Latest news with #Gira
Borneo Post
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Rep urges immediate relocation of schools affected by floods, infrastructure upgrades in Tamin
Gira emphasises that schools regularly affected by floods must be moved to safer, more strategic locations. – Photo by Roystein Emmor KUCHING (May 22): Several schools in the Tamin constituency may need to be relocated due to frequent flooding, said its assemblyman Christopher Gira Sambang. He emphasised that schools regularly affected by floods must be moved to safer, more strategic locations, adding that education is the foundation of progress, and no child should have their learning disrupted due to environmental challenges. 'This requires immediate action in identifying suitable areas, allocating funds, and fast-tracking construction to guarantee uninterrupted education for our future generations. 'I am appealing to government to relocate the schools namely, SK Ng Selangau, SK Kua Selangau, SK Sg Buluh and SK Pelugau,' he said in his Motion of Appreciation to the Yang di-Pertua Negeri at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today. Gira also called for the establishment of a Selangau District Education Office to better serve the needs of the local community. In addition to education-related matters, he outlined several key development priorities for the Tamin constituency. These included infrastructure upgrades, improved rural water and electricity supply, enhanced internet connectivity, and support for agriculture, housing, and youth development. On infrastructure, he requested that several gravel roads be upgraded to tar-sealed roads. These include Jalan Sapudun Balingian Selangau, Jalan Ng Sekuau to SK Pakoh Ulu Oya Selangau, Jalan Ulu Selangau, and Jalan SK Pakoh to Jalan Ulu Bunau Oya. On rural water supply, Gira appealed to the federal government to expedite the construction of the long-awaited Stapang/Sekuau water treatment plant, first announced in 2016 with an allocation of RM117 million. He also urged the swift implementation of the RM200 million upgrade for the Selangau Water Treatment Plant, including pipe installation to designated areas. Electricity supply remains inconsistent in some longhouses, with applications still pending under the Additional Late Applicant Fund (Alaf) programme. Gira called for faster approval and an upgrade from single-phase to two-phase power in areas where demand exceeds capacity. On digital connectivity, he pressed for all telecommunications towers built in Tamin to be made fully operational to help close the digital divide. For the agricultural sector, Gira urged the government to provide support to oil palm, coffee, and rubber farmers through subsidies, training programmes, and financial assistance. He also advocated for the speedy construction of the Selangau Mini Sports Complex and affordable housing projects in Selangau town to enhance community wellbeing. To spur local tourism and recreation, Gira proposed the development of eco-tourism and leisure spots in Ulu Oya, Ulu Mukah, and Ulu Selangau. In a bid to empower local talent and entrepreneurship, he called for the creation of a Craft Centre and SME Hub in Selangau to support artisans and small business owners. Gira also voiced concern over rising drug abuse and illegal online gambling, particularly among youth, urging authorities to implement effective preventive measures. Lastly, he highlighted the importance of completing the Survey of Native Customary Rights (NCR) land to safeguard indigenous ownership. He urged the government to allocate more resources to the Land and Survey Department to expedite outstanding surveys in Tamin. Christopher Gira Sambang DUN flood schools
Borneo Post
08-05-2025
- General
- Borneo Post
Welfare Dept distributes over RM51 mln in aid to 21,604 recipients as of April
Gira (third right) hands over a hamper to a recipient, witnessed by Mohamad Razi (centre). SIBU (May 8): The Sarawak Welfare Department has disbursed approximately RM51 million in assistance to 21,604 monthly aid recipients across the state as of April this year, said Datuk Mohamad Razi Sitam. The Deputy Minister for Women, Children and Community Wellbeing Development said the government remains committed to channelling appropriate assistance to targeted groups and eligible individuals. 'This assistance is not only aimed at easing the burden of recipients but also serves as moral support, encouraging them to continue striving for a better life,' he said during the Sejambak Kasih Hari Gawai 2025 event at the Selangau Multipurpose Hall today. Elaborating, he said there are currently eight aid schemes in Sarawak, namely Elderly Assistance, Children's Assistance, General Assistance, Allowance for Disabled Workers, Assistance for Non-Working Disabled Persons, Care Assistance for Bedridden Disabled Persons/Chronic Patients, Foster Child Assistance, and Youth and Young Women Assistance. 'We also have a 'top-up' system from the Sarawak government, which means the state does not rely entirely on federal government allocations but supplements the assistance provided,' he said. Mohamad Razi urged parents and community members to be aware of the available government aid schemes, especially for children born with disabilities or those categorised as Persons with Disabilities (PwD). 'Please go for check-ups at hospitals and obtain specialist confirmation to classify them as PwD. Then apply for the PwD card through the Welfare Department or the nearest welfare office. 'Do not hide the fact if you have family members who qualify as a PwD. Similarly, those who become disabled later in life, for example due to an accident and are unable to work, should also obtain a doctor's certification and apply for the PwD card to qualify for assistance.' On the Sejambak Kasih Hari Gawai 2025 programme, the deputy minister said the Welfare Department has been providing RM100 in cash contributions and RM80 worth of festive hampers to recipients for over 20 years. He explained that the contribution aims to ease the financial burden of recipients as they prepare for festive celebrations. 'We want to ensure disadvantaged groups can also experience the festive atmosphere, especially with the upcoming Gawai celebration. Most importantly, this programme strengthens the bond between implementing agencies such as the Welfare Department and the aid recipients,' he said. He also advised recipients to use the assistance wisely and take it as motivation to improve their quality of life. 'Let this assistance remind us of the importance of gratitude and mutual support. Life's challenges may be difficult, but every sincere effort we make will bear fruit.' Also present at the event was Tamin assemblyman Christopher Gira Sambang. razi sitam Sibu Welfare Department
Borneo Post
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
SDNU proposes ‘Pendam Temuai' for non-resident Dayaks in Kuching or Samarahan
Mawan (fourth right) and Gira (fourth left) show a home-made machete souvenir gifted by villager Peter Sambang (second left) while (from left) Amarjeet, Pani, Jos, Ghani and Catherine look on. KUCHING (May 8): Sarawak Dayak National Union (SDNU) is planning to apply for land to set up a 'Pendam Temuai' (visitors' grave) in either Kuching or Samarahan, said its deputy president Christopher Gira Sambang. He said this was because the SDNU graveyard located at Siol Kandis here was only, in principle, for members of the branch and their family. Additionally, there have been no more plots available at the SDNU graveyard at Jalan Chawan. 'Of late, there have been a few cases where deceased members of the Dayak community from outside Kuching were buried at the SDNU Siol Kandis graveyard, but only on a case-by-case basis. 'The situation has now become concerning for Dayak people, especially when the deceased persons are non-residents of Kuching or Samarahan, or non-Christian. There were a few cases when non-residents (of Kuching or Samarahan) and non-Christian Dayaks who came to Kuching for medical attention suddenly passed away. 'This then caused a dilemma for the family members when they could not send their remains home outside Kuching, as there is no immediate 'Pendam Temuai' or 'Pendam Antarabangsa' (international graveyard) – unless they are Christians, the family members may be given the offer to negotiate for a plot but even then, there would be no guarantee for success and only causes anxiety,' he said. He said as a short-term solution, the SDNU Siol Kandis graveyard should be opened to Dayaks not from Kuching or Samarahan. Gira also suggested the graveyard committee impose an appropriate fee that is distinct from the one imposed on branch members. He added he had made a similar call in his speech during the SDNU Siol Kandis 'Santai' programme on April 27, which the union's president Tan Sri William Mawan Ikom attended as guest-of-honour. During the programme, Mawan pledged a RM10,000 grant to SDNU Siol Kandis, while Gira and SDNU vice president Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong both pledged RM5,000 each. Mawan also pledged RM10,000 to the Kampung Siol Kandis village security and development committee (JKKK) and an additional RM5,000 to Sarakup Indu Dayak Sarawak (SIDS) Siol Kandis. Gira also pledged RM5,000 each to SDNU Central Youth wing, SIDS Siol Kandis and the Kampung Siol Kandis JKKK. Also present were SDNU Siol Kandis branch chairman Pani Igoh, SDNU Central Youth chief Amarjeet John Gendi, SIDS Siol Kandis chairperson Catherine Jawi, Kampung Siol Kandis headman Ghani Udai, Penghulu Jos Jawa and other SDNU executive committee members. Christopher Gira Sambang Kuching-Samarahan lead Pendam Temuai SDNU
Yahoo
20-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
EyeCare Partners Announces New Physician Leadership Appointments
ST. LOUIS, February 20, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--EyeCare Partners (ECP) is pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Nordlund, M.D., Ph.D., as Chief Medical Officer (CMO) and Joseph Gira, M.D., as Chief Physician Relations Officer (CPRO), strengthening the company's physician leadership. Effective today, these changes reflect ECP's commitment to clinical excellence and strategic growth. "We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Nordlund and Dr. Gira to their new roles. Dr. Nordlund's unparalleled expertise in cataract surgery and corneal transplantation, combined with his leadership in clinical governance, will drive our commitment to clinical excellence and innovation," said Daniel Miller, M.D., Ph.D., Ophthalmology Division President and Executive Medical Officer. Miller added, "Dr. Gira's visionary approach to refractive cataract surgery and his dedication to physician mentorship and business development will be pivotal in fostering a culture of growth and collaboration. Together, their leadership will propel EyeCare Partners to new heights, ensuring we continue to deliver exceptional eye care and expand our impact." Dr. Nordlund brings a wealth of experience, having served as Chairman of the Clinical Governance Board at Cincinnati Eye Institute Vision Partners (CVP) and on the Executive Committee for CVP. His extensive contributions to the field include numerous scientific publications, textbook chapters and lectures at national and international conferences. Dr. Nordlund's leadership and expertise will be instrumental in driving clinical strategies and ensuring the highest standards of patient care across ECP's network. Dr. Nordlund practices at the Cincinnati Eye Institute. Dr. Gira, a distinguished ophthalmologist and innovator in refractive cataract surgery, will focus on physician recruitment, mentorship and fostering partnerships to explore new business opportunities and introduce innovative technologies. Dr. Gira has been in private practice since 1999 and is board-certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology. Recognized as a Premier Surgeon 300 member, Dr. Gira has made significant contributions to the field through his research, publications, and presentations. He practices at Ophthalmology Consultants in St. Louis. "We welcome Dr. Nordlund and Dr. Gira to these new roles and the impact they will make," said Chris Throckmorton, CEO of EyeCare Partners. "Their combined expertise and leadership will be invaluable as we continue to advance our purpose of providing exceptional eye care as the nation's leading provider of clinically integrated eye care." As part of these changes, Dr. Nordlund will step down from the EyeCare Partners Board of Directors, and Dr. Gira will join the board. About EyeCare Partners EyeCare Partners is the nation's leading provider of clinically integrated eye care. Our national network of over 300 ophthalmologists and 700 optometrists provides a lifetime of care to our patients with a mission to enhance vision, advance eye care, and improve lives. Based in St. Louis, Missouri, over 700 ECP-affiliated practice locations provide services that span the eye care continuum in 18 states and 30 markets. For more information, visit and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook. View source version on Contacts Rhonda SciarraEyeCare Partners1-636-628-2811rhondasciarra@
