Latest news with #HousingandLocalGovernment
Borneo Post
9 hours ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Ministry sets out to identify some ‘sick' housing projects in Sarawak, declaring them as ‘abandoned'
Tiang gives away rice dumplings to an elderly man at the event. — Photo by Peter Boon SIBU (May 31): The State Ministry of Public Health, Housing and Local Government sets out to identify 'sick' housing projects across Sarawak to be declared as 'abandoned' projects, as a bid to assist the homebuyers. According to State Deputy Minister Datuk Michael Tiang, there are currently 14 of such projects in Sarawak being classified as 'sick'. 'Based on our records, we declared 49 'sick' projects all over Sarawak. 'We have resolved many, and also resumed some of the abandoned projects, meaning resuming the construction works. 'In total, we have just 14 'sick' housing projects remaining in Sarawak. 'As I mentioned earlier, we have re-identified some of them, and my ministry will select some to be declared as 'abandoned'. 'This classification is crucial because, once a project is deemed abandoned, we can work together with the bank to offer some relief packages to the buyers. 'That way, they (buyers) do not have to carry the burden of those loan repayments. There are some ways for banks to offer them some relief,' he told reporters when met prior to the distribution of rice dumplings to senior citizens at Jalan Bunga Teratai here, today. Organised by the Pelawan Youth section of Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP), the programme involved the distribution of over 500 packs of dumplings to the public, in conjunction with the Dragon Boat Festival here. To a question, Tiang disclosed that there were some six 'sick' projects in Sibu, of which one or two was yet to be declared as 'abandoned'. 'As for the 'sick' projects, it means that there are long delays, whereas abandoned projects are those suspended with no works being carried out and no progress. 'Maybe you need to find another 'white knight' to take over (the abandoned projects). 'We have tested a few solutions and are quite happy with the results. 'So that's why I say we have resolved quite a lot,' explained the Pelawan assemblyman. Towards this end, Tiang said that his ministry's special taskforce for 'sick' projects had performed well in their efforts towards resolving the issue. abandoned housing Michael Tiang sick projects
Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Tiang: Let art be the bridge that unites Sarawakians
Tiang (third right) with (from left) Ling, Ngu, Pastor Hii Mee Yieng and local community leaders in a photo-call featuring one of the artworks. SIBU (May 30): State Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Michael Tiang has called upon fellow Sarawakians to embrace the unifying power of art as a bridge between diverse communities and a catalyst for positive societal change. Speaking at the launch of the 'Encounter' art exhibition, co-organised by the Borneo Evangelical Mission (BEM) and Hosanna Christian Church, he praised local artists Clara Ling and Ngu Nei Cui for their joint curation, describing it 'a meaningful expression of a cultural and spiritual journey'. 'Art – whether it is music, dance, theatre, painting, literature, or film – is a universal language. 'It crosses borders, transcends politics, and goes beyond race, religion, and background. 'In a world that often emphasises differences, art reminds us of our shared humanity. It plays an incredibly important role in promoting cultural understanding and community unity,' said the Pelawan assemblyman. Adding on, Tiang noted that in Sarawak, where more than 30 ethnic groups coexisted with their own unique languages, customs and heritage, art could serve as a powerful force to bind people together. 'Art tells stories of who we are, where we come from, and where we hope to go. It allows us to experience life through the perspectives of others, and provides a safe space for dialogue and expression.' Tiang emphasised the government's ongoing support for the creative sector, citing major projects such as the Borneo Cultures Museum – completed in 2022 and is Malaysia's largest museum and the second-largest in Southeast Asia – and the upcoming Sarawak Performing Arts Centre, expected for completion by 2027. However, he stressed that promoting art was not solely the government's responsibility, saying: 'It is a shared mission for everyone living in this beautiful and diverse land.' Tiang expressed hope that art exhibitions like 'Encounter' would inspire people to 'live with integrity and compassion, moved by divine revelation and the pursuit of justice'. 'Let this be the beginning of something impactful, that through art inspired by faith, we cultivate good citizens who uphold righteousness and live to glorify God,' he said. ART Michael Tiang Sibu unity
Borneo Post
4 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sarawak's centralised sewerage infrastructure gains renewed momentum
Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian KUCHING (May 28): Sarawak's centralised sewerage infrastructure is seeing renewed momentum in 2025, with several long-delayed and newly approved projects now moving forward, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian. Dr Sim, who is also Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government, said the federal government has approved a new sewerage rationalisation project in Bintulu for the North-South catchment with a scheme value of RM225 million. 'The project is currently at the federal government loan application stage and is expected to improve wastewater management in the rapidly growing division,' he said during his ministerial winding up speech at the State Legislative Assembly sitting today. He also said that progress was also visible on earlier announced projects. Among them is the Miri Centralised Sewerage System Phase 2, approved in 2022 and valued at RM450 million, which was designed to cater to an additional 50,000 residents in Piasau, Pujut and Krokop. 'It is now at the detailed design stage and is scheduled for tendering in the fourth quarter of this year.' He also added that the Kuching Centralised Sewerage System Package 2, which began in September 2017 with a price tag of RM750 million, is nearly complete at 97.4 per cent. He said the remaining works mainly involve connecting properties, and full completion is expected by the end of 2025. 'Looking ahead, Kuching Centralised Sewerage System Package 3 has also received federal approval with an estimated cost of RM382 million. The project is now in its preliminary design stage, with physical works expected to be tendered in the first quarter of 2026.' As for Kota Samarahan, he said Phase 1 of its centralised sewerage system, approved last year at a cost of RM650 million, was in the consultancy services procurement phase. 'Tendering for the physical works is slated for 2027 following the finalisation of the Federal government loan agreement.' He said the long-shelved Septic Sludge Treatment Plants (SSTP) in Betong, Sarikei, Kapit and Limbang, once suspended by the Federal Government in 2018, have been revived. Despite now being implemented with a reduced scope due to rising costs, Dr Sim assured the core functions of these projects would remain intact. He also said tenders for the Sarikei and Betong SSTPs were expected in June, while those for Kapit and Limbang were scheduled for the third quarter of this year. Meanwhile, Dr Sim also addressed concerns raised by assemblymen regarding the ongoing implementation of the centralised wastewater management system, particularly in areas affected by the Kuching Package 2 project. 'As of April 30, a total of 323 property damage complaints have been lodged, with 287 cases resolved, three under repair, 29 pending resolution or negotiation, and four under assessment. 'Most of the complaints involve extended areas of homes such as kitchens, car porches and ground floor slabs. The project contractor has recently completed tunnelling and manhole construction along Jalan Semarak and has begun repairs on some of the damaged properties. 'Additional repair teams will be deployed progressively to address the remaining cases,' he said. In response to concerns about sewage overflows in Bintulu, Dr Sim said investigations identified ageing infrastructure and vandalism of the pumping systems as the main causes. Short-term efforts were now focused on repairing damaged sewer pipes and clearing blockages caused by improper waste disposal. Apart from that, for long-term improvement, he said the state has applied for an estimated RM600 million in federal funding to rationalise the centralised sewerage system in Bintulu, upgrade outdated infrastructure and eliminate reliance on lifting and pump stations. 'Under the current RMK-12 RP5 plan, RM225 million has already been approved by the federal government for the project, and the loan agreement is now being finalised,' he said. He said comprehensive measures, both immediate and long-term, were crucial to ensure public health, protect the environment, and support the continued urban growth of Sarawak's major towns and cities. central sewerage system Dr Sim Kui Hian DUN sitting infrastructure
BusinessToday
4 days ago
- Business
- BusinessToday
ASEAN Centrality A Key Cornerstone For Regional Diplomacy, Jeffrey Sachs
A special dialogue titled 'ASEAN amidst the Shifting Global Order' was hosted by Sunway University founder and chancellor Tan Sri Dato' Seri Sir Dr. Jeffrey Cheah KBE AO ahead of the 46 th ASEAN Summit and was attended by esteemed guests such as Minister of Housing and Local Government Nga Kor Ming, Subang Jaya state assembly person Michelle Ng, as well as ambassadors, high commissioners, senior bankers and corporate leaders. Renowned economist Professor Jeffrey Sachs, the Sir Jeffrey Cheah Honorary Distinguished Professor in Sustainable Development at Sunway University and President of the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network (UN-SDSN), engaged in a dynamic discussion moderated by Sunway University pro-chancellor Professor Dato' Sri Dr. Idris Jala, on ASEAN's strategic direction and Malaysia's chairmanship. Sachs, who has advised three UN Secretaries-General including His Excellency António Guterres, outlined the importance of preserving ASEAN centrality as a cornerstone of regional diplomacy, enabling Southeast Asia to shape cooperation and security amidst major power rivalries. During his keynote address, Sachs also underscored ASEAN's pivotal role as a regional bloc in navigating geopolitical uncertainties, highlighting the urgency of regional cooperation in areas such as climate action, economic resilience and multilateral diplomacy. He called on leaders to harness ASEAN's collective strength to foster peace, sustainability and long-term prosperity. 'ASEAN needs to do two basic things: one is to strengthen the relations within the ASEAN group, and the second is to strengthen ASEAN's relations as a group with other partners. In this week's summit, China will be a major partner, and the GCC, the Gulf Cooperation Council, will be a major partner. So, these are two major economic partnerships for ASEAN. I think a lot of deals will come forward from the diplomacy that's underway in the next few days,' said Sachs. In his welcoming remarks, Tan Sri Sir Dr. Jeffrey Cheah said: 'The challenges that stand before us are immense and formidable, but our shared aspirations in ASEAN for a more inclusive, prosperous and sustainable future is a source of hope and positivity in these times of turmoil and turbulence. I am a firm believer in the proposition that the world works best when it works together.' 'From a relatively young age, I adopted my conviction that every individual must have a higher purpose in life. For me, that higher calling is a commitment to give back to society in a meaningful and impactful manner and nation-building through quality education and knowledge sharing. Today's presentation by Professor Sachs is a prime example of our mission to bring cutting-edge research and world-class expertise to Malaysia and the wider Asian region,' added Cheah. Related
Borneo Post
4 days ago
- Health
- Borneo Post
Dr Sim: Sarawak's healthcare system receives over RM3 bln boost from Health Ministry as of April 30
Dr Sim speaking with reporters in this file photo. – Photo by Chimon Upon KUCHING (May 27): Sarawak has received a boost to its healthcare system this year with RM2.81 billion in operating funds and RM500.59 million in development funds from the federal Health Ministry as of April 30, said Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian. He said these allocations are being used to strengthen service delivery across the state's healthcare network, including funding for personnel, facility repairs, minor upgrades and medical equipment procurement. The Deputy Premier said Sarawak currently has 26,978 government healthcare personnel, including 1,907 on contract, out of 30,410 approved positions. 'This underscores the state's commitment to ensuring adequate human resources for its hospitals and clinics,' he said in his ministerial winding-up speech at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today. In terms of infrastructure, he said two key hospital projects were nearing completion, namely the Petra Jaya Hospital at 87.97 per cent completion as of April 25, and the new Lawas Hospital (91.12 per cent). Meanwhile, the Serian and Siburan health clinics, both Type 3 facilities, began operations in April, expanding access to primary healthcare services in their respective areas. Dr Sim also revealed that RM17.26 billion was required to comprehensively upgrade and redevelop health facilities across Sarawak. 'Of this, RM9.25 billion is earmarked for hospital facilities and RM8.01 billion for health clinics. However, 76 per cent or 206 out of 271 of health clinics in Sarawak are considered to be in poor physical condition. An assessment by the State Health Department in 2023 estimated that RM3.1 billion would be needed to redevelop these dilapidated clinics.' To address this pressing need, Dr Sim said the federal government has approved RM50 million for six critical repair and redevelopment projects. All six are currently in the pre-implementation phase, with tender processes for four of the facilities expected to begin once JKR Sarawak completes their design work. 'Under the Rintis project initiative, two new clinics — the Nanga Atoi and Nanga Ngungun health clinics — have been approved at a total cost of RM12.8 million. 'The Nanga Atoi health clinic is currently under construction and is expected to be completed by the end of the year, while the tender for the Nanga Ngungun health clinic is now under evaluation,' he said. For the year 2025, he said a total of RM48.8 million has been allocated for the upgrading, renovation, and repair of clinics across Sarawak. This includes RM40 million under the Bitara Madani initiative, RM7.5 million under the BP201 budget for rural clinics, and RM1.3 million under the BP09 budget for staff quarters. He also said that to further enhance specialist care in the state, the Health Ministry has approved RM14.5 million each for the establishment of Invasive Cardiac Laboratories (ICLs) at Miri and Sibu Hospitals. 'An additional RM12.5 million has also been allocated to replace the existing ICL at the Sarawak Heart Centre, enabling continued excellence in cardiac care,' he said. On cancer care, Dr Sim updated that the Sarawak Cancer Centre project remains in the pre-implementation stage. 'JKR Malaysia, the appointed implementing agency, is currently finalising the cost estimation for the planned 310-bed facility, which is expected to serve as a regional hub for cancer treatment and care once completed,' he said. development Dr Sim Kui Hian DUN sitting healthcare
