Latest news with #SandakanMunicipalCouncil
Borneo Post
5 hours ago
- General
- Borneo Post
Sandakan Islamic Centre 66% completed, targets December opening
Walter and architect Dr Meor Zawari Hassan (left) presenting the design and finishes for the Sandakan Islamic Centre's main prayer hall.-Information Department photo KOTA KINABALU (July 24): The Sandakan Islamic Centre project, now 66% complete, is expected to be fully finished by the end of December this year. Sandakan Municipal Council president Walter Kenson stated that the council is committed to completing this modern complex — inspired by Sabah Governor Tun Musa Aman — by year-end, making it ready for use during next year's Hari Raya prayers. 'We are scheduling completion by the end of this year, ideally before year-end, so it can be fully operational for next year's Hari Raya. Our primary target is for the Sandakan Islamic Centre to be inaugurated and fully functional by Hari Raya 2026,' he explained. Walter added that the centre will feature designs, motifs and finishes from Uzbekistan, adapted to incorporate Sabah's local motifs. 'Progress has been very positive thus far, which is why we sought approval from His Excellency Tun Musa Aman for specific motifs, designs and finishes. Tun requested the incorporation of certain elements in key sections of the centre — particularly the prayer area, main hall and VIP waiting area — blending Uzbek designs with local Sabah motifs and styles,' he told the media after paying a courtesy visit to Tun Musa at Istana Seri Kinabalu today. Meanwhile, Tun Musa expressed profound satisfaction in a statement on Thursday over the encouraging progress of the Sandakan Islamic Centre, which will become a significant landmark for Islamic development in Sabah's east coast. He noted that the project will not only serve as a centre for worship and education but also foster unity among Sabah's multiethnic and multireligious communities through inclusive and harmonious outreach. 'I extend my appreciation to all involved, especially the Sabah Islamic Religious Affairs Department (JHEAINS) and the state government, for their commitment to community development and societal well-being. May the Sandakan Islamic Centre become a symbol of spiritual progress and unity in Sabah,' the statement read. Construction of the RM60 million Sandakan Islamic Centre began in 2017 on a 5.2-hectare site at Jalan Sungai Kayu, Sandakan, but faced delays due to the Covid-19 pandemic and political instability in Sabah. Upon completion, the facility will include a kindergarten, tahfiz centre, administrative offices for JHEAINS, MUIS (Sabah Islamic Religious Council), and Baitulmal (Islamic Treasury), a multipurpose hall, and a prayer hall accommodating over 1,000 worshippers.
Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
3R waste technology to rehabilitate Sandakan landfill
Davina SANDAKAN (July 22): Sandakan is set to make a leap forward in sustainable waste management with the launch of Sabah's first landfill rehabilitation project using globally patented 3R technology. IGNIS SG (Sabah) Sdn Bhd has officially signed a 12-year concession agreement, with an option to extend for another eight years, with the Sandakan Municipal Council (MPS). The agreement allows the company to rehabilitate the long-overdue Sungai Sibuga solid waste landfill, often referred to as a dead landfill. IGNIS SG Executive Director Dr Davina Marcus said the initiative addresses the mounting waste management challenges faced by Sandakan. 'This is something I've planned for a long time. I've seen with my own eyes how landfill sites are growing into mountains of unmanaged waste. The space keeps expanding, and I believe it's time for a new solution, one that tackles the problem and contributes to environmental sustainability without adding to the waste pile,' she said. Speaking during the launch of the Sungai Sibuga Landfill Rehabilitation Project on Tuesday, Davina said IGNIS SG has been given exclusive rights to develop and implement the rehabilitation works using IGNIS 3R technology, patented globally by its parent company, Ignis Environment Initiatives Sdn Bhd. 'This project will not only resolve long-standing waste disposal issues but also drive Sandakan towards green transformation,' she said. According to Davina, the IGNIS 3R system offers a comprehensive, non-incineration and non-toxic treatment process, supporting Malaysia's Net-Zero Emission 2050 target and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles. 'The technology enables processing of buried waste without prior segregation, using a closed-loop zero waste-to-landfill approach. It also allows for land recovery for future use, and the extraction of reusable materials from old waste.' She further explained that the project is fully funded under a Private Financing Initiative (PFI) by IGNIS SG (Sabah) Sdn Bhd, with support from EXIM Bank Malaysia, without financial backing from the state government or local authorities. 'This shows the financial sector's confidence in the project's viability and the effectiveness of IGNIS 3R technology on a commercial scale,' she added. Currently, the project is in its initial implementation phase, with site works and mobilisation of IGNIS 3R machinery underway. The Sandakan 3R Waste Rehabilitation Project is expected to be physically completed by July 2026. 'My hopes for this landfill project are very high. I want this to inspire others to commit to protecting the environment and freeing up landfill capacity that's becoming increasingly saturated with waste. 'I also hope this project will help reduce public health risks linked to environmental pollution, add value through land reuse, and contribute towards improving Sandakan's image as a city,' Davina said.
The Star
3 days ago
- General
- The Star
Ignis 3R project to rehabilitate decades-old Sandakan landfill
Alan Tan Yean Keat, executive chairman of SG Ignis (Sabah) Sdn Bhd, receives a symbolic key from Sandakan Municipal Council president Walter Kenson, while Sabah Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Dr Joachim Gunsalam (fourth right) looks on. SANDAKAN: A decades-old landfill here that has been emitting foul odours and leaking untreated waste into rivers is finally being rehabilitated using a home-grown waste recovery system called Ignis 3R. The site, located at Mile 8 on Jalan Lintas Sibuga, covers a total of 10 acres – of which six acres have been handed over to SG Ignis (Sabah) Sdn Bhd for rehabilitation. The Sg Sibuga landfill served Sandakan residents for over 20 years before operations shifted to a new site in Kampung Melayu, Mile 8, in 2023. At the height of its use, it received up to 500 tonnes of rubbish daily. With most of the original landfill cells long filled, bulldozers were used to spread trash on the surface, creating mountains of untreated waste. Residents living just a few kilometres away in Bandar Sibuga Jaya, Taman Mawar and Bandar Utama Mile 6 often complained of an unbearable stench, especially in the evenings. Some eventually moved out of the area due to this. The site also lacked basic environmental safeguards – with no leachate or landfill gas treatment in place for years. During storms, uncovered garbage is swept into Sungai Seguntor, which flows into the sea. The release of leachate into waterways further raised concerns about its impact on health and marine life. Speaking at the site handover, Deputy Chief Minister II Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam said the project marks a long-overdue turning point for waste management in Sandakan. "This landfill will be rehabilitated and turned into usable, managed land. The waste that has piled up will be converted into something that can be sold," he said. Joachim said he hoped this solution would work – especially since technologies such as waste-to-energy were found to be unsuitable for Sabah. He added that if the Sandakan project proves successful, the state government intends to replicate it in other districts, starting with Papar. The Ignis 3R system, developed by parent company Ignis Environment Initiatives Sdn Bhd, uses a globally patented rehabilitation technology to process legacy waste without burning or open dumping. Decomposed materials are converted into usable by-products like oil, carbon and alternative fuels. Its implementation is led by SG Ignis Sabah chief executive officer Dr Davina Markus, a young Sabahan entrepreneur who brought the modified system from pilot projects in Johor to be scaled up in her home state. "This is not the first time the project is being done, but it is the first time in Sabah," said Dr Davina. "The technology has been upgraded and modified — and Sabah is the first to receive this improved version. The system is called Ignis 3R, and 'Ignis' means fire in Latin." Walter Kenson, president of the Sandakan Municipal Council (SMC), acknowledged that the Sg Sibuga landfill had long exceeded its capacity and was a burden to local governance. He said the council welcomes the rehabilitation as a much-needed relief. Also present at the event were Local Government and Housing Ministry permanent secretary Datuk Dr Jamili Nais, Karamunting assemblyman Datuk George Hiew Vun Zin and nominated assemblyman Datuk Jaffari Waliam.
Daily Express
6 days ago
- Business
- Daily Express
100pc rental hike for Sandakan stalls draws ire
Published on: Saturday, July 19, 2025 Published on: Sat, Jul 19, 2025 By: Abbey Junior Text Size: Tan talking to an affected hawker. SANDAKAN: A 100pc rental hike for stalls at Sandakan's central market night wholesale section has sparked outrage among traders, with a local leader urging the Sandakan Municipal Council (MPS) to step in. Warisan Pekan Sandakan branch chief Stanley Tan Vui Chung said he received complaints from hawkers operating in the late-night to early-morning section, where monthly rental has reportedly surged from RM150 to RM300. Advertisement This prompted him to visit the site and speak to the hawkers, many of whom were unhappy with the sudden increase. 'Most of them are upset because they don't understand why the rent has doubled overnight,' he said, adding that the section is managed by a private company appointed by MPS. About 80 hawkers are affected. Tan said they were previously charged RM2 per night (RM60 monthly), which was later raised to RM5 (RM150), and is now set to increase to RM10 per night (RM300 monthly). 'What makes this absurd is that these stalls don't even have basic amenities. No electricity, no water, no canopy — just a bare lot,' he said. In comparison, stalls inside MPS-controlled markets only pay RM60 a month and are equipped with fans, lighting, water supply and proper structures. 'Outside hawkers have to bring their own tents, lights, fans and water — and still pay more. It's unfair,' he added. Tan hopes the private company will reconsider the hike and take responsibility for providing basic facilities, saying the current situation is unacceptable. Although the fee was imposed by a private company, Tan reminded that the area still falls under the Council's jurisdiction and oversight. 'I urge MPS to inspect the site, review the charges imposed by the company and ensure fairness. The people are already burdened by the rising cost of living,' he said. * 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
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Express
Visit Sandakan Event Calendar
Published on: Wednesday, July 16, 2025 Published on: Wed, Jul 16, 2025 By: Mardinah Jikur Text Size: Teo with his committee during a meeting with Sandakan Municipal Council Deputy President, Wilson Thomas. SANDAKAN: Sandakan Tourism Association (Stan) will be launching a Visit Sandakan Event Calendar in conjunction with Visit Malaysi 2026 (VM26), as part of its promotional effort to further highlight Sandakan as the destination of choice for travellers. According to its President, Teo Chee Kim, Sandakan has seen an increase in major events being held here annually in recent years, such as the Elopura Marathon Sandakan, Borneo Bird Festival, Sandakan 'Little Hong Kong' High Pole Lion Dance Competition, Sepilok Jazz Festival among others. Advertisement These are high impact events that have attracted many visitors to Sandakan in recent years. 'Therefore, Stan will be collaborating with various local event organisers to launch a dedicated Visit Sandakan Event Calendar in gearing up for the big push towards VM26 campaign. This will be a perfect platform to announce to the world what Sandakan has in store to welcome the world over,' said Teo after leading the association's committee members to attend a coordination meeting with the Sandakan Municipal Council regarding the initiative recently. 'We are delighted that the iconic sun bear has been chosen as the VM26 icon and the world's only Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC) is located in Sandakan. We believe that this presents a great opportunity to further enhance Sandakan's reputation as the must-visit destination in Borneo,' he added. As such, Stan called on all interested event organisers who wish to include their events in the Visit Sandakan Event Calendar to contact Teo himself (014-3575908) or Deputy Secretary Catina Chia (011-18523080) for further information. 'The Visit Sandakan Event Calendar aims to showcase Sandakan as an up-and-coming venue for major events and, in turn, will help generate positive publicity that Sandakan is buzzing with hype and activity,' he said. * 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
