07/10/2025

TUESDAY | OCT 7, 2025

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Nutritionist honoured with award

SEREMBAN: Nutrition consultant Dr Tee E. Siong was honoured as the Senior Citizen Icon at the National Level Elderly Day celebration here on Sunday. Tee, 78, a former Health Ministry Institute for Medical Research nutrition officer, received the award in recognition of his lifelong service, charitable work and outstanding contributions at the community, state, national and international levels. Still active in several organisations, including the Nutrition Society of Malaysia, the Allied Health Professions Council and the Malaysian Elderly Health Awareness Society, Tee continues to advance the field of nutrition through voluntary policy work, community o Recognition given for lifelong service, charitable work and outstanding contributions

Maziah Che Yusoff and Community Welfare Department director-general Datuk Che Murad Sayang Ramjan. Speaking to reporters afterwards, Tee expressed gratitude for the recognition and hope that it would inspire other senior citizens to remain active and continue contributing to society. “In any field, including healthcare, senior citizens must continue to contribute. Even in our later years, we could still play a valuable role. We should not just sit quietly at home. Maintaining our health is crucial so that we could stay active in old age,” he said. Earlier, Nancy said this year’s Elderly Day theme, “Senior Citizens, The Face of Our Future”, serves as a reminder that the elderly should be celebrated not only for their past contributions, but also for their ongoing roles and as an inspiration to younger generations. She said the celebration, organised by the Social Welfare Department, carried a clear message that senior citizens represent a shared future for all Malaysians. She expressed hope that the culture of respecting the elderly and cherishing the young would continue

for a new tourism resort, a proposal that makes the recent shark sightings even more significant, underscoring the need for sustainable development that balances conservation and tourism. “Every sighting shows that our waters are still healthy. With proper protection, they would continue to offer extraordinary experiences for divers and visitors alike,” said Teoh. For divers such as Tan, those moments are unforgettable. “Seeing the nurse shark reminded me why we dive. It is not just for adventure, but to witness life beneath the waves that we must protect,” he said. – Bernama to flourish. Meanwhile, the Elopura Senior Citizens Activity Centre in Sandakan, Sabah received the Excellent Pawe Award for its active involvement in volunteer and community programmes and its dedication to improving the wellbeing of senior citizens from all backgrounds. The Subang Jaya City Council (Selangor), Kulim Municipal Council (Kedah) and Kuala Pilah District Council (Negeri Sembilan) were also presented with the Prihatin Warga Emas (Elderly Care) certificate of appreciation in the local authorities category. In the statutory body and corporate category, certificates of appreciation went to the Employees Provident Fund, Mydin Mohamed Holdings Bhd and 99 Speedmart Sdn Bhd for their commitment to corporate social responsibility initiatives benefiting senior citizens. A two-day Senior Citizens’ Carnival was also held in conjunction with the celebration at the Negeri Sembilan Youth and Sports Complex, drawing more than 3,000 participants, including members of Elopura Senior Citizens Activity Centres nationwide.

Nancy (second, left), along with Noraini (centre) presenting the award to Tee at the National Level Elderly Day celebration. – BERNAMAPIC

programmes and public education. The Seremban-born expert also leads numerous initiatives for women, children and the wider community, among them the Positive Healthy Ageing Programme launched in 2022 to promote healthy lifestyles and empower senior citizens to remain active contributors to their families and the nation.

“The appearance of this juvenile nurse shark enriches marine life in Labuan waters. It is also great for recreational diving as it adds to the biodiversity that divers could enjoy.” Members have also reported sightings of blacktip and lizard sharks around Pulau Kuraman and Pulau Rusukan Kecil. “These species are not harmful to humans. Instead, they make every dive more exciting,” said Teoh, adding that sharks play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance. He explained that nurse sharks ( Ginglymostoma cirratum ) are slow-moving “gentle giants” that rest on the ocean floor and are The Senior Citizen Icon Award was presented by Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, who also officiated the closing ceremony of the celebration, Bernama reported. Also present were her deputy Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad, the ministry’s secretary-general Datuk Dr

Shark sighting highlights biodiversity of Labuan waters LABUAN: The waters off Pulau Rusukan Kecil shimmered under the afternoon light, emitting a calm mood above, yet alive with hidden wonders below. since become a talking point among divers and conservationists, reinforcing Labuan’s reputation as a marine treasure trove. generally harmless. Blacktip sharks ( Carcharhinus limbatus ) are active swimmers often seen near reefs and shallow waters while lizard sharks

Pulau Rusukan Kecil is one of three islands within the Labuan Marine Park, located 2km south of the main island. The others are Pulau Kuraman and Pulau Rusukan Besar. Spotting a nurse shark is rare enough, but finding a juvenile suggests something more—a thriving habitat that could serve as a nursery ground for marine species. Labuan Dive Club president Teoh Ming Woei said the sighting marks a milestone for the island’s growing list of marine discoveries.

( Chlamydoselachus anguineus ) are a small, bottom-dwelling species that prefer sandy seabeds and rarely exceed a metre in length. Surrounded by coral gardens teeming with parrotfish, clownfish and angelfish, Pulau Rusukan Kecil is a diver’s paradise. Together with Pulau Kuraman and Pulau Rusukan Besar, it forms the Labuan Marine Park, famed for pristine reefs and vibrant marine life. The island is also being considered

For Labuan Dive Club member Tan Zhi Shan, a routine recreational dive turned unforgettable when a shadow emerged from the seabed, taking shape as a nurse shark. “It was surreal to come across such a young nurse shark. It stayed calm and allowed me to observe it closely. It gave me hope that Labuan’s marine life is thriving,” said Tan, who spotted the creature on Sept 14. The one-metre-long juvenile, believed to be only weeks old, has

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