Latest news with #di-Pertua
The Star
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
Fahmi Reza barred from leaving country, ‘thanks' cops for unforgettable birthday gift
IPOH: Controversial graphic artist and activist Fahmi Reza claims that he has been barred from travelling abroad. In a post shared on his Facebook page on Saturday (June 7), the 47-year-old said Immigration officers at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport had stopped him earlier in the day before his 9.35am flight to Singapore. Fahmi said he had made plans to fly to Singapore to watch a concert. "Today, I was barred from going overseas by the government. Two of my favourite punk bands Slant from South Korea and Sial from Singapore are playing in Singapore. "It has been quite some time since I wanted to watch both bands play live. I bought a flight ticket, planned for a two-day, one-night trip in Singapore and was prepared to stay at a friend's place there," he added. The latest travel ban for Fahmi came after he was denied entry into Sabah on May 29. Fahmi, whose birthday is today, believed that the travel ban imposed on him was due to his artwork that criticised the appointment of Tun Musa Aman as Sabah's Yang di-Pertua Negeri (TYT). He had in late 2024 got into trouble with the authorities for insulting the then incoming 11th TYT, depicting Musa in a caricature deemed offensive by the Keningau Native Court. Fahmi also said that he was made to wait in the Immigration office and also to print out his travelling documents on his own. "After about half an hour, the immigration officer asked for my passport and MyKad to be photocopied. "He also asked for my boarding pass and flight tickets, which I showed from my mobile phone but he insisted on checking the printed version," he said. "Even though the office has a printer and photocopier, I was told to find another place to print (the travel documents). "At that time, there was only 10 minutes left before boarding time and 30 minutes before the gates closed," he said. "I rushed out of the Immigration office to look for a printer and fortunately, an airport staff was able to help and brought me to the Sama-Sama Express Hotel on a buggy to print the travel documents," he added. Fahmi said as he went back to the Immigration office to submit the documents, he was informed that Bukit Aman (police) had barred him from travelling abroad. "I asked for a reason and was told to ask the police. I was then escorted out of the departure hall. What did I do wrong? Only the police and the government can answer,' he added
Borneo Post
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Machan rep pushes for road, bridge project to boost rural access, development
KUCHING (May 22): Machan assemblyman Allan Siden Gramong has called for swift government approval of a proposed 12-km road project linking Rumah Joanis Giri Nanga Geremai to Rumah Henry Ajol in Sungai Machan, a project estimated to cost RM80 million. Speaking during the Motion of Appreciation on the Yang di-Pertua Negeri's speech at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) today; Allan highlighted that the proposed road would not only enhance basic connectivity for local communities but also support broader development initiatives. 'It is hoped that once the road and new bridge are completed, other essential services such as electricity, clean water supply, and telecommunications can be extended to these areas,' he said. The proposed road is expected to benefit 19 longhouses, comprising 387 household doors. He emphasised that better accessibility would facilitate the use of more land for agriculture, thus stimulating local economic activities and supporting Sarawak's rural transformation goals. This initiative, he noted, aligns with Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg's vision to increase household income by 2030. He also pointed to other infrastructure issues affecting his constituency, including low water pressure issues and a lack of clean water supply in Majau, Mam, Batu Luking, Poi, and Menalun. These water issues, he explained, could be addressed through a new project under the Sarawak Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB), scheduled for implementation under Rolling Plan 5 of the 12th Malaysia Plan. Once implemented, it would benefit 754 households across 43 longhouses and three schools. Allan also raised concerns regarding delayed infrastructure projects, calling for updates on the Jalan Ulu Poi project, which is currently stalled due to funding constraints under the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID). He also sought clarification on the status of the Jalan Ulu Machan project (Nanga Jerangku to Rumah Lajang Ulu Machan), which remains in the design phase under the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development. He further drew attention to the deteriorating condition of the road to Kampung Muhibah Kanowit – the main access route to Pekan Kanowit. He urged immediate repairs, noting it had not been maintained for a significant period. The assemblyman also cited several roads damaged during recent floods in Machan, including Jalan Ranan-Durin, Jalan Lipus, Jalan Menuju en route to Pekan Machan, and Jalan Batu Luking en route to Rumah Surat in Nanga Mitam. He noted that large construction vehicles had worsened the situation, especially during drainage works near residential zones, raising serious safety concerns. Allan also expressed particular concern over Jalan Batu Luking, which leads to SK Batu Luking and is used daily by schoolchildren. He urged relevant authorities to prioritise repair works to prevent further deterioration and avoid disruption in connectivity. On frequent road accidents at the Kanowit roundabout, he requested the authorities to conduct a thorough analysis and determine appropriate measures to prevent such incidents. 'I hope the relevant agencies will take immediate action to address these issues to ensure the safety and wellbeing of residents,' he said.
Borneo Post
22-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Tebedu rep urges swift factory approval to boost local economy, flags key infrastructure gaps
Simon says Tebedu Industrial Area has been earmarked as a manufacturing hub for the Serian Division under the Serian Master Plan 2020–2030 and is strategically positioned to facilitate cross-border trade with Indonesia. KUCHING (May 22): Tebedu assemblyman Dr Simon Sinang Bada has urged the relevant authorities to expedite the approval process for a proposed factory in the Tebedu Industrial Area, highlighting its potential to stimulate the local economy and create employment opportunities. He said the Tebedu Industrial Area has been earmarked as a manufacturing hub for the Serian Division under the Serian Master Plan 2020–2030 and is strategically positioned to facilitate cross-border trade with Indonesia. 'To date, we have received two investment proposals for the area. We are excited about these investment plans and hope both can begin operations soon as they will generate and stimulate local economic activity and open up employment opportunities, especially for the people of Tebedu and Sarawak in general. 'I urge that approval to establish a factory in the Tebedu Industrial Area be given due consideration by the relevant authorities,' he said during his Motion of Appreciation on the Yang di-Pertua Negeri's Speech at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today. Highlighting infrastructure issues, Simon also raised concerns about the inconsistent electricity supply in the area. He stressed that stable and sufficient power is crucial for the planned industrial operations, and called on the relevant authorities to take immediate steps to improve the electricity infrastructure to meet the needs of incoming investments. He also highlighted the poor condition of roads in his constituency and urged the authorities to expedite the resurfacing of damaged village roads. He called for faster implementation of the Serian-Tebedu road project, along with the RM180 million project to connect Temong, Darul Iman, Darul Fallah, Darul Huda, and Tepoi. Simon also pointed out ongoing water supply issues affecting several villages, including Kampung Kakeng, Kampung Taee, Kampung Jenan, Kampung Lanchang, and Kampung Plaman Nyabet. These areas frequently experience disruptions due to low pressure and pipe bursts, and he urged the Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB) to investigate the root causes and implement long-term solutions. Additionally, he reported frequent power outages in Tebedu, which he said disrupt daily life, affect internet connectivity, and hamper the operation of water pump boosters. He called for the fast-tracking of applications from Tebedu under the Additional Late Applicant Fund (Alaf). Internet connectivity also remains unsatisfactory in the area, with frequent disruptions caused by cable theft, vandalism, and broken optical cables. He requested that the State Ministry of Utility and relevant agencies ensure proper maintenance of fibre optic cables, especially along the Tebedu-Mongkos road, adding that the telecommunications tower at Kampung Daha Seroban should be made operational immediately to address connectivity needs. Simon also urged the Health Ministry to expedite the construction of a new Type 3 Health Clinic in Tebedu, noting that the existing facility is in poor condition and inadequate to serve the community's growing needs. On solid waste management, he raised concern over the current landfill site, which is nearing capacity. Managed by the Serian District Council, the site requires urgent replacement. He also appealed for uninterrupted waste collection services during festive seasons such as Gawai to prevent overflowing trash bins in villages. He further called for stronger measures to monitor substance abuse and social problems among school-age children in Tebedu, citing it as a pressing community issue. On another note, Simon reported that recent heavy and continuous rainfall had triggered landslides in multiple areas, including Kampung Krusen Kranji, Jalan Mongkos, Kampung Tema, Kampung Daha Seroban, Kampung Tubih Mawang, Jalan Kampung Tepoi, and Kampung Entubuh. He appealed to the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee to recognise these incidents and allocate the necessary funds for repairs and mitigation to ensure public safety. On land matters, he said that under the Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) initiative, documentation for traditional village and agricultural land lots has been completed in several villages within his constituency. He urged the Land and Survey Department to expedite surveying under Section 18 and issue individual land titles to the rightful owners without further delay. Dr Simon Sinang Bada DUN Tebedu
Borneo Post
21-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Rep proposes ‘Nelayan Park', O&G hub to boost Balingian's economy
Abdul Yakub suggests developing the coastal area at the estuary of Sungai Badengan into a new tourism attraction, with facilities such as access roads to the beach, and amenities supporting fishing and recreational sports. – Photo by Roystein Emmor KUCHING (May 21): Abdul Yakub Arbi (GPS-Balingian) has proposed the development of a 'Nelayan Park' project aimed at benefiting the fishing communities in the Seberang Mukah area, particularly in Kampung Litong, Kampung Tanjung, Kampung Bunut, and Kampung Sungai Alo. He presented the proposal during the Motion of Appreciation on the Speech by the Yang di-Pertua Negeri at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today, emphasising efforts to strengthen the local economy through an inclusive and sustainable development approach. Abdul Yakub explained that the 'Nelayan Park' would incorporate elements of traditional village life, fishing activities, and the coastal ecosystem, leveraging these natural assets for sustainable development. 'This project will not only empower the fishing community through improved infrastructure, but can also serve as an interactive and educational centre focused on fisheries, recreation, and the preservation of local maritime culture,' he said. He suggested developing the coastal area at the estuary of Sungai Badengan into a new tourism attraction, with facilities such as access roads to the beach, and amenities supporting fishing and recreational sports. 'With this development, I believe Seberang Mukah and Mateding will not only become attractive tourism destinations, but also serve as catalysts for local economic growth. 'It is also expected to help preserve the heritage of the fishing communities, which form an important part of Sarawak's coastal identity,' he said. In addition, Abdul Yakub proposed establishing a landing facility for oil and gas resources in the Balingian constituency, following Petronas' announcement on March 30, 2021, regarding a major new oil and gas discovery at the Sirung-1 wildcat exploration well in Block SK405B under the Production Sharing Contract. He noted that the discovery, located in the shallow waters off Balingian, holds significant potential to boost economic development in the area. 'Mateding has been identified as the most strategic location for this activity. 'If realised, the project will create many new job opportunities, especially for youths and local residents of Balingian, and will help reduce the migration of the workforce to urban areas,' he said. To support the industry's growth, Abdul Yakub also called for the establishment of a technical training institute in the area. He stressed that such an institute is vital to develop skilled and competent human capital aligned with the needs of the oil and gas sector and related industries. 'I believe that with this dual approach – industry landing and skills development – Balingian can rise to become a sustainable and competitive new industrial development hub in central Sarawak,' he said. Abdul Yakub Arbi Balingian DUN Nelayan Park oil and gas
