Latest news with #SimKuiHian
Borneo Post
27-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sarawak's centralised sewerage infrastructure gains renewed momentum
Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian KUCHING (May 28): Sarawak's centralised sewerage infrastructure is seeing renewed momentum in 2025, with several long-delayed and newly approved projects now moving forward, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian. Dr Sim, who is also Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government, said the federal government has approved a new sewerage rationalisation project in Bintulu for the North-South catchment with a scheme value of RM225 million. 'The project is currently at the federal government loan application stage and is expected to improve wastewater management in the rapidly growing division,' he said during his ministerial winding up speech at the State Legislative Assembly sitting today. He also said that progress was also visible on earlier announced projects. Among them is the Miri Centralised Sewerage System Phase 2, approved in 2022 and valued at RM450 million, which was designed to cater to an additional 50,000 residents in Piasau, Pujut and Krokop. 'It is now at the detailed design stage and is scheduled for tendering in the fourth quarter of this year.' He also added that the Kuching Centralised Sewerage System Package 2, which began in September 2017 with a price tag of RM750 million, is nearly complete at 97.4 per cent. He said the remaining works mainly involve connecting properties, and full completion is expected by the end of 2025. 'Looking ahead, Kuching Centralised Sewerage System Package 3 has also received federal approval with an estimated cost of RM382 million. The project is now in its preliminary design stage, with physical works expected to be tendered in the first quarter of 2026.' As for Kota Samarahan, he said Phase 1 of its centralised sewerage system, approved last year at a cost of RM650 million, was in the consultancy services procurement phase. 'Tendering for the physical works is slated for 2027 following the finalisation of the Federal government loan agreement.' He said the long-shelved Septic Sludge Treatment Plants (SSTP) in Betong, Sarikei, Kapit and Limbang, once suspended by the Federal Government in 2018, have been revived. Despite now being implemented with a reduced scope due to rising costs, Dr Sim assured the core functions of these projects would remain intact. He also said tenders for the Sarikei and Betong SSTPs were expected in June, while those for Kapit and Limbang were scheduled for the third quarter of this year. Meanwhile, Dr Sim also addressed concerns raised by assemblymen regarding the ongoing implementation of the centralised wastewater management system, particularly in areas affected by the Kuching Package 2 project. 'As of April 30, a total of 323 property damage complaints have been lodged, with 287 cases resolved, three under repair, 29 pending resolution or negotiation, and four under assessment. 'Most of the complaints involve extended areas of homes such as kitchens, car porches and ground floor slabs. The project contractor has recently completed tunnelling and manhole construction along Jalan Semarak and has begun repairs on some of the damaged properties. 'Additional repair teams will be deployed progressively to address the remaining cases,' he said. In response to concerns about sewage overflows in Bintulu, Dr Sim said investigations identified ageing infrastructure and vandalism of the pumping systems as the main causes. Short-term efforts were now focused on repairing damaged sewer pipes and clearing blockages caused by improper waste disposal. Apart from that, for long-term improvement, he said the state has applied for an estimated RM600 million in federal funding to rationalise the centralised sewerage system in Bintulu, upgrade outdated infrastructure and eliminate reliance on lifting and pump stations. 'Under the current RMK-12 RP5 plan, RM225 million has already been approved by the federal government for the project, and the loan agreement is now being finalised,' he said. He said comprehensive measures, both immediate and long-term, were crucial to ensure public health, protect the environment, and support the continued urban growth of Sarawak's major towns and cities. central sewerage system Dr Sim Kui Hian DUN sitting infrastructure
The Star
27-05-2025
- Health
- The Star
JKR preparing cost estimate for Sarawak Cancer Centre, says Deputy Premier
Deputy Premier Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian delivering his winding-up speech at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly on Tuesday (May 27). KUCHING: The Public Works Department (JKR) is preparing the cost estimation for the Sarawak Cancer Centre project, says Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian. The Sarawak Deputy Premier said the estimated cost would be based on a 310-bed facility. "The Sarawak Cancer Centre project is currently at the pre-implementation stage." JKR Malaysia is appointed as the implementing agency," he said during his winding-up speech in the Sarawak Legislative Assembly on Tuesday (May 27). The cancer centre will be developed by the Federal Government in collaboration with the Sarawak government, as announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during Budget 2025. He thanked the Sarawak government for providing initial financing, estimated at RM1bil, which will be reimbursed by Putrajaya. Dr Sim also said the federal Health Ministry allocated RM48.8mil for upgrading, renovation, and repair works of health clinics in Sarawak this year. Of the total, RM40mil was allocated under the Bitara Madani initiative for upgrading dilapidated clinics and RM7.5mil for rural clinic services. Another RM1.3mil was allocated for upgrading and repairing health workers' quarters. Additionally, Dr Sim said the Health Ministry approved RM14.5mil each for invasive cardiac laboratories (ICL) at Miri and Sibu hospitals to expand cardiology services. "Apart from that, RM12.5mil was approved to replace the existing ICL at the Sarawak Heart Centre," he said.
Borneo Post
27-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Dr Sim: Over 7,300 rural transformation projects approved in Sarawak since 2015
Dr Sim arriving at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Complex this morning. KUCHING (May 27): A total of 7,328 Rural Transformation Projects (RTP) have been approved by the Sarawak government from 2015 to 2025, with an overall allocation of RM1.288 billion for implementation by local authorities, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian. Dr Sim, who is also the Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government, stated that 5,588 RTP projects or 76 per cent of the total number have been successfully completed to date. 'For 2025 alone, RM107.67 million has been allocated for 738 RTP projects, which are currently at various phases of implementation,' he added in his ministerial winding up speech during the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today. He also said that under the 12th Malaysia Plan (RMK-12), his ministry was given a ceiling allocation of RM470.436 million to implement infrastructure projects through 25 local authorities across Sarawak. As of April 30, 2025, RM297.2 million or 63.1 per cent of the funds have been disbursed. 'The projects include road and drainage improvements, waterfront development, market upgrades, provision of street and traffic lights, public toilets, libraries, beautification of landscapes, and rural amenities, all of which are in various stages of execution,' he said. Meanwhile he explained that since 2018, a total of 236 projects have been approved under Projek Rakyat, with an allocation of RM849.7 million for various agencies, including the Bintulu Development Authority (BDA) and Kuching North City Hall (DBKU). Of these, he said 134 projects have been completed, while 102 are still being implemented. Additionally, Dr Sim stated that his ministry has received RM283.237 million in 2025 under the Malaysian Road Record Information System (MARRIS) for the maintenance of council roads and related infrastructure such as road furniture, shoulders, and roadside drains. 'As of April 30, RM78.866 million has been disbursed,' he said. In his speech he also assured elected representatives from Machan, Tebedu and Krian that their requests for road maintenance will be addressed under the MARRIS fund. Dr Sim also disclosed that 16 local authorities have been allocated a total of RM1.23 billion to implement 189 projects under various regional development agencies. 'These include two projects under the Regional Corridor Development Authority (RECODA), nine under the Sri Aman Development Agency (SADA), 29 under the Integrated Regional Samarahan Development Agency (IRSDA), 29 under the Rajang Delta Development Agency (RADDA), 63 under the Betong Division Development Agency (BDDA), and 57 under the Greater Kuching Coordinated Development Agency (GKCDA),' he said. Apart from that, he also added that in the first quarter of 2025, his ministry received RM42.45 million in federal funding to implement additional development projects across Sarawak.
Borneo Post
27-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
SM Min Lit Batu Kawa surpasses RM100k target at revived fundraising fair
Dr Sim strikes the gong to officiate the opening ceremony, joined by Choo (fourth left) and Lai (sixth right). KUCHING (May 27): After an eight-year hiatus, Sekolah Menengah (SM) Min Lit Batu Kawa successfully revived its long-awaited fundraising fair with overwhelming support from the school community and the public, raising a total of RM136,259.50 ― surpassing its RM100,000 target. According to a press release, the event brought together students, teachers, parents, alumni, and local residents in a strong display of unity and commitment to education and community spirit. Officiated by Deputy Premier and Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Amar Professor Dr Sim Kui Hian, the event featured 45 booths offering food, beverages, crafts, games, household items, interactive games, handmade crafts, and agricultural products. In his speech, Dr Sim commended the school and its community for their shared dedication to Chinese education. He emphasised that the significance of the fundraising fair lay not merely in the funds raised, but in the collective effort ― 'everyone doing their part for Chinese education'. Dr Sim also toured the fairgrounds, engaging warmly with vendors and students. He personally purchased and distributed fundraising tickets, demonstrating humility and genuine support. During the event, he pledged support for three upcoming school development projects: the installation of an LED screen and industrial fans in the school hall, upgrades to the covered basketball court, and the addition of pickleball courts. These initiatives follow last year's successful RM400,000 fundraising effort for the construction of the covered court. This year's RM200,000 goal aims to further enhance student facilities. According to event organisers, funds were raised through RM50,000 in ticket sales, RM78,634 in donations from individuals and sponsors, and RM52,778.50 from booth proceeds ― including RM7,125.50 in direct cash contributions. Board of Directors' chairman Choo Chong Teck praised the organising committee, made up mostly of first-time members, for their commitment, coordination, and outreach. He noted that he personally joined the principal in visiting businesses and community leaders to secure sponsorships. Principal Lai Soh Ching said the fair was not only a financial success but also an invaluable learning experience for students, who gained practical skills in communication, logistics, teamwork, and leadership. 'The event provided them with a practical lesson in responsibility, leadership, and community service ― an embodiment of holistic education,' she said. The fair ended on a high note, cementing the strong bonds between the school and its community and embodying the event's theme: 'United as One, Dreaming for the Future'. batu kawa min lit secondary school community Dr Sim Kui Hian fundraising
New Straits Times
20-05-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Sarawak Assembly passes bill to increase councillors in 5 municipal councils
KUCHING: The Sarawak legislative assembly has unanimously passed the Local Authorities (Amendment) Bill 2025, aimed at strengthening grassroots governance and improving public service delivery across the state. The bill, tabled by Deputy Premier and Public Health, Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, amends the Local Authorities Ordinance in response to Sarawak's growing population and increasingly complex community needs. "There are currently 27 councils under my ministry, including the newly-established Gedong, Sebuyau, and Siburan district councils. "All operate under the councillorship system to serve their local communities," he said. Eight assembly members took part in the debate involving key amendments to Sections 10 and 11 of the ordinance to increase the number of councillors in five major councils. Under the amendment, the Kuching South City Council, Miri City Council and the municipal councils of Sibu, Padawan and Kota Samarahan will each have 33 councillors, up from 30. "This number excludes the mayor, deputy mayor, and deputy chairman," he said. Dr Sim said the increase in councillors was necessary to manage the rising workload, particularly in urban areas where public demands are becoming more varied and complex. "This move will boost grassroots participation, strengthen community engagement, and enhance service delivery to the rakyat," he said. An amendment to Section 172A also empowers the State Cabinet to revise all schedules under the ordinance, allowing greater flexibility in managing local government affairs. Dr Sim reiterated the importance of the councillorship system in promoting inclusive participation and good governance, ensuring development is people-centred and locally relevant. "With this amendment, councils will be better equipped to meet expectations for efficient and effective service delivery," he emphasised. – Bernama
