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Borneo Post
27-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sarawak's centralised sewerage infrastructure gains renewed momentum
Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian KUCHING (May 28): Sarawak's centralised sewerage infrastructure is seeing renewed momentum in 2025, with several long-delayed and newly approved projects now moving forward, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian. Dr Sim, who is also Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government, said the federal government has approved a new sewerage rationalisation project in Bintulu for the North-South catchment with a scheme value of RM225 million. 'The project is currently at the federal government loan application stage and is expected to improve wastewater management in the rapidly growing division,' he said during his ministerial winding up speech at the State Legislative Assembly sitting today. He also said that progress was also visible on earlier announced projects. Among them is the Miri Centralised Sewerage System Phase 2, approved in 2022 and valued at RM450 million, which was designed to cater to an additional 50,000 residents in Piasau, Pujut and Krokop. 'It is now at the detailed design stage and is scheduled for tendering in the fourth quarter of this year.' He also added that the Kuching Centralised Sewerage System Package 2, which began in September 2017 with a price tag of RM750 million, is nearly complete at 97.4 per cent. He said the remaining works mainly involve connecting properties, and full completion is expected by the end of 2025. 'Looking ahead, Kuching Centralised Sewerage System Package 3 has also received federal approval with an estimated cost of RM382 million. The project is now in its preliminary design stage, with physical works expected to be tendered in the first quarter of 2026.' As for Kota Samarahan, he said Phase 1 of its centralised sewerage system, approved last year at a cost of RM650 million, was in the consultancy services procurement phase. 'Tendering for the physical works is slated for 2027 following the finalisation of the Federal government loan agreement.' He said the long-shelved Septic Sludge Treatment Plants (SSTP) in Betong, Sarikei, Kapit and Limbang, once suspended by the Federal Government in 2018, have been revived. Despite now being implemented with a reduced scope due to rising costs, Dr Sim assured the core functions of these projects would remain intact. He also said tenders for the Sarikei and Betong SSTPs were expected in June, while those for Kapit and Limbang were scheduled for the third quarter of this year. Meanwhile, Dr Sim also addressed concerns raised by assemblymen regarding the ongoing implementation of the centralised wastewater management system, particularly in areas affected by the Kuching Package 2 project. 'As of April 30, a total of 323 property damage complaints have been lodged, with 287 cases resolved, three under repair, 29 pending resolution or negotiation, and four under assessment. 'Most of the complaints involve extended areas of homes such as kitchens, car porches and ground floor slabs. The project contractor has recently completed tunnelling and manhole construction along Jalan Semarak and has begun repairs on some of the damaged properties. 'Additional repair teams will be deployed progressively to address the remaining cases,' he said. In response to concerns about sewage overflows in Bintulu, Dr Sim said investigations identified ageing infrastructure and vandalism of the pumping systems as the main causes. Short-term efforts were now focused on repairing damaged sewer pipes and clearing blockages caused by improper waste disposal. Apart from that, for long-term improvement, he said the state has applied for an estimated RM600 million in federal funding to rationalise the centralised sewerage system in Bintulu, upgrade outdated infrastructure and eliminate reliance on lifting and pump stations. 'Under the current RMK-12 RP5 plan, RM225 million has already been approved by the federal government for the project, and the loan agreement is now being finalised,' he said. He said comprehensive measures, both immediate and long-term, were crucial to ensure public health, protect the environment, and support the continued urban growth of Sarawak's major towns and cities. central sewerage system Dr Sim Kui Hian DUN sitting infrastructure
Borneo Post
22-05-2025
- Health
- Borneo Post
With savings depleted, desperate Bintulu mum seeks donations for son's second liver transplant in China
Gonzalez and his parents have been based at PPUM in Kuala Lumpur since March. BINTULU (May 22): A Bintulu mother is urgently appealing for donations to help finance a second liver transplant for her young son Gonzalez Yiu, who suffers from Type II autoimmune hepatitis and end-stage liver disease. Gonzalez, who has been battling the condition since he was six months old, is now one year and eight months. His mother Viviana Thomas said the estimated cost of the transplant and treatment at Renji Hospital in Shanghai, China is RM225,000. 'We've exhausted all our savings on essential supplies, medical treatment, and traveling back and forth to the hospital. 'This is our last hope. We want to keep fighting for our son's life,' she said when contacted by Utusan Borneo. Gonzalez, the youngest of two children, underwent his first liver transplant in March last year. Viviana was the donor, but complications soon followed and the toddler's liver has begun to deteriorate. For the second transplant, Gonzalez's father Yiu Kuok Ling will donate part of his liver. 'My only wish is to see my son healthy and living a normal life like other children,' said Viviana, adding that they have been based at University Malaya Medical Centre (PPUM) in Kuala Lumpur since March for ongoing monitoring. In a recent Facebook post, Biliary Atresia Malaysia Association (Bama) confirmed that, in collaboration with PPUM, they have partnered with the Nanyang Press Foundation to support the family's medical mission. 'All required documentation with the hospital in China has been finalised, and the process is expected to take about a month. 'We hope young Gonzalez can be flown to China as soon as possible, with the help of public and organisational support,' said the post. Those wishing to contribute to Gonzalez's medical fund can donate to Yayasan Nanyang Press (OCBC Bank: 701-120679-6) using the reference Gonzalez Yiu. For more information, contact Viviana on 010-7661816. Gonzalez Yiu lead liver transplant Renji Hospital Viviana Thomas
Arabian Post
04-05-2025
- Arabian Post
Bitcoin Power Theft Ring Exposed in Terengganu Raids
A coordinated operation by Terengganu police and Tenaga Nasional Berhad has dismantled an illicit bitcoin mining syndicate accused of stealing electricity to power its operations in Hulu Terengganu and Marang districts. The joint raid, codenamed Op Letrik, led to the seizure of 45 mining machines valued at RM225,000. The syndicate allegedly bypassed electricity meters to siphon off power directly from the grid, enabling them to run energy-intensive cryptocurrency mining equipment without detection. This modus operandi not only resulted in significant financial losses for TNB but also posed safety hazards due to unregulated electrical connections. Nationwide, TNB has reported escalating losses attributed to electricity theft for bitcoin mining. Between 2020 and September 2024, the utility company suffered losses amounting to RM441.6 million. The number of raids conducted in this period totaled 2,091, reflecting the growing prevalence of such illegal activities. The financial impact of electricity theft linked to cryptocurrency mining extends beyond TNB. From 2018 to 2023, Malaysia incurred losses estimated at RM3.4 billion due to such illicit activities. These figures underscore the broader economic implications and the strain placed on the national power infrastructure. In response to the surge in electricity theft, TNB has intensified its collaboration with law enforcement agencies. The utility company has also proposed the implementation of special tariffs for legitimate bitcoin mining operations, aiming to encourage compliance and reduce illegal power consumption. The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission has been actively involved in addressing the issue. Since the inception of joint operations in 2018, authorities have uncovered 7,209 cases of electricity theft related to bitcoin mining, involving RM2.3 billion worth of stolen electricity. These operations have led to the seizure of 1,157 bitcoin mining machines valued at RM2.3 million, and the confiscation of approximately RM2.4 million in bribes. See also Bell Canada and Ericsson Advance AI-Driven Network Optimisation The crackdown on illegal bitcoin mining is not confined to Terengganu. In Miri, Sarawak, authorities discovered a similar operation where 25 cryptocurrency servers were powered through direct tapping cables concealed in the ceiling, resulting in estimated monthly losses of RM18,000 in unpaid electricity consumption. Such cases highlight the widespread nature of the problem across Malaysia. Law enforcement agencies are employing advanced detection methods to identify unusual energy consumption patterns indicative of illegal mining activities. These efforts are complemented by public awareness campaigns urging citizens to report suspicious activities related to power theft. The legal framework in Malaysia imposes stringent penalties for electricity theft. Under Section 33 of the Electricity Ordinance, offenders may face fines up to RM200,000 and/or imprisonment for up to five years. Authorities are also considering the application of the Prevention of Crime Act to address the organized nature of these syndicates.
The Sun
04-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Gov't plans direct KL-Bangkok cargo rail service
SEREMBAN: The government plans to introduce a direct cargo rail service between Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok to enhance trade between Malaysia and Thailand, while supporting deeper ASEAN economic integration. Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the proposal has been approved by the Cabinet and fully supported by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The service is expected to begin later this year. 'As ASEAN Chair, we want to see increased intra-regional trade. A direct Kuala Lumpur-Bangkok rail link will also improve connectivity to other countries, including Laos, China, and Central Asia. 'This initiative requires close cooperation between Malaysia and Thailand. My recent visit to Bangkok was productive, and I had a positive discussion with Thailand's Transport Minister, who is also the Deputy Prime Minister,' he said. Loke was speaking to reporters after attending a hi-tea event and presenting incentives worth RM225,000 to 219 outstanding SPM 2024 students in the Seremban parliamentary constituency. On efforts to revive the direct passenger rail service between Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok, Loke said the initiative could serve as a tourism product and help grow the sector. 'For example, tourists from Europe could travel by train to Kuala Lumpur and continue directly to Bangkok, and vice versa. It's also more affordable than flying. 'Although the journey takes 15 to 16 hours, it offers scenic views of rural areas along the way, creating a memorable travel experience. I'm confident this mode of transport will appeal to many tourists,' he said. Loke had earlier said the service could be implemented quickly using existing railway tracks linking Bangkok, Padang Besar, Butterworth, and Kuala Lumpur. Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) and the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) have been given three months to make the necessary preparations for launching the Kuala Lumpur-Bangkok service.
New Straits Times
04-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
KL-Bangkok cargo rail link to boost regional trade
KUALA LUMPUR: The government plans to introduce a direct cargo rail service between Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok to enhance trade with Thailand and support deeper ASEAN economic integration. Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the proposal has been approved by the Cabinet and is fully supported by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The service is expected to begin later this year. "As ASEAN Chair, we want to see increased intra-regional trade. A direct Kuala Lumpur–Bangkok rail link will also improve connectivity to other countries, including Laos, China and Central Asia. "This initiative requires close cooperation between Malaysia and Thailand. My recent visit to Bangkok was productive, and I had a positive discussion with Thailand's Transport Minister, who is also the Deputy Prime Minister," he said. Loke was speaking to reporters after attending a hi-tea event and presenting incentives worth RM225,000 to 219 outstanding SPM 2024 students in the Seremban parliamentary constituency. On efforts to revive the direct passenger rail service between Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok, Loke said the initiative could serve as a tourism product and help grow the sector. "For example, tourists from Europe could travel by train to Kuala Lumpur and continue directly to Bangkok, and vice versa. It's also more affordable than flying. "Although the journey takes 15 to 16 hours, it offers scenic views of rural areas along the way, creating a memorable travel experience. I'm confident this mode of transport will appeal to many tourists," he said. Loke had earlier said the service could be implemented quickly using existing railway tracks linking Bangkok, Padang Besar, Butterworth and Kuala Lumpur. Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) and the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) have been given three months to make the necessary preparations to launch the Kuala Lumpur–Bangkok service. — BERNAMA
