Latest news with #DBP
Daily Express
2 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Express
Call to preserve Sabah's indigenous languages
Published on: Tuesday, July 01, 2025 Published on: Tue, Jul 01, 2025 By: Noor Zafira Zayn Text Size: Fadhlina (left) with Tun Musa during the symbolic launch of DBP's 69th anniversary. Kota Kinabalu: Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek has called on the younger generation to play a proactive role in preserving and strengthening indigenous languages, particularly in Sabah where ethnic and linguistic diversity is rich. She said many young people in the state still lack fluency in their native tongues, and urged them to take up the responsibility of keeping these languages alive. 'Our main focus is to ensure the survival of various local languages in Sabah—such as Bajau, Kadazan, Dusun, Murut, Rungus, Iranun and others—by encouraging the younger generation to learn and master them,' she said. Fadhlina was speaking at the 69th Anniversary Celebration of Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP), held at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC),here, on Saturday. She said DBP's long-standing contribution in preserving knowledge and promoting the Malay language had reached a mature stage, and its role must now expand with stronger commitment and relevance. 'With age comes boldness—69 years is a significant milestone for DBP. The introduction of the standard framework for Bahasa Melayu reflects the government's dedication to elevate its status across all sectors, as the national language with intellectual and cultural value,' she said. Fadhlina also highlighted the role of technology in advancing language mastery and ensuring the nation is not left behind in the digital age. 'Artificial intelligence, for example, is a crucial tool in our efforts to empower language,' she said, while also expressing admiration for Sabah's many talented writers and literary figures. Quoting the Prime Minister, she said: 'The strength of a nation lies in knowledge, intellect and language—key elements in building a civilisation, embodied in the phrase 'language is the soul of a nation'. Also present at the event was the Head of State, Tun Datuk Seri Musa Aman. The ceremony also saw the launch of a biography on a notable DBP figure and the unveiling of the National Language Research Index. The event was further enlivened with exhibitions and booths featuring a wide range of DBP publications and educational materials. * 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 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Express
Sabah targets Kota Kinabalu as literary city status
Published on: Tuesday, July 01, 2025 Published on: Tue, Jul 01, 2025 Text Size: Arifin said numerous major programs have been conducted across Sabah, including in his Membakut constituency, involving secondary school students. Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah Government is targeting to establish Kota Kinabalu as a literary city while positioning the State as a regional arts hub. State Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Dr Mohd Arifin Mohd Arif said the initiative will be realised with support from Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) and various stakeholders, with the goal of making Sabah a regional reference point for literature and language. 'I am confident that through the programs being implemented in Sabah, the State will become one of the regional references in the field of literature and language,' he said at the Wacana Puisi Esei 2025 closing ceremony, here, Friday. Arifin said numerous major programs have been conducted across Sabah, including in his Membakut constituency, involving secondary school students. He described these efforts as excellent initiatives to bring communities, particularly students, closer to language and literary values. He expressed optimism that the dream can be realised with assistance from DBP, Badan Bahasa, Institut Penilaian Sabah and literature and language-related non-governmental organisations. He noted that the initiative aligns with efforts to establish Sabah as a destination for educational tourism, language tourism and literary tourism, citing the presence of participants from Brunei, Singapore, Indonesia and various Malaysian states as evidence of Sabah's potential as a regional focal point. The ceremony also saw Arifin presenting awards to winners of the Sayembara Menulis Puisi Esei 2025 and Anugerah Kemanusiaan Puisi Esei 2025. * 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 Hindu
3 days ago
- Health
- The Hindu
Endocrine disruptors in plastic waste: a new public health threat
Plastics have revolutionised modern living with their convenience and affordability, but this same ubiquity is spawning an invisible, long-term health crisis. Beyond choking oceans and clogging landfills, plastics are now infiltrating our bodies through microplastic particles and a cocktail of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). The evidence is clear and deeply concerning: these substances are interfering with our hormonal systems, damaging reproductive health and increasing our susceptibility to chronic diseases, including cancer. India, now the world's largest generator of plastic waste, stands at the epicenter of this escalating public health emergency. Microplastics in the human body: from the environment to the bloodstream Once considered inert pollutants, microplastics—plastic particles smaller than 5 mm—are now recognised as biologically active. A 2022 study by Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam detected microplastics in the blood of 80% of human participants. Further, a 2024 study published in Nature Scientific Reports reported the presence of microplastics in nearly 89% of blood samples in India, with an average concentration of 4.2 particles per milliliter. These particles have also been found in human lungs, hearts, placentas, breast milk, ovarian follicular fluid, and semen. Alarmingly, testicular tissue in Indian men was found to contain three times more microplastics than that in dogs. The plastics in our lives are not chemically neutral. They often contain EDCs such as: Bisphenol A (BPA) and BPS: Used in water bottles, food containers, and thermal paper. - Phthalates (e.g., DEHP, DBP): Used to soften plastics and found in cosmetics, toys and IV tubing. - PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances): Found in food packaging and non-stick cookware. These chemicals mimic or block natural hormones such as estrogen, testosterone, thyroid hormones, and cortisol. They interfere with receptor binding, disrupt gene expression in reproductive organs, and induce oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis (cell death). Animal studies published in Food and Chemical Toxicology (2023) showed that even low doses of polystyrene microplastics (20 μg/L) disrupted testosterone levels, impaired sperm production, and damaged the blood-testis barrier. Similar effects were observed in ovaries, where microplastics reduced anti-Müllerian hormone levels, triggered oxidative stress pathways, and induced cell death. Growing fertility crisis and other health risks Recent clinical studies from China and India have linked the presence of microplastics in semen to reduced sperm count, concentration and motility. Exposure to BPA and phthalates has been associated with lower testosterone levels and elevated luteinizing hormone (LH) levels—both indicators of endocrine disruption. A global review published in Science of the Total Environment further supports the connection between microplastics and male subfertility. Notably, a 2023 study in Environmental Science & Technology Letters reported a strong correlation between microplastic levels in semen and decreased sperm count, motility, and abnormal morphology in Chinese men. In India, studies have documented a 30% decline in average sperm count over the past two decades. A study published in Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety (2025) found microplastics in 14 out of 18 follicular fluid samples collected from women undergoing fertility treatment in Italy. These particles, along with their associated endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), were found to compromise egg quality and were linked to menstrual irregularities, reduced estradiol levels, and an increased risk of miscarriage. Epidemiological studies have also linked exposure to phthalates and BPA with conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, and spontaneous abortions. These associations have been further supported by findings published in Advances in Pharmacology (2021) and Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology (2023). The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) now classifies several plastic additives as probable human carcinogens. Case-control studies from India have shown that women with elevated levels of DEHP in their urine face nearly a threefold increased risk of breast cancer (odds ratio = 2.97). Exposure to BPA and phthalates has also been linked to higher incidences of prostate, uterine, and testicular cancers. In addition to their carcinogenic potential, these endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) have been implicated in metabolic disorders. By mimicking cortisol, altering insulin sensitivity, and promoting fat storage, EDCs contribute to the development of obesity and type 2 diabetes. Moreover, PFAS exposure has been associated with metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, and thyroid dysfunction, as reported in a 2024 study published in Frontiers in Public Health. India: a nation in the crosshairs India generates over 9.3 million tonnes of plastic waste each year. Of this, approximately 5.8 million tonnes are incinerated, releasing toxic gases, while 3.5 million tonnes end up polluting the environment. Studies have shown that residents in cities like Mumbai are exposed to between 382 and 2,012 microplastic particles daily through air, food, and water. In Nagpur, doctors are reporting an increase in cases of early puberty, respiratory problems, obesity, and learning disorders in children—conditions increasingly linked to plastic pollution. Recent testing by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) detected phthalate concentrations in drinking water samples from Delhi, Jabalpur, and Chennai that exceeded European Union safety limits. Despite progressive policies like the Plastic Waste Management Rules (2016, updated in 2022 and 2024), enforcement remains inconsistent. Current regulations do not account for low-dose effects or the complex interactions of EDCs, nor do they address the specific vulnerabilities of children and pregnant women. Economic costs of inaction and way forward The health burden associated with EDCs in India is staggering, costing over ₹25,000 crore annually due to increased healthcare spending and lost productivity. The poorest populations, often living near waste dumps or working in the informal recycling sector, bear the brunt of this crisis. Globally, the U.S. reports healthcare costs of $250 billion annually linked to plastic-related chemicals, according to the Endocrine Society. Biomonitoring and surveillance are crucial for establishing national programmess that measure endocrine-disrupting chemical (EDC) levels in blood, urine, and breast milk. Longitudinal studies must be funded to assess the health impacts of EDC exposure on fertility, neurodevelopment, and chronic diseases. In addition, public awareness needs to be improved, and behaviour changes should be encouraged, such as educating people on the risks of microwaving food in plastic containers and promoting the use of glass, stainless steel, and EDC-free alternatives. It is also important to advocate for antioxidant-rich diets to help counteract oxidative stress. Further actions should include enforcing plastic segregation, recycling, and safe disposal, while investing in microplastic filtration systems for water treatment plants. Additionally, incentivising the development of biodegradable, non-toxic materials is essential to reduce EDC exposure. Plastic pollution is no longer a distant environmental concern; it is a biological invasion with profound implications for human health. The infiltration of microplastics and plastic-derived EDCs into our bodies is triggering hormonal disruption, reproductive dysfunction and chronic diseases. The science is undeniable, and the time for action is now. For India, the world's most exposed population, this is more than a policy issue—it is a generational imperative. We must address this silent epidemic through science-driven regulation, robust monitoring, public education, and systemic change. The health of our people, especially our children, depends on it. ( Dr. Sudheer Kumar Shukla is an environmental scientist and sustainability expert with over 20 years of experience in environmental policy, waste management and the circular economy. He currently serves as Head-Think Tank at Mobius Foundation, New Delhi. Email : sshukla@ )
The Star
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Kota Kinabalu earmarked to become a City of Literature
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah's capital is being earmarked as a City of Literature, with the broader goal of establishing the state as a regional hub for the arts. Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Dr Mohd Arifin Mohd Arif said the initiative is being pursued with the support of Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) and various stakeholders, aiming to make the state a regional reference point in literature and language. 'I am confident that through the various programmes implemented here in Sabah, the state will become a regional reference in literature and language. 'Many significant initiatives have been carried out in Sabah, including in my constituency of Membakut, involving secondary school students. This is a commendable effort to bring communities, especially students, closer to the values of language and literature,' said Arifin. He added that with the support of DBP, language bodies, the Sabah Institute of Assessment, and literature- and language-focused non-governmental organisations, this dream can be realised. Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 2025 Poetry Essay Discourse recently, he said such programmes can elevate Sabah's profile as a literary and linguistic reference point in the region. 'I am confident we have a strong foundation, with DBP as the pillar, supported by other organisations and local poets with the potential to bring pride to Sabah on the literary stage,' he added. Arifin also said the initiative aligns with efforts to position Sabah as a destination for educational, linguistic, and literary tourism. 'I believe with the presence of friends from Brunei, Singapore, Indonesia, and various states in Malaysia, Sabah has the potential to become a focal point. 'I hope the same progress will be achieved in the field of literature and language through our continuous efforts,' he said. During the ceremony, Arifin also presented prizes to the winners of the 2025 Poetry Essay Writing Competition and the 2025 Poetry Essay Humanitarian Award.
The Sun
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Bernama showcases over four decades of historic images at HAWANA 2025 Carnival
KUALA LUMPUR: More than four decades of Malaysia's rich history, captured through the nostalgic lens of Bernama photojournalists, are being brought to life at the Bernama Images booth during the National Journalists' Day (HAWANA) 2025 Carnival at Sunway Putra Mall. Bernama Photo marketing officer Fatiha Ghazali said the booth has drawn strong interest from visitors, many of whom were intrigued by the historic photographs and eager to learn the stories behind them. 'Most visitors were curious about the photo displays and asked why these particular images were showcased. We explained that every news report published by Bernama is accompanied by photographs to provide visual context. 'The images displayed here are part of the news photo archive uploaded to the Bernama Images platform, spanning from the 1980s to the present day,' she said when met at the carnival. Fatiha said Bernama has undertaken a digitisation initiative to scan and preserve older images taken before the digital era, ensuring they remain accessible. 'In addition to our photo archive, we aim to make the most of our resources by producing publications. Since we have both the images and accompanying information, we're able to create complete and meaningful products,' she added. Among the publications are special pictorial collections commemorating official state events and visits by foreign dignitaries, published in collaboration with the Prime Minister's Office and Istana Negara. Bernama Radio producer Nor Hayati Yaakub said the Mini Konti Bernama booth was designed to enhance public engagement, particularly with those interested in journalism and in understanding how news is broadcast. 'We have invited guests and sponsors to share their insights and latest updates through live segments at the booth,' she said. Meanwhile, Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) marketing officer Mohd Hizaimi Senin said that DBP is showcasing works by National Laureates, as well as a timeless collection featuring 28 titles by recipients of the SEA Write Award, launched during the Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair 2025. He said the featured literary figures include Lim Swee Tin, Suhaimi Muhammad and Othman Puteh, names that continue to resonate with literary enthusiasts. He added that DBP also showcased a wide range of genres, including children's novels, dictionaries, and magazines to ensure the exhibition offers something for all segments of society. 'One of the bestsellers was The Myth of the Lazy Native by Syed Hussein Alatas, which recorded sales of around 500 copies during the book fair. 'Also introduced was the Penghayatan Hadis 40 children's book series, comprising 10 titles aimed at instilling noble values in young readers based on the sayings of Prophet Muhammad,' said Mohd Hizaimi. The three-day carnival, which began on Friday, is part of the HAWANA 2025 celebration, officially launched today by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur. HAWANA's theme this year is 'Journalism in the New Era: Embracing AI, Safeguarding Ethics'. Organised by the Ministry of Communications with Bernama as the implementing agency, the event aims to honour the vital role and contributions of journalists in the nation's development.
