Latest news with #MotionofAppreciation
Borneo Post
23-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Reconsider rejected Lingga-Banting access road project, rep tells SPA
Dayang Noorazah says that the road could also serve as a catalyst for local economic growth by improving regional connectivity. – Photo by Roystein Emmor KUCHING (May 23): Dayang Noorazah Awang Sohor (GPS-Lingga) has urged the State Planning Authority (SPA) to reconsider approving the proposed construction of an 11.3-kilometre access road connecting Lingga to Banting. She noted that the RM86.5 million project, proposed under the Sri Aman Development Agency (SADA) allocation, was previously rejected by SPA due to an existing alternative route through Empelanjau. 'As the elected representative, I am voicing the hopes of the people of Lingga who wish for this road construction proposal to be given due consideration. 'The construction of this road would not only shorten travel distance for Banting residents to Lingga and Sebuyau but also ease their access to government services such as the Lingga District Office and the Health Clinic,' she said while debating the Motion of Appreciation for the Yang di-Pertua Negeri's speech at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) today. She added that the road could also serve as a catalyst for local economic growth by improving regional connectivity. In addressing rural infrastructure concerns, she highlighted the recurring issue of floods affecting agricultural areas in the Maludam sub-district, which have severely impacted crop yields. 'The floods and high tides impact several villages, including Kampung Sungai Maludam, Sungai Melebu, Sungai Mulon, Sungai Daun, Sungai Merantik, Sungai Pedada and Tanjung Baru Maludam,' she said. Although RM40 million has been allocated by the Betong Division Development Agency (BDDA) for a flood mitigation project in Maludam, she argued that the funding is insufficient to address both flood prevention and agricultural infrastructure needs. 'Therefore, I appeal to the Sarawak government to consider additional funding for the second phase of the Flood Mitigation Project and the development of agricultural infrastructure in the area under the 13th Malaysia Plan,' she said. On a separate note, Dayang Noorazah congratulated the State Ministry of Women, Childhood, and Community Wellbeing Development on the establishment of Sarawak's first One-Stop Early Intervention Centre (OSEIC). 'The encouraging response received shows a pressing need to establish more OSEIC centres across all divisions of the state, especially in Sri Aman Division,' she said. She further urged that these efforts be expanded to meet the growing demand from parents of special needs children diagnosed with autism, Down syndrome, or learning disabilities. Banting Dayang Noorazah Awang Sohor DUN road project
Borneo Post
23-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Amend Electricity Ordinance to protect new tenants, Pujut rep tells DUN
Yii says Sarawak Energy currently has the authority to reject electricity supply applications from new occupants if there are outstanding bills left by previous owners or tenants. – Photo by Roystein Emmor KUCHING (May 23): Pujut assemblyman Adam Yii Siew Sang has called on the Sarawak government to amend the Electricity Ordinance to enhance service delivery and protect the interests of consumers. Speaking during the debate on the Motion of Appreciation for the Yang di-Pertua Negeri's speech at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) today, Yii highlighted an issue affecting new tenants and homeowners. He pointed out that Sarawak Energy Berhad (Sarawak Energy) currently has the authority to reject electricity supply applications from new occupants if there are outstanding bills left by previous owners or tenants. 'This situation creates difficulties for many homeowners and new tenants who have no connection to the previous occupants, and it is unfair for someone to bear another person's debt. 'I urge for this ordinance to be amended so that if a new applicant can provide proof, such as a tenancy agreement or a statutory declaration, showing they have no ties to the defaulter, then Sarawak Energy should allow the reconnection of electricity supply,' he said. He also recommended the introduction of prepaid electricity meters, particularly for rental properties, saying the system offers several advantages. These include preventing arrears through upfront credit payments, reducing disputes between landlords, tenants, and Sarawak Energy, and encouraging responsible electricity usage. 'Most importantly, prepaid meters are more tamper-resistant and help reduce electricity theft and losses to Sarawak Energy,' he added. On a separate note, Yii raised concerns over delays and high costs faced by new entrepreneurs in Miri in obtaining piped gas connections from Sarawak Gas Distribution Sdn Bhd (SGD), a subsidiary of Petros. 'Applications currently go through multiple stages without clear guidelines or defined timelines. 'This can cause delays in operations, financial losses, and in some cases, the cancellation of business plans,' he said. To address this, Yii urged the relevant ministry and SGD to review the application process and introduce a fast-track mechanism for commercial users, including installation incentives for SMEs. 'We have successfully gained control over our gas resources, but that success must be translated into tangible benefits for the people and local entrepreneurs,' he said. adam yii DUN electricity bill Electricity Ordinance Sarawak Energy
Borneo Post
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Review KMKK allowances, tighten appointment criteria for more effective governance, says Ngemah rep
Anyi says that KMKKs are no longer merely village administrators but have become frontline figures in local governance. KUCHING (May 22): The Sarawak government must strengthen the institution of community leaders and village heads (KMKKs) by reviewing their allowances and tightening appointment criteria to reflect their expanding duties, said Ngemah assemblyman Anyi Jana. Speaking during the Motion of Appreciation on the Yang di-Pertua Negeri's speech at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today, he highlighted that KMKKs are no longer merely village administrators but have become frontline figures in local governance. 'The duties of KMKKs today are no longer limited to their own villages or longhouses. They are now burdened with complex administrative responsibilities that require commitment, time, and often personal sacrifice,' he said. As such, he proposed increasing the monthly allowance for Ketua Kaum from RM900 to at least RM1,200, and Penghulu from RM1,200 to RM1,500. 'The current allowances are no longer realistic, especially in view of the economic situation and the scope of their work. A revision is long overdue,' he added. Anyi also urged the state government to re-evaluate the workload placed on Penghulu, some of whom he said are managing over 60 villages or longhouses within their jurisdiction. 'No single person can effectively oversee such a wide area. We should consider limiting the number to 20 or 30 villages at most to ensure more effective governance,' he said. He further highlighted issues with the appointment of Tuai Rumah, noting that in Ngemah alone, there are at least five individuals managing more than 20 'pintu' (household units) without official appointment certificates. 'One Tuai Rumah has served for over 10 years and fulfilled all the criteria, yet still has no certificate. This is not right—those who meet the requirements must be officially recognised.' Furthermore, Anyi also called for greater flexibility in the inheritance of shotguns, which he described as ancestral heirlooms deeply rooted in Dayak tradition. 'Under current rules, shotguns can only be passed down from parent to child, provided the heir passes security and health screenings. But what happens if the head of the family has no children?' he questioned. He proposed that the law be amended to allow inheritance by siblings, both male and female, if no direct descendants are available. 'This would prevent disputes over ownership of these heirlooms and reflect the realities faced by Dayak families,' he said, adding that the state government should also consider reinstating the carry and use permit to further legitimise and regulate shotgun use among rightful inheritors. anyi jana community leaders DUN KMKK village heads
Borneo Post
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Prioritise dedicated Form 6 centre in Daro for rural students, rep urges MOE
Safiee says a purpose-built pre-university facility is urgently needed to serve rural students more effectively. – Roystein Emmor KUCHING (May 21): The construction of a dedicated Form 6 centre or college in Daro should be prioritised by the Education Ministry of Education (MOE), said Safiee Ahmad (GPS-Daro). Speaking during the Motion of Appreciation on the Yang di-Pertua Negeri's speech at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) today, he said a purpose-built pre-university facility is urgently needed to serve rural students more effectively. Safiee said the existing Form 6 centre in Daro is currently housed at SMK Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Hajah Normah, where it shares facilities with regular secondary school students. 'It also accommodates students from neighbouring schools such as SMK Matu, SMK Semop and SMK Belawai. 'The current setup limits student intake due to space and infrastructure constraints. 'We need a proper, dedicated facility with science and technology stream amenities, as well as hostel accommodation, to provide a conducive learning environment for Form 6 students,' he said. He added that the proposed centre would not only benefit local students but also improve access to quality education in rural areas and enhance their chances of continuing to university. At the same time, Safiee took aim at individuals who had recently criticised Sarawak and Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, describing such remarks as rooted in ignorance or envy. 'Lately, we've heard many negative comments and distorted perceptions about Sarawak, especially from across the sea. 'Whether they deliberately ignore or simply do not understand the history of Malaysia's formation ― particularly the contents of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and the IGC Report ― or whether they are just blinded by envy over Sarawak's rapid progress, the result is the same: they fail to see how Sarawak's success contributes to Malaysia's prosperity as a whole,' he said. He noted that international recognition received by the Premier for his sustainable energy and green economy initiatives had brought prestige not just to Sarawak, but to the entire nation. 'Sarawak's success should not be met with envy and malice ― it should be emulated by those who truly want to see Malaysia thrive,' he added. Safiee also criticised certain opposition politicians, accusing them of seeking publicity by fixating on trivial issues while pretending to be experts on Sarawakian identity. 'Some seem obsessed with pointing out faults just to gain popularity ― even acting like specialists on the hornbill species,' he said, referring to recent controversy surrounding Affin Bank's use of the hornbill, a symbol of Sarawak, in its card design. Daro DUN Form 6 Safiee Ahmad
Borneo Post
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Ba Kelalan rep urges action on delayed SSLR, rural schools and infrastructure
Baru welcomed the government's commitment to bridging rural-urban development gaps through projects such as the SSLR but voiced disappointment over its slow progress. – Photo by Chimon Upon KUCHING (May 21): Ba Kelalan assemblyman Baru Bian has raised concerns over delays in key infrastructure and education projects in his constituency, urging the Sarawak and Federal Governments to take swift and meaningful action. Speaking during the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today in support of the Motion of Appreciation on the Yang di-Pertua Negeri address, Baru welcomed the government's commitment to bridging rural-urban development gaps through projects such as the Sarawak-Sabah Link Road (SSLR), but voiced disappointment over its slow progress. 'As of March 2025, Phase 1 of the SSLR was only 45 per cent complete despite being slated for completion in November 2026. 'Unpredictable terrain and soil movements have caused delays, but I urge the authorities to ensure quality and safety are not compromised,' he said. He also highlighted grievances from families along the SSLR alignment in Ba Kelalan who have reportedly suffered damage to their homes and have yet to receive compensation. He said these households deserve prompt and fair redress, hence he called upon the responsible subcontractor to address these issues with urgency and empathy. He also drew attention to the poor condition of the road from Long Kumap to the Customs, Immigration and Quarantine Station (CIQS) at the Ba Kelalan/Long Bawan border. He described parts of the road as 'reduced to a muddy timber track' and 'unfit to serve as a vital link' to Indonesia's new capital, Nusantara. 'With the CIQS now operational since April 5, 2025, it is both embarrassing and detrimental to Sarawak's dignity that this critical last-mile stretch remains in such deplorable condition,' he said. Baru urged the federal and state governments to expedite the release of an additional RM30 million needed to complement the earlier RM80 million federal allocation, first announced in 2023. On the education front, Baru expressed frustration over the prolonged delay in completing SK Long Sukang. Initially approved in 2009 under the 9th Malaysia Plan, the project has yet to be completed despite additional funding of RM19 million in 2017. 'The school was declared unsafe for occupation in January 2025, leaving pupils and staff in limbo. This is not only embarrassing but jeopardises the future of our children,' he said, calling on the Federal Education Ministry to urgently resolve the matter. He also pushed for progress on the proposed SMK Long Semadoh, a project which has seen no advancement despite a 2013 land acquisition and a 2016 federal announcement of RM35 million funding. 'In the absence of a secondary school in the area, children are forced to attend distant boarding schools, exposing them to various social risks. A clear timeline is needed for this project under the 13th Malaysia Plan,' he said. Baru also raised broader issues affecting his rural constituents, including the cumbersome process of renewing gun licences and cartridge permits, which requires applicants to travel long distances to Lawas. 'Some applicants have to wait a month just to get approval due to the District Officer's unavailability. I propose delegating this authority to Sarawak Administrative Officers in Lawas to ease the burden on rural communities,' he said. In concluding his speech, Baru expressed concern about the future of Sarawak's youth, highlighting the challenges of underemployment and low wages. He thus called for systemic reforms in education, particularly the promotion of digital skills and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), to prevent talent drain and uplift rural youth. ba kelalan Baru Bian DUN SSLR
