Latest news with #Liwan
Borneo Post
23-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Murum at 96.1 pct internet coverage, Jendela Phase 2 set to boost connectivity, says S'wak deputy minister
Liwan says MCMC in collaboration with SMA is currently conducting a study to identify coverage gaps and areas requiring improvements in telecommunication services. – Photo by Roystein Emmor KUCHING (May 23): Internet coverage in Murum has reached 96.1 per cent to date, said Sarawak Deputy Minister for Utility and Telecommunication Datuk Liwan Lagang. He said the federal government, through the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) in collaboration with the Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA), is currently conducting a study to identify coverage gaps and areas requiring improvements in telecommunication services. 'This study will take into account the 'fit for purpose technology' approach, where the selection of technology is based on the suitability of local conditions and needs, such as the construction of telecommunication towers and satellite-based network solutions. 'As of now, the study is in the final stage of evaluation for implementation under the Jendela (National Digital Network) Phase 2 initiative, which is expected to begin in the fourth quarter of this year,' he said. He was responding to a question from Murum assemblyman Kennedy Chukpai Ugon during the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today. On coverage specifics, Liwan explained that 4G transmitter sites can typically cover a radius of up to 2km, depending on terrain, while 5G have an optimal coverage radius of up to 500 metres. He also revealed that, to date, a total of 1,591 subscriptions under the Sarawak Rural Broadband Network (MySRBN) have been recorded in the Murum constituency, based on data from the Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC). DUN internet coverage Liwan Lagang Murum
Zawya
13-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Vision Developments launches "REEM" and "SOUL" in Dubai
Masoud Al Zarooni: We are committed to supporting Dubai's urban renaissance with exceptional ownership plans Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Vision Developments, one of the leading UAE real estate developers, announced the launch of two new residential projects, "REEM" and "SOUL," in Dubai. The move is part of their strategic expansion plan into several promising areas in the emirate and provide housing solutions that meet the aspirations of various segments of society. The "REEM" project is located in Liwan area, near Dubai Silicon Oasis and Academic City, with strategic access to Dubai's most prominent educational and technology destinations. It consists of a residential building with a commercial ground floor spanning 8,100 square feet, a parking floor, eight typical floors, and a roof (G+P+8F+R), comprising a total of 198 spacious residential units. The "SOUL" project, located in Dubai Production City, offers a vibrant lifestyle that combines comfort and community connectivity, while being close to Dubai Sports City and Jumeirah Golf Estates. The project consists of a nine-story building and a roof (G+9F+R), comprising 176 residential units. The two projects offer a wide range of amenities, including an Infinity swimming pool, gym, yoga, cinema, indoor and outdoor children's play areas, gaming room, a dedicated children's pool, barbecue area, party hall, and office spaces. The two projects are expected to be handed over in Q4 2026, with construction works already started. 'These projects embody the company's vision of building distinct and accessible residential communities,' said Engineer Masoud Al Zarooni, Co-Founder and CEO of Vision Developments. He noted that the company aims not only to provide residential units, but also to create living communities harmonizing people's lives and reflect their aspirations. "These new projects add to Vision Developments success story of completing and delivering a number of projects in Liwan area within a short period of time, including: Vision 1, Vision 2, Karma, and Platinum' said AL Zarooni. The company is currently working on several other projects in distinct areas such as Liwan, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Jumeirah Garden City, and Dubai Production City, including: Pearls, Celine, Coral, DGM, and Vision 5 Tower. Some are scheduled for delivery by the end of this year, and others by the end of next year. The total area of these projects exceeds 2 million Sq. Ft. and includes 1,193 residential units, 487 of which have already been handed over. "Within the company, we are committed to implementing and delivering projects according to the highest standards of quality and punctuality, through our executive arm 'Vision Construction', which represents one of the main pillars of our success,' he added. 'We are also proud of our close partnership and cooperation with our founding partners, Walid Owais and Ismail Abdullah, who together form a leadership team with extensive experience, and a unified vision focused on innovation and excellence at every stage of development," the CEO said. Al Zarooni confirmed Vision Developments commitment to supporting the sustainable urban renaissance in the Emirate of Dubai and actively contributing to shaping the future of the emirate's real estate market, especially with the exceptional payment plans consisting of a 20% down payment and 80% upon completion. This contributes to increased demand through competitive prices that facilitate easy property ownership.
Borneo Post
02-05-2025
- General
- Borneo Post
Carnival boosts awareness on Kadazandusun language preservation – Madius
Madius presenting appreciation certificates to teachers. TUARAN (May 2): Tuaran Member of Parliament Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau has called for continued efforts to preserve the Kadazandusun language through initiatives such as the Kadazandusun Language Carnival for the Nabalu Zone, held today at SK Tomis. He emphasised the importance of such events in instilling public awareness about the need to safeguard native languages from extinction, especially among the younger generation. 'This carnival is very important because it reminds us of the need to use our mother tongue in communication. If we do not act now, our native language may disappear,' he said during the event's launch. Madius cited a UNESCO study, noting that of the 7,000 indigenous languages worldwide, many are at risk of extinction and could become 'dead languages' like Sanskrit or Latin by 2050, with 90% potentially vanishing due to lack of speakers. He also shared his long and challenging journey in championing the Kadazandusun language, which began in 1986 when he was first elected to the KDCA Supreme Council and later appointed Chair of the KDCA Language and Literature Committee. One of the major initiatives back then was the development of the Kadazandusun Dictionary and the selection of a standard dialect for use in the Malaysian education system. 'We started in 1986, but it was not easy. Eventually, the Institute for Development Studies (IDS) Sabah assigned a research officer — my colleague Alice Jekop — in 1988 to lead the research team. Many others like Ben Topin and Rita Lasimbang also contributed significantly. In short, the dictionary was only published in 1995, nearly a decade later. Thank you to all involved,' he said. The dictionary was based on an earlier Kadazan dictionary by Fr. Antonissen, with support from various parties, particularly the Summer Institute of Linguistics (SIL). Despite the lengthy process, it was ultimately completed. The Kadazandusun Language Symposium held at Perkasa Hotel, Kundasang — with financial support from Canadian University Students Overseas (CUSO) — also laid the foundation for uniting the Bundu and Liwan dialects, which now form the core of the modern Kadazandusun language. Interestingly, Madius noted, 'The year the Kadazan dictionary was printed — 1995 — was also when KDCA and USDA agreed to brand the Bundu and Liwan dialects as Bunduliwan, officially recognised as the Kadazandusun language.' Today, Kadazandusun is taught as a subject within the national education system. Many have graduated with degrees, master's, and even doctorates in the language, and thousands of students are currently learning it from kindergarten through to secondary school. As the local MP, Madius expressed full support for teachers in Tuaran working to establish Tinimungan Manampasi Boros Kadazandusun (TIMBOK), a local initiative aimed at strengthening the teaching and learning of the language and providing opportunities for retired Kadazandusun language teachers to continue contributing through writing, research, and other activities. He extended his appreciation to all involved in organising the carnival, especially the Tuaran District Education Office and SK Tomis as the host. This year's carnival theme, 'Apasi Boros, Apasi Tinaru' (Cherish the Language, Cherish the Culture), he said, perfectly encapsulates the aim of fostering love for one's own language and culture. Madius also took the opportunity to wish everyone a joyous Pesta Kaamatan, themed 'Kaamatan for All' this year, highlighting it as a symbol of unity across different backgrounds. 'This celebration is not only culturally significant but also serves as a platform to unite communities and introduce our customs and traditions to the younger generation,' he said. He reaffirmed the Government's commitment to supporting mother tongue education and promoting cultural programmes to ensure national heritage is not lost over time. 'I believe our unity as a community will bring harmony and strengthen our identity as a people who cherish our culture, customs, and traditions,' he added, congratulating Zon Nabalu and SK Tomis for successfully organising the carnival and urging everyone to play their part in preserving the Kadazandusun language and culture.
Leaders
03-03-2025
- Automotive
- Leaders
Khaled Al-Otaishan on Kuwait Invasion: Iraqi Forces Bomb Khafji, Destroy His House -3
During an interview with the 'Liwan' program, the former Governor of Khafji, Khaled Al-Otaishan, has disclosed exclusive details about the bombardment of Khafji Governorate during Kuwait Invasion. Severe Bombardment Al-Otaishan revealed that the Iraqi forces bombed the entire governorate including his house. Consequently, he had to move his office to Ras Mishab, south of Khafji. From dawn to sunset, Al-Otaishan was working in his office alongside approximately 20 employees. After sunset, he was staying in a safe camp in the desert. However, the Iraqi forces also fired rockets at Ras Mishab. Significant Visit Prince Fahd bin Salman visited the Khafji port and the Kuwaitis who were staying in schools. During the invasion, Prince Fahd bin Salman visited the Khafji port and met the Kuwaitis who were staying in schools. At that time, the prince received a call from Prince Mohammed bin Fahd asking him to go to Dammam. Unfortunately, the airports were not operating at night due to the lack of lighting and the pilot rejected to travel at night. However, Prince Fahd made his decision to travel immediately, so he gathered around 14 cars and asked them to lighten the path of the plane. Although the pilot refused to take off during night, the prince forced him to fly. Prince Fahd bin Salman visited the Khafji port and the Kuwaitis who were staying in schools. 'Prince Fahd bin Salman was very brave,' Al-Otaishan said. The Story of Luxurious Cars According to Al-Otaishan, Kuwaitis were seeking a haven in Saudi Arabia. That is why they rushed to Khafji port with their families. The agencies that owned expensive luxurious cars were afraid that the Iraqi forces would seize their cars. As a result, they asked the Kuwaiti citizens to take their cars to the port. Al-Otaishan noted that Khafji received between 65 to 70 luxurious cars during the war. After almost one week, Sheikh Ali Al-Sabah told Al-Otaishan that they are in a dire need of these cars. So, the Kingdom made a statement stipulating that the cars will be transferred to the Kuwaiti authorities and Ali Al-Sabah signed it. Related Topics: Khaled Al-Otaishan on Kuwait Invasion: Saudi Battalion Defends Khafji against Iraqi Brigade -2 Khaled Al-Otaishan on Kuwait Invasion: How Khafji Turned into a Military Zone -1 Former Khafji Governor Khaled Al-Otaishan Reveals Untold Details of Kuwait Invasion Emir of Kuwait Appoints Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Sabah as Crown Prince Hajj 2025: Saudi Arabia, Kuwait Sign Deal to Facilitate Procedures Short link : Post Views: 19
Leaders
03-03-2025
- Politics
- Leaders
Former Khafji Governor Khaled Al-Otaishan Reveals Untold Details of Kuwait Invasion
By: Taha Sakr Former Governor of Khafji, Khaled Al-Otaishan, has unveiled previously undisclosed details about the night Iraq invaded Kuwait, offering a firsthand account of the critical events that transpired in the early hours of August 2, 1990. Speaking on the 'Liwan' program, Al-Otaishan described the initial uncertainty surrounding the extent of the invasion. At first, officials believed Iraqi forces had only occupied key military and administrative centers in Kuwait rather than launching a full-scale takeover. However, the situation became undeniably clear when then-Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, arrived at the Khafji border crossing, marking a turning point in the crisis. According to Al-Otaishan, Sheikh Jaber displayed exceptional composure despite the gravity of the situation. Initially, the Kuwaiti leadership assumed that the Iraqi aggression would be temporary—perhaps lasting only a few hours or a day at most. The Emir was determined to monitor the unfolding crisis from Khafji, but as reports confirmed the rapid advancement of Iraqi forces, his security team urged him to move deeper into Saudi territory for his safety. At that time, Iraqi troops were positioned just one kilometer away from the border, making his presence there highly dangerous. Recognizing the imminent threat, Sheikh Jaber, accompanied by then-Crown Prince Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah and the head of the Kuwaiti National Guard, agreed to relocate to Khafji. Upon reaching Khafji, Sheikh Jaber's primary concern remained the safety of Kuwaiti citizens and the ruling family. He insisted on receiving updates regarding their whereabouts and well-being. Al-Otaishan recalled that around 50 members of the Kuwaiti ruling family had also managed to cross into Saudi Arabia, seeking refuge in Khafji. Despite the hospitality extended to him, Sheikh Jaber reportedly ate nothing but yogurt and dates, a testament to his distress and focus on the crisis at hand. Khafji Declared a Military Zone & Evacuated for Three Months One of the most critical moments following the invasion was the first Kuwaiti Cabinet meeting in exile, held in Khafji and chaired by Crown Prince Sheikh Saad. The meeting, which included key ministers such as then-Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah (later Emir of Kuwait), focused on security concerns, particularly the potential infiltration of Iraqi intelligence agents posing as refugees. Kuwaiti officials stressed the need for thorough screening measures to prevent any such threats from entering Saudi territory. Al-Otaishan further revealed that the Saudi leadership had granted him full authority to take any necessary actions to support Kuwaiti refugees. Under his directive: Hospitality centers were established. were established. Vacant schools were converted into shelters. were converted into shelters. The Al-Birr Charitable Society was assigned to oversee food distribution. was assigned to oversee food distribution. Prince Mohammed bin Fahd personally provided emergency financial aid to cover the initial costs before official government support arrived. However, given Khafji's strategic location near the Kuwait border, Saudi military leadership decided that the city had to be fully evacuated and transformed into a military zone. Al-Otaishan was informed by Saudi Arabia's military commanders that Khafji would likely become a battleground, requiring defensive preparations. As a result, an order was issued for the evacuation of approximately 65,000 residents, who were transported primarily to Dammam and other Saudi cities via government-arranged buses. For three months, Khafji remained off-limits to civilians as military operations intensified. The Battle of Khafji: Saudi Forces Defeat an Iraqi Brigade in Eight Hours One of the most significant battles of the Gulf War unfolded on January 30, 1991, when an entire Iraqi brigade entered Khafji in what was later revealed to be a propaganda maneuver by Saddam Hussein. His goal was to claim that Iraqi forces had successfully penetrated Saudi territory. The brigade occupied the city for 24 hours, but their stay was short-lived. Saudi military forces swiftly launched a counteroffensive, spearheaded by a battalion of the Saudi National Guard. Despite being outnumbered—since an Iraqi brigade comprises multiple battalions—the Saudi battalion executed a rapid and precise assault. Within just eight hours, Saudi forces engaged Iraqi troops in direct combat, overwhelming them with superior tactics and coordination. The sudden attack threw the Iraqi forces into disarray, forcing them to retreat in chaos. To reinforce the ground operation, Saudi airstrikes were launched against Iraqi military positions, destroying multiple tanks and eliminating any possibility of a counterattack. Within 24 hours, Khafji was fully liberated, bringing Saddam Hussein's propaganda campaign to an embarrassing failure. Before retreating, Iraqi forces planted landmines throughout Khafji and along the border to delay any further advances. A Saudi engineering unit was immediately deployed to clear these mines, a dangerous task that took nearly a month to complete. Khafji's Post-War Challenges: Oil Fires & Delayed Civilian Return Although Khafji was cleared of enemy forces, residents could not return immediately due to a new crisis: Iraq's deliberate destruction of Kuwait's oil fields. Saddam Hussein's forces set hundreds of oil wells on fire, creating massive plumes of thick black smoke that engulfed Kuwait and extended into parts of Saudi Arabia, including Khafji. The hazardous air quality made it impossible for civilians to return until the fires were extinguished, a process that took months. A Defining Moment in Gulf War History Al-Otaishan's revelations provide a rare, firsthand perspective on one of the most pivotal moments in Gulf War history. From the shock of Kuwait's invasion to the swift Saudi military response, his account underscores the resilience and coordination between Gulf nations in facing regional threats. The decisive role played by Saudi Arabia in sheltering Kuwaiti leadership, managing the refugee crisis, and leading military operations highlights the Kingdom's unwavering commitment to regional security. The Battle of Khafji, in particular, remains a testament to the skill and determination of Saudi forces, who successfully repelled Iraqi troops within hours, preventing Saddam Hussein from achieving any meaningful territorial gains. More than three decades later, these events continue to serve as a historic reminder of the Gulf War's defining moments and the unwavering solidarity between Saudi Arabia and Kuwait in the face of aggression. Short link : Post Views: 114
