MONDAY, 30 DECEMBER – Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), Prof. Datuk Dr. Mohd. Harun Abdullah advised students to thoroughly scrutinise any news obtained through social media so as not to cause any confusion.

He said this when asked to comment on rumours about the issue on cleanliness at UMS Labuan International Campus (UMSKAL) which was reported to be unclean and had caused food poisoning among its students.

He said the university will not hesitate to take action against operators that do not take care of the cleanliness of its premises as well as on food preparation.

“So far I have not received any complaints from the students about the cleanliness issue of the campus. If there are any complaints, UMSKAL Director would surely have kept me informed,” he said.

He added that the university will take stern action against canteen operators that do not ensure the cleanliness of its premises as it could threaten the health and safety of students.

“If there are complaints, we will not compromise. UMS always take its students’ safety seriously,” he insisted. – ZMD

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THURSDAY, 26 DECEMBER – Materials and Minerals Research Unit, School of Engineering and Information Technology (SKTM), Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) researchers confirmed that local herbs and spices, especially those from Sabah contained many health benefits.

The study was conducted by UMS researchers consisting of SKTM Phytochemical Process Researchers, Dr. Wong Nyet Kui and Dr. Sivakumar Kumaresan in collaboration with Pop Nzyme Sdn. Bhd. researchers on 10 products developed by the company using local herbs and spices from Sabah.

Among the local herbs and spices used in the products were Oak galls, Eurycoma longifolia, cinnamon, Ganoderma and ginger. Pop Nzyme Sdn. Bhd. owner, Edward Leong had developed these products using grapes enzyme as the main ingredient. The research team had also conducted an antioxidant, anti-microbial and cytotoxicity of the products developed.

The study found that all the products had high level of antioxidants, which was above the level of inhibition of 80% even with low concentrations. Products with high levels of antioxidants can promote anti-aging process and had been linked to an increase in the body’s immune system.

In addition, one of Pop Nzyme products, POP P2 which contained extracts of Oak galls, showed a high level of antioxidants and also strong anti-microbial properties. This means that POP P2 was able to protect the body in the event of infection. In addition, two products of POP P2 contained Oak galls and PE10, which contained Eurycoma longifolia, producing a moderate cytotoxicity, which showed some anti-cancer effects.

The company is currently developing more products from local herbs and spices found in Sabah because it was found that they were safe and effective. Through the collaborative study, UMS research team had successfully helped Pop Nzyme Sdn. Bhd. in identifying the specialty of the products produced, and will continue in their efforts to help local herbs and spices producers following the success of this research.

 
Source: Dr. Sivakumar Kumaresan , SKTM

 
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TUESDAY, 24 DECEMBER – Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) Head of Internal Audit Ismail Abdul Jalil who had served UMS as an Auditor since 13 years ago was feted in a simple retirement ceremony, yet meaningful especially for him.

This native of Rembau, Negeri Sembilan had been in the audit service for 40 years where he started as an audit clerk, and would be moving to Johor Bahru with his wife to enjoy his retirement years.

In his farewell speech, he thanked all colleagues especially Deans, Directors and Heads of Departments who had cooperated with his department in discharging their duties and responsibilities to promote integrity and accountability at the university level.

When he first set foot in UMS, he found that the university’s internal control systems compromised.

“I was determined to improve the internal control systems such as payments, receipts and others in the first five years. However, there were many more aspects that need to be improved. Starting as the lone auditor of the university, now the Internal Audit Unit has 11 employees, and I am very grateful to them for their commitment in carrying out any responsibilities relating to auditing,” said ‘Pak Mail’, as he was fondly called.

Meanwhile, UMS Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Datuk Dr. Mohd. Harun Abdullah said Ismail’s retirement meant that the university had lost another hardworking and dedicated staff who had always send his audit reports to him. The Vice-Chancellor added that he was pleased with personality shown by Ismail.

“No doubt many things would go smoothly after an audit work has been performed. Thus, the university appreciates the efforts and contributions rendered by Pak Mail during his service to UMS,” he said. – MA

 

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MONDAY, 23 DECEMBER – A talk presented by leading preacher, Ustaz Don Daniyal Don Biyajid was well received by more than 200 participants at a seminar entitled ‘Prayers and Invocations With Ustaz Don Daniyal’ which was held at the Main Lecture Hall 2, Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) recently.

The one-day programme which was jointly organised by UMS and Selangor International Islamic University College analysed the history and the philosophy of prayers and its importance to Muslims.

In his talk, he emphasised on the importance of keeping prayer regardless of rank and status of a person. He added that prayer is the key pillar in ensuring security in the world and the hereafter for a Muslim.

“A Muslim should know the immensity and beauty of prayers through the 13 Pillars of prayer,” he said. He also explained to the audience the wisdom of prayers in our daily life.

The Anti-Corruption Secretariat UMS, Abdul Khaidir bin Mohmad Adli; Head cum Main Committee member of the seminar was pleased with the response given by participants of the seminar.

He said the participants were not only from UMS but also from outsiders which clearly showed that programmes such as this would garner interest among local community.

“I hope we had helped unlocked the problem of understanding and confusion on prayers,” he concluded. – SM

 
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