Latest news with #Alaf
Borneo Post
26-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Julaihi: Sarawak approves RM550 mln to continue implementing Alaf projects
Julaihi addresses members of the august House during the State Legislative Assembly sitting today. – Photo by Sarawak Public Communications Unit KUCHING (May 25): The Sarawak government has approved RM550 million under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) to continue implementing the Additional and Late Applicant Fund (Alaf) projects, which are expected to benefit around 30,600 new rural households, said Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi. The Utilities and Telecommunications Minister said the allocation reflects the state's continued commitment to rural electrification. 'The Alaf programme was introduced to provide electricity access to rural households that were previously missed during earlier rollout phases or had submitted late applications,' he said in his ministerial winding-up speech at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Sitting here today. Julaihi noted that under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP), RM315 million was allocated for Alaf phases 1 to 4, covering 21,073 households. 'A total of 19,382 households or 92 per cent have been completed, while the remainder are at various stages of implementation,' Julaihi added. He said as part of Sarawak's energy transition agenda, several new renewable energy proposals are undergoing feasibility studies at key dam sites. Julaihi noted that these studies focus on potential developments, such as large-scale solar farms and pumped hydro energy storage systems. 'Several private companies have submitted proposals for renewable energy generation, and feasibility studies are being conducted at locations such as the Bengoh, Batang Ai, Bakun, and Murum dams,' he said. Julaihi further stated that these initiatives form part of Sarawak's broader strategy to diversify its energy mix and position itself as a regional renewable energy hub under the 'Battery of Asean' vision.
Borneo Post
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Rep urges immediate relocation of schools affected by floods, infrastructure upgrades in Tamin
Gira emphasises that schools regularly affected by floods must be moved to safer, more strategic locations. – Photo by Roystein Emmor KUCHING (May 22): Several schools in the Tamin constituency may need to be relocated due to frequent flooding, said its assemblyman Christopher Gira Sambang. He emphasised that schools regularly affected by floods must be moved to safer, more strategic locations, adding that education is the foundation of progress, and no child should have their learning disrupted due to environmental challenges. 'This requires immediate action in identifying suitable areas, allocating funds, and fast-tracking construction to guarantee uninterrupted education for our future generations. 'I am appealing to government to relocate the schools namely, SK Ng Selangau, SK Kua Selangau, SK Sg Buluh and SK Pelugau,' he said in his Motion of Appreciation to the Yang di-Pertua Negeri at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today. Gira also called for the establishment of a Selangau District Education Office to better serve the needs of the local community. In addition to education-related matters, he outlined several key development priorities for the Tamin constituency. These included infrastructure upgrades, improved rural water and electricity supply, enhanced internet connectivity, and support for agriculture, housing, and youth development. On infrastructure, he requested that several gravel roads be upgraded to tar-sealed roads. These include Jalan Sapudun Balingian Selangau, Jalan Ng Sekuau to SK Pakoh Ulu Oya Selangau, Jalan Ulu Selangau, and Jalan SK Pakoh to Jalan Ulu Bunau Oya. On rural water supply, Gira appealed to the federal government to expedite the construction of the long-awaited Stapang/Sekuau water treatment plant, first announced in 2016 with an allocation of RM117 million. He also urged the swift implementation of the RM200 million upgrade for the Selangau Water Treatment Plant, including pipe installation to designated areas. Electricity supply remains inconsistent in some longhouses, with applications still pending under the Additional Late Applicant Fund (Alaf) programme. Gira called for faster approval and an upgrade from single-phase to two-phase power in areas where demand exceeds capacity. On digital connectivity, he pressed for all telecommunications towers built in Tamin to be made fully operational to help close the digital divide. For the agricultural sector, Gira urged the government to provide support to oil palm, coffee, and rubber farmers through subsidies, training programmes, and financial assistance. He also advocated for the speedy construction of the Selangau Mini Sports Complex and affordable housing projects in Selangau town to enhance community wellbeing. To spur local tourism and recreation, Gira proposed the development of eco-tourism and leisure spots in Ulu Oya, Ulu Mukah, and Ulu Selangau. In a bid to empower local talent and entrepreneurship, he called for the creation of a Craft Centre and SME Hub in Selangau to support artisans and small business owners. Gira also voiced concern over rising drug abuse and illegal online gambling, particularly among youth, urging authorities to implement effective preventive measures. Lastly, he highlighted the importance of completing the Survey of Native Customary Rights (NCR) land to safeguard indigenous ownership. He urged the government to allocate more resources to the Land and Survey Department to expedite outstanding surveys in Tamin. Christopher Gira Sambang DUN flood schools
Borneo Post
22-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Tebedu rep urges swift factory approval to boost local economy, flags key infrastructure gaps
Simon says Tebedu Industrial Area has been earmarked as a manufacturing hub for the Serian Division under the Serian Master Plan 2020–2030 and is strategically positioned to facilitate cross-border trade with Indonesia. KUCHING (May 22): Tebedu assemblyman Dr Simon Sinang Bada has urged the relevant authorities to expedite the approval process for a proposed factory in the Tebedu Industrial Area, highlighting its potential to stimulate the local economy and create employment opportunities. He said the Tebedu Industrial Area has been earmarked as a manufacturing hub for the Serian Division under the Serian Master Plan 2020–2030 and is strategically positioned to facilitate cross-border trade with Indonesia. 'To date, we have received two investment proposals for the area. We are excited about these investment plans and hope both can begin operations soon as they will generate and stimulate local economic activity and open up employment opportunities, especially for the people of Tebedu and Sarawak in general. 'I urge that approval to establish a factory in the Tebedu Industrial Area be given due consideration by the relevant authorities,' he said during his Motion of Appreciation on the Yang di-Pertua Negeri's Speech at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today. Highlighting infrastructure issues, Simon also raised concerns about the inconsistent electricity supply in the area. He stressed that stable and sufficient power is crucial for the planned industrial operations, and called on the relevant authorities to take immediate steps to improve the electricity infrastructure to meet the needs of incoming investments. He also highlighted the poor condition of roads in his constituency and urged the authorities to expedite the resurfacing of damaged village roads. He called for faster implementation of the Serian-Tebedu road project, along with the RM180 million project to connect Temong, Darul Iman, Darul Fallah, Darul Huda, and Tepoi. Simon also pointed out ongoing water supply issues affecting several villages, including Kampung Kakeng, Kampung Taee, Kampung Jenan, Kampung Lanchang, and Kampung Plaman Nyabet. These areas frequently experience disruptions due to low pressure and pipe bursts, and he urged the Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB) to investigate the root causes and implement long-term solutions. Additionally, he reported frequent power outages in Tebedu, which he said disrupt daily life, affect internet connectivity, and hamper the operation of water pump boosters. He called for the fast-tracking of applications from Tebedu under the Additional Late Applicant Fund (Alaf). Internet connectivity also remains unsatisfactory in the area, with frequent disruptions caused by cable theft, vandalism, and broken optical cables. He requested that the State Ministry of Utility and relevant agencies ensure proper maintenance of fibre optic cables, especially along the Tebedu-Mongkos road, adding that the telecommunications tower at Kampung Daha Seroban should be made operational immediately to address connectivity needs. Simon also urged the Health Ministry to expedite the construction of a new Type 3 Health Clinic in Tebedu, noting that the existing facility is in poor condition and inadequate to serve the community's growing needs. On solid waste management, he raised concern over the current landfill site, which is nearing capacity. Managed by the Serian District Council, the site requires urgent replacement. He also appealed for uninterrupted waste collection services during festive seasons such as Gawai to prevent overflowing trash bins in villages. He further called for stronger measures to monitor substance abuse and social problems among school-age children in Tebedu, citing it as a pressing community issue. On another note, Simon reported that recent heavy and continuous rainfall had triggered landslides in multiple areas, including Kampung Krusen Kranji, Jalan Mongkos, Kampung Tema, Kampung Daha Seroban, Kampung Tubih Mawang, Jalan Kampung Tepoi, and Kampung Entubuh. He appealed to the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee to recognise these incidents and allocate the necessary funds for repairs and mitigation to ensure public safety. On land matters, he said that under the Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) initiative, documentation for traditional village and agricultural land lots has been completed in several villages within his constituency. He urged the Land and Survey Department to expedite surveying under Section 18 and issue individual land titles to the rightful owners without further delay. Dr Simon Sinang Bada DUN Tebedu
