Batu Kitang assemblyman praises Premier’s education initiatives

Batu Kitang assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang

BATU Kitang assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang commended the Premier’s visionary move to provide free tertiary education starting in 2026, making Sarawak the first in Malaysia to do so.

He applauded Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg’s foresight, recognising education as a top priority and highlighting the significance of investing in human capital.

“The proposed financing plan, involving a sovereign wealth fund with an initial investment of RM8bil in 2024 and planned annual allocations of RM300mil for the next two decades, will pave the way for Sarawak’s future prosperity.

“Acknowledging the Premier’s commitment to talent attraction and intellectual capital development, it’s important to prioritise technical and financial courses to enhance graduates’ employability in Sarawak’s evolving digital economy,” he told the august House.

Moreover, Lo advocated for reclaiming Sarawak’s education autonomy and urged unity among Sarawakians to negotiate with the federal government for greater autonomy in education and health sectors.

He went on to add that there’s a need for additional community leaders, including two village chiefs and three Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK) members, to accommodate the growing population in the Batu Kitang constituency.

He said that the present village chief is already at capacity due to a large population in Mile 3 and Mile 6.

“Thus there is an urgent need for another village chief to take care of the Malay community in Batu Kitang and urgent need for a Bidayuh to assist the Dayak communities.

“I hope that the Premier’s office will recognize their hard work all these years and appoint them as JKKKs to serve their respective village.”

Furthermore, he addressed administrative hurdles faced by businesses, urging the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) to streamline the process for trade licence applications to reduce inconvenience for entrepreneurs.

He also raised concerns about water supply issues in Kampung Bunga Rampai and called on relevant authorities to address the persistent low water pressure affecting residents’ daily lives.

https://www.newsarawaktribune.com.my/batu-kitang-assemblyman-praises-premiers-education-initiatives/

將砂定為貿商重要樞紐 為經濟增長提供機遇

（本报古晋7日讯）巴都吉当区州议员拿督罗克强指出，砂拉越地理位置优越，并位于主要航运航线的交汇处，将砂拉越定位为贸易和商业的重要枢纽，为经济增长提供机遇。

他披露，砂拉越拥有6个港口，该地区的民都鲁港口的有效运作以及所有6个港口的个别优势，可以作为新成立的砂拉越海港局的最佳实践模型，进一步加强砂拉越港口的运营 和管理，符合砂拉越的利益。

因此，他支持2024年砂海港局法案，因该项法案将整合砂拉越所有港口管理、运营、规划和发展，并成立一个全新的中央管理机构，即砂拉越海港局。

他说，该项法案将改革砂拉越港口运营的治理结构和监管框架，包括协调港口费用、船舶费用、港口收费和费用，并为砂拉越的港口管理和运营提供私有化的规定，这将塑造砂拉越地区的经济格局 。

拿督罗克强今日在砂州立法议会内参与2024年砂海港局法案辩论时指出，民都鲁港口不久将成为全球第一个利用海浪动能发电的港口。

他披露，砂拉越丰富的天然资源，如天然气，也是宝贵资产，必须通过利用碳捕获、利用和储存等技术有效利用。

“我们可以优化天然气利用，确保地区能源安全。因此，建立健全的港口系统对促进国内和国际贸易至关重要。通过在港口设施方面的战略投资，我们旨在巩固砂拉越在能源市场的领先地位。 ”

他向砂总理成功说服联邦政府的成果表示祝贺，根据2024年3月签署的谅解备忘录，联邦政府同意让砂拉越完全拥有民都鲁港口，这是一个位于远东和欧洲的战略性国际港口， 也是世界上最大的液化天然气出口码头之一。

https://weareunited.com.my/12165860/

Shophouse renovations: Onus on owners, says Lo

Datuk Lo Khere Chiang

KUCHING: The onus is on shophouse owners to renovate their premises should the need arise by engaging engineers or builders.

In pointing this out Batu Kitang assemblyman Datuk Lo Khere Chiang said the submission of structural drawings to the council is only for record purposes.

He was responding to Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen complaining of a slow reply from the council after a report on the safety of two-storey shophouse buildings here was submitted.

Lo stressed that the council engineers do not go through the structural design of professional engineers who submit their structural drawings to the council.

“The integrity of the structure rests with the design engineer who is responsible for his structural design during his lifetime.

“In the case of these two-storey shophouses which have been in existence for the past 40 years or more, I notice that many of them have either been repaired or renovated to meet the needs of their businesses.

“The tenant who has complained to Chong but prefers not to move out of their rented premises nor to renovate their shophouse leaves me completely perplexed,” he said.

He questioned why Chong was not advising the tenant who complained to move out or renovate the shophouse.

“This is more perplexing to me. However, whatever the agenda of Chong in this case is, I urge him not to confuse the public and waste everybody’s time.

“All Chong needs to do is to advise the particular tenant to move out or to repair her premises.

“We are all mature and sensible enough to understand that if a two storey building is dangerous, we should not continue to rent the place and endanger our own lives,” he said.

https://www.newsarawaktribune.com.my/shophouse-renovations-onus-on-owners-says-lo/

Call on Stampin MP to advise shophouse tenants to either move out or repair units

May 5, 2024, Sunday at 6:32 PM

Lo stresses some points during the simple press conference at Lorong Datuk Tawi Sli No 4 in Kuching.

KUCHING (May 5): Batu Kitang assemblyman Dato Lo Khere Chiang has called upon Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen to advise the tenants of the shophouses near Lorong Datuk Tawi Sli here to either relocate or undertake necessary repair works on the damaged units.

Adding on, Lo described the situation where the tenants had complained to Chong about the matter, but did not want to move out or renovate the units, as ‘completely perplexing’.

“We are all mature and sensible enough to understand that if a two-storey building is dangerous, we should not continue to rent the place and endanger our own lives,” he said in a press conference that took place at Lorong Datuk Tawi Sli No 4 here today.

Adding on, Lo also questioned Chong’s eagerness in the matter, citing discrepancies in statements that had been made by the latter.

“In a newspaper report dated April 30, 2024, he (Chong) mentioned nine shophouses yet to be closed by the Padawan Municipal Council (MPP).

“At times, he spoke about a report by an engineer, which said four shophouses needed to be renovated.

“Whether it’s one, or four, or nine, or the entire 43 shophouse units in this light industrial estate, the responsibility lies with the owners themselves to engage a professional engineer or builder to renovate their own two-storey premises.”

In this aspect, Lo explained that when an engineer submitted structural drawings to the council, the council would only keep them for record-keeping purposes.

“The council’s engineer does not go through the structural designs drawn by the professional engineers and submitted to the council.

“The integrity of the structure rests on the design engineer who is responsible for his structural design during his lifetime.”

On April 29, Chong – also the Democratic Action Party (DAP) Sarawak chairman – had criticised the MPP over the delay in tackling the structural issues affecting some shophouses at Lorong Datuk Tawi Sli here.

“The MPP, as the authority empowered by the Sarawak Buildings Ordinance (SBO) 1994, has the power to issue notices to shop-owners where the building’s structural integrity is in question, either to demolish the building or to order some repair works to be done on it.

“The report has been submitted to MPP, and we are still waiting for its follow-up action.

“Thus, I call upon the MPP to take immediate action in assisting the shop-owners in resolving building structure issues,” Chong had stated.

https://www.theborneopost.com/2024/05/05/call-on-stampin-mp-to-advise-shophouse-tenants-to-either-move-out-or-repair-units/

罗克强：张健仁需建议 租户搬离或维修店屋

2024年5月5日

拿督罗克强昨日前往古晋朋尼逊路三哩半达威斯里巷工业店建筑召开新闻发布会。

（古晋5日讯）针对古晋朋尼逊路三哩半达威斯里巷工业店建筑，巴都吉当区州议员拿督罗克强指出，本身希望实旦宾区国会议员张健仁不要混淆公众，也不要浪费大家的时间，张健仁需要做的是，建议相关租户搬离或维修他们的店屋。

“大家都已不是年轻人，都已足够成熟和理智明白，如果一栋两层楼的建筑是危险的，就不应该继续租用这个地方，从而危及我们自己的生命。”

他称，这些两层店屋存在已经超过40年，本身注意到其中许多已经进行了修复或翻新，以满足他们业务的需要。

他说，租户向张健仁投诉，但却选择不搬出租用的房屋，也不愿意翻新店屋，让其感到非常困惑。

他称，作为一个有着丰富常识的学识渊博的律师，为何不建议租户搬出或修理店屋，更让其困惑不解。

拿督罗克强是于今日前往古晋朋尼逊路三哩半达威斯里巷工业店建筑召开新闻发布会时，如是表示。

他续称，张健仁于2024年4月30日的报导中，提到市议会尚未关闭的9栋店屋，甚至还提及一份工程师的报告指出有4栋店屋需要翻新。

他指出，不管是一栋、四栋、还是整个这轻工业区的43栋店屋，在这种情况下，责任应该落在业主身上，他们应该聘请专业工程师或建筑师来翻新他们的两层楼店面。

他也说明，当一名工程师向市议会提交结构图纸时，这些图纸只是被市议会保留作为记录。市议会的工程师不会审查向市议会提交结构图纸的专业工程师的结构设计。

https://news.seehua.com/post/1156336

Dayak customs, tradition can contribute to Sarawak’s unity, says Batu Kitang rep

May 2, 2024, Thursday at 7:01 AM

(From second left) Padila, Lo, Tan (right) and others perforning the symbolic launching of Aeroville Mall’s Gawai Bazaar 2024.

KUCHING (May 2): The customs and traditions of the Dayak community can contribute to the spirit of unity in Sarawak, says Batu Kitang assemblyman Dato Lo Khere Chiang.

Speaking during the opening of Gawai Bazaar 2024 in Aeroville Mall here yesterday, he said like other festivals in Malaysia, Gawai Dayak celebration is also important as it can build an ethnic identity.

He further lauded the Gawai Bazaar programme, saying that it is one of the ways to strengthen the camaraderie and develop a harmonious atmosphere in the state.

“Hopefully with this organisation, we can share the joy and excitement of Gawai Dayak regardless of race or religion.

“Therefore, as the people of Bumi Kenyalang who always value peace and harmony, we are very grateful because our community consists of various races and religions can celebrate festivals according to their respective religions and traditions peacefully,” said Lo.

He further reminded everyone to always be united in any situations that occur whether politically or economically to ensure that Sarawak remains safe and prosperous.

“We in Sarawak are very lucky because religion and race have never caused an issue to the spirit of unity that has been intertwined for a long time.

“Like this afternoon, we can see our Malay and Chinese friends are also present together to enliven the event today (May 1).

Meanwhile, the Gawai Bazaar programme director Padila Jiahong said the event is held from May 1 to 12, with 35 kiosks indoor, and 11 food kiosks outdoor.

She said the programme is held with the objective of promoting the beauty, uniqueness and cultural diversity of our community in Sarawak through the collaboration of the non-governmental organisation (NGOs), community, private companies, small traders, local art activists and Dayak culture lovers.

“It is also to create a community of entrepreneurs and small traders to promote their products, and local delicacies, handcrafts of the local community.

“Most importantly, it is to create and strengthen consensus between various government and non-government agencies to achieve common goals, especially to customers of Aeroville Mall and business partners,” said Padilla.

The opening ceremony was also attended by Aeroville Mall director Kapitan Tan Kun Gee, Kelab Seni Budaya Anak Sarawak (Kesera) president and Mrs Global Asian 2023 Kimi Tomas, and other distinguished guests.

https://www.theborneopost.com/2024/05/02/dayak-customs-tradition-can-contribute-to-sarawaks-unity-says-batu-kitang-rep/

https://www.theborneopost.com/2024/05/02/dayak-customs-tradition-can-contribute-to-sarawaks-unity-says-batu-kitang-rep/

Batu Kitang rep: Lrg Tawi Sli shophouses privately owned, Stampin MP should assist, not point fingers

Apr 30, 2024 @ 15:33

Lo showing a newspaper clipping of Chong who urged the MPP to do something about the structural integrity of the shophouses at Lorong Datuk Tawi Sli.

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, April 30: Batu Kitang assemblyman Dato Lo Khere Chiang has hit back at Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen, who chided the Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) for the delay in addressing the structural integrity of shophouses at Lorong Datuk Tawi Sli, 3 ½ Mile, Jalan Penrissen.

In a press statement, Lo said that the shophouses are privately owned with individual land titles and that Chong should instead advise private shop owners that they are responsible for addressing issues related to their property.

“For instance, if my fencing is about to collapse, I will seek professional advice and spend my own money to repair my fencing. I cannot be asking the council to repair my fencing, can I?

“If there are structural problems with the house, do you expect the council to take care of it, or do you hire professionals to handle the repairs and pay for it? Naturally, one would hire professionals.

“Similarly, YB Chong should assist these shop owners in seeking professional advice and repairing their properties, whether through total or partial demolition or by reinforcing existing structures to address the purported failures,” he said.

Lo pointed out that these are two-storey buildings, not towering structures, and that owners can individually repair their property or collaborate with neighbours to undertake joint renovations.

“My advice to YB Chong is to stop misleading the public and barking up the wrong tree.

“Stop pointing fingers when all you need to do as a responsible YB and MP is to advise private property owners to take charge of their properties and to remedy any structural defects found in their shophouses.” — DayakDaily

https://dayakdaily.com/batu-kitang-rep-lrg-tawi-sli-shophouses-privately-owned-stampin-mp-should-assist-not-point-fingers/

罗克强：私人产业拥个别地契 工业店主应自行聘人维修

2024年4月30日

峇都吉当区州议员拿督罗克强发言时摄。

（古晋30日讯）达威斯里路第4巷的3哩半工业店为店主所私有，且拥有个别的地契，所以人民代议士在为有关店主请命时，理应先向店主们提醒，他们自身有责任解决该些与相关私人产业有关的问题。

峇都吉当区州议员拿督罗克强是在今午召开新闻发布会时，针对达威斯里路第4巷的3哩半工业店缺陷课题，如是表示。

“举个例子，我家的围墙快要倒塌了，我将寻求专业建议，并自费展开相关的维修工作。再想想，你或我的住家出现结构问题时，你是否指望地方议会予以关注，还是将自费聘请专家来进行维修工作？自然，人们会选择聘请专业人士。”

他重申，同样的，在为相关店主提供协助时，人民代议士理应协助他们寻求专业建议，并决定是通过全面还是局部拆除，又或者加固现有结构的方式来展开产业的维修工作。

“相关工业店是两层楼建筑物，而不是多层建筑物，所以有关建筑物底楼展开的梁柱维修或加固工作等替代方案，或许就可以协助避免任何不必要灾难的发生。”

他表示，有关店主可以选择单独维修自身的产业，或是与邻里单位一起展开相关的维修工程。

“将相关工业店的结构问题推卸到地方议会身上，并予以指责的行为，是不公平的。”

另一方面，他感到困惑的是﹐当投诉人做出投诉时﹐相关的人民代议士在店面结构存在危机的情况下﹐为何不劝告该人进行搬迁﹖

“明知道店面存在危机，为何还要继续租用，并将自己暴露在风险当中？强行留在当地或继续租用相关店铺，但又持续就危机做出投诉的逻辑性又在那里﹖”

他还追问道，在透过专家建议来挽救自身产业方面，店主们是否已经用尽了一切可行之法？

无论如何，他劝请相关人民代议士停止做出指责，并且要负责任地劝告私人业主们为自己的产业负责，以就店内任何结构问题展开修复工作。

https://news.seehua.com/post/1154275

婆罗洲妈祖文化节掀幕 妈祖五一水上出巡

2024年4月27日

Batu Kitang Assemblyman Dato Lo Khere Chiang ( middle)

Batu Kitang Assemblyman Dato Lo Khere Chiang ( middle, yellow shirt)

婆羅洲媽祖文化節籌委會主席馬可倧（中）在神事組成員陪同下，負責把娘媽宮媽祖金身扛著，從廟宇出發走到畢打拿市場停車場大帳篷。

（古晋24日讯）婆罗洲妈祖文化节今日开始啦！砂拉越河畔娘妈宫妈祖金身一早于8时24分从庙里出发，接着于8时36分抵达毕打拿市场停车场并暂时安放在大帐篷内神台上，好让善信都能来拜拜。

婆罗洲妈祖文化节主席许义华表示，此项活动是从今日起至5月1日，每晚7时30分至10时都有一连串娱兴节目，同时也会发出妈祖令旗和妈祖招财钱母给有缘善信供请。

发出妈祖招财钱母供请

此外，主办方也有给善信准备点祈福船灯仪式。他呼吁善信们都能踊跃出席，一起来热闹。

峇都吉当州议员拿督罗克强受邀出席活动，于今早10时为圣挂妈祖旗圣礼仪式。接着在今早10时37分，拿督杨昆贤也有到现场，给娘妈宫妈祖进行敬头柱香仪式。

峇都吉当州议员拿督罗克强在活动上时表示，5月1日举行的妈祖金身巡河肯定是庆典的最高潮，届时肯定吸引数以千计的信众和公众观赏。

他说，古晋多间宫庙供奉妈祖，包括砂拉越河畔妈娘宫、古晋毕打拿忠福宫、古晋兴化天后宫及古晋海南天后宫等，信众数以万计。

“数百间妈祖庙分布在中国福建省和台湾，信众多达数百万。2009年《妈祖信俗》被联合国列为《人类非物质文化遗产代表作名录》。”

他相信经过第一届婆罗洲妈祖文化节庆典之后，将可以在砂拉越掀起一股妈祖文化热潮，增加更多的妈祖信众。

罗克强希望婆罗洲妈祖文化节能够成为常年庆祝活动，由供奉妈祖的宫庙轮值举办。

“举办如此大型的妈祖文化节庆典，主办单位一定要筹募庞大的经费，才能办好庆典活动。”

他也希望砂其他宗教事务单位能拨款资助婆罗洲妈祖文化节庆典，让筹委会拥有足够的经费办好庆典。

https://news.seehua.com/post/1152691

Borneo Highlands Resort: Blossoming future awaits as private investors called to participate in revamp initiative

Apr 23, 2024 @ 15:43

By Karen Bong

KUCHING, April 23: Borneo Highlands Resident Club (BHRC) hopes private investors can participate in the revival of the hotel facility and flower garden at this sole hilltop resort in Sarawak which has been taken over by the State government for redevelopment.

BHRC chairman and Batu Kitang assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang reminisced about the once alluring flower garden that featured numerous flower species with larger blooms attributed to its elevated location, which served as a prominent tourist attraction.

Expressing confidence in the potential of the resort to emerge as a thriving tourist hub near Kuching city, he highlighted the pristine natural surroundings of the resort.

“The Land Custody Development Authority (LCDA) entrusted to further develop the resort has a masterplan for it. Although I haven’t seen it, but I believe there will be a wellness centre and a new hotel (in the masterplan).

“I believe a lot of things are being planned to revive the resort. With investments to make the resort into a place where people will come, this place will be vibrant again.

“The Sarawak government has now taken over this whole place and I hope…no, I can see the future of Borneo Highlands Resort is very bright,” he told reporters during the Raya Glamping at Borneo Highlands event last Sunday (April 21).

A sea of clouds over the Penrissen range of Borneo Highlands Resort.

Situated atop the Penrissen Range which straddles the Sarawak-Kalimantan border at 1,000 metres above sea level, the Borneo Highlands Resort is cocooned within one of the world’s oldest and second-largest rainforests, spanning approximately 5,000 acres.

It is a botanical paradise where one can enjoy fresh mountain air, spectacular highland sceneries, and a challenging 18-hole golf course meandering through the natural features of the highland plateau.

Despite its allure, the resort had laid dormant for years following the concessionaire’s failure to fulfill development obligations. However, the once-idle space has found new purpose as a glamping destination, catering to outdoor enthusiasts seeking refuge from the urban hustle of the city.

Campers including children enjoying outdoor activities like kite flying and kayaking in the lake at Borneo Highlands Resort on April 20, 2024.

Campers giving kayaking a go in the lake at Borneo Highlands Resort on April 20, 2024.

During the two-day glamping event held over the weekend and organised by Borneo Glamping, tents adorned the green lawn, offering campers a retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life, an experience Lo likened to staying in a hotel.

This time, the event also featured a variety of activities tailored for families and children, giving them a chance to unleash their boundless energy, running and playing freely, their laughter mingling with the gentle breeze and chorus of birdsong.

In this haven of outdoor wonders, they flew kites, paddled kayaks on the lake adorned with yet-to-bloom water lilies, and engaged in lively games around a giant soccer ball, filling the air with cheers.

Campers partake in a barbecue session under the stars.

Campers, including children, enjoying a makeshift outdoor theatre beneath the moonlight at the glamping event.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, families gathered around the flickering flames of the barbecue fire, indulging in food and drinks and enjoying each other’s company.

As the night deepened, families gathered beneath the moonlight and twinkling stars for a special outdoor movie screening, with some campers even bringing along a portable karaoke for a concert in the forest.

Reflecting on the success of another glamping event, Lo encouraged the organiser to continue hosting similar events, whether for team building or family outings, to allow more people to experience the beauty of the highlands. — DayakDaily

Sarawak perlu sistem saliran komprehensif

2024-04-22T19:48:38+08:00

Lo (dua kanan) meyampaikan replika cek dana RTP pembinaan projek jambatan konkrit di Lorong 2, Kampung Tematu kepada Ketua Kaum Kampung Tematu Geofrey Tahang (tiga kiri) hari ini. -Gambar Mohd Faisal Ahmad

Sistem saliran dari kawasan penempatan ke sungai diperlukan bagi tangani isu banjir di negeri ini

Oleh Henrietta Liza

BAU: Sarawak memerlukan sistem saliran dari kawasan penempatan ke sungai yang lebih komprehensif bagi menangani isu banjir yang berlaku di negeri.

Ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri (ADUN) Batu Kitang Dato Lo Khere Chiang berkata, sebuah sistem saliran yang lebih besar dan lurus terus ke sungai mampu mengatasi isu berkenaan.

“Bagi mengurangkan kejadian banjir berlaku di Kuching dan di seluruh Sarawak, sistem saliran yang besar penting agar air dapat dialirkan terus ke sungai,” katanya.

Beliau berkata demikian ketika ditemui pemberita selepas mengadakan lawatan projek dan penyerahan Projek Transformasi Luar Bandar (RTP) di Kampung Tematu di sini, hari ini.

Lo pada masa yang sama turut menegaskan agar setiap individu menjalankan tanggungjawab mereka dengan tidak membuang sisa dan sampah ke dalam sungai sehingga menyebabkan saliran air tersumbat.

“Saya ingin mengingatkan kepada orang ramai dan orang kampung secara amnya supaya tidak membuang sampah di dalam sistem saliran air kita sehingga boleh menyebabkan longkang atau parit tersumbat.

“Begitu juga pihak kontraktor dinasihatkan untuk tidak membuang sisa pembinaan secara haram di merata-rata tempat sehingga menjejaskan alam sekitar.

“Kita dapati banyak sisa pembinaan dibuang secara haram di merata-rata tempat. Sisa-sisa ini akan mengalir ke sungai lalu menyebabkan banjir dan masalah-masalah seumpamanya berlaku,” tegasnya.

Sehubungan itu, beliau turut memuji tindakan Jabatan Pengairan dan Saliran (JPS) kerana sentiasa membantu mengorek longkang di kawasan kampung sekitar DUN Batu Kitang bagi mengelak kejadian banjir.

Lo ketika ditemui pemberita semalam. -Gambar Mohd Faisal Ahmad

“Di sini memang banjir kerana jalan raya akan dinaiki air sungai. Justeru, saya mahu mengucapkan terima kasih kepada JPS kerana membantu mengurangkan kejadian banjir di sini,” jelasnya.  

JKKK digalak laksana projek pembangunan, naik taraf dalam sesebuah kawasan perkampungan

2024-04-22T20:56:26+08:00

Lo (kanan) melihat pelan projek bersama Biro Pembangunan JKKK Kampung Tematu Stephen Jepeng (kiri) dan Ketua Kaum Kampung Tematu Geofrey Tahang (tengah) di atas jambatan konkrit yang baharu di Lorong 2 Kampung Tematu hari ini.

BAU: Projek pembangunan dan naik taraf dalam sesebuah kawasan perkampungan mendapat galakan bagi dilaksanakan oleh Jawatankuasa Kemajuan dan Keselamatan Kampung (JKKK) kata Ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri (ADUN) Batu Kitang Dato Lo Khere Chiang hari ini.

Beliau berkata demikian, berikutan kejayaan pembinaan projek RTP sebuah jambatan konkrit di Lorong 2 Kampung Tematu di sini yang telah dilaksanakan menggunakan kaedah tersebut.

"Dan saya ingin menggalakkan semua kampung di dalam kawasan saya untuk melakukan perkara yang sama. Modus operandi yang sama, kami akan menyediakan dana RTP.

"Jambatan ini dibina bagi menggantikan jambatan kayu yang telah usang berusia 20 tahun di sini. Selalunya digunakan oleh penduduk kampung bagi menjalankan aktiviti pertanian mereka.

"Bagaimanapun, saya melihat potensi selepas adanya jambatan konkrit bernilai RM70,000 ini maka lebih banyak sektor pertanian dalam kawasan tanah berkeluasan 1,500 ekar ini dijadikan kawasan penanaman padi," katanya.

Lo berkata demikian kepada pemberita selepas selesai Majlis Penyerahan Projek RTP di Kampung Tematu, Off Jalan Batu Kitang kepada JKKK Kampung Tematu, pagi tadi.

Maka dengan itu, beliau turut mengusulkan kepada JKKK untuk memohon kepada Jabatan Pertanian Negeri Sarawak bagi pembinaan jalan pertanian sepanjang tiga kilometer.

Tujuannya adalah untuk memperkasakan sosioekonomi penduduk kampung bagi menjalankan aktiviti pertanian secara besar-besaran dan menyokong usaha kerajaan negeri agar Sarawak menjadi bakul makanan Malaysia.

"Kami akan melakukannya. Saya akan pergi bersama JKKK Kampung Tematu untuk berjumpa dengan Jabatan Pertanian bagi membina jalan-jalan pertanian untuk penduduk Kampung Tematu. 

"Dan saya berharap dengan tanah yang luas ini, Jabatan Pertanian juga akan membantu penduduk kampung yang berminat untuk penanaman padi. Saya percaya Kampung Tematu boleh melakukannya," tambahnya kemudian.

Projek pembinaan jalan pertanian sepanjang tiga kilometer itu memerlukan dana sekitar RM500,000.

Lo turut berjanji untuk memberi peruntukan tambahan bernilai RM200,000 kepada JKKK Kampung Tematu bagi melaksanakan beberapa projek RTP yang akan dilaksanakan secara bergotong-royong.

Menerusinya, JKKK Kampung Tematu akan menambah baik dewan, jalan perhubungan, longkang, jambatan dan tembok untuk menambah baik kemudahan infrastruktur bagi meningkatkan keselesaan hidup penduduk di sini.  

https://www.utusanborneo.com.my/2024/04/22/jkkk-digalak-laksana-projek-pembangunan-naik-taraf-dalam-sesebuah-kawasan-perkampungan

Kpg Tematu’s new concrete bridge to facilitate access to 1,500 acres of agriculture land, says rep

April 22, 2024, Monday at 6:32 PM

(Front, from left) Lo, Kampung Tematu ketua kaum Geofrey Tahang and others check out the new concrete bridge. – Photo by Mohd Faisal Ahmad

KUCHING (April 22): The recent completion of a concrete bridge at Kampung Tematu here will allow more heavy vehicles to access over 1,500 acres of land across the bridge for agricultural purposes, said Dato Lo Khere Chiang.

Speaking during the symbolic handover of the project today, the Batu Kitang assemblyman said construction began last December and was carried out on a gotong-royong basis by the villagers.

“When the village head met with me previously, I decided to prepare an allocation to construct this concrete bridge to replace the dilapidated wooden bridge that had been in use for over 20 years.

“The old bridge was then demolished to make way for this new one,” he told reporters, adding that RM70,000 under his Rural Transformation Programme (RTP) grant was allocated for the construction of the new bridge.

He also said he will be allocating another RM200,000 in RTP grants to Kampung Tematu for various infrastructure projects.

Meanwhile, Lo said he will work with the Agricultural Department to convert the land across the bridge into a paddy plantation, and will seek to have more roads constructed for ease of transport in the area.

At the same time, he expressed gratitude to the Department of Irrigation and Drainage for periodically flushing the drains in the surrounding areas to minimise the occurrence of floods.

Lo plans to pursue agricultural roads for villagers

MEDIA CONFERENCE... Batu Kitang assemblyman, Datuk Lo Khere Chiang when inspecting the water rope bridge to avoid overflowing flood water in Kampung Tematu, Batu Kitang Kuching yesterday. Photo: Ghazali Bujang

KUCHING: Batu Kitang assemblyman Datuk Lo Khere Chiang will meet with the Agriculture Department soon to discuss the construction of agricultural roads for the people in Kampung Tematu.

He said this following the completion of the newest bridge in the village.

“This is because in Kampung Tematu, there is a vast piece of land (1,500 acres) that is perfect for rice cultivation.

“We will get assistance from the Agriculture Department, in the form of modern equipment to help the people plant the paddy here.

“I believe the people in Kampung Tematu can do it,” he said here on Monday (April 22).

“I believe with this vast piece of land, we will be able to produce rice between two to three times a year,” he added.

On another note, Lo stated that a total of 50 projects under his constituency have been submitted to the Resident Office.

“At the moment, we are still waiting for the office to call for a meeting for us to go through the projects.”

Lo will also allocate another RM200,000 for other projects in Kampung Tematu as well, and he wants it to be conducted on a gotong-royong basis.

“That being said, I would like to encourage the people within my constituency to carry out projects under the same method (gotong-royong).

“We will provide the RTP fund, and come together to manage and construct the projects,” he said.

The construction of the newest bridge through RM70,000 from Lo’s RTP funding began in December last year and completed this month (April).

https://www.newsarawaktribune.com.my/lo-plans-to-pursue-agricultural-roads-for-villagers/#google_vignette