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Borneo Post
3 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Selampit Bridge project set for completion by March 2026, says Mas Gading MP
Mordi says physical progress as of December 2024 stood at 1.37 per cent, consisting of preliminary site clearing work. — Photo via Facebook/Mordi Bimol KUCHING (May 30): The long-delayed Selampit Bridge project in Mas Gading is now scheduled for completion by March 3, 2026, said its MP Mordi Bimol. In a Facebook post, the Democratic Action Party (DAP) lawmaker said the contractor, Empayar Setia Sdn Bhd, took possession of the site on Sept 4, 2024, following the issuance of the Letter of Acceptance on Aug 21, 2024. The 18-month construction timeline is expected to culminate in the first quarter of 2026. 'Based on the latest updates, the project has officially begun and is targeted for completion by March 3, 2026,' Mordi said. According to Mordi, physical progress as of December 2024 stood at 1.37 per cent, consisting of preliminary site clearing work. The project, implemented under the Sarawak government's jurisdiction, is spearheaded by the Public Works Department (JKR) Sarawak. He called on JKR Sarawak and the state government to ensure timely execution and to provide transparent updates to the public. 'I urge the Sarawak government and JKR to give a clear and comprehensive explanation to the public on the current status of this project,' he said. 'Any delays or uncertainty not only frustrate the people but may also undermine public confidence in implementing agencies,' he said. The Selampit Bridge project was first approved in 2017 with an estimated cost of RM27.9 million. It was originally scheduled for completion by 2022, but faced repeated delays mainly due to the State Planning Authority (SPA) rejecting the proposed site four times between 2018 and 2021. Final site approval was granted on Sept 27, 2022, after which design works commenced on Oct 6, 2022, and were completed by Oct 2023. Tender documentation was finalised in February 2024. The project was approved under the second rolling plan of the 11th Malaysia Plan (11MP) in 2018, and design work commenced along with efforts to secure additional funding. In 2021, the federal government confirmed its commitment to continue the project under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP). In 2022 and 2023, the new site alignment was approved, allowing the project to move forward. Under Budget 2024, RM1.675 million was allocated for the bridge component. In 2024, the project was tendered out, awarded to a contractor, and officially began construction in September. However, a related challenge remains unresolved. Mordi said the new bridge site lacks a connecting access road. A 1.8km road, estimated at RM22 million, will be proposed under the first rolling plan of the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) in 2026. To avoid further delays, the bridge and the access road will be implemented separately. Mordi reiterated his commitment to ensuring the project is completed without further disruptions. 'I will continue to monitor, push, and raise the people's concerns at all levels to ensure this project is completed and delivers the long-awaited benefits to the residents,' he said. mas gading Mordi Bimol selampit bridge
Borneo Post
5 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sarawak allocates RM42.24 bln for 500 infrastructure projects under 12MP, says Uggah
File photo of the Jepak Bridge in Bintulu. KUCHING (May 28): A total of RM42.24 billion has been allocated by the Sarawak Public Works Department (JKR) for the implementation of 500 projects under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP), said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas. The State Minister for Infrastructure and Port Development, the projects comprise 244 under Development Expenditure, 186 categorised as People's Projects (Projek Rakyat), while another 70 are being financed through alternative funding mechanisms. 'The overall breakdown includes approximately 301 road projects valued at RM28.03 billion, 70 bridge projects worth RM5.76 billion, 104 building projects amounting to RM3.68 billion, 23 river infrastructure projects valued at RM4.42 billion, and two airport developments with a combined cost of RM350.82 million,' he added when delivering his winding-up speech during the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting here today. He said as of now, 218 projects have been completed, 122 are under construction, and 160 remain in the pre-contract stage. This marks a notable increase of 15 completed projects and 24 new projects that have entered the construction phase since the last DUN sitting, he said. He also said the progress reflects the Sarawak government's strong commitment to delivering foundational infrastructure to drive economic growth and improve the well-being of its people. He also highlighted the government's emphasis on bridge construction to enhance connectivity, particularly in rural and remote areas of the state. 'To support this initiative, a total of RM4.97 billion has been allocated for the construction of 16 major bridges across Sarawak,' he said. Five of these bridges have already been completed and opened to the public, namely the Marudi Bridge, Muara Lassa Bridge, Bintulu Jepak Bridge, Batang Rajang Bridge which is now known as Jambatan Tun Datuk Patinggi Tuanku Haji Bujang Bin Tuanku Haji Othman and Batang Saribas Bridge, which opened on 25 May. Another five bridges are expected to be completed by the end of this year. These include the Sungai Lingga Bridge, Batang Kemena (Sebauh) Bridge, Batang Igan Bridge, Sungai Limbang Bridge, and Batang Lupar Bridge. 'The remaining six which are the Batang Paloh Bridge, Batang Lupar Bridge (second phase), Sejingkat Bridge, Batang Krian Bridge, Batang Saribas Bridge (second phase), and Batang Rambungan Bridge, are scheduled for completion by 2026,' he said. Uggah said these bridge projects represent significant progress in strengthening transportation networks and connectivity across the state. 'By 2026, all major bridges are expected to be completed, paving the way for smoother travel across Sarawak,' he said. 12mp douglas uggah DUN infrastructure projects
Borneo Post
25-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Batang Saribas 1 Bridge now open for public use
Uggah and other guests get ready to pop balloons to symbolically declare the bridge open. KUCHING (May 25): The more than 60 year wait for a bridge to cross the Saribas River in Pusa is finally over with the completion of the Batang Saribas 1 Bridge. The public can now use the newly-completed 1.55 kilometre-long bridge after its soft opening today by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas. Uggah, who represented Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, also conveyed the latter's message that the bridge was now open for public use and that ferry service would cease operations. He added the RM375.5 million bridge includes access roads at both ends, totalling 6.5 kilometres. 'With its completion, we are confident it would boost economic and social activities here, in Beladin and other areas in the Betong Division. W ealso hope it will bring in more development and progress,' said the Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development. According to Uggah, this bridge is the fifth to be completed out of the 16 bridges being built along the Sarawak Coastal Road. 'Those already completed are the Jepak, Marudi, Muara Lassa and Batang Rajang bridges, and others expected to be completed within this year are the Sungai Lingga, Batang Igan, Batang Lupar 1, Sungai Limbang, Sebauh and Sejingkat bridges. 'Next year, we expect to deliver the Batang Paloh, Krian, Batang Lupar 2 and Batang Saribas 2 bridges,' he said. He also said it was very exciting to watch these bridges take shape, as they would greatly reduce road travel time statewide. Uggah cuts a ribbon as a symbolic gesture to declare the bridge open. 'For example, here in Pusa, if we are still depending on the ferry service, we have to wait for at least 30 minutes. Now, that is over.' He added his ministry and the state Public Works Department (JKR) would continue to ensure all contractors complete their respective bridge projects as scheduled without compromising on the quality. 'This is to honour our promise to the rural folks. When we promise (something), it is incumbent upon us to deliver as scheduled, as the objective is solely to benefit them. 'When we can deliver, it is concrete proof we are not just making sweet promises or paying lip service as are the accusations from the opposition.' Also present were Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development Datuk Aidel Lariwoo; Deputy Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Development Datuk Mohd Razi Sitam; Betong MP Datuk Dr Richard Rapu; Batang Lupar MP Mohd Shafizan Kipli; Betong Maro assemblyman Razaili Gapor; Kalaka assemblyman Mohamad Duri; the ministry's permanent secretary Datu Chiew Chee Yau; and JKR Sarawak director Dr Cassidy Morris.
The Star
24-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Families get homes after decades of waiting
Compiled by KHOO GEK SAN, ALLISON LAI and R. ARAVINTHAN AFTER a 40-year struggle, 32 Indian families in Perak have finally received the deeds to their homes, Makkal Osai reported. These families had built their houses on JKR-owned land after the Ladang Bikam plantation, where they previously resided, was sold off decades ago. State exco member A. Sivanesan confirmed that the state government intervened after JKR said it no longer needed the land. The government then took over the land and issued the long-awaited land deeds. Similarly, 52 families in Kampung Baru Kuala Bikam are seeing resolutions to their own nearly five-decade-long land issues. Some have already received their land deeds, while others are in the process. The Kampung Senggai families received their deeds from Sivanesan during the opening ceremony of the RM9mil Dewan Muhibbah Bidor. The above articles are compiled from the vernacular newspapers (Bahasa Malaysia, Chinese and Tamil dailies). As such, stories are grouped according to the respective language/medium. Where a paragraph begins with a >, it denotes a separate news item.
Borneo Post
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Tanjong Batu rep urges federal update on flood aid for Bintulu victims outside PPS
File photo of rescuers looking for stranded victims at Taman Jason Bintulu during the Jan 29 flood. KUCHING (May 23): Tanjong Batu assemblyman Johnny Pang has called on the relevant federal authorities to provide updates on flood relief assistance for Bintulu residents affected by the recent floods who did not stay in temporary evacuation centres (PPS). Speaking during the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today, Pang said that while many victims who sought shelter at PPS had received aid under the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma), others who stayed with relatives or friends are still waiting. 'My service centre has helped many of these victims prepare and submit their applications. We ask that the relevant ministry give this matter its due attention, and update us on the status of these applications,' he said. Pang noted that the January floods were among the most devastating in Bintulu's recent history, displacing thousands and causing widespread property damage. 'Thousands of families were affected, homes were damaged, and hundreds of vehicles were lost in just a matter of hours,' he said. He also referenced an earlier visit to Bintulu by the Deputy Prime Minister during the floods, during which assurances were made that all victims – including those who did not stay in PPS – would receive assistance. 'But until now, nearly four months later, they are still waiting silently, and with growing concern,' he said. 'There are cries from the people of my kawasan, asking: 'What happened to the assistance mentioned? What is the status of our application?'' he added. Pang stressed that the appeal was not to assign blame but to seek clarity and ensure that those who suffered losses receive the aid they were promised. 'Even a small amount of bantuan can help ease their burden, give them dignity, and restore a little bit of hope after such hardship,' he said. He further urged the government to look into long-term solutions for Bintulu's flood mitigation and drainage issues, monitor landslide-prone areas, and address sewerage and road maintenance problems. 'The severe flood has also highlighted the need to upgrade outdated drainage systems in Bintulu, particularly in older residential areas,' he said, urging for a comprehensive flood mitigation plan to be developed. On traffic issues, Pang also raised concerns over the slow progress of the Medan Flyover Project, calling for tighter supervision from the Public Works Department (JKR) and more permanent solutions for pothole-ridden roads under Bintulu Development Authority (BDA) and JKR jurisdiction. Bintulu DUN federal flood aid johnny pang
