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New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Sabah tourism industry in created over 380,000 jobs
KOTA KINABALU: Tourism industry in Sabah has created more than 380,000 jobs said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. He said the industry accounted for about 15 per cent of the state's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and contributing RM13.1 billion to the state's economy. "We have witnessed firsthand how tourism uplifts communities and we take pride in our progress in community-based tourism here in Sabah," he said at the launching of the Asean Travel Exchange (ATEX 2025) at a hotel here. Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Christina Liew delivered his speech. He said Sabah is home to many community-based tourism operators, and these initiatives were spearheaded by individuals and families from local villages, particularly rural communities, who create experiences that were distinctly Sabahan. "As we speak, community-based tourism continues to expand in Sabah due to its immense potential to grow the economy, especially in the rural areas of Sabah. "In 2024, the total state revenue contribution from this sector amounted to RM7 million from 18 active districts. "More community-based initiatives in the rural districts are being introduced to benefit the rural communities," he said. Hajiji added that the state government is investing in infrastructure with ongoing upgrades to the Kota Kinabalu International Airport, improved road conditions giving access to rural tourism areas and enhanced digital platforms designed to promote and manage visitor experiences effectively. "We are laying the foundation for a resilient and future-ready tourism economy. "Sabah's strategy includes embracing green economy principles, advocating for digital transformation, and enhancing our profile as a premier venue and host for international tourism events," he said. Meanwhile, he said that ATEX 2025 serves as a reminder of just how powerful the combination of tourism, travel, hospitality, and aviation can be. Nation Mar 17, 2025 @ 5:51am Sabah Tourism Ministry to meet AirAsia over flight terminations Nation Dec 31, 2024 @ 10:20pm Innovate, capitalise on travel trends, Sabah tourism players told Economy May 26, 2025 @ 3:19am Sabah's tourism sector surges ahead Nation May 10, 2025 @ 11:20pm Sabah sees tourism surge, earns RM2.13 billion from Jan to March this year
The Star
2 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Tourism sector still big earner for Sabah, says Hajiji
KOTA KINABALU: Tourism continues to be a pillar of Sabah's economy, contributing significantly to both state revenue and rural community development, says Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. The sector, the Chief Minister added, generated RM13.1bil for Sabah in 2023, accounting for 15% of the state's gross domestic product (GDP). 'Yet, statistics alone do not tell the whole story. Behind each number lies a livelihood, a family and individuals who have contributed to the tourism economy,' he said in his speech at the launching of the Asean Travel Exchange (Atex 2025) here on Thursday (June 19). His speech was delivered by state Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew. Hajiji highlighted that the real strength of Sabah's tourism lay in its expanding community-based tourism sector, which had seen impressive growth, particularly in rural districts. 'In 2024, revenue from this sector reached RM7mil, spanning 18 districts. These initiatives are led by local individuals and families, crafting experiences that are authentically Sabahan,' he said, saying that the state government views tourism not just as an economic engine but as a tool for uplifting communities. To support the sector's growth, he said Sabah was investing in infrastructure improvements, including ongoing upgrades at Kota Kinabalu International Airport, better road access to rural areas and improved digital platforms to promote visitor experiences. 'We are laying the groundwork for a resilient, future-ready tourism economy. Our strategy includes embracing green principles, pushing digital transformation, and strengthening Sabah's role as a premier host of international tourism events,' he said. He also envisioned Sabah as a 'peace hub', a harmonious space where business, nature, culture and heritage thrive side-by-side through sustainable development. 'We aspire to be a model showing how tourism can flourish while preserving the very things that make us unique … our environment, our cultures, and our communities,' he said. Hajiji also described Atex 2025 as a significant milestone that allowed Sabah to position itself not only as a top destination but also as a strategic partner in shaping Asean's tourism future. 'Hosting Atex 2025 is an honour, but more importantly, it is an opportunity. A chance to spark connections, explore business ventures, and collectively shape a more inclusive and sustainable tourism future for the region,' he said. Meanwhile, Liew described Atex 2025 as a golden opportunity for Sabah. 'This is a wonderful programme. Just imagine, top tourism leaders from all 10 Asean countries gathered here in Sabah, with over 500 delegates. I truly thank the organisers for making this possible,' she told the media after the launch ceremony. She added that this was likely the first time all 10 Asean nations had convened for a tourism-focused event in Kota Kinabalu. 'This is our moment to showcase Sabah as a strategic and unique tourist destination. I believe it will open new doors for collaboration and regional promotion,' she said. Liew also shared encouraging tourism statistics for 2025, where so far, Sabah has welcomed over one million tourists between January and April, an 18% increase from the same period last year, generating more than RM2bil in revenue. She expressed optimism that Sabah would meet its target of 3.5mil visitors by year-end. When asked if Sabah would consider hosting Atex again, she responded positively: 'If there is a request, we are more than willing. Let's make it a signature event for Sabah, and maybe our guests can stay an extra week or two to explore our beautiful destinations.'
News18
4 days ago
- Climate
- News18
DK Shivakumar's Wobbly Bicycle Ride To Karnataka Assembly
Last Updated: Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar fell off a bicycle during a World Environment Day event at Vidhana Soudha but continued promoting environmental awareness. News18 A video of Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar falling off a bicycle at the steps of Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru has gone viral on social media on Tuesday. The clip shows Shivakumar, dressed in a polo shirt and track pants, losing his balance just as he attempts to park his bicycle, tumbling directly onto the steps. Security personnel and others nearby quickly rush to help him back on his feet. The incident happened shortly after the eco-walk event in Bengaluru, which was flagged off by Shivakumar along with Forest, Ecology, and Environment Minister Eshwar Khandre, as part of the state's World Environment Day 2025 celebrations. साईकल से गिरे कर्नाटक के डिप्टी CM डीके शिवकुमार! — Apurva Singh (@iSinghApurva) June 17, 2025 Shivakumar even posted a photo of himself with the bicycle on his official X account, writing: 'In the corridors of power, I chose a cycle – because progress doesn't always need horsepower, just people power.." During his address at the Vidhana Soudha, the Deputy CM spoke about Bengaluru's reputation as a 'garden city" and highlighted the government's efforts to promote environmental awareness. The program, originally scheduled for June 5, was postponed due to logistical reasons. 'There is no such Vidhana Soudha in the entire world. Students should come and see Vidhana Soudha. All of us should come and see it. This program could have been held elsewhere. But we have organised a program here to see Vidhana Soudha. This program was supposed to be held on the 5th June. For some reason, it was not possible to do it…The weather here is good. It is raining. I went to Ahmedabad, where the temperature is 40 degrees Celsius by now, but here it is 22," Shivakumar added. Minister Khandre said the state is working to end plastic pollution and that awareness efforts must become a public movement. 'We have banned single-use plastic, but that has to be transformed into a people's movement. We can make many laws, but laws have to be implemented. We have to seek the support of people and just raise awareness amongst the students. Such programmes will help us," he said. (With inputs from ANI) First Published:
New Indian Express
29-05-2025
- Health
- New Indian Express
Men must be educated on menstrual health, says Odisha Dy CM Pravati Parida
BHUBANESWAR: Deputy chief minister Pravati Parida on Wednesday called for access to safe menstrual solutions at workplaces and educational institutions as an essential move. Speaking at the inauguration of 'Project Period: Sanitation, Health & Hygiene, and Environment (SHE)' initiative by IIT Bhubaneswar's Research & Entrepreneurship Park on the day, Parida said there is a need for cultural transformation as far as menstrual awareness is concerned. 'The day sanitary napkins become part of a family's monthly grocery list or a brother's gift to his sister, we will witness real progress in women's empowerment. Men must also be educated on menstrual health to help break the stigma,' she added. The deputy chief minister launched Project CARE (Campus Action for Reusable Essentials), an initiative to promote the use of reusable menstrual products among school and college-going girls, and distributed eco-friendly reusable menstrual pads to women from underserved communities. Parida also unveiled two sanitary napkin vending machines on the campus. 'Menstruation, a biological process, has long been shrouded in taboo, forcing generations of women to suffer in silence. It's time we break this silence, and initiatives like these are key to driving change,' she said.
Gulf Insider
20-05-2025
- Business
- Gulf Insider
9th International Global HSE Conference Opens in Bahrain
The 9th International Conference and Exhibition on Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) opened on Monday in Bahrain with a strong message about the need for safety, teamwork, and shared responsibility across the energy sector. H.E. Dr Mohamed bin Mubarak Bin Daina, Minister of Oil and Environment and Special Envoy for Climate Affairs, addressed the audience at the opening ceremony, reflecting on a recent tragedy that deeply affected the industry. 'Just a few weeks ago, Bapco Energies lost three colleagues. Losing someone is like losing a brother,' he said. 'No matter how much we progress, safety must always come first.' He acknowledged the importance of support during difficult times. 'Having a colleague who stands by your side matters a lot. In our most difficult hour, our big brother Aramco reached out, and we are truly grateful.' The conference, hosted by the Ministry of Oil and Environment in strategic partnership with Aramco, brought together experts and professionals under the theme 'Connecting Minds, Inspiring Transformation.' It focuses on improving safety standards, sharing knowledge, and promoting sustainable practices across the region. The event features keynote talks from industry leaders, expert-led technical sessions, and an exhibition showcasing the latest in safety and environmental solutions. Key topics include AI in HSE, leadership in safety behaviour, crisis preparedness, and sustainability in risk management. It was also announced that the 2026 edition of the conference will be held in Oman, continuing the region's focus on building a safer and more sustainable future for the energy sector. As industries across the region continue to evolve, the demand for stronger safeguards around safety and sustainability has never been greater. Gulf Insider remains committed to covering the key developments shaping the future of workplace safety, risk management, and environmental responsibility across the Gulf – from spotlighting innovation and sharing best practices to supporting a culture of progress within the region's most vital sectors. Also read: Bahrain's Investcorp Takes On $550m Project In Omani Port
