Latest news with #Joachim
Borneo Post
13 hours ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Penampang Council headquarters Sabah's first green government building
Dr Joachim (seated) with guests observing the live surveillance feed of business premises in Donggonggon town at the Penampang District Council's command centre. PENAMPANG (June 20): The Penampang Municipal Council (MPP) headquarters has officially received the green building certification, making it the first government building in Sabah to obtain such recognition. This marks a historic achievement in MPP's efforts to strengthen sustainability practices and innovation within public service. The recognition was announced during an official ceremony officiated by Deputy Chief Minister II and Local Government and Housing Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam, who also launched the MPP e-Adu mobile application and command centre during a joint event today. Dr Joachim said that this achievement clearly reflects MPP's commitment to addressing global challenges related to climate change, energy management and carbon emission reduction. 'This is a proud achievement. The green building certification reflects MPP's commitment to sustainable building management through initiatives such as the installation of solar systems, use of energy-efficient equipment and the implementation of LED lighting,' he said during his speech at the event held at the MPP lobby. Dr Joachim added that the success aligns with the State Government's goal of making Sabah a smart, sustainable and environmentally responsive state that prioritises the wellbeing of its people. The green building certification is awarded to buildings that meet sustainability standards, including energy efficiency, water management, the use of eco-friendly building materials, and designs that promote recycling and natural ventilation. MPP's achievement also corresponds with the Third Pillar of the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) Development Plan, which focuses on people's wellbeing and environmental sustainability, highlighting sustainable development and green technology as key priorities. Dr Joachim also praised the MPP's boldness in adopting new technologies, which not only reduce long-term operational costs but also contribute to global efforts to combat climate change. In addition, the launch of the e-Adu app and the MPP command centre signifies the beginning of a new era in digital governance and data-driven management at the local government level. The command centre is equipped with a CCTV monitoring system, used not only for safety and traffic surveillance but also to assist in disaster management, such as floods and unexpected incidents. The e-Adu app enables the public to submit complaints more easily, transparently and efficiently, in line with the aspiration to develop a responsive, people-centred urban environment. 'This new approach reflects how MPP is progressing towards becoming a smart city, powered by technology and data to enhance efficiency and quality of life,' he said. Dr Joachim also expressed his appreciation to all parties who contributed to the success of the project, particularly former MPP president Francis Chong, as well as Benny Ng and Sabah Housing and Real Estate Developers Association (SHAREDA), who provided significant technical and professional expertise. He called on other local authorities in Sabah to use this achievement as a benchmark to continue innovating and prioritising sustainability in their planning and development implementation. Also present were Kapayan assemblywoman and chairman of the Rural Development Cooperative (KPD), Jannie Lasimbang; Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Datuk Dr Jamili Nais; MPP deputy president Noemi Dyena Johntren; Sabah Digital Government division chief assistant director, Disney Lai; political secretary to the Member of Parliament for Penampang, Carl Masoom; SHAREDA president Datuk Johnny Wong; GreenRE Sdn Bhd executive director Ashwin Thurairaja and Sabah Credit Corporation head of administration, Salina Salimi.
Daily Express
15 hours ago
- Business
- Daily Express
Penampang council HQ becomes Sabah's first certified green government building
Published on: Friday, June 20, 2025 Published on: Fri, Jun 20, 2025 Text Size: Joachim (seated) and others observe the live CCTV feed of business premises in Donggongon town from the Penampang Municipal Council Command Centre. PENAMPANG: The Penampang Municipal Council (MPP) headquarters has become the first government building in Sabah to receive a Green Building Certification. The recognition was announced during an official ceremony officiated by Deputy Chief Minister and Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam. Advertisement Joachim said the certification reflects MPP's commitment to addressing climate change, reducing carbon emissions, and improving energy management. He highlighted the building's adoption of sustainable features such as solar panels, energy-efficient equipment, and LED lighting as key to the achievement. The initiative aligns with the Sabah Maju Jaya Development Plan's third thrust on environmental sustainability and public well-being. The event also saw the launch of MPP's e-Adu mobile app and its new Command Centre to enhance digital governance and data-driven municipal services. Advertisement Joachim urged other local authorities in Sabah to follow MPP's lead in embracing innovation and sustainability in public service delivery. * 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
a day ago
- Business
- Daily Express
Nearly RM1 billion on educations, skills since GRS Government came to power in Sabah: Chief Minister
Published on: Friday, June 20, 2025 Published on: Fri, Jun 20, 2025 Text Size: Dr Joachim (fourth left) presents a certificate of appreciation for strategic partnership in conjunction with National Training Week (NTW 2025) state-level to Zara Boutique Hotel Kota Kinabalu Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Eliza Goh. Kota Kinabalu: Human capital development remains a central pillar in driving Sabah's economic agenda, particularly in tapping into the vast potential of the rapidly growing blue economy sector. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said this approach is essential to ensure Sabahans possess the skills and knowledge relevant to current demands, in line with the evolving global economic landscape. Advertisement 'The world has changed, and we must change with it. We can no longer rely on outdated systems. Therefore, we need a competitive and highly skilled workforce to propel the State's development,' he said when officiating the Sabah Blue Economy Skillfest 2025 at Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC), Thursday. His speech was read by Deputy Chief Minister II cum Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam. Hajiji said the State Government, through the Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) Development Plan, continues to formulate inclusive and sustainable development policies, prioritising the upskilling of the people to navigate the new economic era. 'Sabah is rich in marine resources. Therefore, it is our responsibility to ensure the people are equipped to harness this potential in a sustainable and knowledgeable way.' Advertisement Hajiji said from 2021 to 2024, the State Government allocated RM848.26 million through four key education channels, benefitting nearly 245,953 recipients. These include RM227.1 million under the Sabah State Education Fund (benefitting 7,483 recipients), RM324.1 million under the State Government Scholarship (13,640 recipients), RM164.14 million in education aid from the Deputy State Secretary Office (Special Tasks) (210,918 recipients) and RM132.92 million in assistance and loans from Yayasan Sabah (13,921 recipients). 'For this year, the State Government has allocated another RM497.54 million to continue its human capital empowerment agenda aimed at producing a generation that is competent, innovative and full of integrity,' he said. Hajiji also commended HRD Corp for successfully training 61,448 workers in Sabah throughout 2024, with funding exceeding RM58.2 million. 'I am confident that initiatives such as this Skillfest will create even more new job opportunities in sectors related to the blue economy,' he said. He noted that Skillfest is one of the key efforts to strengthen skills training in the blue economy sector, which includes industries such as mariculture, fisheries, marine energy, marine tourism and ocean technology research and development. 'Skillfest 2025 aims to attract 2,500 participants and is part of the National Training Week (NTW) 2025 – Sabah, which targets over 67,000 participants statewide this year,' he said. He also praised the strategic collaboration between HRD Corporation and the Sabah Maju Jaya Secretariat (SSMJ) in organising the programme, as it supports the Government's goal to expand lifelong learning opportunities for all citizens regardless of background. He said the programme is a continuation of the success of the Sabah International Blue Economy Conference (SIBEC) 2024, which gained global attention and positioned Sabah as a key player in the regional blue economy. Hajiji called on young Sabahans to make the most of the opportunities and hoped such programmes would be expanded across the State as part of a continuous learning ecosystem. * 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
Borneo Post
a day ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Hajiji: Human capital at core of Sabah's blue economy ambitions
Dr Joachim (fourth left) presents a certificate of appreciation for strategic partnership in conjunction with National Training Week (NTW 2025) state-level to Zara Boutique Hotel Kota Kinabalu Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Eliza Goh. KOTA KINABALU (June 19): The Sabah government continues to place strong emphasis on human capital development as a central pillar in driving its economic growth, particularly in realising the full potential of the state's expanding blue economy sector. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor said this focus is essential to ensure Sabahans are equipped with the right skills and knowledge in line with global economic shifts. He stressed that the world has changed significantly and Sabah must evolve alongside it. Holding on to outdated systems, he said, is no longer an option. Instead, Sabah requires a highly skilled, competitive workforce capable of pushing the state's development forward. His speech was delivered by Deputy Chief Minister II cum State Minister of Local Government and Housing, Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Joachim Gunsalam, during the opening of the Sabah Blue Economy Skillfest 2025 at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) on Thursday. Hajiji said the state government, through the Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) development plan, remains committed to crafting inclusive and sustainable policies that enhance the capabilities of the people as Sabah enters a new economic era. With the state's wealth of marine resources, he emphasised the importance of preparing Sabahans to tap into this potential in a sustainable and informed manner. According to him, between 2021 and 2024, the state government allocated RM848.26 million across four major education channels, benefiting close to 246,000 recipients. These investments included allocations under the Sabah State Education Fund, the State Government Scholarship Scheme, educational assistance from the Office of the Deputy State Secretary (Special Tasks) and support provided through Yayasan Sabah. For this year alone, RM497.54 million has been earmarked to continue efforts in strengthening human capital development. Hajiji said this reflects the government's strong commitment to producing a generation that is competent, innovative and guided by integrity. He also commended HRD Corp for its role in boosting the state's workforce, having successfully trained 61,448 individuals in Sabah throughout 2024, with total funding surpassing RM58.2 million. Programmes like Skillfest, he said, not only open up new employment opportunities but also support the state's strategic efforts to nurture talent across the blue economy. Skillfest 2025 aims to draw the participation of 2,500 individuals and forms part of the National Training Week (NTW) 2025 Sabah, which targets over 67,000 participants statewide this year. Hajiji said the collaboration between HRD Corporation and the Sabah Maju Jaya Secretariat (SSMJ) in organising Skillfest is a clear example of the type of strategic partnership needed to expand access to lifelong learning for all Sabahans, regardless of background. The programme, he added, is a continuation of the momentum built during the successful Sabah International Blue Economy Conference (SIBEC) 2024, which drew international attention and established Sabah's reputation as a key player in the regional blue economy. In concluding his message, Hajiji urged the people of Sabah to seize the opportunities provided through initiatives like Skillfest. He expressed hope that similar programmes would be expanded across the state, contributing to the development of a vibrant and inclusive lifelong learning ecosystem for all.
Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Julita to defend Matunggong seat for PBS
Julita presents Joachim with a token of appreciation at the close of the meeting. KUDAT (June 18): Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) will represent Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) in the Matunggong constituency and its acting president, Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam, will pledge full support for PBS Matunggong Division chief Datuk Julita Majungki to defend her seat. 'I urge everyone to work together to ensure her victory,' he said when officiating the PBS Matunggong Division annual general meeting recently. Dr Joachim called on all GRS component parties to strengthen their unity and cooperation in preparation for the upcoming Sabah State Election. He emphasised that the collaboration between PBS and Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (StarSabah) is intended to reinforce — not undermine — the GRS coalition. 'To face the state election, we must unite under GRS,' he said. Dr Joachim, who is also the Deputy Chief Minister II and Minister of Local Government and Housing, said the GRS-led state government remains committed to addressing the needs of the people. He cited ongoing assistance initiatives such as the SMJ Friendly Housing Programme, the Sentuhan Kasih Rakyat (SYUKUR) scheme, the Sabah People's Insurance Scheme, education development and rural infrastructure projects as evidence of this commitment, including in Matunggong. He urged all PBS members to stay united and avoid internal conflict to ensure GRS's continued success, particularly in Matunggong. In his speech, Dr Joachim congratulated Julita and the organising chairman, division secretary Epson Kawahui, for successfully hosting the annual meeting, which drew over 1,000 attendees, including observers from GRS component parties, adding that he hopes PBS membership in Matunggong will continue to grow in strength and numbers. Julita is confident that PBS, in collaboration with GRS, will be able to retain the Matunggong seat in the upcoming 17th Sabah State Election. The PBS Secretary-General said this goal is achievable if party machinery and grassroots members remain united and prepared for any eventuality. 'The election could happen anytime within the next three to four months. If we stay united and ready, I believe we can maintain our victory. Stay strong, keep fighting,' she said in her keynote address at the 40th Matunggong Division annual general meeting. Julita stressed that PBS's mission remains relevant and firmly rooted in its founding principles, continuing to champion the rights of Sabah and its people, particularly through the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). 'Let us remember, what was once seen as a rebellious act in demanding MA63 rights has now become a core agenda for many — including those who once opposed it. The people must be wise not to be swayed by smooth talkers with a record of betrayal,' she said. She reminded members of PBS's long and impactful political journey, asserting that the party's contributions to Sabah's political awakening should not be dismissed as outdated. On the current political landscape, Julita described GRS as the best platform for Sabahans, showcasing the state's political maturity in building a local coalition independent of external political influences. She highlighted the state's improved economic performance under the GRS government, with state revenue rising from RM4.4 billion in 2021 to RM6.4 billion in 2023 — a 44 per cent increase — attributed to policies under the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) Development Plan. 'The SMJ Friendly Housing Programme, 'Sentuhan Kasih Rakyat' (SYUKUR), and the Sabah People's Insurance Scheme are clear examples of the government's concern for the people,' she said, adding that 80 SMJ homes have been allocated to Matunggong. Under the SYUKUR scheme, selected families receive RM300 monthly, while the Sabah People's Insurance Scheme provides accident coverage for all Sabah MyKad holders. Julita also outlined the division's progress under five development pillars introduced since the 16th state election: education, infrastructure, economy, socio-culture and inter-racial relations. Among the achievements: RM475,000 invested in student development and school assistance; three new preschools built in Kg Panikuan, Tuid and Lotong; air-conditioning installed in three school halls; two longhouse blocks completed in Kg Toporoi; 60 SMJ homes handed over and another 20 underway; over 200 village road and agricultural projects worth RM43 million; construction of 10 shop lots, a community hall, and major road upgrades; completion of the study to upgrade Matunggong to a full district, along with a town masterplan. She added that houses of worship have also been repaired or built using ADUN and state allocations, and that 281 land grants were issued in 2022. Meanwhile, the SAFODA land issue, involving 2,169.7 hectares, is being resolved with cooperation from Land Utilisation Committee and relevant agencies. 'I want to clarify that accusations claiming I sold SAFODA land are completely false. The resolution process is ongoing for the benefit of the people,' she said. Julita also expressed gratitude for Dr Joachim's attendance, noting it was a major morale boost for party members. Also present at the meeting was PBS Vice President and Youth Exco Chief Dr Christoper Mandut.
