Latest news with #MIDE
Borneo Post
07-07-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Heated exchange in Sabah Assembly over investment project questions
KOTA KINABALU (July 7): A heated exchange erupted during today's State Assembly question-and-answer session, sparked by a dispute over the ethics of raising questions about a major investment project in the state. The incident began when State Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship (MIDE) Minister Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe was responding to an additional question from Senallang assemblyman Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal regarding the progress of Esteel Sabah Sdn Bhd's project. During his response, Phoong took a moment to express frustration over Elopura assemblyman Calvin Chong Ket Kiun, whom he accused of raising numerous concerns about the project outside the assembly but never within it. He noted with regret that Chong had even lodged a police report regarding the project's alleged delays, yet refrained from bringing the same concerns into the assembly's formal proceedings. 'I have repeatedly prompted you to ask any questions regarding the project in our State Assembly sittings, but you never did,' Phoong said, while thanking Kapayan assemblywoman Datuk Jannie Lasimbang for being the one to raise the issue officially. Calling the politicisation of the investment project disappointing, Phoong said the matter concerned Sabah's investment image and should not be treated lightly. Chong stood up and asked Phoong whether he spoke Hakka before expressing confusion in the dialect over what the minister was saying, claiming he had prepared questions on the matter. At this point, State Assembly Speaker Datuk Seri Kadzim M Yahya called for calm, but tensions continued to rise. Phoong stood by his claim, stating that Chong had never submitted any verbal or written questions on the Esteel Sabah project in the assembly. Puzzlingly, Chong agreed, saying, 'I fully support that.' Sri Tanjong assemblyman Justin Wong Yung Bin then came to Chong's defense, questioning what was wrong with an elected representative asking questions on behalf of the rakyat. The Speaker again attempted to defuse the situation, but Phoong continued to explain before being interrupted by Chong, who told him: 'You just answer the question. There is no need to query me on why I ask questions outside.' Kadzim called for order once more, asking Chong to sit down. Shafie then suggested allowing an additional question to calm things down, but the Speaker declined and moved to the next item. Before the exchange could settle, an unidentified assemblyperson quipped, 'He doesn't dare to ask questions here,' referring to Chong. Chong stood again to defend himself, insisting he was not afraid. 'I know you are brave, so just sit down,' the Speaker replied, prompting Chong to finally comply. Later in the session, Chong was scheduled to pose an unrelated question to the State Community Development and People's Wellbeing Ministry. Before proceeding, the Speaker asked, 'Is your heart still heated?' 'Still. It is still,' Chong replied, prompting the Speaker to remind him to remain focused on the intended question before continuing the session.
The Sun
14-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
RHB Islamic inks 3-year MoU with MIDE organiser to champion marine conservation
KUALA LUMPUR: RHB Islamic Bank Bhd today signed a three-year memorandum of understanding (MoU) with AsiaEvents Exsic Sdn Bhd, the organiser of the Malaysia International Dive Expo (MIDE). The MoU formalises the bank's role as the event's exclusive banking partner until 2027. The signing, held at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) during MIDE 2025, marks the bank's continued involvement in marine conservation efforts under its Ocean Harmoni programme. RHB Islamic Bank Bhd managing director and chief executive officer Datuk Adissadikin Ali said the collaboration reflects the bank's long-term focus on supporting environmental sustainability under the environmental, social and governance agenda. 'We're not trying to be everything to everyone, and as a bank with limited resources, we chose to focus on one aspect of the environment – the ocean. 'We are not here to promote diving, but diving allows us to understand and tell the story of what's happening beneath the surface, which is what Ocean Harmoni is about,' he said during his remarks at the event. Launched in 2019, Ocean Harmoni is a value-based intermediation initiative that supports awareness, research and conservation efforts related to Malaysia's marine ecosystem, while also aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water. As part of its efforts, RHB Islamic Bank has partnered with six local organisations and institutions in 2025, including Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Universiti Malaya, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Ocean Ranger, One Heart Environment and University Malaya Medical Centre. During MIDE 2025, the bank also unveiled the Limited Edition RHB Visa Ocean Harmoni Multi-Currency Debit Card-i, aimed at simplifying international transactions for travellers. 'Many travellers face the same issues, such as dealing with leftover coins and finding a place to exchange currency, and this card helps eliminate those pain points by removing the need to carry physical cash while offering access to 34 currencies at competitive rates,' said Adissadikin. In a separate engagement during the event, RHB Islamic Bank hosted two public forums with its Ocean Harmoni partners – one focused on coral conservation titled 'Corals: So What?', and the other on inclusive diving under the Adaptive Scuba Forum. MIDE 2025 is taking place from June 13 to 15 at MITEC, bringing together over 200 exhibitors ranging from dive operators and equipment suppliers to tourism boards and non-governmental organisations.
The Sun
14-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
RHB Islamic Bank Backs Ocean Conservation at MIDE 2025
KUALA LUMPUR: RHB Islamic Bank Bhd today signed a three-year memorandum of understanding (MoU) with AsiaEvents Exsic Sdn Bhd, the organiser of the Malaysia International Dive Expo (MIDE). The MoU formalises the bank's role as the event's exclusive banking partner until 2027. The signing, held at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) during MIDE 2025, marks the bank's continued involvement in marine conservation efforts under its Ocean Harmoni programme. RHB Islamic Bank Bhd managing director and chief executive officer Datuk Adissadikin Ali said the collaboration reflects the bank's long-term focus on supporting environmental sustainability under the environmental, social and governance agenda. 'We're not trying to be everything to everyone, and as a bank with limited resources, we chose to focus on one aspect of the environment – the ocean. 'We are not here to promote diving, but diving allows us to understand and tell the story of what's happening beneath the surface, which is what Ocean Harmoni is about,' he said during his remarks at the event. Launched in 2019, Ocean Harmoni is a value-based intermediation initiative that supports awareness, research and conservation efforts related to Malaysia's marine ecosystem, while also aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water. As part of its efforts, RHB Islamic Bank has partnered with six local organisations and institutions in 2025, including Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Universiti Malaya, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Ocean Ranger, One Heart Environment and University Malaya Medical Centre. During MIDE 2025, the bank also unveiled the Limited Edition RHB Visa Ocean Harmoni Multi-Currency Debit Card-i, aimed at simplifying international transactions for travellers. 'Many travellers face the same issues, such as dealing with leftover coins and finding a place to exchange currency, and this card helps eliminate those pain points by removing the need to carry physical cash while offering access to 34 currencies at competitive rates,' said Adissadikin. In a separate engagement during the event, RHB Islamic Bank hosted two public forums with its Ocean Harmoni partners – one focused on coral conservation titled 'Corals: So What?', and the other on inclusive diving under the Adaptive Scuba Forum. MIDE 2025 is taking place from June 13 to 15 at MITEC, bringing together over 200 exhibitors ranging from dive operators and equipment suppliers to tourism boards and non-governmental organisations.
Borneo Post
26-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
MyKasih puts pressure on Sabah retailers - SAPP
Alex Soon TAWAU (May 26): The federal government's MyKasih aid programme, while aimed at helping Low-income groups ease their living costs, has unintentionally increased the operational pressure on Sabah's local small and medium enterprises (SMEs), especially retailers, due to restrictions on product categories and merchant qualifications. Pointing this out in a statement on Monday, Alex Soon, Supreme Councillor Tawau Sri Tanjong CLC Chairman, Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP), said under the programme, except for eggs, fresh agricultural products such as vegetables, fruits, and meat cannot be purchased using the subsidy. Each eligible household is entitiled for RM50 to RM200 per month allowance, and the programme will continue until the end of this year. Its impact is wide-ranging and long-term. More critically, Alex said only large retail chains are equipped with the systems required to support the MyKad cashless credit system. The vast majority of local SMEs are unable to participate. 'This has directly caused small retailers to lose customers and suffer sharp drops in sales. Many grocery shops are unable to sell even basic goods like rice, cooking oil, and milk for an entire month, leading to severe inventory backlogs,' he said. Despite this, he said the Sabah Minister of Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship (MIDE) has yet to respond or propose any solution, and has instead been making frequent official overseas visits. This has triggered concern and dissatisfaction within the industry. While the MyKasih programme has indeed benefitted vulnerable groups, he said its implementation has also eroded the market share of local SMEs and disrupted the existing supply chain ecosystem. 'This kind of arrangement livens up already-thriving hypermarkets, while marginalising small retailers.' Alex said MIDE must urgently face this issue and coordinate with the relevant federal agencies to ensure SMEs are not excluded from aid policies. At the same time, supporting measures must be put in place to ease market imbalance, maintain the diversity and resilience of the local economic cosystem, and prevent local SMEs from being completely eliminated or disappearing in this wave.
