Latest news with #SarawakWaterSdnBhd
Borneo Post
18-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Tiang issues strong warning to housing developers over abandoned projects
Tiang (eighth right) is seen with representatives from relevant agencies during the inspection of the abandoned housing project at Jalan Sibiyu, Bintulu. – Photo by Abang Ismail Abang Su'ud. BINTULU (May 18): Housing developers who fail to fulfil their responsibilities will face stringent and indefinite actions, including fines, blacklisting, and forfeiture of deposits, warned Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing, and Local Government Datuk Michael Tiang. During his visit to the abandoned housing project at Lot 6256 and Lot 6258, Block 32 Kemena Land District, and Lot 1713 at Jalan Sibiyu yesterday, Tiang expressed deep concern over the prolonged delay of the project. 'This project was paralysed due to land encroachment issues, which are now under legal proceedings. However, that does not excuse the developer from abandoning their duties,' said Tiang. He noted that most units had already been sold, leaving many buyers burdened with housing loans for homes that are incomplete and without basic utilities. 'Out of 65 units, about 10 occupants have moved into their respective lots, despite having no electricity or clean water supply. Some are still relying on water from construction sources, which is not advisable,' he told reporters after the visit, accompanied by representatives from Sarawak Water Sdn Bhd, Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) and Bintulu Development Authority (BDA). Tiang said his ministry, along with BDA, will issue letters of support to Sarawak Water Sdn Bhd for the provision of temporary water supply to residents who had opted to move in. 'We understand why they moved in. They've paid, the houses are physically complete, and they need shelter. But without the Occupation Permit (OP), it's still an issue. We are working on the legal steps needed to address this,' he said. Regarding electricity, Tiang acknowledged the complexity of the issue, adding that discussions with SEB were ongoing to find a viable solution for affected buyers. Tiang emphasised that developers who abandon projects and fail to respond to directives from the ministry would face strict enforcement under the Housing Development (Control and Licensing) Ordinance. 'We will direct them to resume work. If they fail to comply, we will blacklist the company, forfeit their deposits, and take action against the individual in charge. They too can be blacklisted,' he stated firmly. Tiang added that the ministry was also in the process of officially declaring several other housing projects throughout Sarawak as 'abandoned', a move that would help buyers negotiate more favourable terms with banks to ease their financial commitments. He said the ministry's task force on sick projects continues conducting site visits across Sarawak to identify stalled developments and ensure timely interventions. 'Our message to all housing developers is clear: fulfil your obligations or face the consequences. We take the plight of homebuyers seriously and will not hesitate to act,' Tiang said. Tiang and his team also visited another housing development site, which consists of phase one of a low-cost housing development project. He said the present delay in its completion was due to theft of electrical wiring in the houses, which they are trying to rectify. The developer has promised to proceed with the OP application with BDA once the issue is resolved. 'We expect the outcome within two to three months, they will cross the finish line,' he said. abandoned housing project lead Michael Tiang
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
