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Borneo Post
06-08-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Deputy Minister: Trans Borneo Highway to boost Sarawak connectivity
Kampung Tuna/Gumaya/Benuas headman Mohd Affendy Sudin (sixth left) hands over a memento to Hasbi, as Dr Abdul Rahman (third right) and others look on. LIMBANG (Aug 6): The inclusion of the Sarawak section of the Trans Borneo Highway project in the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) marks a significant step towards improving long-awaited infrastructure in northern Sarawak. Deputy Minister of Transport Datuk Hasbi Habibollah, said the project's listing relflects the federal government's commitment to enhancing road connectivity in the rural and interior areas, particularly in the northern region of the state. 'The Trans Borneo Highway will begin at Kuala Baram in Miri and connect to the Asean Bridge, continuing through Tedungan to Kemas Limbang,' he said during the Cultural Night, held in conjunction with the Limbang Kedayan Year 2025 Food Festival at the Dewan Kampung Tuna Gumaya Benuas recently. Hasbi added that from Kemas, the highway would extend to Pandaruan, utilising and upgrading the existing road infrastructure to improve travel efficiency and safety. Hasbi, the Limbang MP, said the 96.3km highway would be constructed at a cost of RM1.5 billion, fully funded by the federal government. The route would connect Sarawak to Sabah via Brunei. Meanwhile, Hasbi also called upon the Kedayan community to embrace digital tools and technology to document and preserve their cultural customs heritage. 'As development accelerates, there is a risk that traditions and customs could fade. The younger generation must play a role in safeguarding and continuing our cultural legacy,' he stressed. He encouraged the community to creatively utilise modern platforms to archive traditional practices including music, clothing, language, cuisine, and values, so as to ensure that these elements would endure not only within their own society, but could also be introduced to wider audiences. 'By adapting to the digital age and promoting cultural heritage, the Kedayan identity can remain alive, respected, and appreciated well beyond our borders.' Also present at the event were Deputy Minister of Food Industry, Commodities and Regional Development Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail; and Limbang Kedayan Association chairman Councillor Sufian Mohat.
Borneo Post
26-06-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Awg Tengah: Sarawak's reef ball project shows promising results, gains global recognition
Abang Arabi (third left) presents a souvenir to Awang Tengah during the Sarawak Reef Ball Phase 2 project launch in Lawas today. LAWAS (June 26): Sarawak's reef ball barrier project, which has been rolled out since 2018, has shown promising signs of restoring the marine ecosystem, protecting habitats, and increasing fish stocks in designated areas, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan. He said the state is currently in the final stages of deploying 300 units of reef ball structures under the Phase 2 project, across six clusters designated as Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs). 'This initiative is not just a conservation project, but a symbol of the Sarawak government's commitment to ensuring that the state's natural resources are protected and sustainably utilised for future generations as well as to strengthen the implementation of the blue economy in Sarawak. 'This is in line with the framework we are implementing, led by the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030), and supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) agenda, especially SDG14,' he said at the launch of the Sarawak Reef Ball Phase 2 project in Kampung Awat-Awat here today, representing Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. Also present were State Deputy Minister of Food Industry, Commodities and Regional Development, Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail; Lawas MP Dato Henry Sum Agong; Batu Danau assemblyman Dato Paulus Palu Gumbang; Political Secretary to the Premier, Awangku Jinal Abedin Dato Pengiran Jawa; Northern Region Development Agency director Datu Ubaidillah Latip; and Sarawak Forestry Corporation general manager Abang Arabi Abang Aimran. Awang Tengah, who is also State Minister of International Trade, Industry and Investment, said the project is part of the continued development of the Tukun Reef Ball corridor along the Sarawak coastline. 'In 2022, the Sarawak government was recognised by the Reef Ball Development Group based in the United States for successfully establishing the world's longest reef ball barrier, stretching 746 kilometres. 'I understand that it will provide new fishing grounds or sport fishing spots for the people of Lawas, especially from Sundar to Awat-Awat. 'In 2019, six fishing locations were created from Bukit Sari to Punang. This brings the total to 12 sport fishing spots in Lawas' coastal waters. 'It is part of the continued development of the Tukun Reef Ball corridor along the Sarawak coast,' he said. Awang Tengah Lawas reef balls
Borneo Post
26-06-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Key sites in Lawas identified for pilot padi plantation project under Sarawak food security plan
Awang Tengah flanked by Dr Abdul Rahman (left) and Henry during the briefing on Wednesday. MIRI (June 26): Sinampuan and Tanjong Katong have been identified as locations for a pilot padi plantation project in Sundar, Lawas, said Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan. The project will commence soon after the conclusion of a field study by the Sarawak Agriculture Department. It will be implemented through a collaboration involving private investors and experts from the Universiti Malaya, with authorities identifying Sinampuan and Tanjong Katong in the Sundar sub-district as the key locations. 'A pilot project will be rolled out first to earmark the specific areas, and the state government will assist in this endeavour,' he said after attending a briefing by the Sarawak Ministry of Food Industry, Commodities and Regional Development in Lawas on Wednesday. Also at the briefing were State Deputy Minister of Food Industry, Commodities and Regional Development, Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail; Lawas MP Dato Henry Sum Agong; Batu Danau assemblyman Dato Paulus Palu Gumbang; and Political Secretaries to the Premier, Awangku Jinal Abedin Dato Pengiran Jawa and Sam Laya. The state government has set aside RM500 million for padi cultivation in northern Sarawak as part of the state's strategy to achieve food security, said Awang Tengah. He said the allocation will focus on developing specific infrastructure for the irrigation and drainage systems of rice-producing areas in the Miri and Limbang divisions. The Ba Kelalan highlands, Long Semadoh, and Trusan have also been identified as suitable for large-scale padi cultivation, he added. Awang Tengah, who is also State Minister of Natural Resources and Urban Development and Minister of International Trade, Industry and Investment, said he is looking forward to the success of the buffalo farming project at the Meragang Buffalo Breeding Station. Aiming to produce mozzarella cheese from buffalo milk for export to international markets, the project is expected to boost the local economy with investor involvement and cooperation from the State Area Farmers' Organisation. 'The project will open up job opportunities for locals, who will also receive skills training through collaboration with Centexs Lawas, especially in the production of buffalo milk for cheese,' he said. The state government has also provided assistance in the development of basic infrastructure such as roads, electricity, and water supply to expedite the project's implementation, he said. He assured that investor needs would be given due attention through development allocations under the Northern Region Development Agency (NRDA), which oversees infrastructure development in the Limbang and Lawas districts. Awang Tengah food security Lawas padi plantation
Barnama
10-06-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Sarawak Focusing On Developing Comprehensive Agriculture Supply Chain
GENERAL LUNDU (Sarawak), June 10 (Bernama) -- Sarawak is focusing on developing a comprehensive agricultural supply chain to improve the marketing of produce and minimise wastage. Sarawak Food Industry, Commodities and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom said that an integrated approach, covering the entire supply chain from upstream to downstream, is essential for the sustainability and long-term success of the state's agricultural sector. 'We cannot continue with outdated practices. We must ensure there are factories, markets, and downstream processing facilities to support every crop cultivated. Only then can this sector truly thrive,' he said during a press conference after visiting the GS30 Hybrid Paddy Planting project site in Tanjung Purun earlier today. He said one example of new methods being introduced to diversify crop production in Sarawak is the use of GS30 hybrid paddy seeds from Wuhan, China, which are currently being tested in Tanjung Purun. 'These seeds have the potential to yield between 12 to 14 metric tonnes per hectare, compared with the conventional yield of around six to seven metric tonnes per hectare,' he said. Dr Rundi added that the pilot project, implemented by Baja Engineering Sdn Bhd over 187 hectares, has shown strong potential. However, its success depends on several critical factors, including the efficiency of the drainage system, the formation of soil structures such as hardpans, and full mechanisation, covering ploughing, planting, fertilising, pesticide application, and harvesting. He also noted that Sarawak currently has a rice self-sufficiency level (SSL) of only about 32 per cent, with an annual production of 180,000 metric tonnes, while the state's actual consumption needs stand at 450,000 metric tonnes. Earlier, speaking at the event, Baja Engineering Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Juraimi Abdillah said the original name of the hybrid seed was Liangyou 289, developed by Hubei Ceres Technology in China. 'However, the official name of this seed will be finalised later, pending approval from Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg,' he added.
Borneo Post
29-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
State leaders extend Gawai Dayak invitation to Sarawak Governor
Wan Junaidi and Fauziah pose with the main organising committee for the 2025 State-Level Gawai Dayak Celebration during the courtesy visit. – Photo from Astana Negeri Sarawak photo KUCHING (May 29): The Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, received a courtesy visit today from the Main Organising Committee for the 2025 State-Level Gawai Dayak Celebration. The delegation, led by Deputy Premier and chairman of the 2025 State-Level Gawai Dayak Celebration Committee, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, arrived at Astana Negeri at 9.30am. Uggah was accompanied by his wife, Dato Doreen Mayang. The visit aimed to extend an official invitation to Wan Junaidi and Fauziah to attend the Gawai Dayak 2025 Open House celebration on June 1 and the 2025 State-Level Gawai Dayak Dinner on June 2. Both events will be held at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK). Accompanying Uggah were State Minister for Food Industry, Commodities and Regional Development Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom; Deputy State Minister for Infrastructure and Port Development Dato Majang Renggi; and Minister in the Premier's Department of Sarawak Dato Sri John Sikie Tayai. Others in attendance included Deputy Minister in the Premier's Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring) Datuk Gerawat Gala; Deputy State Minister for Public Health and Housing Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil; Deputy State Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development Datuk Francis Harden Hollis; Deputy State Minister for Utility and Telecommunication Datuk Liwan Lagang; and Deputy State Minister for Transport Dato Henry Harry Jinep. Also joining the visit was Unit for Other Religions (Unifor) director Dato Georgina Apphia Ngau. Wan Junaidi expressed his appreciation and gratitude to the Main Organising Committee for their efforts in organising the 2025 State-Level Gawai Dayak celebration, describing it as an important festive event and a meaningful platform to foster unity among the multi-ethnic community, while also uplifting the culture and heritage of the Dayak people in Sarawak. He expressed hope that the upcoming events would run smoothly and bring benefit to the people, particularly in strengthening the spirit of goodwill and togetherness that form the foundation of harmony in the state. 2025 State-Level Gawai Dayak Celebration Wan Junaidi
