Latest news with #HousingandLocalGovernment
The Star
a day ago
- Business
- The Star
‘Poor waste service providers risk penalties'
No room for filth: Nga (centre)conducting a surprise inspection at Jalan Gallagher, Kuala Lumpur, following royal concern over clogged drains and uncollected garbage in the area. PETALING JAYA: Concession companies that fail to deliver satisfactory solid waste management services risk facing penalties or even termination, warns Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming. Nga said the Housing and Local Government Ministry will not hesitate to take action against concessionaires if their services, particularly garbage collection, are found to be subpar or not in accordance with scheduled duties. 'Solid waste management is vital not just in tourist destinations but also in residential areas, as it directly affects the comfort and well-being of the people,' he said in a statement yesterday. Nga stressed that concessionaires who do not meet service quality expectations, such as failing to collect waste on schedule or neglecting the agreed scope of work, will face strict consequences, including penalties and contract termination. He also urged all local authorities to consistently monitor cleanliness levels in their respective areas and to ensure that contracted companies carry out their responsibilities efficiently. The public, Nga added, can submit complaints related to garbage collection, drain cleaning, street and public area maintenance, and grass cutting in seven states governed under Act 672 via WhatsApp to Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Corporation (SWCorp) at 013-210 7472. Separately, Nga extended his appreciation to His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, for highlighting issues concerning clogged drains and garbage accumulation around Jalan Gallagher, Kuala Lumpur. 'I have instructed SWCorp to take immediate action to clean the area, including hillside slopes that fall outside the scheduled cleaning scope, as part of its corporate social responsibility,' he said. Nga also conducted a surprise inspection at the site on Monday to verify that the cleaning works had been carried out.
Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Sarawak's decision to keep youth age limit at 40 ensures broader inclusivity, policy participation
Datuk Michael Tiang SIBU (July 14): Maintaining the youth age limit at 40 will ensure broader youth inclusion and policy participation, said Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Michael Tiang. In voicing his support, he said the state's decision to maintain the age limit reflected its practical and people-oriented approach to autonomous policy-making. 'This policy position, as highlighted by Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts and Saberkas president Dato Sri Abdul Karim, is formulated based on Sarawak's unique social context, economic structure and actual needs in youth development. 'In Sarawak, particularly in rural and less urbanised areas, many youths are still pursuing higher education, undergoing skills training or just beginning to build their careers and families by the age of 30. 'Redefining youth as only those under 30 would immediately exclude a large segment of Sarawakian young adults aged 30 to 39 who are in the prime of their personal development, family building and civic engagement—severely limiting their access to resources, participation in policymaking, eligibility for entrepreneurship aid, involvement in youth organisations and opportunities for advancement,' said the Sarawak United National Youth Organisation (Saberkas) vice president. He added many government programmes and initiatives would no longer cover the majority of Sarawak's actual youths if restricted to those under 30, and that lowering the youth age limit comes with its own challenges and issues. 'We understand the federal government's intention to redefine the youth category more precisely to better allocate resources. However, in a vast and socioeconomically diverse state like Sarawak, simply replicating federal policy may not yield the best outcomes.' He also highlighted several problems that may arise if the age limit was rigidly lowered, such as a reduction in policy coverage that excludes a large group of Sarawakian youths between the ages of 30 and 39, as well as leadership gaps in youth organisations. 'In Saberkas, for example, our organisational model specifically reserves 30 per cent of leadership positions for experienced members over 40 years old to guide and work alongside the 70 per cent younger members. This distinctive Sarawak model helps ensure continuity in leadership and mentorship,' he said. Tiang also touched on the disruption in talent support, as many aspiring entrepreneurs and professionals in their 30s would no longer be eligible for youth-focused government support, but by retaining the current definition of youths as 'aged 40 and below', more would be able to access extended opportunities for personal growth and participation in public policy, social services and community development. 'Other benefits include receiving greater career and entrepreneurial support, including grants, loans and training from the government, and playing stronger leadership and driving roles in politics, civic organisations and social development. 'This inclusive approach allows youths to continue being recognised as vital contributors to the state's progress over a longer life stage and aligns better with Sarawak's people-centric development vision,' he said. age limit Michael Tiang youth
The Star
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Pakatan MPs arrive at Seri Perdana for meeting with PM
PUTRAJAYA: Cabinet ministers and MPs from Pakatan Harapan have started to arrive at Kompleks Seri Perdana for a closed-door meeting with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Several cars belonging to Pakatan ministers were seen entering the Seri Perdana compound. Among them were Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad and Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming. The Prime Minister's official vehicle was seen entering the Seri Perdana complex at 4.30pm. The meeting is believed to be to discuss current issues, including the upcoming parliamentary meeting and matters involving the judiciary. On Friday (July 11) night, Anwar met with ministers and MPs from Barisan Nasional. The Prime Minister said among the matters explained were taxation, rumours surrounding RON95 petrol subsidies and issues related to the judiciary.
Borneo Post
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Sibu reinforces role as cultural hub at Borneo Cultural Festival 2025
Mohammed Abdullah Izkandar (left) presents a souvenir to Ting at the conclusion of tonight's event. SIBU (July 11) : The Cultural Night of the Borneo Cultural Festival (BCF) 2025 was more than a showcase of traditional performances and colourful costumes – it highlighted Sibu's growing stature as a cultural hub for the Borneo region, said State Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government, Datuk Michael Tiang. In a speech read by Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) chairman Clarence Ting, Tiang described the festival as a platform that strengthens cultural resilience and unites communities across borders. 'Sibu is more than the gateway to Central Sarawak. It is the cultural heartbeat of Borneo,' he said during BCF 2025 Cultural Night tonight. The evening featured a vibrant programme of traditional music, dance, and crafts, with performances by cultural troupes from across Sarawak and international guests from West Java, Indonesia. The presence of foreign delegations was seen as a sign of Sibu's rising prominence in regional cultural diplomacy. 'Tonight, we are not only witnessing performances. We are witnessing stories of identity, resilience and beauty expressions that connect generations and communities. 'Culture is not a luxury. It is our legacy,' Ting said. He urged Sarawakians to view culture as a living heritage that must be preserved and passed down, especially amid globalisation and rapid digital change. 'Let this festival be more than a celebration. Let it be a call to action, a shared commitment to ensure our cultural heritage remains part of our future, not just our past,' Ting added. The night's performances reflected Sarawak's rich ethnic diversity, including Iban, Bidayuh, Orang Ulu, Malay, Melanau, and Chinese traditions. Participation from Indonesian groups added a spirit of cross-cultural appreciation. Also present were Lanang MP Alice Lau, SMC Deputy Chairman Mohammed Abdullah Izkandar Roseley, Political Secretary to the Premier of Sarawak Joshua Ting, Acting Consul General of the Republic of Indonesia Musa Derek Sairwona, Sibu District Police Chief ACP Zulkipli Suhaili, Deputy Organising Chairman Cr Michelle Law, and other invited guests. The Borneo Cultural Festival continues through the weekend, featuring themed nights dedicated to various ethnic groups, culinary showcases, and cultural exhibitions. BCF 2025 Clarence Ting Cultural Night Michael Tiang Sibu
Borneo Post
5 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
RM195.35 million for 48 infrastructure projects in Sabah
Nga (second left) presents a key to a Taman PRR Putera Kiansom unit recipient, as Sabin (right) looks on. – Bernama photo KOTA KINABALU (July 11): The federal government has approved an allocation of RM195.35 million for the implementation of 48 infrastructure development and restoration projects across Sabah. Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming said the allocation falls under the ministry's Development Programme Rolling Plan 5 (RP5) for the year 2025, part of the Twelfth Malaysia Plan. These projects are set to be implemented this year. Among the projects are six construction and upgrading works, including the development of a parking lot in Foh Sang, a multipurpose hall in Ranau, a tamu in Putatan, and upgrades to a public market in the same area. A total of RM39.78 million has been allocated for 10 People's Residency Programmes (PRR) and People's Housing Programmes (PPR) in districts such as Kionsom, Pitas, Lahad Datu, Kota Belud, Beaufort, Kibabaig, Sandakan, Kuala Penyu and Tuaran. Additionally, RM24.48 million will go towards the development of Rumah Mesra Rakyat (RMR) houses, managed by the National Housing Company Berhad (SPNB). Other allocations include: RM30 million for a new solid waste disposal cell in Labuk, Sandakan. RM2 million for upgrades to the Kayu Madang landfill and the South West Coast. RM13.74 million for public park development and the Keningau District Council Master Plan Study. RM7.77 million for Fire and Rescue Department stations in Putatan, Lahad Datu, Beaufort, Merotai, Kota Belud, and Semporna. RM7.53 million for urban housing restoration, construction, and non-Islamic houses of worship maintenance. RM7.17 million for housing maintenance programmes under the Malaysian Housing Maintenance Fund (TPPM) and the Sabah State Housing Maintenance Program (PPP)
