Deputy Premier wants water supply issues at SK Ulu Merapok dormitory, teachers' quarters resolved quickly
LAWAS (April 22): Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan has urged authorities to immediately resolve the water supply issues affecting the dormitory block and new teachers' quarters at Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Ulu Merapok.
He expressed his frustration that the issue remains unresolved despite having raised it since last year.
'I was briefed by the Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB) after we increased the capacity of the water plant in Merapok to two million litres per day (MLD).
'The distribution pipes have been fully installed and I understand that it should have been completed not this year, but last year including the Mini Service Centre and surrounding villages. So this matter must be explained by the JBALB why it is still pending,' he said.
He said this when attending the Ulu Merapok Zone Aidilfitri Reception Ceremony at the Ulu Merapok Mini Service Centre, here on Monday.
Also present were Awang Tengah's wife Datuk Dayang Morliah Datuk Awang Daud, Lawas Member of Parliament Dato Henry Sum Agong, Political Secretary to the Sarawak Premier Awangku Jinal Abedin Dato Pengiran Jawa, Limbang Division Resident Yunus Tambi and Northern Region Development Agency (NRDA) Director Datu Ubaidillah Latip.
Meanwhile, Awang Tengah, who is also the Minister of Natural Resources and Urban Development and Minister of International Trade, Industry and Investment of Sarawak, said that RM160 million had been allocated under the Northern Region Development Agency (NRDA) for the improvement of school buildings and educational infrastructure in Limbang and Lawas.
He said that the move was among the Sarawak government's ongoing efforts to strengthen the education sector for children in the northern part of the state.
In addition, he called on all heads of departments, agencies, and implementing bodies to provide accurate and honest input when planning development projects.
'It is important that the implementation of projects delivers maximum impact to the people and avoids waste or mismanagement of public funds,' he said.
He urged department heads not to follow superiors blindly and instead speak up when necessary.
'We have the right to offer input. For example, we know the current SK Ulu Merapok site floods multiple times a year. If there are plans to build a new block, we should propose a more suitable location.
'If the budget is insufficient for full development, don't waste funds. Start with one block and develop in stages. It is our responsibility to make meaningful recommendations,' he added. Awang Tengah Ali Hasan lead rural water supply water supply issue
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Borneo Post
17 hours ago
- Borneo Post
Sarawak seeks strategic collaboration with Japan's NEC to accelerate PCDS 2030, digital economy blueprint
Awang Tengah (seventh right) and the Sarawak delegation in a group photo with NEC Corporation officials. KUCHING (Aug 13): Sarawak is seeking strategic collaboration with Japan's NEC Corporation to accelerate its Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030) and Sarawak Digital Economy Blueprint 2030 (SDE 2030), said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan He said the strategic collaboration will focus particularly on the fields of digital government, aviation, and cybersecurity. He reiterated that the Sarawak government is committed to building a resilient, inclusive and innovation-led economy anchored on renewable resources, environmental sustainability and technology. 'Our vision is to build an economy supported by clean energy, advanced digital infrastructure and high-skilled talent,' he said in a statement following a meeting at NEC Super Tower in Tokyo, Japan yesterday. He added that partnerships with global technology leaders such as NEC would help Sarawak achieve its development goals, bringing benefits through job creation, technology transfer and economic spin-offs. Awang Tengah, who is also Minister for International Trade, Industry and Investment and Second Minister for Natural Resources and Urban Development, stressed the importance of public-private partnerships and targeted investments in areas such as artificial intelligence, cyber security, integrated circuit design and digital services. 'Our journey towards a developed and sustainable Sarawak by 2030 is a shared opportunity. With NEC's expertise and our vision, we can create lasting value for investors, communities and the environment,' he said. He also highlighted Sarawak's competitive electricity and water tariffs, attractive tax incentives, skilled workforce and business-friendly environment as advantages for potential investors. Awang Tengah was accompanied by Deputy Minister of International Trade, Industry and Investment Datuk Dr Malcolm Mussen Lamoh, State Financial Secretary Dato Sri Dr Wan Lizozman Wan Omar, Ministry of International Trade, Industry and Investment (Mintred) advisor Dato Sri Mohd Naroden Majais, and other senior government officials. Representing NEC were vice president of Public Safety Business Unit, Digital Government Digital Finance (DGDF) for Asia-Pacific (APAC) Kenji Okutsu, director of APAC Global Network Services and APAC Centre of Excellence Toshio Suzuki, and senior executives from Malaysia and Japan. Earlier yesterday, Awang Tengah met with several companies in Japan to explore potential investments in Sarawak's digital and green sectors, particularly in green ammonia production. He and the Sarawak delegation held discussions with a digital company interested in data-based investments in Sarawak. The proposed project is currently undergoing a feasibility study. He also met with US-based First Ammonia, which is collaborating with Danish technology leader Topsoe, to discuss plans for a next-generation green ammonia production facility in the state. The proposed facility would support the Sarawak Hydrogen Economy Roadmap. Awang Tengah said the meetings were part of the state's ongoing efforts to attract high-value investments aligned with its sustainable development goals. He welcomed the investment interests, stressing the importance of ensuring such projects create mutual benefits for both Japan and Sarawak. He requested that the proposed investment should also create win-win situation for both Japan and Sarawak such as delivering lasting value through job creation, technology transfer, skills development, and economic spin-offs that will benefit local suppliers, contractors, and communities. Awang Tengah lead NEC Corporation
Borneo Post
17 hours ago
- Borneo Post
Sarawak seeks strategic collab with Japan's NEC to accelerate PCDS 2030, digital economy blueprint
Awang Tengah (seventh right) and the Sarawak delegation in a group photo with NEC Corporation officials. KUCHING (Aug 13): Sarawak is seeking strategic collaboration with Japan's NEC Corporation to accelerate its Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030) and Sarawak Digital Economy Blueprint 2030 (SDE 2030), said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan He said the strategic collaboration will focus particularly on the fields of digital government, aviation, and cybersecurity. He reiterated that the Sarawak government is committed to building a resilient, inclusive and innovation-led economy anchored on renewable resources, environmental sustainability and technology. 'Our vision is to build an economy supported by clean energy, advanced digital infrastructure and high-skilled talent,' he said in a statement following a meeting at NEC Super Tower in Tokyo, Japan yesterday. He added that partnerships with global technology leaders such as NEC would help Sarawak achieve its development goals, bringing benefits through job creation, technology transfer and economic spin-offs. Awang Tengah, who is also Minister for International Trade, Industry and Investment and Second Minister for Natural Resources and Urban Development, stressed the importance of public-private partnerships and targeted investments in areas such as artificial intelligence, cyber security, integrated circuit design and digital services. 'Our journey towards a developed and sustainable Sarawak by 2030 is a shared opportunity. With NEC's expertise and our vision, we can create lasting value for investors, communities and the environment,' he said. He also highlighted Sarawak's competitive electricity and water tariffs, attractive tax incentives, skilled workforce and business-friendly environment as advantages for potential investors. Awang Tengah was accompanied by Deputy Minister of International Trade, Industry and Investment Datuk Dr Malcolm Mussen Lamoh, State Financial Secretary Dato Sri Dr Wan Lizozman Wan Omar, Ministry of International Trade, Industry and Investment (Mintred) advisor Dato Sri Mohd Naroden Majais, and other senior government officials. Representing NEC were vice president of Public Safety Business Unit, Digital Government Digital Finance (DGDF) for Asia-Pacific (APAC) Kenji Okutsu, director of APAC Global Network Services and APAC Centre of Excellence Toshio Suzuki, and senior executives from Malaysia and Japan. Earlier yesterday, Awang Tengah met with several companies in Japan to explore potential investments in Sarawak's digital and green sectors, particularly in green ammonia production. He and the Sarawak delegation held discussions with a digital company interested in data-based investments in Sarawak. The proposed project is currently undergoing a feasibility study. He also met with US-based First Ammonia, which is collaborating with Danish technology leader Topsoe, to discuss plans for a next-generation green ammonia production facility in the state. The proposed facility would support the Sarawak Hydrogen Economy Roadmap. Awang Tengah said the meetings were part of the state's ongoing efforts to attract high-value investments aligned with its sustainable development goals. He welcomed the investment interests, stressing the importance of ensuring such projects create mutual benefits for both Japan and Sarawak. He requested that the proposed investment should also create win-win situation for both Japan and Sarawak such as delivering lasting value through job creation, technology transfer, skills development, and economic spin-offs that will benefit local suppliers, contractors, and communities. Awang Tengah lead NEC Corporation
Borneo Post
30-07-2025
- Borneo Post
Awang Tengah meets with Kalbar Governor to strengthen regional ties
Awang Tengah (third right) fields questions from the media in Pontianak. Ria Norsan is at right. PONTIANAK (July 30): A Sarawak delegation led by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hassan has met with West Kalimantan (Kalbar) Governor Drs H Ria Norsan here to strengthen regional ties. The pivotal meeting underscored Sarawak's commitment to deepening bilateral ties, attracting high-value investments, fostering innovation, and enhancing regional economic integration. During the meeting, Awang Tengah, who is Minister of International Trade, Industry and Investment, highlighted Sarawak's role as a regional leader in renewable energy and a hub for semiconductor and aerospace industries, emphasising the state's drive for high-value investments and innovation. The discussion also covered air connectivity, including the resumption of the Kuching-Pontianak flight this September, the Sarawak government's takeover of MASwings and its rebranding as AirBorneo, as well as the 2024 launch of the Singkawang-Kuching bus route. 'These initiatives aim to enhance regional connectivity, cross-border trade, tourism, and business linkages across Borneo and the wider Asean region,' said Awang Tengah. He also advocated for the expedition of trade normalisation at the border, including a proposal for a joint economic border committee for mutual development. 'Both sides expressed strong interest in enhancing people-to-people and business-to-business exchanges. 'The upcoming Kuching–Pontianak direct flights, starting Sept 12, 2025, are expected to significantly boost tourism and healthcare access,' he said. He added that the Sarawak government's initiative to establish a Trade and Tourism Office (Stato) in Pontianak further solidifies the state's commitment to long-term regional integration. The visit concluded with a mutual commitment to joint initiatives that will enhance connectivity, promote innovation, and drive sustainable economic progress for both Sarawak and Kalbar. Awang Tengah Ali Hasan H Ria Norsan Kalimantan Barat lead
