04/04/2026

SATURDAY | APR 4, 2026

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Discussions needed to forge ethical reporting guide: Fahmi KUALA LUMPUR: The

‘Kinabalu cable car project must prioritise conservation‘ KOTA KINABALU: The proposed Kinabalu cable car project in Kundasang, near Mount Kinabalu, must comply with the principles of sustainable development and environmental conservation before any decision is made, said Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin. He said any development involving Mount Kinabalu requires thorough and careful assessment, prioritising the environmental sustainability and preservation of the state’s natural heritage. He said Mount Kinabalu, a Unesco World Heritage Site, is of high biodiversity and ecological importance. Consequently, all proposed developments must meet strict standards, including a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment. “The ministry supports projects that generate economic benefits and enhance the tourism experience, but they must be implemented in a controlled manner, taking into account carrying capacity and avoiding undue stress on sensitive ecosystems,” he said after a visit from Jesselton International Sdn Bhd, during which the company presented the Kinabalu cable car project proposal and its feasibility study for the area. Jafry added that there are several examples of cable car developments at Unesco World Heritage Sites that have been successfully implemented with strict controls and a conservation-focused approach. These include the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway in the Wet Tropics of Queensland, Australia, the Teleferico del Teide in Teide National Park in Spain and the Tianzi Mountain Cableway in Zhangjiajie in China, all of which provide managed access to ecologically sensitive areas. He also highlighted the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway in South Africa and the Sugarloaf Cable Car in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, which demonstrate that tourism infrastructure can coexist with biodiversity preservation and the protection of scenic and cultural heritage. “International experience shows that such facilities can help reduce pressure on hiking trails while improving tourism access in a more organised and sustainable manner,” he said. Jafry added that a conservation first approach should be the foundation for evaluating the proposed project, ensuring that wildlife habitats remain undisturbed. – Bernama

o Media council and press institute urged to identify best practices in light of recent posting of uncensored videos of traffic collisions online

Fahmi said a discussion must also be held to give the industry an opportunity to gather and discuss the matter. The SC has partnered with MCMC to fight the growing threat of online investment scams exploiting digital platforms, The joint venture is based on a prior engagement between the two agencies in March last year, and will focus on the removal of scam related online content. With the assistance of MCMC, the SC has blocked or suspended 328 websites, 388 Telegram accounts and 60 telephone numbers in 2024 and 2025. Fahmi said a meeting will be held on how to address the issue. “We will also outline follow up actions to ensure better communications and banking ecosystem,” he said.

Malaysian Media Council (MMC) and the Malaysian Press Institute (MPI) need to hold discussions to identify appropriate ethics in reporting and broadcasting of videos related to road crashes or tragedies, said Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil. He said the move was necessary following complaints received by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) regarding several videos related to traffic collisions that were posted in full without censorship by social media accounts owned by media companies. He said the act of uploading footage related to tragedies or crashes, such as vehicle dashboard camera footage without censorship, especially Penang moves to boost solar energy capacity NIBONG TEBAL: Penang is actively enhancing its solar energy capacity by building solar farms, collaborating with the industrial sector to instal solar panels on factory roofs and exploring the potential of floating solar panels at lakes and on the sea. Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the move was further strengthened with the groundbreaking ceremony of the Large-Scale Solar Farm Project 5 (LSS5), worth RM103 million, which is expected to supply 29.99 megawatt peak (MWp) capacity by July 2027. He said this initiative would not only support the national target of 40% renewable energy (RBE) by 2035, but would also become a “magnet” for green investment for the state’s high-tech sector. “The LSS5 project in Byram will complement the state’s existing green energy portfolio, such as LSS4 in Seberang Perai Tengah, the solar project in Bukit Bendera, as well as future plans for floating solar (panels) at the Mengkuang and Teluk Bahang dams,” he said after the groundbreaking ceremony for the LSS5 project yesterday. The development of the LSS5

on cooperation in curbing scam activities, between MCMC and the Securities Commission of Malaysia (SC) yesterday. Fahmi was commenting on the media briefing session regarding content guidelines organised by MCMC on Thursday, which was claimed by some parties as an act contrary to journalistic practices that require freedom and transparency of information to the public, Bernama reported. Fahmi said all actions taken by MCMC are based on law and guided by complaints received.

those with tragic and emotional elements, may traumatise viewers. “This matter needs to be given attention, because we have yet to restrict those aged 16 and below (from using social media) and it is possible that children might be among the viewers. “There is a need for immediate discussion to identify balanced reporting and also possible video content that could be considered too graphic,” he said at a press conference after witnessing the exchange of a memorandum of understanding

Chow (centre) officiating at the groundbreaking ceremony for the LSS5 project yesterday. – SUNPIC

“The lack of these guidelines has been the ‘bottleneck’ in the delay in the implementation of floating solar projects in the state so far,“ he said. Apart from dams, Zairil said several local solar companies, including Solar Voltech, were also exploring the potential for solar energy generation in the sea around Penang. He said Penang Port Sdn Bhd has also shown interest in adapting the technology and that the port company had appointed a consultant to conduct a feasibility study in their area of jurisdiction.

exploring the installation of floating solar panels at the Mengkuang and Teluk Bahang dams for future plans. However, he said the state government is waiting for specific guidelines from the federal government to ensure that the quality of drinking water supply is not affected before implementation begins by the Penang Water Supply Corporation, Bernama reported. “This project faces greater challenges than hydroelectric dams because it requires approval from various agencies, including the Environment Department.

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Development Corporation subsidiary Solar Voltech Sdn Bhd, while Solarvest Holdings Bhd has been appointed as the engineering, procurement, construction and operation contractor. Close collaboration between the public and private sectors proves that synergy and local expertise are capable of leading a high-impact energy transformation. Meanwhile, state Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said Penang is also interested in

Special task force to address energy crisis issue in Selangor SHAH ALAM: The Selangor

On Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s message to the menteri besar and chief ministers in a special meeting on Thursday, Amirudin said it included risks that the country might face and also emphasised the importance of cooperation between the state and federal governments. – Bernama

government’s measures, including policies such as work from home, to ensure uniformity of implementation,” he said at the Jelajah Taat Setia Madani programme at Dewan Raja Muda Musa here. The event was also attended by Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar.

for implementation by the task force. “This special task force is expected to focus on aspects of survival and the sustainability of the state’s economy, especially in facing potential risks related to food and energy supplies. “The approach taken will also be coordinated with the federal

finalise the establishment of the task force was held with members comprising experts in various fields, including economics, finance and industries such as oil and gas. He said programme and activity proposals would be submitted by departments and government-linked companies before being scrutinised

government will announce the establishment of a special task force by Monday at the latest, to address current challenges and their impact on people’s lives following the global energy crisis. Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari said a meeting to