Latest news with #StateGovernment
Hans India
4 hours ago
- Hans India
Strict implementation of free sand policy ordered
Puttaparthi: District Collector TS Chetan directed officials to ensure the strict and transparent implementation of the State Government's prestigious Free Sand Policy in Sri Sathya Sai district. He issued these instructions while presiding over the District Level Sand Com-mittee (DLSC) meeting held on Thursday at the Mini Conference Hall of the Collec-torate. Speaking at the meeting, he stated that the orders issued by the State Govern-ment must be rigorously enforced at the district level. He noted that the district administration is already implementing the free sand policy transparently and effi-ciently. The Collector instructed that all vehicles transporting sand must display a banner stating 'Free Sand Transport Vehicle' and must be equipped with GPS tracking systems. He also directed that CCTV cameras be installed at all sand supply cen-ters and their operations be continuously monitored. To prevent interstate illegal sand transportation, he ordered intensified night sur-veillance at check posts set up in coordination with the police. The Collector warned that strict action will be taken against anyone found violating the free sand policy. He also held a review on sand reaches and sand excavation operations across Sri Sathya Sai district and stressed the need to completely eliminate illegal sand mining and transportation. Officials from relevant departments were instructed to coordinate effectively at the field level to ensure proper sand distribution. meeting was attended by DLSC members, District SP V Ratna, Vice Chairman and Joint Collector Abhishek Kumar, Convenor and District Mines & Geology Officer B Peddi Reddy, and other officials.
Daily Express
6 hours ago
- Politics
- Daily Express
Territorial Army meet timely: Chief Minister
Published on: Friday, June 20, 2025 Published on: Fri, Jun 20, 2025 Text Size: Hajiji (center) with Tun Musa (right) and Tuanku Syed Faizuddin (left) at the SKAW Gala Dinner. Kota Kinabalu: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor expressed hope that the Commander Territorial Army Conference (SKAW), held in the State, will serve as the best platform to discuss key matters including national security and efforts to strengthen the Territorial Army as part of the country's defence. Hajiji, who is also Patron of the Sabah Territorial Army Support Committee (JAKPAW), reaffirmed the State Government's support for the Territorial Army's activities in Sabah. Advertisement 'That is why I fully welcome the Commander Conference being held here. I've been informed that among the key objectives of this conference is to discuss ways to empower the Territorial Army in terms of administration and logistics,' he said. He emphasised that as a state located near several neighbouring countries, we must prioritise security to ensure peace and prosperity in Sabah, and to protect the safety of our people. 'In carrying out our development agenda under the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) roadmap, maintaining peace and harmony is vital,' he said at the SKAW Series 37/2025 Gala Dinner hosted by the State Government on Wednesday. He said the Sabah Maju Jaya initiative not only focuses on three key economic sectors including agriculture, industry and tourism, but also on human capital development, people's well-being, infrastructure networks and environmental sustainability. Advertisement 'In terms of people's well-being, we are continuously taking proactive steps, including providing housing for the rural poor under the SMJ Friendly Housing Programme across all 73 state constituencies. 'The State Government also provides various educational assistance to help Sabah's children continue their schooling. 'This is why I stress the importance of security to allow more development to take place in Sabah,' he said. Hajiji also expressed appreciation for Sabah being chosen to host this year's conference. 'This event not only honours the members of the Commander Conference but also strengthens ties between the Sabah State Government and the Malaysian Armed Forces, especially the Territorial Army,' Hajiji said. Also present were Sabah Head of State Tun Musa Aman and his wife Toh Puan Faridah Tussin, His Royal Highness Brigadier General Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Ibni Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Jamalullail, Raja Muda of Perlis and Commander of the 504 Territorial Army Regiment, accompanied by Her Royal Highness Raja Puan Muda of Perlis Tuanku Dr Lailatul Shahreen Akashah Khalil. Also present were His Highness Tengku Seri Temenggong Raja Brigadier General Dato' Seri Tengku Baharuddin Ibni Almarhum Sultan Mahmud Al-Muktafi Billah Shah, Commander of the 512 Territorial Army Regiment, and his wife Toh Puan Seri Zuriana binti Ismail. Joining them were Sabah State Assembly Speaker Datuk Seri Kadzim Haji M. Yahya and his wife, Datin Seri Norani Salleh, State Secretary Datuk Seri Safar Untong and his wife Datin Seri Datuk Dr Nuinda Alias, and Federal Secretary for Sabah Datuk Seri Rosli Isa and his wife, Datin Seri Norwani Muhamad Shariff. * 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
7 hours ago
- Business
- Daily Express
Government emphasises importance of expanding digital access: Chief Minister
Published on: Friday, June 20, 2025 Published on: Fri, Jun 20, 2025 Text Size: Hajiji (second right) in discussion with Gobind during the courtesy call. Kota Kinabalu: The State Government strongly emphasises the importance of expanding digital access to all segments of society, including rural communities. 'With the support of the Federal Government, we are confident that this effort can be accelerated,' said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor during a courtesy visit by Federal Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo at his office in Menara Kinabalu here Thursday. Advertisement Hajiji said digital transformation is one of the main components of the Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya development plan, particularly in driving technology-based economic growth and enhancing the efficiency of public service delivery. The visit was part of Gobind's official working trip to Sabah, which included attending the State's Digital Economy and Fourth Industrial Revolution Council (MED4IR) Meeting. Hajiji welcomed the visit and expressed appreciation to Gobind for the Federal Government's continued commitment to supporting the State's digital agenda. Also present were the Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Dr Mohd Arifin Mohd Arif; State Secretary Datuk Seri Sr Safar Untong; Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry's Permanent Secretary Datuk Mohd Hanafiah Mohd Kassim; and the Digital Ministry senior officials. * 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
7 hours ago
- Business
- Daily Express
Sabah tourism created 380,000 jobs: Hajiji
Published on: Friday, June 20, 2025 Published on: Fri, Jun 20, 2025 By: Sisca Humphrey Text Size: Liew officiates the event while others look on. Kota Kinabalu: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor reaffirmed that tourism remains a key economic driver for Sabah, underscoring its role in job creation, rural empowerment and sustainable development. 'In 2023, the sector contributed RM13.1 billion to Sabah's economy and supported more than 380,000 jobs across various sectors,' he said, when launching the Asean Travel Exchange (Atex) 2025, here, Thursday. His speech was delivered by State Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Seri Christina Liew. Advertisement Hajiji also praised the growth of community-based tourism, particularly in rural districts where local villagers curate authentic Sabahan experiences. 'In 2024 alone, this sector generated RM7 million in revenue from 18 active districts,' he said and reiterated the State Government's commitment to supporting the sector through infrastructure development and digital enhancement. 'We are upgrading Kota Kinabalu International Airport, improving road access to rural destinations, and expanding digital platforms to manage and promote tourism more effectively,' he said. Hajiji said Sabah is on track to build a future-ready, resilient tourism economy driven by sustainability, technology and cultural identity. Advertisement 'Our vision is for Sabah to be a peace hub, a place where development goes hand in hand with conservation, heritage, and harmony.' He said Atex 2025 marks a turning point for Sabah, serving not only as a platform to showcase the state but also to position it as a strategic partner in shaping the future of Asean tourism. It was organised by the Asean Tourism Association (Aseanta), Federation of Asean Travel Associations (Fata), and Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) and brought together over 400 delegates, including more than 200 international buyers from 15 countries and is seen as a strategic platform to strengthen regional tourism cooperation and business linkages. Atex 2025 is the first tourism trade platform led by the private sector under the Asean umbrella. Meanwhile, Sabah is confident of reaching its target of 3.5 million tourist arrivals this year, said Liew. Liew revealed that over one million tourists had already visited Sabah between January and April 2025, generating RM1 billion in tourism revenue. This marks an 18 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2024. She said the strong start to the year reflects growing interest in Sabah as a destination, which is further supported by the confidence shown by Asean partners through their participation in Atex 2025. 'This is the first time all 10 Asean countries are represented in a tourism event hosted in Sabah, with around 500 delegates attending. 'It's a wonderful programme and a clear sign of the trust and confidence Asean countries have in Sabah,' she said. Liew also stressed that Sabah's strategic location in the heart of Asean positions it as a natural gateway for connectivity and collaboration within the region. 'Sabah is ideally located and increasingly serves as a bridge between regional travel markets. 'I believe this event will lead to stronger ties and more cooperation that will benefit Sabah's tourism sector,' she said. * 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
West Australian
8 hours ago
- Health
- West Australian
WA Budget 2025: Pharmacists $1.3m shot in the arm
Plans to alleviate WA's healthcare crunch by giving pharmacists more power to prescribe more kinds of medication are moving forward, with a $1.3 million shot in the arm for training. The money will be used to train community pharmacists, who are ultimately likely to be allowed to prescribe as many as 20 different types of medication — although the State Government has yet to confirm that final number. The intention behind the plan is to reduce pressure on GPs and make it easier for people who cannot access a doctor, either because of their location or the cost, to be prescribed medication for some acute and chronic conditions. The so-called enhanced access community pharmacy pilot was announced last year and is expected to be up and running in 2027. Pharmacy Guild of Australia WA president Andrew Ngeow welcomed the funding in Thursday's State Budget. 'We're happy to see the Cook Government put some money into training for community pharmacists for this program,' he said. 'It's an important first step, that will ultimately mean better access to healthcare across WA. 'More funding will be required over time to bring this program to scale, and we'll continue to work with the Cook Government to that end. . . For the price of a one bedroom house in Sydney, we can train over 100 community pharmacists to better help Western Australians. This is a great start.'
