THURSDAY, 31 JULY – The haze that hit some parts of the country appears to have declined as shown by the Air Pollution Index (API) latest reading, which has shown a decrease.

According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment recently, investigations are being carried out on the seven hot spots detected in Sarawak by satellite images of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (MOAA)-18.
 

Its minister, Datuk Seri G. Palanivel said the government will not hesitate to take appropriate action against those who do open fire after investigations into all the hot spots was carried out.
 

A survey by Chancellery Media today found that weather around the main campus of Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) was not affected and recorded an IPU reading of 46 (good) until 4.00 pm.
 

However, the campus community is advised to always drink enough water and avoid engaging in any activity that contributes to open burning.
 

Early this morning, the Department of Environment’s website posted an unhealthy IPU reading of 108 for Sibu, Sarawak’s air but continued to decline and reached 72 until 4.00 pm today. - ZMD (fl)

 

Photo: Suzeanywati Gasinin, CRD

 

Media and Citra Division

Chancellery Department
 

WEDNESDAY, 30 JULY – The practice of visiting each other has become a must during Hari Raya Aidilfitri to enable family members and relatives gather together to foster their family ties besides doing the act of asking for forgiveness from one another.

However, the practice seemed to be declining, especially among youths who prefer to meet their friends outside or busy using their gadgets.

Commenting on this matter, lecturer of Communication, Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Heritage Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) Saat Awang Damit said youths no longer considered the practice as a special culture during Hari Raya.

“It is different with the previous generation, visiting each other including their family members during Hari Raya is a must,” he emphasised.

Describing the practice of visiting each other as a way to foster family values, Saat said most of today’s youths do not see the concept as necessary as they prefer to be with their friends.

In contrast to that, young children were still seen to be interested in the continuation of the practice and visit their family members, relatives and neighbours.

“But the only reason is to collect ‘duit raya’ (Raya money)…nevertheless, parents should take this as an opportunity to introduce their next of kin to the children so they know their family tree,” he concluded. – SS (fl)


Source: Bernama
Picture: Utusan.com.my


Media and Citra Division
Chancellery Department

 

WEDNESDAY, 30 JULY - The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) has recently published a patent develops at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS). The international patent (Number: O2014011024 A1) relates to the production of recombinant fish growth hormone in bacteria using a synthetic genomics approach. Natural growth hormones are a benign alternative to chemical growth hormones as they were derived from the fish itself.
 

Unlike chemical compounds, recombinant hormones based on proteins break down naturally in the body of the fish itself and are not deemed to be a threat to consumers. The product has application in the aquaculture industry and can facilitate the reduction of the time spent for culture of fish as well as lead to a more efficient conversion of feed.
 

The patent was developed as part of the research work being carried out by Fernandes Opook, from Kudat, who is a Masters student specialising in recombinant DNA technology in bacteria at the Biotechnology Research Institute, Universiti Malaysia Sabah.
 

This technology enables the expression of a wide range of protein coding genes in bacteria and is highly economical, as bacteria can be cultured in laboratory fermenters, and requires a minimal financial investment. The gene is introduced into the bacterial host and proteins can be recovered within 24 hours of culture, following which they are purified and developed into ready to use products.
 

Recombinant DNA technology is the mainstay of the Biotechnology Industry and the production of recombinant proteins has not been carried out on an industrial scale in Malaysia. Once established, this technology can contribute significantly to the economic growth of the biotechnology industry. The principal investigator involved with the project, Dr. Kenneth Rodrigues is of the opinion that training more Sabahan scientists in recombinant DNA technology will facilitate the development of Sabah as a biotechnology hub in the near future.
 

The biotechnology industry, in most other countries has been founded on the development of local talents, who then attract financial investments and initiate the process of consolidation. It is hoped that this achievement by a young Sabahan researcher will serve as an encouragement to students who intend to take up a career in biotechnology. – (fl)