Latest news with #Langkawi
Malay Mail
7 days ago
- Business
- Malay Mail
Can crab farming replace fishing income during monsoon? Melaka tests Langkawi model
MELAKA, July 17 — A strategic collaboration between fishermen in Langkawi and Pantai Kundor here is being developed through an innovative pilot project on mud crab (ketam nipah) farming, which is expected to become a new economic driver, particularly during the monsoon season. Pantai Kundor assemblywoman Tuminah Kadi said the project, spearheaded by the Malaysian Innovation Foundation in collaboration with the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (Mosti), not only involves technology transfer but also serves as a platform to connect fishing communities from two different states to share knowledge, techniques and experiences in modern mud crab farming. 'We will adapt the successful mud crab farming model implemented in Langkawi as the foundation for the Melaka project, making the necessary adjustments based on local geographical conditions,' she said. Tuminah added that selected fishermen representatives will travel to Langkawi to learn modern farming techniques, including soft-shell crab production technology, which will later be adapted at several identified locations in Melaka based on suitability. She said this after visiting the proposed mud crab and mussel (kupang) farming site at the Sungai Lereh fishing jetty here. She added that the project is seen as a long-term measure to help fishermen whose income is often affected during the monsoon season, when fishing activities are restricted. 'With mud crab farming, fishermen can generate income throughout the year without depending on sea conditions. This is not just a farming project but an economic lifeline during the monsoon season,' she said. Tuminah explained that innovative farming methods will be used, such as small-scale plastic boxes with a saltwater flow system, which has been researched for its suitability. She added that initial studies have found the availability of mud crab seeds in the Sungai Lereh area, giving the project an advantage in developing an industry with strong local and international demand. 'Langkawi has proven this model works. Now it is Melaka's turn to adapt this innovation with the help of Mosti and experienced entrepreneurs. If this pilot project succeeds, we aim to expand it to fishing cooperatives and involve the younger generation in coastal areas. Apart from mud crabs, we will also study the potential for mussel farming at several fishing jetties,' she said. — Bernama
South China Morning Post
24-06-2025
- Sport
- South China Morning Post
Langkawi International Ultra Run: Hong Kong's Wong is fastest woman and beats the men too
It was meant to be her husband's big day, but instead it was Wong Mei-yan who stole the show at the Langkawi International Ultra Run, becoming the fastest overall finisher in the 100km Round Island Ultra-Road. The Hongkonger, better known for her marathon and trail-running exploits, clocked a blistering 10 hours, 29 minutes and 38 seconds, not only topping the women's field but also outrunning all male contenders. What made Wong's triumph all the more remarkable was the fact it was her first road ultra and she was in Langkawi only because her husband, Wong Wai-chung, wanted to attempt the 100km distance. Hong Kong's Wong Mei-yan and husband Wong Wai-chung after the race. Photo: Handout 'He was the one who found this race online and said we should try it together,' Wong said. 'But guess what, he gave up at 35km. He DNF'd. I finished, he quit.' Despite her endurance background, the 32-year-old had zero expectations of winning the event last weekend. 'I usually run marathons or trail ultras, which are slower because of the elevation,' she said. 'I just told myself to keep moving, except for some of the slopes, and I'm really surprised I finished first overall.' Running through the night posed its own challenge. Wong ditched her headlamp because of discomfort and instead carried her light by hand.
Malay Mail
20-06-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Higher education minister: Malaysia proposes Asean Institute to unify regional expertise, offers to host in UKM
LANGKAWI, June 20 — Malaysia has proposed the establishment of an Asean Institute to consolidate expertise across various fields among member countries in the region. Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Zambry Abdul Kadir stated that this proposal was among the topics discussed during the Asean Higher Education Ministers' Roundtable here yesterday. 'Although certain countries have conducted studies at their respective university levels, there isn't a more comprehensive institute for all Asean member states,' he said at a press conference after the roundtable here yesterday. He added that Malaysia has offered to host this Asean Institute, given the country's expertise, including through the Institute of Malaysian and International Studies (Ikmas) at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. Furthermore, he noted that the roundtable also discussed student and academic mobility within the region, including exchange programmes that would allow foreign lecturers to teach at educational institutions in Malaysia. 'Additionally, we also agreed to establish a body to manage scholarship matters, namely Asean-GEMS. This platform will be utilised to seek financial resources among Asean member states to provide scholarships,' he said. The Asean Global Exchange for Mobility and Scholarship (Asean-GEMS) is a one-stop platform for information about regional scholarship and mobility programmes throughout the Asean region that was launched last night. This initiative will, among other things, provide access to opportunities and scholarship offers for all Asean students, while also supporting regional integration by encouraging youth mobility and cross-border academic exchanges. Zambry further mentioned that other matters discussed included proposals to establish networks and collaborative platforms among Asean higher education institutions, and to ensure that all discussion outcomes are elevated to the Asean Heads of State Meeting in October. He also remarked that this roundtable successfully brought together all ministers, representatives, and senior education officials from member countries, receiving positive feedback from regional and international participants. Meanwhile, among the delegates, the Chairperson Commission on Higher Education (CHED) of the Philippines, Dr Shirley Castañeda Agrupis, praised Malaysia's efforts in hosting the dialogue, calling it a valuable platform for benchmarking best practices and addressing regional challenges. She stressed the need for harmonising research agendas and recognising academic credentials across Asean member states. 'We dream of borderless education, but without mutual recognition of curricula, student and faculty mobility remains limited,' she noted. Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Isesco) Dr Salim Mohammed Al-Malik has praised Malaysia's commitment to education and innovation following a series of high-level engagements during his visit to the 2025 Asean Ministers of Education and Higher Education Roundtables. Dr Al-Malik underscored the pivotal role of Isesco in supporting its 53 member states, including Malaysia as a founding member, in advancing education, science, and culture, particularly among developing nations. — Bernama
Malay Mail
20-06-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
MOHE identifies seven Malaysian students in Iran, says watching situation closely
LANGKAWI, June 20 — The Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) will continue to closely monitor Malaysian students currently in Iran to ensure their safety and well-being. Its Minister Datuk Seri Zambry Abdul Kadir said that MOHE had so far identified seven Malaysian students currently in Iran, although the exact number remains uncertain as some are there under self-sponsorship. 'We will continue to monitor the situation closely, and our team will work in coordination with the Foreign Ministry. Based on the information available during my visit to Iran a few weeks ago, we identified seven Malaysian students there,' he said. 'Even though they are not registered with MOHE, as Malaysians, it is our responsibility to be concerned for their well-being and ensure we know their whereabouts. We will continue to monitor the situation,' he said in a press conference after the Asean Higher Education Ministers' Roundtable Conference here today. Yesterday, MOHE urged all Malaysian students currently in Iran to leave the country immediately, following the escalating conflict in the region. Deputy Higher Education Minister Datuk Mustapha Sakmud reportedly said that Malaysian students had been identified as studying in Qom and Isfahan. — Bernama
Malay Mail
19-06-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Higher Education Ministry monitoring safety of Malaysian students in Iran, says minister
LANGKAWI, June 19 — The Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) will continue to closely monitor Malaysian students currently in Iran to ensure their safety and well-being. Its minister Datuk Seri Zambry Abdul Kadir said that MOHE had so far identified seven Malaysian students currently in Iran, although the exact number remains uncertain as some are there under self-sponsorship. 'We will continue to monitor the situation closely, and our team will work in coordination with the Foreign Ministry. Based on the information available during my visit to Iran a few weeks ago, we identified seven Malaysian students there,' he said. 'Even though they are not registered with MOHE, as Malaysians, it is our responsibility to be concerned for their well-being and ensure we know their whereabouts. We will continue to monitor the situation,' he said in a press conference after the Asean Higher Education Ministers' Roundtable Conference here today. Yesterday, MOHE urged all Malaysian students currently in Iran to leave the country immediately, following the escalating conflict in the region. Deputy Higher Education Minister Datuk Mustapha Sakmud, reportedly said that Malaysian students had been identified as studying in Qom and Isfahan. — Bernama
