STIA making headway in value- adding of acacia resource in Sabah

The Sabah Timber Industries Association (STIA) is making headway in making commercial use of plantation-grown Acacia Mangium in Sabah a reality. This is made possible through the MOSTI Community Innovation Fund (CIF) (RM500,000) granted recently. A ceremony on the document exchange for the collaboration between STIA and the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) was held at Kota Marudu, Sabah, witnessed by the Minister of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), YB Datuk Seri Panglima Dr. Maximus Johnity Ongkili on 2nd May 2013. FRIM is appointed as the technical consultant to STIA in the collaboration.

The cooperation forms part of the effort by STIA in assisting their members in making use of local plantation-grown acacia mangium for the production of higher value-added product for the export market. Once succeeded, it shall help in boosting the current export of wood-based products to a greater height.

It is believed that the project will benefit a wide spectrum of STIA members involving in sawmilling, kiln-drying, timber suppliers, traders, flooring and furniture manufacturers. With better return, it will help boost the competitiveness of the plantation and wood-based industries, besides other social-economic benefits including job opportunities in the State of Sabah.

Mr. Fong Ming San, STIA’s Project Coordinator, is enthusiastic about the project. “It is hoped that the endeavor will lead to a breakthrough in the local plantation timber industry. The market for acacia truck flooring boards alone is forecasted to be huge, in the range of RM1 billion for the first few years, especially for countries like Japan, Korea and U.S.A. This does not include other opportunities such as use of similar resource for garden furniture, domestic flooring boards etc.” He further added by stating that “the Research and Development program has been fulfilling, fun and rewarding.

A big thank you is in order to all!, This bottom-up exercise by the Acacia players, many who has also generously come forward with resources and time, facilitated by STIA and support from Government agencies to do this. It also enhances the “street credibility” of STIA that it “Walk the Talk” on issues of NATIP, conservation and sustainability, and welfare of its members. Lastly it telegraphs to all domestic and international agencies that STIA is collaboration-ready, your local reliable partner on Sabah timber issues.”

Read more on: New Sabah Times

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Going green for mother earth

Every mother deserves the best, including Mother Earth! With Earth Day coming up, the Asianparent Malaysia offers you some tips to pamper our darling Mother Earth by going green!

For a mom, going green is all about sharing easy ways to make a difference in our health, our kids’ health, and the health of our planet. Being environmentally-friendly is good for our home and the Earth.

Moms these days are concerned will all of the chemicals and toxins that are introduced to their children. If you’re committed to a natural, healthy home, find workable tips that can help you keep your home and planet natural and clean.

Going green isn’t hard at all. Here are some small, easy, green choices moms can make in their homes.

Easy ways to go greener at home

Healthy food choices

We all want the best for our kids, but going completely organic can be daunting. The greater the pesticide load, the greater the reason to consider buying organic. Choose organic whenever possible and use a produce wash to rinse pesticides, wax, and other contaminants off of your fruits and vegetables. Try to reduce your meat consumption, especially red-meat.

Conserve water

An effortless way to avoid water wastage is to install low-flow fixtures. Exchange your showerhead for a water-saving variety that saves a gallon of water a minute. A faucet aerator can immediately cut water consumption. Also, conserve water by putting your sprinklers on a timer. Fix leaky faucets. Collect rainwater to water your garden plants as tap water is treated with all sorts of chemicals.

Simply recycle

Each piece of your trash should have a separate destination. Classify your waste into landfill trash, recyclables, compostables, green waste, and old usable items. Create an easy way for everyone at home to sort their trash into one of these five. Label and inform them about these- regular trash bins, recycling receptacles, a bowl for compost items next to the kitchen sink, the green waste bin outside, and a box for donations.

Reuse or repurpose

Every time you buy a used or refurbished product instead of a new one, you’re making sure one less product has to be manufactured, packaged and shipped, and also reducing all the emissions those processes cause. 

For clothes and furniture, check out your local vintage store. Go paperless and pay all your bills online. Put a stop to unsolicited mail. Reuse scrap paper. Print on both sides, or let your kids color on the back side of used paper.

Save energy and fuel

Consider switching to a solar hot water system. You can save nearly 40% on energy costs. Switch light bulbs to CFLs. Preferably switch to energy efficient appliances. Turn off lights when you leave the room. Enjoy natural light and don’t turn on lights at all for as long as you can.

Shut down all appliances when not in use. Drive the speed limit, and combine all your errands for the week in one trip. If possible walk or ride a bike for closer distances.  Try shopping at your local market which sells local produce.

Kitchen

Replace potentially harmful cleaning products with safer, environmentally friendly alternatives while using dishwashing soap, floor cleaner, wood polish, disinfectants, etc. Consider purchasing a water filter to purify the water you drink and use for cooking. Use reusable instead of disposable bags. Buy an inexpensive reusable water bottle instead of plastic disposable ones. 

Bathroom

Replace potentially harmful personal care products and cleaning products with safer alternatives. Your soap, toothpaste, and anything you use on your body regularly should be free from toxic chemicals. Air fresheners, toilet cleaners, tile cleaners, etc. can all leave behind dangerous residues on surfaces and stay in the air for hours.

Nursery

Consider organic bed and bedding to reduce exposure to potentially hazardous chemicals emitted from mattresses. Organic clothes are also recommended because of the heavy pesticides used in cotton. Avoid particle board furniture, new carpeting, and VOC paints. Using cloth diapers takes a huge burden off the landfills, and eliminates your child’s exposure to potentially harmful chemicals.

Laundry

Wash laundry in cold water instead of hot. Save on energy while avoiding the toxins found in dryer sheets when you wash as usual, then line-dry them. Not only will clothes smell delightfully fresh, but the sun even acts as a natural whitener and brightener, even removing set in stains, so you can ditch the bleach and harsh stain removers as well.

Involve kids

To double our efforts in preserving nature, involve your kids too. By teaching them the effects of global warming and other grave environmental issues, they will understand how everyday activities impact the world at large. It’ll be second nature to them when they’re adults and make it easier to pass the same down to future generations!

Source: The Asian Parent

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State government continues to support forest conservation

The state government is constantly working towards fostering in the people the need to love nature and care for environmental conservation.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Haji Aman said the government is also actively supporting forest conservation effort through timely initiatives that help safeguard the forests in perpetuity.

 

He said the government would always support initiatives that contributed to nation building. For instance, the Sandakan Girl Guides Association (SGGA) has received support from the state government because this was an example of how society could contribute towards nation building.

The Chief Minister also added that nation building is a long term effort and not something which could be achieved overnight.

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Gulagob, the rhino conservation breeding ambassador

Rhino conservation breeding project is being undertaken in Sabah since the number of rhinos in the wild is very few. 

According to Sabah Wildlife Department senior veterinarian, Dr Sen Nathan, the conservation programme is an important issue because there are only about 10-15 species left in Tabin Wildlife Reserve, Lahad Datu.
 
An ageing Sumatran female rhino named Gulagob has been brought back to the Lok Kawi Wildlife Park to serve as an ambassador to promote the rhino conservation breeding project. 

 

Gulagob is now about 35-years-old or about 140 years old in human terms is no longer reproductive was caught in Kinabatangan in 1994 and housed at the Sepilok in Sandakan for the breeding programme. 

She was brought to Lok Kawi in 2007 and sent Tabin in 2010 for another attempt to use her for the breeding process but she could not reproduce due to her old age and returned to Lok Kawi in March this year, he said. 

Dr Sen said she is an old animal and they want to use her as the ambassador for the rhino conservation programme before she died

This project is a collaboration of Wildlife Department with the Borneo Rhino Alliance (Bora) who is doing the rhino conservation work in Sabah and other groups to promote the awareness programme at the Lok Kawi Wildlife Park.

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RM132m solar hybrid station shows govt cares: Shafie

TUNGKU: The world's largest solar hybrid station in Kampung Lok Buani, Tanjung Labian is proof of the Barisan Nasional's government's concern for the community in rural areas. 

The solar station on a 10-acre plot will benefit villagers in seven villages in the Tanjung Labian zone, namely Kampung Tanjung Batu, Kampung Tanjung Labian, Kampung Tanagian, Kampung Bahagia, Kampung Sungai Bilis, Kampung Lok Sembuang and Kampung Lok Buani. 

Tanjung Labian has great potential to be developed as it is rich in natural sea resources. 

It's natural beauty is also suitable to be developed into a tourist attraction. 

Minister of Rural and Regional Development, Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal in a press conference after launching the RM132 million project said it is aimed at providing comfort to the community. 

"This project will not only provide comfort to the villagers but also facilitate the villagers in conducting their activities, unlike before where the villagers have to rely on generators. 

"This project will also able to help increase their income, where they could utilise the power supply for business or otherwise," he said. 

According to Shafie, the project is divided into two phases where the first phase costing RM92 million have been completed, while the second phase involving RM42 million was still under construction and expected to be completed by the end of this year. 

He said the second phase of the project was delayed due to the intrusion incident which the ministry have to increase the allocation as the pole and structure of the project were damaged during the incident. 

"We are aware that Tanjung Labian was far behind in terms of development and the absence of electric supply also affects the development of the area. 

Shafie said this is proof that the BN government always put the people first, no matter whether they are in the town or in rural areas. 

Meanwhile, Shafie said 108 houses will be built by his ministry through Felcra and Giatmara for the villagers who have lost their houses in the intrusion . 

He said 71 of the 108 houses have been completed and each house cost RM12,000 while the rest will be completed by the end of May. 

Commenting on the 13th General Election, Shafie said he regretted the allegations by the opposition that phantom voters have been brought to Peninsular Malaysia from Sabah. 

"They have been working there and do not change their addressÉthey have registered their name in the country, so they have to return there to vote and this issue should not be raised by the opposition" he added. 

Meanwhile, one of the villagers, Mohd Bismi Ahbar, 38, said their life have been improved with the setting up of the solar hybrid station. He said his eight-year-old daughter now can study in a more comfortable environment. 

Also present was the candidate of Silam Parliamentary, Datuk Datu Nasrun Datu Mansur. 

Source: Daily Express

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