Latest news with #Yusof


Daily Express
2 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Express
GRS should lead Sabah's political future: Yusof
Published on: Wednesday, June 18, 2025 Published on: Wed, Jun 18, 2025 Text Size: Yusof addresses the Gagasan Rakyat Sindumin meeting on Wednesday. SIPITANG: Sindumin Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat) chief Datuk Dr Yusof Yacob has urged Sabahans to rely on Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) as the primary platform for charting the state's political future. He said Sabah must prioritise its internal strength instead of depending on external parties in shaping its political direction. Advertisement Touching on political cooperation, he stressed that any collaboration must be based on mutual respect between parties. Yusof criticised certain non-local parties for pre-emptively announcing seats they plan to contest in the upcoming state election without prior consultation. He added that GRS is prepared to contest solo and expressed confidence that the coalition remains the most suitable to lead Sabah's administration. * 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


New Straits Times
3 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Sabah graft probe: Sindumin assemblyman Yusof Yacob seen at MACC HQ
KOTA KINABALU: Sindumin assemblyman Datuk Dr Yusof Yacob was seen at the Sabah Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) headquarters today. Yusof, who is also Qhazanah Sabah chairman, was reportedly summoned to give a statement. According to sources, he arrived at the Sabah MACC office at the Federal Government Administrative Complex here around 8.45am. It is understood that Dr Yusof is one of two assemblymen summoned to provide statements today. However, the second individual has yet to appear. The MACC has not disclosed their names. Earlier, MACC chief Tan Sri Azam Baki s aid three people — including two assemblymen — are expected to be charged at the Kota Kinabalu Corruption Court by the end of this month. He said several individuals have already been identified and that prosecution would proceed soon under the probe dubbed Op Adun. Previously, several video recordings allegedly featuring conversations about corruption between businessmen and Sabah assemblymen — linked to mineral mining issues in the state — went viral. Following that, the MACC launched a thorough investigation, including digital forensic analysis of the clips.


Daily Express
3 days ago
- Business
- Daily Express
450 youths in Sipitang hope to land oil and gas jobs
Published on: Wednesday, June 18, 2025 Published on: Wed, Jun 18, 2025 Text Size: Dr Yusof with the young attendees. Kota Kinabalu: The State Government's commitment to prioritise local employment at the Sipitang Oil and Gas Industrial Park (Sogip) has been realised, with many Sipitang youths now working at the Sabah Ammonia Urea (Samur) Petronas Chemical Fertilisers Sabah. Sipitang Assemblyman Datuk Dr Yusof Yacob said the initiative, discussed years ago with Petronas and Sogip operators, ensures job opportunities for locals, whether through vendors, subcontractors, or direct employment. Advertisement 'The recent Sogip Open Day, organised by Petronas and other companies, interviewed 450 youths. We urge swift hiring decisions to absorb them into the workforce,' said Dr Yusof at the event's launch. He was joined by Sipitang MP Datuk Matbali Musah, Petronas officials and local leaders. With six companies set to operate in Sogip, including Petroventure, Gibson, Esteel and Sogip Port, total investments are projected at RM72 billion across 4,065 hectares. The construction phase alone will require 3,500 workers, potentially surging to tens of thousands once all plants are operational. The Samur alone will employ 500 permanent staff, with additional roles in maintenance, landscaping and pipeline upkeep. Dr Yusof noted that the influx of workers and their families could boost Sipitang's population to 25,000, spurring demand for housing, vehicle services, food supplies and retail. 'Locals must equip themselves with industry-relevant skills and explore downstream sectors like logistics, food services and childcare,' he added. The Sogip project aligns with the Sabah Maju Jaya development plan and is expected to drive Sipitang's economic growth for decades. * 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
3 days ago
- General
- Daily Express
Recycling of pesticide containers a vital step: Yusof
Published on: Wednesday, June 18, 2025 Published on: Wed, Jun 18, 2025 By: Azmie Lim Text Size: Yusof (3rd from right) at the launch of the programme. LAHAD DATU: A recycling initiative involving the collection and processing of pesticide containers is seen as a vital step in promoting sustainable practices and protecting the environment within the oil palm industry. Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation (Mosti) Datuk Mohd Yusof Apdal, said the programme aligns with the national agenda to strengthen environmental sustainability. Advertisement 'With Sabah recording one of the highest pesticide container entries in the country, urgent and proper disposal in accordance with regulations is crucial,' he said. He commended the Sabah Agriculture Department and participating oil palm companies in the district for embracing the initiative, saying their support ensures continued environmental preservation. Yusof was speaking during the Recycling Programme for Pesticide Containers in the Oil Palm Industry held at Rimmer Estate, KLK Berhad on Tuesday, jointly organised by the Pesticide Control Division, Agriculture Department, with state agencies and plantation companies. He welcomed a proposal by the Sabah Pesticide Control Division to develop high-tech protective gear for farmers handling pesticides, saying it fits Mosti's mission to boost local innovation for safety and productivity. He also suggested a long-term study to assess farmers' awareness of the dangers posed by improper disposal of pesticide containers. A two-year study by Universiti Malaysia Sabah had earlier examined pesticide container management among farmers using both qualitative and quantitative methods, including document reviews, interviews and surveys. 'The findings will help shape a farmer-centric recycling framework and raise awareness of safe pesticide container disposal,' he said. Yusof also praised the contribution of pesticide container recycling cages by seven oil palm firms, calling it a strong show of private sector commitment to national sustainability goals. He said such public-private partnerships could drive meaningful environmental and community impact. Meanwhile, Acting Director of the Pesticide and Fertiliser Control Division Latifah Merais, said the programme is key in strengthening sustainable agricultural practices, especially in managing hazardous chemical waste like used pesticide containers. She said a major objective of the programme is to ensure systematic and safe disposal of pesticide containers while reducing health risks and environmental pollution. 'Recent data shows rising pesticide imports into Sabah's ports,' she said. In 2023, Tawau received 6,377 tonnes and Sandakan 5,124 tonnes. This increased in 2024 to 11,308 tonnes (Tawau), 2,614 tonnes (Sandakan) and 853 tonnes (Kota Kinabalu). 'These figures highlight the growing need for responsible management of used pesticide containers,' 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

Barnama
4 days ago
- Business
- Barnama
Qhazanah Sabah Teams Up With Bina Indah To Develop The Hill @ Damai Project
REGION - SABAH > NEWS KOTA KINABALU, June 16 (Bernama) -- Qhazanah Sabah Bhd (QSB) today signed a joint development agreement (JDA) with Bina Indah Development Sdn Bhd for the development of The Hill @ Damai here. QSB chairman Datuk Dr Yusof Yacob said the JDA outlines the development of a mixed-use urban revitalisation project on 5.26 hectares located adjacent to Hospital Queen Elizabeth II. He said The Hill @ Damai will be Sabah's first development integrating a medical ecosystem with a high-end modern commercial precinct, with an estimated gross development value exceeding RM500 million. bootstrap slideshow 'This groundbreaking development will be a modern commercial hub that combines medical ecosystem development with contemporary lifestyle offerings. Among other features, the project will provide more than 1,500 parking bays,' he said in his speech at the signing ceremony at Menara Kinabalu here today. Yusof said the state government believes the project will generate significant economic benefits at a macro level and provide substantial revenue for both QSB and the state government. Signing on behalf of QSB were Yusof and deputy group chief executive officer Rudy Jaglul, while Bina Indah Development was represented by director Kenyo Chu and executive director Allison Tey Phing Phing. Sabah Minister of Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe witnessed the ceremony. When completed, The Hill @ Damai is expected to offer over 500,000 square feet of commercial space. The project, slated for completion within five years, is projected to create over 1,000 jobs and attract substantial economic activities.