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Daily Express
3 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Express
Madani Adopted Village programme: 16 infra projects in Kaiduan completed
Published on: Sunday, July 13, 2025 Published on: Sun, Jul 13, 2025 By: Hayati Dzulkifli Text Size: Armizan signs the Madani Adoption Village Landmark plaque at the handover ceremony of the Madani Adoption Village project in Kampung Kaiduan. PAPAR: More than 1,000 villagers in Mukim Kaiduan are benefitting from 16 infrastructure projects under the Madani Adopted Village (KAM) programme which have been completed. Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said the projects, launched in May last year with an allocation of RM2.5 million, have now been officially handed over to residents of Kampung Kaiduan, Kampung Bisuang and Kampung Bolotikon, each home to about 350 people, mainly from the B40 income group. 'Many villagers rely on agriculture, with some, especially women, leaving as early as 1am to sell produce at markets like Tamu Kinarut, despite poor roads and flood-prone low-level crossings (LLCs). 'One key project was the construction of a new LLC bridge in Kampung Ulu Kaiduan, ensuring safer access even during floods,' he told reporters after officiating the handover at Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Kaiduan, Saturday. The KAM initiative aims to bridge urban-rural development gaps by improving access to basic infrastructure such as water, electricity, roads, street lighting, internet connectivity and community facilities. This year, 43 villages have been selected under the programme with RM107 million in total funding. Each participating ministry or agency receives up to RM2.5 million, in line with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's vision. Among completed projects in Kaiduan are culvert upgrades, new bridges, road works in Kampung Kaiduan and Kampung Bisuang, a suspension bridge to SK Kaiduan, as well as the construction of a surau and multipurpose hall at the school. In Kampung Bolotikon, a sepak takraw court was built, alongside upgrades to the church and community hall. Hill walkways, gravel paths and solar-powered street lights were also installed across all three villages. Armizan said Kaiduan was selected based on criteria, including limited access to basic amenities, with coverage below 50 per cent. 'These projects are expected to greatly enhance quality of life, improve mobility and support religious and socio-economic activities,' he said. For 2024, the Government has allocated RM200 million to expand KAM. Armizan said his Ministry has selected a village in Kedah, with details to be announced soon. 'Completion of these projects doesn't mean our work ends. We'll continue supporting Kaiduan, including socio-economic development beyond physical upgrades,' he added. He also noted Kaiduan's potential for eco-tourism, citing its scenic rivers and rich biodiversity as valuable natural assets. * 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
Borneo Post
3 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sarawak's forests generate up to RM3.5 bln annually in economic value, says Forest Department director
Hamden delivers his welcoming speech at the event. – Photo by Jude Toyat KUCHING (July 12): Sarawak's forests contribute an estimated RM2.8 billion to RM3.5 billion annually to the state's economy through both tangible and intangible values, said Sarawak Forest Department director Datu Hamden Mohammad. This underscores the immense economic importance of the forest ecosystem, extending beyond timber production, he said. In terms of tangible value, Sarawak's 7.65 million hectares of forests generate between RM2.1 billion and RM2.5 billion annually — including RM1.5 billion from timber and non-timber products, RM300 million to RM500 million from ecotourism, RM230 million to RM380 million from carbon, and RM50 million to RM100 million from bioprospecting and pharmaceuticals. For intangible values, the forests are estimated to contribute between RM750 million and RM1 billion each year. This includes RM600 million to RM800 million from ecosystem services, RM100 million from health and recreation, and RM50 million to RM100 million from cultural heritage. The estimated value of carbon stock alone ranges from RM20 billion to RM40 billion. 'Sarawak's forests hold priceless treasures, from tangible resources to unseen natural blessings. 'Their total value is estimated to reach RM2.8 billion to RM3.5 billion annually, a natural heritage that must be preserved for generations to come,' he said in his welcoming speech at the state-level celebration of the International Day of Forests (IDF) 2025, held at the Forest Research Centre here today. Themed 'Forests and Food', this year's IDF event which was officiated by Premier Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg, aimed to highlight the importance of forests as sources of sustainable food, income, and traditional knowledge. 'Sarawak is rich in biodiversity and culture, and many communities rely on forests not just for timber, but also for food, medicine, and spiritual needs. 'For example, wild kelulut honey from Ulu Baram and Kapit contributes to both the health industry and local income. Herbs such as tongkat ali, medicinal roots, and forest mushrooms are recognised as superfoods, and the Penan community possesses extensive ethnobotanical knowledge, which is now being studied by both local and international researchers,' said Hamden. He explained that over 60 per cent of Sarawak's land area is still forested, providing crucial services such as disaster mitigation, water catchment, biodiversity conservation, and carbon storage. 'These forests are home to over 8,000 plant species and 200 mammal species, and they also hold immense cultural and spiritual value for local communities,' he added. Hamden also shared several key achievements under Sarawak's forest conservation efforts. Among them is the early success of the state's 35-million-tree planting target, which has now surpassed 50 million trees as of today. 'On June 8, 2024, the Premier himself planted the 35 millionth tree. Today, we have reached 50 million trees — well ahead of our 2025 target,' he said. He added that more than 1.2 million hectares of land have been gazetted as Totally Protected Areas (TPAs), while forest restoration, plantation development, and community-based logging initiatives involving the Penan, Iban, and Lun Bawang communities continue to expand. 'Technologies such as LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), drones, and artificial intelligence are also being used to improve forest monitoring and data collection,' said Hamden. He also acknowledged the support of various partners including the Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (STIDC), Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC), Sarawak Timber Association (STA), Harwood Timber Sdn Bhd, government agencies, NGOs, the private sector, media, and the organising committee. The event also featured the official launch of the Forest Resources One Stop Gallery, developed under the 12th Malaysia Plan (RMK-12) with a federal allocation of RM1.105 million. 'This gallery will serve as a hub for learning, research, and promotion of forest-based products from Sarawak,' said Hamden. More than 20 exhibition booths were set up, with participation from local communities showcasing forest-based products such as madu kelulut, nira nipah, and gula apong. The ceremony also included a signing of memorandums of understanding (MoU) between the Forest Department, Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB), and Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas), aimed at strengthening multi-stakeholder cooperation for high-impact sustainable forest initiatives. Hamden then called on all parties to continue working together to preserve Sarawak's forest heritage. 'Let us not allow forests to remain only on maps, but ensure they flourish and benefit future generations. 'As the saying goes: If we care for nature, Insya-Allah, nature will care for us,' he added. environmental Hamden Mohammad sarawak economy Sarawak Forests Department
The Sun
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Melaka upgrades Hang Tuah Complex with RM5.8m for tourism boost
MELAKA: The state government has allocated RM5.8 million for the upgrading of the Hang Tuah Centre Complex and Hang Tuah Museum in Duyong. The three-year project, which began in 2023, includes RM2.5 million dedicated to enhancing exhibition materials using artificial intelligence (AI). Duyong Assemblyman Datuk Mohd Noor Helmy Abdul Halem, who also serves as the deputy chairman of the State Science, Technology, Innovation, and Digital Communications Committee, stated that the upgrades aim to attract more tourists. 'The Hang Tuah Centre Complex has become a key tourist destination,' he said after appearing on Melaka FM. The state is collaborating with the Melaka International College of Science and Technology (MiCoST) to develop a Roblox video game based on the Hang Tuah Village concept. This initiative targets younger generations as part of promotional efforts. Additional reforms include new programmes such as weekly silat training and demonstrations by local associations. A 'cakar ayam' crafting demo and 'sukan rakyat' events will also be held every Sunday. Mohd Noor Helmy added that 166 activities are planned for the 'Duyong Wakil Rakyat Untuk Rakyat' programme, running from July 13 for two weeks. Free marriage courses and early screenings for special needs children are among the highlights. - Bernama
Daily Express
08-07-2025
- General
- Daily Express
Infrastructures for elderly and disabled
Published on: Tuesday, July 08, 2025 Published on: Tue, Jul 08, 2025 By: Ricardo Unto Text Size: James said the Ministry, through the Sabah Welfare Services Department (JPKA), has outlined key developments to improve daily care services in major urban centres, including Sandakan and the State Capital. Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah Government is expanding its care infrastructure for the elderly and persons with disabilities (PWD), with several new facilities planned in Sandakan, Kota Kinabalu and Telupid. Community Development and People's Wellbeing Minister Datuk James Ratib said the Ministry, through the Sabah Welfare Services Department (JPKA), has outlined key developments to improve daily care services in major urban centres, including Sandakan and the State Capital. 'In Sandakan, the projects include the construction of a new OKU Training Complex, a new building for the OKU Children's Educational Centre, and comprehensive repairs to the Sri Harapan Old Folks Home,' he said in response to a question from Elopura assemblyman Calvin Chong during the question-and-answer session at the State Legislative Assembly on Monday. He added that in Kota Kinabalu, a new Integrated PWD and Elderly Complex will be built in Inanam to provide paid daily care services for up to 50 residents, vocational training and job opportunities for PWDs, and psychosocial support for senior citizens. James added that a model 'Self-Sustaining Elderly Home' is being built in Telupid to house elderly individuals without next-of-kin, free of charge, with the intention to replicate this concept in cities such as Sandakan and Kota Kinabalu in the future. In a supplementary response to Chong, he said the Government is planning to add a new ward at the Sri Harapan home in Sandakan at a cost of RM2.5 million, which will allow an additional 20 elderly residents and improve existing care for the current 56 occupants. Replying to a supplementary question from Telupid assemblyman Datuk Jonnybone Kurum, James said the elderly home in Telupid is expected to be completed next year and will house 15 residents, with a total project cost of approximately RM5 million. * 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
Borneo Post
07-07-2025
- Health
- Borneo Post
More day care centres and facilities for elderly, disabled
James Ratib at the State Assembly. KOTA KINABALU (July 7): The State Community Development and People's Wellbeing Ministry (KPMKR), through the General Welfare Services Department (JPKA), plans to expand the number of day care centres for the elderly and disabled in major urban areas across Sabah. Its minister, Datuk James Ratib, said the initiative includes key projects in Sandakan, such as the proposed construction of a training complex for the disabled, a new Handicapped Children's Education Park building, and the renovation of the Sri Harapan Home for the Elderly. At the Sri Harapan Home, which currently accommodates around 50 senior citizens, the government also plans to build a new ward costing RM2.5 million. Once completed, it will be able to house 20 additional residents and accommodate 20 more staff members. Kota Kinabalu will also see developments under this initiative, including the construction of an integrated complex for the disabled and elderly in Inanam. The facility will offer paid day care services for 50 residents, training and employment opportunities for persons with disabilities, and psychosocial support for the elderly. In addition, a new home for elderly individuals without dependents is currently being developed in Telupid, at a cost of around RM5 million. This centre will have the capacity to house 15 senior citizens and is expected to be completed in 2026. James said the Telupid project could serve as a model for future expansion into other urban centres such as Sandakan and Kota Kinabalu. He made these remarks during the question-and-answer session at the State Assembly today.
