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A chapter in history re-enacted at Kuching Waterfront

KUCHING: Hundreds of people yesterday had a glimpse of a historic event which took place here on July 22, 1963.   Sarawak gained independence from the British colonialists on that day, and a special pantomime was held at the Kuching Waterfront to re-enact that special moment which happened exactly 50 years ago. The pantomime was titled Sarawak Independence Day from Colonisation and it was well acted out by a number of performers.   The day also saw the launching of the ‘Sarawak Gemilang 50 Tahun’ exhibition at the Sarawak Tourism Complex.   Present to witness the spectacle were Head of State Tun Datuk Patinggi Abang Muhammad Salahuddin and his wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Norkiah, Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud and wife Puan Sri Ragad Kurdi Taib, Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu Numpang and State Legislative Speaker Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar.   Those present were held spellbound as the actors and actresses re-enacted important milestones that led to the state’s independence and formation of Malaysia. There was a scene showing the last British Governor of Sarawak, Sir Alexander Waddel, on a boat with his wife. They were escorted by several gaily decorated boats from the Astana to Pengkalan Batu for the farewell ceremony.   Waddel and his wife were received by Governor-elect Datu Abang Openg and Chief Minister Stephen Kalong Ningkan, cabinet ministers and high-ranking officials.   After the Union Jack was lowered and the state flag raised, Waddel and wife left the state on a Loch Killisport boat. Their departure ended British colonial rule in the state. Also re-enacted was the swearing-in of the pioneer batch of State Cabinet Ministers, comprising Ningkan, Deputy Chief Minister James Wong, Works and  Communications Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud, Local Government Minister Dunstan Endawai, Natural Resources Minister Teo Kui Seng and State Minister Awang Hipni Pengiran Anu. In his welcoming speech yesterday, Second Resource Planning and Environment Minister Datuk Awang Tengah Ali Hassan, who is the minister-in-charge of the commemoration ceremony, said the Golden Jubilee Celebration of Sarawak Independence in Malaysia was a once-in-a-lifetime event, and the exhibition was well timed.   “Among others, the exhibition is intended to show developments implemented by the government since the proclamation of the state’s independence from the British on July 22, 1963,” he said.   Awang Tengah added that July 22, 1963 had a special place in the hearts of all Sarawakians, and the events held yesterday were appropriate as the state wanted its younger generation to understand the sacrifices and struggles of the warriors and leaders in the past 50 years to develop the state to what it is today. “The state cabinet at that time was led by Datuk Stephen Kalong Ningkan as the state first chief minister. There were five other elected representatives who were elected cabinet ministers.   “The formation of a state cabinet enabled Sarawak to form a self government. This is the historic moment which brought about the independence of Sarawak.” After 50 years, he said only one from the first batch of state cabinet ministers is left — Taib.   “He (Taib) is not only a witness to the history, but is also the creator of the outstanding history of Sarawak for the past 50 years. The chief minister has contributed a lot to the state and country in all aspects.” Read more:  http://www.theborneopost.com/2013/07/23/a-chapter-in-history-re-enacted-at-kuching-waterfront/#ixzz2a7LDndTJ

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Bekalan air bersih diperluas ke luar bandar: Harden

SRI AMAN: Menteri Muda Pembangunan Luar Bandar Datuk Francis Harden Hollis memberitahu bahawa rangkaian bekalan air bersih bakal diperluaskan ke kawasan luar bandar di sini pada masa akan datang.   Menurutnya, tiga pelan cadangan telah dikemukakan kepada Kementerian Pembangunan Infrastruktur dan Perhubungan bagi tujuan kelulusan untuk memperluas rangkaian bekalan air.   Beliau berkata cadangan pertama adalah menambah rangkaian kemudahan bekalan air bersih sepanjang dua kilometer dari kawasan San Ugol hingga ke San Munggor, Sri Aman.   Manakala cadangan kedua menambah rangkaian kemudahan bekalan air bersih sepanjang enam kilometer bermula dari kawasan Klassen hingga ke Lepong Simpai.   “Cadangan ketiga pula menambah rangkaian kemudahan bekalan air bersih sepanjang 10 kilometer bermula dari kawasan Juntong ke SK Batu Lintang, Klinik Desa dan Ijok,” katanya pada Majlis Penyampaian Cek Projek Kecil Luar Bandar (MRP) di Pejabat SUPP Simanggang di sini kelmarin.   Pada majlis itu, Harden menyampaikan cek berjumlah RM110,000 kepada 11 penerima dari sekitar kawasan Sri Aman dan Lingga.   Sementara itu, Harden yakin usaha itu mampu mengurangkan kebergantungan pengguna di kawasan terbabit terhadap penggunaan bekalan air alternatif sekiranya cadangan itu diluluskan.   Turut hadir Timbalan Residen Sri Aman Felicia Tan, Temenggung Sii Toh Peng, Penghulu Abdul Samad, Kaunselor Andar, Ketua Wanita SUPP Simanggang Lim Siew Hung dan Timbalan Ketua Pemuda SUPP Simanggang Patrick Michael Malajin. Read more:  http://www.theborneopost.com/2013/07/22/bekalan-air-bersih-diperluas-ke-luar-bandar-harden/#ixzz2abMXoPOd

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Daro water woes will be over soon, says rep

SIBU: Water supply problems in Daro will be resolved when construction of the RM79 million water treatment plant in Matu is completed.   Jemoreng assemblyman Abu Seman Jahwie said work on the proposed facility, which sits on 17 acres in Kampung Jemoreng, was “progressing smoothly”, and the plant would be capable of producing 10.5 million litres daily (MLD) of treated water. He assured that he and the Public Works Department (PWD) were monitoring the project closely. “There is no water supply problem in Matu, even with the increased consumption due to Ramadan and preparations for the coming Raya Aidil Fitri,” he told thesundaypost yesterday.   Kampung Nanga Besar villagers have complained of dry water taps since 2009. They had  to depend on the salty and brownish water from Sungai Nanga for their daily use.   Daro District Officer Shafie Ahmad told the  Borneo Post Adventure Team (BAT) III members on Friday that construction of the water treatment plant had been delayed. “The problem is that water to Kampung Nanga Besar is from Matu, not Daro. Before the water reaches the village, they are all used up by an oil palm plantation.   “The water supply from Matu is clearly not enough to meet the demand of both villagers and plantation,” said Shafie.   Abu Seman said: “The slight delay in the completion of the water treatment plant is due to floods previously, but the project is progressing smoothly. The laying of pipelines has been done.”   He said the plant would have a barrack and administrative office. Matu has a population of about 17,000 people. Read more:  http://www.theborneopost.com/2013/07/21/daro-water-woes-will-be-over-soon-says-rep/#ixzz2abKky7mb

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Punca sebenar gangguan elektrik diketahui dua bulan lagi

KUCHING: Punca sebenar gangguan sistem bekalan elektrik di negeri ini mungkin akan diketahui dalam tempoh dua bulan lagi.   Ketua Setiausaha Perbendaharaan Kementerian Kewangan Tan Sri Dr Mohd Irwan Serigar Abdullah berkata, kementerian telah melantik syarikat konsultan untuk menjalankan kajian menyeluruh tentang gangguan sistem bekalan elektrik di Sarawak.   Bercakap pada sidang media selepas merasmikan Majlis Konsultasi Bajet 2014 di sini semalam, beliau memberitahu syarikat tersebut, Poyry Energy Sdn Bhd akan mengkaji tentang sistem transmisi elektrik supaya tidak berlaku gangguan bekalan di negeri ini.   “Esok (hari ini) saya akan mempengerusikan satu mesyuarat di Kuala Lumpur di mana ia akan disertai pihak konsultan, Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) dan Sarawak Hidro Sdn Bhd bagi mendapatkan hasil awal gangguan elektrik di negeri ini khasnya di Kuching.   “Sebenarnya, kita telah melantik konsultan ini dua bulan lepas iaitu sebelum berlaku gangguan dan hasil (siasatan) akan kita ketahui dalam tempoh dua bulan lagi,” katanya.   Tambah beliau, pada mesyuarat itu nanti pihak berkaitan akan mengetahui lebih mendalam tentang situasi sebenar gangguan tersebut sama ada berpunca dari Empangan Hidroelektrik Bakun atau sistem transmisi yang harus diperkukuhkan. Sarawak Hidro Sdn Bhd, anak syarikat milik penuh Menteri Kewangan Diperbadankan Malaysia, telah diamanahkan untuk membangun dan menguruskan Projek Hidroelektrik Bakun sejak 1 Mei 2000.   Pada 27 Jun lepas, hampir seluruh Sarawak bergelap akibat gangguan bekalan elektrik mulai kira-kira jam 6 petang semalam dan beransur pulih berperingkat-peringkat di beberapa kawasan selang lebih sejam kemudian.   Pengurus Komunikasi Korporat SEB Ahadiah Zamhari menerusi satu kenyataan pada hari yang sama berkata, ketiadaan bekalan elektrik berpunca daripada gangguan litar di transmisi kuasa Kemena-Bintulu pada jam 5.40 petang.   Sementara itu, sidang media sama turut menyaksikan penyerahan Memorandum Persefahaman (MoU) bersama tiga organisasi iaitu Persatuan Pengilang Bumiputera Sarawak (PENGASAS), Dewan Usahawan Bumiputera Sarawak (DUBS) dan Dewan Usahawan Industri Desa Sarawak.   Majlis Konsultasi Bajet 2014 yang bertemakan ‘Mengotakan Janji Merancak Transformasi’ turut dihadiri Setiausaha Kerajaan Negeri Tan Sri Datuk Amar Morshidi Abdul Ghani dan Setiausaha Kerajaan Persekutuan Sarawak Datuk Md Yahaya Basimin. Read more:  http://www.theborneopost.com/2013/07/18/punca-sebenar-gangguan-elektrik-diketahui-dua-bulan-lagi/#ixzz2abM8riLT

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‘Simunjan water woes will be resolved soon’

SIMUNJAN: The long drawn water woes in Simunjan are expected to be resolved by the end of October this year.   The water mains connecting this coastal town from Gedong in Serian is scheduled to be completed by then, said Assistant Minister of Planning Datuk Mohd Naroden Majais yesterday.   He said the laying of water mains along the proposed Gedong-Simunjan Road was progressing well.   Work on the road itself is expected to be wrapped up when construction of the Sungai Sageng Bridge is completed by the end of September this year.   “The putting up of a high-level water tank in Simunjan town at a cost of RM42 million will be completed by the end of next month.   That means once the water mains are completed, water supplies to Simunjan town will be stabilised,” Naroden told The Borneo Post Adventure Team (BAT) III here yesterday.   He said the total cost of the Gedong-Simunjan road plus the Sageng Bridge was about RM120 million. Simunjan is presently facing water problems due to the dry season. Clean water is supplied from Asajaya and Kampung Tembirat.   At the Sungai Buluh ferry point, a lorry driver, who transported water here, said he made three to four trips daily. Each of the three tanks of clean water he carried was sufficient for four to five families.   Naroden, who is also Simunjan assemblyman, said Simunjan town was set to become a major coastal hub town in the next 10 to 15 years. The master plan for this transformation was unveiled recently.   “By then Siminjan will be well connected to Sebuyau, Asajaya, Sadong Jaya, Gedong and Serian,” he said.   The Batang Sadong Bridge at Sungai Buluh, which will be the longest in Sarawak, connects Simunjan and Sebuyau to Asajaya. Works on the bridge’s foundation is progressing well.   At present, there is a ferry service at Sungai Buluh, which lies next to the proposed bridge, for the people from here and Sebuyau to travel to Asajaya.   Naroden said Simunjan would have a new township. It would be built in phases. Estimated to cost some RM500 million, the proposed Simunjan township will have a new commercial centre, residential areas, and light industrial estate.   The town’s population is expected to swell from the current 35,000 to 45,000 in the next 10 to 15 years. Read more:  http://www.theborneopost.com/2013/07/16/simunjan-water-woes-will-be-resolved-soon/#ixzz2abN4OnC5

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Sibu water pressure back to normal

SIBU: The problem of low water pressure and supply disruption in town areas was resolved around 1am yesterday.   Sibu Water Board (SWB) and Sesco managed to power up the pump house around midnight on Friday. On Friday, a fire broke out at the Bukit Lima Raw Water Intake’s Generator House, and it led to consumers in town areas experiencing low water pressure after 4.30pm. Those in the upper floors of buildings had dry taps.   Speaking to thesundaypost yesterday, SWB general manager Daniel Wong assured there would be no more water supply disruption despite damage to the raw water pump.   “This is because it (raw water pump) is just a standby generator set which only runs when there is a power failure.   “So long as there is no prolonged power failure, there will be no problem to our pumping of raw water. Even when we can’t pump the raw water, our treated water pump can still supply water from the reservoir, which usually last between six and eight hours, depending on the level of consumption.”   Wong said affected consumers were notified of the disruption through SMS. The current water consumption in Sibu is about 130 million litres daily (MLD). “Our treatment plants in Bukit Lima and Salim have no problem in meeting the demand. In fact, Salim treatment plant still has a lot of spares.   “The plant in Bukit Lima can produce around 45 MLD while Salim can generate 150.” On their SMS service, he advised more consumers to register their hand phone numbers with SWB.   That way consumers could be alerted about supply interruption or bills due for payment, he said.   “As of now, more than one-third of our registered consumers have registered their hand phones with us. We hope the rest would do so as well.” Read more:  http://www.theborneopost.com/2013/07/14/sibu-water-pressure-back-to-normal/#ixzz2ZBgJQZlM

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SEB HQ certified green building

KUCHING: Sarawak Energy reached a milestone with the certification of its headquarters, Menara Sarawak Energy, as the first green building in East Malaysia after being accorded the final Green Building Index (GBI) Silver Rating under the Non-Residential New Construction (NRNC) category. Minister of Energy, Green Technology and Water, Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Maximus Johnity Ongkili graced the certification presentation at Sime Darby Convention Centre in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.   Receiving the award on behalf of Sarawak Energy was its chief of corporate services, Aisah Eden accompanied by general manager for shared services and building executive Linggir Agas Yusri Safri.   Aisah said: “The intention for the submission of GBI certification was in line with the government’s call for sustainable development, encouraging the construction of more green buildings in the country, designed and operated to reduce the overall impact to the environment.   “The final GBI Silver Award was a bonus to us for the hard work and detailed considerations our team put in the design, construction and operation of Menara Sarawak Energy.”   The Green Building Index (GBI) is Malaysia’s green rating tool for buildings and towns, created to promote sustainability in the built-environment and raise awareness of environmental issues among developers, architects, engineers, planners, designers, contractors and the public.   Buildings will be awarded the GBI rating based on six key criteria namely Energy Efficiency (35 points), Indoor Environmental Quality (21 points), Sustainable Site Planning and Management ((16 points), Materials and Resources (11 points), Water Efficiency (10 points) and Innovation (seven points).   Based on the criteria, the GBI Accreditation Panel (GBIAP) awarded Sarawak Energy the Silver Rating with 67 out of 100 points.   Aisah said Sarawak Energy was committed to the certification, citing areas that could be improved further such as indoor environment quality, water efficiency (in particular water harvesting and recycling) and indoor environment quality. Read more:  http://www.theborneopost.com/2013/07/12/seb-hq-certified-green-building/#ixzz2ZBgznvYr

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Aye to Bakun HEP takeover by S’wak

MIRI: The federal government has agreed to negotiate the proposed takeover of Bakun Hydroelectric Dam by Sarawak. Datuk Seri Peter Chin Fah Kui   Without disclosing the price, the Minister of Energy, Green Technology and Water Datuk Seri Peter Chin Fah Kui said the federal cabinet has agreed in principle to negotiate the pricing based on construction cost. “The dam which is owned by the Ministry of Finance will be purchased and taken over by Sarawak Energy Berhad,” he said in a press conference before a meet-the-people session at Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) headquarters here yesterday. Chin who is also Miri MP said the proposed undersea cable project would be moth-balled pending the supply of sufficient power to meet demand in Sarawak. The undersea cable project was initially for channelling 1,600 megawatt to Peninsular Malaysia to help to lower dependency on fossil fuel which currently stands at 90 per cent. With power from Bakun off the plan, the ministry has decided to build two 1,000-megawatt charcoal-fired power plants — one at Manjung, Perak, and the other to be decided later. For the Manjung plant, the ministry planned to apportion the power supply to Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB). Sarawak is keen to take over Bakun Dam for its energy-intensive industries in Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE), including its aluminium smelting plants and other industries. There has been unconfirmed reports that Sarawak is keen to take over Bakun HEP for RM6 billion but the federal government has offered it for RM8 billion. Chin is keeping mum on the actual figure pending the conclusion of the relevant negotiations. Currently, Sarawak Energy Bhd (SEB) is mulling over the idea of whether to buy or lease Bakun Dam in a long-term bid to develop the state’s hydropower and industrial sector. SEB is looking forward to reaching an agreement with Sarawak Hidro Sdn Bhd (the owner of the dam). Sarawak Hidro is owned by the Ministry of Finance. After a series of delays, the project which started in 1996 is expected to be commissioned by last July following the start of impoundment of the reservoir. The 215-metre dam will power eight turbines. http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=72600

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Call to act against detractors of Trusan water treatment project

LAWAS: Several political leaders and NGOs slammed those who attempt to block Trusan Water Treatment Project in Lawas as tantamount to committing a crime against the people of the district. GOVERNMENT GRANT: Temengong Sebli (fourth left) receiving the grant on behalf of PBB Bukit Sari Women section from Henry Sum, witnessed by Simie (right) and others.   Spokesman for PBB Bukit Sari and Ba Kelalan branches, councillor Simie Haji Nasib, called on the authorities to take tough action against those who are disrupting the implementation of the project to overcome water shortage  in the district. “The action by the irresponsible quarters is really disappointing and the support given by PKR leadership is amounting to denying Lawas people their rights and needs,” he said. He also called on the police, Land and Survey Department and relevant authorities to act decisively against perpetrators who are preventing this major public utility project from being completed. “The court has already affirmed that the site was on state land, and the state government  has already looked into the compensation issues through the respective agencies,” he said, urging Lawas folk to reject the political party behind the attempt to block the project. Trusan Malay Recreational Club chairman, Awangku Bahar Pengiran Jini, also condemned those instigating the disruption of the regional water treatment plant project. He pointed out that for the people who were hoping for speedy completion of the water plant, holding it up is an act of betrayal. Meanwhile, Lawas member of parliament Datuk Henry Sum Agong concurred with the views and called for a stop to politicise implementation of basic infrastructures which is common in Semananjung Malaysia. “We should be more rational and let the government complete the project while appeals can still be made through the courts for those seeking claims,” he said. He pointed out that the BN government does not deny people their rightful claims if they have proof to back them up and compensations were fair. The local community should not be influenced by the game of emotions played by PKR  de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim who visited Lawas weeks ago. Working with the BN government is the best option at state and federal level to bring further progress to Lawas, he said after presenting federal government grants to Kelab Wisma Persekutuan Lawas, Persatuan Penjaja Kecil Lawas and PBB Bukit Sari Women Section. Also present were Temengong Sebli Hamid, JPJ Lawas head,  Julaihie Dison who  is also chairman of Kelab Wisma Lawas and Simie who is also Bukit Sari PBB Youth chief. http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=68859

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Naik taraf Loji Rawatan Air Bayai giat dilaksana

KUCHING: Kerja-kerja menaik taraf Loji Rawatan Air Bayai sedang giat dijalankan membabitkan pertambahan 20 juta liter sehari (MLD) kapasiti air terawat bagi menampung keperluan mendesak di Sri Aman.   Pertambahan 20 MLD itu bakal menyaksikan loji berkenaan mampu membekalkan sehingga 30.3 MLD air terawat berbanding hanya 13.3 MLD sekarang.' Menteri Muda Pembangunan Luar Bandar Datuk Francis Harden Hollis berkata, projek yang menelan belanja RM43 juta dijangka siap sepenuhnya pada 22 Mei tahun depan.   “Sekarang, kerja-kerja menaik taraf ini sudah dilaksanakan lebih 30 peratus. Dengan siapnya projek menaik taraf nanti, loji ini mampu membekalkan 33.3 MLD air terawat. “Ini merupakan pendekatan yang kita ambil untuk meningkatkan tekanan air di Sri Aman,” katanya dalam sidang media di sini, semalam.   Hadir sama Timbalan Pengarah Jabatan Kerja Raya (JKR) Sarawak Danien Rangu. Loji Rawatan Air Bayai mula diwujudkan pada tahun 1974 dengan kapasiti 5.4 MLD dan kemudiannya dinaik taraf kepada 13.3 MLD pada tahun 2006.   Pendekatan lain yang diambil untuk mengatasi masalah kekurangan air di Sri Aman, menurutnya, adalah melibatkan penukaran kesemua sistem paip air di Sri Aman. “Paip ini perlu ditukar juga kerana sudah berusia lebih 40 tahun. Kita menjangkakan memperoleh RM12 juta untuk penukaran sistem paip,” ujarnya.   Francis yang juga Ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri (ADUN) Simanggang berkata, buat sementara waktu tangki akan dihantar ke kawasan yang mengalami masalah ketiadaan air.   “Ini merupakan pendekatan segera untuk menyelesai masalah ketiadaan air di Brayun, Taman Sri Jaya dan Kedang,” jelasnya.   Tambahnya, masalah bekalan air dialami penduduk Sri Aman disebabkan pertambahan projek pembangunan terutama taman perumahan.   “Pada tahun 2008 terdapat 8,141 meter sambungan air terawat namun sekarang ia meningkat kepada 8,977 meter sambungan,” kata Francis.   Pada masa sama, Francis menasihati penduduk Sri Aman agar menjimatkan penggunaan air terutama pada musim kemarau sekarang.   Penduduk Sri Aman yang mengalami masalah gangguan air diminta menghubungi talian 083-321620 atau faks kepada 083-320031 untuk sebarang aduan. Read more:  http://www.theborneopost.com/2013/06/22/naik-taraf-loji-rawatan-air-bayai-giat-dilaksana/#ixzz2Y2D9nFCn