The Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association (KDCA) has called on the Sabah State Government to establish a task force to address alleged land grabs in six districts. KDCA's Paramount Leader, Joseph Pairin Kitingan, highlighted the issue following a petition from the Malaysian International Humanitarian Organisation. The affected districts include Tongod, Tawau, Nabawan, Tenom, Keningau, and Ranau. Pairin emphasized the State Government's role in resolving these land disputes and expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Hajiji Noor for his attention to the matter.

The 21.7km Putatan-Inanam dual carriageway, including a 2.1 km spur road to Bukit Padang, part of the Sabah Pan Borneo Highway project, is nearly 80% complete. Chief Minister Haji Hajiji Haji Noor received a progress update from the State Public Works Department. The project, costing over RM788 million, is expected to finish by November 2024. Four work packages have been completed, with 11 in progress, five under procurement, and 15 yet to start under Phase 1B. The highway will span 1,236 km in three phases, improving connectivity across Sabah.

Sabah is progressing towards full adoption of green technology, highlighted by a RM20 billion green steel project at the Sipitang Oil and Gas Industrial Park. Chief Minister Hajiji Noor emphasized the state's commitment to renewable energy and sustainable solutions during a ceremony where Sabah Energy Corporation agreed to supply natural gas to Esteel Enterprise Sabah for 20 years. The project, which will reduce carbon emissions by 70%, is set to create 2,795 jobs and is part of Sabah's economic growth strategy.

Daing Muhammad Reduan Bachok, a man from Selangor and Special Officer to the Selangor Menteri Besar, was acquitted by the Magistrate’s Court in Keningau from a charge of insulting PKR Vice-president and current Economy Minister Mohd Rafizi Ramli in 2018. The acquittal follows a previous release in 2021 when the lower court found the prosecution had not established a prima facie case, a decision which was appealed by the prosecution leading to a High Court order in May 2023 for Daing to enter his defence. The offence under Section 509 of the Penal Code could have resulted in a jail term of up to five years or a fine.

A 48-year-old security guard from Kota Belud, working for a college, was found dead in his rented room at Jalan Tuaran Bypass, Kota Kinabalu. His employer discovered the body after the guard failed to show up for work for two days. The room was locked from the inside and emitted a foul smell. No foul play was suspected, and the body was sent to Queen Elizabeth Hospital for a postmortem. The case is classified as sudden death.

The Ministry of Higher Education in Malaysia, led by Deputy Minister Datuk Mustapha Sakmud, is set to enhance initiatives to lower the national youth unemployment rate, currently at 10.1 percent. Plans include hosting career carnivals at universities, managed by students to gain event management experience and industry exposure. The ministry aims to make universities more industry-driven to ensure graduates are in demand by the job market. Collaboration with the Ministry of Human Resource and other relevant parties is part of the strategy to address the high unemployment rate among Malaysian youth.

Connie Chong, Managing Director of Funholiday, was awarded the 'Tourism Heroes 2023' by the Malaysian Inbound Tourism Association (Mita) for her perseverance and efforts to sustain the tourism industry during the Covid-19 pandemic. She engaged in virtual meetings with foreign embassies, attended the World Expo Dubai 2020, and promoted Sabah in over 20 destinations. Connie also hosted Uzbekistan tourism players and participated in a roadshow in India with the Sabah Tourism Board and Tourism Malaysia. Despite the pandemic's impact on group travel, she adapted by reducing group sizes and focusing on B2B sessions. The award motivates Funholiday to improve its products and services, and Connie calls for more collaboration and government support for overseas promotion.

Tanjung Aru Eco Development Sdn Bhd (TAED) has expanded Parking 2 at Tanjung Aru Beach by adding over 200 parking spaces and improved Parking 1 for visitor convenience. Covered and lighted walkways will connect the parking areas to the hawkers' stalls. The parking area opposite Waikiki Condominium will close permanently from 24th December 2023, but stall operators can access it for delivery and pick-up until 1 pm daily. Parking charges will be waived from 24th to 31st December 2023 to ease traffic congestion around Jalan Aru and Jalan Mat Salleh, as announced by TAED's general manager, Datuk Jake Jikulin Nointin.

UPKO president Datuk Ewon Benedick announced a proposed framework for the repayment mechanism of 40 percent of federal revenue due to Sabah, which will be presented to the State and Federal Governments. The framework addresses technical issues and practical steps since 1974 and will be discussed with the Prime Minister and other officials before MA63 committee meetings next year. The framework aims to ensure special payments to Sabah are based on the constitutional formula. Key figures such as former Chief Minister Bernard Dompok and representatives from various organizations participated in the roundtable discussion.

The Sabah state government has allocated RM27.13 million for the management and development of the sports industry in 2023. Chief Minister Hajiji Noor emphasized the importance of nurturing young talent and maintaining a commitment to sports excellence during the 10th Sabah Games opening ceremony at Universiti Malaysia Sabah. He congratulated state athletes for their international achievements and urged them to continue striving for success, especially in anticipation of the Malaysia Games hosted by Sarawak next year. Officials including Deputy Chief Minister Shahelmey Yahya and Youth and Sports Minister Ellron Angin were in attendance.

A 39-year-old woman was found dead inside a locked Perodua Bezza car at a Penampang shopping mall parking lot on Saturday morning. The public discovered her around 7am, and Penampang police, led by Superintendent Sammy Newton, and fire and rescue personnel responded to the scene. The woman was confirmed dead by paramedics, and her body was sent to Queen Elizabeth Hospital for a postmortem. Police found no criminal elements, and the case has been classified as sudden death.

Sabah has been officially recognized by the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) for achieving the first step of the RSPO's jurisdictional approach to certified sustainable palm oil. This marks a significant milestone for Sabah, a major palm oil producer, in its efforts to become a global leader in sustainable palm oil. With 26% of its palm oil currently RSPO certified, Sabah aims for 100% certification by 2025. The announcement was made at the RSPO RT 2023 conference in Jakarta, and the initiative is expected to benefit 53,000 smallholders in Sabah. Datuk Frederick Kugan, Chief Conservator of Forests, emphasized the importance of stakeholder collaboration to continue the progress.

Heavy rainfall in Pitas, Sabah, Malaysia, has led to a collapsed bridge, landslides, and severe flooding, leaving thousands stranded without adequate food and medical supplies. The bridge collapse in Kampung Gumpa has isolated over 10 villages. Local NGO Reach Out is coordinating aid, and there is hope that Mercy Malaysia will join the relief efforts. The Public Works Department (JKR) plans to start repair work on the infrastructure soon, but no food aid has been mentioned. Over 50 villages are flooded, and more than 40 are completely cut off. Residents are facing property damage and shortages of essential items, prioritizing the vulnerable for food. The situation remains dire as the floods have not receded, and more aid and resources are urgently needed.

Dayang Nur Atikah Karim, a 22-year-old Sabahan supermodel based in New York, discusses her modelling career and the challenges she faces. Atikah, who started her career after winning Ford Models Supermodel of the World Search Malaysia 2011, has worked in Kuala Lumpur and now New York under Soul Artist Management. She has walked for top designers at New York Fashion Week and believes her exotic look, which was not appreciated in Sabah due to her dark skin, is an asset in the Western world. Despite the tough economic situation, Atikah is determined to work hard and make the most of her five-year working visa to succeed in the modelling industry and make Sabah proud.

The article discusses the development of the Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park (KKIP) over the past two decades, transforming from a jungle into a significant industrial hub with over RM2.5 billion in investments, primarily from SMEs. Dr. Tarsiah T Z Taman, the CEO of KKIP, recounts the challenges faced in acquiring land, developing infrastructure without government grants, and attracting foreign investors. The park had to pivot from focusing on Foreign Direct Investments to general investments due to a lack of local interest in factory work. KKIP has since received loans from the federal government and Bank Pembangunan, allowing it to pay off debts and continue development. KKIP now aims to encourage SMEs to expand beyond the local market and has become a hub for R&D and training institutions. With 219 factories and expectations of RM500 million in investments this year, KKIP is working towards its 2020 vision of housing 1,722 factories and providing 24,000 job opportunities.

Malaysian singer Stacy Angie Anam, who recently converted to Islam, faced criticism from some conservative Muslim fans for posting a video of Christmas carollers at her family home. The carollers were welcomed because her parents are Christians. Stacy explained that sharing the video was to respect her Christian fans and that celebrating Christmas is still part of her family tradition. She emphasized respect for all religions and intends to continue participating in family festivities, including karaoke, which is a family favorite. Stacy, known for winning Akademi Fantasia, will celebrate Christmas with her family and her fiance, Akim Ahmad.

Alixson Mangundok, a 34-year-old man, walked approximately 120km from Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Kota Kinabalu to his hometown in Kota Marudu after returning from Japan to avoid potentially spreading COVID-19 to his family. Despite having a brother ready to pick him up, Alixson chose to isolate himself due to his elderly parents' vulnerability. Facing a lack of quarantine facilities and an expired phone sim card, he embarked on the journey on foot, accompanied by a stray dog he named Cico. Alixson's story gained attention on social media, and after completing his self-imposed isolation without showing symptoms, he is awaiting his test results. His experience has been unique, having traveled to various countries seeking work opportunities. He plans to return to Japan and possibly Korea, but his dream is to work in Australia with a proper work pass.

Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) and Sime Darby Plantation Berhad have signed a memorandum of agreement for forest restoration in Sapong Estate Tenom, demonstrating a commitment to applying local knowledge to environmental action. UMS Vice-Chancellor Prof Datuk ChM. Dr Taufiq Yap Yun Hin highlighted the benefits of the agreement, including research opportunities for students and academicians, and alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations. The collaboration aims to address environmental concerns and deforestation in Sabah, with UMS contributing to sustainable development through education, research, and commercialisation. The event was attended by key figures from both UMS and Sime Darby Plantation, including Rashyid Redza Anwarudin, Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun, and Roslin Azmy Hassan.

The article discusses the impact of the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) on businesses in Tuaran, Sabah, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It highlights the struggles of companies like Asia Ability, Ability Expeditions, and Chanteek Borneo as they adapt to the restrictions. Richard Michael from Asia Ability and Ability Expeditions shares the challenges faced by the business, including cancellations and the shift to virtual team building. Anne Antah from Chanteek Borneo discusses the shift to online marketing and sales for their 'Kain Chanteek' brand and the difficulties in production and shipping due to the CMCO. The article also mentions the enforcement of the CMCO in several areas in Sabah and Klang to control the spread of COVID-19, with restrictions on movement except for essential services.

Veveonah Mosibin, a student at Universiti Malaysia Sabah, gained viral attention with her video '24 Hours On Tree Challenge,' showcasing her determination to complete an online test despite poor internet connectivity in her village, Kampung Sapatalang Pitas. After her makeshift hut was destroyed by weather, she resorted to taking the test on a tree. The video has received over 200,000 views and numerous supportive comments. The Borneo Post highlighted Veveonah's academic achievements and her former teacher's praise for her potential. The article also touches on the broader issue of infrastructure challenges in Sabah, as echoed by other Sabahans who resonated with Veveonah's struggles.

The article discusses the development initiatives brought to Kadamaian by Datuk Ewon Benedick, a young politician and former state Rural Development Minister. Ewon has been instrumental in initiating projects such as road upgrades, bridges, a gymnasium, sports court, community tourism, and rural entrepreneurship buildings. His efforts are recognized by local community activists and endorsed by prominent figures like former chief justice Tan Sri Richard Malanjum. The Kadamaian Development Master Plan 2020-2035, implemented by the Institute for Development Studies (IDS) Sabah, outlines the vision for the region's growth focusing on agriculture and tourism. The article includes testimonials from local residents and leaders who praise Ewon's dedication to the community, his support for religious activities, and his assistance in securing grants for local projects such as a black pepper factory.

The Health Ministry of Malaysia has initiated a mass immunisation campaign in Sabah after a three-month-old boy contracted polio, marking the return of the disease 27 years after its eradication in the country. The campaign, launched by the State Health and People’s Well-being Minister Datuk Frankie Poon Ming Fung, targets children under five with the oral polio vaccine. Over 1,000 children have been vaccinated since the campaign started. The Sabah Health Department is overseeing the drive, which includes a second dose a month after the first. The campaign also emphasizes the importance of sanitation and cleanliness to prevent the spread of polio. Residents have been participating and expressing their support for the government's efforts to prevent the disease from spreading.

The article reports on the upcoming election for the new Bengkoka state seat in northern Sabah, Malaysia. It is set to be a competitive race with a total of 11 candidates participating. Seven candidates are from various political parties including Parti Cinta Sabah, Parti Bersatu Sabah, Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah, Parti Perpaduan Rakyat Sabah, United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation, United Sabah National Organisation, and Umno. Additionally, there are four independent candidates in the race. The constituency has 11,543 registered voters. The article ends with 'MORE TO COME', indicating that further details or updates may follow.

The article discusses the lack of female representation in the Sabah state government in Malaysia. Despite two elected assemblywomen, Datuk Julita Mojungki and Flovia Ng, being appointed as assistant ministers, no women were appointed as full ministers or deputy chief ministers. The Sabah Women’s Action Resource Group (SAWO) and Rakyat Is Bos criticized this underrepresentation, noting that only seven women won in the recent Sabah State Election, which is less than 10% of the assemblypersons. They highlighted the failure to meet the Malaysian government's target of 30% women participation in decision-making positions. SAWO and Rakyat Is Bos proposed that the six nominated seats in the Legislative Assembly should be reserved for the best women candidates who lost, to reach the international benchmark of 30% women representation. They also condemned the nomination of individuals who did not contest in the election, calling for a democratic process that values true contribution to society.

The article discusses the labor challenges in Sabah's oil palm sector, highlighting the reliance on foreign workers from Indonesia and the Philippines due to the reluctance of local youths to pursue careers in agriculture. Sabahmas Plantation Estates, a major player in the region, is featured with its group manager, Asrif bin Mahmud, and a field conductor, Jerrye Gustin, providing insights into the company's efforts to attract local workers by offering good facilities, training, and career advancement opportunities. The company's commitment to worker welfare, environmental responsibility, and community building is emphasized, including providing education for children of migrant workers and celebrating cultural events. The article suggests that local youths should consider the benefits of working in the plantation sector and the potential for career growth.

Benny Liew, a victim of car theft in Sabah, Malaysia, discovered his stolen Toyota Land Cruiser in Long Bawan, North Kalimantan, Indonesia. After being informed by a friend, Liew traveled to Long Bawan and found many vehicles with Sabah license plates, indicating a high demand for stolen cars in the area. An Indonesian police officer assisted Liew in locating his vehicle, which he retrieved without paying the demanded RM35,000 to the 'new owner.' Liew documented his findings with photographs and video interviews with locals, highlighting the prevalence of car smuggling activities at the border. He expressed disappointment with the lack of support from Malaysian border security forces and hopes his experience will prompt authorities to take action against the rampant car theft and smuggling in the region.

Walter Dee Joseph, a 35-year-old Sabahan chef working in Abu Dhabi, volunteered for the world's first Phase III trials of the Sinopharm Covid-19 vaccine developed by China. The vaccine has an announced efficacy of 86%. Walter described the vaccination process at SK Medical Centre Abu Dhabi, which took about 45 minutes and included health checks and an explanation of the vaccine by a doctor. He experienced no side effects and completed the two-dose regimen. Walter expressed gratitude towards the UAE government and medical staff for the vaccination opportunity and shared that he has received inquiries from friends and family, especially regarding the type of vaccine. He emphasized the importance of vaccination in the fight against the pandemic.

Dr Zainab Kassim and Leorita Joseph Henry, both working at King’s College Hospital in London, are among the first Malaysians to receive the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine in the UK. Dr Zainab, a Neonatal Specialist, shared her relief and experiences during the pandemic, including concerns about infecting her elderly father. Leorita, a Clinical Librarian, discussed her role and the importance of evidence-based information, especially in the face of COVID-19 misinformation. She also shared her personal health challenges and hopes that the vaccine will allow her to resume normal activities. The article also mentions the Malaysian government's efforts to secure vaccines for its population, with agreements with Pfizer and the COVAX facility to cover up to 70% of Malaysians.