Latest news with #WilfredYap
Borneo Post
24-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Preserve, share ‘bak chang' culture to strengthen Sarawak's harmony, says Kota Sentosa rep
Goh (third right) presents some bak chang to Yap while other organising committee members look on. – The Borneo Post photo KUCHING (May 24): The tradition of making bak chang (glutinous rice dumplings) should not only be preserved by the Chinese community but also promoted among all races in Sarawak to strengthen racial unity, said Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap. He emphasised that bak chang making is an important part of Chinese cultural heritage and encouraging participation from other communities can foster greater understanding and harmony. 'We live in a multi-racial Malaysia and Sarawak and organising this kind of event will help promote unity among Sarawakians especially when everyone is invited to come and participate,' he said at 'A Taste of Heritage Vegetarian Bak Chang Making Demonstration' at Aeroville Mall here today. Yap noted that Sarawak has seen significant progress under the leadership of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, who has led the state government since 2017. 'The state revenue was then RM6.8 billion then but now we are anticipating that our annual revenue will increase to RM14.2 billion next year,' he said. 'Our reserves now is RM400 billion. That is strong proof that Sarawak has prospered much under the GPS-led government. 'We must stay united if we want to continue to prosper and don't let people from outside the state disrupt our unity,' he added. As a show of support for the event, Yap announced a RM5,000 grant to the organiser Taman Riverview Bintawa Kuching Community Association in collaboration with Persatuan Tukang Masak Hou Yu Kuching. The event attracted a diverse group of participants from various ethnic backgrounds, many of whom eagerly tried their hand at making 'vegetarian chang'. Also present was Hoi Tin Lau Restaurant head chef Goh Ah Seng, who is president of Taman Riverview Bintawa Kuching Community Association and Persatuan Tukang Masak Hou Yu Kuching. bak chang culture Kuching unity Wilfred Yap
Free Malaysia Today
23-05-2025
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
Petronas operating in Sarawak ‘on borrowed time', says SUPP rep
Petronas' presence was only allowed with Sarawak's consent because federal laws do not automatically apply to the state unless it was adopted by the state's legislature, according to SUPP's Wilfred Yap. (AFP pic) PETALING JAYA : National oil and gas company Petronas has been operating in Sarawak 'on borrowed time' from a constitutional perspective, according to a Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP) assemblyman. Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap said Article 95D of the Federal Constitution stipulates that federal laws do not automatically apply to Sarawak unless adopted by the state's legislature, Dayak Daily reported. Wilfred Yap. Since Sarawak has never adopted the Petroleum Development Act 1974 (PDA74), Petronas' presence in the state, he argued, was only 'allowed with Sarawak's consent'. 'PDA74 is powerful but powerless in Sarawak. Petronas leans heavily on the PDA74, which gives it control over petroleum resources nationwide,' he was quoted as saying during a motion of appreciation on the Yang di-Pertua Negeri's address in the state legislative assembly yesterday. 'But here's the catch: the PDA74 is a federal law, and in Sarawak, federal laws don't walk through the door uninvited.' Yap, a lawyer by training, pointed out that Sarawak's control over its natural resources is safeguarded by several key instruments, including the Federal Constitution, the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), the Oil Mining Ordinance 1958, and the Distribution of Gas Ordinance 2016. He added that MA63 was a foundational treaty meant to guarantee Sarawak's autonomy over its resources, not just a historical footnote. 'These amendments are legally binding. Any claim that Sarawak must simply 'follow federal law' without its consent contradicts this constitutional reality,' Yap said. He also defended the state-owned oil and gas company, Petros, saying it operates on solid constitutional, legal, and moral grounds. 'Gas distribution within Sarawak falls squarely under the State List, because it involves land, infrastructure, and resources within the state's territory,' he said. Yap welcomed the recent joint statement between Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Sarawak Premier Abang Johari Openg, but warned that Petronas must not obstruct Sarawak's rights in the process. 'Petronas must align with the federal government's commitment to Sarawak and remove any unnecessary bureaucratic barriers. 'If Petronas continues to create obstacles, both the Sarawak and federal governments must address these challenges firmly to ensure that the agreed-upon collaboration is implemented effectively,' he said.
Borneo Post
22-05-2025
- General
- Borneo Post
Education Dept's constant engagement sees Sarawak's primary school dropout rate dip to 4 in 2024
File photo for illustration purposes only. KUCHING (May 22): The Sarawak State Education Department's (JPNS) continuous engagement with pupils and parents has successfully lowered the primary school dropout rate. Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development Datuk Francis Harden Hollis said active engagement activities have prevented children, particularly from poor families, from leaving school. 'Continuous engagements with the parents and students are being carried out by the JPNS. 'The dropout rate among poor families showed a declining trend from 19 pupils in 2022 to four pupils in 2024,' he said in response to a question from Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap at the State Legislative Assembly here today. Separately, he said a special recruitment exercise under the Contract of Service scheme was carried out in 2024 to address teacher shortages in Sarawak. Harden said the initiative was conducted in collaboration with the Education Service Commission, Ministry of Education, and JPNS. Under the scheme, both education and non-education graduates were hired. He said a dedicated committee is also monitoring teacher vacancies to ensure timely replacements as part of ongoing efforts to stabilise the teaching workforce across the state. In addition to tackling teacher shortages, he said the ministry is also prioritising the issue of dilapidated schools. 'Continuous efforts are being made to improve school facilities under the upgrading and rebuilding of dilapidated schools throughout Sarawak,' he said. dropout Francis Harden Hollis lead primary school
Borneo Post
20-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Yap: New Land Code amendments safeguard Sarawak's resources, endowment lands
Wilfred Yap. – Photo by Chimon Upon KUCHING (May 20): The introduction of Sections 32AA and 171A into the Sarawak Land Code reflects Sarawak's evolving needs and ensures that its land legislation remains just, relevant, and functional, said Wilfred Yap (GPS Kota Sentosa). Section 32AA introduces a crucial safeguard by prohibiting the transportation of rock materials outside Sarawak without a valid licence, he said. 'Our rock materials – gravel, sand, limestone, and other minerals – are vital natural resources that play a key role in our economy, environment, and cultural identity. Without proper regulation, unlicensed extraction and transportation could lead to serious environmental degradation, including soil erosion, river siltation, and habitat destruction,' said Yap. This provision is fully in line with Sarawak's constitutional right to manage and protect its natural resources, he said when debating on the Land Code (Amendment) Bill 2025 at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today. A robust licensing system not only ensures compliance with environmental, labour, and safety regulations but also secures rightful revenue for the state through royalties, taxes, and fees, he said. Licensing enhances transparency, allows for effective monitoring, and deters illegal mining activities, he pointed out. Yap then said he disagreed with the observations Chong Chieng Jen (DAP Padungan), pleading for leniency on behalf of offending transporters. The principles of natural justice are fundamental legal rules that ensure fairness in decision-making processes, Yap argued. 'For a person transporting rock materials, for example sand, gravel and stones, these principles apply in cases involving regulatory enforcement, licensing, penalties, or disputes.' Yap said these key principles include right to a fair hearing and the inherent right to challenge an adverse decision before a higher authority or court. The absence of such control risks irreversible damage to Sarawak's ecosystem, the depletion of resources, and loss of state revenue. 'Section 32AA, therefore, is a proactive and necessary measure that reinforces Sarawak's legal sovereignty and environmental stewardship,' said Yap. The new Section 171A provision addresses the legal status and protection of endowment lands, or wakaf, which have long supported religious and charitable institutions such as mosques, churches, temples, and mission schools, Yap pointed out. These lands are not only spiritual assets but also economic ones, often providing income to fund religious, educational, health, and community services, he said. 'However, in the absence of a specific legal framework, endowment lands remain vulnerable to encroachment, mismanagement, or unlawful acquisition. 'Section 171A will provide legal clarity, safeguard ownership rights, establish dispute resolution mechanisms, and impose penalties for violations,' he said. Yap said the introduction of Section 171A is both forward-looking and essential and, provides the necessary legal protections for endowment lands, ensuring transparency, preventing abuse, and enhancing the contributions of religious bodies to Sarawak's social fabric. The proposed Sections 32AA and 171A represent thoughtful and strategic legislative improvements that will benefit Sarawak economically, environmentally, and socially, said Yap when supporting the bill, tabled earlier on by Second Minister of Natural Resources and Urban Planning Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan. DUN sitting Land Code (Amendment) Bill transportation wakaf Wilfred Yap
Borneo Post
20-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Yap: Sarawak Biodiversity Centre amendment bill bridges innovation, commercial value
Yap speaks during the DUN sitting today. – Penerangan photo KUCHING (May 20): The proposed Sarawak Biodiversity Centre (Amendment) Bill, 2025 bridges the gap between scientific innovation and commercial value, aligning with the goals of the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, said Wilfred Yap. The Kota Sentosa assemblyman said by empowering Sarawak Biodiversity Centre (SBC) in the areas of research, intellectual property (IP) ownership, licensing and commercialisation, this Bill ensures that the benefits of Sarawak's natural heritage are channelled back to the people. 'Sarawak's rainforests and ecosystems are home to countless endemic species with immense potential in various sectors, including pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and biotechnology. 'By advancing research and development, reinforcing IP ownership, and streamlining licensing and commercialisation, SBC will be better positioned to unlock the economic value of these resources. 'This not only ensures that benefits are retained within Sarawak but also reduces reliance on foreign companies. Moreover, it empowers local scientists and entrepreneurs to generate homegrown innovations, helping to prevent the exploitation of our biodiversity by external interests,' he said when debating the Bill at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Sitting today. He said one of the most significant provisions under the Bill is the introduction of Section 6A, which would empower SBC to incorporate a company to better fulfil its functions. 'This is a forward-thinking move that will enable SBC to commercialise its research findings such as pharmaceutical, agricultural, and biotech products derived from Sarawak's native flora and fauna more efficiently. 'Through the establishment of a corporate entity, SBC can collaborate more effectively with private sector partners, investors, and international stakeholders. It opens up avenues for joint ventures and funding opportunities while ensuring that Sarawak maintains control over its biological assets,' he said. He added that operating through a company also grants SBC legal and operational autonomy, enabling it to enter into contracts, manage IP rights, and independently handle revenues. Yap said the amendments to the Bill provided greater clarity on SBC's roles, particularly in relation to IP control and licensing authority. 'With improved mechanisms for patenting and licensing, SBC will be able to ensure that revenue generated from discoveries flows back to Sarawak and supports local development,' he said. 2025 lead Sarawak Biodiversity Centre (Amendment) Bill Wilfred Yap
