18/06/2025

WEDNESDAY | JUNE 18, 2025

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Perlis govt halts cafe project at Gua Cenderawasih

conservation through scientific and data- driven approaches. Zahari said this scientific approach not only reinforces the evidentiary process in court but also serves as proof that natural resource management is shifting towards a technology driven model grounded in multidisciplinary expertise. He added that the areas of collaboration include the development of a DNA database for non-timber forest plants, the development of authentication and grading methods for agarwood products to support forestry enforcement and legislation, as well as forensic analysis assistance to aid in forestry law enforcement. – Bernama UTM students develop IoT system to aid fish farmers JOHOR BAHRU: An IoT-powered smart monitoring system developed by Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) students is helping small-scale and new fish farmers reduce the risk of aquatic life losses. Created by startup AquaTech Technology Enterprise, founded by UTM students Wan Muhammad Azim Wan Mohamad Zaharuddin, 22, and S. Sri Prasaad, 26, the system enables real-time monitoring of pond water quality through a mobile app or dedicated screen installed near the fish pond. AquaTech chief technology officer Wan Muhammad Azim said the system, which is supported by various government funding initiatives, is already in use at 55 kelah and tilapia ponds, primarily by small-scale farmers in Johor. “The system monitors water quality by recording real-time readings of oxygen levels, pH and temperature. It can also trigger alerts and sound automated alarms in the event of a power outage,” he told Bernama. The system was developed under the guidance of UTM Faculty of Electrical Engineering senior lecturers Dr Mohd Adib Sarijari and Dr Nor Aishah Muhammad. Wan Muhammad Azim said although IoT systems for aquaculture have been introduced in Malaysia, they have yet to be widely adopted or commercialised, as many farmers still rely on traditional methods to monitor water quality. “The idea to develop this IoT system actually came from our mentors and advisors while working with fish-farming communities. They saw a need for a system that could ease the burden of farmers, especially those lacking technical knowledge or experience. “This system helps farmers monitor key indicators and take timely action, like knowing when to add water if pond temperatures rise. It’s especially useful for those who are new to the industry,” said the electrical engineering student. AquaTech chief executive officer Sri Prasaad said the IoT system helps farmers prevent major losses and is user-friendly, even when they are away from their farms. The part-time Business Administration student said farmers have responded positively to the system’s effectiveness and regularly share feedback to help improve it, allowing issues to be resolved more quickly. He added that AquaTech also plans to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into the system, using cameras to monitor fish behaviour and the functionality of pumps in the ponds. “We’re also working on developing a more efficient auto feeder to schedule feeding remotely, as we found that farmers are sometimes away from their ponds but still need to feed their fish at specific times,” he said.

KANGAR: The Perlis state government has decided to permanently halt operations for the cafe project within Gua Cenderawasih (Cenderawasih Cave), Bukit Lagi, here, after considering safety aspects and the conservation of the geotourism site. Perlis Tourism, Arts and Culture and Rural Development Committee chairman Abu Bakar Hamzah said the decision was reached following a site visit and a scientific committee meeting on June 11. Several series of discussions with the local authority, Minerals and Geoscience Department, university experts and related agencies were also held. “The built structures inside the cave will be o Decision made after considering safety aspects and conservation of geotourism site, says exco Minister wants quick action over abandoned vehicles KUALA LUMPUR: The Federal Territories Department (FTD) has been directed to hold discussions with the Road Transport Department (RTD) to examine the loopholes in existing legislation relating to the disposal of abandoned vehicles in the federal capital and Putrajaya. Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa said the action needed to be expedited following the high number of public complaints regarding abandoned vehicles in urban areas. “In Kuala Lumpur alone, public complaints regarding abandoned vehicles reach over 2,500 cases every year. This is not a small number and should not be allowed to continue. “However, we are faced with several legal constraints, including abandoned vehicles on private premises that cannot be towed to the local authority depot, as well as vehicles that have been at the depot for a long time but have yet to be disposed of due to legal obstacles,” she said in a Facebook post. Earlier, she visited a licensed automotive treatment centre Car Medic Sdn Bhd to observe the implementation of a faster, more orderly and sustainable disposal process. – Bernama

proposed cafe construction had drawn objections from several NGOs concerned that such action would jeopardise the hundreds of millions year-old geological heritage. Abu Bakar highlighted that the dismantling of the cafe construction work inside the cave would be carried out carefully, using safe methods like water and special brushes, without damaging any fossils or highly valuable structures present in the cave, Bernama reported. He added that the cafe operator’s proposal for redevelopment outside the cave could be resubmitted to the council, but no permanent structures were permitted inside the cave area. Abu Bakar said the Perlis state government would also enhance public awareness through signboards and getting various parties, including NGOs, schools and local communities involved in preserving Gua Cenderawasih and other geoparks in the state. He also emphasised that the state government did not reject development, but that it should be implemented prudently, considering the sensitivity of the recognised geopark areas.

completely removed to ensure visitor safety and protect its geological heritage value. Construction is only permitted in the area outside this cave, subject to technical approval and compliance with guidelines set by the Kangar Municipal Council and the Minerals and Geoscience Department,” he said on Monday. On May 18, the media reported that the Minerals and Geoscience Department had not received any formal application from the operator or the local authority for technical review regarding the development or operational activities of the cafe inside Gua Cenderawasih. In the report, the department also stated that the Bukit Lagi Geosite was formed from Setul Formation limestone, dating back over 480 million years, and was rich in various types of fossils such as nautiloids, gastropods and brachiopods. The area also featured unique geological characteristics, including ancient sea notches, small caves and mushroom-shaped and skull-shaped rock formations. Earlier, the media had also reported that the

REMOTE PRECISION ... Students demonstrating a 4x4 RC Car racing on a Rampage Rumble Track at the Madani Islamic Carnival in Sekolah Menengah Penanti in Bukit Mertajam, Penang. – MASRY CHE ANI/THESUN

‘Enhanced forestry forensic guidelines ensures efficiency’ MALACCA: The Forestry Department of Peninsular Malaysia has enhanced its forestry forensic guidelines to ensure a more practical and relevant approach to crime scene management. scenes and handling evidence samples. “Several elements have been removed, including the requirement for rough sketches, the need to collect biological samples, conducting final site surveys and physical evidence evaluation. Peninsular Malaysia deputy director-general (Operations and Technical) Mohd Radhi Chu Abdullah were also present.

Zahari said the guidelines serve as a reference for the forestry departments in conducting forensic work to investigate forest related offences under relevant legislation. Meanwhile, Zahari said the engagement session is an initiative stemming from the note of cooperation between the Forestry Department of Peninsular Malaysia and the Chemistry Department, which was signed on Oct 19, 2022. “It stands as further proof of both agencies’ commitment to strengthening the country’s capabilities in enforcement and forest

Its director-general Datuk Zahari Ibrahim said the improvements would also ensure more efficient handling of case exhibits and more thorough preparations of investigation papers. He said the updated guidelines include several key enhancements, among them the appointment of a science officer to lead the forestry forensics team, the roles and responsibilities of the team leader, and detailed procedures for managing crime

“The new guidelines are an update to the Director-General of Forestry’s Circular No. 1 of 2017 on the Forestry Forensic Guidelines,” he said during the opening of the engagement session to empower forestry forensics here on Monday. Earlier, Zahari launched the updated forestry forensic guidelines. Chemistry Department director-general Marhayani Md Saad and the Forestry Department of