Latest news with #LahadDatu
Malay Mail
3 days ago
- Malay Mail
In Sabah, man caught logging, burning and farming in protected Lahad Datu area
LAHAD DATU, June 18 — A 59-year-old man was arrested during Op Bakau yesterday for allegedly encroaching into the Lahad Datu Forest Reserve. Lahad Datu Maritime Zone director, Maritime Commander Dzulfikhar Ali, said the joint operation carried out by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) and the Sabah Forestry Department discovered that 2.02 hectares of land had been encroached upon. 'Checks revealed illegal activities, including mangrove tree logging, open burning, and the planting of oil palm, fruits, and vegetables. A residential house and a swiftlet bird nest structure were also built without permission,' he said in a statement today. The suspect, who is believed to have committed an offence under the Forest Enactment 1968, has been referred to the Lahad Datu Forestry Department for further investigation. Dzulfikhar said the integrated operation is crucial for protecting forest reserves, waterways, and coastal areas while preserving natural ecosystems and ensuring national maritime security. Members of the public with information about criminal activities or emergencies at sea are encouraged to contact the Lahad Datu Maritime Zone via WhatsApp at 016-9305727 or MERS 999. — Bernama
Malay Mail
11-06-2025
- Health
- Malay Mail
Trash trouble in Sabah: Waste, pests and health risks plague tourist hotspots
KOTA KINABALU, June 11 — The Sabah Integrated Pest Management Association (SIPMA) has voiced serious concerns over deteriorating public hygiene in several popular areas across the state, particularly Darvel Bay Plaza in Lahad Datu and Tanjung Aru Beach in Kota Kinabalu. The growing accumulation of unmanaged waste is not only marring the scenic beauty of these destinations but also posing significant health, safety and environmental threats. The problem of uncollected garbage has persisted for months, worsening especially after weekends and public holidays. Tourists and vendors often leave behind large amounts of trash following events and gatherings. However, cleanup efforts have failed to keep pace, allowing the situation to spiral. SIPMA president Mervin Liew warned that the increasing litter problem is attracting pests such as rats, cockroaches and flies — all known vectors of diseases. 'Even more concerning is the build-up of plastic and polystyrene waste, which frequently clogs drainage systems and results in stagnant water. This creates ideal breeding grounds for Aedes mosquitoes and flies, increasing the risk of dengue fever and malaria outbreaks,' he said. 'These issues not only endanger public health but also contribute to flash floods during heavy rains, as garbage is swept into rivers and coastal areas, harming the natural environment.' Liew stressed that the consequences go beyond health risks, potentially impacting local businesses and tarnishing Sabah's reputation as a prime tourist destination. He emphasised that while local authorities face limitations in manpower and resources, tackling the issue requires collective civic responsibility. 'Maintaining cleanliness is not solely the duty of municipal councils. It requires the active involvement of the community, businesses, tourists and government agencies,' he said. 'We must foster public awareness and participation to ensure long-term, sustainable change. A clean environment not only prevents disease but also reflects our sense of responsibility and social progress.' SIPMA reiterated its support for awareness campaigns, public education, clean-up drives, and inter-agency collaboration to address these ongoing challenges. 'Sabah is blessed with natural beauty and rich biodiversity. It's our shared duty to preserve this environment and promote sustainable development for future generations,' Liew said. For pest-related concerns or more information, the public can contact SIPMA via email at [email protected] or through their official Facebook page: — The Borneo Post
Malay Mail
11-06-2025
- Malay Mail
July 23 verdict for 13 teens charged with murder of Lahad Datu vocational college student
TAWAU, June 11 — The High Court today postponed to July 23 its decision on the case involving 13 male students of Kolej Vokasional Lahad Datu, who are jointly charged with the murder of their college mate Mohamad Nazmie Aizzat Mohd Narul Azwan, last year. The verdict, initially scheduled for today, was postponed to allow for clarification related to the submissions, according to deputy public prosecutor, Nur Nisla Abdul Latif. She said that both prosecution and defence had filed their written submissions. The prosecution had filed a total of 366 pages of written submission. 'The defence team, comprising eight lawyers, has also filed their submissions,' she told reporters at the High Court, here, today. On May 14, High Court Judge Datuk Duncan Sikodol had set today to decide on the Mohamad Nazmie Aizzat murder case. However, a notice issued by the High Court yesterday (June 10) informed parties of the rescheduling. On February 28, Duncan ordered the 13 teenagers, aged 16 to 19, to enter their defence on the charge of murdering Mohamad Nazmie Aizzat, 17, in the dormitory rooms 7 Resak and 5 Belian at the Lahad Datu Vocational College, between 9pm on March 21 and 7.38am on March 22, 2024. They were charged under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder, read together with Section 34 of the same Code which carries the death penalty, or up to 40 years' imprisonment and not more than 12 strokes of the cane, if convicted. The defence proceedings began on March 10, with 18 witnesses, including all 13 accused, called to testify. The prosecution had earlier opened its case on November 19 last year, calling 25 witnesses, including students and teachers from the vocational college. Apart from Nur Nisla, the prosecution team also includes DPPs Ng Juhn Tao and Batrisyia Mohd Khusri. Eight of the students were represented by lawyers Datuk Ram Singh, Kamarudin Mohmad Chinki and Chen Wen Jye, while five others were represented by lawyers Mohamed Zairi Zainal Abidin, Abdul Ghani Zelika, Vivian Thien, Jhesseny P. Kang and Kusni Ambotuwo. — Bernama
Malay Mail
17-05-2025
- General
- Malay Mail
Scaly surprise: Sabah Fire Dept catches crocodile lurking in front of Lahad Datu home
LAHAD DATU, May 17 — Fire and rescue personnel captured a crocodile in front of a house at Taman Seri Perdana here yesterday. Lahad Datu fire and rescue station chief Sumsoa Rashid said a team was dispatched to the location after receiving a call at 10pm. The 1.5-meter-long crocodile was spotted outside the gate of a house and fire and rescue personnel used special tools to catch it. The crocodile was handed over to the Wildlife Department for further action, said Sumsoa. — The Borneo Post
Malay Mail
13-05-2025
- Malay Mail
Two men escape Lahad Datu forest, search continues for missing military duo
LAHAD DATU, May 13 — Two of the four men feared missing after entering a forest in Tamaco, Tungku, near here last Thursday have been found safe and have made their way out of the area. Lahad Datu Fire and Rescue Station chief Sumsoa Rashid said the four individuals, who had entered the area to collect forest produce, split into two groups. 'A group of two managed to get out of the forest area safely, while the remaining two are still missing. 'The Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM), along with other rescue agencies including 33 Malaysian Armed Forces personnel and three civilians, is conducting a search and rescue (SAR) operation for the two missing individuals within a one-kilometre radius from the location where they were last seen,' he said in a statement today. However, he said the SAR operation for the remaining two victims was suspended at 4pm due to heavy rain and would resume tomorrow morning. Meanwhile, Lahad Datu deputy police chief Superintendent Jimmy Panyau confirmed that the two individuals still missing in the forest were military personnel aged 37 and 41. According to him, the two individuals had gone fishing in Sungai Sri Darun and later entered the forest via a small tributary to collect tree roots for medicinal use, after which they went missing. — Bernama
