Latest news with #Pengiran
The Star
13-07-2025
- General
- The Star
Signage unveiled at Brunei village head residences
Acting Brunei-Muara District Officer Muhammad Ameer Mubaarak Hashim unveils a signage. - BB/ANN BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Acting Brunei-Muara District Officer Muhammad Ameer Mubaarak Hashim officiated the signage of four village heads in the district yesterday. The unveiling of the signage began at the house of Village Head of STKRJ Kampong Mata-Mata Area 1, 2 and 3 Captain (R) Muhammad Redzuan Said followed by the house of Village Head of Kampong Tungku/Katok Ahmad Khairi Hassan. From there, Pengiran Muhammad Ameer Mubaarak headed to the residences of Village Head of RPN Kampong Lambak Kanan Area 4 Mohammad Fazzly Suhaili and Village Head of RPN Kampong Panchor Area 4 Faidil Rosemady Mohamad. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
Daily Express
06-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Malaysia Productivity Corporation, BIMP–EAGA Business Council partnership to boost logistics productivity
Published on: Friday, June 06, 2025 Published on: Fri, Jun 06, 2025 By: Bernama Text Size: The signing ceremony of the strategic cooperation document by Pengiran (Dr.) Haji Haris Pg Haji Duraman, Chairman of BEBC (right), with the Chairman of LPN, Dato Seri Michael Tio (left), witnessed by the Director General of MPC, Datuk Zahid Ismail (centre). MIRI: Malaysia Productivity Corporation (MPC) and BIMP–EAGA Business Council (BEBC) have officially signed a Letter of Collaboration, marking a pivotal step toward enhancing productivity and efficiency in the logistics sector. The partnership focuses on strengthening cross-border trade and connectivity between Malaysia (Sabah and Sarawak) and Brunei. Advertisement The collaboration signing ceremony was held in Miri, Sarawak, with YBhg. Datuk Zahid Ismail, Director General of MPC, and YBhg. Pengiran (Dr.) Haji Haris Pg Haji Duraman, Chairman of BEBC, representing their respective organisations. Both parties share a unified vision to future-proof the logistics industry by implementing targeted programmes that address key challenges and streamline operations to reduce costs. Representing BEBC Brunei as Country Directors, Thomas Koh and Haji Alimen Haji Jaafar were present to witness the signing demonstrating BEBC Brunei's active and direct involvement in driving cross-border connectivity efforts among Brunei, Sabah, and Sarawak under the BIMP-EAGA framework. Cross-border trade between Sarawak and Brunei increased by 23.8pc in 2023, reaching RM3.76 billion. This significant growth underscores the urgent need for reforms to eliminate regulatory and logistical barriers such as permit duplications, inconsistent transit fees, and manual customs procedures that have traditionally impeded smooth goods movement. Key focus areas of the collaboration include; Streamlining regulatory frameworks and closing infrastructure gaps to improve connectivity; Driving digital integration and productivity frameworks, led by MPC, including digitised permit systems and harmonised customs processes; Simplifying processes to reduce clearance times; Strengthening business partnerships to connect value chains and unlock new economic opportunities; and Promoting sustainable and resilient trade practices to ensure long-term competitiveness. The partnership aims to reduce transport costs by up to 50pc through the removal of redundant permits and improved procedures. By 2030, the collaboration targets a 25– 30pc increase in trade volume, a reduction in clearance times, and the creation of over 15,000 new jobs in the logistics sector. MPC will lead the development of productivity frameworks and digital reforms, while BEBC will ensure the industry's needs are effectively represented. The sustained cooperation among Sabah, Sarawak, Brunei, and related authorities is vital to maintain efficient, secure, and future-ready trade flows. This initiative positions BIMP-EAGA as a competitive economic corridor in the ASEAN and Indo-Pacific regions, contributing significantly to Malaysia's national productivity and economic growth. * 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
30-04-2025
- Science
- The Star
High hopes among the branches
IN the heart of Borneo's rainforest, a quiet revolution in conservation is under way – one wooden box at a time. What began in June 2017 as a focused effort to save Sabah's dwindling hornbill population by installing artificial nests has since evolved into a broader initiative benefiting a range of forest-dwelling species. 'This project is like my baby,' said Pengiran Mohd Sahlan Salam, 32, head of the Wildlife Research Unit at the Forest Research Centre in Sepilok. Mohd Sahlan spearheaded the initiative under the Sabah Forestry Department soon after he joined the team that year. Inspired by conservation pioneer Dr Robert Ong, the project was initially aimed at addressing the habitat loss of hornbills, which rely on large, mature trees with natural cavities to breed. 'We needed to find a way to increase their chances of breeding. The idea was to replicate these natural cavities through artificial nests,' Mohd Sahlan explained. So far, 26 nest boxes have been installed specifically for flying squirrels, and 16 for hornbills, with encouraging results. All squirrel-designated nests are now occupied, while five hornbill boxes have been successfully used by Asian Black Hornbills, Bushy-crested Hornbills and Oriental Pied Hornbills. Mohd Sahlan ascending a 30m high Parashorea malaanonan tree at the centre in Sepilok, Sabah. 'A strong indicator of success is when a female hornbill seals herself inside a box to nest, remaining inside for months while the male feeds her. 'This tells us the boxes are working. 'We have even observed nesting cavity shapes and seen baby squirrels, confirming breeding cycles,' he said. Beyond hornbills, the project revealed that the nest boxes also attract other small forest birds and flying squirrels, some even taking over spaces intended for hornbills. This interspecies rivalry, while natural, highlights the delicate balance within forest ecosystems. 'Understanding each species' behaviour is crucial. 'Once flying squirrels dominate a nest, it is difficult for hornbills to use it. An artificial hornbill nest ready for installation. 'That is why we conduct year-round behavioural studies, camera trapping, and habitat assessments to fine-tune placement,' Mohd Sahlan noted. The Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC) in Sepilok remains the project's core site, but expansion plans are in the pipeline. 'We are looking at Tawau, Lahad Datu and Kinabatangan next,' Mohd Sahlan revealed, though these are still in the planning stages. Each artificial nest costs about RM3,000 to build and install, a modest investment considering its impact on conservation and ecotourism. Visitors to RDC now get a rare glimpse into the lives of some of Sabah's most elusive species, turning the area into a research hub and a public education platform. Yet, it has not all been smooth sailing. Curious orang utan have been known to dismantle some of the boxes, while limited data on pre-project population sizes makes it difficult to draw firm statistical conclusions, for now. The Red Giant Flying Squirrel looking out from its box. 'We cannot declare full success just yet. More data is needed. But the signs are promising,' Mohd Sahlan cautioned. Beyond his role as a wildlife researcher, Mohd Sahlan is also a passionate environmental advocate. Growing up in a coastal village surrounded by Sabah's natural beauty, he was deeply affected by the deforestation and pollution he witnessed. He has since founded various environmental efforts, from tree-planting and beach clean-ups to educational workshops focused on waste management and marine conservation. One of his proudest contributions is working with indigenous communities to encourage eco-friendly practices that align with traditional knowledge and bring economic benefits. 'For me, conservation is not just about saving animals or trees. It is about ensuring a better future for our children. Every small action matters,' he said. A pair of Oriental Pied Hornbills enjoying their nest. His dedication has earned recognition from both local and international organisations, but Mohd Sahlan measures success in the impact he sees in communities and ecosystems. Whether it is a child learning to recycle or a hornbill nesting in a wooden box high in the canopy, every moment fuels his mission. He has even personally scaled trees up to 38m tall to install the nests. 'It is exciting... but also extremely tiring,' he laughed. Ultimately, his goal is simple yet profound, to become a driving force for wildlife conservation and to inspire others to care for nature. And so, from a modest wooden box, a much larger story takes flight, of hornbills, squirrels, and small birds, yes, but also of human hope, ingenuity, and the enduring power of one person to make a difference.
