Renewable energy the way for Sabah

KOTA KINABALU: Renewable energy such as biomass, hydro and solar power could solve Sabah's perennial power supply shortfall, said Energy, Green Technology and Water Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili.

He said this would be among the focus areas of Sustainable Energy Development Authority (SEDA) in Sabah and Sarawak.

"Sabah faces a power supply shortfall and renewable energy could play an important role in addressing the problem,” he added.

He said former Sabah Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Dr Yee Moh Chai has been appointed SEDA chairman replacing Tan Sri Dr Fong Chan Onn.

Dr Yee, a medical and law graduate, would be a great asset to the agency tasked with promoting sustainable energy in the country, Maximus added.

He noted that the feed-in tariff (FiT) mechanism governed by the Renewable Energy Act 2011 operated entirely within a legal framework and Dr Yee’s legal background and vast experience in managing resources and information technology in the state would be useful to SEDA.

Maximus said said Dr Yee’s immediate task was to enable the FiT mechanism and other renewable energy initiatives to be implemented in both east Malaysian states.

Maximus thanked Dr Fong for his invaluable contributions.

The Star

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Kaiduan Dam: Register your misgivings, villagers urged

INFRASTRUCTURE Development Minister Tan Sri Pairin Kitingan urged villagers affected by the proposed Kaiduan Dam to register their doubts with the Special Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) instead of condemning it.

“The proposal hasn’t even gone off the ground and the people are already protesting… this is an issue that we can discuss and talk about,” said Pairin at the State Legislative Assembly sitting yesterday.

He said there were differences in the findings of the survey presented to his ministry and that presented by Moyog assemblyman Terence Siambun but this was not such a huge issue as long as all the differences were placed on the table and discussed properly.

“The cabinet wants a special EIA on the impact of the proposed project on the people. This is not bad. And the affected folk should give their input on their doubts instead of criticizing it. They should share what they know. We want to know,” urged Pairin.

He also said the special EIA was crucial for the government prior to making its decision.

Pairin said the government was attentive to the needs of all the affected villagers and stressed that if the project went through, resettlement and basic amenities, as well as housing and land would be provided.

“But we are aware that the project is being politicized. We can accept that. However, what is not understood is the good intention of the government. I am sad that the Hansard mentioned that I do not care about the KDM (Kadazandusun Murut) people,” he said.

He said it was imperative to look into the supply of water issue for the future.

“If we concentrate on the water supply shortage issue, we are helping all, including the KDM people… we understand about the human rights issue raised. Yet whatever we do, it is for the greater good of all, not just the KDM. We are also the protectors of the KDM as well as others,” he stressed on the role of the government.

He said irrespective of whether one agreed with the project or not, it was imperative that they allowed the investigation to take place.

“It is like going to the doctor. Let the doctor check us thoroughly because if we don’t, the investigation will not be complete.”

The main aim is to quench the need to provide water, he said.

“The UN (United Nations) has mentioned that the future problem is poverty and water shortage… we need to take into account all these and prepare for the future. We have to look at the technical aspect. The population in Penampang is also expected to grow,” he said.

He reminded that if the Babagon Dam was not constructed years ago, despite the many objections from the people, water shortage would be acutely felt during the dry season.

“It has helped reduce the impact of flooding and also the dry season,” he said.

He stressed that the issue of water supply must be taken seriously and mentioned that it was not a political issue.

“It is what we think is required by society in the future … the climate condition is becoming erratic and we need to take the necessary action to ensure our water is enough,” he said.

Meanwhile, the villages that will be affected should the project be implemented are Kampung Tiku, Timpayasa and Kampung Babagon Laut. Kampung Buayan and Kampung Terian will not be involved in the proposal.

Borneo Post

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Natural gas will help reduce cost, preserve environment

KOTA KINABALU: The usage of natural gas in the industry will help reduce cost and preserve the environment.

Speaking at the Commissioning ceremony of Sabah Energy Corporation Sdn Bhd (SEC) Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Project via Virtual Pipeline System at Colourcoil Industries Sdn Bhd in Telipok yesterday, Resource Development and Information Technology Minister, Datuk Siringan Gubat said that using the cleaner fuel is akin to contributing to the environment.

“As compared to the traditional fuel source, natural gas is a much cheaper and cleaner fuel. This will translate directly into cheaper operating cost, hence better bottom line. At the same time by using natural gas, the mother earth will thank you for being green.

“We will also be able to preserve our pristine environment and maintain our position as preferred eco-tourism destination,” he said adding that using natural gas is in line with the government’s policy to encourage the use of cleaner energy to drive economic growth.

Compressed Natural Gas Project via virtual pipeline system is a natural gas distributing mode for distant customers, where ‘mother station’ supplies natural gas to ‘daughter stations’ at customers’ premises.

SEC Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Harun Ismail explained that the virtual pipeline system works by having a mother station which is at SEC’s terminal in KKIP.

“CNG is supplied to the customers to their purpose-built daughter stations by lorries. And in order to ensure seamless supply of the fuel, a daughter station monitors the level of gas and automatically order for supply when the gauge is low.

“Upon receiving the order, a lorry laden with CNG will be dispatched to the daughter station from the mother station. The CNG laden containers will roll from the lorry, down to the daughter station purpose-built platform, before the empty containers roll from the platform onto the lorry,” he said adding that all the process are being done without stopping the flow of CNG to the customer’s operations.

Harun said that SEC chose to employ the system due to the high cost involved in building physical piping system to the customers, which renders it uneconomical.

According to him the virtual pipeline system is a proven technology and has been used successfully in many countries including Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, India, Philippines, and Singapore.

“The technology provider of the virtual pipeline system is GNC Galileo of Argentina, which complies with accepted international standards such as ISO 9001 and ISO 15500.

“The system was officially launched by the Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Musa Hj Aman in July 2012, and the first gas roll out was achieved 11 months later on June 10, 2013,” he said adding that SEC has a complete team of trained and competent engineers and technicians to assist customers on the gas usage and the supply system.

Harun disclosed that Colourcoil Sdn Bhd is one of seven earliest customers who signed the sale and purchase agreement with SEC.

Also present at the ceremony were Argentine Ambassador to Malaysia, Maria Isabel Rendon, CNG Galileo S A, Asia Pacific Regional Manager, Juan Ojenguren, and Colourcoil Sdn Bhd Managing Director, Roger Ling.

 

New Sabah Times

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Penduduk Borneo Perlu Lindungi Beruang Madu

 

SANDAKAN 31 Julai - Melindungi habitat bagi hidupan liar yang tergolong sebagai antara haiwan paling ikonik di dunia serta membantu perjalanan pusat perlindungan haiwan terancam, bukan menjadi tanggungjawab kerajaan, pertubuhan bukan kerajaan dan penyelidik semata-mata, tetapi juga orang ramai.

Pengasas dan Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Pusat Pemuliharaan Beruang Madu Borneo (BSBCC), Wong Siew Te berkata, oleh kerana manusia dan hidupan liar menjadi sebahagian daripada ekosistem, maka penduduk setempat juga perlu bersedia menghulurkan bantuan untuk menyelamatkan spesies terancam.

Merujuk kepada acara 'Big Dreams, Little Bears' yang diadakan di sini baru-baru ini, Wong berkata melalui kerjasama dengan sukarelawan tempatan, BSBCC berjaya mengumpul sumbangan RM443,000, hampir seperempat daripada anggaran RM2 juta yang diperlukannya pada tahun ini untuk menyiapkan pembinaan kandang kedua untuk Beruang Madu, penyediaan kawasan hutan tambahan dan sebagai kos operasi harian pusat berkenaan.

"Saya harap penduduk Sandakan menganggap pusat ini sebagai milik mereka juga kerana hasil penglibatan mereka secara langsung atau tidak langsung, membolehkan pusat ini wujud seperti yang ada sekarang dan akan terus maju pada masa akan datang.

"Apabila dibuka kepada orang ramai menjelang awal tahun depan, pusat ini akan menjadi satu lagi daya tarikan eko dan alam semula jadi bagi membolehkan Sandakan memainkan peranannya di peringkat sejagat dalam mempromosi usaha pemuliharaan. Ia juga akan meningkatkan kesedaran semua pihak tentang nasib hidupan liar serta merancakkan pertumbuhan ekonomi tempatan melalui usaha niaga berkaitan pelancongan dan limpahan manfaaat daripadanya.

"Kami harap dapat terus menggalakkan masyarakat tempatan, terutama peniaga, untul menyumbang ke arah pemuliharaan Beruang Madu. Mereka boleh menjadi tenaga penggerak dalam membentuk pendapat orang ramai berhubung spesies itu dan usaha pemuliharaanya," kata Siew Te dalam kenyataan di sini hari ini.

Beliau berkata, penduduk tempatan sepatutnya berbangga kerana pusat itu terletak di kawasan mereka dan menambah bahawa acara mengumpul derma itu memberi kesedaran kepada banyak pihak apabila ia diberi liputan meluas oleh media, termasuk dalam program bual bicara melalui NTV7 dan temu bual melalui radio.

Siew Te mengucapkan terima kasih kepada sukarelawan dan anggota jawatankuasa acara kutipan derma itu kerana sanggup berkorban masa dan tenaga kerana sayangkan Beruang Madu.

"Kami dapati penduduk Sandakan dan kawasan lain di Sabah menyokong usaha ini apabila mereka sanggup membeli tiket bagi acara berkenaan. Ada yang berebut-rebut menyaingi satu sama lain untuk membeli tiga foto Beruang Madu yang dilelong," katanya.

BSBCC melaksanakan usaha pemuliharaan haian berkenaan melalui pendekatan holistik yang melibatkan usaha kebajikan, pemulihan, penyelidikan dan pendidikan hingga menjadikannya satu-satunya pusat pemuliharaan Beruang Madu sepertinya di dunia.

Pusat itu ditubuhkan pada 2008 hasil kerjasama antara Jabatan Hidupan Liar Sabah, Jabatan Perhutanan Sabah dan pertubuhan bukan kerajaan Land Empowerment Animals People (LEAP). Kini, pusat itu menempatkan 28 Beruang Madu yang diselamatkan daripada hutan dan kedai jualan haiwan.

Terletak bersebelahan Pusat Pemulihan Orang Utan Sepilok, pusat berkenaan memberi penjagaan kepada Beruang Madu yang kehilangan ibu bapa dan diselamatkan daripada kurungan, sebelum dilepaskan kembali ke hutan, manakala yang tidak mampu menjalani kehidupan secara liar pula, disediakan persekitaran lebih baik untuk mereka habiskan sisa usia.

Kehilangan habitat, diburu untuk memenuhi permintaan dalam perniagaan perubatan tradisional dan untuk dijadikan haiwan peliharaan merupakan antara punca utama jumlah beruang madu merosot sekurang-kurangnya 30 peratus sejak tiga dekad lepas.

Pengerusi acara kutipan derma itu Anton Ngui berkata Beruang Madu adalah antara warisan semula jadi Sabah yang terkenal di seluruh dunia.

"Kita patut berbangga dengan Beruang Madu kita, seperti rakyat China berbangga dengan panda mereka dan rakyat Australia dengan Beruang Koala mereka. - BERNAMA

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InsightSabah : A sanctuary to better protect Sabah’s Borneo elephants

The first phase of the Bornean Elephant Sanctuary project, which costs RM1.8 million, has now been completed. This project was undertaken by the Borneo Conservation Trust.

According to the Trust’s head of conservation and research, Raymond Alfred, the first phase of the sanctuary project was funded by their conservation partners from Japan, namely the Asahiyama Zoo, Suraya, Hunting World, Tokio Marine, NTT Data Kirin, Taiseh and Yusen Logistics. They described this joint-venture project as 'ongaeshi' – ‘giving back to nature’.The completed project comprises an elephant handling paddock, staff quarters and a storage building.

Alfred said the second phase of the sanctuary costing between RM25 million and RM30 million on a 25-hectare land has already begun and is expected to be completed by year end."For this project, the Malaysia Palm Oil Council (MPOC) has already allocated RM5.2 million.," Alfred said.

He added that the MPOC is also providing financial support for the preparation of the Borneo Elephant Sanctuary master plan covering Lot 8 of the Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary. Alfred explained that MPOC's contribution and support for the project was very important, as the delineation of the project is likely to involve some land acquisition as well as negotiations with oil palm companies that were found to have encroached into riparian reserves.


Malay Version

Fasa pertama projek Santuari Gajah Borneo yang menelan kos RM1.8 juta, kini sudah selesai. Projek ini dilaksanakan oleh Conservation Trust Borneo.

Menurut ketua pemuliharaan dan penyelidikan Trust, Raymond Alfred, fasa pertama projek perlindungan itu dibiayai oleh rakan-rakan pemuliharaan mereka dari Jepun iaitu Zoo Asahiyama, Suraya, Hunting World, Tokio Marine, NTT Data Kirin, Taiseh dan Yusen Logistik . Mereka menyifatkan projek usahasama ini sebagai 'ongaeshi' - 'memberi kembali kepada alam semula jadi'. Projek siap terdiri daripada cara mengendalikan gajah, kuarters kakitangan dan bangunan penyimpanan.

Alfred berkata, fasa kedua santuari berharga di antara RM25 juta dan RM30 juta di atas tanah seluas 25 hektar dan sudah bermula dan dijangka siap menjelang akhir tahun ini. "Bagi projek ini, Majlis Minyak Sawit Malaysia (MPOC) sudah memperuntukkan RM5.2 juta," kata Alfred.

Beliau berkata, MPOC juga menyediakan sokongan kewangan untuk menyediakan pelan induk Borneo Elephant Sanctuary yang meliputi Lot 8 daripada Santuari Perlindungan Hidupan Liar Kinabatangan. Alfred menjelaskan, sumbangan dan sokongan MPOC untuk projek ini adalah sangat penting, memandangkan persempadanan projek itu mungkin membabitkan pengambilan tanah serta rundingan dengan syarikat-syarikat kelapa sawit yang didapati menceroboh dalam rizab riparian.....- Insight Sabah

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