17/07/2025

THURSDAY | JULY 17, 2025

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o Kampung Huma residents call for retaining wall to be built as rising sea water poses safety risk Address coastal erosion woes, authorities urged

Ministry moves to empower single mothers via programme KUALA LUMPUR: The Women, Family and Community Management Agency

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psychological experts. Nancy said through the programme, the ministry will implement proactive interventions to provide targeted assistance to single mothers in the process of claiming alimony from their ex-husbands. To ensure accessibility, she encouraged those in need to reach out directly to the ministry or visit its official website. “It may not be easy for them to travel to specific states, so we’ve made online access available for information and support,” she added. Earlier in her speech, Nancy said the programme aims to build confidence, knowledge and emotional resilience through multi-month training rather than a short-term course. “Financial training will help them manage household income, legal aid will secure their rights and counselling will support their emotional well being,” she said. “We also hope these women will inspire their communities.” Registration will close on July 31. – Bernama

Development Ministry is targeting 1,500 single mothers to participate in the Kasih Ibu Tunggal 2025 programme in August. Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said the programme is designed to equip single mothers with knowledge in legal matters, financial management and personal development. The programme will be held across six main zones nationwide, from Perlis to Sabah. “This year, an allocation of RM1.6 million was approved for its implementation in all six zones. The programme is not limited to divorced women but also includes those abandoned by their husbands or with seriously ill or bedridden spouses. “Many of them don’t know how to get legal assistance due to concerns about legal costs or claim alimony,” she said at the launch of the programme at a hotel here on Tuesday. Running from August to December, the programme is held in collaboration with the Syariah Lawyers Association of Malaysia, the Credit Counselling and Debt

Another resident, Suhaida Abu Hasan, 44, said the erosion near the residents’ homes appeared to be getting more serious. “My sister-in-law had to move out after the back of her house collapsed when waves hit in September last year. “My house is not far from hers, so I hope the construction of the retaining wall could be expedited for the safety of residents.” Kampung Sungai Pial village head council Ahmad Fauzi Othman said about 30 houses in the area were at risk. “Over the past six months, the situation has become critical. Many senior citizens, persons with disabilities and people with illnesses live here. Four months ago, a 60m concrete wall was built, but it only reduced the impact on five houses.” He added that the authorities must act to prevent any untoward incidents from occurring.

SUNGAI PETANI: Residents of Kampung Huma in Tanjung Dawai, Kedah are urging the authorities to address worsening coastal erosion, which is feared to pose a risk to their safety. Salmah Abdul Rahman, 73, who has been living in the village for more than 40 years, said the plot of land behind her house was once used for farming. “I used to grow cassava, sweet potatoes, sugarcane and bananas, but over these past few years the sea has been rising and is now close to the kitchen. “Whenever big waves hit, they bring water and sand into the house. I have to draw the water out before it starts pooling.”

Salmah, who lives with her 40-year-old son, said she had to be alert at all times and expressed hope that relevant authorities would take action to resolve the issue, Bernama reported. Rosminah Ahmad, 53, who lives with her elderly mother Jamaliah Ishak, said she would worry each time the water crept closer to their house. “The sea is now only about three metres away. The erosion is getting worse and last Sunday was the worst we’ve seen this year. “Water did not enter the house as it is built on higher ground, but it pooled around the house. That is why I hope (the authorities) would build a retaining wall soon,” she said.

Nestle Malaysia volunteers, including Aranols, together with UMT and APMM successfully remove ghost nets from the ocean floor during the cleanup to help restore marine habitats and protect coral reefs from damage.

Aranols (2nd from left) presenting essential fishing supplies and equipment to the local fishing community during the annual Coastal Cleanup.

Nestle annual coastal clean-up in Terengganu

best to keep the area clean, but it is not easy. “That’s why I’m truly grateful for the clean-up programme. It helps protect our environment and our livelihoods. “When a company like Nestle works with us, I hope it inspires more positive change and reminds people to treat the ocean with more respect.” Nestle Malaysia stated that as plastic pollution continues to threaten ocean health and human well-being, initiatives such as this showcase that bringing about real change requires collective responsibility. Whether removing ghost nets, clearing plastic waste or raising awareness, each action contributes to a cleaner, safer future. Since its inception in 2019, this initiative has collectively removed nearly 17 tonnes of marine waste from Malaysian shores. This year alone, approximately two tonnes were removed, a clear reflection of what can be achieved when companies and communities work together.

strengthening food security, food safety and the long term resilience of our coastal communities.” UMT’s Microplastic Research Interest Group researcher Assoc Prof Dr Yusof Shuaib Ibrahim said: “Removing ghost nets is crucial, as they break down into microplastics that harm coral reefs, marine life and ultimately human health through the food chain. Many clean-ups focus only on beaches but this collaboration with Nestle sets a new benchmark by tackling underwater pollution. “Through waste audits, we gather vital data to trace pollution sources and better understand how even small acts of mismanaged plastic can lead to wider harm. This also connects academic research with real-world impact, showcasing how industry-academia partnerships can lead the way in long-term environmental stewardship.” Pantai Tok Jembal fisherman Rahmat Zamri said the locals do their Malaysia’s

Pulau Bidong, which saw Nestle volunteers and UMT’s “Ocean Heroes” with the support of the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (APMM) conduct an underwater clean-up targeting ghost nets, which pose a serious threat to coral reefs and marine life. Nestle Malaysia CEO Juan Aranols said: “At Nestle, our ‘Creating Shared Value’ approach drives us to create lasting benefits for both people and the planet. Our ambition to achieve plastic neutrality compels us to work hand-in-hand with local stakeholders to remove plastic waste from the environment and embed sustainable practices across our value chain. “This collaboration in Terengganu with our partners and the Pantai Tok Jembal community reflects our deep commitment to protecting natural ecosystems while supporting those whose livelihoods depend on them. With microplastics increasingly threatening our food systems, initiatives like this are not only vital for environmental health but also for

MALAYSIA’S east coast is known for its coral reefs and rich fishing grounds that sustain biodiversity and the livelihoods of local fishing communities. However, in recent years growing plastic waste has posed increasing challenges to these fragile ecosystems, says Nestle Malaysia. From discarded packaging to ghost nets abandoned at sea, marine debris is putting pressure on traditional fishing areas relied upon by generations of local families. Alarmingly, Malaysia is among the top 10 countries globally for microplastic ingestion. A 2024 study published in the Environmental Science and Technology journal found that Malaysians consume an average of 502.3mg of microplastics daily, with more than half coming from seafood. For fishing communities, more than an environmental issue, this is a matter of long-term survival.

In response to this urgent challenge, the company brought its annual Coastal and Underwater Clean-Up to Terengganu recently with a renewed mission. For the first time, the initiative brought together not only employee volunteers from Nestle’s “Sayang Komuniti” programme, but also marine researchers from Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT), representatives from the Fisheries Development Authority of Malaysia (LKIM) and villagers from the Pantai Tok Jembal fishing community. The effort saw more than 350 volunteers carry out a range of activities at two locations. At Pantai Tok Jembal, teams worked side-by side with villagers to clear plastic waste along the coast, remove barnacles from fishing boats, repair fishing huts and distribute basic provisions to the local community. The programme continued at