Latest news with #Kong
Borneo Post
6 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Bas.My Kuching service now covers Batu Kawa to boost urban connectivity
Kong (right) rides along on the Kuching service following its launch. KUCHING (May 30): The Kuching service has now been extended to Batu Kawa to improve connectivity across various zones, said Michael Kong. The Sarawak Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (LPKP) chairman said they are proud to fulfil requests from users in Batu Kawa following the successful launch of the programme's initial route. 'Starting now, six dedicated buses under the Kuching programme will serve the Batu Kawa route, enhancing connectivity across a wide range of residential, educational, commercial and healthcare zones,' he said in a statement today. Kong said the new route links cover residential areas namely Everbright Park, Taman Kwong Thiong, Taman Boulder Built, Tematu Hill, Taman Chungnion Villa, Jalan Field Force, Taman Desa Wira and RPR Batu Kawa; and schools – SJK Chung Hua No.4, SM Sunny Hill, SJK Chung Hua Batu Kawa and SJK Chung Hua Stapok. He added that they also cover commercial areas namely Emart Batu Kawa, MJC Batu Kawa, Pines Square, Third Mile Market, Third Mile Commercial Centre and Batu Kawa Commercial Centre as well as hospitals – Timberland Medical Centre and Sarawak General Hospital. According to him, the first bus from SJK Chung Hua Batu Kawa will start at 5.30am and the first bus from Saujana will run at 6.30am on weekdays. He said the last bus on both routes will be 7.30pm. 'We have identified peak hours on weekdays between 6.30am– 8.30am and 4.30pm-7.30pm, and are increasing frequency during these times to every 30 minutes to meet anticipated demand,' he added. Kong said they acknowledged that traffic congestion is a major issue for residents in Moyan, Malihah, Sejijak and the greater Batu Kawa area. By offering this reliable and efficient public transport service, he hopes to provide a viable alternative to private car usage, thus easing traffic and reducing the environmental impact of urban commuting. 'This launch marks an exciting milestone in our ongoing commitment to transform and uplift the public transportation industry in Kuching and Sarawak. 'We encourage all residents of Batu Kawa to try out this new service and embrace public transport as a practical, comfortable and sustainable way to travel,' he said. He said LPKP will continue to listen to the public's needs and expand its routes and services. Kuching lead Michael Kong public transport
Borneo Post
6 days ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
DAP Sarawak backs development, questions practicality of KIA relocation
KUCHING (May 29): The Democratic Action Party (DAP) Sarawak is not against any development for the prosperity of Sarawak, said Michael Kong. The special assistant to Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen, said this in response to recent remarks from Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap, urging him to engage with the legitimate questions raised by Chong regarding the cost and practicality of relocating the proposed multi-billion-ringgit Kuching International Airport (KIA) to Tanjung Embang. 'Yap's dismissive remarks once again show SUPP (Sarawak United People's Party)'s true colours – more interested in cheerleading for GPS (Gabungan Parti Sarawak) than genuinely scrutinising public expenditure or looking after the people's interest. 'This is classic SUPP behaviour. When it comes from GPS, they clap; when it is from DAP Sarawak, they shoot it down,' he said in a statement. Kong clarified that Chong was questioning the cost, location, and long-term impact of relocating the KIA to Tanjung Embang – a site that would require travellers to endure up to two hours of travel (considering traffic and distance) just to catch a flight. He added that this would force travellers to leave their homes at least three hours before flight time. 'We must learn from examples like Kuala Lumpur, where in 2020 alone, traffic congestion was estimated to cost the nation RM20 billion annually, including losses in productivity, fuel and health-related costs due to pollution. 'Are we heading down the same road?' Stressing that DAP was not opposing merely for the sake of it, Kong said the party was proposing realistic, people-friendly alternatives. One of such proposals, he pointed out, would be relocating the Air Force base currently adjacent to KIA, which could free up valuable land for terminal expansion and facility upgrades at the existing location. 'This is not a radical idea, as similar moves have been done before. 'The Air Force base at Sungai Besi was successfully relocated to pave the way for Bandar Malaysia, proving that such strategic decisions can yield high-value outcomes. 'Expanding KIA in its current location would be far more cost-effective than building a new airport from scratch. 'On top of that, it will allow surrounding areas like Mile 7, Jalan Sungai Tapang, and Stampin Resettlement Scheme to benefit from the economic spillover.' He added that efforts could be made to develop Tanjung Embang into a vibrant ecotourism destination, complementing Muara Tebas and Asajaya.
Epoch Times
27-05-2025
- Business
- Epoch Times
They Swung Behind Labor, Now This Migrant Group Is Calling for Action on ‘Crushing' Inflation
As the dust settles on the historic election victory for Labor, cost of living remains the top concern for one of Australia's largest migrant communities. 'I think it's time to pay attention to our survival,' Vivian Kong, a coffee and ice cream shop owner in Sydney, told The Epoch Times. 'Rent is so high, electricity bills are high, and the cost of living has skyrocketed—it's three to four times higher than it was over a decade ago, but our income hasn't even doubled. 'Just look around: so many shops have closed down, and so many spaces are sitting empty.' Kong's shop is located in Epping, a suburb in northern Sydney that is home to a large population of residents with Chinese ancestry. In the recent federal election, electorates with large Chinese-Australian populations consistently swung toward the centre-left Labor Party. In Bennelong, which borders Kong's area, Labor candidate Jerome Laxale won the seat with a 7.9 percent two-party-preferred swing away from Liberal candidate Scott Yung, who is of Chinese descent. Labor Prime Minister Anthony Albanese speaks to the media at a doorstop during Lunar New Year celebrations at Eastwood Plaza along with MP Jerome Laxale (R) and NSW Premier Chris Minns (L) in Sydney, Australia on Feb. 4, 2023. AAP Image/Bianca De Marchi Similar trends were mirrored across the country with Labor benefitting from swings in Melbourne's Menzies, Aston, and Chisholm; Sydney's Reid and Banks; Brisbane's Moreton; Perth's Tangney; and Adelaide's Sturt. China-born individuals comprise about 2.6 percent, or 700,000 people, of the country's population, according to the Inflation, Labor Costs: Business Owners Kong says because so many shops are shutting down, suppliers are now reluctant to offer credit, or time, to pay for goods or services after delivery. 'So it's even tougher for us—every order has to be paid for upfront, which creates even bigger problems,' said Kong. Small businesses often live and die based on available cash reserves. 'If the government could provide small businesses with some loans or support—like working capital assistance—it would make a big difference.' Henry Zhao, a permanent resident and food and beverage business owner, echoes Kong's concerns about the cost of running business. 'The prices have increased drastically, and the cost of services in various areas has also risen,' he told The Epoch Times. 'For our industry, the labour costs are also rising. As the prices go up, wages have to increase as well. Therefore, for us, labour costs have become even higher.' Power costs are another issue, according to Energy Consumers Australia, with businesses that use about 20,000 kWh per year seeing electricity prices An aerial view of the Bungala Solar Farm in Port Augusta, South Australia, on Feb. 25, Housing: Older Migrant Huang Ming, now half-retired in his senior years, pays more attention to healthcare. 'Take the GP (general practitioners) fees for example—although there was a promise made, nothing has materialised. You still have to pay $20 for each consultation,' he told The Epoch Times. In February, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced an additional In 2023, the Labor government had Related Stories 5/17/2025 5/14/2025 In this photo illustration, an Australian Medicare card is displayed with prescription medicines in Sydney, Australia on March 25, 2025. LisaAnother thing Huang cares about is housing—renting and buying a home. 'We're not even expecting prices to drop, but can the government at least control the rate of price increases? Especially in places like Burwood, where prices have gone up so much,' he said. As of April, the 'These are really just the basics of people's livelihoods, right?' Huang said. Concern About Managing the Economy: Salon Owner Wendy Xu, a beauty salon owner in Sydney's Hurstville, is concerned about an economic downturn. 'Our beauty business has slowed down a lot because people are facing high costs and expenses, so they are cutting back on their spending. Customers are fewer now,' she said. 'Things like mortgage payments and electricity bills, it's really crushing people. Especially last year and the year before, when interest rates went up wave after wave, it was just too much for people to handle.' The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) began a series of interest rate increases in May 2022 in response to historically low interest rates during the pandemic and for many years before The RBA's increases culminated at a 4.35 percent peak in November 2023—the highest level since December 2011. In response to easing inflationary pressures, the RBA has recently Despite these reductions, mortgage rates remain elevated compared to pre-2022 levels, continuing to exert financial pressure on borrowers. Xu hopes the government can step up. 'After the pandemic, each of us is under a lot of pressure, physically and financially. And now, with our health, we need to pay more attention to self-care,' she said. 'If people are unwell, they still have to buy health supplements ... So it's not just the financial pressure of daily life, but also the pressure of maintaining our health.' Concern for Seniors Moving to Retirement Villages Solomon Zhang, a permanent resident and aged care worker with a Certificate IV in Ageing Support, called for the government to address issues related to retirement villages. 'All retirement villages in Australia are just opportunities for real estate investment companies to make money,' he told The Epoch Times. Zhang noted the difference between purchasing a unit in a village and regular home ownership. Purchasing a unit in a retirement village can often result in a financial loss upon exit, he explained. For instance, a $1,000,000 unit might return only $650,000 to $700,000 after 5 to 10 years, primarily due to exit fees and depreciation. 'They don't explain these exit terms clearly when they're selling it to you, especially to the elderly … Many elderly people feel they've been scammed because the services provided are very limited…They often don't disclose the full details, like refunds or other issues.' Zhang called for an overhaul of the pricing structure, particularly to deal with management fees. 'If the government could step in a little—say, by organising some volunteers to help clean up the surroundings, or providing some financial subsidies to improve the public entertainment areas—it could make a big difference,' he said. 'It wouldn't take much, even less than the cost of public services, to improve these retirement villages.' Australia-China Relations Aside from life down under, there are also concerns about the new government's relationship with Beijing. 'I hope the Labor government understands that within the Chinese community, there are many people who do not want Australia to be influenced by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP),' said Lin Bin, a Hong Kong-born political analyst with a PhD in political science from the University of NSW. 'A very simple example is that many Chinese immigrants came to Australia precisely because they did not want to live under the CCP's authoritarian rule. They came here hoping to live a life of freedom and democracy.' Protesters hold placards demanding the release of Australian writer Yang Hengjun in Canberra, Australia, on March 20, 2024. David Gray/AFP via Getty Images As a former candidate for the In November 2021, in response to Beijing's 'I hope the Australian Labor government will stand more firmly in protecting the national interest of Australia and not be too soft in dealing with the CCP,' Lin said. 'Many of us hope that Australia remains an independent, free, and democratic nation. We hope the Australian government can give Chinese Australians a sense of security and resist CCP infiltration.'
Borneo Post
22-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
CVLB adds Saujana-Kampung Benuk bus route to enhance Kuching connectivity
Kong (second left) and others pose for the camera during a stop along the new route. KUCHING (May 22): The sixth Saujana-Kampung Benuk route under the Stage Bus Service Transformation (SBST) Kuching initiative has been officially launched to provide better connectivity for the community. Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (CVLB) Sarawak chairman Michael Kong said the new route is a significant addition to the city's growing public transport network. 'It is aimed at enhancing connectivity for residents from Kota Padawan, Bung Barau and Kampung Benuk to downtown Kuching. 'What is especially exciting about this new route is that it overlaps with the existing Saujana-Bau route at several key stops, including Timberland Medical Centre, Boulevard Shopping Mall, Farley Mile 6 Mile, and Mile 7 Bazaar. 'With this, commuters now have more flexibility and convenience in choosing between two service options for these destinations,' he said in a statement today following the launch. According to Kong, the first bus for the Saujana-Kampung Benuk route departs at 5.30am from Kampung Benuk and 6.30am from Saujana, with the last bus at 7.30pm on weekdays. He said the service operates from 6.30am to 8.30pm on weekends. 'Following our recent test run, we have identified 6.30 to 8.30am and 4.30 to 7.30pm on weekdays as peak hours. In response, we will increase the frequency of buses during these periods to every 30 minutes, ensuring that commuters have a timely and reliable alternative to private vehicles,' he explained. Kong said the launch is part of CVLB's broader mission to build a more accessible, sustainable and efficient public transport system for greater Kuching, while also helping to lower household transportation costs. He said public transport is not only a viable alternative, but also a smarter, more environmentally-friendly choice that helps reduce traffic congestion and lower household transportation costs. As such, he urged the public, particularly those living in areas served by the new route, to take advantage of the service. 'Your support and usage of the SBST Kuching services will ensure its long-term sustainability and growth, as we continue working towards an integrated, people-focused public transport ecosystem.' He also thanked the public for their continuous feedback and pledged CVLB's commitment to improving connectivity across Sarawak. bus route CVLB Kuching Michael Kong Saujana-Kampung Benuk
Pink Villa
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Mission Impossible The Final Reckoning Box Office: Tom Cruise starrer scores 8th highest first day for Hollywood in India
Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning amassed Rs. 18.50 crore (USD 2.15 million) approx at the Indian box office on its opening day. This marks the highest opening for the franchise, surpassing the Rs. 15 crore opening of Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning in 2023. Overall, it ranks as the eighth biggest opening day for a Hollywood film in the country. While the film has bragging rights for franchise-best opening, much of that can be attributed to the Saturday release rather than its intrinsic pull. Notably, Dead Reckoning had grossed Rs. 19.75 crore on its first Saturday, which was day four of its release. Considering Saturday was the first day here, the film should have aimed higher, potentially Rs. 25 crore, making the opening somewhat underwhelming despite the record. Looking on the bright side, the initial audience reception seems positive, with a high 8.9/10 BMS audience score. Dead Reckoning is also the highest-grossing film from the franchise with Rs. 128 crore. That number could have been higher to the tune of Rs. 140 crore or so, but its run was cut short by the release of Barbie and Oppenheimer. With a relatively clearer runway ahead, The Final Reckoning, despite a softer start, has a realistic shot at overtaking its predecessor. The Highest First Days for Hollywood in India are as follows: Rank Title Year Gross 1 Avengers: Endgame 2019 Rs. 65.00 cr. 2 Avatar: The Way of Water 2022 Rs. 48.50 cr. 3 Avengers: Infinity War 2018 Rs. 41.00 cr. 4 Spider-Man: No Way Home 2021 Rs. 39.25 cr. 5 Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness 2022 Rs. 34.50 cr. 6 Deadpool and Wolverine 2024 Rs. 25.50 cr. 7 Thor: Love and Thunder 2022 Rs. 22.50 cr. 8 Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning 2023 Rs. 18.50 cr. 9 Oppenheimer 2023 Rs. 17.50 cr. 10 Furious 7 2015 Rs. 16.75 cr. 11 Captain Marvel 2019 Rs. 15.75 cr. 12 Godzilla x Kong 2024 Rs. 15.75 cr. 13 Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning 2015 Rs. 15.00 cr. 14 Avengers: Age of Ultron 2015 Rs. 14.75 cr. 15 Black Panther: Wakanda Forever 2022 Rs. 14.50 cr.
