KUCHING: A new sub-species of pheasants may have been discovered after an image of the bird was captured by motion sensor cameras in the jungles of Gunung Pueh, Sematan.

Based on the taxonomy description, the unidentified bird species could be from the family Phasianidae of the genus Lophura, said acting Sarawak Forest Department director Hamden Mohammed.

He said there are three Lophura species known to inhabit the forests of Borneo – Lophura ignita ignita, Lophura ignita nobilis and Lophura bulweri.

Lophura bulweri, also known as Bulwers wattled pheasant, wattled pheasant or white tailed wattled pheasants, are endemic to Borneo.

Hamden said a Sarawak Forest Department team of researchers led by Dr Ahmad Ampeng made the discovery but no DNA samples were taken as the team did not bring along full equipment during surveying work in the area.

All exco positions in Pahang filled

KUANTAN: The two remaining vacancies in the Pahang state executive council have been filled.

Benta assemblyman Datuk Seri Mohd Soffi Abd Razak was re-appointed as an exco member, while Batu Talam assemblyman Datuk Abd Aziz Mat Kiram is the new face.

They were sworn in before Pahang Regent Tengku Mahkota Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah at Istana Abdul Aziz in Indera Mahkota here yesterday.

Pahang’s Barisan Nasional administration now has a set of 10 exco members, not counting Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail.

Panel to study redevelopment of Highlands Towers site

PUTRAJAYA: A special committee will be formed to conduct a feasibility study on redevelopment of the abandoned site at Highland Towers.

The ruins at the site have become an eyesore and a concern for neighbours, said Housing and Local Government Minister Zuraida Kamaruddin.

“The site is now a nest for drug addicts and thieves,” she told a press conference yesterday.

Zuraida, who is also Ampang MP, said the ministry hoped to redevelop the Highland Towers site, a premium property that was struck by tragedy 25 years ago.

On Dec 11, 1993, one of the three blocks of Highland Towers Condominium at Taman Hillview, Ulu Klang, collapsed, killing 48 people. — Bernama

Melaka fire chief conducts spot checks

Melaka Fire and Rescue Department chief Kamarulzaman Malik Abdullah (right) inspecting the storage area of a department store to ensure the pathway is not blocked. The fire safety checks were held in conjunction with the Hari Raya celebrations. — Bernama

Sabah wildlife park taken to task over poor upkeep of animals

KOTA KINABALU: Animal activists are up in arms over the poor upkeep of Sabah’s premier wildlife park – Lok Kawi Wildlife Park.

Armed with photos of the sorry conditions of the animals that included Borneo pygmy elephants, Sun bears, a tiger and a snake, the non-governmental organisation – Friends of the Orangutans (Malaysia) – is urging the administrators to improve conditions at the zoo.

Its director Upreshpal Singh said he received the photographs from a source on May 17.

The photos show an injured deer, chained up elephants, Sun bears kept in small enclosures, snakes kept in tiny filthy cages and a scrawny-looking tiger in a small cage, among others.

In July last year, the park management came under fire for the way the animals were kept, but state Wildlife Department director Augustine Tuuga had given his assurance that the animals were fine.

Warnings issued over failure to comply with zero-rated GST

KEPALA BATAS: A total of 53 complaints were received following the implementation of zero-rated Goods and Services Tax (GST) on June 1.

Out of that, 15 warnings were issued against operators for failing to comply with the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011, said Penang Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry director Mohd Ridzuan Ab Ghapar.

Under the state’s Ops Catut 4.0 since May 25, 859 grocery stores and 25,770 items of various categories had been inspected.

Mohd Ridzuan said this year, the ministry had taken action on 115 cases for various violations under the Act and 112 resolved.