Latest news with #LenTalif
The Star
14 hours ago
- Sport
- The Star
Sarikei to showcase new iconic bridge during August running event
Len Talif (centre) announcing the upcoming Sarikei Tuanku Haji Bujang Bridge Half Marathon. — Bernama THE Sarikei district in Sarawak is set to attract running enthusiasts with the upcoming Sarikei Tuanku Haji Bujang Bridge Half Marathon 2025. The run is scheduled to take place on Aug 24 at the grounds of Dewan Suarah. Sarawak Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Deputy Minister Datuk Len Talif Salleh said the event also aimed to promote the Tun Datuk Patinggi Tuanku Haji Bujang Bridge as a new tourism icon and a symbol of the district's infrastructure development. 'Through this event, both locals and visitors will not only be able to appreciate the beauty of the surrounding areas but also help foster a spirit of sportsmanship and unity. 'This event also symbolises the unification of communities through sports, while serving as a platform to showcase new infrastructure that will transform Sarikei's landscape and position it as a high-potential sports tourism destination,' he told Bernama. Len Talif, who is also Kuala Rajang assemblyman, said the run would be open to all, with a target of 1,000 participants in the 21km, 10km and 5km categories.
Borneo Post
4 days ago
- Health
- Borneo Post
S'wak wants to protect biodiversity through proactive, enforceable systems — Len Talif
Len Talif (centre) with Unwin (second left), Abang Arabi (second right) and others at the symbolic launch of the 17th OVAG Workshop. — Photo via SFC Facebook KUCHING (July 21): The Sarawak government will continue to champion evidence-based policymaking and integrate conservation priorities into legislation, development frameworks and community planning to support wildlife conservation. Deputy Minister of Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Datuk Len Talif Salleh said Sarawak aims to protect, not just preserve, its biodiversity through proactive, inclusive and enforceable systems. 'In Sarawak, we believe that effective conservation cannot stand apart from policy. It must be part of broader governance—urban planning, sustainable land use and environmental stewardship,' he said at the 17th Orangutan Veterinary Advisory Group (OVAG) workshop held at a hotel here yesterday. Len Talif said habitat loss, emerging diseases, climate change and transboundary were the challenges Sarawak faces in wildlife conservation. Given this, he said workshops like OVAG were more than technical events since they are investments in human capital. 'By building the capacity of veterinarians, rangers and researchers through practical learning and peer exchange, OVAG is helping to build a regional ecosystem of expertise that can respond effectively to crises, conduct high-quality research, and lead change on the ground,' he said. With this, he said Sarawak takes pride in partnering with OVAG and the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) in this important initiative, adding that this partnership must go further. Len Talif added that Sarawak envisions long-term collaboration—joint research, conservation strategy development, training hubs and even field innovation centres—to support both orangutan welfare and broader wildlife health. Meanwhile, OVAG co-founder Steve Unwin said the group began with a simple but powerful idea that collaboration across borders and disciplines could elevate the care and conservation of orangutans, gibbons and other wildlife. Founded by passionate individuals who saw the need for a united health voice, he said OVAG has grown into a vibrant, global community of practice. 'Our community has grown from 30 participants in the first workshop in 2009, to over 400 now who had joined our workshop until this year's 17th event. 'We are more than a network—we are a family bound not just by technical expertise, but by a shared culture of care, respect and belonging. We celebrate our similarities, embrace our differences and recognise that together, we are mighty,' he said. Earlier, SFC general manager Abang Arabi Abang Aimran said their teams were in the field daily tracking, rescuing and rehabilitating orangutans from the rugged forests of Batang Ai to the critical habitats in Lanjak Entimau and Ulu Sebuyau. He pointed out that their efforts were only made possible through strong veterinary partnerships, be it treating injured orangutans, conducting routine checks or responding to disease threats. 'One of our goals is to empower young Sarawakians to lead in conservation science. Through OVAG's inclusive platform, they gain exposure, mentorship and the confidence to take on future challenges. 'Together, we are building not just skills but a regional community ready to face crises, protect wildlife and shape a better future,' he said. biodiversity Len Talif Salleh wildlife conservation
Borneo Post
4 days ago
- Health
- Borneo Post
Len Talif: S'wak wants to protect biodiversity through proactive, enforceable systems
Len Talif (centre) with Unwin (second left), Abang Arabi (second right) and others at the symbolic launch of the 17th OVAG Workshop. — Photo via SFC Facebook KUCHING (July 21): The Sarawak government will continue to champion evidence-based policymaking and integrate conservation priorities into legislation, development frameworks and community planning to support wildlife conservation. Deputy Minister of Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Datuk Len Talif Salleh said Sarawak aims to protect, not just preserve, its biodiversity through proactive, inclusive and enforceable systems. 'In Sarawak, we believe that effective conservation cannot stand apart from policy. It must be part of broader governance—urban planning, sustainable land use and environmental stewardship,' he said at the 17th Orangutan Veterinary Advisory Group (OVAG) workshop held at a hotel here yesterday. Len Talif said habitat loss, emerging diseases, climate change and transboundary were the challenges Sarawak faces in wildlife conservation. Given this, he said workshops like OVAG were more than technical events since they are investments in human capital. 'By building the capacity of veterinarians, rangers and researchers through practical learning and peer exchange, OVAG is helping to build a regional ecosystem of expertise that can respond effectively to crises, conduct high-quality research, and lead change on the ground,' he said. With this, he said Sarawak takes pride in partnering with OVAG and the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) in this important initiative, adding that this partnership must go further. Len Talif added that Sarawak envisions long-term collaboration—joint research, conservation strategy development, training hubs and even field innovation centres—to support both orangutan welfare and broader wildlife health. Meanwhile, OVAG co-founder Steve Unwin said the group began with a simple but powerful idea that collaboration across borders and disciplines could elevate the care and conservation of orangutans, gibbons and other wildlife. Founded by passionate individuals who saw the need for a united health voice, he said OVAG has grown into a vibrant, global community of practice. 'Our community has grown from 30 participants in the first workshop in 2009, to over 400 now who had joined our workshop until this year's 17th event. 'We are more than a network—we are a family bound not just by technical expertise, but by a shared culture of care, respect and belonging. We celebrate our similarities, embrace our differences and recognise that together, we are mighty,' he said. Earlier, SFC general manager Abang Arabi Abang Aimran said their teams were in the field daily tracking, rescuing and rehabilitating orangutans from the rugged forests of Batang Ai to the critical habitats in Lanjak Entimau and Ulu Sebuyau. He pointed out that their efforts were only made possible through strong veterinary partnerships, be it treating injured orangutans, conducting routine checks or responding to disease threats. 'One of our goals is to empower young Sarawakians to lead in conservation science. Through OVAG's inclusive platform, they gain exposure, mentorship and the confidence to take on future challenges. 'Together, we are building not just skills but a regional community ready to face crises, protect wildlife and shape a better future,' he said. biodiversity Len Talif Salleh wildlife conservation
Borneo Post
16-07-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Len Talif: Sarawak laying legal groundwork for full environmental control
Len Talif (fifth left) witnesses the exchange of MoU between Jack (fourth left), representing NREB and Sharon Chong Pau Fang, the chief operating officer of Curtin University Malaysia. MIRI (July 16): Sarawak is laying the groundwork to assume greater autonomy in environmental governance as part of its long-term commitment to sustainable development and climate action, said Datuk Len Talif Salleh. The Deputy Minister of Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment said that the state is preparing for the eventual enforcement of Article 95C of the Federal Constitution, which would allow Sarawak to independently legislate on environmental matters. 'In anticipation of this, the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly has passed the Natural Resources and Environment Ordinance 2024, laying a strong legal foundation for the state's full assumption of environmental functions. 'The transition will be implemented in phases, beginning with scheduled waste management this year, followed by regulation of industrial effluents, air quality control, and Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs),' he said when officiating at the Stakeholder Engagement Programme (SEP) 2025 at a hotel here yesterday. As part of the preparations, Len Talif said the Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) is drafting the necessary subsidiary regulations to ensure that Sarawak is fully ready to implement and enforce these functions once the transfer of powers is formalised. Len Talif, who is also NREB deputy chairman, stressed that environmental protection is not the sole responsibility of government. 'Effective environmental governance relies not only on strong legislation but also on clear procedures, professional integrity, and a collective commitment to responsibility,' he said. He pointed out that all prescribed development activities are required to undergo EIAs, which must be site-specific and grounded in scientific principles, and these assessments are to be conducted by registered environmental consultants. He also reminded developers and project proponents to take environmental obligations seriously. 'Environmental responsibility must begin at the planning stage. Compliance with EIA terms and conditions is not optional, it is a legal and moral obligation. Environmental Monitoring Reports (EMRs) must reflect actual site conditions, and be submitted promptly, with integrity and transparency,' he said, adding that these reports are crucial for tracking compliance, identifying emerging issues, and ensuring that mitigation measures are properly implemented on the ground. Len Talif also emphasised that accurate and timely data is essential for sound environmental decision-making. 'The findings shared today on river water quality highlight the need to strengthen our monitoring systems. At present, NREB still relies heavily on manual sampling, with only one telemetric station currently in operation,' he said. He voiced full support for NREB's efforts to expand the telemetric water quality monitoring network across Sarawak. 'Real-time data is not a luxury, it is a necessity for early detection, timely intervention, and science-based environmental management. I trust this initiative will continue to receive the support and resources needed to better protect our rivers,' he said. He added that protecting rivers must be a collective responsibility, especially from those involved in land development and urban commercial activities. Touching on waste management, Len Talif revealed that a master plan on Integrated Waste Management is currently being developed to enhance the state's waste governance and align with Sarawak's climate agenda. He said that the master plan will provide a strategic framework for managing municipal solid waste, scheduled waste, as well as construction and demolition waste. 'The study, with Bintulu identified as the pilot location, is expected to be completed by the end of this year. The master plan will outline strategic directions and key actions to support Sarawak's aspiration of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050, while also promoting environmental protection, resource efficiency and the adoption of circular economy practices,' he said. Meanwhile, controller of Environmental Quality Sarawak Datu Jack Liam in his welcoming speech stated that to further enhance the EIA process, NREB is currently reviewing guidelines and procedures, including forming an internal EIA Technical Evaluation Committee and developing screening guidance to support compliance with the First Schedule of the Prescribed Activities Order, 1994. 'NREB will also be improving the EIA Consultant Star Rating to raise professionalism and report quality as well as building an online EIA submission system to improve efficiency and transparency, in line with the Sarawak Public Service target of 100 per cent online services by year 2030,' he said. On the SEP, Jack noted that it is designed to enhance understanding of new environmental legislation and its requirements, to update stakeholders on NREB's initiatives to strengthen enforcement and monitoring as well as to foster partnerships and promote environmental stewardship. At the same function, Len Talif witnessed the exhange of memorandum of understanding (MoU) and Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Curtin University Malaysia. The MoU is for cooperation in environmental research and sustainability, while the MoA is for the ecological studies of the Miri River, aimed at identifying conservation areas for the benefit of local communities. autonomy environment lead Len Talif Salleh
Borneo Post
15-07-2025
- Science
- Borneo Post
Deputy Minister: New Bako Research Station to bolster Sarawak's biodiversity, conservation efforts
Len Talif (second left) signs the plaque during the launch. Also seen are Abang Arabi (right), Sulong (left) and Dr Ahmad Hata (second right). – Photo by Roystein Emmor KUCHING: The newly established Bako Research Station at Bako National Park near will enable researchers to conduct more in-depth biodiversity and climate-related studies, said Datuk Len Talif Salleh. The Deputy Minister for Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment said the research station, which will be utilised primarily by Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas), represents a significant step forward in enhancing research collaboration and advancing Sarawak's conservation and sustainability agenda. 'This is a historic day for us. While the research station is located within Bako National Park, we hope its use will extend beyond the park's boundaries, particularly to the surrounding ecosystems such as the nearby mudflats and Kuching Wetlands Ramsar Site,' he told reporters after officiating at the station's launch at the national park here yesterday. Gazetted in 1957 as Sarawak's first national park, Bako covers 2,742 hectares at the tip of the Muara Tebas peninsula and is renowned for its rich biodiversity. The park is also part of the Sarawak Delta Geopark, which recently underwent final evaluation for the Unesco Global Geopark status. Len Talif said the dynamic nature of biodiversity within the park reinforces the need for continuous research, especially in light of growing environmental challenges such as climate change. 'We already have extensive data collected over the years, but because biodiversity here is dynamic, we need to continue monitoring changes and understand how climate change impacts the environment and wildlife ― not just here but across Sarawak,' he said. He also called for greater community involvement in research-related efforts, particularly in areas such as the mudflats where local residents depend on natural resources such as 'ambal' (razor clams) for their livelihoods. 'I have proposed meaningful engagement between Unimas and the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) to see how the community here can benefit. This is to ensure proper mudflat management where research outcomes can be utilised by students or any experts interested in this area,' he said. Len Talif highlighted Bako's potential as a hub for cross-disciplinary and international research, urging universities beyond Unimas to explore collaboration opportunities with SFC. 'Unimas and SFC can form a strong synergy and elevate Sarawak's visibility on the international stage. 'With the right partnerships, we can turn this into a gold standard research hub ― supporting not just academic excellence but also better park management and conservation outcomes,' he added. He emphasised that public education is crucial to dispel misconceptions about national parks, particularly the belief that gazetting an area for conservation deprives local communities of opportunities. Len Talif (fifth left), Abang Arabi (fourth left), Sulong (sixth left), Dr Ahmad Hata (eighth left) join other dignitaries in the ribbon-cutting ceremony to symbolically officiate the launch of the Bako Research Station. – Photo by Roystein Emmor 'Many do not realise that national parks bring long-term benefits, not only for the ecosystem but also for the people who live in or around them. This is why education and outreach are key,' he stressed. Earlier, Unimas vice chancellor Prof Dr Ahmad Hata Rasit said Bako Research Station marks the university's first facility, a result of ongoing collaboration between Unimas and SFC. 'This research station plays a vital role in Unimas' plan to elevate the Institute of Biodiversity and Environmental Conservation (IBEC) into a Higher Institution Centre of Excellence (HICoE) under the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia, and to establish it as a Biodiversity NEXUS not just nationally, but globally,' he said. He said that the station strengthens the role of Unimas and Sarawak as leaders in biodiversity research and environmental conservation, particularly in the context of tropical forest ecosystems. 'The strategic location within Bako National Park will serve as a field research hub not only in biodiversity, but also for sociocultural studies and sustainable tourism. 'With this station in place, researchers will be able to carry out field data collection more efficiently,' he said. He added that the station will serve not only Unimas students and lecturers but also international researchers and other relevant external agencies as a reference and training site. 'I am confident that this initiative will be the foundation for many impactful research endeavours contributing not only to academic advancement but also to the preservation of Sarawak's natural heritage,' said Dr Ahmad Hata. Also present at the launch were Unimas Board of Directors chairman Tan Sri Datuk Seri Panglima Sulong Matjeraie and SFC general manager Abang Arabi Abang Aimran. Bako National Park Bako Research Station biodiversity Len Talif Salleh
