06/01/2026

TUESDAY | JAN 6, 2026

/thesuntelegram FOLLOW / Malaysian Paper

ON TELEGRAM m RAM

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Elephantherd marks conservation win

o Wildlife encounter reflects years of work to cultivate peaceful coexistence

recognition allows timely ENT assessment before problems worsen. Those who snore frequently, wake unrefreshed or experience blocked breathing at night may benefit from addressing nasal congestion, sinus issues or structural airway narrowing. ENT evaluation and, where needed, sleep studies could determine severity and guide treatment, including non-invasive options, such as weight management or continuous positive airway pressure therapy. She advised caution when turning to supplements to address sleep issues, noting they should only be used when supported by credible evidence. – Bernama national recognition two months ago with the Star Golden Hearts Award, highlighting its contribution to wildlife conservation and community protection. The initiative is supported by a broad coalition, including the Intrepid Foundation, the Borneo Conservation Trust, volunteers, students and lodge guests. Yee acknowledged the role of early institutional support, noting that Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment former minister Christina Liew was instrumental in helping to secure foundational funding during the project’s formative stages. Looking ahead, Respect expressed hope that the Kinabatangan model could serve as a blueprint for sustainable human-wildlife coexistence across Sabah and beyond. “This is proof that conservation works when communities, organisations and policymakers pull in the same direction. “The challenge now is to ensure this success could be sustained and expanded for future generations.”

herds are returning to these designated feeding plots almost every other month, which is a notable increase that signals the success of efforts to provide a stable, alternative food source in a region long plagued by human-elephant conflict. “This is the real joy, seeing these magnificent animals, especially with their young, finding enough to eat naturally,” said Yee. “It validates years of planning, daily care and commitment from our entire team on the ground.” The initiative aims to tackle one of the greatest threats facing Borneo elephants: conflict with humans. As forests shrink and traditional migration routes are disrupted, elephants are often forced into farmlands, leading to crop damage and, in some cases, fatal retaliation. By guiding elephants towards dedicated feeding areas, the programme helps reduce crop raids on nearby farms, safeguarding local livelihoods and the animals themselves, added Yee. The project’s impact has not gone unnoticed. Respect received

Ű BY JOSHUA CHANG newsdesk@thesundaily.com

KOTA KINABALU: As the mist lifted over the Kinabatangan River yesterday morning, a rare and quietly powerful scene unfolded: a herd of critically endangered Borneo elephants, including four calves, emerging to feed calmly along the riverbank in what conservationists describe as a hard-won victory for coexistence. The herd, estimated at between 10 and 11 elephants, spent more than two hours near the Tanini Kinabatangan Lodge, grazing on Napier and barau-barau grasses planted specifically for them under a long-term conservation initiative

Yee said by guiding elephants towards dedicated feeding areas, the programme helps reduce crop raids on nearby farms, safeguarding local livelihoods and the animals themselves. – JOSHUA CHANG/THESUN

the younger elephants staying close to their mothers, before the herd slowly made its way downstream. What appeared to be a tranquil wildlife encounter reflected years of painstaking conservation work. According to Respect, elephant

by the RESPonsible Elephant Conservation Trust (Respect). Respect chairman Alexander Yee, who witnessed the moment firsthand, said the sight was nothing short of “surreal”. Adults and calves fed unhurriedly,

‘Resetting sleep schedule may be most powerful resolution for 2026’ KUALA LUMPUR: As Malaysians usher in the new year with resolutions to lose weight, eat better or exercise more, many overlook a fundamental factor that often determines whether those goals succeed: sleep. and Morbidity Survey 2023 showing that two in five Malaysian adults do not get enough sleep. hormone, leading to irritability, fatigue and reduced patience. These effects often sap motivation to exercise and push individuals towards convenience foods for quick energy, reinforcing a cycle in which stress disrupts sleep and poor sleep fuels stress. inadequate restorative sleep,”she said, adding that lethargy, irritability and dozing off at inappropriate times point to long-standing disruption that should not be ignored. oxygen, placing strain on the heart and increasing long-term health risks. Juani stressed that early

A separate 2024 survey found that 87.2% struggle with sleep-related issues, such as insomnia, frequent waking or difficulty falling asleep. “These patterns show why resetting one’s sleep schedule may be the most powerful resolution for 2026. Quality sleep supports physical, mental and emotional wellbeing, forming the foundation for healthier habits throughout the year.” She explained that when sleep is consistently disrupted, the body’s internal systems shift in ways that make healthy choices harder to sustain, particularly appetite control. Sleep deprivation also raises cortisol, the body’s main stress

She said many sleep problems originate in the airway, even when symptoms seem mild, adding that snoring is often the earliest sign but is commonly dismissed as normal. “Snoring becomes a concern when accompanied by nasal blockage, frequent nasal discharge, difficulty swallowing or signs of apnoea.” Structural issues, such as a deviated septum or enlarged tonsils, may be unnoticed during the day but could obstruct airflow at night, leading to obstructive sleep apnoea. Repeated breathing pauses force the brain to briefly wake the body to restore

Sunway Medical Centre Velocity ear, nose, throat (ENT) and head and neck consultant surgeon Dr Juani Hayyan Abdul Karaf said chronic sleep deprivation is quietly undermining health nationwide. She noted that long working hours, stress and lifestyle demands have left many adults in persistent sleep debt. Disrupted sleep affects mood, metabolism and immunity, while increasing the risk of hypertension and heart disease. National data reflects the scale of the problem, with the National Health

Irregular sleep schedules worsen the problem by disrupting the circadian rhythm, which governs alertness, cognitive performance and metabolism, often resulting in poor concentration, slower reaction times and reduced productivity. Juani also said early warning signs are frequently misinterpreted, often blamed on stress rather than poor-quality sleep. “How someone feels on waking is a key indicator. Feeling heavy-headed, foggy or unrefreshed suggests

Education retains its importance in the Malaysian landscape for parents, students and stakeholders. The changes are fast paced with new developments in new fields of study such as cybersecurity, data protection, augmented and virtual reality, machine learning in education, digital education and artificial Intelligence. Leading the way are universities, who are invited to showcase their latest programmes, curriculum and content in our Education Focus for 2026.

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