Latest news with #Penerangan
Borneo Post
12-07-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Premier: Sarawak looks to turn cow dung into hydrogen under circular green economy push
Abang Johari placing his palm onto the digital box to activate the launch of state-level International Day of Forests (IDF) 2025 at the Forest Research Centre here today. – Penerangan photo KUCHING (July 12): Sarawak is exploring the conversion of cow dung into hydrogen as part of its long-term circular green economy strategy, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. According to the Premier, cow dung, which emits methane as it decomposes, can be processed into a renewable fuel source, opening new avenues for sustainable energy generation. 'If there are many cows, there will be a lot coming out of the cows. 'What comes out of the cows contains a lot of hydrogen because it produces methane, and from that, hydrogen can be extracted and used,' he said in his speech during the launch of the state-level International Day of Forests (IDF) 2025 at the Forest Research Centre here today. Abang Johari said this initiative aligns with Sarawak's broader aim to monetise waste under its green growth model. 'Don't waste the waste — monetise the waste,' he said, quoting what he had recently shared at the ASEAN Summit for economic leaders in Kuala Lumpur. He said the phrase has since been picked up by organisers as a key branding theme, reflecting global interest in Sarawak's approach to environmental sustainability. Sharing recent developments, Abang Johari highlighted an initiative with Sarawak Land Custody and Rehabilitation Authority (Salcra) in Lubok Antu to extract biomass and biofuel from palm oil kernel waste, under a RM30 million pilot project. 'When we break the kernel, it produces biomass which we can use for animal feed. 'Early trials with cattle and goats showed that local feed produced from palm waste could support healthy livestock growth. 'At the moment our animals are thin, and expensive. During Hari Raya Korban, one cow can cost up to RM12,000. That means we can use this waste to support our livestock sector,' he said. He also revealed plans to develop biofuel from the same waste — including sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) — as part of Sarawak's efforts to reduce reliance on raw commodity exports and transition to value-added production. Touching on the theme of this year's IDF celebration, 'Forests and Food', Abang Johari reiterated the importance of forest conservation and sustainable resource use for long-term survival. Abang Johari plants Sarawak's 50 millionth tree — a belian — in conjunction with the state-level International Day of Forests (IDF) 2025 celebration. – Penerangan photo He praised the Forest Department Sarawak (FDS) for their achievements in seed planting efforts, noting that they had exceeded the original target of 35 million trees by planting over 50 million to date. 'I want to thank those who brought belian tree seeds. If we can nurture these, we can replant many forest species — not only belian, but also nyatoh, meranti and others,' he said. Abang Johari also expressed strong interest in the department's use of 3D data technology to monitor forest conditions and tree species, which could support Sarawak's entry into carbon trading markets. 'Every species of tree has a different capacity to absorb carbon. If you have the technology to identify tree types and characteristics, you can determine aggregate carbon absorption. That's how carbon pricing is determined,' he said. He said Sarawak's sustainability efforts are rooted in the Post-Covid Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, where environmental sustainability is one of the three main pillars alongside economic prosperity and social inclusivity. 'We have to execute our policies considering the importance of our environment,' he said. The Premier added that Sarawak's approach has been recognised internationally. He recently returned from Tokyo, where he participated in a global hydrogen conference and shared Sarawak's sustainability blueprint and hydrogen strategy. He also confirmed that Sarawak had been invited to present its policies at the World Economic Forum in Davos, after missing a previous engagement in Tianjin. 'In Tokyo, during a panel discussion, they acknowledged what Sarawak has done for the world in terms of environmental management and green energy. InsyaAllah, we've been told that we will be invited to Davos,' he added. Abang Johari emphasised that any form of development must strike a balance with environmental protection. He noted that extreme weather events around the world — from flooding in Texas to heatwaves in Japan and China — are a warning sign. 'If we cannot manage our environment by placing sustainability as the foundation, the world's temperature will rise. That's not just dangerous for nations, it's a threat to the entire human race. 'Humans cannot survive in temperatures of 43°C, 46°C, or 48°C. This is one of the major global challenges we face today,' he said. Abang Johari Tun Openg cow dung green economy hydrogen technology
Borneo Post
15-06-2025
- Health
- Borneo Post
Serious attention to mental health needed, says minister
Nancy delivers some points during the press conference. — Penerangan photo KUCHING (June 15): Women, Family and Community Development Minister Dato Sri Nancy Shukri has stressed the need for a comprehensive and sustained approach to addressing mental health issues, particularly among teenagers, through multi-agency cooperation and community-based strategies. She referred to the recent tragic case in Melaka involving a teenage boy who killed his mother due to stress and emotional distress. Nancy said such cases reflected the urgent need to raise awareness, provide support and ensure early intervention for individuals facing mental health struggles. 'The teenager was reportedly under pressure and stressed due to academic pressure. 'While in custody, he showed good behaviour, but remains preoccupied with thoughts of his younger brother, who was also injured. This reflects the heavy mental burden he is carrying,' she told a press conference held in conjunction with the Family Captain Camp at Damai Escape Park in Santubong near here today. She added that the Social Welfare Department (JKM) and the police had extended appropriate care and attention to the teen, but the incident should serve as a lesson that mental health support and treatment must be strengthened. Nancy also highlighted the importance of expanding intervention programmes such as the One-Stop Social Support Centre (PSSS) and mobile services using community counter buses to reach those in need of psychosocial support. 'We bring the mobile counter buses into communities to identify those who may not even realise they are facing mental health issues. Some only become aware they need help after going through interactive sessions like drawing activities or brief counselling,' she said. She urged the public not to feel ashamed about seeking help and encouraged the cultivation of friendships and open conversations with trusted individuals. 'Sometimes, people experiencing distress don't even realise they need help. 'That's why it is important to provide platforms and safe spaces for them to express themselves, including through NGOs and community support groups,' she added. Nancy (seated centre) takes a group photo with guests and participants of the Family Captain Camp in Santubong. — Penerangan photo Earlier in her speech at the Family Captain Camp, Nancy commended the National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN) for organising a programme focused on strengthening father-son relationships in conjunction with Father's Day celebrations. She noted that in today's challenging modern world, fathers also face tremendous pressure but often bottled up their emotions without expressing them. 'The 2024 Father's Day Survey revealed that nine out of 10 fathers admit that being a father today is far more challenging than in the past. 'A father's role is not only in the home but also within the community. They must be listeners, protectors, and guides, especially in today's digital world,' she said. Nancy also underscored the importance of parenting modules such as PEKA (Empowered Parenting) and KASIH Digital Parenting, which aim to build communication skills, emotional management, and cyber safety awareness among parents. Among the activities that stood out at the camp were interactive sessions titled 'Know Your Father, Know Your Child' and 'KASIH Family Exploration', which provided meaningful bonding opportunities for fathers and their children. Nancy also officiated the symbolic launch of the National Father's Day 2025 Kick-Off Celebration at the event. community mental health nancy shukri youth
Borneo Post
24-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sarawak mulls increasing allocation for digital learning devices like iPads, laptops for students
Abang Johari browsing through the books on display at the event. Also seen are Safiee (left) and Abang Haliman (right) and Dr Annuar (background). – Photo by Information Department (Penerangan) KUCHING (May 24): The Sarawak government is considering increasing its allocation for digital devices such as iPads and laptops for students, following rising demand for such tools over traditional books. Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said students today are more inclined to access books and reference materials digitally, leading to a decline in requests for physical books. 'We have conducted a study and found that our children nowadays are more inclined to download books onto their iPads or laptops. They would rather read reference materials directly from these devices. Requests for physical books have decreased significantly.' 'Therefore, I have told Datuk Annuar Rapaee (Sarawak Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development) to increase the allocation for iPads, but we will have to reduce the budget for book vouchers,' he said when delivering his keynote address at the Sarawak Premier's Best Book Awards Ceremony at a hotel here last night. These digital devices will assist students to gain knowledge online, he said. Abang Johari said that if all goes well, the budget proposal will be presented at the next Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting. The move aligns with the state government's ongoing digital transformation efforts and its goal of improving access to education, especially for students from the B40 income group. Currently, the Sarawak government through the Sarawak Foundation runs initiatives such as the 'Sarawak Free Laptop Assistance' and 'Sarawak Book Voucher Assistance' to support B40 students in higher education institutions. Among those present at the ceremony were Sarawak State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee, Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department (Integrity and Ombudsman) Datuk Dr Juanda Jaya, Daro assemblyman Safiee Ahmad, Department of Language and Literature Development director Abang Haliman Abang Julai, DPB Sarawak director Dr Azizul Ismail, heads of departments, and other dignitaries. Abang Johari Tun Openg books devices education ipad laptops
