No financial constraints, Pos Balar bridge reconstruction to begin soon
GUA MUSANG: The reconstruction of the collapsed bridge at Pos Balar is now in the final stage of procurement and is expected to begin shortly, according to the Orang Asli Development Department (JAKOA) director-general Datuk Sapiah Mohd Nor.
She dismissed claims that financial issues had delayed the project, saying swift action was taken after the bridge collapsed on March 9.
'For any infrastructure project, including the Pos Balar bridge, procurement must comply with government procedures.
'This process involves budget allocation and technical assessments. The procurement decision has been finalised and construction is scheduled to start this month,' she said during a media briefing in Pos Pasik today.
JAKOA has allocated RM400,000 for the project, which will see the construction of a more resilient and safer bridge for the remote Orang Asli community.
'The new design considers the area's geography and terrain, with weather conditions also influencing the construction specifications,' Sapiah said.
Media reports yesterday noted that the collapsed bridge had yet to be repaired. The reports also called for intervention from Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Rural and Regional Development, Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, to expedite the reconstruction.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
an hour ago
- The Star
Sabah accountants urge rethink on stamp duty for employment contracts
KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Association of Professional Accountants (SAPA) is urging the federal government to reconsider the blanket enforcement of stamp duty on all employment contracts. The group warns that the policy could burden small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly in Sabah. While acknowledging the legal and fiscal rationale behind the Inland Revenue Board's directive, SAPA president Datuk Tan Kok Liang stated that the policy must consider the realities of doing business in less-developed regions like Sabah. "This requirement places additional administrative and financial burdens on employers, especially SMEs operating under constrained resources and geographical challenges," he said on Tuesday (June 3). He added that SAPA calls for a more balanced approach by exempting contracts with monthly salaries below RM4,000, offering exemptions to micro and small enterprises, and phasing in the policy with an implementation date no earlier than January 1 next year, alongside stakeholder engagement and educational outreach. Tan noted that the directive risks discouraging small businesses from formalising employment contracts due to overregulation and red tape. "This could inadvertently leave workers in rural or semi-urban Sabah vulnerable and without formal employment protection," he said. He added that while the Stamp Act 1949 was enacted for legal clarity and contractual certainty, its enforcement must evolve. "In practice, employment contracts have been respected by both employers and employees, with or without a stamp. Strict enforcement based on outdated provisions is counterproductive," he said. Tan then said that SAPA believes reforming the Stamp Act to reflect modern business practices is essential to prevent it from becoming solely a revenue collection tool. "We remain confident that through constructive dialogue, a balanced policy solution can be achieved, one that upholds the law while safeguarding local businesses and promoting employment," said Tan.
New Straits Times
2 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Fund to empower Indian women entrepreneurs doubled to RM100mil
SUNGAI BULOH: The government has doubled the allocation for the Prosperity, Empowerment and A New Normal for Indian Women (PENN) programme to RM100 million, which aims to assist Indian women in building their businesses. Deputy Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan said the additional RM50 million would empower more Indian women through entrepreneurship. "This initiative has proven that the PENN programme is not only successful but is truly needed by the community," he said during the launch of PENN 2.0 at Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia (AIM) headquarters in Bandar Sri Damansara. Launched in April last year, PENN has benefited 6,247 Indian women, with a total of RM42.7 million in funding disbursed, including support for 1,062 new entrepreneurs. Ramanan also praised the resilience of Indian women entrepreneurs, describing them as hardworking, disciplined and determined. The fresh allocation is expected to reach over 10,000 Indian women entrepreneurs through AIM. "This injection will boost support for recipients to expand their small businesses in sectors such as food, tailoring, beauty and community services." Ramanan said AIM beneficiaries under PENN have reported income growth of 20 to 30 per cent. Its 2024 non-performing loan rate was just 0.02 per cent, the lowest in the institution's 38-year history. "This is not merely a loan, it is a tool to elevate families and transform lives." Ramanan added that PENN offers micro-financing without financial statements, guarantors or collateral, alongside continuous mentorship by AIM. He said under PENN, interested applicants can apply for a loan starting from RM3,000 up to RM30,000. "The loan cost can go up to RM30,000 even if there are issues like bankruptcy, CTOS or CCRIS, so it is open to all. "It is meant to assist the underprivileged, especially those who have nowhere else to turn to," he said. Indian women entrepreneurs who are interested in the programme are encouraged to visit the AIM website or any AIM branch to apply and benefit from the support available. Last year, Ramanan announced an RM50 million AIM fund to support Indian women entrepreneurs through PENN.
The Star
3 hours ago
- The Star
Resort-inspired living in the heart of the city
With its strategic location, comprehensive amenities and thoughtfully designed resort-inspired living concept, Amberwood Resort Residences is poised to become one of Johor's most sought-after addresses. JOHOR BARU: A new lifestyle destination has arrived in Johor with the launch of Amberwood Resort Residences, an exclusive development born from a strategic collaboration between PIJ Property Development Sdn Bhd (PIJ Property) and Fiamma Holdings Bhd (Fiamma), with Chin Hin Group Property Bhd (CHGP) appointed as the project manager. This partnership brings together local expertise, corporate strength and industry experience to deliver a resort-inspired living concept tailored for today's urban lifestyle. The Amberwood Resort Residences Sales Gallery is now open to the public, offering a first look at the thoughtfully crafted serviced apartments designed for a new generation seeking warmth, tranquillity and exclusivity in city living. Strategically located in Larkin here, the 1.42ha leasehold development comprises 824 serviced apartment units across two towers — 490 units in Tower A and 334 units in Tower B. Developed as an urban oasis, the residences blend natural elements with private living environments. Units range from 1+1 to 3+1 bedrooms, with built-ups between 560 sq ft to 872 sq ft and prices starting from RM390,000. Each unit is fitted with a smart home system, enabling residents to control lighting, air-conditioning, and security features for a seamless and secure living experience. Amberwood's location offers exceptional accessibility. Just eight kilometres from Bukit Chagar Station, the upcoming hub of the Rapid Transit System (RTS) that links Johor Bahru to Woodlands, Singapore, the development is also well connected to key routes like the Skudai Highway, Jalan Sultan Ismail, and Jalan Tun Abdul Razak — making commuting for work or leisure quick and convenient. Residents will enjoy effortless access to a variety of city attractions, including Johor Street Market, Danga Bay Sunset Viewpoint, Istana Bukit Serene, Stadium Larkin and the Johor Youth and Sports Complex — all located within a five-kilometre radius. Retail and entertainment are just around the corner with malls such as Angsana Mall Johor Bahru, Beletime Danga Bay, SKL City Mall, Paradigm Mall JB, and Mid Valley Southkey nearby. Healthcare services including KPJ Puteri Specialist Hospital, Larkin Health Clinic and Sultanah Aminah Hospital, as well as education institutions like SMK Bandar Baru Uda, SM Tasek Utara and IKM Johor Bahru, are also within close proximity—making this an ideal address for modern families. A strategic partnership Amberwood Resort Residences is a result of the strong synergy between three industry players. PIJ Property brings in-depth knowledge of Johor's development landscape and a deep understanding of local community aspirations. Fiamma contributes with its robust corporate capabilities and proven track record in property development. Meanwhile, CHGP, as the project manager, ensures that every aspect of execution and marketing aligns with the brand's high standards of quality and excellence. With its strategic location, comprehensive amenities and thoughtfully designed resort-inspired living concept, Amberwood Resort Residences is poised to become one of Johor's most sought-after addresses.
