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The historical similarities between Malaysia and Indonesia, apparent in geographical proximity and social-cultural dimensions, significantly influence perspectives and discourse on their bilateral relations. Despite frequent assertions of shared kinship and racial ties, relations between Malaysia and Indonesia are consistently characterised by rivalry, marked by numerous disagreements and challenges. This paper posits that conflict is a minor element in the broader discourse of relations, emphasising the importance of cooperation due to the complex interdependence between these two countries. Using Sabah as a case study, this paper highlights the significance of interdependence between Malaysia and Indonesia, delving into pivotal issues that shape the dynamics of their bilateral relationship. It focuses on several issues such as the population and kinship ties, the reliance of the Sabah economic sector on the Indonesian Migrant Workers (PMI), consumer goods and everyday necessities, interdependence in the security sector, and finally haze and environmental pollutions to outline the dynamics of interdependence between Sabah (Malaysia) and Indonesia. All facets describing these relations are emphasised since they demonstrate that these two countries are interdependent and share common interests in nearly all sectors. This paper contends that despite facing various contentious issues and problems, the interdependence that occurs contributes to a harmonious relationship and is able to avoid conflict between the two countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After World War II, Japan became a major recipient of foreign aid from the USA. As Japan's economy improved in the 1960s, it played a significant role as a global aid donor in world politics through its Official Development Assistance (ODA). This commitment continued into the 1990s when Japan, as one of the leading proponents of the concept of human security, began providing humanitarian aid to more countries across the globe. To better understand the notion of human security in international politics, this paper examines Japan's endorsement of the concept in its foreign policy strategy. This paper provides an overview and critical assessment of Japan's Grant Assistance for Grass-Roots Human Security Projects (GGP) in the state of Sabah in East Malaysia from 2000 to 2021. This paper argues that different contexts and circumstances in the state of Sabah require further study, especially for understanding Japan's focus and concern in the area of basic human security needs, as enshrined in the GGP philosophy. Despite Japan's GGP objective as part of its foreign policy to promote human development, the execution of its foreign aid in Sabah does have issues. This paper concludes that the implementation of Japan's GGP necessitates greater inclusion, particularly for other vulnerable groups and underdeveloped areas in Sabah. Despite Japan's GGP objective as part of its foreign policy to promote human development, the execution of its foreign aid in Sabah does have issues. This paper concludes that the implementation of Japan's GGP necessitates greater inclusion, particularly for other vulnerable groups and underdeveloped areas in Sabah. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The colonialist-created administration in North Borneo is a reality that has altered the native people's mindset and way of life while also providing them with much-needed exposure to the value of education. This paper attempts to explain the changes that occurred to and within the Brunei Malay community in the advent of modern education from 1881 to 1963 and how continued opportunities and exposure by colonialists have finally persuaded their minds to accept Western-style formal education. The objective of this writing is to analyse their educational involvement in colonial education through three time periods, namely the administration of the British North Borneo Company (BNBC), the Japanese Occupation, and the British Colonial Administration. This study used the methodology of historical studies by conducting analysis on primary sources such as C.O. 874/235, C.O. 874/242, NBCA 73 Native Chief's Advisory Council Meetings, the British North Borneo Administration Report, the British North Borneo Annual Report, and interviews with five informants among the Brunei Malay community who were involved in colonial education. The study also found that the transition of Brunei's Malay society to modern education occurred slowly compared to other ethnic groups. This happened because the colonists were selective in their efforts to provide early education opportunities to the locals, making education accessible only to aristocrats who had influence and were interested in serving the colonists. As a result, the Brunei Malay community has had trouble competing with other more educated ethnic groups, especially in maintaining their influence, role, and position after the independence of Sabah. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bahasa Kadazandusun or BKD is the sole indigenous language offered in schools in Sabah, initially under the Pupils' Own Language (POL) program based on the Education Act 1966. Different reactions towards BKD come from various concerned stakeholders i.e., ethnic societies, cultural bodies, and political organizations within the Kadazan and Dusun Orang Asal communities that make up almost 30% of the population of Sabah. Views on BKD range from critical and hardline positions to support and tolerance. Differing opinions can be read in the media due to the press statements by organizations or individuals reported in the news. However, one group whose opinions are rarely heard within the debates is the Orang Asal parents whose children are BKD learners at schools. This paper extracts findings from a larger study conducted to investigate the views and perspectives of stakeholders on the teaching and learning of the Kadazandusun language. In particular, this paper discusses relevant extracts from focus group discussions specifically with parents (n = 294) from five districts (Tambunan, Keningau, Kudat, Kota Marudu, and Tuaran). The study found that Orang Asal parents who are non-Kadazan or non-Dusun speakers are supportive of the BKD's position and role as the sole indigenous language option taught in the national education system while recognizing that they want their indigenous languages to be transmitted to their younger generation, the parents also strongly encourage for inclusion of other ethnic languages in the system, formally or informally. This study found that the acceptance and tolerance shown by the parents, though themselves not speakers of Kadazandusun, are consistent with the sense of community present within indigenous communities in Sabah. The support given by non-Kadazandusun speakers to the standard language points to existing social harmony in a multicultural and multilingual society in Sabah. This paper also discusses at length the history behind the establishment of BKD and language standardization ideology within indigenous communities' context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to study the roles and challenges of Tamu as a medium of cultural identity preservation among Sabah ethnic groups in the era of industrial revolution 4.0 by focusing on the commercialisation of Kadazandusun's traditional foods tuhau and bambangan. Thus, the objectives of this paper are to examine the existing and future functions of Tamu as well as to study the impact of industrial revolution 4.0 and the advancement of information technology on the role of Tamu in the commercialisation of traditional foods and preservation of cultural identity among Kadazandusun people. Both qualitative and quantitative data are gathered through participant observation, interviews, and surveys. The respondents and informants consist of Kadazandusun traditional foods retailers and consumers at various Tamus in Sabah. The findings show that the role of Tamu institution is still pertinent in commercialising traditional foods and preserving the cultural identity of the Kadazandusun people, particularly in the rural areas. At certain localities, such as those adjacent to the city and tourist attractions, Tamu still plays an essential role in commercialising traditional foods, even though some retailers have already utilised various types of social media to promote and expand their sales, specifically those who are operating as part-timers. Media and internet accessibility has been identified as contributing factors towards the change in the marketing approach. Other contributing factors include time and budget constraints and business location. Hence, Tamu is still relevant and significant in the context of commercialising traditional foods and preserving cultural identity among the Kadazandusun people in Sabah in the era of the digital revolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discussions in relation to the historical sphere in the North Borneo and Malay domain are still lacking without dealing with the aspect of piracy. In contrast to the piracy in the west, the history of piracy in this region is not only instigated by the economic and political purposes of the rulers, but also overshadowed by the sociocultural influences of the rulers, nobles, and society at that time. The Iranun, Balangingi, Bajau and Dayak Laut tribes have made a name for themselves in the history of piracy in North Borneo and the islands of Southeast Asia when they emerged as sea pirates as well as slave head-hunters who struck terror into the western sailors, traders, and administrators that they are deemed as pirates as well as criminals by the British in Malaya and North Borneo, the Spaniards in the Philippines, and the Dutch in Indonesia. In short, this paper aims to deal with the history of piracy in Tungku, North Borneo, a place that used to be the last base and centre of piracy and slave hunting activities during the Sultanate of Sulu era before it has ceased to operate during the time of the British North Borneo Company ruling North Borneo in their era administration (BNBC). This article is qualitative and historically themed. Materials and research resources were obtained from the National Archives of Malaysia, National Archives of Sabah, Sabah State Public Library and others This article towards the reconstruction of the history of piracy in North Borneo from the domain of Malay history, besides solely looking at the western perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Successful buy-in and support for management of Marine Protected Areas (MPA) should acknowledge the existing cultural ecosystem services and their connections to the well-being of local communities to gain positive perceptions. It is necessary to engage local stakeholders, especially among the youths, to explore governance complexities of MPAs and how to better understand cultural ecosystem services. Thus, this qualitative study investigated the perceptions of youths on cultural ecosystem services using a visual method, namely photovoice, as part of the participatory research in a newly established MPA of Tun Mustapha Park, Sabah. Three themes were identified in the process, namely social, economic, and environment. The engagement demonstrated the value of using the participatory approach, which yielded important insights of youths as a part of the community, which included the need for additional livelihood means post-establishment of MPA and issues of degradation of the marine environment. This paper contributed to the MPA governance literature specifically on the empirical youth perception which has been underrepresented as well as the employment of visual participatory methods to encourage better expression among the youths towards their living environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

History records that intermarriage between Datu from the Sulu Island with Idahan women has occurred since the 17th century. The result of intermarriage between the two had given birth to heirs known as Kedatuan-Idahan. This paper discusses the history of Kedatuan and intermarriage in Sabah, which contributed to the strengthening of Islamic identity among the people of the east coast of Sabah. This study involves data collection using qualitative methods based on textual content analysis and in-depth interviews with selected key informants in several villages of the Idahan community in Lahad Datu. The study results show that the intermarriage between a Datu from the Sulu Island and an Idahan woman has produced an heir with a kinship relationship with the Sulu sultanate. This kinship relationship strengthens the dominance of the bird's nest economic activity, which is in high demand from Chinese traders. The findings of the study also show that carrying the title of Datu and Dayang at the base of the heir's name to the Kedatuan further strengthens the Islamic identity among the people of the east coast of Sabah. The study also found that the Kedatuan-Idahan intermarriage impacted the Idahan community's political position in the Darvel Bay area and contributed to the early settlement of the Muslim community on the east coast of Sabah. The role of Kedatuan also explains the importance of their position as Muslim religious leaders in the Lahad Datu district and their involvement in the Cobbold Commission until the formation of Malaysia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plants containing medicinal and therapeutical properties have been utilized by societies around the world as their primary healthcare needs. Numbers of plants with pharmacological/medicinal benefits such as anticancer, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, and antiviral have been evaluated in research studies concerning the crude plant extracts and their phytochemical constituents. However, the traditional knowledge in Sabah, Malaysia is still under-documented despite the fact that it is the home for many different species of flora. Owing to the great biodiversity of different species of the medicinal plants in Sabah, a wide range of phytochemical compounds could be investigated and determined based on the traditional practices of the ethnicities there. The present review paper attempts to discuss the applications of these plants in Sabah in terms of Traditional and Complementary and Alternative Medicine (T&CAM) practices by five ethnicities namely, Kadazan/Dusun, Bajau, Murut, Lundayeh, and Rungus along with its advancements in scientific research to understand its effectiveness in treating intended illness or injuries with proper acknowledgement of the involved communities. Additionally, the economic aspects regarding the regulations and recognitions of medicinal plants and T&CAM practices in Malaysia will also be briefly discussed as natural products have now turned into a key issue in industrialized and developing nations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abdulhamid II, one of the longest reigning sultans of the Ottoman Empire, was dethroned in 1909 after his reign that lasted for about thirty-three years. During his reign, he was exposed to negative accusations and ascriptions in the western public opinion because of the measures taken by him firstly in the Balkan Crisis in the mid-1870's, and then, especially in the Armenian Rebellions of 1890's. For Abdulhamid II, being constantly alienated as the Ottoman Sultan, it was used improper expressions like "Red Sultan", "Great Assassin" and "Abdul the Damned". Newspapers became the main element highlighting this negative image in the western public opinion. The similarity can be observed in the newspapers published by the members of the Young Turk movement. As the opponents of the Sultan, negative publications were made against the Ottoman Sultan in newspapers and magazines firstly published in the Ottoman geography and then in many places abroad, causing the image of Abdulhamid II to develop in a negative way. Abdulhamid II, who was called as "exsultan" after his dethronement both in the Ottoman and western newspapers, lived for nine years in exile at first in Thessaloniki and then at Beylerbeyi Palace. After his death in February 1918, he was reported in the Ottoman newspapers as "hakan-i mağfur/forgiven Sultan" and in the foreign newspapers as "death sultan". In this paper, it is aimed to examine the reflections of the death of Abdulhamid II in the national and foreign newspapers. Ottoman newspapers such as Ati, İkdam, Sabah, Tanin, Tasvir-i Efkar, Tercüman-ı Hakikat, Servet-i Fünun and Vakit and the leading newspapers of British, French and American presses constitute the sources of study. In this frame, it is aimed to describe firstly how Abdulhamid's death and funeral ceremony were portrayed, and secondly to determine whether there is any negative/positive change in their perception of the Sultan image in Turkish and foreign newspapers. Thus, it could be possible to compare Turkish and foreign newspapers' approach towards Abdulhamid after nine years of his dethronement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A review of biostratigraphic and lithofacies data is used to show that there is no major unconformity in the stratigraphic record of north Sarawak or southwest Sabah near the end of the Early Miocene (approximately 17-15 Ma). The existence of such an unconformity has been cited in many papers in the past decade and used as a data point in the construction of regional geological hypotheses. Exploration well and outcrop data identifies two major unconformities in SW Sabah (the base and top of Stage III; BMU and DRU; roughly 24 and 13-12 Ma), and in offshore west Sarawak a third unconformity (MMU c. 16 Ma) which fades in effect towards onshore Sarawak. In recent years the names of these distinct unconformities have become conflated as workers had overlooked the origins and definitions of these features. This history is reviewed here in order to clarify future work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is known that peat soil is highly compressible. A constituent of peat soil from Klias, Sabah covering a wide range of index properties of fiber contents, specific gravity, organic contents and moisture contents were subjected to one-dimensional consolidation tests. This paper presents the engineering properties and compressibility behavior of sapric type of tropical peat soil. In this role, the high compressibility of Klias peat stands out as a most significant engineering property. With this intention, the purpose of this paper is to provide a simple and analytical means for predicting the consolidation settlement of sapric peat deposit under loading. The rate of primary compression, after a certain time. Increases with the logarithm of time. Loading applied from low stress to high stresses started from 2, 6.25, 12.5, 25, 50, 100 and 200 kPa resulting in high compression index, Cc and ratio, C'c. The Klias peat soil represented sapric type of tropical peat with organic content is 98.43% and lower fiber content which is about 18% of the specimen. Compressibility index Cc, Coefficient of consolidation Cv, and Compression index, Cc, was identified as a crucial component of parameters in determination of settlements behaviour of peat soil. The coefficient of consolidation, Cv, was determined within the range of 1.264 to 12.911 cm2/min and requires special considerations in laboratory testing procedures and interpretation of results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sabah Ficus Germplasm Centre (SFGC) is a programme that collects and propagates the genetic diversity of native Ficus species of Borneo. The facility is situated in Tabin Wildlife Reserve, Sabah and is a resource worthy of description and explanation. The background leading to its establishment sheds light on the kinds of thinking needed nowadays in nature conservation programmes. The development and current management of SFGC are described in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper analyses the existence of the Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS) in Sabah and its achievements in the General Elections (GE) from 1986 to 2018. Thus, the historical research design is used by examining newspapers, election reports and interviews. Respondents chosen for the interview are individuals who have been directly involved in early political movements of PAS to provide a new narrative of Sabah political landscape. The results showed that the existence of PAS in Sabah and its achievements in election results were inconsistent and showed a decrease despite a slight overall national increment during the 2008 and 2013 general elections. During these elections, UMNO (United Malays National Organisation) and PKR (The People's Justice Party) showed vertical increment, whereas PAS has shown horizontal and unchanged election results. The lack of political dynamism and direction as well as poor reconciliation with other dominant political parties at the state or national level were two of major issues surrounding PAS that made it difficult to win the election. It is hoped that this paper will guide political leaders from Malaysian Peninsula who wish to extend their party to Sabah as well as setting the party's direction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research on ethnic relations is an important topic, especially in a multi-racial society. Multi-racial societies are prone to conflict due to differences in various aspects such as religion, belief and culture. Furthermore, this paper discusses ethnic tolerance with a focus on the role of celebration as a medium of fostering tolerance. The discussion is developed through the application of the Theory of Planned Behavior by Ajzen (1991). The Theory of Planned Behavior was chosen because it is widely used in understanding human social behavior. In this writing, the theory is used to understand the association of celebration with ethnic tolerance. The authors analyzed material consisting of journals, seminar proceedings, chapters in books, thesis, books as well as organizational reports to identify the relationship between celebrations and ethnic tolerance. The theory of Planned Behavior suggests that celebrations can influence attitudes, subjective norms, and perceptions of how a person deals with ethnic tolerance. It is recommended that this theory be used by future studies to further develop the knowledge base in research on ethnic tolerance. The highlights of this study provide ideas not only to researchers of ethnic tolerance but also to stakeholders to foster community integration through ethnic festivals such as in Sabah. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Creating a united Malaysian nation is a very important agenda for Malaysia which has a multiethnic population. Various efforts have been implemented by the government, especially to foster harmonious ethnic relations among the people and strengthen national integration between Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak. Although ethnic relations efforts are continuously implemented, the state of ethnic relations in Sabah is much better compared to that in Peninsular Malaysia. This observation is often expressed in the speeches of political leaders whether coming from Peninsular Malaysia or local leaders in Sabah and reported by local newspapers. Even Malaysians in other states are called to emulate the harmony of ethnic relations in Sabah. The main research approach for this study is qualitative. The source of secondary data such as main references from books, chapters in books, indexes or/and no-indexes article journals including online sources was used extensively. Previous studies show that various social factors contribute to good ethnic relations as well as ethnic tolerance in Sabah and Sarawak. These include cultural practices, traditional customs, religion, beliefs, daily practices, and even intermarriages. Ongoing research should be carried out to analyze possible other factors that could add to the existing information. No less important and should be highlighted is the history and development of Sabah society in line with changes in the administrative system and socioeconomic development of this state that affects ethnic relations among its population. Thus, this paper attempts to focus the discussion on these factors and their relation to the situation and experience of harmonious ethnic relations in Sabah in the context of integration in diversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Customary rights and laws are one of the essentials in maintaining peace and well-being of society, especially among the multi-ethnic population in a region or country. This study focuses on an in-depth understanding based on conceptual and literature highlights on the influence of customary rights and laws on tolerance and harmonious inter-ethnic relations in Sabah. This study uses a qualitative approach as a research methodology that is to refer and analyze primary and secondary data sources in producing research findings. In this paper, the researcher dissects the important concepts in the context of customary rights and law found in Sabah, namely the judicial institution of the Native Court, the Native concept and the Sogit concept. In terms of harmonious inter-ethnic relations in Sabah, it was found that through cultural, racial and religious diversity, community members can still tolerate and respect each other's customs. Even in many situations, custom becomes a liaison or compromise in resolving conflicts between communities. In terms of harmony, Sogit customs play an important role in maintaining peace and well-being of society. The concept of Sogit is holistic in nature and has a system of resolving conflicts in its own society is the basis for inter-ethnic harmony in the state. Therefore, a more comprehensive study of the influence of indigenous peoples' rights and customary laws on tolerance and harmonious inter-ethnic relations in Sabah is necessary to see the extent of its relevance in the context of harmonious relations of the plural society in Sabah and Malaysia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social harmony among people of different religious and ethnic groups is a significant indication of human well-being. Although economic indicator is a key prerequisite for measuring human well-being, it does not provide a comprehensive picture of how to achieve long-term harmony. The unbalanced and partial or biased harmony that exclusively leads to economic or material gains must be balanced with instilling social norms nurtured from the bonds of love, closeness, and friendly ties amongst people from different religious and ethnic groups. The environment of harmony is particularly strong in Malaysia since the society can demonstrate an easy-going lifestyle despite facing issues of religious and ethnic differences. This paper discusses the examples of cooperation practiced by believers of different religions in Sabah, particularly cooperation to retain existing relationships to mend strained relationships because of interfaith family conflict. This study uses a qualitative method based on content analysis design and in-depth interviews with the key informants from religious authorities and individuals involved in interfaith family conflict. The study's findings revealed that Sabah's peaceful coexistence is reflected in people's willingness to live together, which encourages a peace-loving lifestyle, allowing any problems to be resolved through a middle path, agreeing to disagree and win-win situation. This study contributes to a better understanding of religion's function as a generator of harmony through the application of noble values and the practice of cooperation across religious groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper discusses the identification of mollusc (bivalve and gastropod) remains from three archaeological sites in Semporna, Sabah, namely Bukit Tengkorak, Melanta Tutup and Bukit Kamiri, dated to the prehistoric period, from 3,000 to 800 years ago. Samples of mollusc remains used in this study were obtained from a series of archaeological excavations conducted at these three sites by the Centre for Global Archaeological Research, Universiti Sains Malaysia (CGAR, USM), Penang in collaboration with the Sabah Museum Department (SMD) from 1994 to 2007. In total, 90 taxa of molluscan species, of which 30 are bivalves and 60 are gastropods, had been identified. Out of 90, there were 55 taxa identified to the species level, of which 18 are bivalves and 37 are gastropods. They consisted mainly of marine species with small numbers of freshwater, brackish and terrestrial species. This study had provided new data and insights into the distribution and exploitation of molluscs by ancient human societies in different environments in Semporna, which will be useful not only for malacological research in the tropics but also for future biological and environmental studies in Sabah, Malaysia as well as for the Southeast Asian and Pacific regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Sabah, Malaysia, Indigenous communities continue to demand greater visibility and representation from the government. Citing the lack of political will, indigenes struggle to maintain their indigeneity and heritage, especially when it is so closely tied to place and possession, affecting their livelihoods and cultural practices. This becomes more precarious for Indigenous maritime communities, whose affinity with the sea is viewed by the Malaysian state as dangerous and inhospitable because of the sea’s fluid and motile nature. Set against the 2018 general elections and after, this paper unpacks narratives of survival, heritage and identity of Indigenous maritime residents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Malaysia is one of the leading producers and exporters of oil palm, and the industry contributes significantly to the growth of the national economy. Nonetheless, the consequential oil palm biomass (OPB) with a potential yield of ∼97 million tonnes annually presents both challenges and opportunities, demanding innovative waste management solutions. This paper explores the feasibility of converting OPB into valuable commodities by employing concentrated solar-driven pyrolysis. A detailed overview of the biomass produced from oil palm plantations and mills is provided, along with a discussion of the industry stakeholders and associated biomass management challenges. The pyrolysis of OPB is explored, emphasizing benefits, potential barriers, and techniques. The focus then shifts to Malaysia's solar potential, which ranges from 1470 to 1900 kWh/m2 annually. The potentials of solar pyrolysis are explored, encompassing discussions on solar concentrator types, reactors, and the distribution of solar and OPB resources throughout Malaysia. The paper then recommends Tawau in Sabah, as an ideal location for OPB solar pyrolysis, due to its solar availability (up to 1873 kWh/m2), potential OPB resources from 19 mills and 241 plantations, and supportive infrastructure. The paper proposes solar-driven pyrolysis as a sustainable solution for Malaysia's OPB management, offers insights for policy initiatives and technological innovations in optimizing OPB and solar energy utilization. • Analyzes oil palm biomass potential for solar pyrolysis in Malaysia. • Explores solar resources in Malaysia for solar-driven pyrolysis. • Examines solar concentrators and reactors for pyrolysis. • Identifies potential city, as the optimal location for solar pyrolysis. • Discusses commercialization challenges of solar-driven pyrolysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper discusses the outcome of an investigation which was conducted soon after the 2015 Sabah earthquake in Malaysia. Buildings in the affected area were mainly constructed from reinforced concrete (RC) and wooden materials. Although the Mw 6.0 earthquake imposed significant damage to the majority of RC buildings, no significant structural damage was observed for the wooden structures. It was found that damage to the RC buildings was mainly because of non-ductile detailing of the structural components, strong-beam weak-column condition, captive-column and short-column effects, soft and weak stories mechanism, irregularity in plan and elevation, unconfined gable/infill walls, bad workmanship, and the low quality of construction materials. It was observed that many wooden structures had flaws in their design and construction as well. However, because of the high strength-to-weight ratio and the flexible properties of wooden materials which allow them to undergo several cycles of deformation without breaking, they survived the seismic actions. This paper identifies and discusses the main reasons for the damage observed in RC buildings and the construction flaws that were observed for wooden structures. Recommendations from seismic design codes in order to prevent the occurrence of such damage in the future are also highlighted. • A brief explanation about seismic activities in Sabah, Malaysia is presented. • Observed damage to RC buildings and seismic code requirements are discussed. • Damage to wooden buildings and observed construction flaws are discussed. • Suggestions for having safer structures in the future construction are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review outlines how SE Asian tectonic and stratigraphic studies could be more closely linked. Many tectonic papers on the region include comments on stratigraphic evidence, and stratigraphic papers often allude to tectonic events, but this paper highlights the benefits of a more detailed integration of the two fields of study into a single geological model, by using inductive sequence stratigraphic methods supported by geohistory plots. The South China Sea and North Borneo region has been traditionally been divided into Provinces, each with its own distinct stratigraphy. A handicap in merging all the Provinces into one geological model has been the inconsistent application of basic biostratigraphy, and some examples are given that illustrate that more careful documentation of a complex data set is required in future work. The inductive stratigraphic method requires increased analytical work to calibrate seismic data, but even on current data an episodic stratigraphic history is indicated, and a single tectono-stratigraphic framework for the whole region is emerging, with a greatly simplified and consistent terminology. This review examines the impact of these methods on one important period of transition around the Oligo-Miocene boundary. The summary given for the Oligo-Miocene transition questions the viability of the commonly cited slab-pull tectonic model, as both the historical order of geological events and geographic spread of effects does not fit that model as currently understood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Chronic pain remains a public health issue as patients endure this condition while it affects the patients’ life either physically or mentally. Evidence has demonstrated that depression coexist with chronic pain; yet depression is often insufficiently acknowledged, indirectly causing this mental health problem to be undertreated. In this paper we aim to determine the local prevalence of depression among patients with chronic pain in a tertiary hospital in Sabah, East Malaysia. Methods: This is a retrospective cross-sectional study. Past patient consultation records of adult patients who attended a tertiary pain clinic in Sabah for the first time are included. Socio-demographic data were collected, as well as scores from painDetect Questionnaire (PD-Q) and 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). Results: From the 222 individual data collected, more than half (64.9%) were female. 79 (35.6%) were between the age of 18 to 40. The types of pain presented were almost equally distributed between nociceptive pain (38.3%), mixed pain (33.3%) and neuropathic pain (28.4%). Prevalence of depression among chronic pain patients was 15%. Patients with neuropathic pain are significantly associated with signs of depression (p<0.001). Female patients are significantly more prone to depression as compared to male (p = 0.024). Conclusion: The high prevalence of depression among chronic pain patients warrants the attention of physicians. Physicians should be vigilant and actively screen for depression in patients with chronic pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oil spills are one of the environmental pollutions that commonly occur along coastal areas. Tar-balls are one of the products that come from the oil spill pollution. In this study, tar-ball pollution was monitored at 10 points along the coastline of Marintaman Beach in Sipitang, Sabah, Malaysia. This research determined the physical characteristics, composition, and concentration of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in tar-balls. The total number of tarballs collected was 227 (n=227). The tar-balls were observed in various shapes and the sizes were recorded in the range of 0.1 cm to 6.9 cm. The composition and concentration of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the outer and inner layer of tar-balls were determined. The results showed that the main Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) compounds were found in inner layers of the tar-balls with benzo (g, h, i) perylene (72.26 mg/kg), flourene (59.87 mg/kg), dibenzo (a, h) anthracene (44.48 mg/kg), indeno (1,2,3-c, d) pyrene (78.18 mg/kg), and benzo (e) fluoranthene (45.70 mg/kg), respectively. Further research was done with the bioaugmentation study of locally isolated beneficial microorganisms (LIBeM) consortium for treatment of tar-balls in an Aerated Static Pile (ASP) bioreactor system. The results showed that, after 84 days of treatment, this consortium, consisting of C. tropicalis-RETL-Cr1, C. violaceum- MAB-Cr1, and P. aeruginosa-BAS-Cr1, was able to degrade total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) by 84% as compared to natural attenuation (19%). The microbial population of this consortium during the biodegradation study is also discussed in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Covid-19 not only exposed the vulnerability of most industries especially industries that relies on air travel and tourism but resulted in the exponential increase of unemployment in Malaysia. At the same time, online business or trade and 'GIG' economy increased exponentially. The sudden and unexpected loss of jobs had dire consequences for many people. This paper examines how policies enacted during the Covid-19 pandemic affected unemployment in Malaysia by focussing on the situation in Sabah, one of the three remaining partners in the formation of Malaysia. It draws on data from the Family, Women and Youth Survey conducted online towards the end of 2020, as well as secondary data. The study shows that hardship has been faced by many people, especially those previously in professional roles, and those who are younger. The widespread damage to the economy, and to social cohesion, will require significant collaboration between business and industry, the government and the people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the popular missional consensuses in the context of migration is seeing migrants as "moving targets" for evangelism. There is an urge to respond differently realising that migrants are not merely workers for economic welfare but persons created in the image of God. To reconstruct a model of mission that is embedded in the complex reality of migration, this paper will look into the details of three narratives of Indonesian and Filipino migrants who live and attend a Charismatic church in Sabah, Malaysia. It will give insights into the process of othering and discover the quality of compassion in their lives. Based on their experiences, I argue mission as a compassionate presence provides a sound theological basis for churches to respond to the continuous othering of migrants. It invites us to rethink evangelism, not solely as winning souls for Christ, but to embody Christ by being present. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sabah 2020 State Legislative Assembly (DUN) General Election (GE) was held following the declaration of the dissolution of the Sabah State Legislative Assembly by the Yang Dipertua Negeri Sabah at the request of the Chief Minister of Sabah, Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal. He acted in this way because of the endless political game in Sabah by the opposition party in the state which managed to gather a number of Sabah state assemblymen with a simple majority to shift support to the former Chief Minister, Tan Sri Datuk Seri Musa Aman to be appointed as the new Chief Minister. Although the former Chief Minister brought the case of the dissolution of the Sabah State Legislative Assembly to court but in the end the GE of Sabah State Legislative Assembly was still held. This Sabah State Legislative Assembly GE is seen as a test to see the influence of WARISAN-PKR and the Perikatan Nasional (PN) in the situation of the Covic-19 epidemic. The purpose of writing this article to analyze the political influence of ethnic parties based on the Sabah 2020 GE. Based on the analysis of Sabah 2020 GE results data and analysis of secondary sources such as journal articles and conference papers, the findings show that voters support political parties in the GE of Sabah State Legislative Assembly is based on sentiment leadership partisan ethnic namely UMNO (BN) and PN (BERSATU) led by Malays support in the majority ethnic Sabah Malays and Brunei Malay by UMNO and BERSATU leadership and Rungus-Kadazan-Dusun-Murut by STAR and PBS Kadazan-Dusun ethnic leadership while WARISANPKR support in the majority ethnic Bajau by WARISAN Bajau leader and Chinese in urban by Chinese ethnic leaders from DAP and PKR allied with WARISAN. The implication from the writing of this article is that ethnic-based party politics continues to gain the trust of voters as voters are more confident and trust their own ethnic leaders to fight for their destiny in the long run. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a comprehensive overview of the rural poverty eradication efforts undertaken by the Sabah state government by way of various agricultural-based solutions. The discussion examines local attitudes, behaviour and acceptance towards the contract farming system as a tool for agricultural commercialisation and the improvement efforts targeted at effecting changes in rural society structures and uplifting the rural standard of living. Sabah's administrative history, its rural and agricultural sector economic development, and the social structures of rural society are deliberated upon extensively since these elements are found to be intricately interwoven in the incidence of rural poverty and the acceptance or willingness by rural communities to participate in poverty eradication programmes such as contract farming. Based on document reviews, participation in contract farming programmes is found to be static (neither increasing or declining) with the exception of rubber planting and paddy production which showed significant increase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is an analysis of the Bugis community in Sabah on the economic aspects related to their involvement in the labor process. The approach used is by evaluating previous studies that cover two main themes, namely Bugis specialization in economics and general studies involving aspects of culture and customs and other matters. The objective of this study was to look at the growth of workers in the plantation sectors in Sabah, where this study interviewed those who were previously involved in the plantation sector in Sabah, empirically conducted in a qualitative manner focusing on in-depth interviews. Library methods and document analysis were also used to supplement the data on the development of Bugis workers from previous research points. Their findings are based on the development and opening of the coconut farms in the late 19th century and the rapid growth of the Abaca and palm oil industries in the 50s to 80s. Studies on Bugis include themes such as cultural, economic, and social. Their involvement is primarily for economic purposes and increasing state income based on the commodity industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Besides the theories that internet news will contribute to democratically positive developments, there are also theories that claim the opposite view. The first view is that sharing and comments on the internet cannot be easily realized, contrary to what is actually thought. The main reason for this is that identities are very easily accessible on the internet. In other words, revealing the identity of the individual creating the identity is a very easy process. Morozov also states that in his work, people will have very limited confidence in the people they know only in virtua l life, so they will not be able to realize the political and social relationships they can establish with real people in virtual environment. (Özçetin-Arslan-Binark, 2012:54) According to the opposing views, who also find the argument that individuals are in an equal environment wrong, everyone has not equal conditions in terms of the tendency to access the internet and use the internet. (Barber, 2006:8) In addition, the internet is not an environment where real information or democratic sharing can be done, but rather the areas where citizens reveal their hatred in order to discharge. Therefore, believers of this view claim the internet newspapers are not considered to have any contribution to political development and democracy. In this paper, the local elections of 2019 will be discussed under the scope if the internet versions of Sözcü and Sabah newspaper had any contribution on the readers’ political behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Japanese were the only colonial power that challenged British hegemony in Sabah, then known as “North Borneo”. In 1941 they attacked and defeated the British North Borneo Company (BNBC) and assumed governance of the land for the remainder of the war. Although their presence was temporary, it was enough to fundamentally alter the course of the history of Sabah. This paper explores the effects of the Japanese occupation during the years 1942 to 1963, concentrating on economic, political, and social progress. This includes two distinctive periods: the invasion and occupation (1942-1945) and over the longer term, including both positive and negative effects for local peoples. This study is important to understand the reasons for the transition of Sabah from a British Protectorate to a Crown Colony, set against its role in the framework of the Japanese “Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere”. Studies of the history of Sabah in general are lacking, particularly concerning the important years of British colonialism, the Japanese occupation, and the decolonization period. This study draws on archival and library resources to find that the Japanese occupation brought problems to certain parties and fields, alongside some tangible benefits for some groups. It is hoped that this study will open up historical understanding and investigation of the significance of Japanese influence in Sabah. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sand injectites are common in the turbidite sequences of the West Crocker Formation (Eocene-Oligocene) but their occurrences have never been reported. This paper describes sand injectites and related deformational structures from outcrops of West Crocker around Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. The injectites range in scale from millimetres to metres, occurring in the interbedded sandstone-mudstone facies. They are usually found in thickly-bedded massive sandstone facies that comprise mainly Bouma Ta/Tb divisions. This facies type is characterized by dewatering features such as dish and pipe structures and represents parts of the sedimentary system that are prone to overpressure buildup. The injectites are thought to have been formed by the sudden release of overpressure in the water-charged turbiditic sediment at shallow burial depths, possibly triggered by seismic shock or gravitationally induced failure/slumping up-dip of the depositional site. The injectites occur in various forms, including dykes, sills and pipes; the latter representing major conduits for vertical fluid movement and sediment remobilization through the turbidite sequences. The common occurrence of injectites in the West Crocker Formation suggests that they may also be present in the Neogene deepwater sequences offshore West Sabah. Outcrop studies on these features may help predict their presence and distribution in the subsurface and assess their possible impact on reservoir distribution, heterogeneity and connectivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Sabah, East Malaysia, decades of informal migration, combined with increasingly strict immigration regulations, have led to a paradoxical situation of immobility. Impoverished eastern Indonesian migrants find themselves 'stuck', unable either to return home and build a house in their home village or to plan for a future in Malaysia. Their Sabah-born children are born migrants, excluded from Malaysian schools, but mostly lacking knowledge of their parents' Indonesian homes. The paper discusses the narratives of three migrant families from east Flores, exploring how practices of care are intertwined with control exerted by the state, employers, and non-migrant kin in places of origin. It argues that many families have been led, by necessity, to emphasise short-term care and physical proximity with children over long-term care such as investment in education. However, the continued significance of Florenese commitments to land and houses can make living in the short-term morally problematic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forty-three species and two subspecies of the genus Myopias Roger, 1861 have been known from the Australian, Oceanian, Oriental, and southern Sino-Japanese realms. Among them, four species are known from Borneo. In this paper three new species are described from Sabah (East Malaysia), Borneo, based on the worker caste and dealate gyne: Myopias etsukoae, new species, Myopias striaticeps, new species, and Myopias suwannaphaki, new species. A key to the seven Bornean species based on the worker caste is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The potential of biomass energy in Sabah, Malaysia was analyzed by data which was established from literature, statistic data and available documents for estimating the potential of biomass energy derived from oil palm, coconut shell, rice, livestock and forest. Nowadays, the issue of solid biomass residues including effluent from the palm oil milling process has become a big concern for the industry and the public in Sabah, because oil palm residues provide a huge potential of biomass energy in Sabah. This paper showed that biomass energy potential in Sabah was around 267,179,818 GJ/year in total, which was derived from oil palm EFB, shell, OPF (oil palm frond), OPT (oil palm trunk), coconut shell, rice, livestock and forest. Potential of biomass energy from oil palm, coconut shell, rice, livestock and forest was 263,635,079 GJ/year, 95,713 GJ/year, 710,028 GJ/year, 750,696 GJ/year and 1,988,301 GJ/year, respectively. Most biomass energy came from oil palm, which was around 98.7% of total potential. If this total energy potential is applied at a power plant with efficiency ratio of 25% and 8000 h per year of operation, this has potential of 2,288 MW, which is equivalent to around 3.8 times of total supply of electricity in 2010 in Sabah. This paper also suggests that relevant policy and innovative technology be developed based on the result to effectively utilize biomass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The East Malaysian state of Sabah has played an important political role in the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) government. In the 2013 election, the component parties of BN in the state delivered a substantial number of parliamentary seats and helped the BN hold the government, despite losing the national popular vote. This paper argues that the changing political dynamics in Sabah will not have a significant impact on the Malaysian political landscape. The paper will examine the socio-political history of Sabah and analyse the impact of this history on contemporary Sabah politics. Further, the paper will study recent political developments, such as the Lahad Datu incursion and the issue of illegal immigrants in Sabah, and how these developments will shape the political landscapes of both Sabah and the larger state. The paper concludes by drawing a trajectory of Sabah's politics. It is concluded that despite Sabah's growing political importance for the BN, the political developments in Sabah will not significantly alter the landscape of Malaysian politics and that Sabah as a state will remain marginal in the larger context of Malaysian politics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Bornean orangutan is critically endangered and monitoring its population is needed to inform effective conservation management. In this paper, we present results of 2014–17 aerial nest surveys of the major orangutan populations in Sabah and compare them with baseline data produced during surveys conducted in 2002–03 using similar methods. Our results show three important points: a) by increasing the survey effort (estimated at 15–25% cover), sparsely scattered orangutan sub-populations not recorded in the previous aerial surveys were located and the accuracy of the nest count estimates is expected to improve; b) large populations in the interior forests of Sabah, occupying sustainably managed logged and unlogged forests, have been stable over 15 years and are of vital importance for the species’ conservation; c) fragmented populations located in eastern Sabah, that are surrounded by extensive oil palm plantations, have declined at varying rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper is to determine the stability of slopes and to propose preliminary rock cut slope protection and stabilization measures for Paleocene to Middle Eocene Trusmadi Formation along Marakau-Kigiok in Ranau, Sabah, Malaysia. The rock of Trusmadi Formation is slightly metamorphosed and dominated by interbeds of sandstone with quartz vein (metagreywacke), metamudstone, shale, slate, sheared sandstone, and mudstone. The rock unit can be divided into four geotechnical units namely arenaceous unit, argillaceous unit, interbedded unit, and sheared unit. Twelve slopes were selected for this study. Geological mapping, discontinuity survey, kinematic analysis, and prescriptive measure were used in this study. Results of this study conclude that the potential modes of failures are planar and wedge. Terrace, surface drainage, weep holes, horizontal drain, vegetation cover, wire mesh, slope reprofiling, and retaining structure were proposed protection and stabilization measures for the slopes in the studied area [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The two authors of this paper commenced their careers under the guidance of the Earl of Cranbrook, in Sabah in 1979, when the timber boom was under way, and when knowledge of the mammal fauna was rudimentary. A faunal survey of Sabah conducted in 1979-1982 provided a baseline and recommendations on forest conservation relevant especially to the large mammal species reckoned to be threatened by logging and forest loss at that time. This paper traces some of the major changes in forestry in Sabah, the establishment of the forest estate, and the replacement of a long-cycle selective logging system by over-logging and conversion of forest to plantations. The visionary Sabah Forestry Department has tried to maximise the extent of forest retained and its value to species conservation in the face of inevitable political, social, and economic pressures, and has largely succeeded. The situation regarding Sumatran rhinoceros, Bornean elephant and Bornean orang-utan in Sabah is described, along with the surprising changes in our perception of the conservation needs of these iconic species since 1982. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Confusion over land rights issues and opportunities created through communal titles may just be rhetoric to some, but for the poor rural communities, it is a matter of survival. As this paper reveals, this may be due to contradictory interpretations between native communities and state agencies of what constitutes native customary rights. The methods and materials used are based on case studies in the state of Sabah, Malaysia with regard to the policies, programmes and projects that have been implemented in rural areas. This was made possible through interviews with key informants, textual analyses and state documents, and through observations of projects implemented in the rural areas of Sabah. Based on the information gathered, this paper reveals a worrying pattern of state and peoples' interactions over the provision of communal titles and state projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]