Latest news with #NorainiIdris
Daily Express
09-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Express
Urgent need to revamp Sabah's mental health-care system
Published on: Wednesday, July 09, 2025 Published on: Wed, Jul 09, 2025 Text Size: Noraini said mental health literacy among the public must be strengthened to ensure psychological disorders are not left untreated or allowed to spiral into violent outcomes. Tuaran: Former Senator Datuk Noraini Idris called for the revamping of Sabah's mental healthcare system following a tragic incident in Tenghilan, here, where a female teacher was reportedly killed by her own brother, believed to suffer from mental health issues. Describing the incident as heartbreaking, Noraini expressed her condolences to the victim's family and said the tragedy should serve as a wake-up call to the public and authorities alike. 'We must stop treating mental health as a secondary concern. This is a public safety and community well-being issue,' she said in a statement, Monday. Noraini said mental health literacy among the public must be strengthened to ensure psychological disorders are not left untreated or allowed to spiral into violent outcomes. She urged the State Government and Sabah Health Department to prioritise mental healthcare as part of broader efforts to safeguard communities. Among the proposals she outlined were upgrading facilities and services at Bukit Padang Hospital, including increasing the number of psychiatric specialists and expanding patient capacity. She also called for the establishment of dedicated mental health support centres in each district to provide early screening, family counselling and referral pathways for chronic cases. 'Access to treatment must be made easier and more inclusive, especially for families who lack the resources or knowledge to seek help on their own,' she said. Noraini also recommended expanding mental health education programmes in schools, workplaces and local communities to help people recognise early warning signs and overcome the stigma associated with seeking treatment. She further stressed the need for systematic follow-up procedures for patients discharged from mental health facilities, including coordinated efforts between hospitals, families and local authorities. 'The Tenghilan tragedy is a painful reminder that mental health affects everyone, regardless of background. 'Treatment and support must be at the centre of our response, not just sympathy after something terrible happens,' she said. Noraini reaffirmed her support for initiatives aimed at strengthening mental healthcare delivery in Sabah, saying the physical and emotional well-being of the people should be treated as a priority across all levels of governance. * 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
Daily Express
26-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Club on what it takes to empower Sabah women entrepreneurs
Published on: Thursday, June 26, 2025 Published on: Thu, Jun 26, 2025 Text Size: Noraini also called for the creation of a mentorship and networking platform for women entrepreneurs in Sabah. Kota Kinabalu: Kelab Usahawanita Sabah Chairperson Datuk Noraini Idris has called for the establishment of a more structured and inclusive support ecosystem to empower women entrepreneurs across Sabah, particularly those in rural areas. She proposed a number of initiatives aimed at strengthening the capabilities and reach of women-led enterprises in the State, including a women-focused entrepreneurial and skills training programme, encompassing intensive training on technical skills, financial management, business operations, digital marketing and innovation. 'Such programmes will help make us more competent in facing the challenges of today's dynamic marketplace,' she said at the 2025 Sabah Women Empowerment Programme at Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) here Tuesday. The event was officiated by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. Noraini also called for the creation of a mentorship and networking platform for women entrepreneurs in Sabah. 'We propose a mentorship initiative in collaboration with successful entrepreneurs and industry players, where experienced women entrepreneurs guide newcomers. This will promote the formation of professional and social networks to share knowledge and business opportunities,' she said. A third proposal was to enhance market access initiatives through the organisation of trade exhibitions and expos, enabling women entrepreneurs to connect with broader and more diverse markets. She also urged for targeted support for women entrepreneurs in rural industries, ensuring that empowerment programmes are tailored to the realities and constraints faced by rural women so that they are not left behind in the State's economic development. 'In line with the digital economy, we also need sustained support in digital marketing. Creating dedicated e-commerce platforms for Sabah's women entrepreneurs – similar to Shopee, Lazada or even a home-grown platform – can open wider market access, both nationally and internationally,' she said. Noraini proposed for the establishment of a one-stop centre in each district to centralise marketing, promotional activities, product display and training. 'These centres could serve as hubs for information sharing on funding opportunities, training programmes, and support services tailored to women entrepreneurs,' she explained. She also expressed appreciation for the impact of the Sabah Women Empowerment Programme, saying the participants gained invaluable insights and were inspired by success stories shared during the event. 'These stories have given us the courage to move forward and face complex economic challenges,' she said. Noraini also commended Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) and its strategic partners for providing comprehensive support, particularly in exposing women to the entrepreneurial ecosystem, digital training and capacity building. 'We feel more prepared to enter larger markets and compete in an increasingly demanding economic landscape,' she said. According to her, the programme successfully fostered connections among participants, building a unique support community that will continue to empower its members. 'We believe this network will become a valuable asset as we strive for personal and business advancement,' she added. She also extended her heartfelt thanks to the Deputy Prime Minister for his leadership and support of women's economic empowerment. 'As women entrepreneurs in Sabah, we face a unique set of challenges, especially those related to access to capital and market networks – particularly for women in rural areas,' she said. While there are financing schemes available through agencies such as Mara and other government bodies, Noraini said access to information about these schemes remains limited. 'Many rural women entrepreneurs are unaware of the financing schemes available and the procedures involved in applying for them,' she said, adding that poor infrastructure and geographical isolation further hinder access to technology and digital platforms. 'In this context, programmes like this are crucial. They do not just impart knowledge and skills but also open the door to much-needed support from both government agencies and the private sector,' she said. The Sabah Women Empowerment Programme had created meaningful impact by boosting knowledge, skills and self-confidence among women in the State. 'This initiative aligns with the Government's goal of increasing women's participation in entrepreneurship and economic growth. Women are not just the backbone of families—they are the drivers of the national economy,' she said. She emphasised that such programmes demonstrate the Government's commitment to providing more opportunities, mentorship and support to ensure that women become competitive, resilient and successful entrepreneurs. * 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
The Star
22-05-2025
- Health
- The Star
‘Plant seeds of STEM early'
PETALING JAYA: Subjects like biology and chemistry must be made more interesting in schools so students take up STEM subjects, and go on to become doctors and biotechnologists. In fact, pupils at primary school level should already be introduced to medical professions through story books, simple experiments, and interaction with healthcare workers, say experts. At the same time, technical and vocational education training (TVET) programmes can also be reconfigured to include more STEM courses to produce medical technicians and biomedical engineers. STEM, or science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, also needs to be more prominent in media, popular culture, and national planning, says National STEM Association (NSA) president and founder Datuk Dr Noraini Idris. 'When students see STEM professionals as role models on television, in their communities, it shifts the cultural perception of science from abstract to aspirational,' she said. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad had said recently that there was a lack of interest in STEM subjects. Noraini, however, replied that career exposure should begin earlier than Form Four, including mentorship pipelines, scholarship schemes, and identification of talent through competitions, innovation challenges, and enrichment camps. 'Students who show aptitude and interest must be supported with long-term guidance and opportunities. 'When students make subject selections, they should already have a mental map of what it means to be a doctor, biotechnologist or epidemiologist,' she said. Noraini said students now often find STEM subjects abstract or difficult, lacking clear links to real careers. 'There is a need for systemic career exposure such as school visits by healthcare professionals or shadowing opportunities to spark interest. 'We also need a stronger collaboration between the health and education sectors,' she said. Another major shortfall, she said, was the limited professional development support for teachers. 'Teachers cannot inspire students if they themselves are not inspired or adequately equipped. STEM content evolves rapidly, and without regular, hands-on training and upskilling, teachers may struggle to deliver lessons that feel relevant and engaging to the youth of today,' Noraini said. She said her association could help in that area. 'With years of experience running on-ground programmes such as the Mini Theatre STEM initiative, which now reaches over 80 schools-the NSA has proven models that foster both student engagement and teacher empowerment,' she said. Rizan Hasan of the Belia Mahir Project said the Health Minister's warning must be taken seriously, and that TVET education has to evolve beyond traditional vocational training. Instead, it should become a pipeline for producing highly skilled, STEM-literate professionals, including in the healthcare sector. 'TVET must be recognised as part of the nation's human capital development ecosystem for critical sectors, not just for basic technical jobs. 'TVET can produce medical lab technologists, biomedical engineering technologists, highly skilled nurses, digital health assistants and technical specialists in advanced medical equipment,' he said. To increase interest in TVET and STEM, Rizan said Belia Mahir has independently launched a pilot programme at schools in Kulim, Kedah. 'Our independent programme, however, is lacking infrastructure and facilities such as workshops, labs, tech equipment and specialised materials. 'Rural schools are especially affected, often lacking even basic technology access as well as educators who are experts in TVET and STEM fields. 'It is difficult to merge hands-on TVET elements with STEM theory without a national framework,' he said. Meanwhile, Mara chairman Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said the agency was scaling up initiatives to make biology, chemistry and mathematics more engaging. He said Mara was implementing the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Rocket Fair in its junior science colleges to embed inquiry-based learning, interdisciplinary projects, and real-world applications into the curriculum. Mara is also expanding Mobile Robotics STEM Labs, Digital Technova Bootcamps and Community STEM Camps, especially in collaboration with the Orang Asli Development Department to reach rural areas. Asyraf said Mara adopts the 'STEM Berfokus' approach where students begin learning physics, chemistry, and biology from Form One.
