Latest news with #Uggah
Borneo Post
20 hours ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Abg Jo is Sarawak's ‘Father of Infrastructure Transformation', says Uggah
(From front sixth left) Uggah and Abang Johari are seen at the official opening of Tun Taib Mahmud Bridge with other dignitaries. — Ukas photo BINTULU (July 24): Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has been called the architect of Sarawak's infrastructure transformation. Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said Abang Johari's visionary leadership and financial acumen have enabled major developments across the state. 'I believe the Premier rightfully deserves the title as the 'Father of Infrastructure Transformation' in Sarawak,' Uggah said during the official opening of Tun Taib Mahmud Bridge here last night. Uggah described Abang Johari as a leader with the people at heart, who is determined to ensure that roads and bridges across Sarawak are built swiftly to spur socioeconomic growth. 'He is incredibly resourceful. Without him, I don't know where we would have gotten the funds. 'Last year alone, Sarawak recorded RM14.2 billion in income, compared to just RM6.8 billion in 2017,' he said, noting that more progress can be expected due to the Premier's strategic planning. He pointed out the Sarawak Public Works Department (JKR) has been entrusted to implement infrastructure projects worth RM42.6 billion, all financed by the state's own funds. He noted that under the state's ongoing bridge-building programme, five bridges are completed and six more expected to be finished by 2026, including the iconic Batang Lupar 1 Bridge, which at 4.8km will be the longest in Sarawak. 'We're aiming for its completion by March 2026, but we will try our best to get it done by December 2025,' he said. On the Marina Bridge in Miri, he said it may also be completed earlier than expected, with the contractor indicating they could finish the four-year project in just three. 'By June 2026, you'll be able to drive from Kuching to Miri without relying on a ferry, a direct result of the Premier's bridge development agenda,' Uggah said. He emphasised that no other state in Malaysia is undertaking a bridge construction effort as extensive as Sarawak's with 17 major bridges currently planned or underway. 'Just now, (Minister Of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development) Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi mentioned additional bridges in Bintulu, and I heard that the Premier has approved more in Sibu and Sebuyau, which could bring the total to 20 bridges,' he said. Focusing on Bintulu, Uggah said RM1.1 billion worth of infrastructure projects are being rolled out, including the RM117.9 million new administrative centre and an RM80 million dual carriageway road from Tun Taib Mahmud Bridge to Bintulu Airport worth. 'All of these projects are fully financed by the Sarawak government. The opposition used to dismiss them as mere talk, but now they're seeing real, physical results, not just rhetoric, but proof on the ground. 'GPS doesn't just make promises, we fulfil them. That's the commitment of the GPS government under Premier Abang Johari,' he added.
Borneo Post
3 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Uggah: JKR retirees laid the foundation for Sarawak's growth
Uggah (sixth left) presents a certificate to one of the JKR retirees during the event last night. BINTULU (July 22): The contributions of Public Works Department (JKR) Sarawak retirees will always be valued as they played a vital role in the successful completion of many development projects in the state, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas. Speaking at the JKR Sarawak 2025 Appreciation Night held at the Grand Millennium Ballroom, Parkcity Everly Hotel Bintulu yesterday (July 21), Uggah underscored the lasting impact of the retirees' efforts. 'Though they have retired, it does not mean they are disconnected from their professional legacy. Their ideas and expertise are still relevant and very much needed in the construction sector that continues to shape the development of Sarawak as we see today,' he said. He noted that every retiree contributed meaningfully in their areas of responsibility, serving with full commitment and integrity. Uggah also urged current JKR staff to emulate the dedication and strong work ethic of their predecessors. 'The excellence demonstrated by former JKR personnel sets a high benchmark, and it is vital for current staff to uphold and continue this legacy of distinction,' he said. He emphasised that the construction sector remains a key pillar of Sarawak's development, offering both opportunities and challenges for JKR ahead. 'Therefore, JKR's proven track record of excellence must be preserved and continually enhanced to further empower the construction sector in our state,' Uggah said. development projects douglas uggah embas jkr sarawak retiree
Borneo Post
3 days ago
- Borneo Post
‘Regular quality checks, project's timeliness crucial in boosting rural connectivity'
Uggah (left) being briefed on the latest project updates by JKR Sarawak director Dr Cassidy Morris. BINTULU (July 22): Regular quality checks and strict adherence to project timelines are crucial in meeting the state government's commitment in strengthening rural connectivity and promoting regional economic development, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas. He said this during a work visit to the site of the dual-carriageway project, meant to link Kemena Bridge and Bintulu Airport, to assess the ongoing progress. 'This project reflects our dedication in building resilient and future-ready infrastructure that supports the mobility, safety and prosperity of the people,' he said. During the visit, Uggah was briefed on the latest updates on the project, which is currently in the site-clearing and early earthworks phases. The project is being undertaken by JEB Construction Sdn Bhd, following the official handover of the site on May 5 this year. Meanwhile, the Public Works Department (JKR) Sarawak, in a Facebook post, said the scope of the project would cover constructing a 4.1km dual-carriageway to the JKR U5 standards and also a 30m reinforced concrete bridge. 'Ongoing earthworks involve extensive cutting and filling to ensure road stability and durability for heavy traffic. 'At the same time, slope strengthening and erosion control measures are being implemented to mitigate environmental impact and protect surrounding communities,' it said. douglas uggah embas no delay quality check rural connectivity
Borneo Post
4 days ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Abg Jo: S'wak govt channels RM565 mln to Unifor for religious infrastructure, inclusivity
Uggah (eight left) receives a souvenir from Georgina (seventh left) as Lee (ninth left), Penguang (sixth left) and other guests look on. MIRI (July 21): The Sarawak government has allocated a total of RM565 million to the Unit for Other Religions (Unifor), reaffirming its commitment to ensuring that all Sarawakians can worship in environments that are safe, dignified and comfortable, regardless of their faith. Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said of the total sum, RM475 million has already been channelled through Unifor to support the development and enhancement of houses of worship across Sarawak. 'These efforts are anchored in the principle of social inclusivity,' he said in his speech read by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas during the Interfaith Thanksgiving event held in conjunction with the Sarawak Day celebration at a hotel here last night. He said the state government's support covers places of worship for various faiths, including Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, Taoism, Sikhism, the Baha'i faith and traditional belief systems. Meanwhile, the remaining RM90 million has been allocated to missionary schools throughout Sarawak since 2021. Abang Johari also noted that Unifor is the only agency of its kind in Malaysia, describing it as a clear reflection of the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS)-led Sarawak government's deep respect for the state's diverse religious landscape. 'With sustained support, Unifor has cultivated a strong and stable ecosystem of interfaith harmony, making Sarawak a model of unity across Malaysia,' he said. He added that through Unifor, the state government will continue to strengthen the infrastructure of religious institutions, ensuring that every citizen enjoys freedom of faith and peace of worship. At the same time, he stressed the need for Sarawak to remain a beacon of peace and unity amid growing global challenges. He called on religious leaders to play a vital role in fostering interfaith dialogue and promoting mutual understanding among communities. 'They are crucial partners in building a holistic and thriving society, helping shape the moral compass of our future generation,' he said. On the event, Abang Johari said it offered a meaningful opportunity to deepen interfaith connections and appreciate the spiritual diversity that defines Sarawak. 'When we come together to celebrate our traditions, we embrace the spirit of inclusivity, a principle embedded in our Post-Covid Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030. 'Let this celebration serve as a reaffirmation of our shared values, mutual respect, and our continued journey towards a more united and holistic Sarawak,' he added. Among those present were Sarawak Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, who is also the minister in-charge of the Sarawak Day celebration 2025, Deputy Minister of Housing and Local Government Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil and Unifor director Georgina Apphia Ngau. Abang Johari Interfaith Thanksgiving event lead Unifor
Borneo Post
5 days ago
- General
- Borneo Post
Uggah eyes statewide bridge runs after successful Bintulu event
Uggah flags off the runners at the start of the Jepak Bridge Run 2025 – Photo by Abang Ismail Abang Suud. BINTULU (July 20): The bridge run event could become a statewide phenomenon following the resounding success of the Jepak Bridge Run 2025 this morning, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas. Speaking to reporters after officiating at the flag off ceremony at the Bintulu Civic Centre, he proposed that similar running events be held simultaneously across the state in future to celebrate newly completed bridges. The Jepak Bridge Run, which saw the participation from around 2,300 runners, marked a historic celebration of the completion of the Jepak Bridge, which is a major infrastructure milestone linking Kuala Kemena in Bintulu. 'First, I would like to congratulate Dr Cassidy Morris (JKR Sarawak director) and his team from JKR Sarawak for successfully organising this morning's Jepak Bridge Run. 'With over 2,000 participants, it was a very successful and exciting event. I believe everyone is extremely proud of this bridge. If you noticed earlier, it looked like an army of ants going up and down the bridge, a truly remarkable sight,' he said. Uggah praised the energy and enthusiasm of the local community, highlighting how the unique scenery and design of the Jepak Bridge had captured the public's imagination. 'This event has certainly excited the people of Bintulu. The view from the bridge is spectacular, and this kind of community engagement should not be limited to just one location,' he said. Looking ahead, Uggah proposed that the Jepak Bridge Run be made an annual event, and encouraged JKR Sarawak to explore the idea of hosting simultaneous runs across other newly completed bridges in the state. 'We are now constructing 16 bridges throughout Sarawak. Five have already been completed, and the rest are progressing well,' he added. Among them, he noted, is the Batang Lupar 1 Bridge, which spans 4.8 kilometres, a very attractive location for a future bridge run. With proper planning and coordination, Uggah said the concept of a bridge run phenomenon could be established, potentially held simultaneously across different divisions in Sarawak to foster unity, promote health, and celebrate the state's infrastructure achievements. bridge run douglas uggah embas lead statewide pehnomenon
