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Borneo Post
3 days ago
- Science
- Borneo Post
Sarawak Delta Geopark undergoes final evaluation for Unesco Global Geopark status
Len Talif delivering his speech during the dinner. – Photo by Roystein Emmor KUCHING (June 26): Sarawak is one step closer to joining the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) Global Geopark network as the Sarawak Delta Geopark undergoes a four-day field assessment by Unesco evaluators. The mission, held since June 23, concluded with a dinner held tonight at the Waterfront Hotel here, attended by Unesco evaluators Jean-Simon Pagés and Antonio Garcia Jiménez, stakeholders from various agencies, academia, and local communities. Deputy State Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Minister, Datuk Len Talif Salleh, said geopark represents more than just a geological area, but a living classroom and scientific archive that tells the story of Sarawak's natural evolution, biodiversity, and cultural heritage. 'From the dramatic Karst limestone outcrops of Santubong to the ancient sediments along the coastline and river deltas, our geopark showcases more than 200 million years of geological history, layered with mythology, multicultural heritage, and traditional knowledge passed down through generations,' he said during the dinner. He added that the initiative also reflects the state's integrated approach to natural resource management, tourism, education, and community development. 'We have built partnerships with academic institutions, invested in geotourism infrastructure, supported local entrepreneurs, and developed education programmes for our schools and youth because we know that the future stewards of this land are the ones seated in our classrooms today,' he said. What is a geopark? A Unesco Global Geopark is an area with internationally significant geological heritage that is managed with a holistic approach to conservation, education and sustainable development. Globally, there are 229 Unesco Global Geoparks across 45 countries. Unlike national parks, geoparks focus on community involvement, promoting geotourism and raising awareness on environmental issues such as climate change, disaster risk reduction, and sustainability. Importance to Sarawak If successful, the Sarawak Delta Geopark will be the first in Sarawak to join the Unesco Global Geopark network. Len Talif said the process of preparing for the evaluation had deepened their understanding towards the land, brought together stakeholders from diverse sectors, and strengthened the resolve to preserve this unique natural and cultural landscape. 'Whether or not we are awarded the status, this process has already transformed us,' he said. He also paid tribute to the communities living within the geopark, crediting their stewardship, crafts, and local knowledge as the soul of the initiative. 'This is a shared achievement, one that demonstrates the power of collaboration, the strength of local wisdom, and the vision of Sarawak as a global player in sustainable development,' he said. He emphasised that this assessment is not the end, but a new beginning. 'We do hope and believe that the Sarawak Delta Geopark will soon join the network of 229 Unesco Global Geoparks around the world. 'We are ready, and we are committed,' he added. Len Talif Sarawak Delta Geopark Unesco Global geopark
Borneo Post
3 days ago
- Borneo Post
No agent, third party appointed to offer Sarawak Free Tertiary Education Scheme, ministry clarifies
MEITD says that it takes seriously the information that certain parties are promising free education opportunities in exchange for payments or other forms of compensation from the public. – Photo by Roystein Emmor KUCHING (June 26): The Sarawak Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development (MEITD) has never appointed any individual, agent or third party to offer the state's Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES). It said that it takes seriously the information that certain parties are promising free education opportunities in exchange for payments or other forms of compensation from the public. It clarified that such actions are illegal and can be considered fraud attempts. 'The MEITC will not hesitate to take legal action against any individual or party found to have deceived or misused the name of MEITD of the Sarawak government for personal gain. 'As such, the public is urged not to be easily deceived by such offers and to always be cautious of individuals or parties claiming to represent the government in matters related to free education,' it said in a statement today. It added that any FTES-related official statements would only be issued by the MEITD through the official communication channels of the Sarawak Government. – Bernama education free FTES MTEID sarawak
Borneo Post
4 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
RON95 price unchanged, RON97 up 7 sen per litre
MOF says the retail price of diesel in Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan remains at RM2.15 per litre, while in Peninsular Malaysia, it increases by seven sen to RM2.88 per litre for the same period. – Photo by Roystein Emmor KUALA LUMPUR (June 25): The retail price of RON95 petrol remains unchanged at RM2.05 per litre, while that of RON97 increases by seven sen, from RM3.14 to RM3.21 per litre, for the period from June 26 to July 2. In a statement today, the Ministry of Finance (MOF) said the retail price of diesel in Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan remains at RM2.15 per litre, while in Peninsular Malaysia, it increases by seven sen to RM2.88 per litre for the same period. 'In line with the rise in global oil market prices, the government has set the retail price of RON97 petrol at RM3.21 per litre, while the retail price of diesel in Peninsular Malaysia is RM2.88 per litre. 'The retail price of diesel in Peninsular Malaysia remains lower than the floated price of RM3.35 per litre on June 10, 2024,' the statement read. MOF said the prices were set based on the weekly retail pricing of petroleum products using the Automatic Pricing Mechanism (APM) formula. The statement also noted that the government will continue to monitor market developments and adjust the retail prices of RON97 and diesel in line with global oil price movements while supporting price stability. 'The government will continue to monitor the impact of global crude oil price fluctuations and take appropriate measures to ensure the welfare and well-being of the people are safeguarded,' it added. – Bernama diesel MoF petrol price RON95 RON97
Borneo Post
22-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Earth, Wind & Fire Experience by Al McKay ignites RWMF 2025 night two
Members of Earth, Wind & Fire Experience by Al McKay, the second-day headliner, performing at RWMF 2025 last night. – Photo by Roystein Emmor KUCHING (June 22): Grammy Award-winning guitarist, songwriter, and original Earth, Wind & Fire (EWF) member Al McKay electrified the crowd last night as he led the Earth, Wind & Fire Experience by Al McKay, delivering a high-octane finale that lit up the second night of the Rainforest World Music Festival 2025. The crowd was taken on a musical journey through some of EWF's biggest hits, dancing to classics like 'Serpentine Fire', 'Pride', and 'Got to Get You into My Life'. More than just a tribute act, the band is a full-force funk and soul ensemble from the USA, channeling the iconic sound, energy, and joy that made Earth, Wind & Fire a global sensation. Every performance burst with tight horn lines, soaring vocals, and high-energy grooves, capturing the true spirit of EWF. The band's commitment to authenticity and showmanship made their RWMF set feel like stepping back in time, yet with all the excitement of a modern live show. For festivalgoers, it wasn't just a concert; it was a celebration of timeless music, brought to life beneath the starlit rainforest sky. The second night concert of RWMF 2025 began with Naungan from Malaysia, an instrumental ensemble that blends ethnic instruments such as the 'sape', 'gu zheng', 'tabla', 'sitar', and 'rebana' into a harmonious and soul-stirring showcase of Malaysia's multicultural identity. Then came Seppuku Pistols from Japan, who brought raw, thunderous energy to the stage. Dressed in traditional Edo-period attire, the ensemble used taiko drums and fue flutes to create a defiant, rebellious performance—part music, part protest, all impact. Next, Hawaiian trio Kulāiwi offered an emotional and spiritual journey through mele (songs), oli (chants), and lush harmonies rooted in the philosophy of aloha ʻāina (love for the land). Their performance invited the audience into a space of cultural memory and connection. Following that, Mathew Ngau Jau with Lan E Tuyang from Sarawak presented a stirring collaboration of indigenous music, dance, and storytelling. The group, made up of elders and youth from the Kenyah, Kayan, Iban, Lun Bawang, and Penan communities, delivered a heartfelt tribute to Sarawak's living heritage. Later, Buddha Beat & Sinaran Collective from Malaysia took the stage with a boundary-breaking blend of bamboo flute, electronic beats, and ambient soundscapes. Their genre-bending performance reflected both innovation and spiritual depth. Rob Ruha of New Zealand followed with his signature haka-soul sound, fusing Māori traditions with R&B and neo-soul. His deep vocals and storytelling brought powerful messages of ancestry, identity, and revival. The rhythm continued with Kuntaw Mindanao from the Philippines, an ethno-rock band that combined tribal percussion, native chants, and modern genres to highlight the stories of Mindanao's indigenous peoples. Their performance was both a call to action and a celebration of cultural resilience. Finally, the night peaked with Earth, Wind & Fire Experience by Al McKay, whose legendary sound and infectious energy turned the festival grounds into a massive dance floor. It was a finale filled with joy, rhythm, and nostalgia. Meanwhile, the finale of RWMF 2025 tonight promises another thrilling evening of music and cultural celebration. The lineup will consist of Buddha Beat ft Sinaran Collective from Malaysia, Kancet Ajai Warrior Dance (Sarawak), Manhu (China), Tal Fry (India), Buloh Berkocak (Sarawak), La Chiva Gantiva (Colombia & Belgium), and N'Famady Kouyaté (Guinea & UK). Capping off the night is At Adau, the highly anticipated final headliner from Sarawak, known for blending traditional Bornean sounds with contemporary energy. Al McKay earth Rainforest World Music Festival 2025 Wind & Fire Experience
Borneo Post
21-06-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
‘Factor in challenges faced by rural students when implementing compulsory secondary education'
Dennis Ngau – Photo by Roystein Emmor MIRI (June 21): The Ministry of Education's (MoE) push to make secondary school education compulsory is a step in the right direction towards securing a brighter future for every Malaysian child, said Datuk Dennis Ngau. The Telang Usan assemblyman said the move sends a strong signal that the federal government is serious about ensuring no child is left behind in education, regardless of whether they come from urban or rural areas. 'Education is crucial no matter where you live. In my constituency, we do face issues of students dropping out, but this is due to several contributing factors,' he told The Borneo Post when contacted. However, he pointed out that one of the key challenges in this initiative for rural students is the distance between their villages and the nearest secondary schools. 'In many areas, especially among the Penan communities, some children are reluctant to continue with secondary education because they have to stay in hostels far away from their families,' he said. Dennis added that this situation is further compounded by the poor infrastructure of schools in remote areas. 'Some of the children genuinely want to pursue their education, but the long distances and difficult access make it tough for them. 'If the government is serious about making secondary schooling mandatory, I hope it will also take into account the unique challenges faced by rural students.' He also proposed that the implementation of the policy—once passed in Parliament—be carried out in stages, especially in rural areas, to allow schools and communities time to adapt. At present, Telang Usan constituency has 22 primary schools and three secondary schools, with a total enrolment of 2,754 students scattered across 88 villages and settlements. Last Thursday, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek announced that the MoE would table amendments to the Education Act 1996 in the upcoming Parliament session to make education compulsory until the age of 17, in a bid to tackle the issue of student dropouts. The next sitting of Parliament is scheduled to run from July 21 to Aug 28. Dennis Ngau lead Ministry of Education rural communities secondary school
