Latest news with #Sarawak-specific
Borneo Post
27-04-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Icom branch, new card testament to Affin's focus on Sarawak
Uggah (middle), Wan Razly (left) and other officials during the launch of the Icom Square branch. KUCHING (April 27): The launch of its Icom Square outlet, coupled with the introduction of its Sarawak-specific banking product, underscores Affin Bank's commitment to empowering the state's financial ecosystem. According to Affin Bank chief executive officer Datuk Wan Razly Abdullah Wan Ali, the launch of its eighth branch in Icom Square signifies Affin's commitment to strengthening its presence in East Malaysia and advancing its blue footprint across Sarawak. 'The selection of the Affin Icom Square branch is a strategic move to tap into Sarawak's strong economic momentum, growing population, and central location in Kuching. 'With excellent connectivity via Jalan Pending and Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg, the branch offers direct access to high-potential business and expansion opportunities. 'Building on this strategic advantage, the Affin Icon Square branch is now fully equipped to offer a dynamic range of financial solutions tailored to the evolving needs of businesses, SMEs, and the broader community. 'We believe this positioning will enable us to better serve the community and contribute meaningfully to Sarawak's continued growth,' he said during the officiation ceremony of the branch today. The branch was officiated by Sarawak Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, representing the Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. Wan Razly also commented on Affin's latest product, the Affin Kenyalang Card, which will be officially launched by the Premier tonight. 'Inspired by the majestic hornbill, the Kenyalang Card embodies strength, pride, and the rich cultural heritage of Sarawak. Making it more than just a card, it is a powerful symbol of identity and aspiration,' he added. 'The Affin Kenyalang Card is available to residents and non-residents with a valid Sarawak address. All Sarawakian IC holders with a 'K' or individuals aged 18 years and above are eligible.' Earlier this year, the Affin Bank CEO unveiled the bank's plans to expand the number of its outlets in Sarawak to 14 by July, in addition to expanding its products and services. He noted that Affin Bank s loans in Sarawak grew by 10 per cent in 2024 to RM3.2 billion and it aims to achieve a 12 per cent growth for 2025. Affin Bank is set on expanding its offerings in the state after the Sarawak Government became its largest shareholder with a 31.25 per cent stake following the completion of a deal with Lembaga Tabung Angkatan Tentera to acquire 165.05 million shares or 6.87 per cent in the bank. The Sarawak Premier previously said Sarawak s decision to invest in Affin was driven by the need to take a strategic step to create a financial platform and synergy with a sound and competent bank, which was essential for the state to elevate its economic potential. Affin Bank iCom Square lead
Malay Mail
26-04-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Sarawak to merge three main water supply entities into single body by June, says utility minister
SIBU, April 26 — The Sarawak government will officially merge the state's three main water supply entities — Sibu Water Board, Kuching Water Board, and Sarawak Water Sdn Bhd (formerly known as LAKU Management Sdn Bhd) — into a single entity by June this year. Sarawak's Utility and Telecommunication Minister Datuk Julaihi Narawi said the merger aims to streamline operations, strengthen integration, and boost water management efficiency across the state, as part of Sarawak's long-term water infrastructure strategy. 'This merger excludes only the JKR Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB). The three entities — Sibu Water Board, Kuching Water Board and LAKU — will be merged into one entity that will be launched by the Premier of Sarawak in June,' Julaihi said at SWB's annual dinner and Aidilfitri gathering here last night. He added that the consolidation is being guided by a Sarawak-specific model tailored to meet the state's unique needs, led by the Integrated Management Office under Puan Malseni Jamal. 'This is being done using a Sarawak-made model, a merger concept tailored specifically for the needs of Sarawak,' he said. 'We believe this merger is based on the Sarawak mould will fit us well. It must be done according to our own mould. If we bring in something from elsewhere, it might not be suitable.' he reiterated. Julaihi also highlighted the ongoing RM1.1 billion statewide project to replace 2,740km of aging water pipes over the next five years. For Sibu alone, RM338 million has been allocated for pipe upgrades, with RM170 million going to the Sibu Water Board and RM168 million for the Department of Rural Water Supply. 'With this upgrade and pipe replacement projects, we aim to resolve the long-standing water supply issues in Sibu and the surrounding areas, including Bawang Assan, Tanjung Manis, and Selangau,' he said. Julaihi also stressed that although issues such as pipe leakages cannot be solved overnight, improvements have already been felt over the past three years, particularly during peak periods such as Hari Raya. 'This shows the seriousness of the Sarawak government in solving the long-term problem of water supply,' he said. 'It is an ongoing process but once completed, we hope water issues will become history.' Julaihi also cautioned against third-party interference along water distribution routes, stressing the importance of following standard operating procedures (SOPs) to avoid damage and service disruptions. 'If any accidental or intentional damage occurs, please do not conceal it. Inform the water agency immediately so we can act quickly and avoid public complaints. Cooperation is key to protecting consumer interests,' he said. During the event, Julaihi also presented long-service awards to SWB staff, including certificates for 20 and 30 years of service, the 2023–2024 Excellent Service Awards, and a special staff recognition award. Also present were Permanent Secretary of the Sarawak Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication Datuk Jafri Lias, SWB general manager Abdul Malik Abdullah and other dignitaries. — The Borneo Post
Borneo Post
26-04-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sarawak to merge three major water entities by June to boost statewide efficiency
Julaihi delivering his speech at the function. SIBU (April 26): The Sarawak government will officially merge the state's three main water supply entities — Sibu Water Board, Kuching Water Board, and Sarawak Water Sdn Bhd (formerly known as LAKU Management Sdn Bhd) — into a single entity by June this year. Sarawak's Utility and Telecommunication Minister Datuk Julaihi Narawi said the merger aims to streamline operations, strengthen integration, and boost water management efficiency across the state, as part of Sarawak's long-term water infrastructure strategy. 'This merger excludes only the JKR Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB). The three entities — Sibu Water Board, Kuching Water Board and LAKU — will be merged into one entity that will be launched by the Premier of Sarawak in June,' Julaihi said at SWB's annual dinner and Aidilfitri gathering here last night. He added that the consolidation is being guided by a Sarawak-specific model tailored to meet the state's unique needs, led by the Integrated Management Office under Puan Malseni Jamal. 'This is being done using a Sarawak-made model, a merger concept tailored specifically for the needs of Sarawak,' he said. 'We believe this merger is based on the Sarawak mould will fit us well. It must be done according to our own mould. If we bring in something from elsewhere, it might not be suitable.' he reiterated. Julaihi also highlighted the ongoing RM1.1 billion statewide project to replace 2,740km of aging water pipes over the next five years. For Sibu alone, RM338 million has been allocated for pipe upgrades, with RM170 million going to the Sibu Water Board and RM168 million for the Department of Rural Water Supply. 'With this upgrade and pipe replacement projects, we aim to resolve the long-standing water supply issues in Sibu and the surrounding areas, including Bawang Assan, Tanjung Manis, and Selangau,' he said. Julaihi also stressed that although issues such as pipe leakages cannot be solved overnight, improvements have already been felt over the past three years, particularly during peak periods such as Hari Raya. 'This shows the seriousness of the Sarawak government in solving the long-term problem of water supply,' he said. 'It is an ongoing process but once completed, we hope water issues will become history.' Julaihi, flanked by Abdul Malik (right) and Jafri (left), in a group photo after presenting the SWB Special Staff Award to the recipient, Lau Tiew Leong (second left) during the annual dinner last night. Julaihi also cautioned against third-party interference along water distribution routes, stressing the importance of following standard operating procedures (SOPs) to avoid damage and service disruptions. 'If any accidental or intentional damage occurs, please do not conceal it. Inform the water agency immediately so we can act quickly and avoid public complaints. Cooperation is key to protecting consumer interests,' he said. During the event, Julaihi also presented long-service awards to SWB staff, including certificates for 20 and 30 years of service, the 2023–2024 Excellent Service Awards, and a special staff recognition award. Also present were Permanent Secretary of the Sarawak Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication Datu Jafri Lias, SWB general manager Abdul Malik Abdullah and other dignitaries. julaihi narawi merge utility companies
