Latest news with #Chiew
Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Miri MP urges comprehensive action six months after floods, landslide
Chiew (right) looks at the damages caused by a landslide during a visit to Hilltop Garden recently. MIRI (June 19): Nearly six months after severe floods and a deadly landslide struck Miri, MP Chiew Choon Man is calling for sustained recovery efforts and long-term mitigation planning to protect the city from future disasters. In a statement today, Chiew stressed that post-disaster work must continue beyond initial aid, highlighting the need for consistent follow-up nearly half a year after heavy rains triggered widespread flooding across Miri and surrounding divisions. The same weather event also caused a deadly landslide at the foot of Canada Hill in Kampung Lereng Bukit, claiming lives and destroying homes. 'This tragedy has tested the resilience of our community. It must serve as a powerful lesson for all of us in building a safer, more prepared Miri,' he said. Chiew thanked government agencies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and the thousands of volunteers who responded during the emergency. He also acknowledged the federal and Sarawak governments for their early support, including the RM1,000 Bantuan Wang Ihsan (BWI) cash aid and initial allocations for repairs and recovery. However, he cautioned that meaningful recovery cannot end with first-response measures. 'It is our collective responsibility to ensure follow-up actions continue and are not just reactive measures when issues go viral,' Chiew said. Chiew urged authorities to ensure that BWI payments are completed fairly and promptly, regardless of whether victims stayed in official Temporary Relief Centres (PPS) or elsewhere. 'No one should be left behind in the recovery process.' He also called for the repair and restoration of flood-damaged homes and infrastructure to be expedited. He emphasised the need for these efforts to follow a clear implementation schedule, with consistent oversight to ensure timely completion. On mitigation, Chiew pressed for the urgent finalisation of a slope safety study for Canada Hill, especially in the affected Kampung Lereng Bukit area, and the immediate implementation of a long-term landslide prevention plan to safeguard surrounding communities. Equally pressing, he said, is the need to accelerate Miri's flood mitigation strategy. This includes drainage upgrades, construction of retention ponds, riverbank reinforcements, and sustainable urban development to reduce the city's exposure to future weather-related disasters. To push for concrete progress, Chiew said he will convene meetings with relevant agencies to obtain updates and intends to raise the matter in Parliament, including requesting additional allocations if current funds fall short. 'Recovery is not just about rebuilding; it's about preventing future disasters. Let this serve as a turning point for Miri to become a safer, more resilient, and inclusive city,' he said. Chiew Choon Man flood landslide miri mitigation planning mp
Borneo Post
4 days ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Call on relevant authorities to be transparent on Rantau Panjang Jaya restoration
Chiew (left) inspects the site affected by the landslide. SIBU (June 18): The relevant authorities should give the public clear updates on the current status of the Rantau Panjang Jaya restoration project. Democratic Action Party (DAP) committee member Stanley Chiew said the landslide at Rantau Panjang Jaya, which occurred five months ago, had taken a heavy toll on the residents staying at the affected stretch. 'Residents are still looking for answers but to date, there is still not development taking place, no updates, and everything just came to a standstill. Right now, they are all completely in the dark. 'The 38 residents affected by the landslide are still waiting in vain, hoping every day for reconstruction to begin so they can eventually repair their homes and return to their lives,' he told reporters during a site visit yesterday. Chiew said the residents wanted to know when the restoration project would begin, what stage it was in, how long it would take and when it would be completed. 'Before the Hari Raya celebrations, the relevant authorities visited the site and publicly pledged emergency funding had been approved. They promised restoration work would begin immediately after the festive season. 'However, even the Gawai Dayak festival has come and gone; the site remains completely silent with no signs of construction and no official updates whatsoever.' He said they also wanted to know when the lighting at Jalan Teku would be fixed. 'The landslide caused the closure of Seventh Lane's main exit, which significantly disrupted the daily commute for local residents. However, they have no choice but to rely solely on Jalan Teku for access. 'However, this road lacks proper lighting, leaving it pitch black at night. On top of that, potholes frequently appear, posing a serious safety risk — if an accident or closure occurs along Jalan Teku, residents here will have no other way to get out. If an emergency happens, help will be delayed and the situation could become very serious,' he said. Chiew said what was even more disappointing was that the affected area falls under the Nangka constituency, which is represented by Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee, and as a high-ranking official in the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) administration, he should actively work with the State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) to get things moving. He said Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Michael Tiang also had an obligation to step in and coordinate efforts. 'Unfortunately, I have seen no proactive measures taken by any GPS state ADUNs/YBs in response to this issue, even though they are all part of the Sarawak government. 'Let me stress this clearly — the SDMC and its implementing agencies operate under the Sarawak government and the five GPS ADUNs in Sibu — Nangka, Pelawan, Bukit Assek, Dudong and Bawang Assan — have a responsibility to care for the people living here. 'Although this area falls under Nangka, the residents living here come from many different voting areas including Nangka, Pelawan, Bukit Assek, Dudong and Bawang Assan. They bought houses and moved here, but their voting address remains in their original constituencies,' he said. As such, he said elected representatives should not use constituency boundaries as an excuse to avoid responsibility. landslide lead Lorong Rantau Panjang Jaya restoration Stanley Chiew
Borneo Post
6 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Malaysia, China deepen high-tech collab under Belt and Road framework
(From left) Chiew, Chang and Lee seen during the bilateral meeting, held in Chengdu. MIRI (June 15): Malaysia and China have reaffirmed their growing partnership in science, technology and innovation (STI), following a high-level bilateral meeting between the two countries' respective ministries of science and technology. According to Miri MP Chiew Choon Man, who was part of the Malaysian delegation at the meeting, the discussions meant to deepen collaboration under the 'Belt and Road Initiative', with both countries expressing strong commitment to joint efforts in high-tech industries. 'Our shared efforts in advancing science and technology are a testament to the long-standing friendship between Malaysia and China. 'This meeting has been highly fruitful and a step forward in cementing long-term strategic partnerships that benefit both our nations,' said the parliamentarian in a press statement issued yesterday, in connection with the 'Second Belt and Road Conference on Science and Technology Exchange' in Chengdu, China. Also attending the recent session were Science, Technology and Innovation Minister of Malaysia Chang Lih Kang and former deputy minister of health, Datuk Dr Lee Boon Chye. The meeting built on the momentum of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Chinese Premier Li Qiang last year. The MoU identified six priority sectors for cooperation: artificial intelligence (AI), space technology, blockchain, advanced materials, biotechnology, and renewable energy. Since the inception of STI cooperation in 2013, both countries have experienced a steady expansion of collaborative programmes. To date, over 300 joint research project proposals have been submitted under the current framework, reflecting robust enthusiasm among researchers and institutions in both nations. Both governments also reiterated support for joint laboratory programmes, talent exchanges, and people-to-people initiatives. A notable development is the 'Malaysia-China Joint Laboratory Programme', which involves leading academic institutions from both countries. These platforms are expected to accelerate technology transfer, innovation, and commercialisation of scientific breakthroughs. China has remained Malaysia's largest trading partner since 2009, contributing 16.8 per cent of total trade. With this growing STI collaboration, both countries are now aligning efforts in critical sectors including digital economy, green energy, vaccine development, and space technology – all seen as key drivers for Malaysia's long-term economic transformation. Belt and Road Chiew Choon Man China innovation Science STI technology
Borneo Post
12-06-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Expedite flood aid distribution in Miri, MP urges Deputy Premier
Chiew shows the letter urging the expedited distribution of flood aid to victims in Miri. MIRI (June 12): Miri MP Chiew Choon Man has urged Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas to review and expedite the distribution of flood relief aid following growing complaints from victims in his constituency who have yet to receive the assistance. In a formal letter addressed to the Deputy Premier, Chiew highlighted the devastating impact of the early 2025 floods, which he described as among the worst in Sarawak's history. Thousands of residents in Miri suffered extensive property damage and income loss. He noted that while the federal government had allocated Bantuan Wang Ihsan (BWI) amounting to RM1,000 per family in March this year, many flood victims ― both those who took shelter at Temporary Evacuation Centres (PPS) and those who did not ― have reported not receiving the promised aid. 'My office has received numerous complaints and grievances that, to date, many victims in the Miri parliamentary area have not received the aid. They are in urgent need of financial support to restore their homes and basic needs,' Chiew wrote in his letter. To address the issue, the MP proposed several measures for the Deputy Premier's consideration: Chiew suggested implementing a phased disbursement model, similar to the approach adopted by the Johor government, which began issuing aid in stages shortly after the disaster. He also called for the establishment of a transparent appeal mechanism for victims who may have been overlooked or have yet to receive any feedback on their applications. Additionally, Chiew expressed his willingness to work with the Sarawak Government and other MPs from the state to request additional funding from the federal government, should the current allocation prove insufficient. The letter also included a copy of the official statement made during the Dewan Rakyat's Special Chamber earlier this year, where Chiew and several Sarawak MPs had raised the urgency of post-flood recovery efforts. 'I extend my appreciation for your continued commitment to assisting disaster victims,' Chiew added, urging immediate cooperation between state and federal authorities to ease the burden on affected residents. Chiew's appeal underscores growing public frustration over the pace of flood aid distribution in Sarawak and highlights broader concerns over disaster relief coordination between federal and state agencies. Chiew Choon Man douglas uggah embas flood aid miri
Borneo Post
04-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- Borneo Post
Miri MP: Cultural festivals crucial for strong national identity
Chiew (second right) presents a certificate of excellence to one of the students who excelled in last years' Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination. Also in photo is Kebana president Hilary Samah Tet (second left). MIRI (June 4): Festivals that celebrate the unique cultures of Sarawak's indigenous communities play an important role in building a strong national identity, said Miri MP Chiew Choon Man. He said that events such as the Kenyah Badeng National Association (Kebana) Festival are more than just performances or exhibitions—they reflect the community's deep appreciation for its cultural heritage. 'It's a platform to honour the Kenyah Badeng culture while bringing together people of all ages through the spirit of 'segulai sejalai'—unity and togetherness,' he said during the closing ceremony and cultural night of the Kebana Festival at IKBN here on Monday. Chiew noted that the evening's programme showcased the traditions, values and identity of the Kenyah Badeng community and urged greater efforts to ensure these elements are passed down to future generations. 'Young people, not just from the Kenyah Badeng but from all communities, must play their part in keeping their respective culture alive. 'Our elders have worked hard to preserve our language, customs and identity. Now it's time for the younger generation to carry that forward, so it doesn't fade away,' he said. He also emphasised that Malaysia's rich mix of cultures—especially in Sarawak—is an integral part of the country's identity and strength. On the Kebana Festival, Chiew described it as more than just an annual gathering—it is a meaningful effort to promote unity and support the talents of Kenyah youth. 'From cultural competitions to academic awards and other activities, the festival shows that culture is something that grows and adapts. 'As the MP for Miri, I strongly support initiatives like this because I believe personal growth must be matched with cultural development,' he said. The festival, which took place from May 31 to June 2, featured various activities such as football and badminton competitions, long dance and solo dance contests, a beauty pageant and academic excellence awards for Kenyah Badeng children who excelled in their national examinations last year. Chiew Choon Man Kenyah Badeng National Association Festival lead
