Day: June 29, 2024

SANDAKAN, More than 17 million trees of various species have been successfully planted across Sabah so far under the Greening Malaysia Campaign, which aims to plant 100 million trees nationwide over five years, starting from its launch in 2021.

Sabah’s Chief Conservator of Forests, Datuk Frederick Kugan, said that in response to the campaign, the Sabah Forestry Department aims to plant 40 million trees in the state, with a target of eight million trees to be planted annually.

He said that in Sabah, 5.25 million trees were planted in 2021, followed by 5.53 million trees in 2022, and 5.13 million trees in 2023. As of June 24 this year, 1.2 million trees have already been planted.

“We have achieved 60 per cent of the annual tree planting target. Currently, Sabah is the second highest state in tree planting, with Sarawak at the top. It is also understood that this campaign has been well received, with more than 80 million trees planted nationwide so far.

“The tree planting campaign has received an overwhelmi
ng response from various parties, including the public sector, private sector, non-governmental organisations, schools and the public,” he told Bernama.

He added that among the tree species planted are Dipterocarp, Merbau, Belian, Seraya, Gaharu, Selangan Batu, Gagil, Jelutong, Eucalyptus, Ketapang, Bayur, Pulai, Medang, Ramin, Laran, Durian, Terap, and Bambangan. The tree planting campaign is not only conducted in forest reserves but also includes private land and company conservation areas.

Frederick said the positive response to this campaign is a good development, demonstrating Malaysia’s commitment to ensuring that forest cover remains at least at 50 per cent.

“Although Sabah’s forest cover exceeds 50 per cent, tree planting efforts will continue from time to time due to their positive impact on the ecosystem and biodiversity of the country.

“In Sabah’s forest reserves, we also have degraded forest areas due to disasters, fires, and tree replanting can restore their function as platforms for the stat
e’s natural ecosystem. Therefore, all these tree planting efforts help reduce the impact of climate change,” he added.

He added that the Sabah Forestry Department has received an allocation of RM4.6 million since 2021 from the federal government, and this assistance has been used for campaign purposes and tree planting activities with the local communities.

Additionally, Frederick said the Sabah Forestry Department is actively collaborating and initiating tree planting activities to achieve the target of 40 million trees by 2025.

“We will also intensify public awareness programmes on tree planting activities. We have programmes with schools and related agencies as these planting activities are not just for fun. Once planted, the trees need to be maintained to ensure they thrive, for the benefit of all.

“The Forestry Department will also collaborate with long-term licencees who have areas within their concessions to be used for tree planting,” he added.

Furthermore, Frederick encouraged residents of the s
tate to plant trees and record their activities through the Penghijauan Malaysia mobile application or the website www.100jutapokok.gov.my, developed by the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry.

The mobile application can be downloaded through GooglePlay, AppStore, and AppGallery platforms.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

KUALA LUMPUR, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim fondly remembered the late Dr Syed Husin Ali as a friend, thinker and mentor.

Deeply affected by the passing of PKR’s Advisory Council deputy chairman, Anwar, who is also the party’s president, hailed Syed Husin as an essential figure in their shared struggle.

“I am deeply shaken by the loss of brother Syed Husin, a steadfast companion whose guidance was invaluable in every critical moment.

‘My heartfelt condolences to his family. May they find strength, solace and peace amidst their grief,’ he said in his social media post.

The remains of Syed Husin were laid to rest at the Section 9 Muslim Cemetery in Kota Damansara here at 11.15 am today.

Earlier, the deceased’s son Muhammad Ali disclosed that his father was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer last April, but due to his advanced age and health condition, intensive treatment could not be administered to him.

Born in Johor, Syed Husin had served as a senator in the Dewan Negara, PKR deputy president,
Parti Rakyat Malaysia president and a professor at Universiti Malaya Anthropology and Sociology Department from 1985 to 1990.

He is survived by his wife Sabariah Abdullah and three children.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

GEORGE TOWN, The alignment for the Penang Mutiara Light Rail Transit (LRT) Project has been finalised and discussions with the main contractor are underway, according to Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook.

In expressing the hope that physical work on the project could start before the end of the year, he said, the finalised alignment was as proposed by Mass Rapid Transit Corp Sdn Bhd (MRT Corp).

“The alignment was finalised after various discussions were conducted with all parties and the Penang government agreed with the alignment proposed by MRT Corp, with the passenger station to start from Bayan Lepas to Komtar and one line to Butterworth (Penang Sentral).

‘Pulau Silikon serves as a depot. Now we are discussing and evaluating with the main contractor with the hope that physical works can start before the end of the year as has been scheduled,” he told reporters after opening the Seafarers and Lighthouse Day at Straits Quay, here today.

On March 29, Loke announced that the federal government ha
d taken over the Penang LRT project from the state government with MRT Corporation appointed as the developer and asset owner.

Meanwhile, commenting on the development of the Penang International Airport (LTAPP) expansion works in Bayan Lepas near here, Loke said the tender for the first package has been closed and Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) is making a selection of the contractors.

He said the expansion project involved three packages with the first package involving shifting the control tower and increasing the capacity of the terminal from 6.5 million passengers a year to 12 million passengers a year.

Loke was previously reported as saying that the project which started this year is expected to be completed within three to four years and will be financed by MAHB through a financial mechanism agreed upon between the Ministry of Finance and MAHB

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

GEORGE TOWN, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today expressed the hope for the Internal Revenue Board (IRB) in the states to step up collection of revenue while avoiding leakages.

Citing the example of Penang IRB, Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, noted that Penang IRB managed to record a higher-than-expected revenue collection in the first quarter of this year.

“So I urge other states to make similar efforts because we do not want any leakages or losses in revenue,” he said after opening Penang IRB’s new 20-storey building in Bandar Jelutong here today.

Also present were Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, Deputy Finance Minister Lim Hui Ying and IRB Chief Executive Officer Datuk Dr. Abu Tariq Jamaluddin.

Anwar pointed out that Malaysia’s tax base and the number of taxpayers is among the lowest in Asia compared to other countries that demand larger tax contributions.

“Therefore, the challenge for IRB increases. If the tax rate and the cohort of taxpayers are small, but expenditures are incre
asing, like improving the quality of our education and healthcare systems… this means that the budget for education and healthcare should also be increased,” he said.

Anwar added that he understands the difficulties and challenges faced by IRB and the Royal Malaysian Customs Department in their revenue collection duties, emphasising the need for them to be firm and professional.

“I understand the difficulties faced by IRB and Customs; they must play a firm role. I give a firm assurance that I do not want you to feel intimidated.

“Those who have to pay taxes, regardless of whether they are the Prime Minister, big tycoons, or Tuns or Tan Sris, that should not be an issue.

“Your role must be professional and firm, and as Prime Minister, I am entrusted to defend every officer carrying out this duty,” he said.

Earlier, in his speech, Anwar said that Penang IRB is very fortunate because, even though the country did not fully achieve its initial revenue projection, they were still able to exceed their’s.

“So
, I express my gratitude and consider this as a guiding example for colleagues in other states to improve their performance because we all must adopt an attitude that we are required to do something better,” he said.

Later, the Prime Minister is scheduled to attend two more programmes in Seberang Jaya the inauguration of the Tekun MADANI Carnival in Penang and the Penang Bumiputera Development Council meeting, both in Seberang Jaya.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

KUALA LUMPUR, PKR leaders paid tribute to the party’s advisory council deputy chairman Dr Syed Husin Ali who died today.

PKR deputy president and Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli, in a Facebook post, recalled his time together with the late Syed Husin since 2003 when PKR merged with Parti Rakyat Malaysia (PRM).

‘I was the youngest member of the Central Leadership Council then, while he was the PRM president. In 2009, I returned to the party after leaving my corporate job, and Syed Husin and I have been a part of the PKR Political Bureau ever since 2010.

‘I am grateful to have had the opportunity to know and learn from him…please offer prayers for this irreplaceable national hero. He lived without seeking praise and kept his suffering hidden. Thus, his passing deserves to be remembered. Al-Fatihah,’ he said.

Syed Husin, 88, died at Selayang Hospital early this morning and was laid to rest at the Section 9 Muslim Damansara in Kota Damansara, Petaling Jaya at 11.15 am.

Born in Johor, Syed Husin had served a
s a senator in the Dewan Negara and a professor at Universiti Malaya.

Also extending condolences through social media posts were PKR vice presidents Amirudin Shari and Chang Lih Kang, who are also the Selangor Menteri Besar and Science, Technology and Innovation Minister, respectively.

Amirudin described Syed Husin as a distinguished figure who remained steadfast in the reform struggle, while Chang regarded him as a respected person for his unwavering principles and determination to ensure the party continued to exist based on the reform agenda.

Meanwhile, PKR secretary-general and Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said via Facebook that the late Syed Husin would be remembered as a friend, teacher and highly respected figure in PKR’s long struggle.

Also expressing her condolences was PKR election committee chief Dr Zaliha Mustafa, who described the late Syed Husin as a steadfast and loyal figure in the party’s struggle.

‘He was among the founders of PKR during the ‘reformasi’ era and the
party’s first deputy president. His contributions to the reform movement were immense (and) his services and good deeds will always be remembered,’ said Dr Zaliha, who is also Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories).

Meanwhile, PAS secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan, in a statement, described the late Syed Husin as an exemplary patriot who always prioritised the interests of the people and the nation above all else.

‘PAS believes that many others share the same sentiment for his services, contributions and noble character throughout his life, whether as an academician, thinker, social activist, politician, writer or friend,’ he said.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency