Latest news with #NRES
New Straits Times
12-07-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Interim ministerial appointments crucial ahead of parliament session
KUANTAN: The appointment of temporary ministers is crucial to handle key issues, especially ahead of the upcoming Parliament session, said Plantations and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani. Johari, who is also Umno vice-president, said the interim appointments are essential to manage pressing matters in the coming months, particularly during the parliamentary session scheduled from July 21 to August 28. "(The) NRES(Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry) post became vacant after Nik Nazmi(Nik Ahmad) stepped down, just as the Economy Ministry was left without a minister following Rafizi (Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli's) resignation. In such cases, the Prime Minister appoints temporary ministers especially with Parliament about to convene." Yesterday, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar announced that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had informed the Cabinet during the July 9 meeting that Johari would assume the responsibilities of NRES Minister effective immediately. Meanwhile, on June 27, Shamsul Azri said that Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan would carry out the duties of the Economy Minister. "In Parliament, there are questions that need to be answered. The Economy Ministry, for example, must finalise matters related to the 13th Malaysia Plan and that is why temporary appointments are necessary to address urgent issues over the next one, two, or three months," he told reporters after opening the Kuantan Umno division delegates' meeting here today. Johari dismissed claims that his appointment signifies Umno gaining dominance in the Cabinet under Anwar, saying that the party only has 26 members of parliaments(MPs). "How can we dominate the Cabinet? Umno only has 26 is determined in Parliament, and the unity government collectively has about 148 MPs and that is where the strength lies," he said. Johari said that he did not attend the meeting between Anwar and several Barisan Nasional ministers and MPs held yesterday at the Seri Perdana Complex in Putrajaya.
Malay Mail
29-06-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Only Perlis, FT adopted key forest law; Putrajaya warns slow state action risks 1992 Rio pledge
SHAH ALAM, June 29 — State governments have been urged to expedite the adoption of the National Forestry (Amendment) Act 2022 by amending their respective Forestry Enactments to support efforts in strengthening the preservation and conservation of the country's forested areas. Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability, Datuk Seri Huang Tiong Sii, said that to date, only the Federal Territory and Perlis have fully implemented the amendments in the law. 'The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) remains committed to enhancing efforts to preserve and conserve the country's forested areas. 'The government is steadfast in its pledge to maintain at least 50 per cent of the country's land area under tree and forest cover, in line with the country's commitment made at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 1992,' he said. He said this when opening the 100 Million Tree Planting Campaign in conjunction with the 2025 International Forest Day celebration at the National Botanical Gardens here today. According to Huang, among other things being done to fulfil the commitment, include the gazetting of forest areas according to the importance of the role of the forests involved and increasing the allocation of financial incentives for Ecological Fiscal Transfer for Biodiversity Conservation (EFT). 'The ministry has intensified efforts to gazette other forested areas as Permanent Forest Reserves (HSK), watershed and fully protected areas, as well as to gazette proposed HSK areas, particularly those located within the Central Forest Spine and Environmentally Sensitive Areas. 'The EFT allocation has been increased to RM250 million this year compared to RM200 million in 2024,' he said. The incentive, he said, can help the state governments to identify and implement high-impact projects for conservation purposes in line with the six scopes outlined for EFT project implementation in collaboration with the respective State Forestry Department. Commenting on today's programme, he shared that as of June 15, a total of 115.7 million trees, covering 1,972 species, have been planted nationwide, with 43.9 million trees in Peninsular Malaysia, 48.3 million trees in Sarawak and 23.5 million trees in Sabah. The target of 100 million trees was achieved a year earlier, on December 10, 2024, through the symbolic planting of the 100 millionth tree, which is of the Merbau species, by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at Taman Herba, Parliament in Kuala Lumpur. 'Although the target number of plantings has been successfully achieved, this campaign will continue until the end of this year to realise the important objective of this campaign, which is to increase public awareness of the importance of trees and forested areas and to foster a love of nature,' he said. — Bernama
The Sun
23-06-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
UM crowned champion of 31st Environmental Debate Competition
SERI ISKANDAR: Universiti Malaya (UM) emerged as the champion of the 31st Environmental Debate Competition held at Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP) here tonight, defeating 28 other institutions of higher learning. Represented by four debaters – Azhad Hafiz Md Razip Han, 22, Khairul Nur Ayuni Rodzan Khairul, 22, Aiesya Salsabila Mohd Radzuan, 23, and Ali Hydar Hafizi, 23 – UM took home the challenge trophy, accompanying trophy, RM12,000 cash prize, and certificates of participation. Although his team finished as runner-up, Ahmad Idzhad Hamzie, 21, a second-year Petroleum Engineering student, was named Best Debater and awarded a cash prize of RM2,000. Azhad Hafiz described the win as a hard-earned triumph, marking the team's long-awaited success after coming in second place in 2019. 'Back in 2019, we reached the final but only managed to be runners-up. This year, Alhamdulillah, we proved that UM can be champions,' he told Bernama. He added that environmental debate posed a unique challenge, requiring in-depth knowledge and understanding of issues to construct strong arguments. UTP secured second place and received an accompanying trophy, RM7,000, and certificates, while Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) came in third, winning RM2,000, a trophy, and certificates. The prizes were presented by deputy secretary-general of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES), Datuk Nor Yahati Awang. Also present were UTP provost Datuk Ir Dr Mohamed Ibrahim Abdul Mutalib, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) deputy vice-chancellor (Student Affairs and Alumni) Professor Dr Mohd Izani Mohd Zain, who also chairs the University Debate Council (MADUM), and Petronas Group Health, Safety, Security and Environment vice president, Zamri Japar. In her speech, Yahati said the competition aligns with national aspirations to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 on quality education. 'Early exposure to intellectual discourse not only sharpens students' critical thinking but also nurtures a sense of responsibility for environmental protection. 'This competition serves not only as an academic platform but also as a key avenue to spread the message that environmental sustainability is a shared responsibility involving government, private sector, academia, and the public,' she said. She added that NRES believes environmental awareness should begin in schools and continue through higher education, proving that education can be a powerful driver for sustainable change. The event was organised by the Department of Environment (DOE) in collaboration with MADUM, the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE), Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP), and the Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS).
The Star
21-06-2025
- Science
- The Star
Over 400kg of rubbish collected in Teluk Likas beach cleanup
KOTA KINABALU: Over 150 volunteers collected a total of 402kg of rubbish from the shores of Teluk Likas during a beach cleanup campaign here. This initiative united students, scientists, and diplomats in Sabah's fight against marine pollution. The programme was jointly organised by Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry (NRES), the French Embassy in Malaysia, and eight secondary schools from Sabah and Labuan. Teluk Likas is the second most frequented beach in Kota Kinabalu after Tanjung Aru, making its cleanliness and conservation a key public concern. Participants included students, UMS staff, NRES officers, and representatives from the Minerals and Geoscience Department, Meteorological Department, and the French diplomatic mission. The schools involved were SMK Elopura (Sandakan), SMK Tandek (Kota Marudu), SMK Sanzac (Kota Kinabalu), SM St. Michael (Penampang), SM Sains Sabah, SMK Pinawantai (Kudat), SMK Labuan, and SMK Tebobon. French Embassy representative Dominique Husken-Ulbrich said the initiative aligns with global environmental efforts. 'This initiative reflects our commitment to the Paris Agreement and Sustainable Development Goals. It shows that educational and diplomatic collaboration can lead to real impact,' she said. NRES deputy secretary-general (Development) Datuk Nor Yahati Awang described the event as a crucial step towards coastal conservation. 'Our beaches are national treasures. Through collective action, we can educate the public about their responsibility in protecting the environment,' she said. UMS marine science programme head Dr Madihah Jaffar Sidek said the cleanup was part of their marine education campaign targeting youth. 'We want students in Sabah to develop a deeper connection with the environment and take ownership as guardians of the marine ecosystem,' she said. The programme was held in conjunction with UMS's Ocean Celebration initiative, which also marked the annual World Oceans Day (8 June), Coral Triangle Day (9 June), and World Sea Turtle Day (16 June).
Malaysian Reserve
18-06-2025
- Politics
- Malaysian Reserve
Nik Nazmi stands firm on Cabinet exit
NATURAL Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad (picture) has remained firm on his decision to leave the Cabinet. He even compared his decision with former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp who chose to step down even though he held a deep affection for the football club. It was a difficult and necessary decision which was made in full consideration. 'That's exactly how I feel. It wasn't easy to leave NRES. After two years, I consider the team at NRES — including the departments and agencies — to have become a dream team, with exceptional commitment, abilities and integrity. 'But this decision is for a bigger cause. The party's mandate is crucial for broader reforms. I did have the option to stay, but my choice is to resign,' he said on his Facebook page yesterday. On Monday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim stated that he felt hopeful that Nik Nazmi would still continue his duties as minister and said he would give him time and space to reconsider. 'I always wait and give space, (time) to think, and if possible, to continue (his responsibilities). There is still time,' he said, following his acceptance of the resignation of Minister of Economy Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli. Rafizi's resignation became official following the end of his leave on June 16, while Nik Nazmi is scheduled for July 4. Meanwhile, Rafizi, the former PKR deputy president, has announced that he will answer all questions, including claims of planning to start a new political party during an upcoming podcast entitled 'Yang Berhenti Menteri (YBM)' this Friday. He stated on Instagram that he is now free to speak without being constrained by government ethics or confidentiality. 'Insya-Allah (God willing), I will balance the YBM's commentary — there'll be fire, and there'll be clarity. Most importantly, it will be objective, fact-based and provide fair understanding to everyone. 'Too sensitive, not easily persuaded, a minister with no results, planning to form a new party and a formula that's going nowhere (these are among the allegations that will be addressed)…See you this Friday, at 9pm,' he said. — TMR
