Latest news with #Sarawak
Malay Mail
20 hours ago
- Health
- Malay Mail
Hiker, 75, survives 500m fall at Gunung Mulu National Park with head injuries
MIRI, July 24 — A hiker survived with head injuries after falling 500 metres down a slope at the Gunung Mulu National Park near here today. According to the Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) in a statement, the incident occurred near Camp 5 of the park — a popular rest point for trekkers heading towards the pinnacles. The Marudi Bomba station received an emergency call from the Marudi Mountain Cave Search and Rescue (Mocsar) team at around 12.45pm and immediately deployed a team to the site. 'The team arrived at the scene within minutes and administered initial treatment to stop the bleeding from the head of the victim, Elisa Paul @ Lisa Paul, 75. 'The rescue team has requested aerial evacuation assistance, as the victim is conscious but sustained serious injuries, including bleeding from the head,' said Bomba. A helicopter from Layang-Layang Aerospace Miri Sdn Bhd was dispatched to transport the injured hiker to the hospital for further treatment. The victim was also accompanied by a medical team from the Miri Hospital. — The Borneo Post
Malay Mail
a day ago
- Business
- Malay Mail
Sarawak's Bintulu-Jepak bridge renamed Tun Taib Mahmud Bridge
BINTULU, July 24 — A dazzling fireworks display lit up the night sky above the Bintulu-Jepak bridge last night after it was officially renamed Tun Taib Mahmud Bridge by Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg. Costing RM466 million and stretching 1.2km across Batang Kemena, the bridge stands as a tribute to the late Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud, who served Sarawak as governor and chief minister. Abang Johari said the renaming honours Taib's vision and contributions, particularly for the establishment of the Regional Corridor Development Authority (Recoda) and in laying the foundation for the development of Samalaju. 'I am merely continuing the work of our past leaders. Tun Taib played a key role in setting up Recoda, developing Samalaju, and attracting investments. If he were alive today, he would be amazed by this bridge,' said the Premier. Abang Johari recalled a town hall session in 2017 following the passing of the late Pehin Sri Adenan Satem, where he made three key promises to the people of Bintulu. The first was to build an iconic bridge linking Bintulu and Jepak, akin to San Francisco's iconic Golden Gate Bridge; to implement a second wave of development for Bintulu; and to relocate the Resident's Office and administrative centre from Bintulu town to Jepak. 'Tonight, I've fulfilled those promises,' he declared. He also announced the construction of a new four-lane road linking the bridge to Bintulu Airport, opening the way for urban expansion, including modern residential and commercial zones, as well as affordable housing. Abang Johari revealed that Jepak will be the next area to receive piped gas infrastructure, moving households away from using gas cylinders and towards direct gas supply, a move made possible by Sarawak's own energy company Petros. Earlier yesterday, he officially launched piped gas supply to households in the Sungai Plan housing area. 'Just like Peninsular Malaysia has gas pipelines from Terengganu, we in Sarawak too have abundant gas. That's why we established Petros to develop our own modern infrastructure,' he said. He pointed out Bintulu's growing capacity in power generation, with a new 500-megawatt gas-powered plant under construction. This will add to the existing capacity of 500 megawatts and another upcoming 500-megawatt plant, bringing Bintulu's total generation capacity to 1.5 gigawatts. Abang Johari also touched on the rapid industrial growth in Samalaju, where more than 10,000 workers are employed. He cited the recent launch of a polysilicon project by OCI and Tokuyama, which will require 200 engineers with priority given to Sarawakian graduates. 'When Sarawak's economy grows, so must our household income. Talented Sarawakian youths must be given the opportunity to serve in these high-paying industries,' he said, adding that education is key to ending poverty. To support this vision, he said the Sarawak government has committed to providing free university education for Sarawakian students starting 2026, particularly in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. 'When investors come, we must also improve facilities including building international schools and creating more high-income job opportunities,' he said. Looking ahead, Abang Johari said Bintulu will see further infrastructure growth under the 13th Malaysia Plan, including the development of an Autonomous Rail Transit (ART) system linking Bintulu to Samalaju, reinforcing its status as a clean, green, and modern town. 'Kuching is already recognised among the world's top 10 cleanest cities. Bintulu will follow suit as a low-carbon, environmentally friendly city,' he said. He pointed out Bintulu has been identified by the World Economic Forum as one of 36 Transition Industrial Clusters globally and the only one in Asia due to its commitment to low-carbon industrial growth. 'With our children graduating with free education, going on to pursue Master's and PhDs, we will continue developing Sarawak with our own talent,' he said. He reaffirmed the government's commitment to increasing Sarawak's revenue and redistributing it through strategic, people-focused development. — The Borneo Post
Malay Mail
2 days ago
- Business
- Malay Mail
Abang Johari: Sarawak charts own path in energy with statewide piped gas plan backed by Petros
BINTULU, July 23 — Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg has reaffirmed the Sarawak government's strong commitment to expanding piped gas infrastructure to every household in the state – a move aimed at enhancing energy accessibility and economic equity. Speaking to reporters after launching the piped natural gas supply to homes in Sungai Plan here today, Abang Johari said the initiative is part of a long-term master plan to ensure Sarawakians benefit directly from the state's own gas resources. 'This is just the beginning of our effort to supply gas to our people so they can enjoy the benefits of the gas extracted in our own backyard,' he said. He cited a successful pilot project in the Quadruplex Taman Ceria (QTC) housing area in Miri, where residents have seen savings of up to 40 per cent or around RM40 monthly after switching from gas cylinders to piped delivery. Determined to extend these benefits across Sarawak, the premier unveiled the Sarawak Gas Roadmap, which outlines a statewide piped gas distribution system. 'We are developing a network of gas distribution hubs throughout Sarawak in Bintulu, Kuching, Miri, and possibly Sibu from where piped gas can be channelled to surrounding areas, even reaching remote towns like Kapit,' he said. According to him, the concept of piped gas is not new to Sarawak, citing earlier systems in Lutong, Sarawak and Seria, Brunei, that predate the formation of Malaysia. Abang Johari emphasised that Sarawak's legal framework, particularly the Sarawak Gas Distribution Ordinance, remains intact and continues to empower the state to regulate and manage its own gas sector. Under this framework, Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros) has been formally appointed the sole gas aggregator for Sarawak, with full authority to manage supply from upstream to end users. He expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for endorsing this via a joint declaration between the federal and state governments, which enabled Petros to operate as the sole legal and operational aggregator. 'All companies involved in the gas business must comply with our existing laws. This is a people-centric project, and through the hub-and-spoke model, it will benefit not just urban dwellers but rural communities as well,' he said. The roadmap, he added, will offer tiered benefits across various user groups – residential homes, SMEs, and heavy industries such as methanol production – with rates based on consumption levels. 'The greatest impact will be on ordinary Sarawakians, especially B40 households and those with lower incomes, by easing their cost of living,' he said. Abang Johari also welcomed the federal government's latest cost-of-living measures announced today, including fuel price reductions and other incentives. 'PMX announced his support, and we too are helping our people. Thank you for the initiatives. It shows that the people of Sarawak benefit both from Kuala Lumpur and from Petra Jaya, Kuching,' he said. Also present at the event were deputy premiers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Datuk Amar Prof Dr Sim Kui Hian, Petros chairman Tan Sri Datuk Amar Hamid Bugo and other state Cabinet ministers and their deputies. — The Borneo Post
Malay Mail
2 days ago
- Business
- Malay Mail
Sabah, Sarawak creative firms get RM7.4m boost, over 1,200 jobs created under govt fund
KOTA KINABALU, July 23 — A total of 42 Creative Content Fund (DKK) applications from production companies in Sabah and Sarawak, worth RM7.43 million, have been approved from 2022 up to this month, said Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil. He said the approved applications covered various categories, including feature and short films, documentaries, marketing, scriptwriting and post-production, creating over 1,245 jobs. 'As of this month, the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (Finas) has also received 36 applications for the Borneo TV Programme Fund and 24 for the Post-Production Fund. All applications are evaluated transparently and with integrity by a committee comprising professional panellists and ministry representatives,' he said. He was speaking at the presentation of Creative Content Fund letters of acceptance to Sabah's creative industry players in Sabah here yesterday night. Also present were Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister, Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan, Communications Ministry secretary-general Datuk Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa, Finas chairman Datuk Hans Isaac, Finas chief executive officer Datuk Azmir Saifuddin Mutalib, Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) chief executive officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin, and Information Department director-general Julina Johan. Fahmi further said that under the DKK, 14 local production companies have been offered the Borneo TV Programme Fund, including six from Sabah. He said the six Sabah companies received approvals amounting to RM1.15 million, expected to create over 200 new jobs. 'As for the Post-Production Fund, nine companies received offers, one of which is from Sabah. For Sabah, one project was approved with a value of nearly RM240,000, adding value to the post-filming process,' he said. He added that the total amount approved for the seven Sabah companies under the Borneo TV Programme Fund and the Post-Production Fund stood at RM1.39 million. Fahmi said various success stories have emerged through government grants and incentives, including the film 'Blood Brothers: Bara Naga', which grossed RM73.6 million, 'Bleat!' which made a mark at Cannes, and most recently, 'Ejen Ali The Movie 2', which opened in Indonesia with over 200,000 viewers in its first week. Fahmi added that the Communications Ministry, through Finas, has agreed to collaborate with Borneo TV via the Borneo TV Programme Fund, with content produced by its recipients to also be aired on the Borneo TV platform. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said the DKK has opened vast opportunities for the people of Sabah to showcase their stories, culture and heritage through various mediums such as films, documentaries and television programmes. 'Sabah possesses extraordinary sociocultural diversity – with more than 30 ethnic groups and over 200 sub-ethnicities. This makes the state one of the richest regions in terms of oral, visual and narrative culture, which deserves attention as a source of authentic content,' he said. He added that Sabah's natural beauty gives it a distinct advantage to be translated into creative content capable of attracting both local and international audiences. The text of his speech was read out by Nizam. — Bernama
Free Malaysia Today
2 days ago
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Awang Tengah shoots down factional feud claims
Sarawak deputy premier Awang Tengah Ali Hassan said the unfounded claims have sparked suspicion among certain quarters, painting him as someone who is 'power crazy'. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA : Sarawak deputy premier Awang Tengah Ali Hassan has shot down allegations of a brewing silent rivalry between those aligned with him and supporters of premier Abang Johari Openg. He dismissed the notion of a power struggle, insisting that the allegations were unfounded, The Borneo Post reported. He also disputed FMT's report which stated that the rivalry between the factions aligned with each leader had been intensifying ahead of a potential showdown that could determine the state's future direction. Awang Tengah, who is the state international trade and investment minister, also challenged the source cited in the report. 'It's nothing more than rubbish. 'I am not one to pretend. My support for Abang Johari's leadership is undivided,' he told reporters after chairing Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu's Bukit Sari branch committee meeting in Lawas last night. His dismissal of the claims comes a day after Abang Johari said the 'baseless' allegations were driven by jealousy over Sarawak's rapidly growing economy. Awang Tengah said the unfounded claims have, to some extent, sparked suspicion among certain quarters, painting him as someone who is 'power crazy'. 'I believe in what was instilled in me, which is the spirit of teamwork, loyalty to leadership and prioritising the party over any form of factionalism. 'I hold firmly to these principles,' he said. On Thursday, FMT cited a source as saying the rivalry between the factions aligned with each leader could trigger intensive political manoeuvring in the months ahead, with the next state election slated for 2026. Abang Johari commands strong support among rural voters and delegates from PBB, which he leads, according to the source. He also has the support of the state's civil service, having aggressively pursued infrastructure development, digital economy initiatives and autonomy over state revenue, which flows through the government machinery. Awang Tengah, who is a PBB deputy president, is seen by some as a charismatic leader, with the source saying that he also commands significant grassroots support and is an efficient administrator of state development projects. PBB information chief Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah had dismissed talk of a power struggle, saying PBB's top two leaders were not in competition with each other.
