Latest news with #Sarawak-SabahLinkRoad
The Star
09-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Sarawak funding powers Quality Concrete's showing
KUCHING: The Sarawak government's big funding for water infrastructure projects has greatly benefitted concrete product manufacturer Quality Concrete Holdings Bhd , particularly in the rising demand for the company's high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipes. In the 12-month period to Jan 31, 2025 (FY25), Quality Concrete's sales of own manufactured HDPE and M-PVC pipes surged by an impressive 126.8% to RM19.6mil from RM8.65mil a year ago. 'This growth was fuelled by increasing demand stemming from Sarawak's comprehensive water infrastructure enhancement plans, which include a RM1.1bil pipe replacement initiative and RM6bil rural treated water supply programme spanning the next five years,' said group executive chairman Tiang Ching Kok. He said the HDPE pipes were widely utilised for water reticulation and as protective channels for underground utilities, such as telecommunication and electrical cabling. In addition, Quality Concrete also manufactures multi-layer unplasticised polyvinyl chloride (UPVC) pipes, engineered with high-impact resistance to meet the demanding requirements of sewerage networks and water supply systems. These products, essential components in municipal infrastructure, play a pivotal role in water distribution, flood mitigation and utility service provision in both urban and rural developments. Tiang said the company's construction arm has expanded its presence in the water infrastructure sector by submitting proposals and forming strategic partnerships with leading technology providers to design, build and operate water treatment plants, particularly in underserved areas in Sarawak. 'These efforts signal our readiness to tap into high-impact, government-driven opportunities aligned with national priorities,' he said in the company's annual report. He said Quality Concrete continues to explore new business models and strategic collaborations within the water infrastructure sector. Through ongoing engagements with established technology providers, the company aims to diversify its revenue base by expanding into municipal and rural water treatment solutions. This includes the deployment of modular systems, containerised units and hybrid treatment models tailored to underserved communities. Tiang said in 1Q26, the company's construction division secured three new contracts worth RM295mil, with three other major projects ongoing. 'The division is well positioned to capitalise on national infrastructure priorities, including the Sarawak-Sabah Link Road, Jendela broadband expansion and various flood mitigation and water infrastructure upgrades. 'Furthermore, potential involvement in strategic infrastructure projects, such as Kuching's proposed deepsea port and new airport, present opportunities for long-term order book growth,' he added. As a core pillar of the company's operations, the manufacturing segment has ready-mixed concrete (RMC) plants located in Kuching, Sibu, Mukah and Batang Igan. The RMC plants produce custom-grade ready-mixed concrete tailored to meet diverse project specifications, as well as precast concrete piles integral to foundation works to cater for both government-driven infrastructure development and the private sector projects such as residential building projects. As part of its strategic expansion,the group has recently ventured into the production of hot mix asphalt to support ongoing and future road construction projects. 'This new capability includes the manufacturing of high-quality hot mix asphalt for public roads and infrastructure, enabling seamless collaboration with the company's road maintenance division for a more integrated and efficient project delivery. 'The move also strengthens vertical integration within the company, enhancing operational synergy and providing greater control over key inputs for its road development and rehabilitation contracts,' said Tiang, pointing out that asphalt prices have gone up by about 15% since 2020. In 2020, Quality Concrete was awarded a 10-year concession to maintain state roads in Sri Aman and Betong divisions in southern Sarawak. 'Government plans to expand concession scopes could lead to recurring income while the group's solid performance and operational track record position it well for the 2028 concession renewal, and future bids for federal road maintenance projects, including sections of the Pan Borneo Highway,' Tiang said. In addition to its core business of manufacturing (also involving production of sawn timber and engineered wood products) and construction, Quality Concrete also has a property development arm with a landbank of 81ha located in Kuching and Johor Baru. Tiang said once property market conditions stabilise, the company plans to unlock value of the landbank by undertaking mid-income housing and mixed-use township projects, particularly in the fringe area's Kuching city's fringe areas. Going forward, Tiang said a key strategic priority for Quality Concrete is to intensify efforts to secure higher-margin infrastructure and concession-based projects, particularly in sectors such as road maintenance, water treatment infrastructure and essential public works that promise long-term income stability and robust returns. 'The company is also actively evaluating opportunities under public-private partnership frameworks, with a growing emphasis on playing an integrated role in the project value chain through potential adoption of design, build, operate and transfer or design, build and operate models, where appropriate,' he added.
The Sun
28-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Sabah-Sarawak Link Road Phase 1 surpasses 50% completion
KUCHING: The construction of the Sarawak-Sabah Link Road (SSLR), a vital infrastructure project designed to connect remote areas in northern Sarawak with Sabah, is progressing steadily, having reached significant milestones as of April this year. Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said SSLR Phase 1 has achieved 52.27 per cent physical progress and is on schedule for completion by the fourth quarter of 2026. 'For SSLR Phase 2, construction works have commenced across all packages, involving site clearing, earthworks and drainage works. 'As of April 2025, overall physical progress stands at 0.93 per cent and is expected to be completed by the third quarter of 2029,' he said during the winding-up speech for his ministry at the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly sitting here, today. SSLR project, which aimed to provide a road network that connects Limbang, Miri, Lawas and Sabah without going through Brunei, was approved in phases by the federal government in 2021. On the progress of Trans Borneo Highway (LTB) development, Uggah, who is also state Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development said that the project also continues to move forward, with the Miri section currently in its design stage and scheduled for finalisation by the second quarter of this year. 'Meanwhile, the procurement proposal for the Limbang and Lawas sections have been submitted to the federal's Ministry of Works for approval by the Lembaga Perolehan (LP). 'The Miri section is expected to be tendered in the third quarter of 2025, while the Limbang and Lawas sections are expected to be awarded in the first quarter of 2026,' he said.
Barnama
28-05-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Sabah-Sarawak Link Road Phase 1 Surpasses 50 Pct Completion
KUCHING, May 28 (Bernama) -- The construction of the Sarawak-Sabah Link Road (SSLR), a vital infrastructure project designed to connect remote areas in northern Sarawak with Sabah, is progressing steadily, having reached significant milestones as of April this year. Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said SSLR Phase 1 has achieved 52.27 per cent physical progress and is on schedule for completion by the fourth quarter of 2026. 'For SSLR Phase 2, construction works have commenced across all packages, involving site clearing, earthworks and drainage works. 'As of April 2025, overall physical progress stands at 0.93 per cent and is expected to be completed by the third quarter of 2029,' he said during the winding-up speech for his ministry at the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly sitting here, today. SSLR project, which aimed to provide a road network that connects Limbang, Miri, Lawas and Sabah without going through Brunei, was approved in phases by the federal government in 2021. On the progress of Trans Borneo Highway (LTB) development, Uggah, who is also state Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development said that the project also continues to move forward, with the Miri section currently in its design stage and scheduled for finalisation by the second quarter of this year. 'Meanwhile, the procurement proposal for the Limbang and Lawas sections have been submitted to the federal's Ministry of Works for approval by the Lembaga Perolehan (LP). 'The Miri section is expected to be tendered in the third quarter of 2025, while the Limbang and Lawas sections are expected to be awarded in the first quarter of 2026,' he said. -- BERNAMA
Borneo Post
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Ba Kelalan rep urges action on delayed SSLR, rural schools and infrastructure
Baru welcomed the government's commitment to bridging rural-urban development gaps through projects such as the SSLR but voiced disappointment over its slow progress. – Photo by Chimon Upon KUCHING (May 21): Ba Kelalan assemblyman Baru Bian has raised concerns over delays in key infrastructure and education projects in his constituency, urging the Sarawak and Federal Governments to take swift and meaningful action. Speaking during the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today in support of the Motion of Appreciation on the Yang di-Pertua Negeri address, Baru welcomed the government's commitment to bridging rural-urban development gaps through projects such as the Sarawak-Sabah Link Road (SSLR), but voiced disappointment over its slow progress. 'As of March 2025, Phase 1 of the SSLR was only 45 per cent complete despite being slated for completion in November 2026. 'Unpredictable terrain and soil movements have caused delays, but I urge the authorities to ensure quality and safety are not compromised,' he said. He also highlighted grievances from families along the SSLR alignment in Ba Kelalan who have reportedly suffered damage to their homes and have yet to receive compensation. He said these households deserve prompt and fair redress, hence he called upon the responsible subcontractor to address these issues with urgency and empathy. He also drew attention to the poor condition of the road from Long Kumap to the Customs, Immigration and Quarantine Station (CIQS) at the Ba Kelalan/Long Bawan border. He described parts of the road as 'reduced to a muddy timber track' and 'unfit to serve as a vital link' to Indonesia's new capital, Nusantara. 'With the CIQS now operational since April 5, 2025, it is both embarrassing and detrimental to Sarawak's dignity that this critical last-mile stretch remains in such deplorable condition,' he said. Baru urged the federal and state governments to expedite the release of an additional RM30 million needed to complement the earlier RM80 million federal allocation, first announced in 2023. On the education front, Baru expressed frustration over the prolonged delay in completing SK Long Sukang. Initially approved in 2009 under the 9th Malaysia Plan, the project has yet to be completed despite additional funding of RM19 million in 2017. 'The school was declared unsafe for occupation in January 2025, leaving pupils and staff in limbo. This is not only embarrassing but jeopardises the future of our children,' he said, calling on the Federal Education Ministry to urgently resolve the matter. He also pushed for progress on the proposed SMK Long Semadoh, a project which has seen no advancement despite a 2013 land acquisition and a 2016 federal announcement of RM35 million funding. 'In the absence of a secondary school in the area, children are forced to attend distant boarding schools, exposing them to various social risks. A clear timeline is needed for this project under the 13th Malaysia Plan,' he said. Baru also raised broader issues affecting his rural constituents, including the cumbersome process of renewing gun licences and cartridge permits, which requires applicants to travel long distances to Lawas. 'Some applicants have to wait a month just to get approval due to the District Officer's unavailability. I propose delegating this authority to Sarawak Administrative Officers in Lawas to ease the burden on rural communities,' he said. In concluding his speech, Baru expressed concern about the future of Sarawak's youth, highlighting the challenges of underemployment and low wages. He thus called for systemic reforms in education, particularly the promotion of digital skills and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), to prevent talent drain and uplift rural youth. ba kelalan Baru Bian DUN SSLR
