Latest news with #RM170
Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
SWB: Sibu water woes traced to leaks at hospital, airport
Abdul Malik, flanked by Sia (left) and Loh, responds to a question posed during the press conference. SIBU (June 21): The ongoing water supply issues affecting Kemuyang, Sibu Jaya, Rascom Camp and the surrounding areas have been primarily attributed to leaks in the pipeline supplying water to the mentioned areas. Speaking at a press conference here today, Sibu Water Board (SWB) general manager Abdul Malik Abdullah revealed that investigations had pinpointed two key premises with suspected major internal pipeline leaks: Sibu Hospital, and Sibu Airport. 'In the case of Sibu Hospital, we have observed a noticeable increase in water consumption, from approximately 0.5 MLD (million litres per day) to 1MLD. 'Additionally, a review of the hospital's water bills also raised concerns. Typically, their monthly bill is around RM15,000. 'However, last month, it spiked to RM30,000. 'As for Sibu Airport, daily water consumption has doubled from 0.3MLD to 0.6MLD,' he said, adding that both locations had been notified of these matters. In view of this, he said the board had slightly reduced the sluice valve opening to regulate water flow to these two locations while awaiting repair works. According to Abdul Malik, many pipelines are ageing, with some already in service for about 30 years. He also highlighted that the water demand in Sibu had reached its peak at 195MLD, matching the combined production capacity of the existing plants: 150MLD from the Salim Water Treatment Plant, and 45MLD from the Bukit Lima treatment facility. 'This means the system is operating at full capacity. Even minor water disruptions or leaks can impact the overall supply,' he added. To address the issue, Abdul Malik said several main projects had been approved, with some currently being implemented. 'The Salim water treatment plant will increase its capacity from 150MLD to 300MLD, with RM300 million allocated by the Sarawak government,' he said, adding that the project commenced in May last year and should reach completion by mid-2027. 'Upon completion, Sibu's total water production capacity will increase to 345MLD, including output from the Bukit Lima water treatment plant, boosting the reserve margin in order to water usage, in which we anticipate until 2036.' Abdul Malik also said the Sarawak government had approved RM170 million for replacement of 360km stretch of ageing pipes in phases, from this year until 2028. 'This year, five packages worth RM51 million are being implemented as part of the overall project. The Sarawak government has allocated RM1.1 billion for the initiative, with RM170 million allocated to SWB,' he said. Furthermore, Abdul Malik pointed at the Sungai Sadit acute plant as among the mitigation measures, pending the completion of the upgrading works on the Salim water treatment plant. 'This acute system, with 4MLD production capacity, will increase our water reserves.' He also said the non-revenue water (NRW) reduction project, expected to be completed by April 2026, should lead to water savings of 15MLD. In addition, the Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB)'s project, an acute plant in Nibong Tada, once completed, would eliminate the need for SWB to supply 2MLD of water to JBALB. Among those present at the press conference were SWB senior manager (customer service and distribution) Loh Wei Lun and assistant executive (non-revenue water) Sia Yew Tatt. disruption pipeline leaks Sibu SWB water
The Sun
6 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Berjaya Land partners Sweden's SIBS to develop RM170m housing project in Nuuk, Greenland
KUALA LUMPUR: Berjaya Land Bhd (BLand) is venturing into a RM170 million gross development value residential project in Greenland, an autonomous territory in Denmark, part of the company's plan to expand internationally and bring its experience in building homes to new markets. Group CEO Syed Ali Shahul Hameed said BLand is preparing to submit the necessary drawings to the local authority in Greenland for official approval. 'We have already received pre-approval, which means a similar design has already been reviewed and agreed upon by the Municipality of Nuuk, Greenland's capital. 'With this positive response, we can now move ahead with developing a detailed building plan. I expect that by next summer, we will be ready to begin actual construction,' Syed Ali said during the signing of a memorandum of understanding with SIBS Sdn Bhd (SSB) today. He said demand from the community for home purchases is very high, reflecting strong local interest and a clear need for new housing in Nuuk. To address this demand, BLand, through its wholly owned subsidiary Berjaya Greenland Invest A/S, has acquired land in Nuuk, aiming to provide high-quality residential apartments designed explicitly for Greenland's distinctive climate and infrastructure requirements. 'There is a shortage of available housing for residents in the area, so demand is high. 'Most of the time, as soon as we launch a project, the units sell out quickly. As for pricing, it is still a bit early for me to provide exact numbers, but generally speaking, costs are quite high, largely due to factors such as the cost of materials, including metal. 'However, I believe this is a strong investment opportunity overall,' Syed Ali said. BLand signed the MoU with SSB, a Sweden-based company with a manufacturing facility in Penang, a global leader in modular housing systems. This partnership aims to deliver efficient, climate-resilient homes through modular construction – a modern approach that enables faster deployment, cost savings and long-lasting quality. Currently, the housing project is still in the planning and design stages, but it is expected to launch soon. Besides making more homes available, the project will bring significant economic benefits, creating new jobs, involving local contractors, and supporting long-term city growth. 'Regarding the timeline for project implementation ... while we anticipate that the core construction phase can be completed within approximately one year, the logistics of transporting materials from Penang to Greenland may extend the overall schedule. 'We are committed to a thorough and efficient approach, ensuring that all aspects of the project are executed to the highest standards, despite the geographical and logistical challenges,' Syed Ali said when asked about the project's timeline. He said this project reflects BLand's broader vision of creating high-quality developments that are efficient, adaptable, and built with long-term impact in mind. 'Modular construction provides an innovative and timely approach, enabling us to deliver homes faster and more cost-effectively while supporting local capacity building.' SSB executive director Lawrence Chua Sue Lin said the company is developing a modular housing project, a relatively new concept for Malaysia. In this approach, homes are prefabricated in a factory, completed to a high standard and then transported to the intended site for assembly. This method is highly sustainable and environmentally friendly, as it significantly reduces reliance on manual labour, minimises construction waste, and shortens project timelines. While traditional high-rise construction can take up to three years, Chua said, modular housing can complete projects in less than a year, thanks to the company's current annual production capacity of up to 12,000 modules. 'However, in practice, a typical project might utilise around 6,000 modules. This innovative system not only accelerates delivery but also supports greener, more efficient urban development,' he added. With a particular focus on transforming Nuuk into a premier destination for recreation and ecotourism, Berjaya Greenland Invest aims to foster local economic growth, address critical housing needs, and create meaningful employment opportunities for the community.
New Straits Times
7 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Berjaya Land enters Greenland with RM170mil apartment project
KUALA LUMPUR: Berjaya Land Bhd, a subsidiary of Berjaya Corporation, is making its first foray into Greenland with an apartment project in Nuuk, marking the group's expansion into the Arctic region. This strategic move aligns with Berjaya's long-term vision of global diversification and builds on its 2019 acquisition of a 75 per cent stake in Icelandair Hotels ehf for RM223.1 million, strengthening the group's presence in the North Atlantic tourism corridor. Through close engagement with the Municipality of Nuuk, Berjaya Land identified a pressing housing shortage in the city. In response, its wholly owned subsidiary, Berjaya Greenland Invest A/S, secured land parcels to develop high-quality residential apartments tailored to Greenland's climate and infrastructure requirements. In a major step forward, Berjaya Land today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with SIBS Sdn Bhd (SIBS), a Sweden-based modular construction company with a manufacturing facility in Penang. The partnership will leverage SIBS' advanced modular housing systems to deliver climate-resilient homes more efficiently and cost-effectively. "We are excited to move forward with this collaboration, which marks a key milestone in our efforts to deliver modern, practical housing solutions that meet real community needs," said Syed Ali Shahul Hameed, group chief executive officer (CEO) of Berjaya Land. He said the first phase of the development will feature 66 apartment units housed in two- to four-storey blocks, with a projected gross development value (GDV) of RM170 million. Syed Ali said that this project reflects Berjaya Land's broader vision of creating high-quality developments that are efficient, adaptable, and built with a long-term impact in mind. "Modular construction offers a smart and timely approach, allowing us to deliver faster and cost-effective homes while supporting local capacity-building. Our focus remains on developing spaces that not only serve today's needs but also lay the groundwork for resilient, connected communities in the years ahead." The housing initiative is currently in the planning and design phase, with launch targeted later this year. Beyond improving housing access, the project is expected to generate meaningful economic benefits, including job creation, local contractor involvement and long-term urban growth, Syed Ali said. He revealed that Berjaya Land is actively collaborating with the Municipality of Nuuk to explore the next phase of development, which may include a hotel and hotel residences to support Greenland's expanding tourism industry. With the opening of Nuuk's new international airport in November 2024, the city is set to emerge as a major Arctic destination, said Syed Ali. He added that Berjaya Land's planned hospitality investment aims to meet this anticipated demand while upholding strong principles of cultural sensitivity and environmental sustainability.
The Star
14-06-2025
- The Star
Response defines premium service
IN ANY complex transportation network, unforeseen issues are a fact of life. Technical gremlins can appear, and while delays can be frustrating, these are sometimes an unavoidable consequence. Most Malaysians are reasonable enough to accept this. The true measure of a transport service provider is not whether problems occur, but how it responds when they do. This is the acid test of service excellence and respect for the customer. On June 9, I found myself, along with hundreds of other passengers including young children and the elderly, witnessing how a transport service provider failed that test. Tired passengers from the delayed northbound ETS train at KL Sentral station waiting at the escalator as the stairs have been sealed off. A single three-and-a-half-hour train journey between Butterworth station in Penang and KL Sentral that cost me RM110, morphed into more than a six-hour test of patience, where passenger care could have been a lot better. While announcements about the delay were made, they became hollow echoes in a carriage where no other comfort – not even a complimentary bottle of water – was offered, at least for us in the regular B to F, non-Business Class coaches. Business Class passengers who pay between RM150 and RM170 (one-way) receive complimentary meals including bottled water with their tickets. Last year, I managed to get the Business Class coach to Penang for Hari Raya after it was announced that Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd (KTMB) decided to provide additional northbound trains. Tickets for Business Class are costly, and I was disappointed that I still had to go to the regular class coach to use the (filthy) toilet. Even the so-called 'personal entertainment' screens were a letdown with 'unavailable' music and movies, besides the 'out-of-stock' food. Be warned – onboard WiFi is mind-numbingly slow. There are signs that say 'no outside food is allowed', but this is obviously not realistic at the risk of regular class passengers going hungry. It raises a critical question: When a train journey gets disrupted, does KTMB's duty of care get left behind at the station? Even at the Butterworth station, while we passengers were waiting in the searing 35°C heat at the platform for the train to arrive (40 minutes later), customer care was disappointing, aside from the 'please stand behind the yellow line' announcements. We were supposed to leave the station at 1.10pm, but the train left at 1.50pm. Instead of arriving at KL Sentral at 4.40pm, we arrived at about 7.30pm. The Electric Train Service (ETS) is, by design, one of the shining symbols of modern Malaysia. It represents a leap forward, a promise of seamless connectivity that links our towns and cities with speed and comfort. For a premium price, we buy into this vision: a quiet, air-conditioned escape from the snarl of highway traffic, arriving at our destination refreshed, safe and on time. It is a service we want to be proud of, a testament to our nation's progress. That vision was replaced by the sight of filthy toilets with wet floor and small wastebins overflowing with used toilet paper. And when our train arrived at the KL Sentral platform, there was only one functioning escalator for us to go up and exit. The lift was out of order, and to make matters worse, the two stairs in the station were sealed off so able-bodied passengers couldn't use that alternative to ease the escalator congestion. One is left to wonder what exactly we are paying for – a modern rail service or just a more expensive gamble? KTMB has announced that theft of cables for signalling and communication systems on three KTMB northern routes caused the disruption and train delays for the northern Komuter and ETS. The company also announced a plan to upgrade its signalling network. However, when customers pay a premium, they deserve a premium response to crises, especially when the service is expected to operate on the Gemas-Johor Baru route and new routes from Johor Baru to Butterworth and Padang Besar (Perlis).
The Star
03-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Star
Smooth rides start here
Muhammad Rusyduddin says there is a steady demand for good quality bike care products to cater to cyclists of all calibers. OUT on the trail or weaving through city streets, the bicycle chain is the unsung hero of every ride. Strip it away and the bike becomes little more than a fancy sculpture. But give it some care and it will return the favour with smooth and efficient rides for years to come. The trick here is to keep it clean after each adventure; whether a muddy off-road romp or a sweaty urban sprint, give the bike a quick rinse. Focus on the chain; that is where the grime builds up. Use a proper chain cleaner and a decent degreasing solution, as this matters when it comes to gunk-fighting power. Applying dry lubricant to the chain after a clean-up. A good chain brush will help scrub off oil, mud and whatever else the road throws at you. The bristles snake between the links, hitting every greasy crevice. For those who live for the details, there's a mechanical chain cleaner, a nifty device that clamps onto your chain. Just crank the pedals and let the machine work its magic. A humble old toothbrush does the job just fine if you're trying to watch your budget. Once the muck is gone, let the chain dry out to be lubricated. There are two types of lubricants: wax-based and oil-based. Wax lube is cleaner. It sheds dirt naturally once it dries. Oil lube, while effective, can turn your calves into a Jackson Pollock painting if you go overboard. For the gearheads and meticulous riders, there's a growing ecosystem of chain-care products. 'You can get chain lubricants to complete care kits for between RM59 and RM499. 'The most basic lube should last you four to six months, depending on how often you ride,' said USJ Cycles Lifestyle Boutique's assistant manager, Muhammad Rusyduddin Rosli. A clean, well-lubricated chain doesn't just run better – it lasts longer. Muhammad Rusyduddin notes that chains typically need replacing every 2,000km, depending on terrain and usage. A reputable chain can cost anywhere between RM35 and RM170, depending on the brand, material and the number of gears your drivetrain supports. So next time, after your next ride, don't just lean the bike against the wall and call it a day. Give the chain a little TLC. It's a small habit that guarantees a big return, especially when you're halfway up a hill, the sun is setting and everything's working like clockwork.
