Latest news with #PanBorneo
The Star
02-06-2025
- Politics
- The Star
UMS student group urges legal action over water issues
KOTA KINABALU: The water issue at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) persists, with a student movement group urging the university to sue the state Water Department for losses incurred during years of disruption. Suara Mahasiswa UMS president Fadhil Kasim said a recent statement by the Sabah Water Department claiming sufficient water supply to the university was false. "The department's statement on May 29 claiming that the supply in the R13 tank at UMS was always enough is irresponsible and a lie," he said. He said constant water disruptions forced students and the UMS community to incur extra living costs, including renting, utilities, and education fees. "We urge UMS to take legal action against the Sabah Water Department and sue them for at least RM100mil to cover these costs," said Fadhil. To support this demand, he claimed a fact check by the student representative council and UMS maintenance and development department found days when water levels in the main UMS tank and the water department tank were at zero metres. "This means the water supply from the Water Department did not reach UMS," he alleged. Fadhil urged authorities, including the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), to investigate potential corruption and abuse in handling this water crisis and the delayed Pan Borneo Project. "The Pan Borneo project, which passes by UMS, is also seen as a factor in the UMS water crisis," he said. He added that suspicions of a mega industrial company in Sepanggar using much of the supply meant for UMS should also be investigated. He said the call for the Sabah Water Department to be sued will be among their main agendas at their scheduled peaceful rally on June 21 and June 22. The water crisis in UMS started worsening about two years ago.
Daily Express
10-05-2025
- Daily Express
Pan Borneo Sabah project is progressing: Shahelmey
Published on: Saturday, May 10, 2025 Published on: Sat, May 10, 2025 By: Abbey Junior Text Size: District engineers have been instructed to assess these flood-prone stretches on a case-by-case basis and provide recommendations for immediate action to keep the roads safe and accessible. Kota Kinabalu: The Pan Borneo Highway project in Sabah is progressing despite concerns over the contractor handling Package WP-35, which covers the upgrading of Jalan Kampung Nabutan to Ranau. State Works Minister Datuk Shahelmey Yahya said work has already started on several sections, though some areas remain untouched due to ongoing land acquisition issues. 'I visited the site last week, covering packages 33, 34 and 35. Some clearing and preparation works have already started, but other areas remain untouched due to ongoing land acquisition processes,' he said. Shahelmey added that a special committee set up by the Pan Borneo Sabah Project Steering Committee is closely monitoring the progress, with monthly reviews on land acquisition and utility relocation. He assured that his Ministry will continue to monitor the project closely and seek regular updates from the Federal Works Ministry. 'Physical progress is visible in some sections, but it will take another three to six months before we can see more substantial progress,' he said during the Incentive Award Presentation Ceremony for Outstanding SPM Students in Putatan, Friday. The WP-35 package recently became the focus of a viral post alleging internal problems within the contractor, including a breakdown in partnership and questions over its ability to complete the work. Federal Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi, who was also named in the allegations, denied any wrongdoing and has since lodged a police report. Meanwhile, Shahelmey said roads in Beaufort and Sipitang that are frequently flooded are being reviewed for potential upgrades, including those near schools. He said district engineers have been instructed to assess these flood-prone stretches on a case-by-case basis and provide recommendations for immediate action to keep the roads safe and accessible. 'For roads that are completely cut off by flooding, district engineers and appointed contractors will carry out emergency works to restore access,' he said. Shahelmey also noted that parts of the Beaufort-Sipitang road, which often faces severe flooding, are within the Pan Borneo Highway construction area. He said his Ministry will investigate the causes of flooding in these sections and consider long-term solutions. 'For sections not covered under the Pan Borneo project, we will evaluate whether upgrades or other repairs are needed to address the flooding issue,' he added. * 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
02-05-2025
- Daily Express
Sex acts: Two stepdads charged
Published on: Thursday, May 01, 2025 Published on: Thu, May 01, 2025 By: Cynthia D Baga Text Size: Both men were charged under Section 14(a) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017 which provides for a jail term of up to 20 years and whipping, on conviction. Kota Kinabalu: Two stepfathers were charged separately with committing physical sexual abuse against their respective stepdaughters. The men, aged 49 and 46, pleaded not guilty separately before Sessions Court Judge Elsie Primus, to the charges against them. In the first case, the 49-year-old man who worked with a contractor, is accused of committing the offence against the 11-year and 11-month-old girl by inserting his hands into the girl's shirt for sexual purpose. The alleged incident happened between November and December 2020 between 8pm and 11pm at a house in Kinarut, Papar. In the second case, the 46-year-old man who worked as a foreman at the Pan Borneo project, allegedly committed the offence against the 13-year-old girl by fondling her breasts at noon on March 6 this year at a bedroom of a house in Papar. Both men were charged under Section 14(a) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017 which provides for a jail term of up to 20 years and whipping, on conviction. The court set May 29 for pre-trial case management for both cases. The 49-year-old man was released on bail of RM8,000 in two local sureties while the other man was offered bail of RM6,000 in two local sureties. The court also imposed additional conditions to the men, namely to report to the nearest police station once a month, to not tamper with the prosecution witnesses especially the alleged victims and passports if any, to be impounded by court until the disposal of their cases. The 46-year-old man was represented by counsel Datuk Rakhbir Singh while the other man was not represented. In asking for bail, both the men informed the court that they were no longer staying in the same places with the alleged victims. Meanwhile, in the same court, a 25-year-old man local who has no MyKad due to late registration, claimed trial to fondling the breasts of a 17-year-old girl. Muhammad Asraff Iqram Arshad, who was represented by counsel Sylyester Kuan, is accused of committing physical sexual harassment against the girl at 3pm on Apr 16 this year at a rented room of a homestay in Papar. His mention date would be on May 29 and bail was granted at RM8,000 with RM5,000 deposited in two local sureties as well as additional conditions like the ones imposed on both men. During the proceedings, Sylyester told the court that the issuance of Muhammad's MyKad is still pending but already in the process and due to that he also faced difficulties looking for a job. Muhammad's father who was also present in court also confirmed the matter that Muhammad is the sixth from 14 siblings. Deputy Public Prosecutor Bryan Francis appeared for the prosecution. * 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
29-04-2025
- General
- Daily Express
Pan Borneo Highway notices: Landowners advised to seek clarification
Published on: Tuesday, April 29, 2025 Published on: Tue, Apr 29, 2025 By: Clarence Dol Text Size: Shahelmey listening to a briefing on the current progress of the Pan Borneo project in Ranau. RANAU: Residents or landowners who received notices regarding the Pan Borneo Highway construction project in their areas are asked not to panic, but to contact the authorities for further clarification. Deputy Chief Minister III cum Works Minister Datuk Shahelmey Yahya advised those involved to contact the Lands and Surveys Department and the Public Works Department to obtain clarification. 'This process is going on actively, and we also ask the residents or landowners involved not to panic when receiving the notices,' he said this during his two-day working visit to Kundasang, Ranau and Pan Borneo WP33-WP35 on Sunday and Monday. The WP33 package involves Kg Lumou Baru to Kg Toupos (19.5km) and the WP34 package from Kg Toupos to Kg Nabutan (24.2km) while WP35 from Kg Nabutan to Ranau (26.5km). Shahelmey said about 51 notices had been issued to landowners in WP33 package, over 100 in WP34 package and WP35 package received the most number of notices. He added that the JKR and the implementing contractors are actively engaging with the villagers to explain the processes and steps taken in land acquisition process. 'We have divided the areas involved into two areas, namely areas that do not involve land acquisition, so the implementing contractor can conduct site surveys, site clearing and also construction of the alignment. 'While the areas that do involve land acquisition process, the process of handing out notices must be done first before we enter to carry out site surveys, site clearance and so on,' he said. Regarding the visit, he said, everything scheduled is going well, and hoped that the project would continue to run smoothly until completion. 'Today, I am with a delegation from the State Ministry of Works and the Sabah JKR to conduct a work visit to the construction site of three packages of the Sabah Pan Borneo highway, namely Packages WP35, WP34 and WP33. 'From the results of the site visit that was held from early morning until noon, we can see the progress of the work being carried out. 'Progress so far consists of preliminary work and site clearing that is being actively carried out in addition to the work of submitting notices to the premises or land involved,' he said. Shahelmey said this also involves cooperation in evaluating trees and plants for subsequent compensation. 'So looking at the current status, I feel confident that we can implement this project according to schedule. 'But what is important is to see cooperation from all parties, namely from the Public Works Department, consultants, implementing contractors and also related departments such as the Land and Survey Department, utilities and so on. 'I urge the Public Works Department and the contractors to always review any issues that could risk delays or disrupt the smooth running of this project,' he said. He also reminded the contractors and the Public Works Department to not only focus on construction works but also ensure that road maintenance works during the construction period are carried out from time to time. This is because there may be many disruptions encountered during construction and the authorities will ensure road conditions will not pose safety risk to users. 'All contractors involved must ensure that any potholes or uneven road surfaces are taken care of,' he said. His tour also included a visit to the proposed bridge construction at SMK Kundasang, a visit to the 4.85-km Kundasang-Kauluan-Pinausok Road Upgrading Project, Ranau (Kundasang-Ranau Alternative Road), and a visit to the Ranau Drainage Scheme (JPPS). * 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
28-04-2025
- Automotive
- Borneo Post
Work on three Pan Borneo Highway Phase 1B packages in progress
Shahelmey (second left) briefed on the progress of the Pan Borneo Highway project by Sabah Public Works Department superintendent officer Clarence Apollonius. – Bernama photo TELUPID (Apr 28): Preliminary works on the three Phase 1B project packages of the Sabah Pan Borneo Highway are being carried out including site clearance as well as the submission of notices to the owners of premises or land involved. Deputy Chief Minister III Datuk Shahelmey Yahya said the three packages involved were WP35, WP34 and WP33 parcels involving the construction of a 70.2-kilometre road involving the east coast area. 'We can see the progress during the works carried out in the three construction packages including the submission of notices is being carried out and this will involve more than 150 notices to owners of premises or land involved, and when receiving do not panic, and can contact the Land and Survey Department and the Public Works Department (PWD) for clarification. 'I am confident that we can implement this project according to schedule, and the important thing is the cooperation of all parties from JKR, consultants, implementation contractors and related departments including the Land and Survey Department,' he told reporters after surveying the Pan Borneo Highway project, here Monday. The WP33 package involves Kampung Lumou Baru to Kampung Toupos (19.5 kilometres) and the WP34 package from Kampung Toupos to Kampung Nabutan (24.2 kilometres) while WP35 from Kampung Nabutan to Ranau (26.5 kilometres). Shahelmey, who is also the Sabah Works Minister, also reminded PWD and contractors to look into any issues that could cause the risk of delays in the project. In addition, he also reminded the same two entities to also ensure that the maintenance works on the existing roads are carried out promptly. 'Even though this is the construction period of Pan Borneo, this does not mean that we are leaving the existing road conditions in a state that poses a safety risk to users. Earlier, I instructed all contractors involved to ensure that immediate action is taken on any potholes or uneven road surfaces,' he added. The Pan Borneo Highway Project Phase 1 is divided into Phase 1A which is expected to be completed in 2026 and Phase 1B in 2028, with the entire Phase 1 involving 35 packages for the construction of 706 kilometres of roads. – Bernama
