Latest news with #Jannie
Daily Express
2 days ago
- Business
- Daily Express
Relocation for traders as work to upgrade Kepayan Square starts
Published on: Wednesday, July 23, 2025 Published on: Wed, Jul 23, 2025 By: Sisca Humphrey Text Size: Ewon handing over a canopy to one of the traders at Kepayan Square - Kuskop Pic PENAMPANG: A total of 72 small traders from Kepayan Square began preparing for a temporary relocation this week, as construction work starts on long-awaited upgrade to the public market space. Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (Kuskop) Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick said the Government is taking steps to ensure that traders continue to earn a living while improvements are made to their work environment. At a handover ceremony on Tuesday, Ewon distributed canopies, tables and chairs to the affected traders, who will move to a temporary trading site nearby for the next few months. 'We want to ensure that even during this transition, their livelihood is protected,' he said. 'This is about providing a safer and more comfortable space for the community to trade in the long run.' The RM2.4 million upgrade is being jointly funded by the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT), City Hall (DBKK) and the Kapayan state constituency. KPKT and DBKK are each contributing RM1 million, while Kapayan Assemblywoman Datuk Jannie Lasimbang is allocating RM400,000 from her constituency fund. Ewon said planning for the project started after he was elected Penampang MP in 2022, when he and Jannie visited the site with DBKK officials to assess its condition. 'What we saw back then was that the traders needed more than just shelter from the sun and rain. The space needed proper facilities, a roof, better flooring and proper drainage,' he said. He thanked Jannie for taking the lead in pushing for the project and raising the matter with the KPKT Minister Nga Kor Ming. 'This is a good example of what can happen when local and federal leaders work together,' he said. Jannie said the upgrade was something she had been pursuing since 2019, after hearing concerns directly from the traders. She said the location has always served more than just commercial purposes. 'This space is not just about business. It's a place where people meet, talk, share food and build connection. 'Once it has a proper roof and layout, it can serve the whole community during festive seasons, government programmes or even just a normal weekend,' she said. Also present were DBKK Deputy Director-General (Operations) Robert Lipon and local leaders involved in coordinating the relocation plan. * 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
7 days ago
- General
- Borneo Post
New recycling hub in KK to empower community, reduce waste
Jannie (standing, fourth right) at the launch of RIPPLE Circle, a community-based recycling centre located next to the Luyang Multipurpose Hall. KOTA KINABALU (July 18): RIPPLE, the Sabah Recycling Association, has launched its latest initiative: RIPPLE Circle, a community-based recycling centre located next to the Luyang Multipurpose Hall. The RIPPLE Circle, which stands for Community Initiative for Recycling, Circular Learning and Education, was officially launched today. Kapayan assemblywoman Jannie Lasimbang officiated at the event on behalf of the Minister of Industrial Development, Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe. The ceremony also saw the attendance of key sponsors and representatives from the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment, APPGM-SDG and Kota Kinabalu City Hall. Other sponsors supporting the initiative include LCP Roller Shutter, Nippon Paint, City Top, Brickform Sdn Bhd and PC Construction. RIPPLE chairlady Michelle De La Harpe said she was pleased with the new location, which will serve as a dedicated site for collecting used glass and selected plastic bottles (HDPE, LDPE, PP). 'This centre gives the public a better option to recycle rather than send their waste to the landfill,' she said. Starting August 2025, the RIPPLE Circle will operate fully on volunteer efforts. The public can drop off their clean glass and plastic bottles every Sunday from 9am to noon. Volunteers will then handle the sorting, cleaning, shredding and crushing of materials. With support from APPGM-SDG, RIPPLE aims to transform the centre into a hub for community learning, focusing on recycling, household waste management, and environmental sustainability. The programme also plans to equip 15 participants with the skills to manage local recycling initiatives, creating opportunities for eco-entrepreneurship, especially for women and youth. Among the activities lined up are repairing and expanding the Community Learning Centre, preparing mobile collection bins, setting up community drop-off points and conducting workshops on recycling, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and waste segregation. According to Michelle, the initiative addresses gaps in recycling infrastructure and public awareness. 'This is not just about recycling. It's about building a structured system to reduce waste going to the landfill, tackle pollution, and encourage community-led action. It also creates micro-livelihoods and new income opportunities,' she said. RIPPLE also plans to embed long-term recycling habits in the community by empowering locals to manage logistics and drop-off points even after the current grant from APPGM-SDG ends. The association will continue to support product upcycling, market linkages and explore ways to integrate the programme into municipal waste policies for future expansion. Since its inception in 2019, RIPPLE has recorded notable achievements. Through one of its glass recycling projects up to September 2024, the association collected 41,284.80 kilos of glass bottles, diverting 208,509 bottles from the landfill and preventing 6,880.80 kilos of carbon dioxide emissions. The project also engaged 707 volunteers, welcomed 1,707 visitors to its site and held 588 workshops. Between April 2023 and July 2024, RIPPLE's Plastic Recycling Project managed to prevent 22.06 tonnes of plastic from ending up in the landfill. As part of this project, RIPPLE distributed RM28,654.45 worth of incentives to the public — paying RM2 per kilo for properly cleaned plastics. Revenue generated from sales of recycled products reached RM30,056.60, which helped cover some of the centre's operational costs. 'This is proof that when the community comes together, we can create real impact,' said Michelle.
Borneo Post
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Women's advocate Rowindy Lawrence shares inspiring political journey
Rowindy (centre) with Jannie (second left), Ramzah (left). PENAMPANG (July 9): Rowindy Lawrence, Deputy Secretary of the United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (UPKO) Malaysia Organising Committee and Chairman of the International Relations Bureau of UPKO Malaysia, recently shared her compelling political journey at the Women's Leadership Programme and Online Fraud Awareness Event held at Wisma IDS (Institute for Development Studies) on July 8. Her narrative highlighted a steadfast commitment to women's empowerment and grassroots community development. Rowindy's journey into politics began in 2010 when she joined UPKO, dedicating herself to serving the Kimanis Division. Her initial focus was on understanding and addressing the needs of local residents, fostering community-level development and progress. By 2018, her leadership was recognized as she was tasked with establishing and leading the Kota Kinabalu Division's Women's Wing. She also took on the role of UPKO Women Exco Secretary, where she actively championed women's rights and empowerment, playing a crucial role in shaping policies aimed at uplifting women across Sabah. In 2019, Rowindy's expertise led her to the position of Special Officer to the Sabah Minister of Rural Development. In this capacity, she contributed to rural development projects and policies aimed at improving the livelihoods of underserved communities. A significant chapter unfolded in 2022 when she was chosen as UPKO's sole female candidate, and notably, the first KadazanDusun-Murut Rungus (KDMR) woman to contest in the Kimanis constituency. Despite feeling unprepared, the experience was enriching, requiring direct engagement with the grassroots to understand their needs and aspirations. Though she did not win, she remains grateful to the 3,931 voters who supported her and continues to serve the Kimanis community. Her political career marks a stark contrast to her previous work with Malaysia Airlines, where she focused on promoting Sabah's tourism industry. This shift, however, only strengthened her resolve to bring about meaningful change and serve her community. 'My political journey is deeply rooted in my unwavering advocacy for women's empowerment, a cause I believe must begin at the grassroots level,' Rowindy stated. She emphasized that true leadership is about making a genuine difference in the lives of ordinary people, especially women who often face limited opportunities and poor living conditions. She recounted a 'sobering experience' of visiting a remote village where a woman was giving her infant river water due to a lack of resources, highlighting the urgent need for change. Rowindy, also a member of the UPKO Supreme Council, stressed that empowering women starts with education and awareness. It involves nurturing confidence, providing opportunities for growth, and fostering a culture that values women's voices. She believes that leadership should be rooted in service, compassion, and understanding, with real influence stemming from the ability to uplift others rather than from material wealth. Her journey is a testament to her conviction that change must originate from within communities and from leaders who prioritize service over status. By championing grassroots initiatives and raising awareness about women's issues, Rowindy aims to inspire a new generation of leaders who prioritize community well-being over personal gain. Her goal is a society where women are recognized as vital contributors to development and where empowerment is accessible to all. 'Women empowerment from the grassroots level is the foundation for building a more inclusive, equitable and progressive society,' she reiterated. 'True empowerment begins with education, awareness, and the development of confidence among women and girls, enabling them to participate actively in community decision-making and leadership roles.' In her concluding remarks, Rowindy advised aspiring leaders not to wait for perfection before stepping into leadership roles, to work with sincerity and genuine commitment, and to be well-informed about government ministries and non-governmental organizations to ensure effective service. Also speaking at the event were Kapayan State Assemblywoman Datuk Jannie Lasimbang and Institute Development of Studies Sabah (IDS) CEO Datuk Ramzah Dambul.
Borneo Post
07-07-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Use rural funds to uplift women and families, not just fix pipes - Jannie
Jannie KOTA KINABALU (July 7): Kapayan assemblywoman Jannie Lasimbang has urged the Sabah Government to ensure that the additional rural development funds under the supplementary budget bring about long-term, meaningful change for women and families, rather than being limited to short-term infrastructure fixes. Debating the supplementary budget — which includes over RM175 million allocated for improving water supply and pipe systems across the state — Jannie welcomed the move but emphasised the need for deeper commitments to strengthen resilience in rural communities, particularly through empowering women. 'This is a much-needed step that shows the government is listening to people's frustrations over unreliable water supply and poor quality. But solving pipe leaks alone won't lift people out of poverty. We need to help families, especially women, stand on their own feet,' she said. She noted that while RM68 million has been allocated to the Ministry of Rural Development, the funds should not be restricted to physical infrastructure projects. 'I believe we need to look beyond just giving aid. We must build people's capacity to uplift themselves. That starts with women,' she added. Jannie proposed that part of the rural development allocation be channelled into targeted programmes for women's economic empowerment, stressing that thriving women lead to stronger families and communities. 'I urge the government to establish a Special Women's Microfinancing Scheme in Sabah, so women in villages and small towns can start businesses and generate income,' she said. She also called for direct, streamlined assistance for vulnerable women — including widows, single mothers, and abandoned wives — to help them support their children's education and daily needs without having to navigate 'burdensome bureaucracy.' Jannie further pushed for: Fair recognition of Indigenous women's rights under native customary land (NCR) programmes, stronger legal protection against domestic violence, sexual harassment, and child marriage — including within Sabah's customary legal system and stable annual funding for women's NGOs, particularly those serving remote communities. In her continued advocacy for gender parity in leadership, she repeated her call for at least 30% of community leadership positions such as village chiefs, native chiefs, JKKK heads, and local councillors, to be filled by women. 'If we want our policies and development plans to truly reflect the needs of all Sabahans, we must invest in women leaders from every background. Let women's voices be part of every decision,' she urged. She also welcomed the additional allocation for care centres for senior citizens and persons with disabilities, but called for improved training for caregivers to ensure that care services remain humane, inclusive, and gender-sensitive. 'I fully support this additional budget, but it must be spent transparently and efficiently, with the community involved in monitoring every ringgit. If we do it right, this will not just fix pipes and drains — it will lift families and bring dignity and security to women across Sabah,' Jannie stressed.
Daily Express
02-07-2025
- Sport
- Daily Express
JCI Tanjung Aru hosts pickleball workshop
Published on: Wednesday, July 02, 2025 Published on: Wed, Jul 02, 2025 Text Size: Jannie (centre), Rex (sixth right), Joanna (fifth right) and the project committee members. Kota Kinabalu: JCI Tanjung Aru proudly hosted an engaging pickleball workshop, 'Picklepals Day,' at PickleCollective, located in Pacific Sutera, with the aim of introducing the sport of pickleball to the local community. The event was graced by Datuk Jannie Lasimbang. The workshop featured an introduction to the sport, a demonstration session, and a series of station games designed to give participants hands-on experience and a fun, interactive way to learn pickleball. Organising Chairperson JCI member Rex Chong said: 'The event drew an enthusiastic crowd of over 100 participants, many of whom expressed highly positive feedback about their newfound interest in the sport.' * 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
