Compiled from 10am – 1pm
Elephants thrive on new food corridor – Conservationists are hopeful after spotting 15 elephants grazing on Napier grass in Kampung Bilit, hours after the launch of an elephant food corridor by Datuk Christina Liew. The initiative aims to reduce human-elephant conflicts along the Kinabatangan River.
Tourist killed by falling branch in Sandakan – A Chinese tourist died after being struck by a falling tree branch at the Rainforest Discovery Centre in Sandakan. Sabah Forestry Department Deputy Chief Dr Arthur Chung confirmed the tree was healthy and expressed condolences. The centre has been closed for safety inspections.
Sabah urged to push historical syllabus reform – Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan says Sabah must take the lead in ensuring its historical events, such as the Malaysia Agreement 1963, are included in national history textbooks.
Workshop ordered to pay RM45,781 for incomplete repairs – The Consumer Claims Tribunal directed a car workshop to pay a customer after failing to repair his vehicle. Tribunal President Salmi Zalinah Abdul Rahim cited inconsistencies in the workshop’s defense, noting financial hardships faced by the complainant, Faisal Sayuati.
Ehsan @ Kuskop initiative targets poverty reduction – Datuk Ewon Benedick chaired a meeting on the Ehsan @ Kuskop initiative, which allocates RM3 million for education and entrepreneurship aid for e-Kasih families in Kudat, Kota Marudu, and Kota Belud. The program aims to tackle poverty through education and small-scale entrepreneurship.
Mandatory warrants proposed for phone access – The Alliance for a Safe Community has proposed mandatory warrants for police to access private mobile data. Chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said this would ensure transparency and accountability in protecting individual privacy.
Sibu hawkers demand better facilities – Former Bukit Assek assemblywoman Irene Chang urged the Sibu Municipal Council to reposition fans at Jalan Tiong Hua Market for better cooling. Chang said hawkers are facing discomfort due to poor fan placement and called for immediate improvements.
Miri poultry farm fire kills 15,000 chicks – A fire at a Jalan Bakam poultry farm killed around 15,000 chicks. Firefighters extinguished the blaze, which destroyed a chicken coop. The cause and total losses are under investigation.
Compiled from 2pm – 10pm
Sabah Edition
Former rugby player to face trial for sister’s murder – The trial of Arden Mattson Maturin, accused of murdering his sister Audrey in 2023, will proceed from July 7 to 11. Arden, a 29-year-old former state rugby player, faces charges under Section 302 of the Penal Code, which carries the death penalty or severe imprisonment upon conviction. The alleged crime occurred in May last year at Taman Prestij.
Man jailed for assault with a rock in Penampang – A 24-year-old man has been sentenced to a year in jail for grievously injuring his friend with a large rock during a drinking session in Penampang. Afenddey Junny, who pleaded guilty, was sentenced by Judge Elsie Primus. His lawyer sought leniency, citing Afenddey’s role as the sole breadwinner, but the court upheld a deterrent penalty.
Court sets date for verdict on army murder case – A High Court will deliver its ruling on February 17 in the case of six soldiers charged with killing their colleague at a Pitas military post in 2020. The prosecution presented testimony from 20 witnesses, with the accused facing charges under Section 302 of the Penal Code.
Tawau villagers plead for help over elephant menace – Residents of Kampung Sungai Udin are urging authorities to address daily intrusions by elephants destroying crops and threatening livelihoods. Villagers fear for their safety, citing past fatalities caused by the mammals. Complaints to the Wildlife Department have yet to yield significant action.
Frozen chicken smuggling ring busted – Authorities seized 952 boxes of frozen chickens from Poland in a raid at Kampung Kionsom, Inanam. The contraband, worth over RM500,000, lacked proper permits. Four suspects were arrested, and the case is under investigation for violations of the Animal Enactment 2015.
Warisan leader slams rising food costs in Sabah -Warisan Women Chief Juriah Uda has criticized the state government’s failure to address escalating food prices. She pointed to high costs of essential goods like limes, now at RM11.90 per kilogram, and warned of the risk of pushing Sabahans further into poverty. She also urged for an e-invoice exemption to aid struggling entrepreneurs.
From Sarawak
Missing woodcutter found safe in Ulu Baram – A man reported missing while chopping wood in Long Tungan has been found safe by villagers. David Asang Salo, 39, went missing on January 17 but was rescued downstream near Long Selungo. Authorities have since called off their search operations.
Sarawak court fines car vandal RM16,000- A 45-year-old man was fined RM16,000 for smashing car windows in Jalan Cendrawasih. Mohammed Syukur Ramli pleaded guilty to five counts of mischief, with fines issued by two separate magistrates. The vandalism, caused by an intoxicated outburst, resulted in over RM4,000 in damages.
Sarawak eyes Polyurethane Leather industry – Premier Abang Johari Openg has revealed plans for Sarawak to venture into polyurethane leather production using natural gas. He highlighted this during the launch of the GETS-WRP program, which aims to equip graduates with skills for emerging industries, including AI and advanced manufacturing.
Flood mitigation efforts underway in Sarawak – Deputy Premier Dr Sim Kui Hian emphasized greater collaboration between communities and government to tackle flash floods. Initiatives include clearing blockages in rivers and drains, as well as constructing retention ponds in Batu Kawah to mitigate urban flooding.
Sarawak to build deep-sea port at Tanjung Embang – A proposed deep-sea port modeled after Japan’s Port of Kobe will soon be constructed off Tanjung Embang. Premier Abang Johari Openg said the RM100 billion project, which includes a new international airport, will support larger vessels and boost Sarawak’s trade.
New JobSarawak platform launched – JobSarawak, a state-centric employment platform, is now live to connect local talents with job opportunities. The platform, designed for Sarawak’s needs, also assists employers with hiring processes, including foreign worker applications.
Sarawak leads in hydrogen technology– Sarawak’s advancements in hydrogen energy have earned national praise. The state’s initiatives, including hydrogen-powered vehicles and research facilities, were lauded by Parliament’s Special Select Committee on Environment, Science, and Plantation during a visit.
Recycling efforts highlighted in Miri – Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad praised Miri’s recycling centers for their innovative programs, including ecobricks made from waste plastics. He called for more community participation in sustainable practices, stressing the government’s commitment to environmental preservation.
Sarawak tightens rabies vaccination rules – All pet dogs in Sarawak must now receive rabies vaccinations and annual boosters under stricter enforcement by state authorities. Non-compliance could result in fines or euthanasia for unvaccinated dogs. Rabies has claimed 76 lives in Sarawak since 2017.
RM1,854 fee for foreign worker applications explained – Sarawak’s new Foreign Workers Transformation Approach (FWTA) fee structure has drawn concerns from industry stakeholders. Deputy Minister Datuk Gerawat Gala defended the fees, citing improved processing efficiency and reduced travel costs for employers. A series of briefings is ongoing to address industry feedback.
