Tag: celebration

1,000 Trees Planted In Sook To Mark International Day Of Forests Celebration

SOOK, May 22 -- About 1,000 trees of various species were planted today in a symbolic effort to strengthen the ecosystem, stabilise the climate and safeguard the sustainability of the country’s economy. Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup said the Sook Lake Forest Reserve in Pensiangan was selected as the venue for the tree-planting programme held in conjunction with the National-level International Day of Forests 2026 celebration. He said the three-day programme, which runs until Sunday, is being carried out in collaboration with local leaders, corporate partners, and participation from Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Sook and SMK TrusMadi students. “I urge the community, especially the younger generation, to take the opportunity to become agents of change by making tree planting a continuous practice and a way of life for a sustainable future,” he said in a post on his official Facebook page today. The Pensiangan member of Parliament said this year’s celebration, themed ‘Forests and Economies’, aims to highlight green resources as a highly valuable alternative economic source for communities, particularly in rural areas, whether through ecotourism, sustainable forest products or sustainable agriculture. He said Sabah is fortunate to be among the regions with the highest forest cover in Malaysia, and all parties are urged to continue fostering a love for the environment for future sustainability. “Our forests, our treasure, our shared responsibility,” he added. -- BERNAMA

SOOK, May 22 — About 1,000 trees of various species were planted today in a symbolic effort to strengthen the ecosystem, stabilise the climate and safeguard the sustainability of the country’s economy. Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup said the Sook Lake Forest Reserve in Pensiangan was selected as […]

Songkran 2026 In Malaysia Emphasises Mindful Celebration, Stronger Thai-Malaysian Relations

PETALING JAYA -- Malaysia’s Premier Songkran Festival 2026 offers a platform to strengthen long-standing people-to-people and cultural ties between Malaysia and Thailand as both countries mark the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2027. Thailand’s Ambassador to Malaysia Lada Phumas said the 11-day festival, held from April 9 to 19, also serves as a vibrant showcase of Thailand’s tourism and creative economy, reflecting its broader push to position itself as a key strategic player on the global stage. “While we are bringing the spirit of Songkran and authentic Thai offerings to Malaysia, I would also like to invite our Malaysian and international friends to experience Songkran traditions in Thailand. “Let us use this festival to strengthen the people-to-people and cultural ties that have bound us for decades, as we join hands on our journey towards the 70th anniversary of Thailand-Malaysia diplomatic relations next year,” she said at the official launch of the festival on Friday. Also present were Digital Minister and Damansara Member of Parliament Gobind Singh Deo, ambassadors and high commissioners accredited to Malaysia, as well as members of the ASEAN Ladies’ Circle. Songkran, Thailand’s traditional New Year festival, is celebrated annually from April 13 to 15, marking the start of the Thai New Year. “Songkran in Thailand” was inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2023. Lada said this year’s festival emphasises experiencing Songkran in a more meaningful and sustainable way. “We aim to balance our legendary ‘sanuk’, the Thai word for fun, with sustainability and responsibility. From water-splashing festivities to traditions such as pouring water on elders and traditional Songkran dances, a vibrant showcase of Thai music and performances awaits visitors. “As Songkran symbolises renewal and family unity, we hope the celebration, especially amid current global challenges, will embrace mindful practices, from the responsible use of water to energy conservation, ensuring that our traditions are preserved for future generations,” she said. She said the Royal Thai Embassy has been actively enhancing bilateral cooperation through cultural programmes, economic forums and strategic dialogues, while advancing initiatives to support trade, tourism and people-to-people connectivity. Malaysia’s Premier Songkran Festival 2026 at 1 Utama Shopping Centre is one of the key cultural events that has drawn tens of thousands of visitors annually since its inception, now entering its fourth consecutive year. This year, organisers are projecting a turnout of more than 80,000 visitors, reinforcing its position as a major regional attraction. The festival also offers a Thai street market featuring 50 curated booths, including more than 40 authentic Thai food vendors, alongside desserts, beverages, fashion and lifestyle products, as well as carnival attractions. Festival-goers can indulge in popular Thai favourites such as Pad Thai, tomyam, som tam, mango sticky rice and Thai iced tea, offering an immersive street food experience reminiscent of Bangkok’s vibrant

PETALING JAYA — Malaysia’s Premier Songkran Festival 2026 offers a platform to strengthen long-standing people-to-people and cultural ties between Malaysia and Thailand as both countries mark the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2027. Thailand’s Ambassador to Malaysia Lada Phumas said the 11-day festival, held from April 9 to 19, also serves as a vibrant […]