WEDNESDAY, 01 OCTOBER – Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) will lead the research development on small islands around the island of Borneo, Sabah in particular through the establishment of the Small Islands Research Centre (SIRC).

Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Datuk Dr. Mohd Harun Abdullah said such research centre was the first in Malaysia, and the studies which will be carried out involved two categories of islands namely Small Islands and Very Small Islands.

“With the establishment of SIRC, the potential of each island being studied can be determined for the purpose of touristic economic and strategic development.

“The research findings will be included in a database for sharing purposes with government agencies such as ESSCOM, Marine Department, Survey and Mapping Department Malaysia, Sabah Parks, Malaysia Maritime Enforcement Agency and other relevant agencies,” he said.

He said this at the launching of the Small Islands Research Centre which was officiated by the Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment, Datuk Pang Yuk Ming.

He said, all researchers involved in the SIRC should carry the responsibility as best possible to ensure research results can be made into reference for government agencies and the private sector in the conservation and ecosystem balance in the country.

At the ceremony, SIRC received funding through a charity golf tournament amounting to RM30,000, which was presented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Student Affairs and Alumni, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ismail Ali to Prof. Datuk Dr. Mohd Harun Abdullah. – MA (fl)


Photo: Johaidi Ismail


Media and Citra Division
Chancellery Department
 

TUESDAY, 30 SEPTEMBER – The Sabah government will consider appointing Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) researchers as development consultants for the tourism sector in the islands around Sabah.

This was stated by the Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment, Pang Yuk Min after he officially launched the Small Islands Research Centre (SIRC) at the Gallery, Chancellery Building today.

He said the state government was at this point in search of consultants to monitor and be the advisor on the upgrading of existing islands as a tourist centre.

“The way I see it, UMS has a great range of expertise. This includes researchers from Borneo Marine Research Institute who has always been a point of reference in marine affairs,” he added.

Hence, he said that he would suggest on the appointment of consultants for the upgrading of the islands be given to UMS researchers. - SS (fl)


Media and Citra Division
Chancellery Department
 

TUESDAY, 30 SEPTEMBER – Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment, Pang Yuk Min suggested that the Small Islands Research Centre (SIRC) Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) to implement population census on such islands to strengthen security near the waters in the country.

He suggested that the research centre identify the original inhabitants of the island and to find out if there was any illegal migration.

“I believe there are also family members or community on the island which may have long been inhabiting the island, but not exposed to external developments. They are what we call people who are ‘countryless’.

“Through the study we can think of the possibility of giving identity cards specifically for this population to identify their identity, in an effort by the government to curb terrorist invasion and kidnapping,” he said, describing the identification card if realised should be different from the identity cards of Malaysians.

He was speaking during the official opening of SIRC today. Present at the opening were UMS Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Datuk Dr. Mohd. Harun Abdullah and Senior Officers of UMS. – SS (fl)



Photo: Rosli Alias


Media and Citra Division
Chancellery Department