Latest news with #Wong
Daily Express
38 minutes ago
- Daily Express
Sun bear centre draws 79,362 visitors
Published on: Saturday, June 28, 2025 Published on: Sat, Jun 28, 2025 Text Size: Liew, accompanied by Dr Wong, viewing the sun bears from an observation platform. SANDAKAN: The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment has nurtured the growth and development of the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC) since its inception in 2008. Its Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew said BSBCC, the only one of its kind in the world for protection of this endangered species, is a partnership project with the Sabah Wildlife Department (JHL), an agency under the Ministry, and Sabah Forestry Department. Sun bears are a Class 1 Protected Species under the state's Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997. 'Last year, we allocated RM228,420 for the construction of Phase 1 of the Entrance Foyer, which has since been completed. This year saw an additional allocation of RM250,000 for construction of Phase 2 of the Entrance Foyer. Work is expected to start this year,' Liew told reporters after a recent visit to the centre here. The Minister noted that this 17-year-old tourist attraction, which is home to 42 rescued sun bears, draws local and international visitors like a magnet. 'I was informed by its Founder and CEO Dr (Hon) Wong Siew Te that the Centre received 79,362 visitors in 2024, with an average of 6613 visitors per month. That year, there were international visitors from 115 countries with the United Kingdom, Australia and Italy being the top three international nationalities that visited the Centre. 'The peak season is from July to October generating the most number of visitors. In fact, we have more Malaysian visitors during the school holidays,' she said. Educationists, researchers, school children and teachers, wildlife conservationists, animal lovers, and the like make up the composition of visitors and tourists, the majority being nature lovers and nature-based tourists. Many may not be aware that the BSBCC is also the main implementing agency for the 10-Year State Sun Bear Action Plan, Liew said. The main attraction to visitors at BSBCC is watching the sun bears' natural behaviour in their natural habitat, the rainforest. 'Sometimes visitors can see the bears climbing and sleeping high on the trees. Random feedings enable the visitors to see them eating as well,' said Dr Wong. According to him, all the sun bears at the BSBCC have been rescued from illegal pet keeping after their mothers were brutally killed by poachers. Over the past 17 years, the Sabah Wildlife Department (JHL) has rescued 70 sun bear orphans and sent them to the conservation centre, he disclosed. Liew commended Dr Wong for his unwavering commitment, patience and perseverance in keeping the BSBCC afloat, despite the multiple challenges that came his way. In a guided tour, he drew the Minister's attention to sun bears kept in Pen B, C, and D, where visitors can view and learn about them. 'We regard them as ambassadors for their species to raise awareness among the general public, apart from being subjects of our research projects,' said the wildlife conservationist. Sharing his multitasking role as the founder and owner of BSBCC, Dr Wong said: 'Since founding the Centre 17 years ago, I have been running the place at all levels, from designing the facility, taking care of the bears, and conducting education and research programs to development of the Centre and fund-raising efforts. Everything that you can think of, even gardening and cleaning the toilets. 'We try our best to take good care of the bears and rehabilitate them. Thirteen rescued sun bears were successfully rehabilitated and released back into the wild. In addition, the latest two rescued sun bear cubs have been sent to Tabin Wildlife Reserve to undergo the 'soft-release' program.' Acknowledging the Ministry's contribution, Dr Wong said KePKAS has helped BSBCC a lot for the past 17 years. 'The Ministry even helped us to raise funds for the Centre to get off the ground in 2008, and gave us a grant for our operational cost in 2013. I hope the Ministry will continue to support our work in the future.' He said the Sabah Tourism Board (STB), an agency under KePKAS, has assisted him in many ways to promote the Centre to the local tourism market and internationally, too. 'On our part, our promotional efforts are through social media platforms (FB, Tiktok, X, YouTube) and websites.' In retrospect, Dr Wong said in the infant years (from 2008 to 2013), BSBCC survived on public donations and grants from various funders across the world, adding 'Since opening to the public on January 16, 2014, we have been depending heavily on ticketing fees and souvenir purchase revenue to run the centre. ' Admittedly, his greatest challenge in operating the Centre is the need to seek sufficient funds, not only to maintain the facility but also to expand it wherever necessary. 'Yes, finding competent staff to help me manage the Centre is also a big challenge.' On his future plans, the farsighted Founder and CEO envisions a third observation platform, an interpretation centre and new office building, and a captive breeding enclosure. 'For BSBCC, these construction plans need financing. I have an undying passion and boundless energy to work for another 30 years. By that time, I am sure I have a lot of successors who can take over my life mission,' Dr Wong quipped. He added that he still needs to raise RM1,000,000 to build the Field Office and staff house for the Tabin Sun Bear Project. * 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
38 minutes ago
- Science
- Daily Express
UMS Sandakan students get taste of sun bear conservation
Published on: Saturday, June 28, 2025 Published on: Sat, Jun 28, 2025 Text Size: Student volunteers from UMS Sandakan pose during the preparation and design of enrichment items for the sun bears. SANDAKAN: A group of students from the Faculty of Sustainable Agriculture, University of Malaysia Sabah (UMS) Sandakan recently spent their morning contributing to wildlife conservation efforts by volunteering at the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC), Sepilok, Mile 14, here. The initiative, titled Hands for Paws, was organised by the Faculty of Sustainable Agriculture Students' Association. It brought together 19 undergraduate students from various Agricultural Science majors, along with their accompanying lecturer, Dr Sharif Azmi Abdurahman. Throughout the half-day programme, the students were involved in a series of conservation activities under the guidance of Boniface Joss, Bear Care Coordinator, and Kelson Kuangon, Bear Keeper at BSBCC. These included cleaning sun bear enclosures, carrying out fence maintenance, and enhancing the natural surroundings of the centre. They also planted native tree saplings such as Belian, Kapur Paji, and Laran Putih, which were contributed by the Sabah Forestry Department. In a more creative and engaging task, the students designed and prepared enrichment items for the bears, such as puzzle logs filled with hidden treats. These items stimulate natural behaviours like foraging and exploring, while also supporting the bears' mental well-being. After placing them inside the enclosures, the students observed the bears' responses from the observation platform. 'Organising Hands for Paws has been an eye-opening journey,' said Jeff Winter Joseph, the programme director. 'It gave us first-hand insight into conservation work and reminded us how even small efforts can contribute to something much larger. We hope this initiative inspires more students to get involved in volunteerism and conservation.' He added. He said the experience taught them not only about wildlife care, but also about teamwork, leadership, and the importance of doing something meaningful beyond academic life. A highlight of the visit was a special session with Dr Wong Siew Te, Chief Executive Officer and founder of BSBCC, who praised the group for their efforts. 'I deeply thank the students from UMS Sandakan for their contributions today.' 'Everyone did a great job even though but what matters most is the spirit and commitment from the students,' Wong said. Wong has worked with sun bears for over 27 years. He also reminded the students that the sun bear is the world's least-known bear species. He stressed the importance of education, awareness, and youth involvement in ensuring their survival. Wong also welcomed the opportunity for more collaborations between students and the centre in the future. The programme left a lasting impact on the students, many of whom were visiting BSBCC for the first time. They described the experience as unforgettable, particularly the rare opportunity to enter the sun bear enclosures, which are usually off-limits to the public. Several shared how working alongside BSBCC staff gave them a deeper understanding of the vital conservation work carried out at the centre. One student summed up the experience by saying, 'It's one thing to learn about conservation in class. But seeing it up close, getting your hands dirty and being a part of it is something we'll carry with us long after we graduate.' The students left the centre not only with muddy boots and tired arms, but also with a renewed appreciation for environmental efforts and a stronger motivation to take part in future community and volunteer initiatives. The student organisers aim to carry out similar efforts in the near future, continuing the same spirit of service, learning, and environmental engagement. * 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
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Express
Fighting against drug abuse via film screening drive
Published on: Saturday, June 28, 2025 Published on: Sat, Jun 28, 2025 By: Cynthia D Baga Text Size: Wong (centre) taking a group photo with the members of the Lions Clubs International after the press conference. Kota Kinabalu: Lions Clubs International is once again stepping up the fight against drug abuse with the launch of 'No More Drugs 1.2'. This is the second phase of its highly praised campaign aimed at empowering youth, tackling hotspot districts, and strengthening community-wide action against drugs abuse in Sabah. Organising Chairperson Nelson Wong following the remarkable success of 'No More Drugs 1.0' earlier this year through screenings for the impactful anti-drug film No More Drugs, which engaged more than 8,000 participants across major towns including Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan and Tawau in which the new phase seeks to continue the momentum with renewed focus and broader outreach. 'No More Drugs 1.2' will now expand its reach to communities in Kota Kinabalu, Keningau and Tenom. 'This is more than a campaign, it's a promise to our youth, our future and we are targeting 6,000 people this time. We are deeply committed to addressing the root causes of drug abuse and giving young people the strength and knowledge to choose a healthier path,' said Wong at a press conference on Friday. Wong said the screening and outreach sessions for the campaign are scheduled to begin on July 16 in Kota Kinabalu, with the first programme set to take place at St. Michael, at 2pm. 'On July 17, the campaign moves to Keningau with a morning programme at SJK (C) Yuk Yin at 9am followed by sessions at SJK (C) Yuk Kong and SMJK Ken Hwa (CF). 'A public screening will also be held that evening at 7pm at SJK (C) Yuk Yin. On July 18, the focus shifts to Tenom with events scheduled across multiple schools including SM Chung Hwa, SJK (C) Chung Hwa, Tenom Tshung Tsin Secondary School, SJK (C) Tsi Sin and Maktab Nasional. 'The final day of the campaign, July 19, brings the initiative back to Kota Kinabalu with screenings at SM Tshung Tsin in the morning, Yue Min in Penampang in the afternoon, and a final programme at Holy Seal, City Mall, at 5pm,' Wong said. According to Wong, the 'No More Drugs 1.0' left a lasting impression with attendees from diverse backgrounds including students, educators, and community leaders. 'The campaign delivered powerful testimonies and hosted interactive awareness sessions that sparked crucial conversations and real change in affected communities. 'In 'No More Drugs 1.2,' participants can also expect a wide array of youth-focused activities including forum, film screenings, school assemblies, and creative workshops designed to educate and inspire. 'The campaign will also work in close collaboration with local authorities, schools and NGOs to reinforce local support systems. 'Public service messaging will be shared through social media, local radio stations, and community bulletin boards. Free counselling resources and rehabilitation referrals will also be available at various campaign events. 'By continuing to provide safe spaces for open dialogue and awareness, Lions Clubs International remains steadfast in its mission to help young people in Sabah build a brighter, drug-free future,' said Wong, adding the campaign underscores its message with a powerful reminder, 'When You Say No To Drugs, You Say Yes to Dreams and Better Future'. Among the main sponsors of the campaign are the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment (KePKAS), WSG Group, Delicious Curry House Sdn Bhd, Sabah Publishing House Sdn Bhd, Crest Megaway Sdn Bhd, and Bazaar 2.0. Additional sponsors for 'No More Drugs 1.2' include TCT Trading – WareHouz, Ho Chiak Kopitiam, and Yit Foh Factory and Park Sdn Bhd. As Sabah continues to face challenges related to substance abuse, initiatives like 'No More Drugs' are a beacon of hope for many communities driven by education, compassion, and the belief that every youth deserves the chance to thrive. * 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
The Star
4 hours ago
- General
- The Star
Dearer durians due to unfavourable weather, smaller harvest
Wong (third from right) checking out the varieties of durian supplied by a Balik Pulau vendor at the event. — CHAN BOON KAI/The Star WITH strong demand and unfavourable weather resulting in more costly durians this year, indulging in the thorny fruit can burn a hole in the pocket. This makes community durian parties – like the one organised by Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Wong Yuee Harng – a great opportunity to feast to the heart's content. A Balik Pulau farm supplied roughly 450kg of the 'King of Fruits' for the event that was held at the Penang Youth Centre hall in Acheh Street, George Town. Around 150 guests attended, including community leaders, government agency officials, city councillors and local media. Among them were the constituency's women and family development committee members Yun Chiew Eng, 58, Rose Gooi, 57, and Lim Hooi Chin, 48. Yun said durian parties were something she enjoyed attending every year, not just to sample the pungent treats but also for the atmosphere and camaraderie. 'It's very lau juak (merriment) as they say in Hokkien. 'As the farms collaborate directly with the service centre, the durians supplied are always of good quality,' she said. 'One can eat a lot and try many different varieties without having to worry about the price,' Yun added. Gooi expressed similar thoughts and said every piece she had on the day was tasty. 'I enjoyed the occasion. 'It's nice tucking in with good friends,' she added in between taking selfies with the durians. This is the second year that Wong's service centre hosted a durian party as a gesture of thanks to all those serving the local community. 'Penangites love their durians. So, what better way to show our appreciation? 'Many growers have said harvests would be smaller this season. 'We wanted to make sure everyone got the chance to sample the best fruits before the season was over,' said Wong. He said a secondary aim was to promote Penang durians from local growers to the wider public and foreign tourists. To address the issue of durians from other states and neighbouring countries like Thailand being misrepresented as Penang durians by unscrupulous vendors, the state agrotechnology, food security and cooperative development committee launched a Track and Trace system for durians at the start of June. 'This will ensure our local growers are not sidelined and consumers can have confidence in Penang durians,' Wong said of the initiative.
Time Magazine
8 hours ago
- Politics
- Time Magazine
Trump and Bondi Say Supreme Court Ruling Will Unblock Agenda
President Donald Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi told reporters Friday that the Supreme Court's decision limiting nationwide court injunctions—which took the legs out of what has been one of the few checks on Trump's executive authority—will enable the Trump Administration to enact its policies more quickly. The ruling from the high court's conservative majority curtailed lower courts' power to block Trump's policies nationwide, largely wiping away a bulwark that has prevented some of the President's most aggressive actions from going into effect. 'Thanks to this decision we can now promptly file to proceed with numerous polices that have been wrongly enjoined on a nationwide basis,' Trump said during a press conference at the White House following the ruling. 'These judges have attempted to dictate the law for the entire nation,' he added, calling the federal judges who have stood in his way 'absolutely crazy, radical left judges.' For months, federal courts have slowed Trump's efforts to expand the use of presidential authority in order to eliminate federal agencies, slash the federal workforce, speed up deportations, and redefine who gets American citizenship at birth. The judicial pushback has been a rare source of restraint on the President's agenda from within the government, as Republicans in control of both the House and Senate have not defended Congressional authority over federal funding. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer warned Friday that the Supreme Court decision is a 'terrifying step toward authoritarianism' and 'a grave danger to our democracy.' Among the initiatives Trump will try to push forward now that the obstacle of nationwide injunctions has been removed is his directive to deny citizenship to people born inside the U.S., he said. Trump issued an executive order on his first day in office attempting to redefine who should be recognized as a U.S. citizen at birth, challenging a precedent that has been settled law since 1898. Trump's order was blocked nationwide by district court rulings. But the Supreme Court ruled Friday that such court injunctions would only apply in the part of the country where they originated, which could lead to citizenship being granted differently depending where in the U.S. someone is born. The Supreme Court will consider in October the broader question of whether Trump has the authority to redefine the 127-year-old interpretation of citizenship established by the court itself. In 1898, the Supreme Court ruled that the 14th Amendment of the Constitution, which states that 'all persons born or naturalized in the United States' are citizens of the country, guaranteed the citizenship of a Chinese-American cook named Wong Kim Ark. After a trip to China, immigration officials tried to deny Wong entry back into the U.S. under the Chinese Exclusion Act, which barred Chinese nationals from migrating to the U.S. at the time. But the court confirmed in a 6-to-2 decision that Wong was a citizen by birth, setting a precedent that birthright citizenship in the U.S. is universal. Trump wants to unwind that precedent. The 14th Amendment was ratified in the wake of the Civil War to clarify who had citizenship rights and equal protection under U.S. law. Trump said the constitutional amendment wasn't designed to broadly define citizenship by birth and instead was 'meant for the babies of slaves.' Birthright citizenship 'wasn't meant for people trying to scam the system and come into the country on a vacation,' Trump said at the White House on Friday. Attorney General Pam Bondi said that the Supreme Court decision against nationwide injunctions will give federal authorities a freer hand to deport people suspected of being gang members. Courts have repeatedly ruled that the Trump Administration has overstepped its authority by deporting people without first presenting evidence to a court that they are public safety threats. "You should all feel safer now that President Trump can deport all of these gangs, and not one district court judge can think they're an emperor over this administration, his executive powers and why the people of the United States elected him,' Bondi said. In March, the Trump Administration deported to a notorious prison in El Salvador more than 230 Venezuelans from the U.S. that it said were members of a Venezuelan gang called Tren de Aragua. But the Administration has not shown evidence to a court or the public that all of those men were gang members or posed a threat to public safety that merits their being imprisoned in another country. On Friday, Bondi said similar arrests have been carried out much more broadly: The Trump Administration, she said, had arrested 2,711 people it says are Tren de Aragua gang members. The Supreme Court's decision to hem in the lower courts may allow Trump to expand his immigration crackdown with even fewer checks on his power.
