Latest news with #InfrastructureandPortDevelopment


Borneo Post
5 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Premier to officially open RM375.5 mln Batang Saribas 1 Bridge on July 19
Uggah chairs the meeting to prepare for the bridge and BDDA launches. BETONG (June 16): Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg is scheduled to officially open Batang Saribas 1 Bridge on July 19. Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, who is Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development, said the launch in Pusa will begin at 10.30am. Uggah said this after chairing a meeting on preparations and the formation of an organising committee for the opening ceremony here today. He said Abang Johari will also launch the Betong Division Development Agency (BDDA). 'We feel that it is most appropriate for him to launch the RM375.5 million bridge and the BDDA. The 1.55km long bridge ends the people's 60 years' wait for a bridge crossing the Batang Saribas. It is now open for public use. 'On the other hand, the BDDA, one of the nine regional development agencies in the state, was established in September 2022. It is high time to tell Betong folks of the progress it has achieved so far,' Uggah said. He said Betong residents also wished to thank the Premier for the bridge and for allocating a big budget of RM1.5 billion to BDDA. According to him, BDDA is a game changer and is on the path to fulfilling the people's expectations for more development, progress, and a better life. 'I hope Betong folks will turn up in full force for the two functions, although we are targeting a crowd of not less than 5,000,' he added. Among those present at the meeting were Betong MP Datuk Dr Richard Rapu, Batang Lupar MP Mohamad Shafizan Kepli, Krian and Kalaka assemblymen Friday Belik and Mohamad Duri, as well as Betong Resident Richard Michael Abunawas. abang johari Batang Saribas 1 Bridge douglas uggah embas lead


Borneo Post
6 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Locals urged to seize agricultural opportunities alongside industrial growth
Majang speaks during NTW 2025 closing ceremony at Rumah Panjang Mujah Atin, Mile 12, Bintulu-Miri Road, on Saturday. SAMALAJU (June 16): The local community has been urged not to rely solely on industrial job opportunities but to tap into the agricultural sector as an additional source of income. Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development Dato Majang Renggi pointed out that the growing workforce in the industrial zone would lead to an increased demand for food supplies, creating opportunities for locals to utilise their land for farming. 'As the demand for food rises with more workers entering this area, it presents an opportunity for landowners to farm and supply produce. 'We must be diligent in cultivating our land to meet this increasing demand,' he said in a Sarawak Public Communications Unit report. Majang, who is Samalaju assemblyman, said this during the National Training Week (NTW) 2025 closing ceremony at Rumah Panjang Mujah Atin, Mile 12, Bintulu-Miri Road, on Saturday. He described the NTW event as timely and strategic in supporting the development of the local workforce in line with the region's rapid industrial expansion. Majang said the NTW programme plays a crucial role in nurturing a highly skilled local workforce capable of meeting current development challenges. 'When investors come and factories are established in Sarawak, we certainly need manpower. Programmes like NTW are vital as they encourage the community to continue learning and acquiring knowledge, while preparing our children and grandchildren to meet the demands of industries in this region,' he said. Majang also witnessed the launch of the Rumah Panjang Mujah repair project, symbolising the government's commitment to strengthening rural infrastructure. The event also featured a traditional 'Ngiling Bidai' ceremony, marking the close of the Gawai Dayak festive season. agricultural sector industrial job opportunities lead Majang Renggi


Borneo Post
11-06-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Bridge at Sejingkat expected to be completed by Feb next year, says S'wak deputy minister
The cable-stayed bridge over Sarawak River at Sejingkat is currently at 52.45 per cent completion. — Photo by Chimon Upon KUCHING (June 11): The 1.28km cable-stayed bridge over the Sarawak River at Sejingkat is expected to be completed by February next year, said State Deputy Infrastructure and Port Development Minister, Datuk Aidel Lariwoo. He said the RM365.7 million project is currently slightly behind schedule at 52.45 per cent completion. 'The project was supposed to be at 59.75 per cent completion as per the schedule but there's a slight delay due to the technical issues especially in regard to the form traveller. 'The contractor is trying very hard to solve this issue and in fact, they are already committing to deliver two sets of form traveller all the way from China to continue with the rest of the works,' he told a press conference held in conjunction with his working visit to the site of the bridge here today. In view of this, he said that the scheduled project completion has been revised to February next year. 'The contractor is committed to complete it before June next year where by then the bridge can be used by the public,' he added. He said the ministry would continue to monitor the project along with other projects under their purview. 'We do have some projects that are behind schedule, which is why we activate our monitoring team and each month, we will hold meetings with the various agencies such as the Public Works Department (JKR), Economic Planning Unit (EPU), and the Land and Survey Department to resolve issues faced by the delayed projects. 'We are closely monitoring every single project in Sarawak and have given the contractors a tight schedule. 'This has enabled us to reduce the number of sick projects to less than five when compared to during the pre-pandemic, there were more than 100 sick projects,' he said. On a related matter, Aidel said the Second Trunk Road project, of which the bridge at Sejingkat is part of, is progressing very well. 'For this section, there are three packages altogether namely this bridge over Sarawak River at Sejingkat; the Tanjung Bako to Sejingkat (road project) which has already been completed; and the other adjoining section to Batang Samarahan which is still in progress and scheduled to be completed later next year. 'So, by September next year, the people will be able to use this Second Trunk Road where they can travel from Kuching to Samarahan to Batang Samarahan or from Batang Sejingkat to Batang Samarahan with no traffic congestion,' he said. For this year, he said the state is targeting to complete the Sungai Lingga Bridge next month. 'There is also the Batang Lupar Bridge in Sebuyau which is scheduled to be completed by the end of the year,' he added. aidel lariwoo bridge lead sejingkat


Borneo Post
10-06-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
State govt plans to expedite construction for two projects in Selangau
Uggah (eighth left), Cassidy (eighth right) and others pose for a group photo at one of the project sites. SELANGAU (June 11): The state government aims to have the construction of SMK Selangau as well as a new road to Selangau bazaar to be completed earlier than scheduled, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas. He said this was to speed up the delivery of facilities to the people and ensure the two projects are not only completed according to specifications but also ahead of schedule. 'We are very happy to see the progress of the projects which seems to be going well according to the original schedule. The road was originally scheduled for completion in 12 months. 'However, we have asked the contractor to complete it within six months as we see the good weather factor and that the work is not that difficult,' he told reporters after visiting the road project site here yesterday. According to Uggah, who is Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development, the road measuring about 450 metres and costing RM3.5 million will provide easy access to the bazaar as well as help stimulate the local economy. On the SMK Selangau project, Uggah said the project, which is funded by the federal government, is also progressing well, moving at about five per cent ahead of schedule. 'This project involves the construction of 18 classrooms at a cost of RM81 million and is expected to be completed by June 2027. However, we also asked for the Public Works Department (JKR) and the contractor to work out the work plan to complete it by December 2026. 'The project is sited on a good location — it is not sited on peat soil or hilly area, and the construction is also using Industrialised Building System. We do not see any reason why they cannot do it any faster,' he said. He said that JKR would monitor the progress of all projects extensively to ensure there are no delayed or sick projects. Uggah also said the state government would not hesitate to terminate the contract of any project that fails to be completed according to schedule. 'All projects that have been approved by our Premier must be implemented according to schedule. That is his hope. The people also expect that when a project is announced, it will be built and completed as scheduled,' he said. Accompanying Uggah was JKR Sarawak director Dr Cassidy Morris. ahead of schedule development project douglas uggah embas smk selangau


The Star
01-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
S'wak govt committed to rural 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. Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said RM6.8bil had been allocated under the Sarawak 2025 Budget for rural development, which rose from RM5.695bil in 2024, indicating Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg's clear commitment to uplift the well-being of the rural communities. In his message for the Gawai Dayak festival, which begins today, 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, Bernama reported. 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.