Latest from Borneo Post
Borneo Post
an hour ago
- Climate
- Borneo Post
Europe bakes in summer's first heatwave as continent warms
A woman protects herself from the sun with a hand fan near Bridge of Sighs in Venice, Italy on a hot summer day in Venice on June 28, 2025. – AFP photo MARSEILLE (June 28): Sweating Europeans braced today for the first heatwave of the northern hemisphere summer, as climate change pushes the world's fastest-warming continent's thermometers increasingly into the red. Temperatures are set to rise to 37 degrees Celsius (99 degrees Fahrenheit) in Rome, driving the Eternal City's many tourists and Catholic pilgrims to the Vatican alike towards the Italian capital's some 2,500 public fountains for refreshment. With residents of the southern port city of Marseille expected to have to cope with temperatures flirting with 40C (104F), authorities in France's second-largest city ordered public swimming pools to be made free of charge to help residents beat the Mediterranean heat. Two-thirds of Portugal will be on high alert on Sunday for extreme heat and forest fires with 42C (108F) expected in the capital Lisbon, while visitors to — and protesters against — Amazon tycoon Jeff Bezos's Friday wedding in Venice likewise sweltered under the summer sun. 'I try not to think about it, but I drink a lot of water and never stay still, because that's when you get sunstroke,' Sriane Mina, an Italian student, told AFPTV on Friday in Venice. Meanwhile Spain, which has in past years seen a series of deadly summer blazes ravaging the Iberian peninsula, is expecting peak temperatures in excess of 40C (104F) across most of the country from Sunday. Scientists have long warned that humanity's burning of fossil fuels is heating up the world with disastrous consequences for the environment, with Europe's ever-hotter and increasingly common blistering summer heatwaves a direct result of that warming. With peaks of 39C (102F) expected in Naples and Palermo, Sicily has ordered a ban on outdoor work in the hottest hours of the day, as has the Liguria region in northern Italy. The country's trade unions are campaigning to extend the measure to other parts of the country. The heatwave comes hot on the heels of a series of tumbling records for extreme heat, including Europe's hottest March ever, according to the EU's Copernicus climate monitor. As a result of the planet's warming, extreme weather events including hurricanes, droughts, floods and heatwaves like this weekend's have become more frequent and intense, scientists warn. By some estimates 2024, the hottest year in recorded history so far, saw worldwide disasters which cost more than US$300 billion. – AFP
Borneo Post
an hour ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Six more Sabah politicians implicated in corruption
File photo for illustration purposes only. KOTA KINABALU (June 28): Six more politicians in Sabah have been accused of involvement in the mining licence scandal. A MalaysiaKini report on Saturday alleged that among the politicians named are from two local parties. The portal claimed that a source who spoke on condition of anonymity has provided them with screenshots allegedly taken from a video recording involving the political leaders, with the total amount of alleged bribery involving RM3.96 million between the six individuals. The source had further alleged that one of them received the highest amount of RM1.78 million, followed by two who received RM600,000 each. The other three allegedly received RM530,000, RM300,000 and RM150,000. In addition to the video evidence, the source claimed that WhatsApp messages and other documents exist to support the transactions. With the latest development, 15 politicians have been implicated in corrupt activities between 2023 and 2024, in exchange for assistance in processing mineral exploration licence applications. Last week, Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said that two state assemblymen and a businessman are expected to be charged later this month.
Borneo Post
an hour ago
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Record-breaking ‘itut' to swing into action at BCF 2025
Abang Carrol (standing sixth left) joins the volunteer crew for a group photo following the successful installation of the itut today. SIBU (June 28): A record-breaking 'itut' — a giant Melanau swing measuring 50 feet in height — has been erected at Dataran Tun Tuanku Bujang Phase I for the upcoming 21st Borneo Cultural Festival (BCF), set to take place from July 3 to 12. Kampung Nangka Melanau Welfare Association chairman, Councillor Abang Carrol Abang Dris, said the itut has become a symbolic highlight of the festival since its introduction in 2015. 'This marks the 11th consecutive year that the itut has been featured at the BCF. It is gaining popularity as it attracts people of all backgrounds to participate,' he told The Borneo Post when met during the ceremonial installation of the swing today. Abang Carrol, who also chairs the itut organising committee, noted that this year's structure stands slightly taller than last year's 46-foot version. He explained that the swing's poles were sourced from the Permai area, while the steps were crafted using logs from Kampung Banyok. 'Due to the nature of the timber used, the logs are only suitable for one-time use. We will dismantle the itut after the festival and replace it annually. Typically, the wood lasts only up to six months,' he said. The swing will be open to the public from 7pm to 11pm throughout the festival. Last year, organisers faced challenges in achieving their target of 100 participants per day due to three consecutive days of rain. This year, they hope to attract up to 1,200 visitors over the course of the celebration. Abang Carrol highlighted that the itut has evolved into an inclusive attraction, drawing increasing participation beyond the Melanau community, especially among children. 'This is the most meaningful part- bringing people together in unity through a traditional activity,' he said. On safety, he stressed that strict precautions are in place. 'We ensure participants are fit to use the swing. Individuals with high blood pressure, a fear of heights, or those under the influence of alcohol are not permitted to participate,' he said. He also pointed out that the swing would be closed during rain to prioritise public safety. Construction of the itut involved the installation of two large poles with the assistance of a crane and support from volunteers and government agency representatives. A test run is scheduled for Monday (July 1).
Borneo Post
an hour ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sarawak scales up entrepreneur support through skills, grants, digital tools
Awang Tengah (fourth right) prepares to officiate at SUS 2025, witnessed by (from left) Iskandar, Ripin, Malcolm, Asfia, Naroden, Pang and Dzulkornain. BINTULU (June 28): The Sarawak government remains steadfast in its commitment to enhancing entrepreneurial development across the state. According to Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, the state administration is actively building entrepreneurial capacity through initiatives focused on essential skills such as accounting fundamentals and digital proficiency. He added that between 2021 and April 2025, the State Ministry of International Trade, Industry and Investment (Mintred), together with state and federal agencies, had implemented over 930 capacity-building programmes that had benefitted more than 73,000 entrepreneurs throughout Sarawak. 'Access to business assistance, whether financial or advisory, is crucial for entrepreneurs to start, sustain and grow their ventures,' said Awang Tengah, also the state Minister of Natural Resources and Urban Development, in his opening remarks for the Showcase Usahawan Sarawak (SUS) 2025 at Times Square Megamall here on Friday. The event, which concludes today, was jointly organised by Mintred and its strategic partners. Also present at the opening ceremony were Sarawak State Legislative Assembly Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar; Deputy Minister for Mintred, Datuk Dr Malcolm Mussen Lamoh; Deputy State Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development, Datuk Dr Ripin Lamat; assemblymen Iskandar Turkee (Jepak) and Johnny Pang (Tanjong Batu), as well as Mintred advisor Dato Sri Mohd Naroden Majais and its permanent secretary Dzulkornain Masron. Adding on, Awang Tengah said the Sarawak government had rolled out extensive support programmes through Mintred, as well as departments and agencies including the Department of Agriculture Sarawak, Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC), and Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (STIDC). 'Mintred alone has channelled RM204 million in assistance to more than 41,800 MSMEs (micro small-and-medium enterprises) in Sarawak under various programmes including the Graduate Towards Entrepreneurship (GERAK) and Technical and Vocational Entrepreneurs (USTEV) , which provide grants of up to RM20,000 to graduates and skilled school-leavers to help them start up and expand their businesses. 'The government also runs the Go Digital programme, offering grants of up to RM10,000 to facilitate the purchase of digital hardware, software and services. 'The Sarawak Micro Credit Scheme (SKMS) provides financial assistance for MSMEs to expand their operations, while the Small and Medium Industry Loan Scheme (SPIKS) supports Bumiputera-owned SMEs in obtaining working capital, purchasing equipment, or renovating business premises. 'Additionally, the 'Jum REGISTA Bisnes', implemented by Mintred in collaboration with other agencies, has helped register 4,280 informal entrepreneurs into the formal business sector.' Awang Tengah thus called upon Sarawak entrepreneurs to actively seize the opportunities offered through these government initiatives to grow and future-proof their businesses. 'To date, over 178,000 entrepreneurs in Sarawak have received support from both state and federal agencies, amounting to more than RM3.3 billion. These efforts will continue to ensure our entrepreneurs thrive and scale up their ventures.' Meanwhile, a total of RM1,556,000 was disbursed to the participants of entrepreneurial assistance, in connection with SUS 2025 here. On the showcase, Awang Tengah highlighted it as a platform not only to showcase and market quality products from across Sarawak's districts and divisions, but also to connect local entrepreneurs with wider markets. 'The 2024 SUS editions in Miri and AEON Mall Tebrau City in Johor Bahru generated RM17.7 million in combined sales, with participation from 100 Sarawakian entrepreneurs. 'One standout success story from SUS in Miri is Watiza Agrofarm Sdn Bhd, a company that produces salted duck eggs. Through business-matching sessions, they achieved RM1 million in potential sales,' he said. Watiza Agrofarm further raised Sarawak's profile at the national level when, on Jan 20 this year, it emerged as a winner in the Rural Business Challenge (RBC) 2.0, organised by the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW), which earned it a business grant of RM500,000. The SUS 2025 event also involved the participation of six major retail chains – Emart, Everrise, AEON, Doremart, Mydin, and Mari Mart – with projected sales of RM3 million. In addition, Mintred, in collaboration with the Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC), had set up a 'live streaming booth' to enable entrepreneurs promote and sell their products online via TikTok Shop live sessions. Other activities include the 'Kamek Digital Entrepreneurial Transformation Course' at Promenade Hotel Bintulu, which signed up over 150 participants, as well as an embroidery workshop held on the main SUS stage. The next SUS is scheduled to take place at Queensbay Mall in Penang this Aug 28 until Sept 1. Awang Tengah entrepreneurial development Mintred
Borneo Post
an hour ago
- Automotive
- Borneo Post
Consumer group seeks clear guidelines on reporting reckless driving safely
David Chan KOTA KINABALU (June 28): The National Consumer Foundation Malaysia (Sabah Chapter) appreciates the recent remarks by Transport Minister Anthony Loke, encouraging the public to record and report incidents of reckless driving involving buses and lorries. This proactive call to public participation is commendable and timely, said chairman of the consumer group, David Chan. However, he said many responsible motorists have voiced valid concerns: 1. How can ordinary drivers safely take photos or record videos of dangerous bus or lorry drivers while driving without risking a traffic offence themselves? The public is uncertain whether such actions, even when done with good intentions, may violate traffic laws. 2. Use of Mobile Phones While Driving: It is well known that the Road Transport Department (JPJ) strictly prohibits the use of handphones while driving, and such usage may result in a summons or compound fine, as it poses serious risks to road safety. 3. Risk of Road Accidents: Attempting to photograph or record reckless drivers while in motion may distract motorists, potentially causing accidents or putting lives in danger, especially on highways or narrow roads. In light of the above, the National Consumer Foundation calls upon Loke and the Ministry of Transport to issue a clear guideline on: When and how the public can legally and safely capture footage of reckless commercial vehicle drivers; Whether dashcams and passenger-recorded videos are the recommended method for gathering such evidence; Whether such evidence will be officially accepted by JPJ and APAD for enforcement actions. 'We support the Transport Minister's call for public engagement in enhancing road safety. However, it must be done without compromising legal compliance or public safety. 'We urge the ministry to consider launching a nationwide awareness campaign, encouraging the use of safe recording tools such as dashcams and providing proper reporting channels such as a mobile app or online platform,' said Chan in a statement on Saturday. 'We believe consumer safety on Malaysian roads is a shared responsibility. While enforcement authorities must act firmly against rogue drivers and negligent transport operators, the public should be empowered — not penalized — for doing the right thing,' he added.
