Legal action awaits those yet to remove illegal extensions

January 30, 2018, Tuesday Rintos Mail, reporters@theborneopost.com

Lo (centre), with MPP deputy chairman Dato’ Ahmad Ibrahim on his left and acting secretary Elizabeth Loh, in a photo-call after the meeting.

KUCHING: The Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) is in the process of obtaining court order against property owners and tenants who still refuse to take down unauthorised extensions or structures on their premises.

According to Batu Kitang assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang, who is also MPP chairman, the council has identified 121 of such unauthorised extensions or structures on commercial and residential properties in areas under its jurisdiction.

He stressed that warning notices had been issued to the owners, ordering them to demolish these extensions from their properties, but ‘apparently, the warnings fell on deaf ears’.

“Those who are responsible for (installing) these illegal structures had been reminded verbally, before being served with warning notices. Even after being served with the notices (for them) to take down the structures, they still refuse to demolish them.

“I am appealing to these people to demolish these unauthorised extensions; otherwise, be ready to face the legal consequences,” he told reporters after chairing MPP full council meeting yesterday.
The summary report on commercial areas under MPP’s jurisdiction states that there are 13 unauthorised structures built at Taman Muhibah Mile 13; two at M10 Commercial Centre; four at Mile 7 Bazaar; four at Gateway Commercial Centre Mile 7; three at Sentosa Avenue Commercial Centre; six at New Shoplot Mile 7; three at Sentosa Parade Commercial Centre, Mile 7; one at Kit5ang 1 Commercial Centre; one at Maong Bazaar Mile; six at Dogan Commercial Centre; six along Jalan Batu Kawah; seven at Kuching City Mall; 27 at Batu Kawah New Township; five at Desa Wira Commercial Centre; four at Batu Kawa E-Mart Commercial Centre; one at Batu Kawa (Bridge) Commercial Centre; six at E-Mart Matang; one at Matang Pelangi Commercial Centre; seven at Liang Kee Commercial Centre Mile 4, Matang; three at Lee Ling Commercial Centre Mile 7 Matang; three at Twin One Avenue 1, Matang; seven at Taman Malihah; one at Taman Genesis; one at Taman Suria Matang Jaya; five at Matang Jawa Commercial Centre; two at Matang Hub Swan Commercial Centre; and two at Residence Commercial 805, Jalan Matang.

Lo warned those responsible for the installation of unauthorised extensions and refuse to demolish even after being ordered to, would not escape ‘the long arms of the law’.

“Nowadays, people want to live in comfortable and beautiful housing estates – they don’t want to see workshops, eateries and any kind of illegal extension appear around their living places.

“So, please don’t do illegal extensions or structures without the council’s approval. Don’t go against the law,” he said.

The Local Authorities Ordinance (Cleanliness) By-Laws, 1999 PART IV provides the penalty for contravening By-Law 19, which prohibits building works constituting danger to life, health and other aspects in any public place.

Any person who commits an offence under By-Law 19 may face an arrest without warrant by any police officer or any other officer authorised in writing on that behalf by the local authority and taken before a Magistrate’s Court.

The penalty can be a fine from RM100 to not more than RM2,000, or six-month imprisonment, or both.

沈桂贤：平民房重建后保留部分单位予南市职员

suppadmin | January 30, 2018

砂地方政府及房屋部长拿督沈桂贤医生透露，一旦万福路平民房获得重建后，绝对会保留一些单位予居住在较远地区的南市官员。

他表示，不少南市员工长途跋涉前来上班，因此一旦七层楼重建完毕，将预留一些单位给这些南市员工。

沈桂贤是出席古晋南市市政局职员感恩晚宴上致词时，如是表示。

“南市局不仅是全砂历史最悠久的地方议会，更是砂25个议会中最大的地方议会。”

他说，南市管辖范围非常广泛，几乎所有大小事与南市息息相关，因此，他也赞扬南市市政局，一直以来都展示出优越的能力，甚至超越原有地方议会的角色。

万福路平民房建立于1957年，目前有821户家庭居住。

出席晚宴者包括古晋南市市长拿督曾长青、巴达旺市议会主席罗克强、首长政治秘书陈开及南市副市长希尔米。

Some rebuilt KMC flats to be reserved for MBKS staff’

January 30, 2018, Tuesday

Chan (fourth left) presents a framed painting of a cat to Dr Sim, as others look on.

KUCHING: Some of the units in the rebuilt KMC Flat Complex in Padungan will be reserved for staff of Kuching South City Council (MBKS), said Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian.

Speaking at an appreciation dinner for MBKS staff here on Sunday, he said the reservation of the units is to reduce the travelling time to work for council staffers who live far away.

“When we rebuild the KMC flats, I will make sure some of the flats are reserved for staff of KMC (MBKS) so that you (the staff) don’t have to travel far away to come to work,” he said.

Dr Sim, who is also minister-in-charge of MBKS, did not however elaborate on when the redevelopment of the flats will commence.

The flat units in Padungan were constructed by MBKS’ predecessor Kuching Municipal Council (KMC) in 1957.

It currently houses 821 families as tenants. There are four types of KMC flats with a total of 531 units divided into 22 blocks, each named after a town in Sarawak.

Based on recent news reports, there are plans to rebuild the flats and re-develop the area as an urban renewal initiative for Kuching.

On another matter, Dr Sim said MBKS will celebrate its 30th anniversary on Aug 1 this year, and urged council staff to continue providing excellent service to the people.

He said as MBKS is the biggest of the 25 local governments, he wants the council to be more people-centric and cited the newly-installed smart traffic lights as one of the people-centric initiatives.

With Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg now making efforts to develop a digital Sarawak, Dr Sim said he hopes to see MBKS emulate China’s digitalisation efforts by making it easier for its customers to make payment and utilise services using smartphones and other gadgets.

Meanwhile, MBKS Mayor Datuk James Chan said the chief minister’s vision for the digitalisation of Sarawak is a good move, and he will ensure MBKS will follow through.

“I think it is good for the people. We should think about submission of plan, and payment of rates should be done digitally.

“Whatever technology which can be used, MBKS will stay in line and apply the technology to come up with better efficiency for the people,” said Chan.

Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) chairman Lo Khere Chiang, Sarawak Public Service Commission chairman Datu Abdul Ghafur Shariff, political secretary to the chief minister Tan Kai, MBKS deputy mayor Hilmy Othman and MPP deputy chairman Dato Ahmad Ibrahim were among those present at the dinner.

Pihak berkuasa tempatan diminta terus berusaha membasmi penyakit rabies

January 29, 2018

Dr Sim (empat dari kanan) menerima cenderahati dari Chan selepas merasmikan Majlis Penghargaan Kakitangan Majlis Bandaraya Kuching Selatan (MBKS) 2018.

KUCHING, Jan 29: Kementerian Perumahan dan Kerajaan Tempatan Sarawak meminta sebanyak 25 pihak berkuasa tempatan dibawahnya samada majlis daerah, majlis perbandaran dan majlis bandaraya di negeri ini supaya terus berusaha sebaik mungkin mengelakkan lebih ramai penduduk negeri ini digigit anjing dan dijangkiti penyakit anjing gila atau rabies yang boleh membawa maut.

Menteri Perumahan dan Kerajaan Tempatan Sarawak, Professor Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian berkata sejak penyakit terbabit di kesan di negeri ini Jun tahun lepas, setakat ini sudah seramai tujuh orang penduduk tempatan telah disahkan positif dijangkiti penyakit rabies setelah mereka digigit anjing yang membawa virus penyakit itu.

“Sebab itulah kita mesti berterusan memastikan yang penduduk di Sarawak adalah selamat dari penyakit rabies dan kita sudah tiada pilihan lain. Saya tidak mahu ada lagi yang akan kehilangan nyawa,” katanya ketika menghadiri Majlis Penghargaan Kakitangan Majlis Bandaraya Kuching Selatan (MBKS) 2018 di sini semalam.
Juga menghadiri majlis tersebut ialah Datuk Bandar Kuching Selatan, Datuk James Chan dan Ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri (ADUN) Batu Kitang dan Pengerusi Majlis Perbandaran Padawan, Lo Khere Chiang.

Sim berkata pihaknya kecewa kerana sebelum ini hanya ada enam kes penduduk tempatan dijangkiti rabies dan selepas beberapa bulan hanya ada kes anjing yang positif dijangkiti, tetapi pada Jan 26 lepas berlaku satu lagi kes penduduk tempatan yang dijangkiti penyakit itu setelah digigit anjing di Jalan Batu Kawa­Matang.

“Sekiranya ada yang digigit anjing yang dijangkiti rabies dan tidak mendapatkan rawatan sepatutnya dengan segera, virus rabies akan mengambil masa dua atau tiga bulan bagi sampai ke bahagian otak,” katanya.

Menurutnya, setelah virus rabies sampai ke bahagian otak, mangsa hanya berpeluang sebanyak satu peratus sahaja bagi berjaya disembuhkan selepas dirawat manakala 99 peratus akan gagal dirawat dan ini bukan sesuatu yang baik kepada penghidap penyakit itu.

Dr Sim sehubungan itu berterima kasih kepada bahagian kesihatan awam di semua pihak berkuasa tempatan di negeri ini kerana telah mengambil segala tindakan yang perlu bagi mencegah penularan penyakit terbabit di kawasan pentadbiran masing­masing.

Antara yang telah dilakukan pihak berkuasa tempatan terbabit termasuk MBKS ialah menjalankan operasi menangkap anjing liar di kawasan pentadbiran masing­masing bagi mengelakkan penduduk digigit haiwan itu yang mungkin sudah dijangkiti rabies. — DayakDaily

Kpg Bunga Rampai to have 122 single-storey terrace houses

 January 18, 2018, Thursday

Lo (second right) with Asman (right), Anielia (left) and Rafaee (second left) look at a housing project plan at Kampung Bunga Rampai.

KUCHING: A total of 122 units of single-storey terrace houses will be constructed at Kampung Bunga Rampai to provide housing for the villagers.

The Housing Development Corporation (HDC) recently handed over a Certificate of Site Possession for the proposed housing units to be sited at Lot 697 to 754, Block 11, Senggi Poak Land District at Kampung Bunga Rampai, off Jalan Bau near here.

This certificate grants the contractor exclusive possession of the site until completion.

The affordable housing project (RMR) costing an estimated RM23 million has commenced since, and is expected to take about 21 months to complete.

Witnessing the signing and handover of the certificate to the contractor were Batu Kitang assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang, HDC chief executive officer Mohamad Asman Ahmad, Bau district officer Anielia Siam and Kampung Bunga Rampai village chief Rafaee Bujang.

Lo said the implementation of this project, an initiative of Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg, was crucial as apart from providing housing facilities, it will also address flood and landslide issues in the area.

“I’m happy because for the past 35 years, Kampung Bunga Rampai residents have been waiting for such a housing project and they’ll soon be able to stay in a comfortable house in a safer area.”

Asman assured that HDC will monitor the status of the project to ensure it is completed on schedule.

國際名媛旗袍春晚大賽 砂代表隊榮獲總冠軍

By 联合日报

发布于 January 26, 2018

（本报古晋25日讯）于2018年1月15号在香港海洋公园举行的2018年国际名媛旗袍春晚大赛由砂拉越代表队，砂拉越健与美协会及田美丽舞蹈学院荣获全场金奖及总冠军，为砂拉越争光！
古晋旗袍会美姿美仪总顾问兼砂拉越健与美协会会长拿汀阿玛黄彭玉莲为此特设庆功宴，庆祝代表团队凯旋归来。
拿汀黄彭玉莲在致辞时大赞代笔团队勇敢精神，鉴于时间的问题因此仅练习了2、3次，不过在田美丽舞蹈学院耐心指导下，把比赛中需注意的仪态、琴书画、刺绣等各种传统女性没得学会。
她说，这次参加比赛大伙都是抱着学习态度，不料却成功夺得了金牌，对他们来说绝对是意外的收获。
“不过，必须赞扬她们在练习时，不论是学习和配合都一级棒。”
她笑言，田美丽舞蹈团夺得总冠军，赢取8千港币的奖金，奖金也已经用来购买今日送给她的两个大灯笼。
她知悉两个团队在参赛期间经历了辛苦的路程，不过希望她们也能将其视为磨练，因为只有经历了辛苦才知道何谓幸福。
今日中午受邀出席庆功宴的活动主宾有前工程部副部长拿督杨昆贤，贵宾包括巴都吉当区州议员兼巴达旺市议会主席罗克强、国际名媛联盟会马来西亚筹备会总负责人兼全球执行秘书长郑莉薲，东马区中华旗袍会总负责人田美丽及代表团成员等。
据悉，古晋著名书法家沈保耀也教导参赛者书法。在2018年国际名媛旗袍春晚大赛主办时，砂拉越代表队伍共呈现三个表演，即舞转犀乡、缘起媛续及美人吟。

哈芝巴基交通灯启用 罗克强吁支持砂国阵

• Friday, 26 January 2018 09:28 
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●众嘉宾一起为甘榜哈芝巴基新红绿灯主持推展礼仪式，前排左起为巴达旺市议员贝雪兰、砂地方政府及房屋部部长沈桂贤、甘榜哈芝巴基村长阿达阿金、巴都吉当区州议员兼巴达旺市议会主席罗克强、巴达旺市议员叶耀星及砂公共工程局古晋省助理局长黄燕萍。

（本报古晋25日讯）即日起甘榜哈芝巴基（Haji Baki）路口处将安装新的红绿灯，料将纾缓当地的交通阻塞情况！

巴都吉当区州议员兼巴达旺市议会主席罗克强於今早出席在甘榜哈芝巴基主持新红绿灯推展礼仪式后，接受记者访问时披露，该处的红绿灯装置也安装了SCATS交通监控与控制系统，以应对交通流量事宜。

他进一步指出，新红绿灯装置总共耗资50万令吉，当中包括提升道路工程等，相信未来能解决当地居民一直以来所面对的车水马龙问题。

他称，该甘榜拥有逾7000人口，相信当地居民也很高兴州政府为他们的付出，希望他们能在来届大选继续支持砂国阵。

同时，他透露，砂副首长丹斯里詹姆士玛欣在过去的州议会内，也曾提出要为巴都吉当路段进行提升及维修工程，以便能变成4条道路。

惟，他坦言，这是一个长远的计划，目前还有一些小计划在执行中，所以希望人民能知道砂国阵为他们做的一切。

他说，很庆幸拥有很好的领袖，如砂首长阿邦佐哈里及拿督沈桂贤等。因此，他相信在未来，砂拉越的发展会更好

Smart traffic light to ease traffic flow

By : Alexandra Lorna Posted on : Friday, January 26, 2018 Sarawak Tribune

MINISTER of Local Government and Housing, Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian (front, second left), Batu Kitang State Assemblyman, Lo Khere Chiang (front, fourth left) and guests activating the smart traffic light system at the junction of Kampung Haji Baki in Batu Kitang, Kuching.

KUCHING: The installation of smart traffic light system and improvement of road junctions in Kampung Haji Baki will secure the traffic flow of more than 7000 residents of the area and its surroundings. The installation were graced by the Minister of Local Government and Housing, Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian and Batu Kitang State Assemblyman, Lo Khere Chiang.

Dr Sim revealed that more than 30 smart traffic lights were installed by the Public Works Department (JKR), Kuching South City Council (MBKS), Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) and various agencies.

“The city have about 150 traffic lights, hopefully if we do it every year, in five years time all the traffic lights in Kuching will be smart traffic lights,” he said. He added that instead of waiting for government funding, they chose to install it every year with the respective agencies’ fundings. With the smart traffic light system, it would monitor the traffic flow which is connected to the control room and also as a crime watch to enhance the public safety.

Meanwhile, Lo revealed that the smart traffic light and improvement of road junction cost about half a million ringgit. “Although it is smart traffic light, the initial stages may have some inconveniences because the traffic consultant is still monitoring and trying to improve the facilities.

“The inconvenience in the sense of the traffic queue may be long initially but we will improve and the timing will be adjusted to suit the situation,” he said. Lo added that the traffic was very busy especially for people who want to turn into Haji Baki junction during peak hours.

“The people in Haji Baki have been waiting for many years and they are happy with the traffic light system,” he said. He hoped that the people would continue to support the existing government in the

Over 100 traffic lights in Kuching City up for upgrading — Dr Sim

 January 26, 2018, Friday Karen Bong, reporters@theborneopost.com

A new smart traffic light system eases traffic flow at the Kampung Haji Baki-Batu Kitang junction.

KUCHING: The Ministry of Local Government will upgrade over 100 traffic lights in the city with Smart system and sensor within the next five years to manage the traffic flow better.

Its minister Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian said more than 30 traditional traffic lights mainly in the Kuching South City Council (MBKS) and Padawan Municipal Council (PMC) areas had been installed with the Smart system last year.

“There are over 150 traffic lights citywide and we are hopping to fix them with the Smart system progressively,” he told reporters after launching the new Smart traffic lights at the Kpg Haji Baki-Jalan Batu Kitang junction here yesterday.

“We want to know the total funding required to implement this system. Funding may come from different agencies. But instead of waiting, we will do this progressively on a yearly basis using our own money, but in small numbers,” he added.

The intelligent system, which is connected to a computer in a central traffic control room, uses cameras and sensors to understand what’s happening on the streets and transmit real-time data to regulate the traffic flow accordingly.

“The system, fitted with artificial intelligence, can detect if there is a concentration of vehicle or no vehicle at the different intersections and junctions. With the signals, the system can make its own timing to route traffic.”

The present traffic lights have fixed time interval for green and red signals, which do not provide any flexibility.

Dr Sim thus reassured the people that traffic lights inthe city within the next five years would be smart ones.

MPP Chairman to Chong: Be constructive
By : Connie Chieng Posted on : Friday, January 26, 2018 Prime Sarawak Tribune

KUCHING: “Chong Chieng Jen’s challenge to me to step down as Padawan Municipal council (MPP) chairman is one big joke. He is like a little boy wanting to pick a fight of which I have absolutely no interest in as it will not benefit the people. I believe that as Chairman of the MPP and State Assemblyman, I am working towards making good the government’s promises to the people and to improve the lives of our people,” said Padawan Municipal Chairman, Lo Khere Chiang.

“To me, Chong is both a hot air balloon and an empty vessel that is making loud noises. Talk is cheap and setting me a deadline to quit my chairman post is utter nonsense.

No one in the world will clear their desks for an opposition party just because Chong says so. This sounds so insane and I do not know what was going through his head to even suggest such an outrageous idea. “I wake up every morning thinking of how to build more roads and bridges to make life better for our people.

Chong probably wakes up thinking how to form words with venomous and unrealistic remarks just to gain cheap political mileage,” said Lo who is also Batu Kitang State Assemblyman. Lo asked Chong to try to apply to SUPP for the chairman post, if he was so eager for the job. “I have been in the position for the past 7 years and in the first 5 years, my basic allowance was only RM3,800 . Now, it is RM4,800 and since I took office, I have never applied for an annual leave and I work 7 days a week. The workload is heavy but I carry it out the best as I can because it was entrusted to me.”

He recalled that on 6 January 2014 when he invited Chong who brought along the then Batu Kawa Assembly-lady Christina Chiew to the council to hear out what the traffic consultant had to say on the Mile 7 master plan. He was welcomed to suggest or propose any good ideas and the minutes recorded in the meeting clearly showed that he did not give any constructive suggestions.

“If Chong had submitted just one sensible solution, I would have given him credit where it was due. That was in 2014. Today, 4 years on, the man can only talk and he has not submitted any sensible proposals to me on the Mile 7 master plan either. “Chong is a three-term YB and MP and his salary is RM50,000 monthly. It seems that the way he is going about doing his job is to just to make loud and rude noises and seek cheap publicity,” he added.

“I say this to Chong again: If you think you have any constructive suggestions, then feel free to put up your proposal. If it is workable, then we may act on it and give you the credit. As a lawyer, you should very well know that you cannot tell the judge that he is not doing a good job and demand that you swap jobs with him. Even a small child could have told you that. “Talk is cheap.

I walk my talk, work extremely hard and I have the facts and figures to prove it and you have given me cause to show just how hard I work as MPP Chairman and my whole team in MPP has been working extremely hard for all these years. “Last year, we in MPP, implemented 225 projects costing a total of RM46 million for the council. It was the biggest allocation in MPP history and it is something we are proud of.

“The State Government has always tried to lighten the burden of the people by not increasing assessment rates and makes provision for the infrastructure needed via government grants allocated to MPP. Our task is to carry them out. “So far, there have been two phases of road works done to ease


      https://www.newsarawaktribune.com.my/news/mpp-chairman-to-chong-be-constructive/

巴达旺市议会主席兼巴都吉当区州议员罗克强文告

suppadmin | January 25, 2018

满瓶子不响，半瓶子晃荡!

张健仁向我发出辞去巴达旺市议会主席职的挑战，这无疑是荒谬无稽大笑话，犹如一名顽童找打架般，但我对此丝毫不感兴趣，因为这对人民完全没有利益可言。身为巴达旺市议会主席兼巴都吉当区州议员，我的宗旨是致力履行职务，实践政府对人民的承诺，进而改善人民的生活和福祉。

对我而言，张健仁是在自我吹嘘，正所谓满壶全不响，半壶响叮当。定下时限要我辞职，这完全是无理取闹。全世界不会有人就因为张健仁的一句话，就让位给反对党。这也太疯狂了，我不知道张健仁到底怎么会有如此离谱的思想。

我每天醒来是在思考如何改善基本设施，例如路桥等，解决民生问题，让人民有更舒适的生活。他或许醒来后满脑子所想的，是构思各种怨恨和不确实际的言论，以捞取廉价政治宣传。

如果他真的那么想当地方议会主席，他或许可向砂人联党提出申请。

我担任巴达旺市议会主席已7年，开始5年的基本津贴是3800令吉，目前则是4800令吉。在位迄今，我不曾申请年假，一星期无休工作7天，工作量相当繁重，但我无怨无悔，竭尽所能的履行付托予我的职责。

2014年1月6日，我曾经邀请张健仁和前石角区州议员周菀诗到巴达旺市议会办事处，听取顾问针对7哩交通大蓝图所提的建议。我们欢迎他提出建议或好的意见，但他完全没有提出任何建设性的意见。

如果他当时真能提出一项合理解决方案，我定会给予他肯定与表扬。

今天，4年过去了，他也从来没有向我提呈任何合理的解决方案建议。

张健仁是三届国州议员，他的薪酬津贴每月约5万令吉，然而，他的工作似乎只是大声喧嚷、无理取闹，以捞取廉价政治资本。

我再次向张健仁提出：如果你认为你真有建设性的意见，请提出您的建议书，如果真能解决问题，我们会考虑落实，并将功劳归给您。

身为律师，你清楚的知道，你不能告诉法官，其工作不称职而要求交换位子，即便是一名小童也知道这道理。

光出一张嘴是无价值的，身为巴达旺市议会主席兼巴都吉当区州议员，我是坐言起行努力工作，我有证据和数据为佐证。

巴达旺市议会在去年执行了225项，总耗资4600万令吉的工程。这是巴达旺市议会历年以来，所获得最多的拨款。

砂拉越州政府以民为本，致力减轻人民的负担，在不提高门牌税的情况下，继续拨款给巴达旺市议会，以推行各项的基本设施建设。我们的职责是推动各项惠民工程计划。

解决七哩的交通问题，我们已执行了两阶段的道路工程。从朋尼逊路，途径三合兴小学、老店区到交通灯处的道路已扩建到四条车道，以容纳繁忙的交通量。从七哩商联幼稚园到三合兴小学交通灯的路段也已提升，以使交通流量更顺畅。

此外，政府也计划在老港下路口增设新的交通灯。

我也要再次呼吁7哩的居民和前往当地的民众给予合作，遵守交通规则，共同负起公民责任，确保交通的顺畅。请勿随意泊车，这将会导致交通的阻塞。

New smart traffic lights at Kpg Haji Baki, Jalan Batu Kitang junction up and running

 January 25, 2018, Thursday Karen Bong

Lo (third right) and Dr Sim (second left) showing the project plan outline before launching the new traffic light system.

A new smart traffic light system to ease traffic especially vehicles turning into the junction of Kampung Haji Baki is now up and running.

KUCHING: The new smart traffic lights to enhance the traffic flow at the Kampung Haji Baki-Jalan Batu Kitang junction is now up and running.

Minister of Local Government and Housing Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian and Padawan Municipal Council (PMC) chairman Lo Khere Chiang had the honour to switch on the traffic lights yesterday.

The RM500,000-project which includes works to improve the road junction makes access easier to Jalan Batu Kitang, particularly to ease the long queue of vehicles entering and leaving Kampung Haji Baki.

“The traffic lights are now working. More importantly, the system benefits about 7,000 residents of Kampung Haji Baki with a better traffic flow,” Lo told reporters after the launching ceremony.

He added there might be some inconveniences in the initial stage, but assured that the traffic consultants would be monitoring the area and system very closely over the coming weeks to make sure the system is working well.

“The inconvenience could come from the response time for the signals to change, which could be readjusted to meet the different traffic conditions. This will improve the safety of road users and ease the traffic flow,” he said.

Traffic is usually heavy along Jalan Batu Kitang, making it almost impossible for motorists to enter or exit the junction, especially during peak hours.

“The more than 3,000 voters in Kampung Haji Baki have been waiting for years for somethingto be done to ease the traffic flow in the area. I am sure they are now happy that this is done today,” he said.

Lo, who is also Batu Kitang assemblyman, thus hoped the villagers would continue to give their full support to the Barisan Nasional (BN) in the coming general election.

“We will continue to bring more development and improvement into the area. In fact, during the last State Legislative Assembly sitting, Serembu asssemblyman Miro Simuh and I have brought up this chroinic traffic issue at Jalan Batu Kitang.”

He said one of long-term plans for the area would be the upgrading of that stretch of Jalan Batu Kitang into a 4-lane carriage way.

“Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Masing the Minister of Infrastructure Development and Transportation has also mentioned this. So, hopefully in the not too distant future, we will be able to see a wider road here.

“There is a lot going on in this area so I trust and believe that the people are able to see what the BN is doing.

“With the good leadership of Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg and Dr Sim, we will continue to work hard and improve the wellbeing of the people and Sarawak,” he added.

Headman of Kampung Haji Baki Ahtta Azin meanwhile said the villagers were now relieved as parents would be able to send their children to schools and they themselves to work, with ease.

张健仁要当巴市议会主席？罗克强：来向人联党申请！

2018年1月24日

(本报古晋24日讯)如果真的渴望担任地方议会主席一职的话﹐那砂行动党主席张健仁或可向砂人联党提出申请。

古晋巴达旺市议会主席罗克强州议员今日是以文告方式﹐针对砂行动党主席张健仁要求他卸下古晋巴达旺市议会主席一职的课题﹐如是做出反建议。

他说﹐砂行动党主席张健仁要他卸下古晋巴达旺市议会主席一职的挑战﹐就如同是一大笑话。

“他就像一位想要找架打的顽童﹐但我对这事则完全不感兴趣﹐因为它并不会利及人民。”

他也认为﹐设定期限要他辞去古晋巴达旺市议会主席一职的建议﹐简直就是废话。

“世界上没有任何人会为了反对党而清空桌子﹐那是疯狂的说法﹐而我不清楚他的脑子究竟是怎样想的﹐竟然会提出类似的蛮横建议。”

他续称﹐身为古晋巴达旺市议会主席兼人民代议士﹐他只致力实践政府的承诺﹐并积极改善人民的生活。他更建议﹐如果真的渴望担任地方议会主席一职的话﹐那张健仁或许可以向砂人联党提出申请。

LO ON DAP CHONG: AN EMPTY VESSEL

suppadmin | January 24, 2018

Chong Chieng Jen’s challenge to me to step down as Padawan Municipal council (MPP) chairman is one big joke. He is like a little boy wanting to pick a fight of which I have absolutely no interest as it will not benefit the people. I believe that as a Chairman of MPP and a state Assemblyman, I want to work towards making good the government’s promises to the people and to uplift the lives of our people.

To me, Chong is just an empty vessel making a loud noise and blowing hot air. Talk is cheap and setting me a deadline to me to quit my Chairman post is akin to talking nonsense. How many in the world will clear the desk for an opposition party just because he said so. This sound so insane and I do not know what went through his mind to even suggest such an outrageous idea.

Yes, Chong is welcomed to my job. He can apply to SUPP for the Chairman post. I have been in the position for the past 10 days and in the first few years, my basic allowance was about RM3,000 plus. Now, it is RM5,000 and since I took on the post, I have never apply for an annual leave and work 7 days a week. The work load is heavy but I carried it out the best I can as it was entrusted to me.

On 6^th January 2014, I invited Chong and the then Batu Kawa YB, Christina Chiew, to my council to hear out what the Traffic Consultant has to say on the Mile 7 master plan. He was welcomed to suggest or propose any idea but he did not give any constructive suggestion.

If he were to submit any sensible solution, I would have given him credit when it was due. That was in 2014 and then things quieted down. Suddenly, this year, out of the blue, he appeared to be unsatisfied with the traffic flow again.

Now, he started fighting like a kid. He is a three-term YB and MP and earns RM50,000 monthly and his job was to make noise and seeking cheap publicity. It seems that Chong gets RM50,000 a month just to make noise.

I said this to him again, if you think you have constructive suggestions, then feel free to say so. If it were workable, then we act on it and give you the credit. As a lawyer, you cannot tell the judge that he is not doing a good job and you want to swap job with him. Just be logical and do not throw tantrums like a spoilt child.

Last year, I have 225 projects costing a total of RM50 million from the council. It was the biggest allocation in MPP history and something we are proud of.

The State Government has always tried to lighten the burden of the people and provides the infrastructure needed. Our task is to carry them out.

So far, there are two phases of traffic work done to ease the traffic jams in Mile 7. At the Mile 7 main road, we have turned it into a four lane to accommodate the heavy traffic. We also improve road from Mile 7 to Sun Hiap Hin school. Traffic lights has also been installed to work out the best system to synchronise the smooth flow of traffic.

As I have said before, the people in Mile 7 must also play a role to ensure the smooth flow of traffic. Do not double park or triple park as this will cause congestion on the roads.

Lo says Chong’s dare for him to step down as MPP chairman ‘one big joke’

 

 January 24, 2018, Wednesday

Lo Khere Chiang

KUCHING: Batu Kitang assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang is unhappy with state DAP chairman Chong Chieng Jen for asking him to step down as Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) chairman.

Lo described Chong, the Bandar Kuching MP and Kota Sentosa assemblyman, as ‘no class politician who makes the loudest noise’.

“Chong Chieng Jen’s challenge to me to step down as Padawan Municipal council (MPP) chairman is one big joke.

He is like a little boy wanting to pick a fight of which I have absolutely no interest in as it will not benefit the people. I believe that as chairman of the MPP and a state assemblyman, I am working towards making good the government’s promises to the people and to improve the lives of our people.

“To me, Chong is both hot air balloon and an empty vessel that is making loud noises.

Talk is cheap and setting me a deadline to quit my chairman post is utter nonsense. No one in the world will clear their desks for an opposition party just because Chong says so. This sounds so insane and I do not know what was going through his head to even suggest such an outrageous idea.

“I wake up every morning thinking of how to build more roads and bridges to make life better for our people. Chong probably wakes up thinking how to form words with venomous and unrealistic remarks just to gain cheap political mileage,” Lo claimed.

Lo asked Chong to apply to Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) for the chairman post, considering that he was so eager for the job.

“I have been in the position for the past seven years and in the first five years, my basic allowance was only RM3,800.  Now, it is RM4,800 and since I took office, I have never applied for an annual leave and I work seven days a week. The workload is heavy but I carry it out the best as I can because it was entrusted to me.

“A quick backflash to 6th January 2014, I invited Chong, who brought along the then Batu Kawa assemblywoman Christina Chiew, to my council to hear out what the traffic consultant had to say on the Mile 7 master plan. He was welcomed to suggest or propose any good ideas and the minutes recorded in the meeting clearly showed that he did not give any constructive suggestions,” Lo pointed out.

“If Chong had submitted just one sensible solution, I would have given him credit when it was due. That was in 2014. Today, four years on, the man can only talk and he has not submitted any sensible proposals to me on the Mile 7 master plan either.

“Chong is a three-term YB and MP and his salary is RM50,000 monthly. It seems that the way he is going about doing his job is to just to make loud and rude noises and seek cheap publicity.

“I say this to Chong again. If you think you have any constructive suggestions, then feel free to put up your proposal. If it is workable, then we may act on it and give you the credit. As a lawyer, you should very well know that you cannot tell the judge that he is not doing a good job and demand that you swap jobs with him. Even a small child could have told you that.

“Talk is cheap. I walk my talk, work extremely hard and I have the facts and figures to prove it and you have given me cause to show just how hard I work as MPP chairman and my whole team in MPP has been working extremely hard for all these years,” stressed the irate Lo.

Last year, MPP implemented 225 projects costing a total of RM46 million for the council. It was the biggest allocation in MPP history and it is something that the council is proud of, he added.

Lo said the state government has always tried to lighten the burden of the people by not increasing assessment rates and makes provision for the infrastructure needed via government grants allocated to MPP.

“Our task is to carry them out. So far, there have been two phases of road works done to ease the traffic jams in Mile 7.  As we enter Mile 7 from the main road of Jalan Penrissen, we pass Sam Hap Hin School and all the way to the traffic lights after the old shophouses. We have turned this into four lanes to accommodate the heavy traffic. We have also improved the road from the kindergarten to Sam Hap Hin School.

“Existing traffic lights have also been upgraded and synchronised to ensure the smooth flow of traffic. A new set of traffic lights at the junction of Jalan Stakan is in the process of being set up once further synchronisation of these three traffic lights has been completed.

“I have said this before on a previous occasion and I appeal once again to the residents and the people patronising Mile 7 to play their role and to observe traffic rules at all times so as to ensure the smooth flow of traffic. Please do not double-park or triple-park as this will cause much traffic congestion on the roads,” Lo stressed.