Latest news with #SawitKinabalu
New Straits Times
01-07-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Sawit Kinabalu tackles child labour through education and welfare programmes
KOTA KINABALU: Although Sawit Kinabalu's core business is palm oil production, the company places significant emphasis on protecting and nurturing the education and welfare of children living within and around its plantations. This commitment is demonstrated through a range of targeted programmes aimed at preventing child labour and promoting access to education. Sawit Kinabalu Group sustainability general manager Nazlan Mohamad said the state-owned company has established 28 Community Learning Centres (CLCs) across Sabah to address barriers to education among children of plantation workers. Six of them are located in Tawau, seven in Lahad Datu, six in Sandakan, four in Kudat, and five in Beaufort. "To ensure better access to education, Sawit Kinabalu builds and maintains CLCs within our estates, reducing travel difficulties and costs for families. "We also provide early childhood education centres and operate transportation services to safely shuttle children from workers' housing to nearby schools," Nazlan told the New Straits Times. These measures are designed not only to facilitate learning but also to prevent children from accompanying their parents to work sites, where they may be exposed to hazardous conditions. Beyond education, Sawit Kinabalu invests in health services, operating clinics within plantation areas that offer maternal and child healthcare, including vaccinations and routine check-ups, to support overall child development and well-being. The company also undertakes extensive awareness programmes targeting workers and their families, focusing on the risks of child labour, the importance of education for long-term personal and community development, and the legal repercussions of involving children in work. "We conduct parental training sessions to discourage the common practice of children 'helping out' on plantations, which often leads to them performing tasks beyond their capability and legal limits." To enhance monitoring and enforcement, Sawit Kinabalu has formed community monitoring groups comprising workers, local leaders and educators, who identify and report potential cases of child labour. The company also provides anonymous reporting channels to encourage confidential disclosures without fear of retaliation. In Sabah, there are approximately 2.1 million workers, including a significant number of non-resident employees. In 2023, there were 796,900 registered PBPs in Sabah, employed by 37,646 companies. Indonesians comprised the majority at 90.2 per cent, followed by Filipinos at 7.9 per cent, with smaller groups from Nepal and Cambodia. Agriculture, particularly oil palm plantations, is among Sabah's largest employment sectors, with around 591,800 workers. Of these, 58 per cent (roughly 344,700) are non-citizens, many of whom work in the oil palm industry. Children of non-resident employees typically face challenges accessing education due to insufficient documentation, affordability issues, and the distance from the nearest schools. Tuai Cerita is a fellowship designed to amplify the voices of Sabah's most vulnerable children. Through the power of storytelling and ethical journalism, the programme shines a light on child rights deprivations that contribute to child labour in and around oil palm plantations in Sabah. The programme is driven by local partners Anak and Global Shepherds, and implemented by Project Liber8. It is conducted in partnership with the European Union, the International Labour Organisation (ILO), and Unicef.
Daily Express
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Express
51 finalists for the 2025 National UNK pageants: cash prizes up
Published on: Tuesday, May 27, 2025 Published on: Tue, May 27, 2025 By: Ricardo Unto Text Size: State Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan 2024 winner Hyellene Danius (middle) shows the new sash for this year's winner while Joanna (right) and Mary look on. Kota Kinabalu: The cash prize has been increased for this year's State Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan, as organisers celebrate the pageant's 65th anniversary with renewed cultural vigour and growing national participation. Co-chairperson Mary Gambidau said RM15,000 would be awarded to the winner, up from RM12,000 previously, followed by RM12,000 for the first runner-up and RM10,000 for the second runner-up. Datuk Joanna Kitingan, who co-chairs the organising committee, said 51 finalists from across Malaysia have registered for the cultural pageant, which runs from May 26 to 31, forming the highlight of the annual Kaamatan Festival. 'This year's theme, 'Kaamatan for All', reflects our commitment to inclusivity and unity, bringing together participants and communities from every background to celebrate our shared cultural heritage,' Joanna told a press conference, Monday. She described the pageant as the oldest cultural event of its kind in Malaysia, possibly the world, with origins rooted in the legend of Huminodun - a unique distinction that gives it a spiritual and cultural depth unmatched by modern pageants. Joanna said the pageant's endurance over six and a half decades was thanks to the foresight of Sabah's early leaders who secured State-level recognition of Kaamatan from the British administration in 1960. Advertisement 'Without understanding our history, we cannot understand our identity,' she stressed, adding Unduk Ngadau remains a living celebration of heritage, resilience and the strength of womanhood in Kadazan Dusun culture. She noted that the event has grown significantly in scale over the years, symbolised by the move from smaller venues to the increasingly grand scale of the current hosting hall. Mary shared a line-up of cultural and educational activities scheduled throughout the week, ranging from photoshoots and a sashing ceremony to a short film competition on water and conservation. She said the Sodop Unduk Ngadau on May 28 would pay tribute to local designers by blending contemporary style with traditional attire, celebrating their role in preserving Sabah's visual culture. Joanna also highlighted efforts to strengthen documentation and research into traditional costumes, noting that each year has brought discoveries, including long-forgotten designs recovered through community consultation. 'These discoveries matter because they enrich our understanding of traditional dress, and we hope to establish a museum at KDCA to preserve them alongside our gallery,' she said. It was also disclosed that the top three winners will receive an additional RM5,500 monetary reward as well as scholarships worth RM85,000 in total. According to the organising committee, Sawit Kinabalu is sponsoring the top three cash prizes this year, while Jetama will support the awards for the remaining top seven finalists. The 2025 edition will proceed without a representative from Kinabatangan, but Joanna assured that the spirit of cultural continuity remains strong with 51 contestants carrying forward the tradition. She also reiterated the importance of intergenerational dialogue in preserving costume knowledge, encouraging families to ask elders about the meaning and significance behind their cultural dress. The Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan, which honours the sacrifice of Huminodun, is seen not just as a beauty contest, but as a platform that empowers women through cultural knowledge and community leadership. Representing their respective districts, sub-districts and KDCA branches, the finalists are Nelmui Muhari (KDCA Bandaraya), Evanatie Sannie (Bandaraya KK), Airiana Rannie Jospuin (Banggi), Steavaynie Ginadus (Beaufort), Alvera Tassry (Bingkor), and Rini Swanda Jukilin (Beluran). Ivy Davina David (Inanam), Ally Lyverra Julius (Johor), Yohana Petrus (Kalabakan), Carolyn Tony (Kapayan), Jaclyn Ashley Honorius Jillu (Karambunai), Bibiana Wong Pau Yun (Kemabong), Lesdianaley Matius (Keningau) and Celarin Jenny (Kiulu). The Klang Valley is represented by Norasnish Madjalan, along with Allvera Azerra Jaunik (Kota Belud), Adrina Alvera Kladius (Kota Marudu), Hazeville Tan (Kuala Penyu), Dolly Haizal Densol (Kudat) and Einnawenda Wenceslaus (Kunak). Other contestants include Lorain Ephrin Chan (Labuan), Paige Naville Chong (Lahad Datu), Velleryn Vivienne Hikson (Matunggong), Brolyn Bilid Benjamin (Melaka), Dellysia Juanis (Membakut), Melleney Melvin (Menumbok) and Emylia Easter (Nabawan). Velintinah Marcus (Pagalungan), De Souza Rojar (Paitan), Ann Rachel Oilon (Papar), Slecther Myranda Floyd (Penampang), Raysendra Protasious @ Raynolf (Penang) and Petronelizin Jackson (Perak). Nicolyn Rosleen (Pitas), Sabrina Tubong (Putatan), Emelka Ryner (Putrajaya), Jenylin Janis (Ranau), Elly Reachel Marcus (Sandakan) and Izavel Alesandra Beko (Sarawak). Pinqie Ivany Benrond (Semporna), Michelle Labo (Sipitang), Jacqlyna Doney (Sook), Elka Alika Pijeh (Tambunan), Atitih Yatih Robert (Tamparuli), Cherub Sharleena Cassdey (Tanjung Aru), Mercy Steffie Wong (Tawau), Fellisa Earla (Telupid), Fayedonna Romeo (Tenom), Winddy Pearl Gibson (Tongod), April Adelaide Agedius (Tuaran) and Rosa Eligius (Tungku). These finalists will take part in various activities throughout the cultural pageant week, culminating in the highly anticipated grand finale at Hongkod Koisaan, KDCA, Penampang. * 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
15-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Hajiji applauds Sawit Kinabalu's anti-corruption plan
KOTA KINABALU (May 15): Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor welcomed the Sawit Kinabalu Group's move to introduce the Organizational Anti-Corruption Plan (OACP) 2025-2029, a strategic initiative aimed at strengthening the culture of integrity and good governance at all levels of the organization. 'I encourage all departments and government-linked companies (GLCs) to emulate such approach in reinforcing integrity values and enhancing public trust in government institutions,' he stated. He added that the OACP is an initiative to create efficient, credible and corruption-free administration. Hajiji, who is also the chairman of Sawit Kinabalu, said the implementation of the OACP should not merely fulfill policy requirements, but it should become a norm in the work culture of GLCs and government agencies. The Chief Minister said this after receiving the OACP from Sawit Kinabalu Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Datuk Victor Ationg at the Menera Kinabalu here today. Accompanying Victor during the courtesy visit to the Chief Minister was Sawit Kinabalu Group's Integrity and Governance Division team.
The Star
15-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Strengthen integrity to boost public trust, Hajiji tells govt depts and GLCs
(third right) Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, Datuk Victor Ationg (third left) and Sawit Kinabalu Integrity and Governance Division team showing the OACP 2025-2029 book KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor has called upon all departments and government-linked companies (GLCs) to reinforce integrity and enhance trust in public institutions. He made the call Thursday (May 15) after Sawit Kinabalu introduced the Organisational Anti-Corruption Plan (OACP) 2025-2029, a strategic initiative aimed at strengthening integrity and good governance at all levels of the organisation. In welcoming the move, he said the OACP is an initiative to create an efficient, credible and corruption-free administration. 'I encourage all departments and GLCs to emulate this approach in reinforcing integrity and enhancing public trust in government institutions,' said Hajiji, who is also Sawit Kinabalu chairman. He said the implementation of the OACP should not just be to fulfil policy requirements, but become a norm in the work culture of GLCs and government agencies. Earlier, Sawit Kinabalu Group managing director and chief executive officer Datuk Victor Ationg presented the OACP to Hajiji at his office at Menara Kinabalu here. Accompanying Victor during the courtesy visit to the Chief Minister was the group's Integrity and Governance Division team.
Daily Express
30-04-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Sawit inks deal on byproducts
Published on: Wednesday, April 30, 2025 Published on: Wed, Apr 30, 2025 Text Size: Datuk Chan Foong Hin, Deputy Minister of Plantations and Commodities witnessed the signing ceremony between Kunak Lipids Sdn Bhd and BOCE Trade Service Company Ltd. Kota Kinabalu: Sawit Kinabalu through its subsidiary Kunak Lipids Sdn Bhd signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a Shanghai-based trading company Boce Trade Service Company Ltd to produce palm oil refinery by-products and meet the Chinese market demand. The ceremony was witnessed by Deputy Minister of Plantations and Commodities Datuk Chan Foong Hin at Shangri-la Pudong Shanghai on June 13. Sawit Kinabalu through Kunak Lipids Sdn Bhd is set to revolutionise the production of tocotrienols, a potent form of vitamin E, by utilising palm oil refinery waste. The large-scale production is expected to commence in the first quarter of 2025 and aligned with the government's vision to foster economic and environmental sustainability in Sabah. Kunak Lipids Sdn Bhd stands out as the only Malaysian company solely dedicated to producing tocotrienols by extracting them from palm oil waste on a grand scale. Kunak Lipids employs proprietary technology and high-precision equipment to capture tocotrienols from refined byproducts, reducing environmental waste and creating wealth, thereby contributing to the state's economic and environmental goals. Recognising the high demand for tocotrienols in China, Kunak Lipids, with support from MPOB PORTSIM, identified significant market potential during initial marketing explorations. Unexpectedly high requests for distributorship emerged from three major cities, with Shanghai being particularly promising. During the visit to Shanghai from June 9 to 14, the team from Sawit Kinabalu, including senior management and board members engaged with potential distributors and manufacturers, who have shown strong interest in tocotrienols and other phytonutrients that can be extracted from palm oil. Cosmetics manufacturers, for instance, are also keen to obtain tocotrienols for their products. Additionally, the team identified a high demand for biodiesel derived from palm oil. Kunak Lipids Sdn Bhd is well-positioned to expand its production into these areas, leveraging the vast waste resources from Sawit Kinabalu's palm oil mills to meet Chinese market demands. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * 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
