KOTA KINABALU: SMJ Energy Sdn Bhd has reaffirmed the importance of Sabah’s equity participation and ownership in PETRONAS Chemicals Fertilizer Sabah Sdn Bhd (PCFSSB), better known as the Sabah Ammonia Urea (SAMUR) project.

The Sabah State Government’s wholly-owned energy investment vehicle said the state, through SMJ Energy, holds a 25 per cent equity stake in SAMUR under a commercial collaboration agreement (CCA) with the national oil company.

According to the statement, Sabah has continued to receive consistent financial returns from its strategic equity participation in SAMUR since the signing of the Share Purchase Agreement (SPA) on April 25, 2023.

It said dividends from the project are channelled directly into the state coffers through SMJ Energy for the benefit of Sabahans.

“To suggest that Sabah receives less than what is due from SAMUR is baseless as it disregards the State Government’s drive, favourable commercial terms and strategic decisions that successfully secured Sabah’s ownership in one of the region’s most important petrochemical assets,” the statement said.

SAMUR is currently recognised as the largest single-train granular fertiliser facility in Southeast Asia and the third-largest fertiliser plant in the Asia-Pacific region.

Built on Sabah soil and powered by Sabah gas, the project has positioned Sabah as an important player in the regional fertiliser and petrochemical industry.

SMJ Energy said the positive impact of SAMUR extends beyond the plant itself, with the Sipitang Oil and Gas Industrial Park (SOGIP), where SAMUR serves as the anchor project, attracting substantial committed investments.

The development has also generated significant employment opportunities for Sabahans in engineering, logistics, infrastructure, housing, hospitality and technical services.

“These developments represent long-term, place-based growth that is increasingly being felt across communities in Sipitang and the broader region,” it said.

SMJ Energy also reaffirmed that the Sabah State Government will continue pursuing strategic investments and strengthening partnerships with PETRONAS and other industry players to ensure Sabah’s natural resources continue generating long-term value and sustainable economic benefits for the people of Sabah.

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Mineral Management Sdn Bhd (SMM), a wholly owned entity of the Sabah government, has transformed into a revenue-generating agency while reinforcing the state’s control and stewardship over its mineral resources.

To date, SMM has facilitated the issuance of several prospecting licences through what it described as strict and comprehensive due diligence processes.

The progress follows a series of institutional reforms introduced under SMM’s new leadership appointed by Chief Minister Hajiji Noor, aimed at strengthening governance, improving transparency and accountability, enhancing regulatory consistency, and restoring public confidence in Sabah’s mineral sector.

As part of the reforms, SMM introduced new pre-qualification requirements for companies seeking prospecting licences.

Applicants are now required to undergo a rigorous due diligence process, with only companies demonstrating strong financial standing, proven technical expertise, and a clear commitment to Sabah participation allowed to proceed.

Comprehensive background checks are also conducted on companies, including their directors and shareholders, to ensure only credible and reputable partners with integrity are considered.

The reforms have already produced tangible outcomes, with SMM recording its first direct contribution of RM1 million to the Sabah government last year, alongside its highest net profit since the company was established in 2021.

Mineral prospecting, however, involves significant commercial risk and high operational costs borne entirely by applicants.

This includes geological surveys, environmental assessments, technical studies, and compliance obligations, which can amount to millions of ringgit without any guarantee of success.

From the state’s perspective, the prospecting phase represents a low-risk approach to developing Sabah’s mineral sector as all financial and operational risks are undertaken by applicants, while the state gains access to valuable geological and technical data.

SMM Chief Executive Officer Natasha Sim said only about 30 per cent of Sabah’s mineral deposits have been comprehensively mapped by the Department of Minerals and Geoscience Malaysia (JMG).

She said incoming prospecting activities present an important opportunity for Sabah to expand its mineral database and improve understanding of the state’s resource potential.

Natasha said under the current development model overseen by SMM, the state bears no financial cost or liability during the prospecting phase while retaining full ownership of all mineral data generated.

She said this is particularly significant as much of the previous exploration work conducted by JMG did not place ownership of the data under the Sabah government.

“The current licensing process provides a strategic pathway for Sabah to reclaim ownership of its geological data, expand knowledge of its mineral potential, and systematically explore the remaining 70 per cent of land area where little or no information currently exists,” she said during a courtesy call by Sabah Publishing House deputy general manager Dexter Yeh at the SMM office in Plaza Shell.

She added that while the state does not bear costs during prospecting activities, Sabah becomes directly involved once mining activities commence.

“If and when a mining lease is approved, the state participates through royalties, fees, land-use payments and, in certain cases, equity participation.

“This ensures that the commercial benefits from resource extraction are channelled back to the people of Sabah, but only after all necessary safeguards, diligence processes and approvals have been completed,” she said.

By Normimie Diun

KOTA KINABALU: AuMAS Resources Berhad has announced the appointment of Chong Tzu Khen as Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective 1 May 2026.

Chong is no stranger to the company, having previously served as Executive Director on 26 May 2023 and later as CEO on 31 May 2023, before stepping down from both positions on 31 July 2025.

During his earlier tenure with AuMAS, he played a key role in the group’s financial management and operations, and also served as a director of Wullersdorf Resources Sdn. Bhd., a wholly owned subsidiary of the company.

Under his leadership at Wullersdorf Resources Sdn. Bhd. (WRSB), Chong successfully orchestrated a financial turnaround. When he took over the management, the company recorded a loss of RM14.0 million in June 2023. Through his strategic planning and leadership in building a cohesive and committed team, he turned the company around to record a profit of RM1.0 million for the financial year ended 30 September 2023.

He continued to lead the company’s strong performance over the following two financial years, achieving profits after taxation of RM32.0 million and RM33.0 million for the financial years ended 30 September 2024 and 30 September 2025 respectively.

Under his management, AuMAS also declared and distributed dividends three times, totaling 4 sen per share to its shareholders, a milestone that had not been achieved prior to his leadership.

In terms of qualifications, Chong has a strong academic background in finance and aquaculture, holding a Master’s degree in Financial Planning from the University of the Sunshine Coast, as well as certificates in Sustainable Aquaculture from the University of St. Andrews.

He is also a Fellow of the Malaysian Association of Company Secretaries (MACS), reflecting his expertise in corporate governance and compliance.

Tracing his early career, Chong began as an Audit Assistant at P.L. Yap & Co. before joining Jetniyo Sdn. Bhd. as an Accounts Executive. In 1985, he established his own firm, T.K. Chong Commercial Services in Sandakan, providing accounting services to local companies.

He later joined Cepatwawasan Sdn. Bhd. in 1995 as Company Secretary and group accountant, before being promoted to Personal Assistant to the Managing Director from 2001 to 2004.

His reappointment as CEO is seen as a move to strengthen AuMAS’ strategic direction, particularly in advancing the company’s growth agenda and operational consolidation.

Chong said he remains committed to building a stronger, high-performing team to ensure sustainable business growth.

“My main focus is to empower every team member so they have clear direction, sound decision-making capabilities, and a shared drive for excellence.

“We will operate as one cohesive team that is supportive, principled, and ready to face industry challenges. With combined experience and commitment, I am confident we can take the company to greater heights,” he said when contacted by the media.

He also emphasised that strong teamwork and unwavering commitment remain the foundation of organisational success.

KUALA LUMPUR : Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Ibrahim bertitah bahawa Baginda akan menentukan calon bagi menerajui Suruhanjaya Pencegahan Rasuah Malaysia (SPRM) yang baharu.

Menerusi kenyataan Royal Press Office (RPO) hari ini, Seri Paduka Baginda menegaskan tiada keperluan untuk mana-mana pihak mempolitikkan perkara berkenaan.

Menurut Baginda, pelantikan Ketua Pesuruhjaya SPRM adalah kritikal bagi memastikan suruhanjaya itu terus berfungsi secara berkesan dalam usaha membanteras rasuah, penyelewengan dan salah guna kuasa di Malaysia.

“Saya akan menentukan siapa calon terbaik untuk menerajui SPRM selepas ini,” titah Baginda.

Titah tersebut dilihat sebagai penegasan terhadap komitmen institusi diraja dalam memastikan kepimpinan SPRM kekal bebas, berwibawa dan berintegriti, selari dengan peranan agensi itu sebagai badan utama penguatkuasaan antirasuah negara.

Pelantikan baharu ini dijangka menjadi tumpuan pelbagai pihak susulan kepentingan SPRM dalam landskap tadbir urus dan ketelusan negara.

PELABUHAN KLANG,  — Menteri Sumber Asli dan Kelestarian Alam, Arthur Joseph Kurup menegaskan Sabah dan Sarawak wajar menjadi antara penerima manfaat terbesar dalam pelaksanaan dasar pasaran karbon negara susulan sumbangan besar kedua-dua negeri terhadap litupan hutan Malaysia.

Beliau yang ditemui di majlis Sambutan Hari Raya Aidilfitri anjuran Momogun Society Sabah berkata, liputan hutan negara ketika ini berada pada kadar 54.4 peratus, melebihi komitmen antarabangsa, dengan Sabah dan Sarawak mencatat sekitar 63 hingga 64 peratus.

Menurutnya, kelebihan itu membolehkan Malaysia menjana karbon kredit melalui keupayaan hutan menyerap karbon dioksida, sekali gus membantu negara memenuhi obligasi di bawah Perjanjian Paris serta mengurangkan pelepasan gas rumah hijau.

“Sabah dan Sarawak sepatutnya mendapat manfaat paling besar kerana kedua-dua negeri ini merupakan penyumbang utama kepada litupan hutan dan penjanaan karbon kredit negara,” katanya.

Arthur turut memaklumkan bahawa Dasar Pasaran Karbon Kebangsaan telah diluluskan oleh Jemaah Menteri, manakala Rang Undang-Undang berkaitan perubahan iklim kini dalam proses pemuktamadan dan dijangka dibentangkan di Dewan Rakyat pada Jun ini.

Dalam perkembangan lain, beliau menegaskan Malaysia tidak akan berkompromi dalam isu sisa elektronik (e-waste) dengan menolak sebarang bentuk pengimportan dari luar negara, selaras dengan komitmen di bawah Basel Convention.

Katanya, hanya sisa elektronik domestik dibenarkan untuk diproses oleh fasiliti berlesen, manakala langkah memasukkan e-waste dalam senarai larangan mutlak membuktikan ketegasan kerajaan dalam menjaga kelestarian alam sekitar.

Terdahulu, Arthur merasmikan majlis yang menghimpunkan warga Sabah di sekitar Lembah Klang, yang menurutnya menjadi platform penting untuk memperkukuh hubungan, menjaga kebajikan serta memelihara adat dan budaya masyarakat Sabah di perantauan

TAWAU: Shareholders of AuMas Resources Berhad have approved a resolution authorising the company to repurchase up to 10 per cent of its issued and paid-up ordinary shares at an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) held at the Western Hall of LA Hotel here on Thursday.

In a filing to Bursa Malaysia, the Board of Directors said the resolution, as outlined in the EGM notice dated March 11, 2026, was fully approved via poll voting.

According to the official results, all 15 votes representing 324,837,955 shares were cast in favour of the resolution, with no votes against, resulting in a 100 per cent approval rate.

The voting outcome was independently verified by Arete Consulting Sdn Bhd. with the approval, AuMas now has the mandate to undertake share buybacks of up to a maximum of 10 per cent of its total issued shares at any time, subject to regulatory requirements and prevailing market conditions.

Share buyback exercises are generally viewed as a corporate strategy to enhance shareholder value and optimise capital structure.

TAWAU: All resolutions tabled at the 21st Annual General Meeting (AGM) of AuMas Resources Berhad on Thursday were approved by a large majority through a poll voting process.

The meeting, which commenced at 10am at the Western Hall of LA Hotel here, saw each resolution receive near-unanimous support from shareholders.

In an official announcement, the Board of Directors confirmed that all resolutions contained in the Notice of AGM dated 30 January 2026 were duly passed.

The voting results were independently verified by Arete Consulting Sdn Bhd.
among the key resolutions approved was the payment of fees and benefits to non-executive directors of up to RM500,000.

The resolution garnered close to 100 per cent support, with more than 571 million shares voting in favour.

Shareholders also endorsed the re-election of several board members, including Md Ajib Anuar, Wong Ji Yung and Tew Xue Shan.

All resolutions related to these reappointments received more than 98 per cent approval, reflecting strong investor confidence in the existing leadership.

The meeting further approved the reappointment of Baker Tilly Monteiro Heng PLT as the company’s external auditor for the coming financial year, while also authorising the directors to determine their remuneration.

In addition, a resolution empowering the directors to issue and allot shares pursuant to Sections 75 and 76 of the Companies Act 2016 was passed with a strong majority.

Overall, the voting outcomes reflected exceptionally high levels of shareholder support, with most resolutions securing over 99 per cent in favour, while votes against remained minimal.

The results are seen as a strong signal of shareholder confidence in the company’s strategic direction and operational stability, particularly amid an increasingly challenging gold mining industry landscape.

TAWAU: The Board of Directors of AuMas Resources Berhad has reaffirmed the company’s operational integrity, regulatory compliance and financial strength, while firmly rejecting allegations raised by Datuk Lo Fui Ming during the company’s 21st Annual General Meeting (AGM) held at the Western Hall of LA Hotel here today.

Datuk Lo, the former Chief Executive Officer of AuMas and Wullersdorf Resources Sdn Bhd (WRSB), as well as Managing Director of Southsea Gold Sdn Bhd (SGSB), had raised several issues at the meeting which the board described as unfounded and misleading.

The board said the claims appeared aimed at casting doubt on the company’s operations and undermining investor confidence.

It stressed that the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for WRSB’s mining operations at Bukit Mantri remains valid, in force and fully compliant with the requirements set by the Sabah Environmental Protection Department.

“All licences and approvals, including the Operational Mining Scheme (OMS), are duly in place and have been renewed in accordance with regulatory requirements,” the board said.

On ore reserves, the board noted that the company has technical reports compliant with JORC standards, supported by feasibility studies confirming sufficient resources to sustain both existing and new gold processing plants.

AuMas has invested approximately RM40 million in a new gold processing plant with a capacity of about 2,000 tonnes per day, compared to 1,200 tonnes per day for the existing facility, a move expected to boost production and revenue.

In a related matter, the board said the legal dispute between AuMas and SGSB remains ongoing in court and cannot be elaborated upon due to the sub judice principle.

However, it confirmed that the High Court had previously granted an injunction to prevent any interference with WRSB’s operations, while the main case involving alleged breach of trust and the loss of 41 gold dorés valued at approximately RM67 million is still under trial.

Commenting on the proposed share buyback, the board emphasised that the decision falls within management’s authority and should not be questioned based on inaccurate assumptions about the company’s financial position.

Since a management change in 2023, AuMas has recorded significant improvements in financial performance, including a net profit of RM33.3 million for the financial year ended September 30, 2025, supported by strong operating cash flow.

The board maintained that the company remains on solid footing, with stable operational fundamentals and positive long-term prospects, urging shareholders to assess its performance based on facts and current financial records.

Also present at the meeting were Independent Non-Executive Chairman Datuk Seri Mohd Ajib Anuar; Company Secretary Nicholas Tan Tong Lang; Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer Wong Ji Yung; Executive Director and Chief Commercial Officer Low Min Lai; Independent Non-Executive Directors Hazlina Ahmad and Tew Xue Shan, as well as several shareholders.

Following the AGM, an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) was also convened before proceedings concluded at about 1pm.

KOTA KINABALU, — Kepimpinan pendidikan Sabah terus mendapat pengiktirafan di peringkat antarabangsa apabila Guru Besar Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Likas, Budhi Rahmad bin Suparno, sekali lagi diumumkan sebagai pemenang Principals Speak Award 2025 bagi kategori Popular Choice, menjadikan kejayaan itu sebagai pencapaian dua tahun berturut-turut.

Kejayaan berkenaan sekali gus mengharumkan nama SK Likas, negeri Sabah dan Malaysia di persada pendidikan global, selain membuktikan konsistensi kecemerlangan kepimpinan sekolah tempatan yang berdaya saing di peringkat antarabangsa.

Principals Speak Award dianjurkan oleh Global School Leaders, sebuah organisasi antarabangsa yang mengiktiraf pengetua dan pemimpin sekolah dari seluruh dunia berdasarkan idea, inovasi serta projek kepimpinan yang memberi impak positif kepada sekolah dan komuniti setempat.

Bagi edisi 2025, empat pemimpin sekolah telah dipilih sebagai pemenang utama, iaitu Mabel Valdez dari Argentina, George Arwa dari Kenya, Ali Rosyidi dari Indonesia dan Budhi Rahmad bin Suparno dari Malaysia, yang dipilih menerusi sokongan undian awam bagi kategori Popular Choice.

Penganjur dalam kenyataannya memaklumkan bahawa platform Principals Speak diwujudkan bagi memberi ruang kepada pemimpin sekolah berkongsi pengalaman, cabaran serta amalan terbaik kepimpinan dalam usaha memperkukuh ekosistem pendidikan global.

Kejayaan Budhi Rahmad itu turut disifatkan sebagai bukti bahawa kepimpinan sekolah di Sabah mampu berdiri setanding dengan pemimpin pendidikan dari negara lain, selain diharap dapat menjadi inspirasi kepada warga pendidik untuk terus berinovasi dan membawa perubahan positif dalam dunia pendidikan.

By Mu Vitet

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah’s position as a leading eco adventure and sustainable tourism destination was further cemented when the Borneo Rainforest Lodge (BRL) bagged three major accolades in Singapore.

BRL, a subsidiary of the Yayasan Sabah Group of Companies, achieved this exceptional milestone during the World Luxury Hotel Awards 2025 ceremony held at PARKROYAL Collection Pickering on October 31.

The lodge, represented by its Chief Financial Officer Esner Chong, clinched the Luxury Sustainable Resort (Malaysia), Luxury Eco Lodge (Asia), and Luxury Wilderness Lodge (Global) awards.

She received the awards from Senior Luxury Awards Consultant at the World Luxury Awards, Adri Bradbury.

This outstanding achievement makes BRL, nestled within the Danum Valley Conservation Area, the only property in Sabah to win across three categories, reinforcing its reputation as one of Asia’s foremost sustainable luxury lodges.

The accolades reflect BRL’s embodiment of the perfect harmony between refined comfort and environmental stewardship.

The State Government owned property is operated by Borneo Nature Tours Sdn Bhd and Innoprise Jungle Lodge Sdn Bhd, both recognised for their commitment to rainforest conservation, research, and community empowerment.

“These awards reflect our team’s dedication to preserving the rainforest while offering world class hospitality,” said Freddie Coleman, Chief Executive Officer of Borneo Nature Tours Sdn Bhd and Innoprise Jungle Lodge Sdn Bhd.