Latest news with #Tiang
Borneo Post
4 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
320 households in Rejang Park receive reimbursement for septic tank self-installation
(From sixth right, back row) Tiang and Ting take a group photo with recipients. – Photo by Peter Boon SIBU (July 20): A total of RM960,000 was disbursed to 320 households in Rejang Park here, with each receiving RM3,000 as reimbursement for the self-installation of septic tanks. State Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Michael Tiang presented the cheques to the recipients at the Rejang Park commercial centre here yesterday, and he thanked Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg for approving the reimbursement. 'This was my proposal, and he approved it. We are really thankful to our Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg,' Tiang told reporters. In recounting the timeline leading up to today's event, the Pelawan assemblyman referred back to 2015 when he was approached by the public regarding the long-standing issues with septic tanks. He recalled that at the time, the residential homes in Rejang Park and the commercial district were linked by an underground central sewage system. He said the centralised system built in the 1970s had somehow begun to fall apart, impacting toilets of the affected house owners and leading to extremely poor hygiene conditions. 'Consequently, they reached out to me to see if I could help. We conducted surveys of houses, gathering data, taking photographs, and even collecting petitions from the residents. This information was then submitted to the then Chief Minister, (the late) Tok Nan (Pehin Sri Adenan Satem). 'In 2018, our Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, visited Sibu for the general election. During his visit, I discussed this project with him, explaining that we needed RM3 million to address 345 houses and 32 commercial lots. He agreed, recognizing the urgency of the situation, and said this was something we had to do immediately,' he said. Tiang said that however, the onset of Covid-19 pandemic affected the progress of the project. He appreciated the efforts of Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) in assisting with the project. 'We completed the project. But then, still many of the residents came to me and asked for assistance. I said, okay, let me try after I get elected, so that I have more right to ask for this from you. 'In 2021, I achieved that goal and was elected. Since then, I have remained committed to this mission. But it took me three years to find the right way to do this, to find this reimbursement subsidy. 'Last year, I once again reached out to our Premier. Thankfully, our Premier was gracious enough to approve it once more. This allowed me to provide a subsidy of RM3,000 to each (of the 320) household (in Rejang Park). 'This morning, we managed to cover 320 homes. After a decade-long journey, I can say with gratitude that this chapter is now complete. Mission accomplished, and all thanks to our Premier.' Tiang added: 'He (Abang Johari) genuinely cares about the issues people face, even at this level. I'm thrilled about this transformative project that has significantly improved the residents' quality of life here. 'It has established a very clean and supportive commercial setting for all the businesspeople in this area. I'm truly delighted,' he said. Also present was SMC Market and Petty Traders standing committee chairwoman Jenny Ting. lead Michael Tiang reimbursement Rejang Park septic tank
Borneo Post
4 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sarawak mulls star rating system to protect homebuyers from scam developers
Tiang (left) presents a cheque to one of the house owners, while others look on. – Photo by Peter Boon SIBU (July 20): The Sarawak Ministry of Public Health, Housing and Local Government is considering implementing a star rating system for housing developers in the state to protect homebuyers from scams. Its deputy minister Datuk Michael Tiang revealed talks are currently taking place with the Sarawak Housing and Real Estate Developers' Association (Sheda). He also disclosed the ministry was blacklisting housing developers with poor track records in Sarawak. 'We are not only going to blacklist them, but we might use the publicly available star rating system for reference. 'So, if you purchase a house from developers with a one-star rating, you should think twice. However, if you buy from those with a five-star rating, you can proceed with confidence,' he told reporters when met on the sidelines after a ceremony presenting reimbursement for septic tank self-installation to Rejang Park homeowners here yesterday. He said the rating system functions similarly to other online rating platforms, allowing them to distinguish the quality of developers. 'It categorises them as five-star or one-star developers, helping users steer clear of potential scams. 'We have come across many scams among housing development projects, so we want to find ways to help our consumers to avoid these unnecessary scams, because they use their hard-earned money (to buy a house). Maybe they only buy one house in their whole life (time). 'This is a huge decision they are making, so we want to help them make better decisions,' he said. When asked when the rating system could be implemented, he said the ministry was still in discussions with Sheda, but opined it could be soon. 'The content will be published on the Ministry of Public Health, Housing and Local Government's website and perhaps on Sheda's website as well. This will go a long way to remind developers about their moral duty to house buyers. 'They shouldn't just think about making money or how much they can earn. They have a moral duty to deliver whatever they promise, not only an agreement. As developers, people use their hard-earned money to buy a house from you, so you better do it properly,' he said. Meanwhile, Tiang also shared his message for the upcoming Sarawak Day: 'I wish all Sarawakians a joyous Sarawak Day and be proud to be Sarawakians.' Also present was Sibu Municipal Council Market and Petty Traders standing committee chairwoman Jenny Ting. homebuyers Michael Tiang scams Sheda star rating system
Borneo Post
5 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Tiang: Jln Deshon sick housing project set to be declared abandoned next month
A view of the long-delayed housing project. – Photo by Peter Boon SIBU (July 18): The long-overdue housing development project along Jalan Deshon here is expected to be declared an abandoned project by next month, said State Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government, Datuk Michael Tiang. Speaking to reporters during a site visit today, he said the project, which commenced in 2012 and was initially slated for completion in 2015, remains only 70 per cent completed after over a decade. 'Due to the delay, many buyers have started filing lawsuits against the developer. In 2022, the company was wound up by the Sibu High Court and placed under the receivership of the Insolvency Department,' he said. Tiang explained that once the project is gazetted as abandoned under the Housing Development Control Licencing Ordinance 2013, affected buyers would be able to approach their respective banks to apply for interest exemptions. 'This will ease their financial burden, as they will no longer have to service the interest. That is one form of relief we can provide at this stage,' he said. The Pelawan assemblyman also revealed that discussions are underway with landowners on the next course of action for the stalled development. 'As for the way forward — how to turn the project around — that will be the next step. 'Across Sarawak, we have identified several other similar projects and will gradually visit and assess them for possible declaration as abandoned projects. This is what we mean when developers are no longer in a position to continue their projects,' he added. Tiang disclosed that the housing development project along Jalan Deshon here will be the first of the sick projects to be declared as abandoned under his tenure as Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government. The project comprised 80 units of townhouses and 10 units of two-and-a-half storey semi-detached houses, affecting 44 house purchasers. Earlier, Tiang also visited another sick project at Lorong Salim 28, noting that it was delayed for two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic. During the inspection, he expressed satisfaction with the progress and quality of the project. 'There are 47 units in Phase 1 and 2. According to the developer, Phase 1 involving 21 units is scheduled to complete by next month, while Phase 2 involving 26 units is expected for completion by year end,' he said. He added that after the completion of the project, Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) will assist with the occupational permit (OP) for residents to move in. Furthermore, Tiang also inspected the project at Taman Muhibbah, with 35 units of single-storey terrace houses and 12 single-storey semi-detached houses. abandoned Jalan Deshon Michaeel Tiang sick housing project
The Star
5 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Jalan Deshon 'sick' housing project to be declared abandoned, more to follow
SIBU: The Jalan Deshon townhouse housing project here has been labelled as one of the most sick projects in Sibu. State Deputy Local Government, Housing and Public Administration Minister Datuk Michael Tiang said his ministry is in the process of formally declaring the project as abandoned under the Housing Development (Control and Licensing) Ordinance 2013. 'We anticipate that the declaration will be made by next month, pending formal confirmation from the Minister himself, Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian,' he said The move, according to Tiang, is expected to bring some relief to purchasers, enabling them to negotiate with their respective banks for potential loan interest waivers. 'This is our first step in alleviating the financial burden of the buyers. "Following this, we will engage with the landowner to explore options for reviving and completing the project,' he told reporters during a site inspection on Friday (July 18). The project involving 80 townhouse units started in 2012 and was scheduled for completion in 2015. However, more than a decade later, construction remains incomplete, with only a 70% completion rate. Tiang explained that prolonged delays to the project have led affected buyers to initiate legal proceedings. "This is one of the most seriously stalled developments in Sibu, as there has been no substantial progress for a prolonged period. "The developer was also declared bankrupt by the Sibu High Court in 2022," he added. Tiang also mentioned that several other housing developments across Sarawak are similarly categorised as "sick" projects and are being closely monitored by the ministry. 'We will continue to carry out on-site inspections to identify abandoned projects, especially those where developers are no longer financially capable of proceeding,' he said. Tiang, who is also the Pelawan assemblyman, reiterated the state government's commitment to safeguarding the rights and welfare of homebuyers, particularly in cases involving long-delayed housing developments.
The Star
6 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Sibu park taking shape after 20-year wait
Tiang (fourth from right) and Lau (fourth from left) during the visit to the Jalan Apollo community park. THE first phase of upgrading works at the long-awaited community park on Jalan Apollo in Sarawak's Pelawan constituency, Sibu, has been completed. Construction began in November 2024 and was completed last March, with funding from the Rural Transformation Programme (RTP). Sarawak Public Health, Housing and Local Government Deputy Minister Datuk Michael Tiang, who is also Pelawan assemblyman, visited the park. He was accompanied by his service team and officials from Sibu Municipal Council. Deshon West development and security committee chairman Lau Sei Kwong said the land in the neighbourhood had remained idle for over two decades despite residents' calls for a public park. 'It was only after Tiang took office and engaged with the community that plans moved forward, with RTP funds allocated to turn the vacant space into a recreational facility,' said Lau. The first phase included installing a new drainage system, turfing, stone benches and solar-powered streetlights. The next phase will see the addition of cement walkways and basic fitness equipment. A pickleball court is also being considered, subject to available funding, Lau said. 'This park will be more than just a playground for children. 'It will be a place for families to gather, for residents to relax, exercise and build a stronger community.' he said. He added that the development of community parks was among Tiang's key election pledges and several such projects had already been completed across the Pelawan constituency.
