Latest news with #LoKhereChiang
Borneo Post
23-05-2025
- General
- Borneo Post
Community work in Semeba out to protect Sarawak's geo-heritage
The volunteers conduct clean-up works on a section of Syis Tuang Semeba surrounding the 250-million-year-old rock formation in the area. KUCHING (May 24): A 'gotong-royong' (work party) involving over 100 volunteers at Syis Tuang Semeba (formerly known as Kampung Semeba) near here recently, culminated in the collection of rubbish weighing more than 200 kilogrammes. Organised by Kuching Resident's Office and the Geopark Community, in collaboration with a non-governmental organisation (NGO) Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL), the clean-up initiative focused on sections surrounding a 250-million-year-old rock formation in the area, believed to be the oldest of its kind in the region. Batu Kitang assemblyman Dato Lo Khere Chiang, who officiated at the programme's opening ceremony, emphasised the significance of the site. 'We are happy and proud to have the oldest rock, 250 million years old, in Semeba. 'We are expecting that it will be recognised by Unesco (United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization) and become a Unesco Heritage Geological Geopark. 'The status would ensure that it would be preserved for everybody to see, study and admire, and also for it to promote tourism,' he said in a brief speech. In her remarks, HWPL volunteer Ning Bong hailed the 'gotong-royong' as not only a practical environmental initiative, but also as a symbol of civic unity and pride in Sarawak's natural history. 'We're truly grateful to YB Lo for giving us this opportunity. 'It allows us not only to contribute, but also to learn and discover the treasures of our land. Kuching Resident Dayang Joanita Azizah Abang Morshidi (third left) presents a memento to Lo, as Ning (left) and others look on. 'Through this 'gotong-royong', we have come to see that even a small act of service can help protect something so ancient and meaningful. 'The HWPL hopes to continue reaching out and serving communities with love and peace. 'This 'gotong-royong' reflects the strength of community spirit, where unity and shared effort create a lasting impact. 'Together, participants not only cleaned the site but also helped protect its heritage for future generations,' said Ning. geopark gotong-royong lead Syis Tuang Semeba
Free Malaysia Today
21-05-2025
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
GPS man calls on Sarawak to build its own oil refineries
Batu Kitang assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang said Sarawak should emulate Singapore and better harness its resources for a better future. (Facebook pic) PETALING JAYA : A Gabungan Parti Sarawak assemblyman has proposed that the state emulate Singapore and build its own oil refineries. Lo Khere Chiang said Sarawak would be able to reduce crude outflow, boost revenue and create thousands of skilled jobs for locals if it had its own refineries, the Dayak Daily reported. 'The time has come to harness our resources for our own future,' the Batu Kitang assemblyman from Sarawak United People's Party was quoted as saying. Singapore's oil refining sector is primarily concentrated on Jurong Island. Its three main refineries have a refining capacity of 1.5 million barrels per day. Lo's call for Sarawak to build its own refineries comes amid the state's push for greater control over its oil and gas resources. Earlier this evening, the federal and Sarawak governments reaffirmed the respective roles of national oil company Petronas and Sarawak's state-owned Petros in developing the state's oil and gas industry. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim Anwar said the joint statement issued with Sarawak premier Abang Johari Openg recognised Sarawak's growing capabilities and its rights under the Petroleum Development Act (PDA) and the Distribution of Gas Ordinance (DGO), while preserving Petronas's strategic role at the national level. Separately, Lo claimed that there was growing discontent over how the PDA and Territorial Sea Act 2012 (TSA2012) had been imposed 'without consultation, consent or fairness on Sarawak'. He said for the past 50 years, Sarawak had surrendered more than RM1 trillion worth of oil and gas while receiving disproportionately little in return. 'This is being used to attack the GPS government.'
Borneo Post
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Bukit Assek rep: Increase of councillors reflects growing complexity of urban issues, need for broader representation
Joseph Chieng – Photo by Chimon Upon KUCHING (May 21): The Local Authorities (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which was passed yesterday, increased the number of councillors from 30 to 33 to reflect the growing complexity of urban issues and the need for broader representation in Sarawak's councils, said Joseph Chieng Jin Ek. The Bukit Assek assemblyman said having more councillors would allow for greater inclusivity and effectiveness, where different segments of society including the youth, women, professionals, and grassroots leaders could be better represented. 'This will ultimately improve the responsiveness and accountability of our local authorities,' he said when debating the Bill at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Sitting yesterday. Chieng, who served as a Sibu Municipal Council councillor for seven years, said councillors are the frontline of the government, serving as the most immediate and visible form of public service delivery to the community. 'Local councillors must be well-equipped with knowledge, not only of local issues, but also of broader government policies and the various financial assistance schemes available to the people. 'Councillors must be trained and empowered to act as effective bridges between the government and the rakyat, ensuring that communities are aware of, and benefit from, the support systems in place. A well-informed council is a more proactive and effective council,' he said. Datuk Lo Khere Chiang – Ukas photo Separately, Batu Kitang assemblyman Datuk Lo Khere Chiang said the amendment of the Bill formally recognises Padawan Municipal Council (MPP), Miri City Council (MCC), and Kota Samarahan Municipal Council (MPKS), thus removing any ambiguity and reinforcing their legal status as single municipal authorities. 'It is important that we reflect the current realities of governance on the ground. These councils have long been operational, serving growing urban populations, and managing increasing responsibilities. 'Formal recognition in the Ordinance ensures that their authority is not only administrative but statutory. This provides greater legitimacy, governance clarity, and paves the way for more efficient public service delivery. 'As a former chairman of MPP, I know firsthand how important statutory clarity is to the day-to-day operations of a local council — from planning approvals to waste management and infrastructure development,' said Lo.
Borneo Post
19-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
e-Invoice rollout crucial for digital economy push, says Batu Kitang rep
Lo (fourth right) joins committee members and other guests for a group photo. KUCHING (May 19): The phased implementation of Malaysia's e-Invoice system represents a vital step in the nation's digital transformation, moving beyond trend to necessity, said Batu Kitang assemblyman Dato Lo Khere Chiang. Speaking at the 2nd e-Invoice Seminar hosted by the Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP) Batu Kitang Youth section at SUPP headquarters yesterday, Lo highlighted the importance of inclusive collaboration between government, the private sector, and the wider community in facilitating the transition. 'For many small-and-medium enterprises (SMEs), hawkers, and micro-businesses, technology can appear daunting, but I believe after today's seminar, much of that fear will subside and their understanding of e-Invoicing will grow significantly,' he said. The seminar attracted over 500 participants and was designed to equip attendees with the practical knowledge, tools, and guidance needed to navigate the full implementation of the e-Invoice confidently. 'Today's seminar is more than just a talk. It's a bridge connecting government policy with the real-world needs of businesses, helping them to adopt and use digital tools like e-Invoices effectively,' he said. He also commended the SUPP Batu Kitang Youth for their dedication and proactive approach in organising the event. 'Their efforts not only simplified a complex subject but also introduced what was once an intimidating policy to grassroots businesses and the general public in an accessible and engaging manner. 'Whether you are a large corporation or a roadside vendor, we are here to support you,' said Lo. 'The insights shared today will not only help you remain compliant and avoid penalties but also ensure your operations run smoothly in the digital era.' digital transformation e-invoice lead Lo Khere Chiang
Free Malaysia Today
02-05-2025
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
SUPP man sees silver lining in ConocoPhillips exit from Sarawak project
Batu Kitang assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang said if Petronas could form joint ventures and operate oil fields, so could Petros. (File pic) PETALING JAYA : ConocoPhillips's decision to exit the Salam-Patawali deepwater oil and gas field has not closed the door to future investments by the US oil giant in Sarawak, an assemblyman says. Lo Khere Chiang of the Sarawak United Peoples' Party said the project was still at the feasibility stage, the Borneo Post reported. 'It (the door to future investments) could very well remain open for ConocoPhillips to re-engage, this time with Sarawak represented by Petros and on terms that are fairer for Sarawak,' he was quoted as saying, referring to the state's sole gas aggregator. ConocoPhillips said on April 30 that it had elected not to progress with the development of the deepwater oil and gas field, also known as Block WL4-00, 'based solely on prioritisation within the company's global portfolio'. Block WL4-00, discovered jointly with Petronas in 2018, was developed under a 50:50 joint venture. Lo said a more balanced structure could take the form of a 50:50 joint venture between Sarawak and ConocoPhillips, adding that the state government might still allocate 5% to the federal government. 'If Petronas can form joint ventures and operate oil fields, then so can Petros, with proper capacity-building and strategic partnerships,' he said. The Batu Kitang assemblyman added that even when the national oil company holds a 50% stake, the actual operational work is still carried out by international companies like Shell or ConocoPhillips. He said if ConocoPhillips chose to step away, other companies would decide to invest, especially if Sarawak remained open to international investors and offered a transparent, fair, and mutually beneficial investment climate.
