Latest news with #Sarawak-SabahLinkRoad
The Sun
01-08-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
Malaysia upgrades Borneo-Indonesia border roads under 13MP
KUCHING: The proposed upgrade of road networks along the Sabah-Sarawak-Kalimantan border under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) marks a continuation of efforts to strengthen cross-border infrastructure between Malaysian Borneo and Indonesia. Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas stated that the state government had long advocated for this initiative and praised the federal government's commitment. 'The Premier, Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, has already announced related projects like the Sarawak-Sabah Link Road Phases 1 and 2. We are now finalising a new alignment,' said Uggah, who also serves as Sarawak's Infrastructure and Port Development Minister. He confirmed that the state Public Works Department is preparing to execute approved projects, with discussions ongoing in Kuala Lumpur. The RM1 billion project will link strategic border areas to major highways, including the Pan Borneo Highway. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim highlighted the initiative during the 13MP tabling, emphasising its role in boosting economic integration. Separately, Uggah addressed air quality concerns, noting that API readings in Sarawak remain good to moderate. As chairman of the State Disaster Management Committee, he confirmed open burning permits were suspended for two weeks, with local response teams on standby. - Bernama
Borneo Post
01-08-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Uggah: 13MP border road connectivity plans align with Sarawak's efforts to improve links with Kalimantan
Uggah speaks to reporters after officiating at the 37th Kuching City Day celebration. – Photo by Mohd Faisal Ahmad KUCHING (Aug 1): The federal government's plan to enhance road connectivity along the border under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) yesterday aligns with Sarawak's ongoing efforts, said Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas. The Deputy Premier said the state is working to improve border roads, particularly those linking to neighbouring Kalimantan, Indonesia. 'This was proposed earlier to ensure proper planning for border roads. The Premier (Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg) has also announced several projects, including Phase 2 of the Sarawak-Sabah Link Road (SSLR) and other highway developments. 'So, we thank the federal government. JKR (Public Works Department) is ready to implement all projects approved by the federal government for Sarawak,' he told reporters after officiating at the 37th Kuching City Day celebration on behalf of the Premier at Pangkalan Sapi, Petra Jaya today. On the proposed locations for the border roads, Uggah said several areas have been identified considering Sarawak's existing and expanding road networks. 'There are a number of locations being considered because we already have a wide road network — SSLR 1, SSLR 2, the Pan Borneo Highway — and this year, we also have several projects planned along the border areas. 'So, we will look into how these can be connected,' he said. When tabling the 13MP yesterday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the government will proceed with several infrastructure projects to strengthen cross-border connectivity and boost the economy. These include enhancing border road networks connecting Sabah and Sarawak with Kalimantan, Indonesia. Separately, Uggah, who is State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) chairman, said the state's air quality remained within safe levels despite current dry weather conditions. He said SDMC has instructed all divisional disaster management committees to activate their machinery and resources to monitor and respond quickly to any fire outbreaks. 'So far, all areas in Sarawak, including Kuching, are reporting healthy air quality,' he added. 13th Malaysia Plan border road Douglas Uggah Embas lead
Borneo Post
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Ba Kelalan rep urges ex-gratia for villagers affected by SSLR project, NCR land ruling
Baru says many compensation claims were rejected by the Land and Survey Department due to conflicts between state regulations and the native 'adat' definition of NCR land. – Chimon Upon MIRI (July 15): Ba Kelalan assemblyman Baru Bian has called for ex-gratia payments to villagers whose traditional lands have been classified as state land due to restrictive interpretations of Native Customary Rights (NCR). He raised the issue following concerns from rural communities affected by the Sarawak-Sabah Link Road (SSLR) project, which he visited recently. Baru said many compensation claims were rejected by the Land and Survey Department due to conflicts between state regulations and the native 'adat' (customary) definition of NCR land. During a visit to Long Sukang and Long Semadoh today, Baru highlighted the impact of the Federal Court's ruling in the 'TR Sandah' case. The decision limited NCR recognition to land cultivated before Jan 1, 1958. 'This is a very restrictive definition of the law which I understand as a legal practitioner, but illogical to the simple minded native people in the interior of Sarawak whose 'adat' on land differs significantly from the present recent decision of the court,' he said. He noted that some lots, though surrounded by recognised NCR land, are now classified as state land simply because they were not cultivated before 1958. 'This is causing significant distress among the affected communities. 'I therefore urge the authorities to consider ex-gratia payments for these state lands as a compassionate gesture to acknowledge the 'adat' claims although lacking formal legal recognition,' he said. Baru said such payments would reflect the government's commitment to supporting rural communities facing potential loss of their ancestral land. Nevertheless, he also encouraged villagers to view the SSLR project as an opportunity for economic growth. He assured them of his support in addressing any issues with contractors or authorities. Baru Bian ncr land SSLR project
The Star
03-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Kimlun poised to surge with RM3bil order book
PETALING JAYA: Kimlun Corp Bhd has posted its strongest quarterly results since listing as its first-quarter earnings surpasses core earnings for financial year 2024 (FY24), according to Hong Leong Investment Bank (HLIB) Research. With an outstanding order book of RM3.2bil, it appears poised for further growth this year. The company's management is targeting RM1.5bil to RM2bil in new construction contracts, according to the research house. Kimlun is also backed by a RM3bil to RM4bil tender book, which consists of Johor's commercial and residential projects and other types of infrastructure jobs. 'The property segment will also capitalise on the hot Johor market, where it aims to launch RM1.4bil worth of projects in FY25. Precast revenue is set to rise post-Johor plant expansion, with full utilisation and potential upside from Singapore's infrastructure cycle,' HLIB Research said. The research house said it might be a matter of time before the company delivers numbers to commensurate with its golden period, which was from FY15 to FY18, whereby core net profits ranged between RM61.1mil and RM81.9mil despite a lower order book of RM2bil and minimal property segment contribution. Meanwhile, the company is anticipating further tender wins in Sabah and Sarawak, which are expected to be known in the second half of the year. 'We think the Sabah and Sarawak tenders will likely consist of major road projects with phase two to their current Sarawak-Sabah Link Road project making up some RM1bil. 'In Johor, building work opportunities remain healthy as developers rush to capitalise on a booming market. 'We continue to expect vibrant pipeline in Johor anchored by the prime rapid transit system or RTS area as developers launch ahead of the upcoming RTS link project,' it said. Its recent first-quarter results had beaten both HLIB Research's and consensus expectations at 46% and 62% of full-year forecasts. Positive deviation came from stronger- than-expected pick-up at its property segment, while numbers from construction and pre-cast were also above the research house's assumed run rate. HLIB Research maintained its 'buy' call on Kimlun with a target price of RM1.42, based on a nine times FY25 forward price-to-earnings ratio.
The Star
09-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Sarawak funding powers Quality Concrete's showing
KUCHING: The Sarawak government's big funding for water infrastructure projects has greatly benefitted concrete product manufacturer Quality Concrete Holdings Bhd , particularly in the rising demand for the company's high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipes. In the 12-month period to Jan 31, 2025 (FY25), Quality Concrete's sales of own manufactured HDPE and M-PVC pipes surged by an impressive 126.8% to RM19.6mil from RM8.65mil a year ago. 'This growth was fuelled by increasing demand stemming from Sarawak's comprehensive water infrastructure enhancement plans, which include a RM1.1bil pipe replacement initiative and RM6bil rural treated water supply programme spanning the next five years,' said group executive chairman Tiang Ching Kok. He said the HDPE pipes were widely utilised for water reticulation and as protective channels for underground utilities, such as telecommunication and electrical cabling. In addition, Quality Concrete also manufactures multi-layer unplasticised polyvinyl chloride (UPVC) pipes, engineered with high-impact resistance to meet the demanding requirements of sewerage networks and water supply systems. These products, essential components in municipal infrastructure, play a pivotal role in water distribution, flood mitigation and utility service provision in both urban and rural developments. Tiang said the company's construction arm has expanded its presence in the water infrastructure sector by submitting proposals and forming strategic partnerships with leading technology providers to design, build and operate water treatment plants, particularly in underserved areas in Sarawak. 'These efforts signal our readiness to tap into high-impact, government-driven opportunities aligned with national priorities,' he said in the company's annual report. He said Quality Concrete continues to explore new business models and strategic collaborations within the water infrastructure sector. Through ongoing engagements with established technology providers, the company aims to diversify its revenue base by expanding into municipal and rural water treatment solutions. This includes the deployment of modular systems, containerised units and hybrid treatment models tailored to underserved communities. Tiang said in 1Q26, the company's construction division secured three new contracts worth RM295mil, with three other major projects ongoing. 'The division is well positioned to capitalise on national infrastructure priorities, including the Sarawak-Sabah Link Road, Jendela broadband expansion and various flood mitigation and water infrastructure upgrades. 'Furthermore, potential involvement in strategic infrastructure projects, such as Kuching's proposed deepsea port and new airport, present opportunities for long-term order book growth,' he added. As a core pillar of the company's operations, the manufacturing segment has ready-mixed concrete (RMC) plants located in Kuching, Sibu, Mukah and Batang Igan. The RMC plants produce custom-grade ready-mixed concrete tailored to meet diverse project specifications, as well as precast concrete piles integral to foundation works to cater for both government-driven infrastructure development and the private sector projects such as residential building projects. As part of its strategic expansion,the group has recently ventured into the production of hot mix asphalt to support ongoing and future road construction projects. 'This new capability includes the manufacturing of high-quality hot mix asphalt for public roads and infrastructure, enabling seamless collaboration with the company's road maintenance division for a more integrated and efficient project delivery. 'The move also strengthens vertical integration within the company, enhancing operational synergy and providing greater control over key inputs for its road development and rehabilitation contracts,' said Tiang, pointing out that asphalt prices have gone up by about 15% since 2020. In 2020, Quality Concrete was awarded a 10-year concession to maintain state roads in Sri Aman and Betong divisions in southern Sarawak. 'Government plans to expand concession scopes could lead to recurring income while the group's solid performance and operational track record position it well for the 2028 concession renewal, and future bids for federal road maintenance projects, including sections of the Pan Borneo Highway,' Tiang said. In addition to its core business of manufacturing (also involving production of sawn timber and engineered wood products) and construction, Quality Concrete also has a property development arm with a landbank of 81ha located in Kuching and Johor Baru. Tiang said once property market conditions stabilise, the company plans to unlock value of the landbank by undertaking mid-income housing and mixed-use township projects, particularly in the fringe area's Kuching city's fringe areas. Going forward, Tiang said a key strategic priority for Quality Concrete is to intensify efforts to secure higher-margin infrastructure and concession-based projects, particularly in sectors such as road maintenance, water treatment infrastructure and essential public works that promise long-term income stability and robust returns. 'The company is also actively evaluating opportunities under public-private partnership frameworks, with a growing emphasis on playing an integrated role in the project value chain through potential adoption of design, build, operate and transfer or design, build and operate models, where appropriate,' he added.
