In Kuching, a 23-year-old unemployed man was fined RM5,000 or 10 months in jail for molesting a woman. He pleaded guilty to touching the 20-year-old victim's buttocks while riding past her on a motorcycle and uttering an inappropriate remark. The victim recorded his license plate number, leading to his arrest. He has prior drug-related offenses.
The Sabah State Government has allocated RM5 million for a new Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) Scholarship Fund, providing financial aid to UEC holders. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor recently announced the state's recognition of the UEC. This scholarship fund provides tangible support beyond symbolic recognition, addressing the unique situation in Sabah where most independent Chinese school students already possess SPM qualifications. This initiative aims to provide UEC holders equal access to government support and resources for further education.
The abandoned Pacificity integrated development project in Likas, Kota Kinabalu, has received a rescue proposal. A potential "white knight" offers to take over the project, refunding buyers 60% of their payments. Pacific Heights condominium buyers would only need to add 10% to the purchase price for completion. However, some buyers find the 60% refund insufficient, especially considering disbursed loans reaching 90%. Many buyers, facing 20 years of loan repayments, are struggling financially and view the additional costs as an added burden.
The inquest into the death of Zara Qairina Mahathir is seeking guidance from the Attorney-General regarding media coverage as child witnesses begin to testify. Sabah prosecution director Nahra Dollah will consult with Attorney-General Tan Sri Mohd Dusuki Mokhtar on the matter. While all parties involved, including counsel Datuk Ram Singh and Joan Goh, are generally in favor of media access given the high public interest, concerns were raised about protecting the identities of the child witnesses. Guidelines for media coverage are expected to be determined soon.
The Kuching International Busking Festival (KIBF) enlivened Kuching's streets with music, singing, and dance performances. The two-day festival featured a busking competition, a public speaking platform, and karaoke, attracting large crowds. JJ Buskers won the competition, followed by Akarseni, Intan Buskers, CR Buskers, and D’SessionisT Busker & Band Unity. Organizers aim to grow the festival to further support local performers and enhance Kuching's cultural reputation.
Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has indicated potential cooperation with Parti Warisan (Warisan) for the upcoming Sabah state election. BN is open to collaborations with any party except Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), prioritizing alliances to avoid overlapping seats and maximize winning potential with partners like Pakatan Harapan (PH). Zahid stated GRS's confidence in securing numerous seats negates their need for BN. The Sabah State Legislative Assembly will dissolve on November 11, paving the way for the election. Warisan aims for a majority win, contesting solo after previously securing 29 seats independently.
A former Sabah Water Department director, Ag Mohd Tahir Mohd Talib, testified in court that he was unsure about the ownership of a large sum of money found in his office pantry by the MACC. He claimed the office had been used by two previous directors, but couldn't confirm if the money belonged to them or the department. He also expressed uncertainty about whether the discovery of the unclaimed cash made him suspicious. He is on trial with his wife, Fauziah Hj Piut, and former deputy director Lim Lam Beng, facing charges related to money laundering and anti-terrorism financing.
The Air Supply 50th Anniversary Celebration concert in Kuching, Sarawak has been cancelled due to operational issues with the tour agent, Galaxy World Entertainment Sdn Bhd. The organiser, Twig Events, was unaware of the cancellation until Air Supply announced it on Facebook. Refunds are being processed, and the organiser is working with ALIFE to prevent similar incidents. They are exploring rescheduling options and prioritizing fan trust.
Former Sabah Chief Minister Shafie Apdal has been issued a show-cause letter by the Attorney General's Chambers (AGC) regarding his public remarks on the inquest into the death of 13-year-old Zara Qairina Mahathir. Shafie confirmed receiving the letter and stated his legal counsel is reviewing it. He has seven days to respond. The AGC is scrutinizing Shafie's comments made at a political event, where he questioned the length of the inquest proceedings. Zara Qairina died in July after being found unconscious near her school hostel, prompting an exhumation and subsequent inquest.
Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) opened a new bookstore at the Centre for the Promotion of Knowledge and Language Learning (PPIB). The bookstore aims to promote a reading culture and serve as a knowledge hub, offering academic publications, journals, general reading materials, and children's books. It also features a "University Authors’ Corner" to showcase works by UMS students and staff. The launch was officiated by UMS Vice-Chancellor Professor Datuk Dr Kasim Hj Mansor, who emphasized the bookstore's role in fostering intellectual exchange.
Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) is urging the Malaysian federal government to implement a flat rate of RM1.99 for RON95 fuel in Sabah. They argue the new two-tiered subsidy system is unnecessary and burdensome, given minimal cross-border fuel smuggling concerns with Brunei, whose fuel prices are already lower. SAPP believes a flat rate would benefit consumers and businesses by simplifying transactions and reducing operational costs, especially considering Sabah's status as an oil-producing region.
Research by Dr. Latif Lai at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) reveals that young voters in Sabah, despite being active social media users, demonstrate low political engagement and literacy. His study emphasizes the need for authentic, youth-centric online campaigns to effectively reach this demographic. Traditional methods are ineffective; instead, political parties should focus on interactive, visually engaging content addressing issues like cost of living, employment, and mental health on platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
