Manyin: Study, write history of Bidayuh civilisation

December 31, 2020, Thursday at 12:05 AM

Manyin (third left) holds one of the books launched during the event. Also seen are Henry (second left), Ik Pahon (right), Lo (left) and others.

KUCHING: A study and writing on the history of Bidayuh civilisation should be conducted for future development of the community, Datuk Amar Michael Manyin Jawong has suggested.

The Minister of Education, Science and Technological Research and Tebedu assemblyman opined that knowledge of past happenings in the evolution of the Bidayuhs plays a key role in charting future development for the community.

“We hope one day, we can write the history of Bidayuh civilisation like the Chinese who have a history of civilisation of 5,000 years,” he said at the launch of two books, entitled ‘Pingunai Ikonomik Bisingai De Joman Omba’ (Economic Activities of the Bisingai, a Bidayuh Clan, in the Past) and ‘Oran Pingoma Ta’ (Our Elders) here on Tuesday night, adding books about the Bidayuh were actually based on oral history with no written records.

Also present were Tasik Biru assemblyman Dato Henry Harry Jinep, Batu Kitang assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang, Deputy State Secretary Datuk Ik Pahon and other dignitaries.

He added said that understanding past history can also help the community avoid repeating the same mistakes to move forward in the future, and can be a lesson and strength to move forward.

“To be successful in the future, we need to know what happened once upon a time, know who we are and what our mistakes and stances are. From that knowledge we can learn and plan for a better future,” he said.

Manyin acknowledged the Bau Bidayuh community for their celebration of their cultural history.

With a 200-year history of gold mining in Bau, he added, it proves that the cultural history of the Bidayuhs has been in existence for a long period of time prior to the mining days.

“The history of the Bidayuh community in Bau is also part of the rich history of the overall Bidayuh community,” he said.

44 run-down houses to be repaired

By

 Clement Erik Wong

 - 

December 30, 2020

Lo speaking at the press conference, at right is MPP’s deputy chairman, Datuk Ahmad Ibrahim. Photo: Ghazali Bujang

KUCHING: The Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) has identified 44 more dilapidated houses in areas of its jurisdiction to be repaired next year under the House Repair For The Poor programme.

Its chairman Lo Khere Chiang in revealing this said the goal of the programme is to ensure that the houses of those who are underprivileged are safe and comfortable to live in as it is part of their basic needs.

“The programme was initiated by the Federal Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) in 2016 with the purpose to improve the well-being of the poor by repairing their houses that are in poor condition.

“MPP has repaired 114 houses for the poor since 2016 and each house is allocated with a maximum of RM15,000 for its repairs.

“The house repairs included repairs or replacement of roofs, ceilings, walls, floors, windows, stairs and toilets or sanitation facilities,” he said when met by the press after chairing the MPP Council Meeting at MPP Complex, here on Wednesday (Dec 30).

Lo said the state government had consistently allocated RM1 million a year on top of a total of RM1.7 million allocated by the federal government since the implementation of the programme in 2016.

“This is a good programme by the state and federal governments as we are able to help a lot of people who are genuinely in need of assistance,” he said, adding that the council only spends its allocation where it befits the purpose.

With the ongoing implementation of the programme, Lo said he was confident that the issue of dilapidated houses could be solved within the next five years.

“In the next five years, the will no longer be leaking roofs in houses under MPP jurisdiction,” he said in assurance.

Additionally, the implementation of the programme has also resulted in MPP being declared as the winner for the 2020 JCI Malaysia Sustainable Development Award for ‘SDG Goal No.1: No Poverty’ category, Lo said.

“In Malaysia, there are only two councils, namely MPP and Kuching South City Council (MBKS) that managed to win these awards. This shows that Sarawak ‘boleh’ and we should be proud of Sarawak for being the champions of these categories,” he added.

https://www.newsarawaktribune.com.my/44-run-down-houses-to-be-repaired/?fbclid=IwAR3GZXS6wzrRXW1ALfIMYe8HuHz5aWALud4xgvNZW8nz6I3Fi4VPzX9e1mI

Starting them young on environmental education

By

 Clement Erik Wong

 - 

December 30, 2020

Lo speaking at the press conference, at right is MPP’s deputy chairman, Datuk Ahmad Ibrahim. Photo: Ghazali Bujang

KUCHING: The Padawan Municipal Council is looking to instil environmental awareness in schoolchildren in areas under its jurisdiction.

With this in mind, MPP chairman Lo Khere Chiang encourages all kindergartens and pre-schools to actively participate in environmental competitions to be organised by the councils in the future.

“The main reason is to instil the spirit of appreciation and care for our natural fertility and the conscious to participate in maintaining our healthy environment amongst our schoolchildren, at a young age.

“I also want the next generation to value the importance of responsibility in keeping our environment clean, green and pristine forever,” he said during the landscape competition prize-giving ceremony for areas of MPP jurisdiction, here at MPP complex today.

He said the competition involved a total of 48 kindergartens and pre-schools in MPP areas. However, only 13 of the schools had managed to take part in the competition – likely due to the hiatus of the competition which has not been held since the past few years.

“Although it’s a small number after a lapse of many years, we are now reviving this competition as it is an important competition that promotes high moral values.

“I urge those who missed this year’s competition to participate in the next one as MPP will implement this competition annually,” he added.

Lo also reminded that for the sake of development, a city, such as Kuching, must sacrifice part of its greenery to give way for development which calls for innovation to utilise available spaces to preserve the environment.

As such, he hopes that Sarawak would be able to follow in the footsteps of the nation’s neighbouring country, Singapore, which is known to instil values about environmental sustainability to its schoolchildren.

“They have been taught to preserve and keep their environment clean at all times and for that reason, Singapore has been declared as the cleanest city for many years.

“We teach our children, we guide them with good principles and encourage them with good discipline – that will be good for the environment and our people can certainly do it,” he added.

https://www.newsarawaktribune.com.my/starting-them-young-on-environmental-education/?fbclid=IwAR0ORbf_xWKpnbxUHTxnjIaqGUgmOmF2Idw3dFXBwnVv14u_CGh0u-MuILU

30 December, 2020 3:53 PM

望全新一年無疫情 羅克強盼砂民續團結

（古晋30日讯）巴都吉当区议员兼人联党助理宣教秘书罗克强期望新一年，疫情能如岁月般流失，还给人们一个没有病菌，大家皆能平安健康的居所。
他对于新一年即将来临的看法时指出，2020年来到尾声，这一年人们皆在被新冠肺炎疫情困扰和惊恐中度过。
“原本我们期望当年定下的2020先进国宏愿目标可以落实，然而事与愿违，先进国目标不仅离我们甚远，却带来疫情的威胁，以及国内政治的动荡，让国家与人民，陷入经济与生活水深火热之中。”
他说，对于突如其来的疫情，大家是惊恐与担忧，更对前线的所有工作人员，冒着生命的危险，抢救与维护民众的生命，致以崇高的敬意和感谢，也对那些不幸离世者深深哀悼。
在疫情还没完全消失之前，他促请民众共同配合与听从政府的指示，做好个人防护，避免加重前线医务人员的工作负担。
他继说，这一年大家经历了太多的政治变化，希盟从执政后，最后因为本身的问题，而酿成自作自受的倒台。
“希盟是自己丢失政权，但是他们不仅没有自我检讨，反而怪罪别人，以致后来发生与制造各种政治不稳与不安的动作。”
故此，他希望希盟不要继续惹事生非或制造无谓的夺权事端，应该将重心与重点，放在共同制造国家经济与繁荣的工作上，让人民有更安逸的生活环境。
明年应该是砂拉越选举年，他呼吁并希望砂拉越人民继续以团结一致，种族融洽的精神进行是项民主运动，让砂拉越在马来西亚成为一个典范与不一样的区域。

https://weareunited.com.my/11524921/

Padawan ‘House for the Poor Programme’ wins award for poverty eradication

Dec 30, 2020 @ 14:28

Lo during the virtual award ceremony held live on Facebook on Dec 26. 

KUCHING, Dec 30: Padawan Municipal Council (MPP)’s House for the Poor Programme has won the Junior Chamber International (JCI) Malaysia Sustainable Development Award 2020 for the Goal 1 – No Poverty category. 

MPP chairman Lo Khere Chiang revealed that 114 houses have benefitted from the programme since 2016 with each house allocated a maximum of RM15,000 for house repairs. 

“The goal of the programme is to ensure that the basic needs of the poor, that is their houses are safe and comfortable to live in. 

“Repairs include replacement of roofs, ceilings, walls, floors, windows, stairs and toilets or sanitisation,” he said in a press release today. 

The Programme, under the Eradicating Poverty Programme, was initiated by the Federal Ministry of Housing and Local Government in 2016 with the purpose to improve the well being of the poor by repairing their houses that were in poor condition. 

“The funding for this programme is from the federal ministry whereas MPP is the implementer.

“The programme was one of the goals under the 10th and 11th Malaysia Plan of reducing incidences of poverty in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goal 2030 (SDG 2030) initiative,” he added. 

As the Programme will continue in 2021, Lo encouraged those in need of assistance to submit their applications to MPP. 

Among the criteria for applications to note include the head of the household must be registered in e-Kasih with the District Office Kuching, the income bracket must be below the poverty line index, stay in MPP’s areas of jurisdiction, houses are in poor condition but habitable and economical to repair and own their own land or house or consent must be obtained if the place they live in does not belong to them. 

Forms can be obtained from MPP and more information on the programme can be obtained by contacting the Valuation and Rating Division at 082-615566. 

The State government, Lo emphasised also supplemented and implemented house repairs initiatives for the poor through the Minor Rural Project since 2018. 

“All Sarawak State Legislative Assembly members under the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) are allocated state funding of RM1 million a year to repair houses for the poor. 

“The local communities and the poor can seek assistance from their local state assembly representatives or from ADUN Service Centre for assistance,” he said. 

Meanwhile, JCI Malaysia Sustainable Development Award (SDA) 2020 is an unprecedented opportunity for companies and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to align their sustainability goals to shine a spotlight on the ways their companies and organisations are leading the world to meet the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) to make the world more prosperous, inclusive, sustainable and resilient. 

JCI Malaysia is a national organisation affiliated to Junior Chamber International (JCI), a worldwide leadership development organisation for young people that empowers young people to create positive change. JCI Malaysia inspires young people to recognise their responsibilities to create a better world and empower them to drive change. – DayakDaily

望全新一年無疫情 羅克強盼砂民續團結

（古晋30日讯）巴都吉当区议员兼人联党助理宣教秘书罗克强期望新一年，疫情能如岁月般流失，还给人们一个没有病菌，大家皆能平安健康的居所。
他对于新一年即将来临的看法时指出，2020年来到尾声，这一年人们皆在被新冠肺炎疫情困扰和惊恐中度过。
“原本我们期望当年定下的2020先进国宏愿目标可以落实，然而事与愿违，先进国目标不仅离我们甚远，却带来疫情的威胁，以及国内政治的动荡，让国家与人民，陷入经济与生活水深火热之中。”
他说，对于突如其来的疫情，大家是惊恐与担忧，更对前线的所有工作人员，冒着生命的危险，抢救与维护民众的生命，致以崇高的敬意和感谢，也对那些不幸离世者深深哀悼。
在疫情还没完全消失之前，他促请民众共同配合与听从政府的指示，做好个人防护，避免加重前线医务人员的工作负担。
他继说，这一年大家经历了太多的政治变化，希盟从执政后，最后因为本身的问题，而酿成自作自受的倒台。
“希盟是自己丢失政权，但是他们不仅没有自我检讨，反而怪罪别人，以致后来发生与制造各种政治不稳与不安的动作。”
故此，他希望希盟不要继续惹事生非或制造无谓的夺权事端，应该将重心与重点，放在共同制造国家经济与繁荣的工作上，让人民有更安逸的生活环境。
明年应该是砂拉越选举年，他呼吁并希望砂拉越人民继续以团结一致，种族融洽的精神进行是项民主运动，让砂拉越在马来西亚成为一个典范与不一样的区域。

https://weareunited.com.my/11524921/

Lo hopes Sungai Maong bazaar project approved soon

By

 Aina Azizah Yeo

 - 

December 27, 2020

A section of the wet market at Sg Maong bazaar.

KUCHING: Chairman of Padawan Municipal Council (MPP), Lo Khere Chiang hopes that the RM10 million rejuvenation project for Sungai Maong bazaar at the Third Mile would be approved soon. 

Speaking after the blessing ceremony of Lu Yi Pek Kong temple at the Third Mile on Sunday (Dec 27), he said, “A market plays an important role in the development of a town as it is a place for the people to purchase their daily needs.”

The Batu Kitang assemblyman explained that the rejuvenation project would be implemented under the Twelfth Malaysia Plan (RMK-12).

“The Third Mile bazaar is small but this is where the community gathers together. It has been around for more than 60 years. The market needs to be renovated,” he added. 

Lo said the expansion of the market would depend on the availability of space.

“We will also look at the rejuvenation plans for Kota Sentosa bazaar at Mile 7 and Kota Padawan bazaar at Mile 10,” he said.

On Dec 15, MPP proposed a number of urban renewal initiatives under RMK-12. They included the urban renewal and rejuvenation of Sungai Maong Bazaar at Mile 3, Kota Sentosa bazaar at Mile 7 and Kota Padawan bazaar at Mile 10.

“The urban renewal initiatives are important as they will rejuvenate these bazaars and their surrounding townships, making them more vibrant and economically sustainable with multiple catalytic effects,” Lo said at MPP’s 24th anniversary celebration at Kota Padawan Mall carpark compound. Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg officiated at the event.

https://www.newsarawaktribune.com.my/lo-hopes-sungai-maong-bazaar-project-approved-soon/

3哩7哩10哩城市转型计划 巴市会已呈砂政府

2020年12月27日

（本报古晋日讯）巴达旺市议会已提呈三哩、七哩及十哩城市转型计划予砂拉越政府，以期能在第12大马计划下获得批准付诸落实，惠及人民！

巴都吉当区州议员兼巴达旺市议会主席罗克强今日出席如意伯公安座仪式后，受访时，如是表示。

他表示，三项城市转型工程预计的费用分别是1300万令吉、4400万令吉和2500万令吉。

他指出，三大转型工程包括翻新三地的菜市场，其中三哩与七哩菜市场将备有多层停车场，以舒缓当地泊车位不足的问题。而十哩巴达旺转型计划将备有早市和夜市。

他表示，相关计划蓝图已提呈给砂拉越政府以寻求批准并在第12大马计划加以落实。一旦获得批准将公布更多相关工程项目细节。

他续说，拟议中的转型计划也将规划当地的街市与交通，使得成为人人所向往的市场。

他强调，一个市区的发展，菜市场是很重要的，带动人潮及经济活动，随着时间的流逝，菜市场必须适时提升，以迎合市场发展需求。

http://news.seehua.com/?p=643164

Lo: Renewal works for Sg Maong Bazaar will include multi-level car park, night market

Lo: Renewal works for Sg Maong Bazaar will include multi-level car park, night market

December 27, 2020, Sunday at 1:16 PM

Dr Sim (left) taking part in the ceremony of installing a new deity at a temple near the Sungai Maong bazaar at Mile 3 here.

KUCHING (Dec 27): The proposed RM13-million urban renewal works for Sungai Maong Bazaar at Mile 3 here will include the construction of a multi-storey car park as well as the reinstatement of a night market, said Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) chairman Lo Khere Chiang.

“This market at third mile here has been around for as long as I could remember and it has grown from a small little market back then to its current size, attracting significant crowd every day,” said Lo, who is also Batu Kitang assemblyman.

He said the proposed urban renewal and rejuvenation works for the bazaar will be submitted for consideration to be listed in the 12th Malaysian Plan as to provide a better environment as well as a hub for community engagement for Kuching residents.

“The proposed urban renewal project will feature a new market with multi-storey car park, upgrading of streetscape and internal traffic circulation and reinstatement of night market,” he said during the installation of a new ‘Tua Pek Kong’ deity at a temple located near the Sungai Maong bazaar here today.

Aside from the bazaar’s rejuvenation works, the other urban renewal initiatives submitted for the 12th Malaysian Plan included the rejuvenation of Kota Sentosa bazaar at Mile 7 and Kota Padawan bazaar at Mile 10.

The rejuvenation works for Kota Sentosa market is expected to cost RM44 million, with the construction of a new Sentosa market with multi-level carpark, Sentosa Town Square, pedestrian bridge overhead, urban park, riverside pedestrian walk and streetscape upgrading.

Meanwhile, the urban renewal of Kota Padawan bazaar will cost RM25 million and it will see a new MPP Square, MPP boulevard, introduction of MPP day and night market, a pitcher plant and ethnobotany garden and a recreation park.

Among those attending the deity’s installation ceremony was Minister of Local Government and Housing Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian and Batu Lintang assembly See Chee How.

https://www.theborneopost.com/2020/12/27/lo-renewal-works-for-sg-maong-bazaar-will-include-multi-level-car-park-night-market/

24 December, 2020 2:04 PM

石角诊疗所添新设施 桂贤克强见证移交

（本报古晋24日讯）位于石角新市镇的石角诊疗所又增添新设施，为前往寻医的民众提供更好环境与服务。

新增添的设施包括分别在两处设立雨盖遮棚和得来速（DRIVE -THRU）取药设施。值得一提的是，其中一处的雨盖遮棚是由人联党三哩至六哩乡村发展与安全委员会赞助。

石角区议员拿督斯里沈桂贤与巴都吉当区议员罗克强今天见证移交和参观相关的设施。

沈桂贤与罗克强参观石角诊疗所得来速取药设施。

由人联党三哩至六哩乡村发展与安全委员会赞助与兴建的雨盖遮棚，主要是方便医务人员为前往进行新官肺炎检测的民众，有一个免受日晒雨淋的设施。

至於由政府出资兴建的雨盖遮棚，主要是在目前抗疫期间，让民众有更好的等候空间，该设施也可以让雨天前往寻医者，免受雨淋。

沈桂贤感谢人联党三哩至六哩乡村发展与安全委员会这种回馈社会的服务之心，并深信有关的设施将能带给民众非常便利。

他欢迎大家都能同心协力，为砂拉越的医务设施做出贡献，让它能在完善的设施基础上，为民众提供更好的医药服务。

https://weareunited.com.my/11522236/

23 December, 2020 3:08 PM

没拨款对全民教育不利 克强促火箭为独中学院争拨款

(古晋23日讯)巴都吉当议员兼中央助理宣教秘书罗克强对于联邦政府明年度财政预算案没有给独中和其他三所私立学院拨款感到失望，并认为这对政府要打造全民教育的目标非常不利。
故此,他呼吁拥有42名国会议员的行动党，必须要据理力争，特别是前财政部长林冠英，既然可以为宗教学校争取到预算案拨款，没有理由不能为独立和其他三所学院发声。
他说,无论是政府学校或独中，都秉持一个共同点理念和目标，就是为国家培育人才，所以政府理应公平对待各源流学校包括独中。
罗克强称,原本2021年财政预算案，也不包括宗教学校拨款，后来经过林冠英反对，财长才在稍后同意和补上，因此他希望林冠英也能发挥如为宗教学校争取拨款的精神，为独中与三所学院争取拨款。
他指出,实际上，联邦政府无论是早前的希盟或当今的国盟，早就应该向砂政府看齐，每年固定给独中和华小拨款。
“砂行动党在执政期间，应该向当时林冠英建议，拟定如砂政府给全砂14间独中常年拨款的机制，当时他们是执政一方，绝对有这方面的执政权力。”
他说，砂政府从已故丹斯里阿德南时代就拨款300万给全砂14间独中，每年增加100万，今年已是900万，我们相信明年会继续获得拨款，相关的拨款数额甚至可能会增加。
除了独中，罗克强表示砂政府还设立华小事务单位，以便专门对全砂华小发展、扩建、搬迁等问题进行专门处理，这是全马第一个有这个单位的政府，不仅如此，砂政府今年也拨款800万给该单位。
此外，他说砂政府还承认独中统考及拨地给华小作为迁校用途，这些都是希盟政府无法做到的教育事项。

https://weareunited.com.my/11521613/

RM82mil for urban renewal initiatives

• T

(From left) Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian, Abang Johari and Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah cutting a cake to mark Padawan Municipal Council’s 24th anniversary.

15 Dec 2020

KUCHING: The Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) has proposed urban renewal initiatives for three areas in its jurisdiction under the 12th Malaysia Plan, which starts next year.

MPP chairman Lo Khere Chiang said the initiatives, with a total estimated cost of RM82mil, involved rejuvenation of the Sungai Maong bazaar, Kota Sentosa and Kota Padawan.

“The urban renewal initiatives are important as they will rejuvenate these bazaars and their surrounding townships, making them more vibrant and economically sustainable with multiple catalytic effects.

“The vibrancy of a market reflects the healthy growth and prosperity of a town, ” he said at the council’s 24th anniversary celebration at Kota Padawan here yesterday, launched by Sarawak Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.

Lo said the proposed urban renewal of Sungai Maong bazaar would comprise a new market with a multi-level car park and town square, pedestrian overhead bridge, urban park and riverside pedestrian walk at an estimated cost of RM13mil.

For Kota Sentosa, he said it would involve a proposed new market with multi-storey car park, upgrading the streetscape and traffic circulation and reinstating a night market, at a cost of RM44mil.

The Kota Padawan project, costing about RM25mil, will include a proposed MPP square and boulevard, market and recreational park, as well as improving the MPP pitcher plant and ethnobotany garden.

Lo also said MPP required a bigger building as its present office was too small to accommodate its staff and assets.

He said the council’s proposed new building would be based on the concept of an office in a park to reflect Padawan’s natural surroundings.

“In line with the state government’s efforts to make Kuching a smart city, the new proposed office will be a smart and environmentally friendly building equipped with the latest technology to track and monitor services provided by the council, ” he said.

https://www.thestar.com.my/metro/metro-news/2020/12/15/rm82mil-for-urban-renewal-initiatives

MPP proposes 3 urban renewal projects under 12MP

December 15, 2020, Tuesday at 12:06 AM

Lo (right) briefs Abang Johari (front, second left) on MPP’s urban renewal initiatives. Also seen are Dr Sim (front, left), Hii (behind Dr Sim) and Ahmad (third right). — Photo by Chimon Upon

KUCHING: Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) has proposed a number of urban renewal initiatives under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP).

According to Batu Kitang assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang, who is also the council’s chairman, these are urban renewal and rejuvenation works on Sungai Maong Bazaar at Mile 3, Kota Sentosa (bazaar) at Mile 7, and Kota Padawan (bazaar) at Mile 10.

“The urban renewal initiatives are important as they will rejuvenate these bazaars and their surrounding townships, making them more vibrant and economically sustainable with multiple catalytic effects.

“The vibrancy of a market reflects the healthy growth and prosperity of a town,” he said at MPP’s 24th anniversary celebration at Kota Padawan Mall carpark compound yesterday, where Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg officiated at the event.

Adding on, Lo said the total estimated cost for the three urban renewal initiatives would reach RM82 million.

“The features of the proposed urban renewal works on Sungai Maong Bazaar, estimated to cost RM13 million, will include a new Sentosa Market with multi-level carpark Sentosa Town Square, overhead pedestrian bridge, urban park and riverside pedestrian walkway; whereas urban renewal or rejuvenation of Kota Sentosa will include a new market with multi-storey carpark, upgrading of Streetscape, traffic circulation, and reinstatement of night market estimated to cost RM44 million.

“For the urban renewal of Kota Padawan, this will include MPP Square, MPP Boulevard, MPP Day & Night Market, MPP Pitcher Plant and Ethnobotany Garden, and MPP Recreational Park, estimated to cost RM25 million,” he said.

Lo said MPP would continue to give emphasis on all approved development projects and ensure that the works would commence on the ground despite a three-month lag primarily due to the necessary enforcement of the Movement Control Order (MCO).

“Last year, MPP implemented 130 projects and as at November 2020, the council had implemented 95 projects.

“Though the Covid-19 pandemic has indirectly hindered the council in its implementation of development projects, MPP would play its role in ensuring better infrastructure for the people by continuing to implement these projects,” he said.

Meanwhile, Lo also proposed for a larger office building for MPP to enable it to continue improving its services to the people.

“After 25 years of municipality and with rapid growth and development of MPP areas, our present office is now too small to accommodate our staff and assets,” he said.

Lo said the proposed new office building, located near Semenggoh Wildlife National Park, would have the concept of ‘an office in a park’, to blend well with and also reflect the abundant natural features of Padawan.

“The land surrounding our new MPP office would be a very well maintained park, to be enjoyed by the public.

“In line with the state government’s efforts to make Kuching and Padawan smart cities, the proposed office would also be a smart and environment-friendly building, equipped with the latest technology to track and monitor all services provided by the council,” he said, expressing hope that Abang Johari would consider MPP’s request for a new office building.

Also present were Local Government and Housing Minister Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian; Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture permanent secretary Hii Chang Kee; Kuching North Datuk Bandar Datu Junaidi Reduan; Kuching South Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng; and MPP deputy chairman Datuk Ahmad Ibrahim.

https://www.theborneopost.com/2020/12/15/mpp-proposes-3-urban-renewal-projects-under-12mp/

Council to promote tourism in the state

December 14, 2020

Padawan Municipal Council Cr Lo Khere Chiang 

KUCHING: Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) will work hard to promote tourism in the state, particularly Padawan, said its chairman Lo Khere Chiang.

Padawan was blessed with ‘CAN’ (culture, adventure and nature) attractions such as the Bidayuh longhouses, he pointed out during the 24th anniversary celebration of MPP and the launch of The Last Ring Ladies Mural at Kota Padawan Mall on Monday (Dec 14).

He said MPP, in cooperation with the Ministry Tourism, Arts and Culture, was also implementing Community Based Eco-Tourism (CBET) projects.

“As such, the council together with the local communities will make a bid to the tourism ministry for the repair of longhouses, repair of river embankments for rafting and kayaking and construction of facilities at hot springs,” he said.

Lo explained that by improving infrastructure at tourist spots and promoting tourist spots, the council would not only improve the livelihood of the local folk but also help preserve their culture and tradition. 

“As we are witnessing today, the mural of The Last Ring Ladies of Kampung Semban, Padawan painted on the walls of this mall at Kota Padawan is one of many public-private collaborations to promote tourism in Padawan,” he said.

Lo thanked the owner for allowing the mural to be drawn on a wall of the complex.

“At the same time, I would like to thank Evangeline and her team and especially the mural artist, Leonard Siaw, for his artistic skills in making The Last Ring Ladies Mural a reality.

“The mural is also a tribute to the four Ring Ladies of Kampung Semban for being living legends to all of us here,” he said.

Lo revealed that MPP had proposed several urban renewal initiatives under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12 MP).

They included the urban renewal and rejuvenation of Sungai Maong Bazaar at 3rd Mile, Kota Sentosa at 7th Mile and Kota Padawan at 10th Mile.

“The urban renewal initiatives are important as they will rejuvenate these bazaars and their surrounding townships, making them more vibrant and economically sustainable with multiple catalytic effects.

“The vibrancy of a market reflects the healthy growth and prosperity of a town,” he said.

Lo added the proposed urban renewal initiatives under the 12MP were estimated to cost RM82 million.

Earlier, Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg officiated at the council’s anniversary celebration and the launch of the mural.

https://www.newsarawaktribune.com.my/council-to-promote-tourism-in-the-state/?fbclid=IwAR3hpGgrI8XAHCVZ2_kotUBk1xlwsXACsNebBdWSHcCYCdySVWaCM31Ud2M

Padawan Municipal Council has highest number of properties

December 14, 2020

Padawan Municipal Council Cr Lo Khere Chiang 

KUCHING: Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) has recorded the highest number of properties amongst all the local authorities in Sarawak.

Its chairman Lo Khere Chiang said as of Oct 1 this year, there are 73,001 properties in MPP and 91 percent are residential properties.

“From 2017 to this year, the growth rate of development of properties in the MPP area is about 3.5 per annum or approximately 2,300 new properties per year,” he said during the council’s 24th anniversary celebration and the launching of the Last Ring Ladies Mural at Kota Padawan Mall on Monday (Dec 14).

He said the council estimated that there will be at least 73,500 properties by the end of this year.

“Many towns and bazaars have seen rapid development in the last 20 years. We can see this in areas such as Batu Kawah New Township, Kota Sentosa, Jalan Matang, Jalan Batu Kawa and others.

“Whereas the number of holdings has increased tremendously, from 21,000 in 1996 to 73,001 as of Oct 1 this year,” he said.

On infrastructure development, he said from 2016 to this year, MPP has implemented a total of 375 projects totalling RM82.8 million and the breakdown in terms of category and total project costs are as follows — RM15.2 million for capital development projects, RM35.8 million for Rural Transformation Programme (RTP) projects and RM 31.8 million for Projek Rakyat (people’s project).

“Last year, MPP implemented 130 projects and as of Nov this year, MPP has implemented 95 projects,” he said.

He said MPP has always been busy maintaining the roads and drains.

The roads in housing estates have been upgraded and most roads in the villages have been tar-sealed.

“Nowadays, the requests from the residents have changed from upgrading gravel roads to tar-sealed roads to resurfacing existing tar-sealed roads and requests for street lights. Development projects have expanded to include construction of bridges, surau and churches,” he said.

He added that other developments are the construction of community markets and hawker centres, upgrading of village libraries to digital community centres, installation of safety rails, guard rails and cat eyes for safety measures, as well as maintenance of parks and greens.

“Improving road infrastructure, particularly the drains, remains a top priority for the council which includes Puncak Borneo and Matang with a projected cost of RM800 million,” he said adding that the council together with the minister shall seek and pursue more grants in order to improve the infrastructure of roads and drains.

“MPP has also gone beyond the role of providing municipal services. The council managed to obtain a grant to help repair 31 houses for the poor this year.

“A direct result of this initiative is the improved safety and better living conditions for the residents. From 2016 to this year, the council has already repaired 114 houses under the Urban Poverty Eradication programme,” he said.

He said under the leadership of Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg and as a caring government, each assemblyman under Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) since 2019 is allocated RM1 million worth of fund to do house repairs for the poor in their constituencies.

“In line with the mission of MPP to advance the quality of life by providing efficient municipal services, the council through the leadership and determination of Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian, managed to obtain a grant for a few people’s project in the MPP area,” he said.

He said there are projects which included completed ones, in progress and in planning which covers a total cost of RM31.8 million.

https://www.newsarawaktribune.com.my/padawan-municipal-council-has-highest-number-of-properties/?fbclid=IwAR35dO8c8f-4_0oFPgIJcPvbbdzJttTKV87_ZwZVlpv31qrViOAqfLS5FpQ