World Turtle Day

 

In conjunction with the World Turtles Day, the BMRI will be conducting under water census of resident turtles on Mabul, on May 22-24. The 3 day event will take place in Uncle Chang's Resort. It is open for participation from volunteers and resort guests.

So turtle lovers, you can log on to Uncle Chang resort's website and get more info on this event. Have fun with the turtles.

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Archaeological find unearthed in Bingkor

23rd May, 2012

KENINGAU: Another archaeological find has been unearthed at Jalan Kuangoh in Bingkor indicating what used to be a site for making Palaeolithic stone tools.The archaeological site about 15 minutes from here had been identified earlier and as of last May 9, excavation work began and is expected to finish on May 29 next week.Within 10 days, the team consisting of researchers from the Global Archaeological Research Centre of University Malaysia Sabah (UMS) and the Sabah Museum Department discovered several items.

These included tools such as an anvil, core stone and hammerstone associated with debitage and even other items like chopper and flake tool.Director of the UMS Global Archaeological Research Centre Prof Dr Mokhtar Saidin believes it proved there were early humans that settled in the area. However he was not able to provide a date for when they existed in the prehistoric period as it required further detailed studies.Nevertheless, he stressed that it was an important find because it revealed the importance of West Sabah to Palaeolithic studies not only at the national level but for the world.The location was first explored in 2009 by the West Sabah Archaeological Project team led by Jaffrey Abdullah.According to Dr Mokhtar, prior to 2009 a lot of prehistoric data in Sabah was found on the east coast such as the Mansuli site that is believed to have existed 235,000 years ago.Another example is the Samang Buat Cave in Lahad Datu which has been in existence for 46,000 years and Bukit Tengkorak in Semporna that can be traced back to 5,000 years ago.Meanwhile, Sabah Museum director Joanna Kitingan said the latest discovery will put Keningau in the international spotlight as far as Palaeolithic findings are concerned.She suggested that the area can turn into a place for archaeo-tourism when it is gazetted as such under the Museum Department.Joanna said it would garner well for the local economy because tourists would be attracted to come and visit.Also present yesterday were Keningau assistant district officer for development Mohd Guntur Datuk Arif and community leaders.

New Sabah Times

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Sukau folks asked to help curb encroachment into riparian zones

22nd May, 2012

SUKAU: Folks in Sukau have been advised to be the eyes and ears of the authorities to help curb encroachment by outsiders into the riparian zone along the Sungai Kinabatangan riverbank at Mukim Batu Putih.“Everyone has a role to play, including the people of Sukau, to prevent individuals from encroaching and carrying out planting activities along the “Corridor of Life,” Sukau Assemblyman Datuk Saddi Haji Abdul Rahman said after officiating the tree planting programme with Borneo Samudera Sdn Bhd at Sungai Pin yesterday.Saddi said he fully support conservation efforts undertaken by Borneo Samudera Sdn Bhd and others for the rehabilitation of riparian and wetland habitats that will enhance the value of the Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary and Forest Reserves in the lower Kinabatangan and to benefit the community at large.According to Saddi, many of those responsible for encroaching into the riparian zone are not from Sukau but neighbouring districts.Meanwhile, Sawit Kinabalu Group Managing Director, Haji Othman Walat, said, the tree planting programme is to educate the public and create awareness on the importance of preserving our riverbanks, our wildlife and our forests for the future generations.“They should not destroy the forest right up to the riverbanks for cultivation. There is a buffer zone of 20 metres (from the riverbanks) where no planting activities should be carried out within this area,” Othman added.Othman said his company has taken legal action against those who have encroached into the plantation land including riparian zone.“These court cases are pending including the injunction we filed against a national primary school constructed in the plantation without approval or consent from the company,” Othman said.He said the High Court in Sandakan would rule on the injunction on May 25.The tree planting programme is part of the activities under the 10-year MoU on Conservation Partnership Towards The Corridor Of Life In The Lower Kinabatangan signed on 28 August 2008 between Borneo Samudera Sdn Bhd and WWF Malaysia.Also present were Borneo Samudera Sdn Bhd Board member, Datuk KY Mustafa and representatives from government departments, financial institutions, NGOs and local villagers.

New Sabah Times

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