Latest news with #Sempurai
Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Pilot project to smoothen business registration process to kick off Aug 1 in Sibu, Kanowit
(Seated, from left) Sempurai, Tiang, Dr Sim, Hii, Loh and others pose with the thumbs-up gesture during a photo-call. SIBU (July 22): A pilot project to reform the process of starting up a business in Sarawak will be implemented effective this Aug 1, in the districts of Sibu and Kanowit, and will be running for six months. According to Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, the project was spearheaded by the state government through the Sarawak Transformation and Innovation Unit in the Sarawak Premier's Department; Ministry of Public Health, Housing and Local Government; and Malaysia Productivity Corporation (MPC). He said under the pilot project, all business registrations involving business name, trade licence and operating licence applications would be coordinated by one agency, namely the local authorities in Sibu and Kanowit, via one facilitation centre. 'Applicants will only need to fill in one composite form that captures all necessary information for business name registration, trade licence and operating licence applications. 'The pilot project targets a processing time from application to licence collection within 14 working days for low-risk businesses, while high-risk business applications such as sales of gas, entertainment centres, elderly or childcare centres and reflexology centres will be processed within 30 working days,' he said in a press conference here yesterday. Dr Sim added that for applications requiring only the business name and trade licence, the licence could be collected within five working days, while licences for those requiring an operating licence could be collected within 14 working days. 'This means applicants only need to visit the counter a maximum of two times. Studies show that licence processing time for business registration may take up to 60 days or more. 'Through this project, the processing time will be reduced from over 60 working days to only 14 or up to 30 working days.' Earlier, Dr Sim said business registration in Sarawak typically involves three main components depending on the type of business, namely the business name registration, trade licence and operating licence. These are governed by Chapter 64 of the Business Names Ordinance 1958, Chapter 33 of the Businesses, Professions and Trades Licensing Ordinance 1958, Local Authorities Ordinance 1996 and other various regulations and bylaws. 'At present, business registration in Sarawak involves various government departments and agencies such as Inland Revenue Board, District Offices, Divisional Treasury Department and Local Authorities. 'For instance, in Sibu District, the process involves the Sibu District Office, Sibu Divisional Treasury Department, and two local authorities namely the Sibu Municipal Council and Sibu Rural District Council (SRDC). 'On top of the agencies that I have mentioned, there is still approval from agencies that may be required, such as from the Fire and Rescue Department, Land and Survey Department and the Health Department. 'Due to this requirement, applicants are required to deal with multiple agencies at various locations, making the process inefficient and time-consuming. In addition, applicants are required to fill in multiple forms, depending on the business type and licenses applied for,' he said. According to the Deputy Premier, this effort was crucial to stimulate business activities in Sarawak and position the region as a more investor-friendly destination. 'Therefore, Sarawak must act swiftly to seize this opportunity by accelerating and streamlining the investment and business processes. This pilot project is a strategic step in that direction. 'We aim to ensure Sarawak remains competitive as an investment destination that offers administrative efficiency, process certainty, and strong governmental support to the business community. 'I urge all agencies involved to give their full commitment and support to ensure the success of this pilot project, which will serve as the foundation for statewide implementation across Sarawak,' he said. He added that under the Sarawak Digital Economy Blueprint 2030, the Sarawak government had been actively driving digitalisation initiatives for business registration to boost public confidence in transacting with the government via online platforms. 'Existing systems such as e-R&DO and e-LA2 will also be upgraded in the near term to support this digital initiative,' he said. Also present were Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Sarawak Datuk Michael Tiang, Deputy State Secretary Datu Hii Chang Kee, the ministry's permanent secretary Datu Elizabeth Loh and SRDC chairman Sempurai Petrus Ngelai. business registration Dr Sim Kui Hian lead start-up businesses
Borneo Post
4 days ago
- Health
- Borneo Post
Rabies awareness must include cats, says MDLBS chairman
A Department of Veterinary Services officer administering an anti-rabies injection during the programme at Sang Ik Methodist Church, Tanjung Kunyit. SIBU (July 19): Public awareness about rabies must expand to include cats, as the disease is not exclusive to dogs and infected cats can pose hidden threats within homes, said Sibu Rural District Council (MDLBS) chairman Councillor Sempurai Petrus Ngelai. Speaking at the MDLBS-organised Anti-Rabies Vaccination, Microchipping and Licensing Programme at Sang Ik Methodist Church in Tanjung Kunyit today, he said many people still mistakenly believe that rabies only affects dogs. 'We now know that several recent rabies cases involved cats. People often assume that cats are less dangerous because they live indoors. But infected cats, especially those that have come into contact with stray cats outside and then return indoors, can pose a greater danger,' he said. Also present at the event were MDLBS Standing Committee Chairman for Environment and Public Health and SUPP Bawang Assan Chairman, Cr Kevin Lau, MDLBS secretary Ng Siang Wei, community leaders and others. Sempurai explained that while rabid dogs typically show clear symptoms such as excessive drooling or aversion to sunlight and water, signs of infection in cats are harder to detect. Sempurai (fourth left) observing the Anti-Rabies Vaccination, Microchipping and Licensing Programme organised by MDLBS at Sang Ik Methodist Church, Tanjung Kunyit today. Also seen are Lau (second right), Ng (right), and others. 'I hope MDLBS and the officers from the Department of Veterinary Services can also focus more on cats, so that the public becomes aware that cats can be rabies carriers too,' he said. He called on the public to spread the word about the campaign to encourage more people to get their pets vaccinated and microchipped. The microchipping, he said, is crucial not only for controlling rabies but also for tracking the local pet population more effectively. 'We don't want the public to assume that rabies cases are caused solely by stray dogs. In many cases, the animals were actually owned pets that had left their homes, became infected, and bit people. That is even more dangerous. 'During my tenure as MDLBS chairman, we've already seen that most stray dogs were caught over the past two to three years. What we're seeing roaming around now are mostly pet dogs,' he said. He stressed that microchipping would help authorities track the number of pets in specific areas and respond more effectively to any cases. 'For example, here in Tanjung Kunyit, if we chip every dog, we will know exactly how many are here. If there is a rabies case, we can quickly contain and monitor the situation,' he added. In conjunction with the campaign, officers from the Department of Veterinary Services were seen administering anti-rabies vaccines to pets brought by their owners.
Borneo Post
13-07-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Strategic projects set to drive development in Selangau, assures assemblyman
Gira (third right) presents a cheque to one MRP fund recipient, as Sempurai (fourth left) and others look on. SELANGAU (July 14): Several strategic development projects are meant for implementation in Selangau. In giving this assurance, Tamin assemblyman Christopher Gira lists a mini sports complex, upgrading works on an access road to Selangau Bazaar, and the construction of stretches connecting Rumah Uban and Ulu Mukah as well as Nanga Selangau and Rumah Dinggai, as among those being planned for the district. 'These various new development initiatives will drive rural development,' he said in officiating at the 'Mangkung Tiang' (housewarming) in Rumah Lawang Umpon, Bukit Baru Sungai Melinau here last Saturday. Organised by the village development and security committee (JKKK) of Bukit Baru Sungai Melinau, the programme meant to revive the custom symbolising the beginning of life in a new longhouse, as well as the spirit of family, unity and the continuity of ancestral culture of the Iban community. Adding on, Gira also congratulated the residents of Rumah Lawang for their efforts in building a modern, organised and comfortable longhouse. He described the success as a positive sign of the economic growth of rural communities, and also an 'evidence' of the effectiveness of the state government's development policies under the ruling coalition, Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS). 'This longhouse is not only a symbol of culture, but also a symbol of shared success. 'We want to see longhouses not just as a physical heritage, but also as active and developed community centres.' Gira also stressed the importance of electrical safety in longhouses, calling for the existing wiring system be upgraded further. 'This measure is aimed at reducing the risk of overloading that can cause fires, in line with the increase in electricity consumption in today's longhouses,' he added. Later at the event, Gira presented Minor Rural Programme (MRP) allocations totalling RM369,000 to 25 recipients including longhouse JKKKs, local sports and youth associations, and educational institutions. The assemblyman also announced an additional special allocation of RM25,000 for Rumah Lawang in support of its community activities. Sibu Rural District Council (SRDC) chairman Sempurai Petrus Ngelai was among those present. christopher gira development projects lead Selangau
Borneo Post
29-06-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
SRDC chairman reaffirms commitment to serve beyond titles
Sempurai (standing centre) in a photo session with his guests, during the Gawai Sandau Ari ceremony held at his longhouse, Rumah Bunsie Tiboh in Sibu. SIBU (June 29): Serving the people should not be confined to holding a position, but must be pursued through any role that enables meaningful contributions to local development, said Sibu Rural District Council (SRDC) chairman Sempurai Petrus Ngelai. Speaking to reporters during a Gawai Sandau Ari ceremony held at his longhouse, Rumah Bunsie Tiboh, Jalan Salim-Belalang yesterday, Sempurai pledged his continued commitment to serve the people. 'I am honoured to have the opportunity to continue serving as SRDC chairman. Although my current term ends in March 2026, I will give my full commitment and continue to serve the people as long as I am needed,' he said. Reflecting on his nine years in office, Sempurai noted that various rural development initiatives have been implemented under SRDC's jurisdiction. These include projects in Sibu Jaya, Selangau, Tebing Barat Sibu, Durin, and Menyan. 'I have always reminded council members to be on the ground. We must stay close to the people to understand their problems,' he added. Sempurai highlighted that SRDC oversees more than 5,000 square kilometres of territory – a responsibility that requires energy, commitment, and dedication to ensure all communities receive due attention. On another note, he urged younger generations to preserve cultural traditions such as Gawai Sandau Ari, describing it as a celebration deeply rooted in Iban spiritual values and communal heritage. 'This is not a religious matter, but one of customs and heritage. We hope the younger generation will learn and continue such practices so that they are not lost to time,' he said. He also shared that the Gawai Sandau Ari ceremony marked his official reappointment as SRDC chairman in March. 'Sometimes, we need spiritual renewal to strengthen our resolve in serving the people. This ceremony is also for the well-being of my family,' he added. Sempurai extended his appreciation to Pelagus assemblyman Wilson Nyabong Ijang, Selangau MP Edwin Banta, and other representatives from various agencies and district councils who attended and supported the event. He also affirmed his readiness to face political challenges ahead, including the Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) party elections expected in October, and possibly the next state election. 'What matters most is that we remain committed to our service. The people will judge, and as long as they place their trust in me, I will serve to the best of my ability,' he said. lead Sempurai Petrus Ngelai SRDC
Borneo Post
10-05-2025
- Borneo Post
SRDC sounds alarm over vandalism as bin burnings disrupt waste services in Sibu
Sempurai hits the gong as a symbolic gesture to officiate the Mantar Gawai Dayak. SIBU (May 10): The Sibu Rural District Council (SRDC) is seriously concerned about the repeated acts of vandalism involving rubbish bins for public use, following the destruction of more than 20 bins by arson in last year alone. Council chairman Sempurai Petrus Ngelai expressed regret over the incidents, which had disrupted waste management services, particularly in Sibu's West Bank area. 'The council continues to receive numerous complaints from residents asking for replacement bins. We do not understand why people are burning them – this behaviour not only hinders proper waste disposal, but also burdens the council,' he said at the 'Mantar Gawai Dayak Komuniti' event in Rumah Joseph Abet in Bawang Assan, organised by the local Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK) of Jalan Temenggong Jonathan Bangau. He further said that such acts had made it difficult for residents to manage household waste, such as in a recent case where the Kemuyang residents had no place to dispose of rubbish after their bin was destroyed. 'When bins are unavailable, people resort to dumping waste by the road, littering the area and later, resulting in criticism of the council for not replacing the bins,' he added. To address the issue, Sempurai highlighted SRDC's introduction of the 'Bin Adoption Programme' in 2018, meant to empower longhouse chieftains and residents to take responsibility for bins and the bin centres. arson Sempurai Petrus Ngelai Sibu SRDC vandalism
