Latest news with #Masiung
Daily Express
2 days ago
- Business
- Daily Express
Masiung urges govt intervention over Petronas job cuts
Published on: Tuesday, June 10, 2025 Published on: Tue, Jun 10, 2025 Text Size: SANDAKAN: Gagasan Rakyat vice-president Datuk Masiung Banah has urged the federal government to intervene over Petronas' move to retrench over 5,000 contract workers, mostly Bumiputera from Sabah and Sarawak. He called for an engagement session between the government, Petronas, and workers' unions to ensure decisions aren't made unilaterally. Advertisement 'This isn't a small issue, it affects thousands of families,' said Masiung after officiating the party's Karamunting division AGM. The Kuamut assemblyman questioned the rationale behind such large-scale cuts despite oil prices remaining stable at USD65 per barrel, noting that in 2016, when prices fell to USD44, only 1,000 workers were let go. 'If profits are still dropping, then something is clearly wrong with governance in Petronas,' he said, urging the Sabah and Sarawak governments to protect local workers who are key contributors to the national oil and gas sector. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Borneo Post
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
GRS aims for 52 seats, 21 for national allies
Masiung, flanked by party leaders, leads the crowd in chanting 'Hidup GRS!', echoing the unwavering spirit of the coalition's supporters in Kuamut. TONGOD (May 25): Kuamut assemblyman Datuk Masiung Banah known for his rallying slogan 'Tatap Kalaga', has proposed that Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) contest at least 52 seats in the upcoming 17th Sabah State Election. Speaking before an enthusiastic crowd of over 700 supporters during a GRS roadshow at Kampung Mananam yesterday, Masiung said the proposal is in response to the strong grassroots sentiment in favour of local parties. 'Given the clear support shown by Sabahans for local leadership, I would propose that GRS contests 52 seats if agreed upon by the GRS chairman Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. The remaining 21 seats can be allocated to national parties that are willing to cooperate with GRS,' he said. Masiung, who is also Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat) vice president, stressed that GRS has the potential to emerge as the dominant force in the next state government, especially with the opposition previously rejected by the people during their time in power. He added that GRS would exercise greater caution in forging alliances, taking lessons from the failed attempt to topple the state government via the so-called 'Kinabalu Move' in January 2023. Despite the attempt to topple Hajiji's government, GRS retained majority support with backing from Sabah Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional. At present, Masiung noted the working relationship between GRS and Pakatan Harapan (PH) remains stable and constructive, a partnership he believes should continue as Sabah heads toward the polls. 'If this cooperation between GRS and PH can be maintained, I am confident we have the strength and trust to once again form the Sabah State Government,' he said. The GRS component parties are Gagasan Rakyat, Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS), Sabah STAR, United Sabah National Organisation (Usno), Parti Cinta Sabah (PCS), Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP), Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and Parti Harapan Rakyat Sabah. Earlier, Masiung's arrival at the Mananam Polling District Centre (PDM) was celebrated with a heroic welcome by the local Sungai Mangkuling community. The atmosphere was festive, with more than 30 motorcycles parading the GRS flag in a show of grassroots support. The tour was also attended by key leaders of GRS component parties in the Kuamut constituency. In a symbolic gesture, Masiung raised the GRS flag to officially mark the event, standing alongside PBS Division head Masum Takin, PPM representative Tokyo Hasim Omar, and USNO's James Aik.
Daily Express
10-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
‘Local councillors' role vital'
Published on: Saturday, May 10, 2025 Published on: Sat, May 10, 2025 Text Size: Masiung posing with the appointees. TONGOD: Local council members play important roles as the government's frontliners, ensuring policies reach the grassroots while safeguarding public welfare, said Kuamut Assemblyman Datuk Masiung Banah. Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony for Tongod District Council appointees (2025-2027), rencently, Masiung said council appointments were based on merit not political affiliations and demanded high integrity from members. 'Councillors are the government's eyes and ears. They must be proactive in addressing local concerns, not wait for complaints to come to them,' he said. He warned against power abuse, urging them to prioritise public interest over personal gain. This term's council includes professionals, NGO activists and youth representatives, a diversity Masiung said would enrich decision-making. 'Different perspectives lead to stronger local governance. 'Go to the villages, attend local events. Understand issues on the ground,' he said reminding the appointees to engage directly with the community. Present were Tongod District Officer Yuesri Ismail Yusof and Tongod District Council Executive Officer Jack Anas Amai, among others. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Daily Express
28-04-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Masiung defends RM1.2 billion Tongod cement plant venture
Published on: Monday, April 28, 2025 Published on: Mon, Apr 28, 2025 By: Jonathan Nicholas Text Size: Speaking at his Hari Raya Open House on Sunday, Masiung was also questioned about supposed illegal logging, investor pullout and environmental risks associated with the plant. Kota Kinabalu: Kuamut Assemblyman Datuk Masiung Banah has dismissed opposition allegations surrounding the RM1.2 billion Tongod Cement Plant project, including that it is merely a cover to clear the forest for its valuable timber. Speaking at his Hari Raya Open House on Sunday, Masiung was also questioned about supposed illegal logging, investor pullout and environmental risks associated with the plant. On accusations that the project involves illegal timber harvesting, the Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah Vice President said the limestone extraction site is not a forested area. 'There is no logging taking place. The quarry spans 200 acres, not thousands as claimed. The project has undergone thorough environmental assessments, including an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), to ensure compliance with regulations. 'There are no investors pulling out. The project is proceeding as planned site clearing has already begun following the approval of the EIA,' he said. The plant in Kampung Kayawoi is expected to address the shortage faced by developers in Sabah once it is operational, said the Borneo Cement Sabah Chairman. He said there have been situations where developers and contractors had to queue and place orders up to two weeks in advance to secure supplies. He said the Sabah Energy Commission has agreed to supply the plant 40 percent of the electricity needed from Nabawan, while the investor has agreed to build a 26-kilometre access road to the site. He said Tongod deserves its own industrial boom after Sandakan and Keningau. He said the plant could source water from a nearby stream and a 26-km road is being constructed to support transportation needs. 'The plant is expected to produce 5,000 tons of cement per day, addressing Sabah's ongoing cement supply shortage an initiative the Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. 'Local sourcing of raw materials would allow the plant to reduce cement prices by up to RM2 per pack. 'The project is subject to strict monitoring by federal agencies, including the use of green technology. 'We are committed to following all environmental protocols to minimise any potential harm,' he said. The opposition had criticised the project, saying nobody would build a billion-ringgit plus project deep in the forest which would require spending several hundred million ringgit more on road and other infrastructure and yet sell at the current market cement price of RM23 per bag. Masiung said the project, which is being developed in one of the poorest areas in Sabah, is expected to create up to 1,000 jobs. He said the plant would contribute to long-term economic growth by improving local infrastructure and reducing dependency on imports. 'The plant will not only provide jobs but also improve roads, electricity, and water supply in the region. Addressing concerns about the lack of infrastructure in rural areas, he pointed out that previous resource extraction in the region or even agricultural efforts to elevate the people from poverty had not led to sustainable development. 'This project aims to address that gap. This is an opportunity to create meaningful development and we are committed to ensuring the benefits are shared with the local communities,' he said. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Borneo Post
27-04-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Masiung denies allegations over Tongod cement factory
Masiung addressing attendees at his Hari Raya open house celebration. KOTA KINABALU (April 27): Kuamut assemblyman Datuk Masiung Banah has dismissed several allegations surrounding the cement factory project in Tongod, clarifying that claims of logging and investor withdrawals are false. Masiung, who chairs Cement Industries (Sabah) Sdn Bhd, refuted claims that the Kampung Kayawoi project was a pretext for logging, stating no timber remains in the area. He also denied rumors of investor pullouts, attributing such talk to opposition-driven negativity. The 200-acre factory, he said, will boost Sabah's limited cement production and create 1,000 local jobs. 'We have no intention of misleading the people. The state currently imports raw materials, driving up cement prices. This project offers a long-term solution while benefiting surrounding communities,' he told reporters at his Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house on Sunday. Addressing environmental concerns, Masiung assured compliance with Department of Environment standards, including the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). 'We adhere to all government procedures and will not compromise public health,' said the Sabah Housing and Urban Development Board chairman.
