Latest news with #RM450
Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Miri Marina Bridge to transform city into ‘San Francisco of Sarawak', says Premier
Abang Johari (left) and his Cabinet colleagues giving the thumbs-up to the groundbreaking ceremony of iconic Miri Marina Bridge. MIRI (July 22): Premier Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg says the upcoming Miri Marina Bridge will be a game changer for the city, comparing its future appeal to the 'San Francisco of Sarawak'. He said the RM450 million project will not only offer scenic views of the South China Sea and surrounding Canada and Lambir hills, but also drastically cut travel time between Pulau Melayu and the Marina area from 30 minutes to just five. 'This landscape upgrade in Miri, with its iconic facilities and connectivity infrastructure, aligns with the city's image as the resort city of northern Sarawak, putting it on par with other tourist destinations,' Abang Johari said at the groundbreaking ceremony at the Miri Waterfront Commercial Centre today. The two-lane cable-stayed bridge will span 650 metres with a 1.2km total length and 20-metre clearance. Construction is expected to begin in the fourth quarter of this year and would take 36 months to complete. Abang Johari said Sarawak's infrastructure growth is part of its long-term economic plan, which has attracted global recognition, including from the World Economic Forum and World Bank. He said Sarawak's revenue reached RM14.6 billion last year, and the state now aims to hit RM300 billion in GDP within 10 years, building on its gas development roadmap. 'Our GDP is now touching RM199 billion from RM140 billion previously. Over the next five years, a RM280 billion target is achievable provided there is political stability and the people of Sarawak remain united,' he said. The Miri Marina Bridge project also supports broader plans to connect Miri with key sites such as the planned Beraya township and Unesco sites in Niah and Mulu, along with improved road links to Marudi, Long Terawan, Bukit Buda and Lawas. Power supply in the region will also be upgraded from 275kV to 500kV to meet growing demand. Urging Sarawakians to remain united, Abang Johari warned against a 'crab mentality' and called for teamwork like that of ants to move Sarawak forward. Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas also praised the state's infrastructure progress, noting that 16 bridges are currently being built across Sarawak, with several already completed. He added that the Premier will officiate the opening of the new Jepak Bridge in Bintulu this week. Also present at the ceremony were Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, State Secretary Datuk Amar Abu Bakar Marzuki, state ministers, local leaders, and representatives from NGOs and government agencies. Abang Johari lead Miri Marina Bridge San Francisco of Sarawak
Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Premier: Early signs point to promising gas potential at Miri's Adong Kechil West onshore field
Abang Johari (seated centre) speaks to reporters after the groundbreaking ceremony of Miri Marina Bridge project today. MIRI (July 22): Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg is optimistic about the commercial potential of the SK433 Adong Kechil West (AKW) onshore gas field here, citing encouraging early signs from ongoing exploration work. Speaking to reporters after launching the RM450 million Miri Marina Bridge project today, he said the use of advanced technology had strengthened confidence in the field's viability. 'Early indication is good,' he said, though he declined to disclose reserve estimates or a production timeline. His remarks come after feasibility studies by state oil and gas company Petros – Sarawak's sole gas aggregator – suggested the presence of significant gas reserves at the onshore site. Drilling at the AKW field began in October 2023, marking Sarawak's return to onshore exploration after a 50-year break. Located within Block SK433, a 3,100 sq km area awarded to Petros in July 2021, the project is a joint effort with Petra Energy Bhd. Abang Johari said the gas from AKW will supply a 400-megawatt power plant being built in Lutong, which is set to start operations in 2027. Earlier this year, Petros updated Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan on plans to accelerate the AKW drilling project by 2025. Petros Senior Vice President Datuk Abang Arabi Abang Narudin outlined supporting infrastructure plans including road access, oil transfer terminals, and the gas power plant – all aimed at benefiting nearby communities. Onshore data gathering using Enhanced Full Tensor Gravity Gradiometer (eFTG) technology is scheduled to begin in the second quarter of 2025. Back in 2013, Petronas had announced a major discovery at the Adong Kecil West-1 well in Block SK333, about 20 km northeast of Miri. The well, drilled to a depth of 3,170 metres by JX Nippon Oil & Gas Exploration and Petronas Carigali, found around 349 metres of net hydrocarbon deposits. Abang Johari Adong Kechil West miri oil and gas
New Straits Times
13-07-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
True grit: Limbless Jafri defies limits to inspire and earn a living
KOTA BARU: Despite being born without hands and toes, 34-year-old Mohamad Jafri Daud has never let his disability stand in the way of earning a living with his wife. With unwavering determination, Jafri has made it his life's mission to change negative perceptions of people with disabilities (OKU), showing that grit and self-belief matter more than physical limitations. "Rather than expecting sympathy, my condition gives me strength. I don't see it as a hindrance, but as a motivation to prove that we, too, are capable. "I'm also blessed to have a supportive wife, Nur Aika Mansor, 30, who accepted me wholeheartedly and has been my pillar of strength. "As long as I am able, I want to be responsible for providing for my family. Being an OKU has pushed me to do my best, just like anyone else," he said at his home in Panchor. Affectionately known as "Pak Do", Jafri said he and his wife tried various ventures, including selling second-hand clothes online during the Covid-19 pandemic but had to stop in 2022 due to poor demand. "Even then, we never gave up. We started selling 'keropok' by the roadside for about a year. Then, in November last year, my wife's family offered us a space at their burger stall. That's where we started our burger business," he said. Jafri also works as a helper at the stall, earning RM65 per day. Together, the couple now sells up to 50 burgers daily at RM3 each, a feat he takes pride in, despite his physical challenges. "Initially, the hardest part was separating the burger patties and placing them on the hot plate, since I don't have fingers like everyone else. But over time, I got used to it and can now do it on my own. My wife helps by wrapping the burgers," he said. The 11th of 12 siblings, Jafri said they hope to one day open a kiosk or a small shop of their own. To supplement their income, he also takes up small jobs repairing jeans, and processes and sells traditional 'bekok' (dried fermented fish). While Jafri receives a monthly RM450 allowance from the Welfare Department, he does not want to rely solely on government aid. "I hope my story inspires other OKU not to give up on life. Don't let your condition become an excuse. With effort, prayer and the right attitude, there is always a way forward," he said.
Sinar Daily
13-07-2025
- Business
- Sinar Daily
Small trader, big dream: World Cup beckons
PARIT - Being a person with disabilities (PWD) has never been a reason for this young man to give up, as long as he still has the strength to carry on. Despite having lost his right leg below the knee in an accident some time ago, 33-year-old Muhammad Irwani Mohd Amirsirifudin from Kampung Pulau Padang Bota Kiri refuses to rely solely on government aid or public donations. Nicknamed 'Wan Sekerat' (literally "Half Wan'), Muhammad Irwani remains determined and full of spirit, driven by a strong will to succeed in life each day. - Bernama photo Nicknamed 'Wan Sekerat' (literally "Half Wan'), Muhammad Irwani remains determined and full of spirit, driven by a strong will to succeed in life each day. The seventh of ten siblings, he took the initiative to earn a living by selling fruits from his three-wheeled motorcycle around Bota, near Parit, stopping at popular eateries frequented by the public. "As long as I'm able to move, I'll continue to use my strength to earn a living for myself and my family,' Muhammad Irwani told Bernama when met here. Muhammad Irwani said he leaves home in the morning to collect fruits from local suppliers around Bota Kiri and Titi Gantung, before making rounds to popular eateries between 11 am and 2 pm. "Right now, it's mangosteen and rambutan season. The response has been very encouraging-I can sell up to 40 to 50 kilogrammes (kg) a day, with mangosteens priced at RM10 per kg and rambutans at RM9,' he said. "I usually stop at eateries during lunchtime, and if there are many buyers, I'll stay for about 10 to 20 minutes at each location,' he told Bernama when met today. Still single, he shared that before selling fruits, he had been selling fish around his village since 2018, before switching to fruits in 2022. "The idea to sell fruits came about after some customers started asking for them while I was still selling fish. Then I noticed the potential from the crowd at food stalls,' he said. "Usually, the people who stop in Bota are from out of town-perhaps on their way to Manjung or elsewhere-so when they see fruits that don't require a knife to peel, they tend to buy them,' said Muhammad Irwani, who earns around RM1,500 a month from selling fruits. Recounting how he lost his right leg in 2015, Muhammad Irwani said it happened while he was on his way back to Bota after a kayaking activity in Pasir Salak. "I was born with a right leg that didn't function properly-it was limp and dangling-so on the way back, I was riding pillion with a friend. Maybe I was tired and didn't realise that my leg had slipped into the rear wheel. "I was admitted to Manjung Hospital, and on the second day there, I asked the doctor to amputate my leg below the knee because it couldn't be saved,' he said. He added that despite the incident, he never lost hope. Instead, it fuelled his determination to keep working and avoid becoming a burden to his family. "If I wanted to, I could just rely on the monthly assistance of RM450 I receive from the Social Welfare Department (JKM), but that's no reason for me to sit at home and do nothing. "As long as I'm still able, I will continue to run my business to supplement my income. We shouldn't let our disabilities become an excuse to be idle,' he said. Speaking about his past experiences, he shared that he had previously worked in various jobs, including at night markets, selling bamboo and ice, as well as doing other odd jobs in the village. Despite his physical limitations, Muhammad Irwani's ambition remains strong-he actively plays football as part of the national amputee football team Harimau Kudung under the Malaysian Amputee Football Association (MAFA). "I've been involved in sports since 2018 and became more active in 2022. I'm currently preparing for the Amputee Football World Cup Qualifiers in Jakarta this November. "People with disabilities are not only capable of being independent but can also contribute meaningfully to society and the nation. Most importantly, never let your limitations become a barrier to success. With effort, prayer, and trust in God, success will come,' he said. - BERNAMA
New Straits Times
12-07-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Pro cycling team feels slighted after NSC budget snub
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia Professional Cycling (MPC) confirmed that they will not be sending their riders for the Thailand Sea Games (Dec 9-20) if they do not get the support they need from the National Sports Council (NSC). The Malaysia National Cycling Federation (MNCF) road committee recently requested a budget from NSC during a meeting with them. The budget is to prepare the road squad for the Sea Games though it was rejected outright by the latter. MPC team principal Sayuti Zahit attended the meeting together with MNCF road committee chairman Norazman Abu Samah as well as Terengganu Cycling Team chief operating officer Nasiruddin Wan Idrus. "We only managed to verbally mention our requests during the meeting and were immediately shot down by the NSC officers," said Sayuti when contacted today (July 12). "We decided not to present to them our proposal for the Sea Games as they appeared adamant for us to just use the remaining budget they had given MNCF for this year. "We need new time trial bikes as well as some funds to support our riders in preparation for the Thailand Sea Games. "The same time trial bikes can also be used for the 2027 Sea Games so it would be killing two birds with one stone. "As I have said before, our best bet for gold at the Thailand Sea Games will be in the individual and team time trial events but we need to have up to date equipment to be on a level playing field with Thailand and the Philippines. "Without these bikes and proper preparation it would be almost pointless for us to send our riders to Thailand as we have very limited chances in the mass start road race. "If we do not get any positive news from NSC by next month, we will likely be withdrawing from the Sea Games competition." Hosts Thailand have opted to include long and steep climbs for the mass start road race to boost their riders' chances of winning thus Malaysia's best bet of gold would be in the time trial. The time trial bikes cost roughly RM80,000 each. Norazman earlier this week disclosed that NSC had allocated RM450,000 to MNCF to cover road cycling, mountain biking and BMX programmes for this year. MNCF had allocated RM300,000 to road cycling though only RM196,000 remains after RM104,000 was spent on preparation and competition costs for the Asian Championships in Thailand earlier this year. Sayuti, who had also founded MPC's predecessor, Team Sapura Cycling, said he felt that Malaysian professional cycling teams, including TSG, have not been appreciated enough for their contributions to the country. Malaysia's pro riders have won gold at every edition of the Sea Games since 2015 - except during Manila 2019 - which proves their consistency. "We have been more than happy to send our riders to compete for the nation over the years and because of the pro teams, NSC have not had to keep (men's) road cyclists on their full-time programme," said Sayuti. "We have been developing riders for the country - which is essentially NSC's job - using our own funding. Indirectly, this has saved them money. "In total, road cyclists from pro teams have won six Sea Games gold medals for Malaysia over the past 10 years. "Other sports such as football have not won gold at the Sea Games for a long time and yet, they still get millions in funding each year. "Cycling is without a doubt a team sport. You need six riders to win one gold. "Preparing a team for the Sea Games costs money and as a pro team, we only have limited funding from our sponsors. "This is why it is very disappointing and disheartening when we get immediately turned down when we ask for help. We feel that our efforts and contributions have not been appreciated."
