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Sesco’s second state-wide meter inspection a success

KUCHING: Sesco carried out its second state-wide meter inspection last week in its bid to fight power theft.   Altogether, the operation covered two cities and 12 towns from Lundu all the way to Lawas. According to a press statement issued by Sarawak Energy Berhad yesterday, the operation was additional to the meter inspection programme they normally carried out.   “A total of 275 personnel were involved and this included 110 SEB Auxiliary Police. The result of the one-week operation revealed that nine per cent of the total meters inspected were tampered.   “As of November 2011, the well planned operation has proven to be successful with losses reduced by 2.01 per cent, which is approximately RM36 million,” the statement revealed.   The statement also acknowledged that the cooperation from the police during the operation had been encouraging and had helped them a lot, especially in handling difficult situations.   Before the state-wide operation, state Deputy Commissioner of Police Datuk Law Hong Soon visited Sesco’s Sibu office to discuss security and the challenges faced by Sesco in combating power theft.   Among the issues discussed were handling of difficult customers, repeated tampering cases, and lost and burnt meters.   Law advised any customer with lost or burnt meter to lodge a report with the police, following which Sesco would investigate the matter.   The meeting also addressed situations when customers turn aggressive and attempt to intimidate the enforcement team.   Law gave assurance that police would continue to support Sesco in conducting its meter inspection and take action on those who obstruct its operation. Read more:  http://www.theborneopost.com/2012/01/05/sescos-second-state-wide-meter-inspection-a-success/#ixzz1kRAm8hkC

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Govt plans to build Baram raw water transfer plant

MIRI: The state government is planning to build the proposed Baram River raw water transfer plant within two years and is appealing to the federal government to speed up the approval of RM240 million needed for the project. In disclosing this, Minister of Public Utilities Datuk Dr Stephen Rundi said the project to replace the present water intake for Lambir treatment plant at Sungai Liku and Bakong River water transfer point was currently at the design stage. “With its completion, Miri will enjoy better quality of water and not face any water supply shortage during drought,” he said in a press conference after attending a briefing by Northern Sarawak Water Board (Laku) at its head office here yesterday. Also at the briefing by Laku CEO Wong Tiong Kai were Assistant Minister of Public Utilities (Water Supply) Datuk Roland Sagah, Assistant Minister of Public Utilities (Electricity and Telecommunications) Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi, permanent secretary to Ministry of Public Utilities Datu Ubaidillah Latip, board members and heads of departments. The minister said the proposed 18km water pipeline from the water intake at Baram river above Marudi town would be connected to Bakong raw water intake station before it is transferred to Lambir. He said the plan to source raw water from Baram river was due to the higher cost of treating non–health hazardous discoloured water during drought and the possible contamination risk due to the oil palm plantations along the Bakong river. “Sungai Bakong water quality is not the best due to its natural colour which is not harmful and this colour is very difficult to remove,” he said. On Laku, the minister said it managed water supply systems in Miri, Limbang, Samalaju and Bintulu with a combined capacity of 537 million litres daily (MLD) and was looking into the demand for industrial water by the heavy industries in Samalaju Industrial Park. “We are looking at water intake either at Similajau river or Kemena river, and the industrial consumers in Samalaju need to mineralise water supplied,” he said. On non-revenue water (NRW) reduction, Dr Rundi said the authorities were looking at replacing aged and undersize pipes which are vulnerable to leakage at high pressure. He said NRW was about 21 per cent in Miri. Since its establishment in 1996, Laku has spent RM12 million to replace leaky pipes, Wong revealed. In Miri, Laku planned to lay a new 800mm diameter pipeline to Permyjaya/Senadin area to overcome the low pressure woes by next year, Dr Rundi added. On a related matter, Dr Rundi suggested that Sarawak look into water bottling to reduce water wastage. “We take water for granted as we are fortunate to have many rivers in the state, but there are countries which fight over water resources, and it is important not to waste water,” he said. Dr Rundi further said that the Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) should monitor plantation and farming activities to prevent river pollution. He also said his ministry would be seeking assistance from Sains to provide data to Rural Water Supply Department and in its billing system.

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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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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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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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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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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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Old pipes in Demak Laut to be replaced

KUCHING: Work to replace old pipes in various areas under Demak Laut state constituency will be carried out in stages starting with Kampung Muara Tebas.   Demak Laut assemblyman Dr Hazland Abang Hipni said the state government had approved an early allocation of RM500,000, with field work beginning on July 9 and expected to be completed by the middle of next year. He said the current pipes were installed in the early 70s.   “If everything goes well, we expect the pipes to be fully replaced by the middle of next year as the replacement has been given a one-year period to complete and will be managed by the Public Works Department (JKR),” he said when surveying the project at Kampung Muara Tebas recently.   Dr Hazland said the new pipes would enable around 2,800 villagers in the village and its surrounding areas to enjoy clean water supply.   “The current pipe system is rusty and if the pipes are not replaced, it has the potential to cause outbreaks of diseases,” he said.   He pointed out that JKR will install better quality AB3P pipes measuring 150 millimetres compared to the old pipes measuring 101.6 millimetres (four inches).   “I will continue to request the state government to change all the pipes under Demak Laut constituency in the future as well,” he added. Read more:  http://www.theborneopost.com/2013/08/15/old-pipes-in-demak-laut-to-be-replaced/#ixzz2diwm8yfB

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Sarawak’s 7,000 mw energy to attract RM20b investments

KUCHING: Sarawak expects to produce 7,000 megawatt (MW) of electricity by 2020 which will attract some RM20 billion worth of investments, says Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) chief executive officer Torstein Dale Sjotveit.   He said most of the power supply will come from hydroelectric power (HEP) and the rest from coal-fired power stations.   “We are confident of producing some 7,000 MW of electricity in the next eight years that will attract some RM20 billion investment,” Torstein said at a media luncheon and briefing at a leading hotel here yesterday.   He added that most of the power would be derived from HEP dams such as Bakun, Murum, Pelagus, Baram, Limbang and Lawas.   “Electricity from these dams could easily reach 6,000MW and the remaining 1,000MW would come from coal-fired power stations in Mukah, Balingian and Ng Merit,” said Torstein.   He added that three of Bakun’s eight turbines were now harnessing electricity while the rest would be operational by end of the year.   As for Murum dam, he said it would be completed by end of this year. It was now 55 per cent completed. The impoundment of Murum dam was expected to be carried out by the beginning of next year, he said.   He said SEB would enhance its expertise on Murum dam by sending its staff for further training in China and Tasmania (Australia).   Torstein also disclosed that last year alone, SEB had signed term sheets with five major energy users namely Press Metal Bhd, OM Holding, Asia Mineral Ltd, Tokuyama Corp and PLN which required a total of 1,800 MW of electricity.   On another subject, Torstein said that Sarawak would host the International Hydro Association (IHA) World Congress from May 21-24 next year. It will bring together a range of key actors from all over the world.   Decision-makers and representatives from industry, civil society, international organisations and the financial sector will exchange views on energy, water and climate change and solutions that hydropower can provide for sustainable development. Read more:  http://www.theborneopost.com/2012/01/18/sarawaks-7000-mw-energy-to-attract-rm20b-investments/#ixzz1lJ5PsjGj

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Sambutan Hari Malaysia Ke-50 meriah dan berwarna-warni

KUCHING: Istiadat Perbarisan dan Rapat Raksasa Sambutan Hari Malaysia Ke-50 yang dihadiri Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah dan Seri Paduka Baginda Raja Permaisuri Agong Tuanku Hajah Haminah di Padang Merdeka, Kuching semalam meriah dengan persembahan pelbagai acara menarik. Majlis itu semalam dimulakan dengan lintas hormat dan Tembakan Meriam Istiadat sebanyak 21 das yang menggamit suasana sambutan itu. Perbarisan disertai 65 kontinjen, 12 pancaragam, 11 jenis kumpulan kenderaan, kenderaan berat pihak keselamatan negara dan segmen lintas udara yang mempamerkan pesawat CN235, S61A-4 Nuri dan Jet Pejuang Sukhoi, helikopter Hornbill Skyways dan Viking 400 MASwings. Baginda berdua berkenan berangkat menyempurnakan istiadat itu yang turut dihadiri Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Datuk Patinggi Abang Muhammad Salahuddin serta Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Norkiah, Perdana Menteri Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak bersama isteri, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor serta Timbalan Perdana Menteri Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin. Upacara itu turut dihadiri Ketua Menteri Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud dan isteri Puan Sri Ragad Kurdi Taib bersama Timbalan Ketua Menteri Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu Numpang, barisan menteri kabinet persekutuan dan negeri serta ahli-ahli yang berhormat. Selain perbarisan dan persembahan padang serta udara, video khas sempena ‘50 tahun Jubli Emas Sarawak Harmoni Kemakmuran Dinikmati’ dan klip penghargaan daripada Menteri Komunikasi dan Multimedia Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek turut ditayangkan menerusi skrin gergasi. Kemeriahan sambutan Hari Malaysia lebih terasa apabila orang ramai yang berkunjung di situ turut bersama-sama mengibarkan Jalur Gemilang dan bendera Sarawak semasa lagu kebangsaan dan lagu-lagu patriotik dimainkan. Read more: http://www.theborneopost.com/2013/09/17/sambutan-hari-malaysia-ke-50-meriah-dan-berwarna-warni/#ixzz2fyeVfFbm