Latest news with #Chimon
Borneo Post
3 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
S'wak's economy stays resilient with strong sector growth, continued investments despite global risks, says Uggah
Uggah says the services sector is expected to grow by 6.7 per cent in 2024, supported by tourism, with 4.8 million visitor arrivals last year and 1.2 million in the first quarter of 2025. – Photo by Chimon Upon KUCHING (May 28): Sarawak's economy remains on a strong growth path despite global uncertainties, with key sectors showing steady performance and continued investment driving development, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas. He also said the services sector is expected to grow by 6.7 per cent in 2024, supported by tourism, with 4.8 million visitor arrivals last year and 1.2 million in the first quarter of 2025. 'Manufacturing output rose, driven by increased liquefied natural gas (LNG) production, though global market softening may affect demand later this year. 'The mining sector is projected to grow by 2.3 per cent in 2024, bolstered by new oil and gas developments such as the Kasawari field,' he said in his Finance and New Economy ministerial winding up speech at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today. Apart from that, he also said agriculture posted modest growth, with oil palm yields improving despite a slight drop in crude palm oil extraction rates. While construction remains one of the fastest-growing sectors at 8.7 per cent, led by infrastructure projects under the 12th Malaysia Plan. 'Total trade grew by 2.8 per cent in 2024, with LNG and CPO exports leading the way, though crude petroleum exports declined. 'However, early 2025 trade data shows an 11.4 per cent contraction, reflecting external market risks,' he said. Meanwhile he also said Sarawak secured RM7.6 billion in approved manufacturing investments in 2024, while public development expenditure reached nearly RM15 billion. For 2025, the state has allocated RM10 billion for development, with RM5.9 billion from the federal government. Uggah also noted strong domestic consumption, boosted by the revised public service pay scheme and targeted assistance programmes like Sarawak Basic Needs Assistance (SKAS) and Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR). Thus the state, according to him, remains committed to sustaining economic momentum, though growth projections of 5.0 to 6.0 per cent in 2025 may be challenged by global headwinds. douglas uggah DUN sarawak economy
Borneo Post
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Ba Kelalan rep urges action on delayed SSLR, rural schools and infrastructure
Baru welcomed the government's commitment to bridging rural-urban development gaps through projects such as the SSLR but voiced disappointment over its slow progress. – Photo by Chimon Upon KUCHING (May 21): Ba Kelalan assemblyman Baru Bian has raised concerns over delays in key infrastructure and education projects in his constituency, urging the Sarawak and Federal Governments to take swift and meaningful action. Speaking during the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today in support of the Motion of Appreciation on the Yang di-Pertua Negeri address, Baru welcomed the government's commitment to bridging rural-urban development gaps through projects such as the Sarawak-Sabah Link Road (SSLR), but voiced disappointment over its slow progress. 'As of March 2025, Phase 1 of the SSLR was only 45 per cent complete despite being slated for completion in November 2026. 'Unpredictable terrain and soil movements have caused delays, but I urge the authorities to ensure quality and safety are not compromised,' he said. He also highlighted grievances from families along the SSLR alignment in Ba Kelalan who have reportedly suffered damage to their homes and have yet to receive compensation. He said these households deserve prompt and fair redress, hence he called upon the responsible subcontractor to address these issues with urgency and empathy. He also drew attention to the poor condition of the road from Long Kumap to the Customs, Immigration and Quarantine Station (CIQS) at the Ba Kelalan/Long Bawan border. He described parts of the road as 'reduced to a muddy timber track' and 'unfit to serve as a vital link' to Indonesia's new capital, Nusantara. 'With the CIQS now operational since April 5, 2025, it is both embarrassing and detrimental to Sarawak's dignity that this critical last-mile stretch remains in such deplorable condition,' he said. Baru urged the federal and state governments to expedite the release of an additional RM30 million needed to complement the earlier RM80 million federal allocation, first announced in 2023. On the education front, Baru expressed frustration over the prolonged delay in completing SK Long Sukang. Initially approved in 2009 under the 9th Malaysia Plan, the project has yet to be completed despite additional funding of RM19 million in 2017. 'The school was declared unsafe for occupation in January 2025, leaving pupils and staff in limbo. This is not only embarrassing but jeopardises the future of our children,' he said, calling on the Federal Education Ministry to urgently resolve the matter. He also pushed for progress on the proposed SMK Long Semadoh, a project which has seen no advancement despite a 2013 land acquisition and a 2016 federal announcement of RM35 million funding. 'In the absence of a secondary school in the area, children are forced to attend distant boarding schools, exposing them to various social risks. A clear timeline is needed for this project under the 13th Malaysia Plan,' he said. Baru also raised broader issues affecting his rural constituents, including the cumbersome process of renewing gun licences and cartridge permits, which requires applicants to travel long distances to Lawas. 'Some applicants have to wait a month just to get approval due to the District Officer's unavailability. I propose delegating this authority to Sarawak Administrative Officers in Lawas to ease the burden on rural communities,' he said. In concluding his speech, Baru expressed concern about the future of Sarawak's youth, highlighting the challenges of underemployment and low wages. He thus called for systemic reforms in education, particularly the promotion of digital skills and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), to prevent talent drain and uplift rural youth. ba kelalan Baru Bian DUN SSLR
Daily Express
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
MA63 allows education autonomy
Published on: Friday, May 09, 2025 Published on: Fri, May 09, 2025 By: Malay Mail Text Size: Dr Annuar speaks during the MoU and LoI signing ceremony today. – Photo by Chimon Upon KUCHING: Sarawak is intensifying efforts to secure greater education autonomy under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), following its incorporation into the Federal Constitution in 2022, said Datuk Dr Annuar Rapa'ee. The State Education, Innovation and Talent Development Deputy Minister said the constitutional amendment, which places MA63 under Article 160(2), elevates it as part of the nation's supreme law alongside the Inter-Governmental Committee (IGC) Report. 'Before 2022, there was no provision in the Constitution that mentioned MA63. But now it's part and parcel of our constitution, the supreme law. 'Therefore, the MA63 and the IGC report has to be considered seriously,' he said during a memorandum of understanding (MoU) and letter of intent (LoI) signing between i-CATS University College and various industry and TVET partners here Wednesday. Dr Annuar said that while education remains under the Federal List in the Ninth Schedule (Item 13(a)) of the Constitution, MA63 provides a strong legal foundation for Sarawak to assert its educational rights. He pointed to Paragraph 17 of the IGC Report, which outlines seven key areas related to education, including the use of English and the preservation of the existing education system. 'It's a powerful document that reinforces autonomy and we're moving in that direction and I'm happy to say we've made good progress,' he said. Dr Annuar acknowledged that full autonomy is difficult to achieve, but stressed Sarawak's commitment, particularly in safeguarding the state's syllabus and the use of English in schools, colleges, and universities. 'Although it's not easy to get full autonomy of education, certain parts such as syllabus and the use of English must be maintained by the schools, colleges and universities in Sarawak. 'We should not compromise on that, and thankfully our dual language program (DLP) is entering its sixth year and we are actually making a lot of progress,' he said. He highlighted Sarawak's recent approval to conduct its own Primary Six examinations as a major milestone, achieved through collaboration with the federal government. 'This exam is actually an international standard, it's been vetted, and it's been foreseen by Cambridge University Press and Assessment. 'It will be held October-November this year, with only these subjects, Maths, English, and Science,' he said. On Sarawak's wider autonomy negotiations, Dr Annuar said discussions with Putrajaya are ongoing, with 15 major items already tabled in Parliament, including the proposal for Sarawak to approve its own development projects. 'Of all the issues raised, English is the most important, and also the approval powers for projects. 'Last time, for example, if it's an RTP project, we have to ask KL to approve it or not, even though it's our money. 'It's a bit ridiculous, because it's our project, our money, but we have to ask their permission for the project to be done. 'But now, it's okay, as the state director can approve it,' he said. Asked whether federal education policies should be referred to Sarawak first, Dr Annuar said this is clearly outlined in Paragraph 17 of the IGC Report. 'Yes, it's there. Even though the state director is a federal officer, education policies must still be referred to the state government,' he added. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * 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
Borneo Post
03-05-2025
- Borneo Post
Miri City Council warns of fines, seizures for unlicensed events
Yii says the council has issued notices to operators who failed to apply for proper licences, and is currently issuing a press release as final warning before enforcement begins. – Photo by Chimon Upon MIRI (May 3): The Miri City Council (MCC) is taking a firmer stance against individuals and organisations operating fun fairs and food fairs without the necessary licences, and warned that failure to comply with the law could lead to fines and imprisonment. Mayor Adam Yii said the council has issued notices to operators who failed to apply for proper licences, and is currently issuing a press release as final warning before enforcement begins. 'There have been cases of such non-compliance but up until now, only warning notices have been served. 'Following this press release, MCC will begin issuing compounds and carrying out seizures,' he told The Borneo Post when contacted. He said as of last week, it was agreed that following the issuance of notices, the Public Health Section will proceed with compounding while enforcement officers will be authorised to seize any non-compliant operations. In the press release, MCC reminds all individuals and organisations who intend to organise a fun fair or food fair to apply for a licence at least 30 days prior to the commencement date. 'It is mandatory to obtain the necessary licence before promoting, setting up, or operating any temporary fun fair and/or food fair. 'Failure to comply is an offence under Section 5 of the Entertainment Ordinance, 2000, and Section 24 of the Protection of Public Health Ordinance, 1999. 'The penalties from the non-compliance under the Entertainment Ordinance, 2000 is fine not exceeding RM20,000, imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years, or both; while under the Protection of Public Health Ordinance, 1999, failure to comply will resulted in a fine not exceeding RM10,000, imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years, or both.' MCC also reminded vendors participating in any fun fair or food fair to first ensure that the event's organiser has secured the required licence. 'Vendors participating in unlicensed events do so at their own risks and are solely responsible for any loss incurred, including the seizure of their food and wares by MCC enforcement officers,' it said. Additionally, MCC pledged it will continue to enforce strict safety and public health standards to ensure all food sold are safe, along with ensuring all workers undergo medical examinations as well as all machinery and equipment used are structurally safe and compliant with regulations. 'MCC reserves the right to close any fun fair and/or food fair that are found operating without a licence or causing nuisance to the public,' it added. adam yii fine lead Miri City Council seizures unlicenced
Borneo Post
24-04-2025
- General
- Borneo Post
SPM 2024 sees Sarawak post best performance with GPN of 4.84
Omar shows the record results to the media. — Photo by Chimon Upon KUCHING (April 24): Sarawak has recorded its best-ever performance in the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination, achieving a State Average Grade (GPN) of 4.84 for 2024, said Sarawak Education director Omar Mahli. This marks an improvement of 0.08 from the previous year's GPN of 4.92. Under the national grading system, a lower GPN indicates better overall academic performance. 'Sarawak has shown improvements both in quality and performance. Our State Average Grade improved to 4.84 from 4.92 in 2023, one of the best performances yet. 'The percentage of qualified candidates also increased, from 93.15 per cent in 2023 to 9.411 per cent in 2024. 'This shows more candidates are eligible to receive their certificates, having at least passed BM and Sejarah,' he told a press conference on the SPM 2024 results and performance for Sarawak here today. MORE TO COME
