Latest news with #Sabin
Daily Express
10-06-2025
- General
- Daily Express
Rotary's mangrove initiative lauded
Published on: Tuesday, June 10, 2025 Published on: Tue, Jun 10, 2025 By: Jeremy S Zabala Text Size: Sabin with Chenderamata, Jeanette and others during the Project Kelip-Kelip to Restore Mangroves and Firefly Habitats in Kampung Darau. Kota Kinabalu: Private sectors, education institutions and non-governmental bodies are urged to continuously provide their support as well as play their roles in implementing projects that would help highlight the city's natural beauty that could boom into eco-tourism attraction. Mayor Datuk Seri Sabin Samitah said there are non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that have gone great lengths to collaborate with other agencies to plan and carry out projects that focused on ecosystem rehabilitation but also establishing a foundation for eco-tourism. Advertisement He cited the initiative by Rotary Club of Kota Kinabalu Pearl (RCKK Pearl) in collaborating with the Kampung Darau community and other strategic partners to conserve the Sungai Darau ecological environment. 'As a city known for its natural beauty and rich biodiversity, Kota Kinabalu is in dire need of such initiatives so the balance between development and sustainability can be sustainably maintained. 'This project basically focuses on restoring the mangrove ecosystem through the planting of more than 6,000 saplings, in addition to introducing a firefly conservation program based on scientific studies and field research by Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS). 'What is even more impressive is the holistic approach taken, in which elements of education, community awareness, regenerative tourism and youth involvement are also made the main core,' he said at the launching of Kelip-Kelip Project to Restore Mangroves and Firefly Habitats in Kampung Darau, here, last Sunday. Also present were RCKK Pearl President Chenderamata Sinteh, RCKK Pearl Vice President Datin Dr Jeanette Tambakau, Immediate Past President Rosie Chong and Former President Datuk Eliza Goh, among others. Through such project, he said positive impact will not only affect the physical area of Darau Wetland but also enrich minds of the local community as well as visitors regarding the values and function of nature. He added that the project is the best example of how a conservation initiative can be a catalyst for social and economic innovation, thus forming a sustainable ecosystem that reinforces each other between nature and people. 'I am also appreciative towards the community development approach practiced here, in which Koperasi Darau Berhad and Darau Wetland Eco-Tourism have played vital role in ensuring that the benefits of this project can be enjoyed by locals directly and in the long term,' he added. Sabin also expressed his gratitude to parties that have showed commitment and played vital roles in the project in which he said would be possible due to the collaboration of various organisations, even from overseas, that have joined hands to make the programme a success. He said such collaboration highlights the spirit of cross-border solidarity that should be promoted continuously to face the challenges of climate change and environmental degradation. 'Collaboration with UMS as the research leader, financial support from the Rotary Clubs of Malaysia Foundation, active involvement of Rotary members from abroad such as RC Makati Emerald, RC Metro KL, RC Kulai Johor and RC Taichung Hui Min from Taiwan, clearly proves that the environmental conservation agenda is not only local, but also global. 'This project is also aligned with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as action on climate change, conservation of aquatic and terrestrial life, and development of inclusive and sustainable communities. 'With a total funding target of RM69,275, I believe the social, environmental and economic returns from this project far outweigh its financial value,' he added. Project Kelip-Kelip at Kg Darau Laut, Manggatal, is an eco-tourism and conservation initiative to restore mangrove ecosystems, firefly habitats and promote sustainable eco-tourism in Sabah which was carried out organised by the RCKK Pearl. Meanwhile, Chenderamata said the project included planting of some 6,000 mangrove trees, launching of the 'Let's Make Them Glow Again' firefly rehabilitation initiative, scenic boat rides along Darau River, eco workshops by UMS and local experts. As a continuation of a project in 2017 and 2018, she said the planting of trees were carried out together with the Darau community aimed to make the area into a community-based ecotourism spot which have been realised. With the existing facilities, she also said visitors will be able to experience scenic view through boat rides along the river which shows the natural beauty that could be found in the city itself. 'We (RCKK Pearl) have started the project (of mangrove planting) 2017 and 2018 which will further solidify through this year's collaboration with the Darau community by planting more mangrove trees. 'Following discussions with the village chief and Darau Co-operative members, we have been informed that UMS are currently carrying out research on 'kelip-kelip' (firefly) conservation and habitat rehabilitation in this area. 'We have also agreed to collaborate in this conservation programme as the ecosystem in this area is suitable for the rehabilitation of fireflies,' she added. Chenderamata also expressed gratitude to collaborators and supporters for the programme. * 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
29-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
HASiL, DBKK strengthen tax compliance through Inactive Taxpayer Verification Programme
Dr Abu Tariq (centre), Sabin (third from left) giving their thumbs up to the programme. KOTA KINABALU (May 29): The Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia (HASiL) has reaffirmed its commitment to national tax governance through strategic collaboration with Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK) via the 2025 Verification Visit Programme for Inactive Taxpayers (PCTA). Held from May 26 to 29, the integrated initiative aims to boost tax compliance, expand the tax base, and enhance inter-agency synergy to support effective national governance, HASiL said in a statement today. The programme focused on verifying the status of inactive taxpayers, particularly business licence holders operating at Anjung Kinabalu, Anjung Senja, and the SAFMA Night Market. It seeks to pave the way for the reactivation of tax files for those found to still be conducting business activities. A total of 23 HASiL officers from Kota Kinabalu, Keningau, and Labuan, along with 35 DBKK personnel, took part in the operation. Based on detailed data matching, 380 inactive taxpayers were identified as still actively running businesses in the designated areas. The programme concluded with a ceremony officiated by HASiL Chief Executive Officer Datuk Dr Abu Tariq Jamaluddin at Horizon Hotel today. Also present were Kota Kinabalu Mayor Dato' Sri Dr Haji Sabin Samitah, HASiL Deputy CEO (Special Branch) Ahmad Khairuddin Abdullah, Sabah HASiL Director Datin Dayang Halimah Awang Ahmad, and senior management from both agencies. In his speech, Dr Abu Tariq highlighted that effective tax compliance strategies go beyond enforcement, relying instead on inter-agency collaboration and structured information sharing. He credited the sharing of business licence data by DBKK as a crucial element in the operation's success. Dr Abu Tariq expressed hope that such strategic partnerships would be strengthened and expanded nationwide, serving as a model for best practices in integrated revenue management aligned with Malaysia's sustainable development goals. Echoing this sentiment, Dr Sabin emphasized that continued collaboration between Federal agencies and local authorities is vital for achieving shared objectives and ensuring the sustainability of national revenue.
Newsweek
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Fan-Favorite WWE Tag Team Reacts to WrestleMania 41 Absence
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Made up of Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin, Motor City Machine Guns have been one of the most beloved and respected tag teams in professional wrestling. First debuting in 2006, MCMG first started garnering attention as part of TNA before appearing in other promotions like Ring of Honor and New Japan Pro-Wrestling. More Pro Wrestling: WWE Superstar Undergoes Dramatic Character Change Surprisingly, MCMG joined WWE in September 2024 and quickly established themselves in the tag team division, winning the WWE Tag Team Championship in October. Despite this, Shelley and Sabin were absent from WrestleMania 41, and the WWE Tag Team Championship wasn't represented at all. Instead, they had a classic Tables, Ladders, and Chairs (TLC) match for the championship against The Street Profits and #DIY on SmackDown. AUSTIN, TEXAS - JANUARY 24: The Motor City Machine Guns, Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin show team work against Elton Prince during SmackDown at Moody Center on January 24, 2025 in Austin, Texas. AUSTIN, TEXAS - JANUARY 24: The Motor City Machine Guns, Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin show team work against Elton Prince during SmackDown at Moody Center on January 24, 2025 in Austin, Texas. WWE/Getty Images Needless to say, fans were upset that the match wasn't featured on WrestleMania. However, Shelley and Sabin seemed perfectly ok with missing the event during an appearance on SHAK Wrestling. In fact, there weren't any plans to have the match at WrestleMania to begin with. More Pro Wrestling: Wrestling Legend Jim Ross Diagnosed With Cancer "If there was I knew nothing of it, we didn't know till the week before on SmackDown," Sabin said. "They told us, 'Next week we're going to do a TLC match,' and that was the first I heard of it. So if there was, I was not part of those talks and did not hear anything about it." "Yeah, we had so much going on WrestleMania weekend before and after SmackDown. That if the conversations were had, it didn't reach us," Shelley agreed. "Quite frankly, we wouldn't have cared one way or the other, because we're going to wrestle our asses off no matter where it's at." That being said, both members of MCMG appreciated the support from fans. "I mean, I just think it showed that the fans cared, which is a good thing," Sabin explained. "Because that SmackDown was in Las Vegas, which is where WrestleMania was. "So many of the same fans that were at that SmackDown were going to go to WrestleMania so they kind of thought. Maybe, 'Oh, they don't get to see the match live.' "So, you know, but that just showed that they cared. And then to see the response that we had from the fans and everyone after the match like that I think it worked out the way it was meant to work out, and I was very happy with everything. I wouldn't change a thing." More Pro Wrestling: WWE Tag Team Unexpectedly Breaks Up "Yeah, and I think it's in one ear, out the other. It's nice that we got these accolades," Shelley said. "But at the same time, those are done with, and they don't benefit us going forward. So we got to stay grounded. We got to stay humble, we got to work even harder, because if there's another one, you better believe we're going to want to top it." In the end, Motor City Machine Guns and the other teams in the TLC match did prove one thing: they are some of the best teams in the business and they are more than deserving to be at WrestleMania next year. More Pro Wrestling: WWE Legend Hulk Hogan Undergoes Surgery WWE Veteran Returning for Saturday Night's Main Event For more WWE and professional wrestling news, head on over to Newsweek Sports.
Metro
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
WWE 'dream match' fans are clamouring for was cancelled 14 years ago
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video WWE fans are desperate to see Motor City Machine Guns lock horns with The Hardy Boyz, and it almost happened. SmackDown stars Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin – who are now available as playable characters in WWE 2K25's New Wave DLC pack which launched today – have long been hailed as one of the best tag teams of the last 20 years, but a bout with icons Matt and Jeff Hardy has always eluded them. Speaking exclusively to Metro after the Hardys admitted they'd be up for it, Sabin quipped: 'Sounds like a dream match.' 'It was scheduled once,' his tag partner recalled, noting that it was on the cards around 14 years ago. He added: 'Maybe 2011, there was a UK tour TNA had booked that match on in particular. And I can't remember where it was gonna be. It was gonna be somewhere in England. 'And something happened, I can't remember exactly what, but it never came to fruition. So we've somehow managed to evade the Hardy Boys our entire career, and it's probably time that we get that match.' They're two of the greatest teams to never face each other, while there have constantly been comparisons due to their high energy wrestling style. There was echos just last week, when MCMG battled Street Profits and #DIY in an utterly wild Tables, Ladders and Chairs match reminiscent of the Hardys' TLC battles with the Dudley Boyz and Edge & Christian. 'As far as the people involved in that match, if you were to go back and analyse wrestling history, we by far have the most experience in these types of situations, and it's not even close,' Shelley pointed out. 'I dare say that we were brought up in part with said experience from Team 3D [the Dudleyz] who are the experts in these types of situations, no less.' High risk dives, bodies crashing through tables, and even a fan's prosthetic leg being used as a weapon – the match had it all. As much as everyone involved 'tried to calculate everything' they were doing, they're still feeling the effects. 'It is a match that you don't walk away from without any sort of scrapes or aches or bruises,' Shelley pointed out. 'You do give a bit of yourself when you go through those types of matches. 'But at the same time, I wouldn't trade it for the world. Even if we lost, I wouldn't trade it for the world. We'll just win the next one. There's got to be [another] one, right? There's got to be.' In the meantime, fans can put the Motor City Machine Guns in whatever matches they want with the new WWE 2K25 DLC pack, which also features Giulia, Stephanie Vaquer and a to-be-announced celebrity guest. 'It's almost indescribable. It's really one of those bucket list type things,' Sabin said of being in a WWE video game. 'When you get into wrestling, you make it to WWE, you want to be on a trading card, you want to have an action figure, and you want to be in a video game.' The New Wave pack – which is available as part of the Season Pass or individual purchase – includes MyFACTION cards for each star, including MCMG, and a total of more than 40 moves and taunts. It's actually not the former TNA Wrestling champion's first foray with the franchise, as he previously 'did a lot of mocap' work around seven years ago, creating moves for other wrestlers. 'It was fun. I actually got to do my own entrance for the game,' he beamed. 'It wasn't named after me or anything like that, but my entrance was in the game before this, which is pretty cool.' This time, the process for the game was much simpler as they spent an hour before an episode of SmackDown getting their faces scanned and photos taken. 'I'm curious to know, actually, who mo-capped our moves,' Sabin admitted. Appearing in the game just months after their high profile debut is another pinch-me moment for the duo, but there was no greater surprise or honour than capturing the tag team titles in just their second week. 'It was pretty surprising. We didn't really have expectations that high coming in and winning the championship in our third match, second week here,' Sabin said. More Trending 'But that just shows the trust that they have in us, and the confidence that they have in us as performers. A lot of people put in good words for us, to just get us here and to be able to bypass NXT and go right to the main roster like that. 'That says something for what we've done, and the hard work we put in throughout the years. Hopefully we've made all the people who put in a word for us proud.' View More » The New Wave DLC pack for WWE 2K25 is available now , new MyFACTION content, including Demastered cards, plus the useable Urn for players with the Deadman Edition Bonus Pack, Deadman Edition or The Bloodline Edition. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you.
Daily Express
13-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Smart City Friends initiative to help make Kota Kinabalu cleaner
Published on: Wednesday, May 14, 2025 Published on: Wed, May 14, 2025 By: Diana Liu Text Size: Kota Kinabalu: City Hall (DBKK) is introducing a reward system to encourage public participation in its newly rebranded Smart City Friends initiative. The initiative is a community programme that goes beyond cleanliness, focusing on civic education, sustainable culture, technology use and social responsibility. Mayor Datuk Seri Dr Sabin Samitah hopes the move will help make the State Capital cleaner and more liveable. 'Membership in Smart City Friends comes with various benefits and incentives, such as a point reward system based on level of participation, discounts for the use of DBKK public facilities, free access to selected public toilets, an annual certificate of appreciation as part of an active social portfolio and automatic membership in Malaysian Drug Prevention Association (Pemadam). 'This is a progressive, merit-based approach that recognises the contributions of each member in building a clean and liveable city,' he said at the Rebranding Ceremony of City Friends to Smart City Friends, Tuesday. Also present were DBKK Director-General Lifred Wong, Deputy Director-General of the Management Services Sector, Faradillah Abdul Rani, and others. Sabin said the initiative supports the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030, particularly in the areas of healthy communities, safe cities and efficient waste management. 'This aligns with the global effort towards sustainability, focusing on creating a better urban environment through active community participation and responsible management of resources. 'This programme is also capable of fostering a culture of not littering, enhancing voluntary enforcement and expanding community oversight,' he said. Other than that, through the initiative, he said DBKK provides ample opportunity for the entire community to become strategic partners in jointly planning, implementing and evaluating urban initiatives. He said the approach aligns with the spirit of 'whole of society', which emphasises inclusive participation in urban governance in a holistic manner. According to him, the involvement of social media should also be fully utilised by Smart City Friends members as an effective two-way communication channel to disseminate information, share ideas and build comprehensive networks of collaboration. 'A tech-savvy community with high civic awareness and mature thinking will be an important asset to the development of a sustainable city,' he said. In another development, Sabin said DBKK will add to the existing number of CCTVs. However, he was unable to provide the exact number as the process is still ongoing and involves external agencies. 'In our efforts to install the CCTVs, we will also deploy enforcement personnel to ensure that the poles and cables for the new CCTVs are not stolen before the units are fully installed and operational,' he said. In response to a question about road conditions, Sabin said DBKK would ensure no potholes. 'If there are potholes, we will take stern action against the companies responsible for not doing their job,' he said. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * 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
