Latest news with #WilfredMadiusTangau
Daily Express
3 days ago
- General
- Daily Express
What began in 1986 must continue, Madius on preservation of Kadazandusun language
Published on: Wednesday, June 18, 2025 Published on: Wed, Jun 18, 2025 Text Size: Madius presenting appreciation certificates to Kadazandusun language teachers. Tuaran: Tuaran MP Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau welcomed efforts to strengthen the preservation of the Kadazandusun Language through initiatives such as the Kadazandusun Language Carnival for the Nabalu Zone held at SK Tomis, here. He said events like these are vital in raising public awareness about the importance of safeguarding the mother tongue from extinction, particularly among the younger generation. Advertisement 'This carnival is very important as it reminds us of the need to use our mother tongue in communication. If we do not act now, our language may one day disappear,' he said when officiating the event, recently. Madius said studies by Unesco revealed there are around 7,000 indigenous languages at risk of extinction, which may eventually become dead languages due to the absence of speakers. By the year 2050, 90 per cent of these languages are expected to be extinct – much like Sanskrit and Latin. He also shared his long and challenging journey in advocating for the Kadazandusun language, which began in 1986 when he was first elected as a Supreme Council Member of the Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association (KDCA), later becoming Chairman of the KDCA Language and Literature Committee. Among the main efforts initiated during that time was the development of the Kadazandusun Language Dictionary and the selection of a standard dialect to be used within the Malaysian education system. 'We began in 1986, but it was no easy task. Eventually, the Institute for Development Studies (IDS) Sabah appointed a Research Officer – my colleague Alice Jekop – in 1988 to lead the research team. 'Many contributed their efforts, including Ben Topin, Rita Lasimbang and others. The dictionary was only published in 1995, nearly 10 years later and thanks to everyone involved. 'The dictionary was based on the Kadazan dictionary by Fr Antonissen, with the support of various parties, especially the Summer Institute of Linguistics (SIL). Although it took a long time, it was finally completed,' he said. The Kadazandusun Language Symposium held at Perkasa Hotel, Kundasang – supported by Canadian University Students Overseas (Cuso) – also laid the foundation for unifying the Bundu and Liwan dialects, which today form the basis of the Kadazandusun Language. 'It's quite remarkable that in the same year the Kadazan dictionary was printed – 1995 – an agreement was reached between KDCA and USDA to formalise the combination of the 'Bundu' and 'Liwan' dialects into what is now known as the 'Bunduliwan' dialect, officially branded as the Kadazandusun Language. 'Today, Kadazandusun is taught as a subject within the national education system. Many have graduated with specialisations in the language at PhD, Master's and Bachelor's levels, and thousands of students are currently learning it from kindergarten and Year One right up to SPM level,' said Madius. He expressed full support for efforts of teachers in the district to establish Tinimungan Manampasi Boros Kadazandusun (Timbok) – an initiative to strengthen the teaching and learning of the language, while also providing opportunities for retired Kadazandusun language teachers to remain actively involved in writing, research, and other activities to preserve the language. He said this year's carnival theme Apasi Boros, Apasi Tinaru (Appreciate Language, Appreciate Culture), was highly appropriate in nurturing a love for one's own language and culture. * 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
12-06-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
Increase manpower for Pantas: Tangau
Published on: Thursday, June 12, 2025 Published on: Thu, Jun 12, 2025 Text Size: Some villagers looking at the land area in Tuaran which have been gazetted under Pantas. KIULU: Tuaran MP Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau urged the State Government to increase manpower for the Native Land Services Management Programme of Sabah (Pantas) under the Department of Lands and Surveys (JTU). He said he was informed that the number of personnel in the Pantas Survey Unit has decreased from 60 people — originally organised into 12 teams of five members each — to only 40 people in eight teams of five members each. Advertisement 'The documentation team, which once had eight personnel, has only three now,' he said while officiating a Pantas dialogue programme at Kg Lokos Hall, here. He voiced concern that the shortage of manpower would affect the use of Federal Government funding amounting to RM100 million (RM20 million annually) allocated under the 12th Malaysia Plan from 2021 to 2025. According to JTU sources, only RM68 million has been spent - RM20 million in 2021; RM6.97 million in 2022; RM10 million in 2023; RM20 million in 2024; and RM12 million projected for 2025 — falling short of the RM100 million allocation, leaving RM31 million unused. As MP, Madius said, he consistently raised the issue in the Dewan Rakyat to advocate for increased federal allocations to ensure titles can be issued for Native Customary Rights (NCR) lands. 'However, if JTU lacks the capacity to implement the programme, then all our efforts will be in vain. 'Overall, the people of Sabah are grateful to both the Federal and State Governments for implementing the Pantas programme. 'Since its inception in 2011 up to 2025, the programme has benefitted 84,614 customary landowners across Sabah, covering a total area of 484,025.451 acres,' he said. Madius said the Tuaran Parliamentary Service Centre would submit proposals for several more villages to be included in the Pantas land survey initiative. Also present at the event were Kiulu Sub-district Chief OKK Kumin Gapai, Kotunuan Lama Village Chief Akim Kuling, Lokos Village Chief Steven Kimbin and Kg. Lokos Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK) Chairman Aloysius Wong, along with representatives from JTU. * 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
10-06-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
Madius urges manpower boost for native land survey programme
Published on: Tuesday, June 10, 2025 Published on: Tue, Jun 10, 2025 Text Size: KOTA KINABALU: Tuaran MP Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau has called on the Sabah government to increase staffing for the Native Land Services Management Programme (PANTAS) under the Land and Survey Department (JTU). He noted a drop in manpower—from 60 to 40 in survey teams, and from 8 to 3 in documentation staff—hampering effective implementation. Advertisement This shortfall, he said, has prevented full utilization of the RM100 million federal allocation under the 12th Malaysia Plan (2021–2025), with only RM68 million spent so far. Speaking at a PANTAS dialogue in Kg. Lokos, Madius emphasized the programme's importance in issuing land grants to native Sabahans, which has benefited over 84,000 landowners across 484,025 acres since 2011. He stressed that without adequate staffing, ongoing efforts and federal support may go to waste. * 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
10-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Green energy needs regional cooperation: Madius
Published on: Tuesday, June 10, 2025 Published on: Tue, Jun 10, 2025 Text Size: Madius (centre) speaking on CHINA-ASEAN energy cooperation at the 2025 RCEP Member States Cooperation Dialogue. Kuala Lumpur: Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (Sabah Electricity) Chairman Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau has called for deeper Asean–China energy cooperation to help build a green and interconnected energy future. He made the call during the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Industry Cooperation Conference held recently, at the invitation of Sabah China Chamber of Commerce (SCCC) President Datuk Frankie Liew and Tan Siew Ling, Vice President and Chairperson of the Women Entrepreneurs Committee. Advertisement As a keynote speaker and forum panellist, Madius highlighted that Asean is at a critical juncture in its energy transition and underscored the importance of striking a balance between reliability, affordability and sustainability in power supply. He said China, as a global leader in energy technology and industrial development, could play a pivotal role in supporting Asean's green transition through technology sharing, investment and technical expertise. 'To realise these goals, regional collaboration is vital. Working closely with global leaders such as China, and engaging in the exchange of technology, investments and knowledge, will accelerate our progress,' he said. Madius cited Malaysia's proactive development in solar photovoltaic (PV) energy and its close cooperation with other Asean nations as a reflection of the country's strong commitment to a sustainable and integrated regional energy landscape. He said Malaysia, through strategic partnerships, technological innovation and policy leadership, is playing a key role in driving the region's energy transition. 'China's advancements in photovoltaic module manufacturing are set to play a crucial role in the global shift towards renewable energy,' he added. Madius also commended the organisers of the conference and congratulated them on the establishment of the China–Asean Photovoltaic Industry Cooperation Committee and the China–Asean New Energy Vehicle Industry Cooperation Committee. He expressed hope that these new mechanisms would foster deeper collaboration in key green sectors, particularly photovoltaics and new energy vehicles, across the region. During the conference, Madius also introduced Sabah Electricity to international delegates. He explained that the company is 83 per cent owned by Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB), 17 per cent by the Sabah State Government, with the Ministry of Finance Malaysia holding a one per cent 'golden share.' He said Sabah, located in East Malaysia, faces unique challenges in power grid infrastructure due to its geographical landscape, but holds immense potential in advancing the green energy agenda. 'As the main utility provider for Sabah and the Federal Territory of Labuan, Sabah Electricity currently serves over 700,000 customers. Beyond supplying power, the company is committed to promoting energy diversification and enhancing efficiency to accelerate the transition towards a sustainable energy structure, contributing to Malaysia's national goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050,' he said, wishing the conference every success and hoping for closer collaboration among all parties to usher in a new era of regional energy cooperation. * 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
15-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Tenom Pangi hydro plant to boost capacity from 66MW to 427MW
Madius (right) reviews the operational flow at the Tenom Pangi Hydroelectric Power Station. TENOM (May 15): Sabah Electricity is committed to increasing the electricity generation capacity at the Tenom Pangi Hydroelectric Power Station (SJHTP) through collaborative efforts from all parties. Its chairman, Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau, said the government — particularly Sabah Electricity — has plans to increase the station's capacity from 66MW to 427MW, following in-principle approval from the Sabah Energy Commission (ECoS). 'This upgrading effort is a key strategic step in ensuring the stability of electricity supply not only in Sabah but also in the Federal Territory of Labuan. 'It also aligns with our commitment at Sabah Electricity to strengthen the use of sustainable green energy and ensure a stable and resilient electricity supply for the well-being of the people,' Madius said. He made the remarks during the Re-Operation Ceremony and 40th Anniversary Celebration of the Tenom Pangi Hydroelectric Power Station on May 14. The event was officiated by Deputy Chief Minister III and Minister of Works Datuk Shahelmey Yahya. Madius emphasized that the initiative forms part of Sabah Electricity's long-term strategy to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. He also highlighted the importance of expanding renewable energy sources such as hydro, solar and biomass to promote sustainable and environmentally friendly energy development. Addressing public concern, Madius clarified that the Tenom Pangi station is not the cause of recent flooding in Tenom, Beaufort and surrounding areas. 'For everyone's information, the Tenom Pangi Hydroelectric Power Station operates differently from conventional hydroelectric stations that use dams to store water. 'This station applies the Run-of-River Scheme concept, generating electricity through the natural flow of the river without involving large reservoirs or dams,' he explained. The station diverts river water through a special tunnel to power hydro turbines and then releases the same amount of water back into the river, ensuring minimal impact on river levels. He added that although the Diversion Water Gate (DWG) structure at the station may resemble a dam, it is in fact a river flow control system. 'The DWG's primary function is to divert water for electricity generation. If river levels rise suddenly, Sabah Electricity opens the DWG to release excess water safely, thus preventing overflow and preserving the river ecosystem,' he said. Construction of the Tenom Pangi Hydroelectric Power Station began in 1978 and was completed in 1984 with the installation of its final turbine. Located across the Padas River, the station operates with three turbines of 22MW each, providing a total capacity of 66MW. In October 2022, the station suffered major damage due to a landslide and mudslide, which severely impacted its civil structures and all three main turbines. Sabah Electricity initiated phased repair work, successfully restoring the plant, which resumed operations in April 2025 — contributing once again to the stability of electricity supply in Sabah and Labuan.
