Latest news with #MIPD
Barnama
25-05-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Batang Saribas 1 Bridge Fifth To Be Completed Under Sarawak Coastal Road Network
BETONG (Sarawak), May 25 (Bernama) -- The Batang Saribas 1 Bridge near Pusa here became the fifth bridge to be completed under the Sarawak Coastal Road Network project, marking another major step forward in the state's infrastructure development. Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, who represented Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg to perform the soft opening ceremony of the RM375.5 million bridge today, said it is now open for public use, ending decades-long reliance on ferry crossings at the Saribas River. 'This bridge, along with others being built across Sarawak's coastline, is part of our strategy to enhance road connectivity, particularly for rural communities,' said Uggah, who is also Sarawak Minister for Infrastructure and Port Development (MIPD), at the ceremony. Prior to the opening of the 1.55-kilometre bridge, four other bridge projects that have been completed are the Batang Rajang, Muara Lassa, Marudi and Jepak, as the Sarawak government draws closer to realising its plan of building a total of 16 bridges under the Coastal Road Network. Uggah said six more bridges are expected to be completed within this year, namely the Sungai Lingga, Batang Igan, Batang Lupar 1, Sungai Limbang, Sebauh and Sejingkat bridges. He said by next year, the State government aims to complete the Batang Paloh, Krian, Batang Lupar 2 and Batang Saribas 2 bridges, 'It is very exciting to watch all these structures taking shape. They are shrinking Sarawak by significantly reducing travel times,' he said, adding that the opening of the Batang Saribas 1 Bridge alone eliminates the need for a 30-minute ferry wait to streamline connectivity for areas in the Betong Division. He said that his ministry in collaboration with the Sarawak Public Works Department (JKR) will ensure contractors adhere to project timelines and quality standards in delivering the bridges, which would bring transformative impact to the social and economic wellbeing for rural communities. 'We are committed to our promises to rural communities. Delivery is proof that we are serious about development,' he added.
RNZ News
24-04-2025
- RNZ News
Marshall Islands: Cocaine haul at Wotho Atoll
About 45 pounds of cocaine was incinerated on North Loi Island, Kwajalein Atoll by Marshall Islands Police Department Sgt Carlson Clarance, left, and Captain Banner Korwan. Photo: Office of National Security, Marshall Islands The discovery of 18 blocks of wrapped cocaine with an approximate total weight of 45 pounds was made on the oceanside of Kabin Island, Wotho Atoll, in mid-March by 11 local residents hunting coconut crab, according to a press release from the Office of National Security (ONS). News of the discovery circulated among Wotho residents and local government officials before the Marshall Islands Police Department (MIPD) headquarters on Majuro was notified by the Wotho Atoll local council. MIPD Majuro headquarters officially informed MIPD Ebeye Substation of the discovery on Friday, 21 March. MIPD began pursuit to seize and control the cocaine on Monday, 24 March departing Ebeye on Sea Patrol's TARLAN-04 for Wotho Atoll. Upon return to Ebeye, a rapid test conducted by MIPD confirmed the substance to be cocaine. The retrieved drugs were secured at the CID office. MIPD Ebeye confirmed the destruction of approximately 45 pounds of cocaine on Friday, 11 April, 2025 at a controlled facility on North Loi Island with assistance from Kwajalein landowner Odrikawa Jatios. The officers involved in the destruction of the drugs included Acting Assistant Commissioner Beejay Jacob, Captain Banner Korwan and Sergeant Carlson Clarance. ONS director Chris deBrum said the office is looking forward to collaborating with MIPD and local leaders at the upcoming Marshall Islands Mayors Association annual meeting to develop strategies on national security and handling of drugs that float into the outer islands.
