published on: Fri, Jun 20, 2025 By: Cynthia D Baga Text Size: The offence under Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/1963 provides for a jail term of up to five years, or a fine of up to RM10,000 and whipping, on conviction. Kota Kinabalu: Thirteen illegal immigrants comprising Filipinos and Indonesians were jailed four months each. Aesimal Landu, Al paisal Abdullah, Azlan Husin Asidin, Esam Ayudin, Omar Abdul Salleh, Radzmil Umad, Rian Zulkifli, Sadri Landu, Sarah Indang, Albinar Julasdi, Sitti Yalin Julasdi, Parak Baki and Nurjima Salimuddin, aged 22 and 50, all pleaded guilty separately before Sessions Court Judge Hurman Hussain, to entering the State without their valid documents. Advertisement The offence under Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/1963 provides for a jail term of up to five years, or a fine of up to RM10,000 and whipping, on conviction. The illegal immigrants were arrested by the Immigration team who carried out operation in Papar, Tenom, Kota Belud, Kota Marudu and Kudat in May this year. During the operation, they failed to produce their identification documents to the Immigration personnel. In asking for leniency, they informed the court that they had stayed in the State without documents for several months and years and worked as labourers, carpenters and farmers. Advertisement They asked to be deported to their respective hometowns as soon as possible. The court ordered the illegal immigrants to serve the jail sentence from the date of their arrests. After completing their jail sentence, all of them were ordered referred to the Immigration Department for further action. Prosecuting Officer Gressia Yolanda from the Immigration Department appeared for the prosecution. * 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