Calling for Sarawak SMEs, businesses to participate in Platinum Business Awards

Jul 26, 2022 @ 18:05

Lo (fifth right) and other guests pose for a group photo at the Sarawak Roadshow on PBA2022 held at Hilton Hotel Kuching today (July 26, 2022).

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By Nur Ashikin Louis

KUCHING, July 26: Local businesses and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Sarawak are encouraged to participate in Platinum Business Awards (PBA) 2022 which will be held on Nov 29 this year.

With the theme ‘Resilience. Globalisation. Digitalisation’, PBA2022 benchmarks the business performance and quality standards of SMEs and individuals in 18 award categories by nomination and four categories by invitation.

Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) chairman Lo Khere Chiang said the awards platform serves as a new gateway for SMEs and entrepreneurs in Sarawak to earn industry acknowledgment for their achievements as well as to discover new prospects.

“SMEs form the backbone of Sarawak’s economy, representing about 98 per cent of all registered businesses in the State, according to the Ministry of Industrial Development.

“In 2020, there were almost 70,000 micro and small and medium enterprises operating here, providing jobs and business opportunities to Sarawakians.

“Winning an industry-acclaimed award brings enhanced visibility to a company and, on a macro level, significantly wider market recognition that Sarawak SMEs truly deserve for their products and services,” he said when speaking at the PBA 2022 roadshow event held at Hilton Hotel Kuching today.

PBA award nominees undergo an assessment process which includes auditor site visits, culminating in the selection of winners by a selection board chaired by KSI Strategic Institute for Asia Pacific president Tan Sri Michael Yeoh, joined by other captains of industry.

PBA2022 is audited by SFAI Malaysia with Fusionex as technology partner, Skynet Worldwide as official courier and OE Edutech as official strategic partner.

Major event sponsors are Hong Leong Bank, Boost Biz, Maxis, RHB Bank, MIDF and RMA while network sponsors are AmLeisure Group, DayOne DayOne, Felement, Homevest, Ipay 88, RAM, SBH and V Image.

PBA2022 is open for online nominations until Aug 31.

Details are available at https://pba.smemalaysia.org/ and through the awards secretariat at 03-8024 5787 (Cynthia).

Also present at the Sarawak Roadshow for PBA2022 event were SME Malaysia National Secretary General and PBA2022 organising chairman Chin Chee Seong and SME Association of Sarawak president Jordan Ong. — DayakDaily

https://dayakdaily.com/calling-for-sarawak-smes-businesses-to-participate-in-platinum-business-awards/?utm_source=Newswav&utm_medium=Website

Be bold in grabbing every opportunity available in SCORE, local SMEs called

July 27, 2022, Wednesday at 7:00 AM

Lo, flanked by awards organising committee chairman Chin Chee Seong (fifth left) and SME Association of Sarawak president Jordan Ong, in a group photo with the representatives of the sponsors of Platinum Business Awards 2022.

KUCHING (July 27): Local small and medium enterprises (SMEs) must boldly grab the opportunities offered by Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE).

In making this call, Batu Kitang assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang says the initiatives undertaken by SCORE are leveraged on the state’s abundant clean renewable energy such as hydroelectricity, as well as other natural resources to spur the growth of energy-intensive industries.

“With the local SMEs set to ultimately benefit from the corridor’s growth, the state government agencies would step up efforts to ensure a vibrant inflow of investments into SCORE,” said Lo, who is also Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) chairman, in officiating at the ‘Platinum Business Awards 2022 Sarawak Roadshow’ at a hotel here yesterday.

He said the state government aimed to create more downstream opportunities for local SMEs across a wide range of sectors such as logistics, support services and food catering.

He added that interested SMEs could always reach out to Regional Corridor Development Authority (Recoda) to know more about the investment prospects available.

He also said the business community could always be assured of the political stability in the state, and Sarawak would remain ‘the kingmaker’ in ensuring stability.

Adding to this point, he said the state government remained committed to supporting all efforts towards recovery from the adverse economic impact brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic.

“As announced in August last year, Sarawak is the only state in the country that provides interest subsidy for three financing facilities under Bank Negara Malaysia to alleviate the short-term cash flow problems faced by Sarawak SMEs across all economic sectors.”

Lo said the total budget for the interest subsidy for the Special Relief Facility, Targeted Relief and Recovery Facility, and Penjana Tourism Financing schemes amounted to RM80.7 million, adding that these subsidies would continue to be provided for three and a half years.

“The state government has also set aside RM100 million for the Sarawak Micro Credit Scheme to assist the Bottom 40 Per Cent (B40) income group, as well as the micro and small businesses, with maximum loan facility of RM50,000.”

He said all successful applicants would enjoy a moratorium and interest subsidy for three and a half years under the Sarawakku Sayang Special Assistance (BKSS) 1.0 to 7.0 as a way to alleviate the financial burden of Sarawakians and also to assist the business community.

“I call upon the SMEs to avail themselves of these financing and relief facilities if they have not done so yet, as these facilities are always snapped up quickly.”

Lo said based on statistics from the Ministry of Industrial Development, SMEs remained the backbone of Sarawak’s economy, representing 98 per cent of all registered businesses in the state.

“In 2020, there were almost 70,000 micro-SMEs and SMEs operating in Sarawak, providing jobs and business opportunities to Sarawakians.”

Nonetheless, Lo also expressed hope that the local SMEs would nominate themselves for the Platinum Business Awards 2022, set to be presented this November, as past winners had benefited from increased visibility and interests from various business investors.

https://www.theborneopost.com/2022/07/27/be-bold-in-grabbing-every-opportunity-available-in-score-local-smes-called/

Bangunan Astaka Kampung Tematu Siap Sepenuhnya

SELASA, 26 JULAI 2022

KUCHING: Projek pembinaan bangunan astaka Kampung Tematu dengan kos RM120,000 telah siap sepenuhnya pada 15 Jun lepas. 

Pengerusi Majlis Perbandaran Padawan, Ir. Lo Khere Chiang memberitahu, pembinaan bangunan tersebut telah dimulakan pada 16 Februari 2022.

“Projek ini dilaksanakan menerusi peruntukan Projek Transformasi Luar Bandar (RTP) dan ia bertujuan memberi manfaat kepada penduduk di kawasan sekitar. 

“Dengan adanya bangunan ini, diharapkan para penduduk boleh menggunakan ia sebagai ‘grandstand’ untuk menonton sebarang pertandingan bola sepak atau sukan rakyat di padang bersebelahan di sini serta menjalankan aktiviti sihat yang lain,” jelasnya ketika ditemui media selepas menyaksikan penyerahan projek tersebut di Kampung Tematu di sini pada Selasa.   

Sementara itu, beliau yang juga Ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri (ADUN) Batu Kitang menyeru setiap kontraktor yang dipilih agar memastikan kualiti pelaksanaan sebarang projek sentiasa terjamin. 

“MPP mempunyai sistem gred bagi semua kontraktor projek di bawah seliaannya dengan kontraktor yang diberi gred C tidak akan digunakan lagi pada masa depan,’’ tegas beliau. 

Bagi projek bangunan astaka itu pula, Khere Chiang berpuas hati atas kualiti pelaksanaannya walaupun ia telah menghadapi sedikit kelewatan akibat kesulitan membawa masuk bahan binaan.  

Turut hadir pada program tersebut ialah Ketua Kampung Tematu, Geofry Tahang, Pegawai Pembangunan dan Perancangan MPP, Hartini Ahmad serta ahli-ahli Jawatankuasa Kemajuan dan Keselamatan Kampung (JKKK) Kampung Tematu. -Edisi UKAS

https://ukas.sarawak.gov.my/2022/07/26/bangunan-astaka-kampung-tematu-siap-sepenuhnya/?fbclid=IwAR0CFQWJIglJB3qL5SAldSDiFK26LiqdkXWLwj_J41N-eqCBrX04KS44s2

MPP senarai hitam kontraktor tidak berprestasi baik

Bilik Berita

KUCHING: Majlis Perbandaran Padawan (MPP) mengambil tindakan tegas dengan menyenarai hitam para kontraktor yang tidak berprestasi baik dalam melaksanakan projek.

Pengerusinya Lo Khere Chiang berkata, tindakan itu penting bagi memastikan semua kontraktor yang diberikan projek menyiapkannya mengikut jadual serta mempunyai kualiti kerja yang baik.

“Setakat ini hanya sebanyak dua peratus daripada keseluruhan kontraktor yang melaksanakan projek di bawah MPP telah kita senarai hitam.

Lo Khere Chiang menyaksikan penyerahan Projek Padang Bola Sepak Kampung Tematu, di sini, hari ini.

“Ini bermakna mereka tidak boleh mendapatkan tender projek MPP untuk tempoh dua tahun,” katanya ketika ditemui pemberita selepas menyerahkan Projek Padang Bola Sepak Kampung Tematu, di sini, hari ini.

Mengulas lanjut, katanya pada tahun ini lebih 260 projek dengan peruntukan sejumlah RM30 juta dilaksanakan di bawah MPP merangkumi enam kawasan Dun (Batu Kitang, Batu Kawa, Kota Sentosa, Mambong, Tupong dan Satok) serta tiga Parlimen (Stampin, Puncak Borneo dan Petra Jaya).

 

!Peringatan! Artikel ini ialah Hakcipta Terpelihara Suara Sarawak. Sebarang salinan tanpa kebenaran akan dikenakan tindakan undang-undang.

https://suarasarawak.my/2022/07/mpp-senarai-hitam-kontraktor-tidak-berprestasi-baik/

NGOs urged to be bridge between local residents, govt to bring about more devt

July 25, 2022, Monday at 12:46 PM

Lo (centre) in a photo call with the participants

KUCHING (July 25): Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) are urged to serve as a bridge between local residents and the government to help bring about more development.

In making this call yesterday, Batu Kitang assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang said NGOs must always establish and maintain close collaboration with the government irrespective of their political affiliation.

He believed that NGOs could help bridge the gap between the locals and the government towards enhancing mutual understanding and achieving mutual goals of seeing further development.

“I want to tell every NGO, especially in Kampung Haji Baki, to co-operate well with the government and be more proactive in their role towards helping the people.

“Through close collaboration, planned development can be carried out more effectively, while welfare aid can be channelled to the target groups more quickly,” he said.

He made these remarks when closing an ‘NGO Shared Responsibility Welfare Programme’ held at Masjid Darul Ehsan in Kampung Haji Baki here.

Commenting on the programme, Lo said it was jointly organised by the Kampung Haji Baki Welfare and Cultural Organisation and Kampung Haji Baki Masjid Darul Ehsan Committee.

He was pleased to note that the two NGOs had joined hands to undertake a programme which served to benefit the local residents there.

“Hopefully this programme has reached out to the locals particularly the less fortunate,” he said.

Some 130 participants including local residents and students from SK Kampung Haji Baki took part in the two-day programme.

http://www.theborneopost.com/2022/07/25/ngos-urged-to-be-bridge-between-local-residents-govt-to-bring-about-more-devt/

Padawan Raft Safari to go international

Alverdtekoster AnyapJuly 23, 2022

Council staff rowing their bamboo raft through the river.

PADAWAN: Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) chairman Lo Khere Chiang said with the success of the Padawan Raft Safari in June, the area has demonstrated its potential to host extreme sports events.

Plans are already underway to make the Padawan Raft Safari an international event next year, he revealed.

“It is a challenge for the council but we will make sure it goes well as it has attracted many people, even foreigners.

A short safety briefing was given, while staff members ready to start off.

“We will also collaborate with Grit Event Management to help us promote the event which will be happening next year. I cannot recall the date but it is in 2023,” said Lo.

He said for the safari adventure to run smoothly, infrastructures and facilities will be improved for the convenience of visitors and competitors.

Lo said this during the MPP Family Day at Kampung Danu today.

MPP deputy secretary Henry Jalin Watt rows the raft with a long bamboo stick, onboard together with the media.

Also present were his deputy Datuk Ahmad Ibrahim and MPP deputy secretary Henry Jalin Watt.

Lo, who is Batu Kitang assemblyman, said this is the council’s first  family day event at Kampung Danu, involving more than 80 staff and family members.

They also went safari rafting starting from Kampung Timurang all the way back to Kampung Danu.

“This is the first in the history of MPP, and of course the purpose here is to strengthen relations between staff members and the councilors,” said Lo.

Lo together with MPP staff and councilors in a group photo.

MPP to continue improving basic infrastructure of villages under its jurisdiction to boost rural tourism

Jul 23, 2022 @ 19:12

MPP celebrated its family day with a river rafting activity from Kpg Temurang to Kpg Danu in Padawan. 

Follow and subscribe to DayakDaily on Telegram for faster news updates.

By Nancy Nais

PADAWAN, July 23: Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) will continue to improve the basic infrastructure of villages under its jurisdiction to boost rural tourism.

Its chairman Lo Khere Chiang said there are many locations under its jurisdiction which are attractive not only to local visitors but to tourists as well.

“As Padawan is blessed with ‘CAN’ (culture, adventure, and nature) attractions, we must revitalise our attractions and to do so, we will continue to provide basic infrastructures such as road widening and amenities like proper shelter, toilets, and jetty. There is also the need to repair river embankments for rafting and kayaking at villages that offer these fun activities.

“Apart from that, we will cooperate with the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts, who is also implementing community-based eco-tourism (CBET) projects,” Lo said during MPP’s family day at Kampung Danu, Jalan Puncak Borneo.

From left: Ahmad, Lo, and Henry at MPP’s family day event.

Lo, who is also Batu Kitang assemblyman, said he was confident that with the support of his fellow councillors, staff, government departments, community leaders, and the public, MPP would bring more development to the areas under its jurisdiction.

He further explained that improving basic infrastructure, particularly at tourist spots, will promote these places, improve the livelihood of the local folk, and help preserve their culture and tradition.

Some 80 members consisting of MPP staff and their families participated in the inaugural family day, which saw a total of 14 bamboo rafts being utilised.

The 10km journey began from Kampung Temurang and ended at Kampung Danu.

As participants paddled down the river, they got to enjoy the evergreen jungles, and some were overheard asking if durian season was near.

All participants were provided with life vests, and speed boats were also deployed along the route to provide assistance.

Participants paddled up to 10km from Kampung Temurang to Kampung Danu.

Among those who joined the event were MPP deputy chairman Datuk Ahmad Ibrahim and deputy secretary Henry Jalin Watt.

Commenting on the recent success of Padawan Raft Safari 2022 in June this year, Lo said: “The event was so well received until the Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah suggested holding it on a larger scale and open it to international participants.

“GRIT Event Management organised the Padawan Raft Safari, and they have done an excellent job to ensure its success. We want to see and have more events like this from them in the future.” — DayakDaily

https://dayakdaily.com/mpp-to-continue-improving-basic-infrastructure-of-villages-under-its-jurisdiction-to-boost-rural-tourism/?fbclid=IwAR0cS8MgPYkqUbWSE_Tp1IkDb26-jlaQ8NBmixTuyWEDLkJTvub4fdbdGFM

罗克强暨人民支持砂领袖 争取国会三分一代表权

Views: 80

By Kuan Thai Far

Sarawak

July 22, 2022

（古晋22日讯）配合722砂拉越日，峇都吉当区州议员罗克强希望人民继续支持砂拉越领袖在国会争取被认为是砂应有的三分之一国会议席分配，同时也希望争取砂拉越的教育和医药自主权。

“在我们的国会, 我们应该拥有三分之一代表权。”

“我也希望呢，我们能够把我们的教育和我们的医药自主给争取回来，这个对我们砂拉越人民非常的重要。”

此外，他也形容西马政治纷乱，希望砂拉越人民团结在砂政党联盟领导的旗帜下，巩固砂拉越的势力，让砂拉越扮演重要角色维护马来西亚的稳定。

配合722砂拉越日，他也提醒年轻一代重视马来西亚建国契约，认为有了改建国契约，才拥有了马来西亚。

他是昨晚出席砂拉越日联合祷告会后，受访时这么表示。

https://tvstv.my/2022/07/22/罗克强暨人民支持砂领袖-争取国会三分一代表权/

沈桂贤：列黑名单承包商 . 不可接政府工程

沈桂贤（中）移交委任状予巴达旺市议会主席罗克强；左为哥打圣淘沙区州议员叶耀星，右起阿末依布拉欣及安东尼奥。

（古晋20日讯）砂副总理兼公共卫生、房屋及地方政府部长拿督斯里沈桂贤表示，他将与砂副总理兼基本建设及港口发展部长拿督阿玛道格拉斯商讨，以共享承包商黑名单资料。

他今日出席巴达旺市议员宣誓就职仪式后，接受记者询问时说，这是避免表现不合格承包商在被列入黑名单后，就改到其他政府机构承包工程情况出现。

“承包商被列入黑名单后，就到其他政府机构竞标工程，类似情况一再发生，因此将与道格拉斯协调，以杜绝此类现象。”

他说，道格拉斯最近正专注解决生病工程问题，在砂境内展开巡视工程。

沈桂贤说，这包括最近重启的三马拉汉红绿灯建设工程，该工程（一旦竣工）将有助减缓当地交通阻塞问题。

“共享资料是可行的，毕竟砂全球支付均在每个机构使用了，因此将进行讨论，不同机构则拥有各自系统。”

https://sarawak.sinchew.com.my/20220720/200005kc1100/

罗克强暨人民支持砂领袖 争取国会三分一代表权

Views: 124

By Kuan Thai Far

Sarawak

July 22, 2022

（古晋22日讯）配合722砂拉越日，峇都吉当区州议员罗克强希望人民继续支持砂拉越领袖在国会争取被认为是砂应有的三分之一国会议席分配，同时也希望争取砂拉越的教育和医药自主权。

“在我们的国会, 我们应该拥有三分之一代表权。”

“我也希望呢，我们能够把我们的教育和我们的医药自主给争取回来，这个对我们砂拉越人民非常的重要。”

此外，他也形容西马政治纷乱，希望砂拉越人民团结在砂政党联盟领导的旗帜下，巩固砂拉越的势力，让砂拉越扮演重要角色维护马来西亚的稳定。

配合722砂拉越日，他也提醒年轻一代重视马来西亚建国契约，认为有了改建国契约，才拥有了马来西亚。

他是昨晚出席砂拉越日联合祷告会后，受访时这么表示。

https://tvstv.my/2022/07/22/罗克强暨人民支持砂领袖-争取国会三分一代表权/

Dr Sim: S’wak govt looking at ways to help local councils get more revenue

July 21, 2022, Thursday at 7:00 AM

Dr Sim (seated centre) and his ministry’s permanent secretary Datu Antonio Kahti Galis (seated fourth right) join Lo (seated fourth left), Ahmad (seated second right) and MPP councillors for a photo call.

KUCHING (July 21): The Sarawak government is finding ways to help local councils to get more revenue to foot the rising expenditure especially in maintenance of facilities, said Deputy Premier Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian.

In this regard, he said Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datu Dr Penguang Manggil has been tasked to relook at local councils in terms of organisational structure, manpower needs, collection of revenue and services.

He explained that from this, there will be a Cabinet paper to be presented on how the local councils can operate more efficiently.

“We try to find ways to find revenues so that the councils can maintain without burdening the people in the area to pay more,” he told reporters yesterday after witnessing the swearing-in of councillors for Padawan Municipal Council (MPP).

Citing MPP as an example, he said, MPP spent RM45 million on its operations and yet the collection from the people was only RM20 million.

“Increasingly, the people expect the councils to do more, yet everybody pays less,” he added.

He said there are now many Projek Rakyat (people’s projects) including those waterfront and riverbank park projects approved by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari that need to be maintained.

He pointed out the same situation can be applied to facilities donated by individuals such as the Azman Hashim Community Sports Centre in Sibu which needs to be maintained by the local council.

“Even the Batu Kawa Riverbank Park, the maintenance is more than RM1 million a year and we cannot even ask people to pay (fees) to go in.

“That means we have to look at new revenues to support, the money that we look for development does not include maintenance, and that’s why we need to re-look at the structure (of our local councils) in a holistic way,” he said.

He also said the current allowance structure of councillors may also be reviewed as they are getting paid too little, especially those serving in urban areas.

To a question, he said the local councils will coordinate with other government agencies to prevent blacklisted contractors from bidding for contracts.

“It has been noticed some contractors are blacklisted in one local council, they would go to other agencies,” he added.

Earlier in his speech, Dr Sim, who is also Public Health, Housing and Local Government Minister, advised MPP to consider not letting its Dewan Majlis (Council Chambers) for other purposes including as nomination centre during elections.

He said the Council Chambers represents the highest authority in the local council, just like how the Chambers in the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) is regarded by the Sarawak government.

“The Chambers is not for rent for any functions. It must be appropriate. Just like how we hold functions in the DUN, we do not hold it in the Chambers,” he said.

Meanwhile, MPP chairman and Batu Kitang assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang was among the councillors who took their oath during the swearing-in ceremony as all councillors in 23 local councils in Sarawak have their terms extended to another six months.

Also reappointed as councillors were Wilfred Yap, who was elected as Kota Sentosa assemblyman in the 2021 State Election, and Datuk Ahmad Ibrahim who remains as MPP deputy chairman despite being elected as Dewan Negara senator this year.

Lo, in his speech, said he felt honoured to continue serving the Padawan municipality both as DUN member and MPP chairman which he has held since 2010.

He said MPP represents a wide area which is served by three MPs and six assemblymen.

“All the current councillors and staff of MPP are working very hard on the ground just to make sure MPP’s policies are delivered to the people,” he added.

https://www.theborneopost.com/2022/07/21/dr-sim-swak-govt-looking-at-ways-to-help-local-councils-get-more-revenue/

沈桂贤：列黑名单承包商 . 不可接政府工程 - 地方 - 南砂 | 星洲网 

沈桂贤（中）移交委任状予巴达旺市议会主席罗克强；左为哥打圣淘沙区州议员叶耀星，右起阿末依布拉欣及安东尼奥。

财政部副部长拿督莫哈末沙哈（左六）参观船厂时影。左七为诗巫船厂联合公会主席丁华安。

（诗巫9日讯）砂拉越海事工业联合会及诗巫船厂联合公会日前在财政部副部长拿督莫哈末沙哈到访诗巫期间呈上信函要求政府通过奖掖措施将进一步提升马来西亚造船厂的竞争力，促进海运业的发展和壮大。

信函中指出，目前只有用于出口的新建船舶，造船业者才有权进口原材料、设备和零部件，该会希望能扩展到由当地造船厂建造的所有船舶，这将能降低船舶的成本，以吸引本地地船东。这将有助于促进本地造船业发展，通过更多的本地船东购买本地建造的船舶，来扩大马来西亚海洋工业。

另外，政府也应该提供5年投资税收减免和再投资减免，以帮助因2019冠病疫情，经济大受打击的本地船东复苏。随着全国冠病疫情进入地方性流行病阶段，政府也应为造船和船舶修理业落实系列复苏方案。

其中财政部属下的发展金融机构（DFI），如中小企业银行、发展银行和进出口银行可提供低息贷款，这有助船厂以更低的成本为营运和资本支出筹集资金。此外，发展金融机构亦可向潜在的国际买家提供项目融资，以鼓励他们从当地造船厂订购船舶。

Batu Kitang rep wants Yayasan Sarawak to set up service counter for students, parents

Jul 18, 2022 @ 13:36

Lo (second left) presenting an Excellent SPM Award to a student. Also seen are (from right) political secretary to the Sarawak premier Tan Kai, Yayasan Sarawak director Mersal Abang Rosli, Sarawak deputy premier Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian and Temenggong Dato Tan Joo Phoi.

KUCHING, July 18: Batu Kitang assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang suggests Yayasan Sarawak to set up a service counter to assist students and parents on issues such as further education inquiries.

Lo said Yayasan Sarawak is an institution which assists students of all ethnic groups in their studies, and it has assisted many Sarawak students over the years. Therefore, this service needs to be upgraded and expanded to allow more students and parents to understand the role played by the institution and the services it provides.

According to a press statement, he made these remarks to more than 100 students and parents from Batu Kawah and Batu Kitang during the SPM Excellent Award ceremony at Batu Kawa Min Lit Secondary School last Saturday (July 16).

Lo reminded those present not to forget the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) because it has a special significance for Sarawak and is also a privilege to protect Sarawak, so it must be well maintained.

“When I was young, I was reminded of the importance of MA63 by the late Datuk Amar James Wong. Today we all have responsibility to safeguard Sarawak’s status and rights, and our youngsters will shoulder this responsibility.

“If we don’t have MA63, then we have no way to get the five per cent tax on the sale of petroleum products. This would cause the Sarawak government to not be able to provide more assistance. Now the Sarawak government is able to give our schools and students more assistance and this was not the case before,” said Lo.

He said similar activities to reward outstanding students through Yayasan Sarawak will also be held in other regions through the elected representatives of Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP), in order to encourage learning efforts. — DayakDaily

Isu parkir di Hospital Peringatan Rajah Charles Brooke selesai

Borneo NetworkKhamis, 14 Julai 2022 | Julai 14, 2022 WIB | 0 Views

Lo Khere Chiang (tiga kanan) bersama yang lain meninjau tapak parkir baharu di Hospital Peringatan Rajah Charles Brooke

PADAWAN— Masalah kekurangan tempat parkir yang dihadapi pelawat Hospital Peringatan Rajah Charles Brooke akhirnya selesai dengan pembinaan kawasan parkir baharu di kawasan berhampiran.

Ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri (ADUN) Batu Kitang Lo Khere Chiang berkata, kerja-kerja pembinaan tempat letak kereta itu bermula hari ini dan dijangka siap dalam tempoh dua hingga tiga minggu.

“Tempat letak kereta berturap ini dibina di kawasan lapang di seberang hospital. Apabila siap nanti, ia mampu menyediakan antara 30 hingga 50 tempat parkir,” katanya semasa penyerahan tapak itu kepada Jabatan Kerja Raya (JKR) di Hospital Peringatan Rajah Charles Brooke hari ini.

Lo yang juga Pengerusi Majlis Perbandaran Padawan menambah, masalah kekurangan tempat parkir sebelum ini menyebabkan pelawat terpaksa parkir di bahu jalan sehingga menimbulkan kesesakan lalu lintas. 

“Asalnya hospital ini dibuka pada 1925 untuk menyediakan rawatan penyakit kusta. Namun kini ia dijadikan hospital untuk kemudahan penduduk setempat.

Hospital ini menerima ratusan pelawat setiap hari. Saya dimaklumkan oleh doktor di sini kesesakan ini menyebabkan banyak berlaku kemalangan kecil,” katanya.

Lo menambah, apabila siap nanti, tempat parkir iini mempunyai arah keluar masuk untuk melancarkan aliran lalu lintas di kawasan itu.

Mengenai projek itu, Lo berkata ia akan dilaksanakan sepenuhnya oleh JKR dengan kos dianggarkan bernilai RM200,000.

Jetty area to get tourist destination makeover

Nick FletcherJuly 12, 2022

KUCHING: The Lubok Buaya inland fishermen’s jetty area at Kampung Paya Mebi will be developed into a new tourist destination here.

Batu Kitang assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang said the project had been approved by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg with an allocation of RM 7 million to implement it.

“The Premier has expressed his gratitude to the people of Batu Kitang and the residents of Kampung Paya Mebi for their support with this initiative,” he said at the Aidiladha gathering here, today.

Also present were Senator and Deputy Chairman of the Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) Datuk Ahmad Ibrahim and the Advisor of the Lubok Buaya Inland Fishermen’s Association of Kampung Paya Mebi, Shamsuddin Unai.

Explaining, Lo who is also MPP chairman said the project plans are now with the Economic Planning Unit (EPU).

According to him, the project is the result of Shamsuddin’s hard work to see the original settlement area of Kampung Paya Mebi developed as a tourist attraction.

Therefore, he said, when completed, the area of more than three acres will be equipped with various facilities such as fishing grounds, homestays, cafeteria, hawker center and so on.

The jetty was first developed in 2001 for members of the association to carry out fishing activities. They also offer boat rental services to anglers.

https://www.newsarawaktribune.com.my/jetty-area-to-get-tourist-destination-makeover/

Parking woes at hospital to be resolved soon

Nura V LornaJuly 14, 2022

PADAWAN: Parking woes at the Rajah Charles Brooke Memorial (RCBM) Hospital here will soon be a thing of the past when a new parking is completed next month.

Work on the parking began today and is expected to be completed in the next two to three weeks.

Batu Kitang assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang said at least 30 to 50 car park spaces would be built at the site located across the hospital.

“This hospital is a small hospital catering to hundreds of patients daily.

“At the moment, the lack of parking spaces as well as people parking at the roadside have caused many minor accidents. I was made aware of the accidents by the doctors.

“Thanks to the Public Works Department (PWD), prompt attention and action has been taken on the issue,” Lo said after handing over the project to PWD today.

He said indiscriminate parking, lack of parking spaces and unregulated traffic flow had caused traffic congestion in the area.  

Once completed, the undulating parking lot will have proper entry and exit points.

On the cost of the project, he claimed he was not in the know as it was a government project fully implemented by the PWD.

“If we are to get a private contractor to carry out the project, it would probably cost around RM200,000.

“However, this is done by the PWD, using its own labour, so I won’t know the exact amount,” he said.

On the possibility of a pedestrian bridge in the area, Lo said there is no plans for one but the PWD is considering putting warning signs to tell road users to slow down.

Traffic lights might help the pedestrians to cross the road from the new parking lot to RCBM hospital, however, it will still be dangerous.

“My concern is that sometimes people don’t obey the traffic lights.

“Pedestrians would assume the car is slowing down but it is not. We are looking into that, to place a traffic light system but there are legal processes to go through,” said Lo, who is the Padawan Municipal Council chairman.

Lo Khere Chiang visits the site to build new parking lot of Rajah Charles Brooke Memorial (RCBM) Hospital today.

https://www.newsarawaktribune.com.my/parking-woes-at-hospital-to-be-resolved-soon/