Malaysia News Today - Breaking News, Politics, Economy, Sports & Technology

Villagers oppose quarry project at Bung Bugai, cite heritage and environmental concerns

Wetlands conservation remains a top priority in Sabah

Sabah Chief Minister Hajiji Noor emphasized the state's commitment to wetland conservation for both environmental and economic benefits. He highlighted eco-tourism, sustainable fisheries, and carbon trading as potential economic drivers while protecting these vital ecosystems. Hajiji noted Sabah's proactive measures, including designating protected areas and supporting mangrove and peatland conservation, aligning with the Sabah Maju Jaya Roadmap's focus on sustainable development.

Sibu Municipal Council wins national award for outstanding climate action

The Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) received the JCI Malaysia Sustainable Development Award 2025 for its climate action initiatives. The award recognizes SMC's efforts in combating climate change and promoting environmental sustainability through programs like recycling, composting, e-waste collection, and energy-efficient lighting. SMC's deputy chairman, Mohammed Abdullah, dedicated the award to the Sibu community and emphasized the council's commitment to collaboration for a greener Sibu. SMC will also participate in World Clean-Up Day 2025 on September 27th.

SFC launches operation to reduce croc population at Samarahan’s Sg Sadong

The Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) is conducting a crocodile population reduction operation in Sungai Sadong, Samarahan, from September 23 to October 3, following a recent fatal crocodile attack. The operation is a response to public safety concerns, and residents are urged to avoid river activities during this period. Recording or media coverage of the operation is prohibited. This follows a search for a 32-year-old man, Ahmad Alzadkhri Sudin, who was attacked by a crocodile on September 15 while shrimping. This incident follows another fatal crocodile attack on a 12-year-old boy earlier that week.

Sarawak-LSE MoU set to boost bilateral efforts

The Sarawak government and the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) signed an MoU to collaborate on environmental sustainability management, human capital development, and global policy innovation. Sarawak Premier Abang Johari highlighted Sarawak's rich natural assets and the importance of global cooperation in conservation. The MoU covers executive education, scholarships, joint research, and integrating sustainability and ESG principles into government policies.

Sarawak Water says murky supply in Miri safe for use

Sarawak Water assures Miri residents that the discolored water supply is safe despite its murky appearance. The discoloration is due to the use of Sungai Bakong as a secondary water source, which has high organic content, and compounded by equipment issues at the Lambir Water Treatment Plant. Repairs and additional treatment measures are underway to resolve the issue. Consumers can contact Sarawak Water's hotline for assistance.

Singapore firm rejects US$1 bln Sri Lankan pollution damages

Singapore shipping company X-Press Feeders refuses to pay the US$1 billion in damages ordered by a Sri Lankan court for the environmental disaster caused by the sinking of the MV X-Press Pearl in 2021. CEO Shmuel Yoskovitz argues that paying the open-ended penalty would set a dangerous precedent for global shipping and challenge the principle of limited liability. The ship, carrying hazardous materials including nitric acid, sank off Colombo after a fire, causing widespread pollution along Sri Lanka's coast.

MBKS Bank Sampah project wins JCI Malaysia’s Sustainable Development Award 2025

Kuching South City Council (MBKS)'s Bank Sampah project won the JCI Malaysia Sustainable Development Award 2025 under SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). The project promotes recycling and waste reduction through a reward system, converting household recyclables into valuable resources. MBKS was selected from 30 finalists nationwide, also having nominated their Kuching Natural Farmers’ Market. This win adds to MBKS's previous JCI SDG awards, highlighting their commitment to sustainability initiatives.

Sadia, Forest Stewardship Council collaborates in workshop on indigenous forestry, global standards’ compliance

The Sarawak Dayak Iban Association (Sadia), along with FSC Malaysia and FSC Indigenous Foundation, held a three-day international workshop on indigenous forestry and FSC certification. 25 participants, including indigenous community representatives, NGOs, and international speakers, discussed sustainable forest management, shared traditional knowledge, and explored community-based forestry initiatives. A field trip to the Bukit Bediri ecotourism project showcased sustainable livelihoods. The workshop aimed to prepare indigenous communities for FSC certification by analyzing their practices against FSC standards.

Five-point strategy proposed to end Sabah’s recurring flood crisis

Former Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Yong Teck Lee proposed a five-point strategy to address recurring floods. The plan focuses on immediate infrastructure repairs and upgrades, preparing water catchment areas with retention ponds, prohibiting hill cutting in sensitive areas, systematic river and drainage improvements, and enforcing environmental laws. Yong emphasized the need for an integrated approach, citing successful past projects like the Likas lagoons and Sungei Likas improvements as models for future mitigation efforts.

Sabah strengthens biodiversity management, launches nickel farming project

The Sabah Biodiversity Council launched the Sabah Biodiversity Strategy 2024-2034 and the Sabah Biotechnology Action Blueprint 2024-2034 during the State-Level World Biodiversity Day Celebration. These frameworks aim to guide sustainable biodiversity conservation and resource utilization. A Benefit-Sharing Agreement was also signed with Botanickel Sabah Sdn Bhd for a sustainable nickel metal farming project using phytoextraction technology with hyperaccumulator plants, bridging the agriculture and mineral sectors.

Senari Synergy subsidiary conducts controlled drill to assess preparedness level

IOT Management Sdn Bhd (IOTM) successfully conducted a major emergency response drill at Senari Oil, Gas, and Chemicals Jetty in Kuching, Sarawak. The drill simulated a vessel collision, man overboard incident, and marine oil spill to test the preparedness and coordination of IOTM, Senari Synergy Port Sdn Bhd, and government agencies. 162 personnel participated, including observers from various agencies like the Department of Environment and Civil Defence Force. The successful drill demonstrated IOTM's commitment to safety and operational excellence, reinforced by its three ISO certifications.

NSJA to hold ‘Sayangi Pantai, Sayangi Miri’ beach cleaning at Esplanade on Oct 12

The Northern Sarawak Journalists Association (NSJA) will organize a beach cleaning program, "Sayangi Pantai, Sayangi Miri," on October 12th at Miri Esplanade Beach. The program aims to preserve Miri's coastline, raise environmental awareness, and encourage public participation in maintaining cleanliness to attract visitors. Miri Mayor Adam Yii commended NSJA's commitment, emphasizing the importance of collective responsibility in keeping the environment clean. Various agencies and organizations will participate. NSJA also aims to address pollution from debris washed ashore, ensuring a positive impression for tourists.

10-foot female crocodile caught in Sarikei during ‘Operasi Nyah Buaya’

A 10.3-foot female crocodile weighing approximately 150kg was captured in Sarikei, Sarawak during 'Operasi Nyah Buaya'. The Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC), assisted by the Civil Defence Force (APM), retrieved the carcass after it was hooked on a baited line. The operation, aimed at removing crocodiles from local rivers, has been ongoing for five days. The carcass was handed over to SFC Sibu for further analysis.

Decoding the green: China’s living lab for grassland restoration

For 46 years, the Xilingol Grassland Ecosystem Research Station in Inner Mongolia has monitored the region's temperate steppe, evolving from basic communication methods to advanced technologies like drones, satellites, and LiDAR. This crucial research aids in understanding ecosystem dynamics, biodiversity, climate change resilience, and informs sustainable grassland management practices, contributing to the ecological security of northern China.

Sarawak deploys 5,000 reef balls to anchor long-term marine conservation, blue economy

Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) is deploying 5,000 artificial reefs (Reef Balls) in Sarawak waters as part of a long-term conservation strategy. This initiative aims to protect endangered marine species, prevent illegal trawling, and restore degraded ecosystems. The project also includes Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs) for recreational fishing, scuba diving clusters for tourism, and coral mariculture clusters to support the blue economy. All 5,000 reef balls have been deployed along the Sarawak coastline from Tanjung Datu to Lawas.

AI helps protect endangered Atlantic salmon in Arctic Norway

Wild Atlantic salmon in Norway's Skallelv River face increasing threats from climate change, fish farming, and invasive pink salmon. To combat the pink salmon invasion, an AI sorting system, developed by Huawei and Norwegian partners under the TECH4ALL program, was implemented in 2021. The system uses AI to identify and remove the invasive species, protecting the native salmon's breeding grounds. The project leverages expertise from Simula, a Norwegian AI institute, and TrollSystems, experienced in fish farming, and utilizes images provided by local fishing organizations to train the AI.

KK hit by 138mm rainfall, widespread flooding

Heavy rainfall exceeding three times the normal amount caused widespread flooding in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, on Saturday night. The 138mm of rain overwhelmed the city's drainage systems, exacerbated by high tide and a temporary power outage at a pump station. The Dah Yeh Villa area experienced particularly slow receding floodwaters. Officials inspected the Damai River Flood Mitigation Project, currently undergoing expansion to increase pump capacity. The project, funded with RM48 million, aims to benefit 17,500 residents.

Sabah sites certified for ecosystem restoration excellence

WWF-Malaysia and the Sabah Forestry Department (SFD) received recognition for their collaborative forest restoration efforts in the Mount Wullersdorf–Ulu Kalumpang Forest Reserves. The 276-hectare restoration project, certified by Preferred by Nature, focuses on reconnecting fragmented forest areas to support endangered wildlife like orangutans and banteng. This enhanced connectivity improves biodiversity, climate resilience, and ecosystem services. SFD's Chief Conservator of Forests, Datuk Frederick Kugan, praised the ongoing efforts and emphasized the importance of protecting the entire forest landscape.

Sabah – Home to world’s first Nickel Botanical Garden

Sabah boasts the world's first Nickel Botanical Garden, a one-hectare site within Kinabalu Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The garden houses 12 rare nickel-accumulating plant species, including Phyllanthus rufuschaneyi and Xylosma luzonensis. These plants absorb metals like nickel from the soil, a process called hyperaccumulation. The garden opened in 2014 as an arboretum for research, conservation, and education, showcasing the unique ability of these plants to thrive in nickel-rich environments.