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Malay Mail
3 days ago
- Business
- Malay Mail
Sarawak's RM6.8b rural budget boost to bridge urban-rural gap, says Uggah
KUCHING, May 31 — The increase in rural development allocation for this year's Sarawak budget is a reflection of the state government's unwavering resolve to narrow the rural–urban gap and ensure equitable growth. Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas recently said RM6.8 billion had been allocated under the Sarawak 2025 Budget for rural development, which rose from RM5.695 billion in 2024, indicating the State Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg's clear commitment to uplift the wellbeing of the rural communities. In his message for the Gawai Dayak festival, which begins tomorrow, Uggah said the rural development focus has seen major bridge projects being implemented as growth catalysts. 'Five (bridges) have already been completed, including the Batang Saribas 1 Bridge in Pusa, Betong and others such as the iconic Bintulu Jepak, Muara Lassa, Marudi and Batang Rajang bridges. 'Six more, including the nation's longest river bridge — Batang Lupar 1 — are expected to be completed by year-end,' said Uggah, who is also the State Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development. He said that Gawai Dayak should be accepted as a festival to bridge inter-racial relationships in Sarawak, which has been a pertinent essence for the state to continue progressing. 'Just as bridges connect our cities and villages, this Gawai season should also serve as a 'bridge' to strengthen the bond of friendship, unity and harmony among us all. Let us celebrate our diversity under the spirit of 'Segulai Sejalai' or Together in Unity,' he added. — Bernama
Free Malaysia Today
22-05-2025
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
Petronas, subsidiaries don't need Sarawak operating licences, says Abang Jo
Sarawak premier Abang Johari Openg (centre) with deputy premiers Douglas Uggah Embas (left) and Awang Tengah Ali Hasan during a press conference at the Sarawak state assembly in Kuching today. (Sarawak Public Communications Unit pic) PETALING JAYA : Petronas and its subsidiaries are not required to obtain operating licences from the Sarawak government to operate in the state, said Sarawak premier Abang Johari Openg. He said while state-owned Petros has been formally recognised as the sole gas aggregator in Sarawak under a new joint declaration between the federal and state governments, the authority to issue operating licences remains with Sarawak's utility and telecommunication ministry. 'The ministry also holds the power to grant exemptions. Given Petronas's status as a national oil company, the ministry will exempt them accordingly. 'We'll grant them exemptions. However, they must first apply for it,' The Borneo Post quoted him as telling a press conference at the Sarawak state assembly today. Abang Johari said this was part of the joint declaration signed yesterday, which marks a significant development in federal-state cooperation. He said the joint declaration reflects the federal government's commitment to honour Sarawak's constitutional rights under the Federal Constitution, the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and the Intergovernmental Committee (IGC) Report. Asked whether the joint declaration would remain valid in the event of a change in federal leadership, Abang Johari noted that commercial agreements made under previous federal administrations, including those under former prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin, remain valid. He also said the declaration affirms the mutual recognition of both federal and state laws, particularly Sarawak's Distribution of Gas Ordinance 2016, which outlines Petros's role as the sole gas aggregator in the state from March 1. 'This collaborative legal framework provides clarity and certainty to the oil and gas industry in Sarawak, in particular the recognition of the role of Petros as the gas aggregator,' he said. Elaborating on the responsibilities of Petros, Abang Johari said the company will manage the buying and selling of gas within Sarawak. However, he noted that the financial impact of this role will vary depending on market prices and business conditions. Asked whether the joint declaration would resolve the legal tensions between Petronas and Petros, he said the disputes would remain a matter for the courts to resolve. 'There is a legal process, and we will leave it to the respective legal teams to handle,' he said. Responding to a question on Sarawak's interest in liquefied natural gas projects, Abang Johari said it was crucial that the state has a stake in the oil and gas industry through Petros, and that Putrajaya and Kuching agree to a mutual recognition of both federal and state laws. 'That's all. The rest is business – if business is good, we get more profit,' he said.
Malay Mail
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Malay Mail
Uggah urges Dayak community to celebrate Gawai moderately, avoid excessive drinking and preserve traditions
BINTULU, May 12 — The Dayak community has been called on to avoid wasteful spending and excessive alcohol consumption during the upcoming Gawai Dayak festival. In making the call, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said the festival should instead be celebrated in a moderate and meaningful manner. He pointed out that Gawai is traditionally a time for family and friends to come together in thanksgiving and to share joy. He cautioned that the celebration should not be reduced to drinking sessions that might harm one's health and wellbeing. 'It is not just about excessive drinking. What's more important is strengthening bonds among family members and relatives, especially those who have not seen each other for a long time,' he said when officiating at Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Kakus' Ngabang Gawai Bersama Timbalan Premier here last night. Uggah emphasised that the true meaning of Gawai Dayak goes beyond festivities and merrymaking. 'It is also an occasion to preserve and showcase cultural heritage and strengthen familial ties within the longhouse community,' he said. He highlighted the importance of traditional elements such as ngajat, traditional music, and poetic art forms such as beramban and bepantun, which are unique to the Iban and wider Dayak community. 'During Gawai, the Dayak community has a valuable opportunity to revive traditional arts and performances that are rarely seen today,' he added. Uggah also stressed that Gawai can serve as an effective platform to attract both domestic and international tourists by showcasing the rich and colourful cultural traditions of the Dayak community. — The Borneo Post
