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Daily Express
6 days ago
- Health
- Daily Express
The Queen's hospital: A shared history
Published on: Sunday, June 15, 2025 Published on: Sun, Jun 15, 2025 By: Sherell Jeffrey Text Size: Aerial view of development that has taken place since. The hospital is at far right. – Pic by Jimmy Goh IF there is one major institution that binds Sabahans and foreigners alike in the state, it is the Queen Elizabeth Hospital built in 1957. For almost 70 years – or more than two generations – it was the 'go to' place to seek cures for every ailment from fever or influenza to tuberculosis and malaria. Advertisement Or sent to if one was injured in the workplace, victim of an accident or if any organ in the body needed to be fixed. To many, it was the place they were born and where they were sent to first for confirmation of death. So much so that whenever the word 'Queen' was mentioned, everyone knew it could only be one thing, i.e. the hospital. Not just any ordinary hospital but easily the most advanced and best in the region. It was where many medical personnel from dressers to nurses and doctors to surgeons received their training before going on to improve the lives of others, whether by being posted outside the state capital or deciding to enter private practice. For the Commonwealth Association of Leadership Malaysia (CALM), a NGO dedicated to service and leadership, something else also mattered – why one of Sabah's best loved and important institutions lacked any visible identification on its building. 'It was like whoever designed it forgot to put it up because there was one on top of the building when the previous block was built in 1982. But there was none after a newer and more modern complex took its place around 2012,' said CALM President Yap Li Ling. She said because there was no high-level signage the hospital funded by British taxpayers costing £2 million – equivalent to £50 million today after allowing for inflation and currency depreciation – was often confused for something else. 'Some were not sure which was QEH and which was QEH2, another imposing block that was built much later several kilometres away in Luyang.' She said by ensuring that the original historical QEH celebrates its name, we also acknowledge our shared history and how far we have come. 'What was also being missed with the absence of an elevated visible signage is the tourism appeal. 'Because following the Queen's passing last year, there has been renewed interest in her legacies throughout the Commonwealth that bears her name. 'The hospital stands a living witness to that twilight of empire and the dawn of new nations,' she said, noting that it went up within 10 years of jurisdiction over British North Borneo being transferred from the Chartered Company to the Crown by an Order of Council in Buckingham Palace in 1946. This was accompanied by an immediate disbursement of one million pounds sterling from the Royal Purse to get services started in the war-torn colony. The decision on jurisdiction transfer also made Sabah (as it came to be known upon self-government on 31.8.1963) the very last addition to the once mighty British Empire, with India being the first in the Commonwealth to be given independence. Li Ling said what, initially, started as a signage project also branched into something more meaningful when Daily Express became a strategic partner. It was decided that there should also be a historical gallery and a video documentary detailing the hospital's history and how medical services in the former colony evolved after the war to the present day. She said assistance extended by Sabah Archives and the Information Department in access to archival materials and old photographs also proved valuable. A video documenting the hospital's journey is now available on YouTube titled 'The Queen's hospital in Borneo' at 'From this project, people from all over the world will learn a bit about Sabah's history, which gave rise to this magnificent institution,' Li Ling said. The project gained international recognition when CALM committee members, including Li Ling, travelled to Windsor Castle in April, this year, to personally brief Princess Anne, who visited the hospital in 1972, with her late parents. 'When we shared the story and significance of this local project, Her Royal Highness was visibly thoughtful and warmly engaged. She expressed genuine interest in the hospital's legacy and the leadership effort behind the initiative,' Li Ling said. 'To everyone at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, doctors, nurses, technicians, cleaners, administrators and every hand that keeps this place running, thank you for your service. This project is for you,' she said. - For the record, the first proper medical facility to be built was the 100-bed Duchess of Kent Hospital in Sandakan in 1951. However, after the colonial administration decided to shift the capital to Jesselton (now Kota Kinabalu) after the war, it was decided that a bigger and better hospital was needed on the west coast for the increasing population there. A spot was decided midway between the new state capital and the nearest native community of Penampang, near Kopungit, where deer and wild boar used to be in abundance. Work started in mid-1955 and was completed in two years. Its official opening by the Countess of Perth and the Minister for the Colonies on September 15, 1957 was a grand spectacle with 70 Bajau horsemen accompanying the VIPs all the way to the site. It started with just 140 beds under a single matron, a single nurse tutor who trained the first batch of 17 nurses, 34 medical assistants and two church Sisters. Today, this has expanded since to 775 beds and the past 70 years has seen the many new types of treatment being possible from its highly trained medical staff.
Daily Express
12-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Express
Buckingham Palace praises Sabah Govt for Queen Elizabeth Hospital signage
Published on: Thursday, June 12, 2025 Published on: Thu, Jun 12, 2025 By: Sherell Jeffrey Text Size: Masidi, Dr Abd Kahar, Li Ling, Dr William and the hospital's two pioneer nurses at the gallery. - Sherell Jeffrey/Daily Express KOTA KINABALU: Buckingham Palace has commended the Sabah Government, especially the State Finance Ministry, for its role in installing new signage at Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH). The official ceremony, held Thursday at the hospital, was officiated by State Finance Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun. It marked the unveiling of the signage and a historical gallery celebrating QEH's six decades of medical service. Advertisement A message from Princess Anne, read during the event, expressed appreciation for the initiative, which she described as a tribute to the hospital's vital role in healthcare and training. She recalled her 1972 visit to Kota Kinabalu and praised the collaboration between Malaysia and the UK under the Commonwealth. Masidi highlighted the hospital's historical evolution and emphasised the need for federal funding to upgrade its facilities, including plans for a new building. He also acknowledged ongoing challenges such as parking, which he said require urgent resolution. The event was attended by officials from the Ministry of Health, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, the Commonwealth Association of Leadership Malaysia (Calm), and media representatives. * 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
11-06-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
Sabah pushes for fairer punishments: Proposed changes to criminal laws
Published on: Wednesday, June 11, 2025 Published on: Wed, Jun 11, 2025 By: Sherell Jeffrey Text Size: Those from the CLRC posing in a photo with Sabah stakeholders. Kota Kinabalu: Legal experts and civil society representatives in Sabah are pushing for fairer punishments and real action on proposed changes to Malaysia's criminal laws, as the country undertakes its biggest review of crime-related legislation in decades. These suggestions were expressed during a townhall session here, Monday, hosted by the Criminal Law Reform Committee (CLRC) as part of its nationwide consultation tour which kicked off in the peninsula on May 21. Advertisement Chaired by former Federal Court Judge Tan Sri Harmindar Singh Dhaliwal, the townhall here aimed to gather input from Sabah stakeholders on proposed reforms to three important pieces of legislation, namely the Penal Code (Act 574), Criminal Procedure Code (Act 593) and Evidence Act (Act 56). 'We have not finalised anything. For now, we are just seeking feedback from everyone,' Harmindar told the townhall session. 'From then on, the committee, the researchers and so on will look into all the proposals and see which ones we can implement immediately and those that we can implement maybe in the longer term,' he said, pointing out that the committee remains in the consultation phase. The consultation process includes townhall sessions across Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and upcoming sessions in Sarawak, including online feedback forms. The public consultation period has been extended from May 31 to June 15 to accommodate wider participation. Among those present at the townhall session here were Sabah Law Society Immediate Past President Datuk Roger Chin who pointed out the importance of inclusive consultation in the law-making process. 'A lot of these laws, a lot of times if they do not consult stakeholders, they do not take into account their views, then the laws will be not good,' Roger told Daily Express when met after the session. 'This is the only way that we can advance law because law cannot be static. It must be amended all the time to suit the changing times,' he said. The reform initiative, spearheaded by Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, reflects the Government's commitment to ensuring Malaysia's legal framework remains relevant and effective in addressing modern challenges. While Sabah stakeholders welcomed the consultation process, several expressed cautious optimism about whether their feedback would translate into actual legislative changes. 'I hope the feedbacks are actually incorporated. I think a lot of times, for whatever policy reasons or reasons unknown, even worse, laws are not changed when they should be,' Roger said, citing concerns about prison overcrowding due to inflexible sentencing for minor drug offenses. Social activist cum former journalist Dr Kanul Gindol shared this sentiment while expressing confidence in the committee's leadership. 'I hope the Government will really look into all these loopholes, grievances and comments from the stakeholders, especially from our learned lawyers who are very involved in carrying out fair involvement or solutions of any cases involving criminal laws,' he said. Justice for Sisters representative Megan Stephen pointed out the need for gender-neutral language in criminal laws. 'In all the provision or law, amendment should be done to make it a more gender-neutral language. For example, rape cases. The word 'woman' should be changed to 'person' because anyone can be raped, not just women,' said Megan. 'What I hope as well is to protect stateless and undocumented people, not just for Malaysians, but underprivileged people as well. 'I have a 50-50 confidence level due to concerns about double standards in the justice system where if you have more privilege, more money, then certain people that are underprivileged, they cannot be protected,' said Megan, expressing measured expectations about its implementation. Sabah Prisons' Board of Visiting Justices Chairperson Datuk Katherine Lee advocates for Community Service Orders (CSO) as alternatives to imprisonment for lesser crimes. 'I would like to see more CSO implemented, especially for the lesser crimes,' she said, expressing concern over the current system where mothers who steal milk or food for their baby are sentenced to three months jail or six months' jail. 'It does not make sense to me. Nobody's looking after the babies,' she said. She also expressed concerns about the Deferred Prosecution Agreement (DPA), saying that wealthy defendants should not be able to simply negotiate settlements for crimes. Instead, she proposed that offenders still be charged properly, but they can add on to the sentence to contribute to society as a contribution to help the needy. She would also like to see Restorative Justice (RJ) which focuses on repairing harm caused by crime involving the victims and offenders and even families in the resolution process. 'This approach addresses the harm caused by crime rather than solely focusing on punishment, potentially facilitating reconciliation between all parties involved. 'The implementation would require comprehensive training for stakeholders including police officers, social workers and judges, as well as legislative amendments to the Child Act 2001, Penal Code and Criminal Procedure Code to formally recognise and support RJ practices,' she said. For the record, this is Malaysia's first comprehensive attempt at criminal law reform through a dedicated committee structure. The CLRC, supported by an Ad Hoc Committee comprising experts in law, enforcement, technology and civil society, has been tasked with completing its review within 18 months in phases. The reform initiative reflects the Madani Government's commitment to ensuring Malaysia's criminal justice system becomes more responsive, fair and effective while maintaining the rule of law and protecting individual rights. The success of these reforms will largely depend on how effectively the Government incorporates the diverse voices and concerns raised during these consultation sessions into concrete legislative action. * 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
07-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Dream turned reality with Shell LiveWire
Published on: Saturday, June 07, 2025 Published on: Sat, Jun 07, 2025 By: Sherell Jeffrey Text Size: Team Brutti. The woodworking and furniture manufacturing business in Sabah is changing and at the centre of this shift is Shell LiveWire Malaysia's inspiring success story. Shell Malaysia's support structure has enabled young entrepreneurs to not only maintain centuries-old crafts, but also engage in sustainable business strategies that are redefining industries. Advertisement Brutti, a bespoke sustainable furniture company created by husband-and-wife team Lukman Awaluddin and Siti Faznur Khaleq, reflects this shift. Their endeavour has rekindled young peoples' interest in woodworking and furniture manufacturing, bringing out the value of preserving traditional skills while incorporating sustainable approaches. This has encouraged a new generation to see the industry not just as a viable professional alternative, but also as a way to help preserve the environment and cultural traditions. The impact goes far greater than individual success stories. The woodworking and furniture industry in Sabah is currently undergoing a favourable development, shaped by better young participation, sustainable methods and innovation. Advertisement The Shell LiveWire has helped to nurture entrepreneurial talent and provide the resources needed for enterprises to expand and adapt to changing market needs. As more young entrepreneurs emerge, such as Brutti, the business is expected to expand further, with a focus on sustainability, cultural preservation and economic development. Backyard beginnings to business What began as a small carpentry venture in the backyard with the simple goal of starting a YouTube channel has grown into Brutti, a company that prioritises great workmanship, smart design and sustainability. Lukman, who was born and raised in Kota Kinabalu and has a background in automotive engineering and his wife Siti Faznur, who is also from Kota Kinabalu with a Bachelor's Degree in Tourism Management, attribute their success to the transformative power of Shell LiveWire's support system. From the start, their goal has been to create pieces that are both visually pleasing and extremely functional, effortlessly integrating form and function with responsibly sourced wood. During the second Movement Control Order (MCO), their cleaning services business was hampered by restrictions. Faced with uncertainty, they made the courageous decision to enter an entirely new field with no prior experience. With drive as their guiding force, they dedicated themselves to studying through courses, workshops and mentorship from industry experts. 'It was during the second MCO that we found ourselves at a critical crossroads,' said Lukman. 'We needed to find a new, reliable source of income. Every challenge we faced became a stepping stone towards growth,' he added. Shell LiveWire unlocks potential The couple's journey took an unforgettable turn when they discovered Shell LiveWire thanks to the enthusiastic recommendations of former winners who were close friends. Inspired by the founders of successful enterprises such as Dumowongi, Tem Tem, Kebun Mama, Farm Tokou, Wagas De Asi, G1FT, Le Doux Coffee and Grace Creation, they viewed Shell LiveWire as more than just a competition. It provided an opportunity to grow, learn and contribute while making connections with like-minded innovators. In 2023, their participation in Shell LiveWire resulted in recognition as one of theTop 5 Sabah State winners, signalling the start of a new and exciting path. 'Throughout our participation in Shell LiveWire, one of the most valuable outcomes was the opportunity to gain more knowledge into our own business,' said Siti Faznur. 'The structured exercises, workshops and mentorship sessions provided us with tools to critically assess every aspect of our operations, from our business model and value proposition to customer engagement and financial planning,' she said. The programme pushed them to look into their business from fresh perspectives, helping identify strengths and areas for improvement. Whether mapping customer journeys, calculating unit economics or crafting their pitch, each task helped solidify their understanding of business operations and growth potential. During the pitching session, they had the opportunity to discuss their goal with a distinguished panel of judges. This was one of the most crucial moments in their Shell LiveWire journey. Standing before experienced professionals and industry experts, they communicated not only their business strategy, but also the heart and purpose of their job. 'It was not just a pitch. It was a moment of storytelling in which we expressed our passion, the challenges we had overcome and the impact we hoped to make,' said Lukman. 'The panel's attentiveness and insightful questions helped us feel seen and heard. Their constructive and encouraging responses confirmed that even a tiny idea, when supported by hard effort and purpose, is worth pursuing,' he said. This moment helped them realise their business's potential on a larger scale and gave them confidence to keep moving forward, serving as a reminder that every big journey starts with a small dream. The impact of Shell LiveWire's support system was instantly evident. The extensive media attention they received was critical in increasing their brand's awareness, allowing people to connect with their story, understand their principles and identify the heart behind their work. This exposure resulted in enhanced brand awareness and trust among current and potential customers. The media attention provided not only visibility, but also credibility, connection and community trust. Stakeholders, clients and partners came to see Brutti as far more than a product or service provider, but as an important and reputable participant in their sector. Beyond media exposure, Shell LiveWire enabled connections with other businesses. What began as casual conversations during networking sessions evolved into genuine friendships rooted in mutual support, shared values and common drive for growth. Many of these connections transformed from peers to partners, with fellow entrepreneurs becoming regular clients who support Brutti's services based on quality and purpose. The expansion milestone Brutti has grown noticeably since winning the Shell LiveWire competition, showing the programme's breakthrough power. They shifted to a larger, purpose-built industrial facility, taking a step toward expanding their operations in a more efficient and professional environment that matches industry standards. The new building increased their manufacturing capacity and provided a safer, more organised environment for their growing crew. With this expansion, they invested in better equipment, streamlined workflows and hired new trained workers, bolstering their ability to satisfy rising demand while maintaining quality and craftsmanship. 'We are proud to share that we have started receiving larger orders and long-term projects from corporate clients and prominent companies,' said Siti Faznur. 'This shift in our client base is a testament to the trust we have earned and the reputation we have built for delivering reliable, high-quality work,' she added. What began as a small operation has evolved into a scalable, credible business, reflecting the concrete results that Shell LiveWire's support system can achieve. Even successful Shell LiveWire alumni confront hurdles, but the programme's emphasis on constant learning and progress enables them to overcome barriers efficiently. Recently, Brutti experienced delays due to an unanticipated rise in larger orders. Instead of seeing this as a setback, they devised strategic ways to improve productivity and workflow management. 'This experience showed the importance of adaptability in our operations,' Lukman said. 'From fine-tuning resource allocation to improving internal processes, each step puts us closer to our objectives. 'It is an ongoing journey, and each day brings new lessons about managing scale, improving communication, and streamlining production cycles,' he said. This flexible approach conveys the core values that Shell LiveWire instils in its participants whereby they see setbacks as chances for growth and continual progress. Defined purpose through Shell LiveWire The success story of Brutti through Shell LiveWire offers insights for aspiring Malaysian entrepreneurs. 'Before starting any business, it is important to have a clear and well-defined purpose,' said Lukman. 'Understanding why you are starting and what you aim to achieve sets the foundation for every decision you make. Your purpose becomes your guiding light, helping you stay focused through challenges and uncertainty,' he said. 'Do not wait for the perfect moment or for all resources to fall into place,' adds Siti Faznur. 'Start small if you have to, but start. What matters most is consistency, dedication and willingness to put in extra effort. Even the smallest venture can grow into something significant with persistence and a growth-oriented mindset,' she said. They said continuous improvement is essential DNA for entrepreneurs, staying flexible and learning from every experience while always seeking ways to refine products, processes or services. Most importantly, they advocate surrounding oneself with knowledgeable mentors and industry experts who can provide invaluable insights and accelerate learning curves. Building tomorrow's future Shell LiveWire is much more than just a business competition or grant programme. It was founded in 2015 as a holistic ecosystem to help Malaysian entrepreneurs turn their ideas into successful businesses. The curriculum aggressively seeks entrepreneurs with creative ideas that will improve people's lives through environmental sustainability, social impact, and business innovation. 'Shell LiveWire is more than simply a platform. It is a powerful launchpad for ambitious entrepreneurs looking to expand their businesses beyond local borders,' said Siti Faznur. 'Designed to support startups and early-stage ventures, it provides an ecosystem rich with resources that are often hard to access in the early phases of building a business,' she added. Entrepreneurs are connected to industry experts and experienced professionals who may provide essential advice. Whether it is refining business models, assessing market dynamics or managing hurdles, having access to experienced mentors can be truly transforming. The platform opens doors to networking locally and internationally. By joining the Shell LiveWire community, young entrepreneurs connect with like-minded individuals, potential partners and collaborators who can help expand their reach and impact. In today's interconnected world, Shell LiveWire supports the vision of global scaling by promoting innovative businesses on international stages, helping them gain visibility and credibility in new markets. This long-term commitment ensures sustainable growth and continued support well beyond the initial competition phase. Shell LiveWire Malaysia operates across Kuching, Kota Kinabalu and Peninsular Malaysia, ensuring nationwide coverage and equal opportunities for entrepreneurs regardless of their location. Five winners from each state receive seed grants of RM10,000, while five national winners compete for an additional RM30,000. The programme's structure includes three years of mentorship and business guidance, opportunities for supply chain absorption and retailer partnerships, plus access to a network of successful alumni and ongoing peer support. The success of Brutti and countless other Shell LiveWire alumni reflects Shell Malaysia's commitment to nurturing local talent and driving sustainable economic growth. By focusing on environmental sustainability, social impact and business innovation, Shell LiveWire is not just creating successful businesses, it is building a foundation for Malaysia's entrepreneurial future. Shell LiveWire Malaysia continues to seek passionate entrepreneurs who are ready to transform their innovative ideas into thriving businesses. Join the ranks of successful Shell LiveWire alumni who are making meaningful impacts in their industries and communities. Your story of transformation and success could be the next inspiration for Malaysia's entrepreneurial ecosystem. Registration for Shell LiveWire Sabah closes on June 23. Do not let this opportunity pass by. Register today at and begin your journey toward entrepreneurial success. Live your dream with Shell LiveWire Malaysia! * 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
04-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Express
60-70pc patients require stenting
Published on: Sunday, June 01, 2025 Published on: Sun, Jun 01, 2025 By: Sherell Jeffrey Text Size: Dr Rowland simplifies the procedure by comparing stenting to plumbing. STENTING, which involves inserting a small tube into a blocked or narrowed vessel and open it to facilitate blood flow has become increasingly popular as an intervention procedure. Dr Rowland said roughly 60 to 70 per cent of patients with coronary artery disease require stenting, also known as Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI). 'Patients typically present with unstable conditions where chest pain becomes frequent and severe, often accompanied by symptoms like difficulty breathing. We call this acute coronary syndrome or heart attack,' he said. As a Consultant Cardiologist, he has performed over 8,000 stenting procedures and in the process introduced several advanced techniques in East Malaysia, including intravascular ultrasound imaging, rotablation and shockwave lithotripsy for hardened blood vessels. With such technology available locally, Sabahans no longer need to fly to Kuala Lumpur or Singapore for the life-saving procedure. 'These advanced technologies have revolutionised how we treat coronary artery disease,' Dr Rowland told Daily Express. 'With rotablation, we can drill through severely calcified blockages that were previously impossible to treat. 'Shockwave lithotripsy allows us to break up hardened calcium deposits, while intravascular ultrasound gives us a cross-sectional view inside blood vessels to optimise stent placement.' The importance of this technology cannot be overstated as heart disease cases continue to rise in Sabah. 'Many patients present late, especially those from the interior where screening is not easily accessible. By the time they come to us, the only option is stenting because they have gone beyond the stage where medical therapy alone would help,' he said. Dr Rowland simplifies the procedure by comparing stenting to plumbing. 'Our heart has pipes (blood vessels) that can clog up. As interventional cardiologists, we are like professional plumbers. We try to open up narrowed vessels using micro balloons and then we put in a stent to support the structure,' he said. He said stenting is minimally invasive unlike bypass which requires open-heart surgery. 'We access the heart through blood vessels in the wrist or groin area by inserting a small catheter, connect it to the heart vessel and inject dye to see where the blockage is. A stent is then placed to open up the blockage. The injection of dye is called an angiogram, which provides an X-ray image of the heart vessels, while Angioplasty refers to the actual procedure of inserting a balloon or stent.
