Latest news with #Uggah
The Star
18 hours ago
- Business
- The Star
S'wak govt aims for equitable rural-urban growth, says Uggah
KUCHING: The increase in rural development allocation for this year's Sarawak budget is a reflection of the state government's unwavering resolve to narrow the rural-urban gap and ensure equitable growth, says Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas He said that RM6.8bil had been allocated under the Sarawak 2025 Budget for rural development, which rose from RM5.695bil in 2024, indicating the State Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg's clear commitment to uplift the wellbeing of the rural communities. In his message for the Gawai Dayak festival, which begins on Sunday (June 1), Uggah said the rural development focus has seen major bridge projects being implemented as growth catalysts. "Five (bridges) have already been completed, including the Batang Saribas 1 Bridge in Pusa, Betong and others such as the iconic Bintulu Jepak, Muara Lassa, Marudi and Batang Rajang bridges. "Six more, including the nation's longest river bridge - Batang Lupar 1 - are expected to be completed by year-end,' said Uggah, who is also the State Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development. He said that Gawai Dayak should be accepted as a festival to bridge inter-racial relationships in Sarawak, which has been a pertinent essence for the state to continue progressing. "Just as bridges connect our cities and villages, this Gawai season should also serve as a 'bridge' to strengthen the bond of friendship, unity and harmony among us all. Let us celebrate our diversity under the spirit of 'Segulai Sejalai' or Together in Unity,' he added. - Bernama
Borneo Post
a day ago
- Climate
- Borneo Post
Sarawak braces for hot, dry weather as southwest monsoon hits; authorities on high alert for bushfires
Uggah says all divisional and district disaster management committees have been instructed to prepare for the ongoing southwest monsoon phase. – Photo by Chimon Upon KUCHING (May 30): The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) has forecast hot and dry weather conditions for Sarawak starting from the second week of June, said State Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas. The State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) chairman said all divisional and district disaster management committees have been instructed to prepare for the ongoing southwest monsoon phase. 'Bushfires could break out due to the situation,' he cautioned when chairing an SDMC meeting here on Thursday. He added that the Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB), Miri Municipal Council, and other relevant agencies have been placed on high alert, especially in fire-prone areas such as Kuala Baram. He emphasised the importance of maximising the use of lookout towers and ensuring all tube wells are fully operational. 'The NREB should fly their drones when any signs of smoke are detected there,' he said, while issuing a stern warning to landowners against open burning. 'We will take action against them (landowners) if this happens. In a nutshell, all must be fast and effective in responding to any bushfire occurrences to minimise the impacts and damages,' he said. On a related note, he revealed that the state cabinet is set to decide whether individuals who refuse to evacuate to flood relief centres will remain eligible for the government's compassionate assistance fund, known as Wang Ihsan. 'They may have their reasons, but we need to establish clear criteria,' he explained. 'For instance, a longhouse may be inaccessible due to flooding and the victims are given food ration – but are they still entitled to receive the financial aid?' He also disclosed that some 21,000 victims were identified during the last flood event. bushfires douglas uggah embas dry hot weather lead SDMC
Borneo Post
3 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
S'wak's economy stays resilient with strong sector growth, continued investments despite global risks, says Uggah
Uggah says the services sector is expected to grow by 6.7 per cent in 2024, supported by tourism, with 4.8 million visitor arrivals last year and 1.2 million in the first quarter of 2025. – Photo by Chimon Upon KUCHING (May 28): Sarawak's economy remains on a strong growth path despite global uncertainties, with key sectors showing steady performance and continued investment driving development, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas. He also said the services sector is expected to grow by 6.7 per cent in 2024, supported by tourism, with 4.8 million visitor arrivals last year and 1.2 million in the first quarter of 2025. 'Manufacturing output rose, driven by increased liquefied natural gas (LNG) production, though global market softening may affect demand later this year. 'The mining sector is projected to grow by 2.3 per cent in 2024, bolstered by new oil and gas developments such as the Kasawari field,' he said in his Finance and New Economy ministerial winding up speech at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today. Apart from that, he also said agriculture posted modest growth, with oil palm yields improving despite a slight drop in crude palm oil extraction rates. While construction remains one of the fastest-growing sectors at 8.7 per cent, led by infrastructure projects under the 12th Malaysia Plan. 'Total trade grew by 2.8 per cent in 2024, with LNG and CPO exports leading the way, though crude petroleum exports declined. 'However, early 2025 trade data shows an 11.4 per cent contraction, reflecting external market risks,' he said. Meanwhile he also said Sarawak secured RM7.6 billion in approved manufacturing investments in 2024, while public development expenditure reached nearly RM15 billion. For 2025, the state has allocated RM10 billion for development, with RM5.9 billion from the federal government. Uggah also noted strong domestic consumption, boosted by the revised public service pay scheme and targeted assistance programmes like Sarawak Basic Needs Assistance (SKAS) and Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR). Thus the state, according to him, remains committed to sustaining economic momentum, though growth projections of 5.0 to 6.0 per cent in 2025 may be challenged by global headwinds. douglas uggah DUN sarawak economy
The Sun
3 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Sarawak plans free trade zone using Jebel Ali model
KUCHING: Sarawak has strong potential to become a regional trade hub through a more intensive implementation of the Free Trade Zone (FTZ) model, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas. Uggah who is also Minister for Infrastructure and Port Development said Sarawak can draw lessons from the success of Jebel Ali in the United Arab Emirates, where the integration of a modern port with a FTZ attracted over 11,000 companies worldwide and now contributes to 36 per cent of Dubai's GDP. He said that in a bid to emulate this success, the Sarawak government is now rolling out the Sarawak Ports Master Plan, a visionary initiative that seeks to transform the state's ports into engines of economic growth, making Sarawak the gateway to Borneo, the wider region and the global market. 'The plan aims to establish a modern, efficient and integrated port system that is internationally competitive and fully aligned with the state's Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030. 'The transformation will be driven by four key pillars: Streamlining governance; Modernising and developing port and FTZ infrastructure; Driving economic diversification; and Enhancing regional and global connectivity,' he said during the winding-up session for his ministry at the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting here today. Uggah said the Sarawak Ports Master Plan marks a historic first transformative initiative that positions Sarawak as a key player in global trade and logistics. 'More than just a development blueprint, it is a game changer for Sarawak's economic trajectory, laying the foundation for sustainable growth that goes beyond reliance on natural resources. 'By strengthening our port infrastructure and connectivity, we are creating new opportunities for businesses, empowering local industries, and opening Sarawak to the world,' he added.
The Sun
3 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Sarawak plans to implement free trade zone, using Jebel Ali as success model
KUCHING: Sarawak has strong potential to become a regional trade hub through a more intensive implementation of the Free Trade Zone (FTZ) model, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas. Uggah who is also Minister for Infrastructure and Port Development said Sarawak can draw lessons from the success of Jebel Ali in the United Arab Emirates, where the integration of a modern port with a FTZ attracted over 11,000 companies worldwide and now contributes to 36 per cent of Dubai's GDP. He said that in a bid to emulate this success, the Sarawak government is now rolling out the Sarawak Ports Master Plan, a visionary initiative that seeks to transform the state's ports into engines of economic growth, making Sarawak the gateway to Borneo, the wider region and the global market. 'The plan aims to establish a modern, efficient and integrated port system that is internationally competitive and fully aligned with the state's Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030. 'The transformation will be driven by four key pillars: Streamlining governance; Modernising and developing port and FTZ infrastructure; Driving economic diversification; and Enhancing regional and global connectivity,' he said during the winding-up session for his ministry at the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting here today. Uggah said the Sarawak Ports Master Plan marks a historic first transformative initiative that positions Sarawak as a key player in global trade and logistics. 'More than just a development blueprint, it is a game changer for Sarawak's economic trajectory, laying the foundation for sustainable growth that goes beyond reliance on natural resources. 'By strengthening our port infrastructure and connectivity, we are creating new opportunities for businesses, empowering local industries, and opening Sarawak to the world,' he added.
