WEDNESDAY, 01 OCTOBER – Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) will lead the research development on small islands around the island of Borneo, Sabah in particular through the establishment of the Small Islands Research Centre (SIRC).

Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Datuk Dr. Mohd Harun Abdullah said such research centre was the first in Malaysia, and the studies which will be carried out involved two categories of islands namely Small Islands and Very Small Islands.

“With the establishment of SIRC, the potential of each island being studied can be determined for the purpose of touristic economic and strategic development.

“The research findings will be included in a database for sharing purposes with government agencies such as ESSCOM, Marine Department, Survey and Mapping Department Malaysia, Sabah Parks, Malaysia Maritime Enforcement Agency and other relevant agencies,” he said.

He said this at the launching of the Small Islands Research Centre which was officiated by the Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment, Datuk Pang Yuk Ming.

He said, all researchers involved in the SIRC should carry the responsibility as best possible to ensure research results can be made into reference for government agencies and the private sector in the conservation and ecosystem balance in the country.

At the ceremony, SIRC received funding through a charity golf tournament amounting to RM30,000, which was presented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Student Affairs and Alumni, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ismail Ali to Prof. Datuk Dr. Mohd Harun Abdullah. – MA (fl)


Photo: Johaidi Ismail


Media and Citra Division
Chancellery Department