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‘Elopura YB's claims of EIA re-approval unfounded'
‘Elopura YB's claims of EIA re-approval unfounded'

Daily Express

time16-07-2025

  • Business
  • Daily Express

‘Elopura YB's claims of EIA re-approval unfounded'

Published on: Wednesday, July 16, 2025 Published on: Wed, Jul 16, 2025 Text Size: Chan stressed that the approval process followed legal procedures and standard coordination protocols, denying any ministerial interference as alleged by the opposition representative. Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah Government has refuted claims by Elopura Assemblyman Calvin Chong regarding the re-approval of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the Esteel Enterprise Sabah Sdn Bhd jetty project at the Sipitang Oil and Gas Industrial Park (Sogip). Political Secretary to the Minister of Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship, Chan Loong Wei, said the allegations were unfounded and reflected a lack of understanding of standard investment procedures. Advertisement He said reviewing and updating a previously approved EIA is a normal requirement for major infrastructure projects, especially when there are changes in the original design. 'In this case, the revised EIA report was approved by the Sabah Environmental Protection Department (JPAS) in May 2025, following modifications to the jetty design that differed from the version approved in early 2024,' he said in a statement, Tuesday. Chan stressed that the approval process followed legal procedures and standard coordination protocols, denying any ministerial interference as alleged by the opposition representative. He also urged the opposition to refrain from politicising strategic investments, warning that negative narratives could damage investor confidence in Sabah as a stable and business-friendly destination. 'The State Government remains committed to ensuring all investments are conducted transparently, responsibly and in the interest of the people,' he said. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia

30 stage protest in Sandakan, call for suspension of rule
30 stage protest in Sandakan, call for suspension of rule

Daily Express

time04-07-2025

  • Business
  • Daily Express

30 stage protest in Sandakan, call for suspension of rule

Published on: Friday, July 04, 2025 Published on: Fri, Jul 04, 2025 By: Abbey Junior Text Size: The residents holding placards protesting against the mandatory monthly inspection charges in front of the ECoS office in Sandakan. SANDAKAN: Some 30 residents here took to the streets urging the Government to suspend what they described as a potentially burdensome policy for households already struggling with frequent blackouts and the rising cost of living. The protest was led by Elopura Assemblyman Calvin Chong, who said residents had approached him after receiving informal instructions or verbal notices suggesting they would need to appoint certified engineers to inspect their gensets monthly — at a cost of up to RM500 per visit — or risk non-compliance under the Electricity Supply Enactment 2024. Advertisement 'These are not luxury items. People install gensets because of frequent blackouts. Now they're being penalised just for trying to get by,' he said. A quotation sighted by Daily Express showed that contractors were offering monthly inspection packages priced between RM400 and RM450 per premises — aligning with complaints raised by residents. The requirement applies to installations operating under 600 volts but drawing more than 100 amps, a threshold that may apply to certain residential homes. An ECoS letter dated Dec 17, 2024, confirmed that installations meeting this criterion must be inspected monthly by registered 'competent persons,' such as certified electrical engineers or supervisors, under the State's Electricity Supply Regulations 2024. In a clarification issued earlier, ECoS said residential users with low-voltage gensets below 300 amps would not be subject to monthly inspections. Only higher-risk commercial and industrial sites would be affected, with inspection frequency reduced from monthly to once every three months. However, Chong said residents remain unconvinced. 'People are still panicking, especially when they received the letter. What proof do they have that they don't need to pay for the inspection monthly? 'They want a formal written exemption — not just verbal explanations. Without official confirmation, contractors continue quoting and the fear continues spreading,' he said. Gum Gum Assemblyman Arunarnsin Taib, who also attended the protest, said the timing of the enforcement was off, given the already high cost of living and lack of consultation with the public. 'At RM400 a month, you're talking about nearly RM5,000 a year. That's not something regular families can absorb — it's too much,' he said. He also questioned whether the policy disproportionately benefits private contractors rather than the public. Resident Azahari Rangon said gensets have become a basic necessity in Sandakan due to frequent power outages and any additional costs would worsen the economic pressure on families. 'We're not using gensets to make money — we're using them because we have no choice. And now we're expected to pay hundreds just to keep using them?' he said. He warned that business owners, especially in the food sector, may pass the cost on to consumers, leading to a rise in prices for everyday items. Chong said many of those affected were elderly residents in decades-old housing areas with limited infrastructure and fixed incomes. ECOS, in its previous statement, said it only charges RM30 annually for genset licences. The monthly inspection fees, it clarified, are imposed by third-party contractors certified under ECoS regulations. While defending the inspections as necessary for safety, the commission said it is reviewing enforcement details — particularly for residential users — in light of public concerns. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia

'Assemblyman's irresponsible actions have embarrassed Sabah on international stage'
'Assemblyman's irresponsible actions have embarrassed Sabah on international stage'

Borneo Post

time14-06-2025

  • Business
  • Borneo Post

'Assemblyman's irresponsible actions have embarrassed Sabah on international stage'

Chan KOTA KINABALU (June 14): DAP Socialist Youth (DAPSY) Sabah chief Chan Loong Wei has strongly condemned Elopura assemblyman Calvin Chong for lodging a police report and making baseless allegations against the Esteel steel plant investment project in Sipitang. 'As a people's representative, Calvin Chong's decision to file a police report against a foreign investor is not only outrageous and irrational but also tarnishes Sabah's image as a investment friendly destination,' Chan stated firmly. He explained that Esteel Enterprise Sabah Sdn Bhd had already paid RM35 million in land deposit to the Sipitang Oil and Gas Industrial Park (SOGIP) – a substantial sum that clearly reflects the investor's serious and long-term commitment to Sabah. 'If the company were truly just an empty shell as claimed, would they willingly pay tens of millions in cash? This single fact alone is more than enough to refute all the reckless accusations and slander being hurled irresponsibly,' he added. Chan further pointed out that Chong had cherry-picked information to suit his political narrative while deliberately ignoring the fact that the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) had previously imposed a moratorium on new steel industry approvals – a necessary federal measure to prevent oversupply and dumping risks, ultimately aimed at protecting industries. 'His allegations not only undermine legitimate public policy, but also expose a lack of understanding of national industrial processes.' Chan emphasized that the Esteel project had undergone thorough due diligence and approvals from both federal and state agencies, including the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), Department of Environment (DoE), local authorities among over 20 regulatory bodies. The project's official launch was even officiated by the Prime Minister himself. 'When Calvin Chong questions the legitimacy of this project, he is essentially casting doubt on the professionalism of our civil servants and the integrity of our administrative system.' Chan also questioned why Chong had not raised these issues in the upcoming State Legislative Assembly sitting, instead opting to sensationalize the matter through police reports and media theatrics. 'As an elected representative, he has full access to the ministry, and could have easily sought clarification directly from the minister or myself. But instead, he chose to politicize the issue. I challenge him – raise it in the Assembly and face it head-on. Don't hide behind a police report. 'If he is afraid to debate in the Assembly, then let's have an open public debate on a neutral platform – let's argue with facts, not perceptions. Let the people of Sabah decide for themselves.' Chan also clarified that Esteel's parent company, GreenSteel Limited, based in Singapore, is a legitimate and reputable international company. It recently acquired shares in Southern Steel Bhd in Penang and holds significant interest in Antara Steel in Labuan. The construction phase is expected to commence between July and August 2025 at the SOGIP industrial site in Sipitang. Chan concluded by stating that while DAPSY Sabah fully supports checks and balances, such scrutiny must be conducted factually and responsibly. 'We welcome oversight of any investment project, but never should investments be used as tools for cheap political gain. Sabah needs builders, not destroyers. And most importantly – we cannot allow Sabah to be branded as a high-risk zone by international investors just because of the reckless behavior of a few irresponsible leaders.' On Friday, State Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Minister Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe said that Esteel Enterprise's RM31 billion steel processing plant at SOGIP is expected to show visible physical progress by July this year. Phoong said the ministry recently received a formal letter from the company reaffirming its commitment to the project.

Warisan rep files police report over delayed RM31b oil and gas project
Warisan rep files police report over delayed RM31b oil and gas project

Malaysiakini

time13-06-2025

  • Malaysiakini

Warisan rep files police report over delayed RM31b oil and gas project

Warisan assemblyperson Calvin Chong has lodged a police report over an alleged failure to implement an RM31 billion steel manufacturing and processing project by Esteel Enterprise Sabah Sdn Bhd in the Sipitang Oil and Gas Industrial Park (Sogip). In his report filed at the Sandakan police station, Chong claimed that his inspection of the site alongside Sri Tanjong assemblyperson Justin Wong on June 10 showed no visible construction activity.

Phoong's aide dares Warisan rep to raise steel project delay in state assembly
Phoong's aide dares Warisan rep to raise steel project delay in state assembly

Free Malaysia Today

time05-06-2025

  • Business
  • Free Malaysia Today

Phoong's aide dares Warisan rep to raise steel project delay in state assembly

Sabah industrial development minister Phoong Jin Zhe previously said the delay in the RM31 billion steel project was due to setbacks in obtaining the necessary approvals and securing a supply of natural gas. (Facebook pic) PETALING JAYA : An aide to Sabah industrial development minister Phoong Jin Zhe has challenged Elopura assemblyman Calvin Chong to raise his concerns on the delayed RM31 billion Esteel Enterprise steel project in the state assembly. Chan Loong Wei said the upcoming state assembly is the right platform for the Warisan rep to voice out any issues he has with the project as an elected representative. 'If he is genuinely curious or wishes to seek accountability, I challenge him to raise this matter in the upcoming state assembly sitting,' he said in a statement. Chan, who is Phoong's political secretary, said Esteel Enterprise is a company that is owned by a credible Singaporean businessman, who also owned a Top 100 Private Company in China in 2023. 'They (Esteel) have real credentials and real capital. In fact, their acquisition of Southern Steel Bhd in Penang in October 2024 was widely reported in Sin Chew Daily and other business media,' he added. He said that Phoong remains committed to driving inclusive economic growth, creating decent-paying jobs for Sabah youths and turning the state into a competitive, investor-friendly region. Earlier today, Chong slammed Phoong's explanation of the delays in the Esteel Enterprise steel project, calling it 'misleading and irresponsible'. He also asked how such a major project could be announced in November 2022 without confirmed approvals, especially given the federal moratorium on manufacturing licences for the steel industry at the time. Chong called for the state government to disclose all agreements and terms involving Esteel Enterprise, saying the public deserved full transparency on a project of such scale. He also questioned the delay in implementation, noting that the manufacturing licence was only approved in January 2025, more than two years after the project was announced. On Monday, Phoong said the delay in the RM31 billion steel project was due to setbacks in obtaining the necessary approvals and securing a supply of natural gas. He said the initial projection for Esteel Enterprise's factory to begin operations in the fourth quarter of this year was based on the assumption that approvals would be obtained without delay. However, he said Putrajaya's two-year moratorium on manufacturing licences for steel-related industries created complications, with special approval only granted on Jan 24, 2025.

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