Latest news with #InfrastructureandPortDevelopment
Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Batang Lupar 1 Bridge 84 pct complete, set to open by Gawai 2026, says Uggah
Uggah (left) being briefed by Cassidy during the working visit to the bridge project site. — Ukas photo KUCHING (July 30): The Batang Lupar 1 Bridge has reached 84 per cent completion and is expected to be operational by the Gawai celebration in 2026, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas. He said despite technical challenges, including an issue at pier number 52, the contractor had assured the matter would be resolved soon. 'We discussed about the bridge being usable by Gawai 2026. We hope all outstanding issues will be resolved and we will continue to visit and monitor the progress of this project,' he said in a Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas) report after a working visit to the project site in Sebuyau today. According to the report, the 4.8km bridge forms part of the Sarawak government's ongoing effort to strengthen coastal road connectivity and will fully replace the long-standing ferry service between Sebuyau and Triso. The RM848.7 million project began construction on Jan 7, 2021, and is one of 16 major bridge projects currently underway across Sarawak. Uggah, who is also the State Minister for Infrastructure and Port Development, said the Public Works Department (JKR) Sarawak is actively on the ground to assess and discuss any arising issues. 'Our aim is to minimise the number of delayed or problematic projects in the state,' he said. He also revealed another major bridge project has commenced at Miri Marina, with a total cost of RM6.53 billion. 'The government's aspiration is for all these investments to have a direct impact on the state's economic growth through improved infrastructure,' he said. Earlier, Uggah was briefed on the project status by JKR Sarawak director Dr Cassidy Morris, along with the technical leadership from Perbena Emas and the Sebuyau District Office. Also present were Samarahan Division Resident Mohamad Irwan Bahari Bujang and Sebuyau District Officer Ayurad Iman Bujang. Batang Lupar 1 bridge completion Douglas Uggah
Borneo Post
17-07-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sarawak pioneers port innovations with launch of Samalaju's smart barrier gate system
SIPSB chief executive officer Sufri Bohari (left) briefs Majang on the features and functions of the smart barrier gate system. SAMALAJU (July 17): Samalaju Industrial Port Sdn Bhd (SIPSB) officially launched its smart barrier gate system yesterday. Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development Datuk Majang Renggi, who officiated at the event, said the installation of the system is a celebration of Sarawak's emergence as a pioneer in smart port technology, spearheading the adoption of advanced systems that place the state at the forefront of the industry in this region. 'The future of port operations lies in smart, automated systems that enhance efficiency while maintaining the highest standards of security and reliability,' he said. The Samalaju assemblyman explained that the new system integrates multiple cutting-edge technologies, including Optical Character Recognition (OCR), Artificial Image Recording (AIR), Licence Plate Recognition (LPR), and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID). Majang said these innovations enable the automatic identification of vehicles, container numbers, and streamlined access control thus drastically reducing processing times and minimising human error. 'This smart gate system reflects an impressive level of technical sophistication. The ability to automate container and vehicle identification while boosting security is exactly the kind of advancement Sarawak needs to remain globally competitive,' he said. Majang pointed out that this innovation reaffirms Sarawak's strategic role as a regional logistics gateway, connecting Southeast Asia to the world as well as supports Sarawak's broader ambition of becoming a key hub for trade and commerce. He urged players in the maritime and logistics industry to embrace similar transformations. 'This is the kind of innovation we need across the board. I encourage all industry stakeholders to follow SIPSB's lead and continue exploring technologies that improve efficiency, reliability, and competitiveness,' he said. The smart barrier gate initiative aligns with Sarawak's digital economy aspirations and is expected to strengthen the operational capacity of its ports in handling growing trade volumes with enhanced security and speed.
Borneo Post
14-07-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sarawak Premier attends Chief Ministers' meeting, holds private talks with PM
Anwar (centre) and Abang Johari share a light meeting during the meeting. – Photo by Sarawak Premier's Office PUTRAJAYA (July 14): Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg was at the Perdana Putra Complex today to attend the 146th Chief Ministers and Menteri Besar Meeting. The meeting, which was chaired by Prime Minister Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim, lasted nearly three hours from 10am and served as a key platform to strengthen collaboration between the Federal and State Governments, particularly in aligning policies and coordinating joint development initiatives. 'Through this synergy, we can ensure the implementation of the national development agenda runs smoothly, comprehensively, and inclusively for the well-being of the people and the overall progress of Malaysia,' Anwar was quoted as saying. Abang Johari was accompanied by Sarawak Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki. Following the meeting's conclusion at 12.40pm, the Sarawak Premier also held a closed-door discussion with the Prime Minister in his office. Abang Johari, who also serves as Minister of Finance and New Economy and Minister of Natural Resources and Urban Planning, was joined by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas. Uggah is also Second Minister of Finance and New Economy and Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development. Abang Johari Tun Openg anwar ibrahim Chief Minister politics
Borneo Post
14-07-2025
- Borneo Post
‘Stronger cooperation needed to root out growing drug abuse problem among rural youths'
Aidel (front row, centre) gestures with others in a group photo during the programme. — Ukas photo KUCHING (July 14): Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development Datuk Aidel Lariwoo is calling for urgent action and stronger collaboration from all sectors of society amid the growing problem of drug abuse among rural youth. According to a Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas) report, he said recent statistics indicated a worrying rise in drug use among youths in villages—a trend that was rapidly becoming a serious threat to the wellbeing of rural communities. 'Compared to 10 or 20 years ago, drug dealers today are bolder and more cunning at infiltrating villages. Dangerous substances such as 'syabu' and 'batu' (crystal meth) are being openly distributed to the youth,' he said at the launch of the 'Cegah Sebelum Parah' programme at Dewan Warisan Sadong Jaya on Saturday. The Sadong Jaya assemblyman urged for stronger cooperation from all quarters, including community leaders, village security and development committees (JKKK), the police, National Anti-Drugs Agency and local residents in combating the drug menace at the grassroots level. He also expressed his support for the Education Ministry's move to conduct mandatory urine tests among secondary school students. 'This initiative must continue, as it plays a crucial role in deterring youth from early involvement in drugs,' he said. He commended ongoing efforts by law enforcement and anti-drug agencies in carrying out both open and covert surveillance in rural areas, noting that such vigilance must be maintained. Aidel also called on community networks such as community and village leaders, JKKK, local patrol teams and grassroots associations to remain actively engaged in identifying at-risk individuals and reporting suspicious activities. He also recommended the implementation of more educational and awareness programmes at the village level to equip residents with knowledge about the dangers of drug abuse. 'Youth-focused social and developmental activities should also be encouraged as positive alternatives to steer young people away from harmful influences,' he added. aidel lariwoo community drug abuse lead rural youth
Borneo Post
16-06-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Premier to officially open RM375.5 mln Batang Saribas 1 Bridge on July 19
Uggah chairs the meeting to prepare for the bridge and BDDA launches. BETONG (June 16): Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg is scheduled to officially open Batang Saribas 1 Bridge on July 19. Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, who is Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development, said the launch in Pusa will begin at 10.30am. Uggah said this after chairing a meeting on preparations and the formation of an organising committee for the opening ceremony here today. He said Abang Johari will also launch the Betong Division Development Agency (BDDA). 'We feel that it is most appropriate for him to launch the RM375.5 million bridge and the BDDA. The 1.55km long bridge ends the people's 60 years' wait for a bridge crossing the Batang Saribas. It is now open for public use. 'On the other hand, the BDDA, one of the nine regional development agencies in the state, was established in September 2022. It is high time to tell Betong folks of the progress it has achieved so far,' Uggah said. He said Betong residents also wished to thank the Premier for the bridge and for allocating a big budget of RM1.5 billion to BDDA. According to him, BDDA is a game changer and is on the path to fulfilling the people's expectations for more development, progress, and a better life. 'I hope Betong folks will turn up in full force for the two functions, although we are targeting a crowd of not less than 5,000,' he added. Among those present at the meeting were Betong MP Datuk Dr Richard Rapu, Batang Lupar MP Mohamad Shafizan Kepli, Krian and Kalaka assemblymen Friday Belik and Mohamad Duri, as well as Betong Resident Richard Michael Abunawas. abang johari Batang Saribas 1 Bridge douglas uggah embas lead
