Latest news with #BaruBian
Borneo Post
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Rep: Joint checkpoint at Buduk Nur/Long Midang area raises security concerns
Baru says that the joint-checkpoint issue was among the concerns raised by the local community, which he deemed as in need of urgent attention. MIRI (July 15): The continued operation of a 'joint checkpoint' on the Malaysian side of the border in the Buduk Nur/Long Midang area in northern Sarawak is raising security concerns, said Ba Kelalan assemblyman Baru Bian. 'This is despite the Customs, Immigration, Quarantine, and Security (CIQS) complex there being fully operational,' he said in a statement today in connection with his recent engagements in his constituency, which included a visit to the complex. He added that the joint-checkpoint issue was among the concerns raised by the local community, which he deemed as in need of urgent attention. 'I raised this issue in the recent DUN (State Legislative Assembly) sitting, and reiterated it during my visit on July 10, accompanied by Pengulu Udan Meru and the village headmen. 'The joint-checkpoint remains active, pending orders from the higher authorities. 'I urge its immediate dismantling to mitigate security risks,' said Baru. Additionally, he said there were reports of military personnel crossing the border without going through the CIQS, possibly facilitating the smuggling of subsidised goods and alcohol into Indonesia. 'This issue requires urgent investigation and resolution.' Baru also highlighted another immigration-related situation, where only Lawas locals could cross into Indonesia via the CIQS using the 'Cross-Border Pass' (PMS), while Indonesians from Kalimantan could enter Malaysia on the same permit. 'However, Malaysian PMS holders face restrictions if the permit's validity is less than six months, a rule typically applied to international passports but inappropriate for PMS. 'I urge the Ministry of Home Affairs to have some understanding with their Indonesian counterpart to have standardised regulations, exempting PMS from the six-month validity rule. 'Furthermore, I propose allowing international passports at the CIQS, as practised at Biawak and Tebedu – where both PMS and international passports are used – to accommodate increasing cross-border traffic, particularly with the development of Indonesia's new capital, Nusantara, nearby,' said the assemblyman. On the customs front, Baru said the lack of Internet connectivity at the CIQS complex in the Buduk Nur/Long Midang area had forced the declarations to be processed in Lawas instead, causing inconvenience. 'I urge the authorities to erect telecommunications tower or at least a 'ConnectMe' or 'Starlink' system at the CIQS to enable on-site declaration processing to enhance efficiency. 'I call on the relevant authorities to address these issues promptly to ensure the well-being of the communities in Ba Kelalan, and the effective operation of the CIQS in the Buduk Nur/Long Midang area,' he stressed. Baru Bian buduk nur joint checkpoint
Borneo Post
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Ba Kelalan rep urges ex-gratia for villagers affected by SSLR project, NCR land ruling
Baru says many compensation claims were rejected by the Land and Survey Department due to conflicts between state regulations and the native 'adat' definition of NCR land. – Chimon Upon MIRI (July 15): Ba Kelalan assemblyman Baru Bian has called for ex-gratia payments to villagers whose traditional lands have been classified as state land due to restrictive interpretations of Native Customary Rights (NCR). He raised the issue following concerns from rural communities affected by the Sarawak-Sabah Link Road (SSLR) project, which he visited recently. Baru said many compensation claims were rejected by the Land and Survey Department due to conflicts between state regulations and the native 'adat' (customary) definition of NCR land. During a visit to Long Sukang and Long Semadoh today, Baru highlighted the impact of the Federal Court's ruling in the 'TR Sandah' case. The decision limited NCR recognition to land cultivated before Jan 1, 1958. 'This is a very restrictive definition of the law which I understand as a legal practitioner, but illogical to the simple minded native people in the interior of Sarawak whose 'adat' on land differs significantly from the present recent decision of the court,' he said. He noted that some lots, though surrounded by recognised NCR land, are now classified as state land simply because they were not cultivated before 1958. 'This is causing significant distress among the affected communities. 'I therefore urge the authorities to consider ex-gratia payments for these state lands as a compassionate gesture to acknowledge the 'adat' claims although lacking formal legal recognition,' he said. Baru said such payments would reflect the government's commitment to supporting rural communities facing potential loss of their ancestral land. Nevertheless, he also encouraged villagers to view the SSLR project as an opportunity for economic growth. He assured them of his support in addressing any issues with contractors or authorities. Baru Bian ncr land SSLR project
Borneo Post
11-06-2025
- Climate
- Borneo Post
Frustration mounts in Lawas over unresolved water woes
Photo shows the low water-level at the Gelugus Water Treatment Plant's intake point, caused by hot weather and a breached retaining wall. – Photo by JBALB Sarawak MIRI (June 11): Thousands of Lawas residents have expressed mounting frustration over an unresolved water supply disruption that has persisted since June 6, with many pointing out that such problems have plagued the district for years. Social media has seen an outpouring of complaints from affected residents, who say they are fed up with the lack of consistent access to clean water. Many described the crisis as not merely an inconvenience, but a daily hardship that disrupts basic routines like cooking, bathing and washing. 'The water supply problem in Lawas is nothing new. It has been going on for far too long,' one resident wrote in response to a post on Facebook page Lawaskini. 'As citizens, we are forced to come up with our own solutions. Hoping for government help feels like wishing for the moon — full of hope but no results.' Another resident said that he although he rarely returns to Lawas, every time he sees this issue resurface online, it saddens him. 'It's hard to imagine life without sufficient water — even simple things like bathing, cooking, and washing become burdensome. Water is a basic necessity, not a luxury,' he said. Another netizen echoed the sentiment saying that Lawas folks have been putting up with an unreliable water supply for years. He claimed that every single month, without fail, there are water disruptions. 'Whether it's burst pipes, faulty machines, murky water, low river levels or floods — the list goes on. This isn't an occasional problem. It's a monthly occurrence. Pipes are bursting in Merapok, Punang, Trusan, and even Lawas itself,' he said. The Facebook post has drawn 118 comments, 111 shares, and 451 reactions as of the time of writing. In March this year, similar issue occurred where several areas — including Kampung Lintang, SK Lintang, Gelapas, Kampung Seberang Pekan Trusan, Long Suang, and settlements along the road to Ulu Sungai Trusan — were left without water for over a week. Meanwhile, Ba Kelalan assemblyman Baru Bian, in a statement, pointed out that the primary cause of this disruption is the failure of three out of four pumps at the Trusan Water Treatment Plant, with the remaining pump operating at only 30 per cent of its usual capacity. 'These pumps are currently undergoing repairs in Miri. Compounding the issue, the water level at Trusan River, the source for the reservoir, is critically low,' he added. To mitigate the issue, Baru called the JBALB to coordinate with other government agencies, such as the Fire and Rescue department (Bomba) and Sarawak Water Board Sdn Bhd to borrow additional water trucks to ensure adequate water distribution. Additionally, he also called on the authorities to supply mineral water to the affected households to meet urgent needs for drinking and cooking. Baru Bian Lawas lead water disruption
Borneo Post
20-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Baru: Amendment Bill part of Sarawak's vision for leadership in biodiversity research
Baru Bian addresses members of the August house during the DUN sitting today. – Penerangan photo KUCHING (May 20): The Sarawak Biodiversity Centre (Amendment) Bill, 2025 is part of a broader vision to position Sarawak as a leader in biodiversity research, said Baru Bian. The Ba Kelalan assemblyman said through the amendments, this would ensure that the state's resources are protected, respected and beneficial to the people. 'The Bill updates the terminology and scope concerning naturalists and biodiversity experts involved in the (Sarawak Biodiversity) Centre's operations. 'It provides legal clarity for individuals who may not hold formal scientific credentials but possess deep traditional and indigenous knowledge,' he said in his debate on the Bill at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Sitting here today. He said these individuals play an important role in the documentation and preservation of local biodiversity and cultural practices. 'By recognising their contributions through formal legal language, we strengthen community engagement and respect for indigenous knowledge systems.' He also said that with the amendment of the Bill, Sarawak Biodiversity Centre (SBC) would be empowered to establish corporate or profit-oriented entities. 'This provision enables SBC to engage in commercialisation of research and innovation. For example, developing pharmaceutical products, natural extracts, and biotechnological applications based on Sarawak's biodiversity. 'This strategic move aligns with Sarawak's vision to build a bioeconomy and ensure our natural assets translate into tangible benefits for the state, our researchers, and our local communities,' he said. Baru said through the Bill, the state is putting in place mechanisms to ensure that any commercial gains from biodiversity resources are equitably shared with the rightful stakeholders, especially the indigenous communities who have preserved this knowledge for generations. 'At the same time, the Bill introduces a clear financial penalty framework. This is a matter of policy ensuring that unauthorised exploitation or misuse of Sarawak's biological resources will be met with firm legal consequences. 'It is an important addition that signals our seriousness in safeguarding biodiversity from exploitation,' he said. 2025 Baru Bian lead Sarawak Biodiversity Centre (Amendment) Bill
