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Free Malaysia Today
3 days ago
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
Sabah allocates highest amount of RM136mil for scholarships this year
Chief minister Hajiji Noor said 4,170 students will benefit from the scholarship programme this year. (Bernama pic) KOTA KINABALU : The Sabah government has allocated RM136 million for state government scholarships this year. This is part of its continuous commitment to strengthen the development of higher education in the state, chief minister Hajiji Noor said. The allocation is the highest so far. It has risen significantly from RM50 million in 2020, reflecting the determination of the state government to ensure its youth, regardless of socio-economic background, have a chance to further their studies, Hajiji said. 'This is the government's long-term investment project to develop quality human capital that is competitive. 'We don't want young Sabahans to be left behind in education due to financial constraints,' he said in his speech read by Sabah science, technology and innovation minister Arifin Arif at the Sabah university student aid presentation at Universiti Malaysia Sabah here today. He said 4,170 students will benefit from the scholarship programme this year, in line with the goals of Sabah Maju Jaya in empowering the education sector as a core of state development. In addition, the Sabah government has allocated RM77.5 million to carry out 13 education initiatives to benefit schools, parent-teacher associations, Sabah student associations and tertiary students. This includes a one-off cash aid for registrations, aid to purchase computers and the flight fare aid for Sabah students. Hajiji said the Sabah education fund, introduced in June 2022, had helped 10,104 recipients, and RM15.8 million had been spent so far.
Daily Express
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
Sabah Government mulls free tertiary education
Published on: Wednesday, July 09, 2025 Published on: Wed, Jul 09, 2025 By: Crystal E Hermenegildus Text Size: Arifin also highlighted a new initiative to reward academic excellence. A total of 146 STPM students across Sabah who scored a perfect 4.0 CGPA were given RM1,000 each, while one exceptional student, Daniel Hakimi Roland of SMK Kota Klias in Beaufort, who was named National Top STPM Student, received RM3,000 in recognition. Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah Government is currently conducting a study on the feasibility of offering full education coverage for Sabah students, including free higher education, said State Science, Technology and Innovation minister Datuk Dr Mohamad Arifin Arif. He said while primary and secondary education in Sabah has long been free, the government is exploring whether similar support can be extended to the tertiary level. 'We are conducting a study on this matter,' said Arifin during the recent State Assembly sitting. 'Some institutions have already been offering full scholarships, such as the Industrial Training and Learning Programme (ILTP) under the Human Resource Development Department (JPSM), which covers diploma-level training,' he said. He added that many Sabah students currently enrolled in Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) are already supported by either State Government scholarships, Yayasan Sabah or other education funds provided by the State. Arifin was responding to a question from Lamag Assemblyman Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, who asked whether Sabah would follow Sarawak's move to provide free university education and RM15,000 annual allowances to students from low-income families. Bung Moktar urged the Sabah Government to consider a similar approach to ease the financial burden of parents and ensure equal access to higher education. In response to a follow-up question by Nominated Assemblywoman Datuk Amisah Yassin regarding Budi recipient from Ranau and incentives for high-performing students, Arifin revealed that 306 students from Ranau received the Budi education aid in 2024. These included 199 pursuing bachelor's degrees, 68 in diploma programmes, 16 in foundation (Asasi) studies and 23 in matriculation. 'So far in 2025, 29 Ranau students received Budi support,' he said. Arifin also highlighted a new initiative to reward academic excellence. A total of 146 STPM students across Sabah who scored a perfect 4.0 CGPA were given RM1,000 each, while one exceptional student, Daniel Hakimi Roland of SMK Kota Klias in Beaufort, who was named National Top STPM Student, received RM3,000 in recognition. 'This is a token of appreciation and encouragement for our students to strive for academic excellence,' Arifin said. Arifin also elaborated on the 13 education initiatives introduced under the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) Education programme, which are coordinated by the Deputy State Secretary's Office (Special Tasks). These include Budi – One-off cash aid for IPT registration, Bakti – Exam cash assistance, Baik – Computer assistance, BAGUS – Assistance for teachers and parents, BISBAH – School aid,AKSA – Excellence awards, BISTARI – Education savings aid, BANTU – Special education aid, BALKIS – Minor school repairs, SEMESTA – Student secretariat support, GRS-SUBFLY – Flight ticket subsidies, Sentosa – In-state student assistance, Sukses – One-off school activity aid. He said this in response to Amisah's question on how many education aid programmes have been distributed under the SMJ Education Initiative. * 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
08-07-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Sabah passes landmark Climate Change and Carbon Governance Enactment 2025
Abidin KOTA KINABALU (July 8): The Sabah State Legislative Assembly on Tuesday passed the Sabah Climate Change and Carbon Governance Enactment 2025, marking a major milestone in the state's efforts to address climate change and regulate carbon-related activities. Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister, Datuk Abidin Madingkir, who presented the Bill, said Sabah is already experiencing the serious impacts of climate change, including rising temperatures, erratic weather, floods and droughts. 'These are no longer predictions of the future — they are unfolding before our very eyes,' said Abidin. In response to this reality, the Sabah Government has established the Sabah Climate Action Council (SCAC), which will serve as the state's top policy advisory body on climate issues. The new law reinforces SCAC's role and introduces a two-tier governance structure: the SCAC will function as the policy-making body, while a director will oversee carbon-related activities and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. All carbon rights are vested in the State Government, positioning the SCAC as the central authority for all carbon matters. 'This ensures that the benefits and revenues from carbon interests are returned to the people and the state,' said Abidin. The legislation adopts a top-down governance model, integrating climate priorities across all ministries and departments and aligning with national and international frameworks. Carbon assets will be leveraged to support economic growth while protecting employment and the welfare of vulnerable communities. Abidin emphasized that environmental matters fall under the residual powers of the state as per Article 77 of the Federal Constitution. He further noted that land, forests and water are under the State List (List II), providing legal justification for the enactment. The Bill also emphasizes protecting the rights and involvement of indigenous communities, particularly in carbon activities conducted on native customary land. Any such proposals must involve direct consultation and offer appropriate benefits to the affected communities. Beyond carbon activities, the Enactment mandates GHG emissions reporting by entities named under the law. This data is crucial for informed climate policy and planning, and it strengthens Sabah's reputation in climate governance. Abidin revealed that in 2024, Sabah completed its first Greenhouse Gas Inventory, showing that the state is a net carbon sink — absorbing more carbon than it emits. Sabah is estimated to contribute 36% of Malaysia's total carbon absorption, a status that offers strategic economic advantages amid the global push for carbon neutrality. 'This rare and valuable position must be safeguarded. If we become complacent, we risk losing this status and the associated benefits,' he warned. He also highlighted the state's climate vulnerabilities, including more frequent floods and coastal erosion, and stressed the need for urgent and strategic action. The Enactment includes 11 key parts: 1. Part I – Preliminary provisions including title and commencement; 2. Part II – Establishment of the SCAC as the highest state climate governance body; 3. Part III – Creation of the Sabah Climate Registry and Inventory Centre to manage data and carbon rights; 4. Part IV – Establishment of the Sabah Climate Fund for climate projects and administrative support; 5. Part V – Procedures for community consultation and benefit-sharing for carbon projects on customary land; 6. Part VI – Requirements and regulations for recognising and registering carbon activities; 7. Part VII – Regulations on carbon credits, levies and royalties; 8. Part VIII – Mandatory GHG emissions reporting and preparation of the state carbon budget; 9. Part IX – Enforcement provisions; 10. Part X – General provisions.
Daily Express
08-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Need for RM1.2 billion supplementary budget questioned
Published on: Tuesday, July 08, 2025 Published on: Tue, Jul 08, 2025 By: Abbey Junior Text Size: Alias also questioned whether the RM54 million in equity investment under the development budget was meant for troubled government-linked companies (GLCs) and called for full disclosure of all GLCs that have received state equity injections since 2020. Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah Government's proposed RM1.186 billion supplementary budget was questioned in the State Assembly on Monday, with Sekong Assemblyman Alias Sani warning against extravagant spending while many Sabahans still lack basic needs such as water. He reminded the House that the money being allocated belongs to the people — not the ruling party — and urged transparency and prudence in how public funds are managed. 'This is not money from the government or the ruling party, this is the people's money — including the people of Sekong,' he said. Alias raised concerns over several allocations within the supplementary budget, including an additional RM6.5 million for 'celebrations and major events,' RM13.85 million for temporary political appointments under the UPPM scheme, and RM600 million in statutory fund contributions — all while the rakyat continue to struggle with rising costs and inconsistent access to basic infrastructure. 'Is it reasonable to spend RM1.17 million a month on flights for the Head of State and the Chief Minister, while the people are struggling to pay their bills?' he asked, referring to the RM5.87 million set aside for official helicopter and jet use. Alias also questioned whether the RM54 million in equity investment under the development budget was meant for troubled government-linked companies (GLCs) and called for full disclosure of all GLCs that have received state equity injections since 2020. He highlighted the ongoing water woes in Sandakan, including in his constituency, and asked if the RM41.5 million pipe system upgrade and RM25 million allocated for water concessionaires would finally bring relief to affected areas. 'What about our pipe systems in Sekong? In Sandakan? Will this fix the endless water supply issues in our villages, housing estates, PPRs, and public buildings?' he asked. Alias also cited a recent protest by residents of Taman Permata over water shortages and a viral video showing a mother crying for help after giving birth with no water at home, pointing to these as signs of government and concessionaire failures. 'People don't care whose fault it is — they blame the government,' he said. He proposed that the State Government upload detailed breakdowns of supplementary expenditure online to allow public access and scrutiny, saying this would improve transparency and trust. 'Sabah is not the property of those in power. It is the rightful inheritance of all Sabahans — regardless of race, religion or language,' he said. 'Our fight to make Sabah a land where integrity prevails over corruption and progress is shared by all must never end.' * 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
29-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Likely Sabah has highest number of GLCs in Malaysia
Published on: Sunday, June 29, 2025 Published on: Sun, Jun 29, 2025 Text Size: DATUK John Lo's assertion that Government-Linked Companies (GLCs) are bleeding state coffers is undeniably accurate. Shockingly, successive Sabah governments have been losing at least RM100 million monthly just to sustain second grade politicians. Sabah likely has the highest number of GLCs compared to other states in Malaysia. These companies often maintain bloated boards with 10 to 12 directors and each receiving monthly allowances ranging from RM6,000 to RM24,000. This exorbitant structure drains at least RM100 million in Sabah public funds – a staggering and unsustainable burden. Just last week the Sabah Government added yet another GLC – the 'Blue Economy Council' as reported by your papoer on June 17, 2025. More critically, these GLCs undermine existing state departments, such as the Fisheries Department, which already operate under well-defined legal frameworks and possess specialised expertise in their respective fields. While it is understandable that the state must ensure its leaders are adequately supported, as Lo rightly emphasised: 'Enough is enough'. The unchecked expansion of GLCs and their excessive financial demands must be reined in before they further cripple Sabah's finances. Awang Jambul The views expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of the Daily Express. If you have something to share, write to us at: [email protected]
