Lo: Diseases can be reduced if all take preventive measures

 October 30, 2018, Tuesday Georgette Tan, reporters@theborneopost.com

Lo: Diseases can be reduced if all take preventive measures

KUCHING: The number of contagious diseases going around Kuching Division can be reduced if residents make a concerted effort to eradicate them.

Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) chairman Lo Khere Chiang said the public need to realise that preventing the spread of diseases lies in their hands.

“Things like tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS and mosquito-borne diseases have been around for a long time. The public must be aware that these issues exist, therefore can take action on preventing them,” he said, adding that the council organises awareness programmes regularly.

He was commenting on the monthly statistics from the State Health Department for Kuching Division after the MPP full council meeting yesterday.

Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) tops the list at 1,523 cases this year as of September, followed by tuberculosis at 471, Hepatitis B (237 cases) and Hepatitis C (225 cases).

There were 221 cases of Gonorrhoea, 147 cases of HIV/AIDS and 89 cases of Syphilis.

Meanwhile, the division recorded 89 cases of dengue fever and five malaria cases this year while leptospirosis cases were reduced by 78 and four positive cases of rabies were identified.

Lo added that out of the 3,857 cases of dog bite reported in Kuching Division, 67 of them occurred in Padawan in the space of one week from Sept 24-30.

羅克強:單靠議會努力不夠 全民應攜手對抗疾病

羅克強:單靠議會努力不夠 全民應攜手對抗疾病

By Tan Chok Bui

October 29, 2018

in :  新闻, 砂州新闻

（本报古晋29日讯）巴达旺市议会主席罗克强呼吁全民携手抗病，塑造卫生清洁环境。 他今日主持完该议会常月会议后指出，该议会每次开小组会议时，都会有政府的卫生官员出席，而根据该卫生官员给予议会相关古晋省有关各类疾病最新数据统计，仍有多达3千315宗各类疾病在古晋省发生。

其中各类发生的疾病数据包括为手足口症（1千523宗）、结核病（471宗）、乙（B）型肝炎（237宗）、丙（C)型肝炎(225宗)、淋病(221宗)、食物中毒(220宗)、艾滋病(147宗)、梅毒(89宗)、骨痛热证(89宗)、钩端螺旋体病（78宗）、疟疾（5宗）、狂犬病（4宗）、百日咳（3宗）、麻疹（2宗）及日本脑炎（1宗），全部加起来的疾病共达3千315宗。 

对此，也是巴都吉当区州议员的罗克强坦言在这些疾病当中，其实有些是人为可以预防的，因此他希望市民能与市议会或其它市政局合作，因为单靠政府当局的单方面努力仍不足够，还需大众共同携手配合。 

他举例说，就如骨痛热证，该市议会或各区市政局过去都有积极展开各类清洁或大扫除等活动，就是要确保蚊虫不会滋长，减少此类疾病的发生。

而他希望藉着上述的数据，可以提醒人民这些疾病是存在的，不应忽视，包括一些性病，人们在进行性行为时，也应该做好防范安全措施。 

而在谈及狂犬病方面，他也披露古晋省过去一年发生被狗咬伤的案例多达3千857宗，而于上个月最后一个星期，但在巴达旺市议会就出现了67宗被狗咬伤案例，所以他提醒民众在外遇到野狗时，还是要提高警惕，避免成为受害者。

Don’t let history repeat itself, state O&G profits for all Sarawakians

 October 20, 2018, Saturday Jacqueline David, Borneo Post

Tan Sri Leonard Linggi

KUALA LUMPUR: The eldest son of the late Temenggong Jugah, Tan Sri Leonard Linggi believes that mistakes in made past should not be repeated and once Sarawak has reclaimed ownership of its oil and gas (O&G) assets, the profits should be shared by all Sarawakians.

Speaking at the ‘Federalism: Federal constitution and MA63’ forum today, Linggi stressed that the state’s O&G assets needed to benefit all Sarawakians rather than only a select few as it was in the past.

“All of these assets once reclaimed should be shared by all Sarawakians and not just selected few otherwise people in Kuala Lumpur will laugh at us.

“Once it is finalised, there is no stopping us if we would like to work with institutions like Petronas, where we work together or on our behalf, and share the profit, accordingly,” he said.

According to Linggi, Sarawak had sound legal principles to claim back its O&G rights through the Oil Mining Ordinance, 1958 (OMO 1958).

“Our O&G assets are one of our most important assets because profits from it could bring so much more development to our state.

“And so, Kuala Lumpur should look at it, but it shouldn’t stop at just O&G rights. We also need our freedom in our religion, our education, our civil service and economic development must be spread throughout Sarawak.”

To the 5,000 odd Sarawakians attending the forum today, he advised the crowd to be patient for results in MA63 discussions.

“Dont fight, we will negotiate and negotiations may take time,” he said.

Should there be any stalemates during negotiations, Linggi detailed that the state could always take up the issue under schedule 8 of the MA63.

Schedule 8 of the MA63 says that Sabah and Sarawak can take their own measures to enforce and implement MA63, without having to amend the Federal Constitution.

A motion was previously proposed by then-Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem but withheld at the last moment as the state government opted on a diplomatic approach with the federal government on resolving the issue of the unfulfilled rights under the MA63.

“If you (federal government) are not happy, bring them to your legislature and from there Sarawakians can bring them to their own state legislative to take up,” he said.

Referring to an old Dayak saying, Linggi urged the federal government to not fall into the ‘tebu principle’ or ‘sugarcane principle’ whereby things are sweet in the beginning but turn bitter towards the end.

“If you applied the ‘tebu principle’ to Sarawak’s participation in Malaysia today, can you say we are satisfied now? If we are not, what’s the best way to live up to the promises of sweetness for us?

“Sarawakians are now questioning more, they want better lives, and they want a better Malaysia,” he said.

State govt would like another model of MA63 cabinet – Abang Jo

 October 20, 2018, Saturday Jacqueline David, Borneo Post

Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg

KUALA LUMPUR: Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg has said that the State Government would like to have another model on the MA63 Special Cabinet Committee.

Currently the proposed MA63 special cabinet committee only has the chief minister as a representative for the Sarawak state government.

“We have suggested to the Federal Government that we would like to have another model based on the Inter Governmental Committee Report (IGR) as this is what should be done because Federal Government has recognised that we are the partner in the formation of Malaysia.

” Therefore, the line-up should have representatives from the State Government of Sarawak and Sabah and the Federal Government in equal numbers. Then you can deliberate on issues concerning questions under the Malaysia Agreement otherwise they will be lopsided.

“Assuming there is an issue that we want to discuss, if its based on majority voting then we will be voted out. This is a serious issue that we have to deliberate,” said Abang Johari.

He announced this intention when met with reporters after the ‘Townhall #TanyakAbgJo’ session held earlier today during the Lan Berambeh Anak Sarawak 2018 event at Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC).

Prior to this, Law Minister, Datuk Liew Vui Keong had announced that the Prime Minister would lead the MA63 Special Cabinet Committee, formed to review and propose measures to rectify the status of Sabah and Sarawak.

Liew said the line-up of the committee comprised of eight federal ministers which are Liew, Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng, Economic Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Azmin Ali, Communications and Multimedia Minister Gobind Singh Deo, Foreign Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah, Works Minister Baru Bian, International Trade and Industry Minister Darell Leiking and Transport Minister Anthony Loke.

The other members are ]Abang Johari, Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal, Attorney General Tommy Thomas, Chief Secretary to the Government Datuk Seri Ismail Bakar and legal academics Prof Emeritus Datuk Shad Saleem Faruqi.

According to Liew, the committee will meet in a month’s time, after which it will hold a meeting once a month for the next six months.

He had said everything including the oil royalty and other developments will be discussed, adding that they would like to go to the core of the matter, mainly the implementation of the MA63.

Record budget for next 2 years

 October 24, 2018, Wednesday Churchill Edward, reporters@theborneopost.com

CM: Sarawak cannot rely on Putrajaya to fund projects, will spend RM11 bln on roads, utility infrastructure

Government officers line up to greet Abang Johari upon his arrival at the session.

KUCHING: The Sarawak government will set aside a record budget to build roads and utility infrastructure in Sarawak within the next two years, says Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.

When closing a three-day yearly retreat for Sarawak heads of government departments at a hotel in Batu Ferringhi, Penang on Monday, Abang Johari said about RM11 billion would be spent to build roads, bridges, and water and electricity supply facilities throughout Sarawak.

From the amount, RM2.8 billion would be spent on water supply, RM2.3 billion on electricity supply, and about RM6 billion on the coastal highway.

“We have never spent so much on infrastructure before, and this will be a record spending for Sarawak,” he said, while expressing gratitude to the key government officers who are encamped in Penang to seek ways and means to expedite the implementation of all projects approved by the Sarawak government.

In response to a recommendation to enhance the success rate and hasten the pace of projects, he announced a trust fund of RM200 million for funding, reimbursable upon confirmation of budget, for front-end phase of projects which include pre-studies and appraisals.

He reiterated, as had been announced during the Lan Berambeh 2018 in Kuala Lumpur last Saturday, that the Sarawak government had considered providing, starting next year, a grant for an undisclosed amount to every new-born Sarawakian , which could only be withdrawn upon the child reaching the age of 18.

During the retreat, the officers who were divided into clusters in their deliberations, made a series of recommendations to the Sarawak government with a view to ensure fast project delivery and enhance public services, including state-funded welfare assistance.

Abang Johari said he had found a way to bring in more revenue for Sarawak that would be used to fund the projects without spending the existing reserves.

“Just wait for my budget speech on Nov 5,” he told the officers without revealing the mechanism of how the revenue would be generated.

He said the Sarawak government had decided to fund all the approved projects as it could no longer rely on Putrajaya to fund projects for the benefit of the people.

He expressed confidence that increased public spending, coupled with consistent policies, would shore up Sarawak’s economy in the next two years.

He added that Sarawak should capitalise on the relocation of industries out of China, that is expected to happen given the possible scenario of a trade war between China and US.

Earlier, various clusters representing key aspects of project implementation made their presentations and recommendations to the chief minister and members of the Cabinet, led by State Secretary Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Morshidi Abdul Ghani.

Minister of Utilities Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi, Minister of Welfare Community Wellbeing, Women, Family and Childhood Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, and Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah were among those present.

S’wak PAC members inspect Tanjong Manis Water Supply project site 

 October 18, 2018, Thursday Churchill Edward, Borneo Post

Sarawak PAC members visit Phase 1 of Tanjong Manis Water Supply project site in Sarikei yesterday to get further details over issues surrounding the project.

KUCHING: The Sarawak Public Accounts Committee (PAC) made up of State Legislative Assembly members was at Phase 1 of Tanjong Manis Water Supply project site in Sarikei yesterday to get further details over issues surrounding the project.

State PAC chairman Aidel Lariwoo posted on his Facebook account of the visit and inspection together with his members.

The other members of the Sarawak PAC are Batu Lintang assemblyman See Chee How, Tanjung Batu assemblyman Chew Chiu Sing, Ngemah assemblyman Alexander Vincent, Batu Kitang assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang, Kabong assemblyman Mohd Che Kadir and Tellian assemblyman Yussibnosh Balo.

The Borneo Post on Aug 7 2018 reported on the Auditor General (AG) Report on the status of the Phase 1 of Tanjong Manis Water Supply project which indicated that it did not achieve its intended objectives.

One of the eight packages which is the first package was not completed on time and also not according to the specifications spelt out in the work agreement.

The failed package was supposed to produce 125 million litres per day of raw water from Sungai Maaw in Sibu for supply to industries and households in Tanjong Manis via the river bank filtration (RBF) system.

“Even though the second to eighth packages have been completed, the tests and certification could not be carried out due to the failure of the first package, resulting in the efficiency of packages two to eight not being assessed, and consequently resulting in the entire Phase 1 of the project operations failing, with no benefit to the Halal Hub aquaculture industry and the people in Tanjong Manis,” said the AG Report then, which had been tabled in the Parliament.

“The management of the project did not achieve its optimum efficiency level as there were discrepancies in the job specifications in contract which did not follow the original design and (there was) no written approval from the enforcement officer for the new design from the contractor,” the report added.

The failure of the project has adversely affected the interest of the Sarawak government to get best return from a total investment of RM902.70 million for it (project), the AG Report stressed.

The report said this compromised the government’s objective of getting the best value from the RM902.70 million spent, including procurement of pipes worth RM12.02 million which exceeded the actual amount needed, leading to possible wastage.

On July 25, 2013, the Sarawak government had approved RM1.06 billion under the provision of the 10th Malaysia Plan and such project was to be financed through government bond.

Sibu Water Board was appointed the implementing agency of the project, with Sarawak’s Utilities Ministry being the project enforcer.

外劳代理服务费昂贵 罗克强建议检讨

（古晋16日讯）峇都吉当区州议员罗克强敦促政府检讨和放宽咖啡店业者申请合法外劳准证，同时也建议人力资源部检讨外劳代理服务费。

他是于今日在外劳独立事务委员会对话会中，为咖啡店业者反映聘雇程序问题，即许多砂拉越咖啡店及饮食业业者因为过于严苛的程序，其申请不获得当局的批准。然而，当人力资源部执法官员前往该营业地点检举时，业者因无法为员工出示合法准证而遭对付。

他也提到，其外劳代理征收服务费非常昂贵，每名外劳服务费大约3000令吉至4000令吉，建议人力资源部或能检讨有关费用问题，如设限服务征收顶额。

各领域业者反映问题

人力资源部于今日在古晋帝宫酒店举办外劳独立事务委员会对话会，获得不少砂拉越各领域业者反映州内的外劳问题。其中，砂拉越深海捕鱼业公会代表也提出该领域所面对的外劳聘雇作业问题。

他指明，由于深海捕鱼业的工作性质危险，很少本地人愿意从事相关领域，因此该公会希望当局放宽捕鱼业者聘雇外劳作业的申请程序。

另外，现场也有油棕业者代表反映，希望政府将外劳聘雇年龄限制从现有的45岁提高至60岁。也有按摩院业者表明，目前每间注册公司只能聘请5名外籍员工，希望该部能在相关制度上做调整，以便其工作准证申请程序能更加容易。

诗华日报

Wetlands Waterfront project – a window to Batu Kawa

 October 15, 2018, Monday, borneo Post

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Lo Khere Chiang

KUCHING: The proposed Batu Kawa Wetlands Waterfront project is expected to commence by January next year.

Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) chairman Lo Khere Chiang, who confirmed this yesterday, said Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg pledged an initial grant of RM5 million.

According to the Batu Kitang assemblyman, the cost of the beautification may go beyond RM5 million.

“At the moment, it is RM5 million. The waterfront is so long; as development takes place in Batu Kawa, the waterfront can be extended further, depending on requirements,” he said when approached by journalists after attending a function here.

Lo reiterated that the RM5 million pledged by the Chief Minister “is to get the ball rolling”.

“There is room for expansion. It is going to be a very good project.”

He said MPP is in the process of preparing tender drawings and specifications.

Such preparation is expected to take two months, he added.

“After which will be the tendering and award of the project which should be done by end of this year. The construction should commence by Jan 2019,” he said.

The project was approved last July 10 following a walkabout in Batu Kawa by the Chief Minister.

Of the approved grant, Lo said RM3 million is for the construction work scheduled for next year while the remaining RM2 million is for the year 2020.

The project is expected to be delivered by Nov 2020.

Lo pointed out that the project site is right under the Batu Kawa Bridge which is subjected to flooding.

Once the project is completed, he said the Batu Kawa Old Bazaar will enjoy tourism-related benefits.

He said the landscape architect involved had made good use of the terrains in the surrounding area besides having designed the ‘Batu Kawa Sky Window’ at the waterfront.

“I think it will be good ‘feng shui’ for Batu Kawa especially the Sky Window that will offer a scenic view.”

He was confident that the Batu Kawa Wetlands Waterfront would help draw crowds to the old bazaar.

At present, he said people from the city make trips to the Old Bazaar for Hakka meat noodles, traditional sundry and handicraft shops during weekends.

Not only are these traditional buildings an attraction but the farms outside and around the old bazaar also pull in visitors especially families, he added.

“Batu Kawa is a nostalgic town. There are a lot of farms around and as people drive along the winding roads to get to the old bazaar, it is a good experience.

“All those farms are open to visitors. Batu Kawa Old Bazaar has developed into a tourist hub. It is full of people especially during weekends,” he remarked.

Once the waterfront materialised, Lo believed that more people will throng the old bazaar.

He added that the Batu Kawa Wetlands Waterfront project will “give a new lease of life not just to Batu Kawa but the city as a whole.”

Give back to society during ordinary times – Lo

Give back to society during ordinary times – Lo

By : News Desk Posted on : Wednesday, October 17, 2018 Prime Sarawak Tribune

KUCHING: Batu Kitang State Assemblyman, Lo Khere Chiang has called on associations to give back to society during ordinary times instead of during festivals. Lo, who witnessed a handover of 100 bags of 10 KG rice to Hun Nam Siang Tng recently from Tai Poo 
Community Association, applauded the association in doing the honorable act as it helps to provide assistance to 300 less fortunate families monthly.

He added that such act of kindness should not only be done during festivals but also in times of need. Lo also encouraged youngsters to spend more time with their elderly parents and that placing their parents in the nursing homes should be the last resort.

He explained that it was understandable that today’s society face stressful situations but it also pays to take care of their elderly parents.

Association donates rice for needy families through home 

 October 15, 2018, Monday, Borneo Post

Lo (centre, front row) witnesses the hand-over of donation. Tay is at fourth left, front row while Lee at third left, front row.

KUCHING: The Tai Poo Community Association and its honorary chairman Lee Ik Shark each donated 100 packets of 10kg rice to Hun Nam Siang Tng yesterday.

The home provides assistance to over 300 needy families monthly.

Batu Kitang assemblyman and Padawan Municipal Council chairman Lo Khere Chiang witnessed the simple hand-over ceremony held at the Home off Jalan Sekama here.

In his address, Lo said other community-based organisations should emulate Tai Poo association by helping with donation not only during festivals like the Lunar New Year but also at other ordinary times.

“When there are too many donations during festivals, it may result in wastage. Hence, it is more practical to arrange a schedule with the Home.

“In this way, the Home wouldn’t have to worry about seeking donations and no donation would go to waste,” he said.

Lo said he wanted to see a reduced number of Chinese residents at old folks homes such as Hun Nam Siang Tng.

He added that the Chinese community had been promoting the value of filial piety but it seemed that some old folks particularly the Chinese wound up at the Home.

Earlier, chairman of Hun Nam Siang Tng Tay Boon Sin thanked the Tai Poo Community Association for the donation.

He said the Home presently has 29 residents of whom 16 are males.

Apart from supplying packets of rice to over 300 needy families each month, Tay said they also provided assistance to fire victims and were involved in other charitable activities.

He thanked various individuals and corporations for their continual support which enables the Home to keep up with its efforts for six decades.

“We hope more people, associations and private companies would join our efforts to help and care for the less fortunate of the society,” added Tay.

http://www.theborneopost.com/2018/10/15/association-donates-rice-for-needy-families-through-home/

罗克强：具历史人文底蕴 . 新尧湾老街 拓新景点

罗克强：具历史人文底蕴 . 新尧湾老街 拓新景点

峇都吉当区州议员罗克强认为，新尧湾老街历史悠久，甚至在布
洛克占领之前就存在，绝对是旅游业的理想景点。

峇都吉当区州议员罗克强认为，新尧湾老街历史悠久，甚至在布洛克占领
之前就存在，绝对是旅游业的理想景点。

他表示，随着科技发达，人们一机在手，只要多办类似新尧湾嘉年华会的活动，人们就 会上载照片，分享至社交媒体。届时，新尧湾老街必能扬名海外，进而提升当地商家的收
入。

新尧湾周末夜市越夜越精彩。


 罗克强：具历史人文底蕴 . 新尧湾老街拓新景点 - 地方 | 星洲网 Sin Chew Daily

罗克强于前晚（14日）代表砂地方政府及房屋部长拿督沈桂贤为新尧湾嘉年华会主持闭幕
仪式并致词时说，他与新尧湾老街有段渊源，因为其祖父来自新尧湾，而其父亲也在新尧
湾出生。

他认为，新尧湾老街别具风味，富含许多人文历史，是其他新颖店屋无法媲美的。

他希望 新尧湾老街的“复古面容”应该获得保留，与前来观光游客分享新尧湾老街历史背景。

他说，随着新尧湾老街的周末夜市办得如此成功，尤其现在开设许多客栈及特色酒吧，长
期来看，必能吸引更多游客前来。
（新闻来源：砂拉越星洲日报）

文章来源：
星洲日报／砂拉越 · 2018.10.16

Lo keeps mum over service extension 

 October 16, 2018, Tuesday

Lo Khere Chiang

KUCHING: Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) chairman Lo Khere Chiang on Sunday kept mum about whether his tenure will be renewed upon expiry.

Met by journalists, he said not just his chairmanship but all councilors’ current term would expire this coming Dec 31.

“It is a two-year tenure. And the current term is my fourth as the MPP chairman.

“The current term for all councillors including me expires in December,” he said after attending a function at Hun Nam Siang Tng here.

Lo, who is Batu Kitang assemblyman, was first appointed as the MPP chairman in 2010.

He took over the chairmanship from Temenggong Tan Joo Phoi, who was appointed as an assistant minister during the state cabinet reshuffle then.

Lo recorded his first election victory in Batu Kitang, one of the new seats created during the 2016 state election.