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Borneo Post
6 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Petros launches Bintulu's first residential piped gas supply
Hamid (second left) presents a memento to Abang Johari after the launch ceremony. BINTULU (July 23): Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros) marked a major milestone today with the official launch of piped natural gas supply to households in Sungai Plan – the first direct residential connection since gas processing operations began in Bintulu in 1982. The initiative is part of the broader Sarawak Gas Roadmap (SGR), a strategic state government plan implemented by Petros to boost domestic gas utilisation, improve energy access, and support sustainable development throughout Sarawak. The launch was officiated by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. Also present were State Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi; State Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom; and Petros chairman Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr Hamid Bugo. The launch also coincides with Sarawak Day and comes ahead of Petros' eighth anniversary, underscoring the state's steady progress toward a more inclusive, secure, and resilient energy future. In a statement, Petros said the Sungai Plan project is its first residential piped gas supply initiative in Bintulu, marking a tangible step towards bringing Sarawak's gas resources directly to the people. 'The pilot phase involves the construction of a dedicated reticulation system, which includes a newly built city gate station, over three kilometres of distribution pipeline, and internal piping for the initial 39 connected households. 'Petros aims to extend gas coverage to over 3,500 households in the Sungai Plan area, by the end of 2027,' it said. The infrastructure enables homes to use natural gas for cooking and other domestic needs, offering a cleaner, safer, and more cost-effective alternative to liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). 'By providing direct access to natural gas, we are delivering cleaner and more affordable energy solutions to local communities while supporting Sarawak's broader socio-economic ambitions,' said Petros Group Chief Executive Officer Dato Janin Girie. Beyond households, the piped gas initiative is designed to support the long-term industrialisation of Bintulu and nearby regions. Under the SGR, Bintulu is designated one of four key gas hubs in Sarawak, alongside Miri, Samalaju and Kuching. These hubs form the backbone of a statewide 'hub-and-spoke' model to ensure reliable gas supply across both urban and rural areas. 'Investments in supporting infrastructure are well underway. In Bintulu, Petros is constructing the 65-kilometre Samalaju Pipeline (SPL) to supply natural gas to the Samalaju Industrial Park, including to the 1,500MW Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) Power Plant currently under development,' Petros said. The company said it is also advancing the Gas to Bintulu (GtB) Trunkline Project, which will extend transmission infrastructure from the Kidurong Industrial Area to Jepak and the Samalaju Industrial Park Ringmain (SIPR), improving intra-zone distribution capacity. To serve areas not yet connected to pipelines, Petros is deploying a Virtual Pipeline System (VPS) that uses modular transport to deliver compressed natural gas (CNG) by road and sea. The first VPS customer in Kuching is expected to receive supply by end-2025, with broader rollout planned for 2026. As the sole gas aggregator for Sarawak, Petros plays a central role in developing and managing the state's gas distribution system. 'These efforts aim to raise Sarawak's domestic gas utilisation from 6 per cent to at least 30 per cent by 2030, in alignment with the Sarawak Government's energy transition agenda,' it said. Today's launch also coincides with Sarawak Day and precedes Petros' eighth anniversary, underscoring the State's steady progress towards a more inclusive and resilient energy future. Abang Johari Bintulu lead Petros piped gas supply Sungai Plan
ITV News
09-07-2025
- Politics
- ITV News
Cumberland and Westmorland & Furness Councils request delay to mayoral election
Cumbria's two main councils have written to the UK Government to request a one-year delay to the upcoming mayoral elections. Cumberland Council and Westmorland & Furness Council have requested that a vote be held in May 2027, a year later than planned. The government has yet to confirm that statutory tests have been met and that devolution in Cumbria can proceed. If it can, both councils then still need to make a formal decision to agree to a Mayoral Combined Authority, which would then require an election. In a letter requesting a deferral to Jim McMahon MP, Minister for English Devolution and Local Governance, the councils state: 'This request is made in the spirit of constructive partnership and with a shared ambition to ensure the strongest possible foundations for a successful new governance model that delivers for the people of Cumbria.' Local elections for Cumberland Council and Westmorland & Furness Council are both scheduled for 2027. The two councils say holding a mayoral election on the same date would save significant resources - about £1 million if held as a standalone election - and would result in a higher voter turnout. They added that a deferral would also provide more time to prepare for the establishment of a new combined authority. It was announced that Cumbria was included in the Government's Devolution Priority Programme in February. Both councils were invited to join the Priority Programme after earlier expressing interest in exploring what greater devolution of powers could mean in Cumbria. The new Labour Government has set out its intention to widen devolution across England, giving regions more powers and decision-making over matters such as economic development, transport, employment support, planning, and housing. The Government has not yet reported back on the public consultation exercise it held earlier this year.
Rudaw Net
02-07-2025
- Politics
- Rudaw Net
2000 ISIS militants active in Syria's desert: Brigade spox
Also in Syria Turkey demolishes historic military base amid peace talks with PKK US-backed forces to launch anti-ISIS operation in Syria: Brigade spox Syria expects to elect new parliament in August: Official SDF says 'disinformation campaign' seeks to undermine the force A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - An estimated 2,000 Islamic State (ISIS) militants remain active in Syria's vast desert regions, a spokesperson for a faction aligned with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) warned in an interview with Rudaw, highlighting the group's ongoing efforts to regroup. The US-backed SDF serves as the de facto army of northeast Syria (Rojava). Mahmoud Habib, spokesperson for the North Democratic Forces - a component of the SDF - said on Tuesday, 'There are no fewer than 2,000 militants in the Syrian desert,' citing Western intelligence reports that indicate 'significant movements' among ISIS elements. The Syrian Desert, or Badiya, spans approximately 500,000 square kilometers, covering about 55 percent of Syria's total landmass. Located primarily in the country's southeast, it stretches across several key governorates, including Deir ez-Zor, Hasaka and Raqqa, as well as parts of Hama, Homs, and Rif Dimashq. Major cities, including Damascus and Palmyra, lie within or along the fringes of this vast arid region. Habib emphasized that the desert's rugged terrain and lack of consistent oversight provide ideal conditions for ISIS to regroup, operate, and finance its activities. 'The threat remains high, particularly for Syrian population centers and cities,' he warned. In response to the enduring ISIS threat, Habib predicted that the United States is likely to maintain its military presence in Syria for the foreseeable future. 'The presence of US forces in Syria has become a strategic decision for the US administration and is not expected to change anytime soon,' he said. Habib added that Washington is consolidating its presence by shifting to 'two massive bases in northeast Syria [Rojava]' to enhance operational efficiency and security.' This restructuring ensures continued support for the SDF's counter-terrorism efforts, he elaborated. "US forces are staying and [the forces in] these bases will be able to intervene in required tasks, whether air, ground, or operational,' he insisted. The remarks come despite the gradual reduction of US troops in Syria. Rudaw learned in early June that the US is gradually withdrawing troops from Syria, aiming to reduce its presence from roughly 2,000 to about 1,000 forces - a move then confirmed by a US defense official. The official noted that troop levels in Rojava remain flexible and will be 'adjusted according to the evolving security situation.' The remarks followed a mid-April announcement by Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell, who said the 'Secretary of Defense directed the consolidation of U.S. forces in Syria under Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve to select locations in Syria. 'This consolidation reflects the significant steps we have made toward degrading ISIS's appeal and operational capability regionally and globally,' he added, noting that 'this deliberate and conditions-based process will bring the U.S. footprint in Syria down to less than a thousand U.S. forces in the coming months.' Despite the reduction, Parnell stressed that the "U.S. Central Command will remain poised to continue strikes against the remnants of ISIS in Syria," Parnell added. Additionally, the spokesperson for the North Democratic Forces, Habib, also said that the SDF is working toward integration with the Syrian defense ministry. 'Joint committees are examining all the necessary details to achieve this integration,' he said, describing the effort as part of a broader initiative to build a unified, stable Syria free from extremist threats. This move aligns with the vision of SDF Commander Mazloum Abdi, who has advocated for a unified national army in Syria, Habib underlined.
ITV News
28-05-2025
- Sport
- ITV News
Jersey Bulls promoted to eighth tier of English football with Play-Off win over Cobham
Jersey Bulls have been promoted to the eighth tier of English football after a 2-1 victory over Cobham in front of a sell-out crowd at Springfield. Miguel Carvalho and Fraser Barlow's goals were enough to win the Combined Counties Football League Premier Division South Play-Off Final despite a late rally from the Surrey side. It comes after Bulls finished third in the league, missing out on automatic promotion, when they were docked three points for fielding an ineligible player. And after beginning this season playing a league below Guernsey FC, they will start next campaign a league above them after the Sarnians were relegated this time round.
NDTV
27-05-2025
- General
- NDTV
UPPSC CES Prelims Result 2025 Declared, Check Steps To Download
UPPSC CES Prelims Result 2025: The Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC) has released the results for the Combined State Engineering Services (CES) Preliminary Examination 2025. A total of 7,358 candidates have qualified for the Main examination, competing for 609 engineering vacancies. The results are available on the official UPPSC website. UPPSC CES Prelims Result 2025: Exam Overview Applications Received: 78,798 Candidates Appeared: 31,639 Qualified for Mains: 7,358 Vacancies: 609 (including general and special recruitment) UPPSC CES Prelims Result 2025: How to Check the Result Step 1. Go to the official UPPSC website. Step 2. Navigate to the 'Notifications' section. Step 3. Click on the 'UPPSC CES Prelims Result 2025' PDF link Step 4. You will be redirected to a new page Step 5. Use 'Ctrl+F' to search for your roll number Step 6. Download and save the PDF for future reference However, the Commission will soon issue a separate notification with details on the main examination schedule and application process. Qualified candidates should regularly check the official website, for updates. UPPSC CES Exam 2025: Selection Process The UPPSC CES Exam 2025 consists of two stages: Preliminary Examination (Objective Type) This is a screening exam. After qualifying, candidates become eligible for the mains. The marks of this exam are not counted in the final merit list. Main Examination (Written and Interview) The Main Examination comprises a written examination and an interview. After qualifying in the written exam, candidates are called for an interview, which will count towards the final selection.
