Bring issues on federal projects to Parliament, Lo tells Chong

April 29, 2023, Saturday at 7:00 AM

Lo Khere Chiang stressed that Chong Chieng Jen as Stampin MP should bring this matter up in Parliament and request for the projects.

KUCHING (April 29): Batu Kitang assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang has challenged Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen to bring up the issue on the ‘deadly roundabout’ at Mile 15, Jalan Kuching-Serian to Parliament.

“I suggested demolishing the roundabout and putting up an elevated U-turn instead,” said Lo, adding that it is his responsibility to voice it out for the rakyat, in his capacity as Batu Kitang assemblyman.

“As MP for Stampin, Chong should be a voice for Sarawak to rectify all these, not shoot Sarawak’s assemblymen down for bringing these matters up because people’s lives are at stake here.

“How does he justify himself as the MP of Stampin if he refuses to bring the woes of the people of his constituency to Parliament?” Lo remarked.

“Considering the fact that RM80 billion worth of oil and gas have been siphoned from Sarawak annually, the Mile 8 flyover and the U-turn at Mile 15 should be given priority and be built by the federal government,” he said in a statement yesterday.

While pointing out that Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) and Democratic Action Party (DAP) are both elected representatives under the unity government at the federal level, Lo stressed that Chong as Stampin MP should bring this matter up in Parliament and request for the projects.

It is not for the assemblymen to bring it up at the state level because these two projects are federal projects and Mile 8 and Mile 15 are precisely under the federal constituency of Stampin, Lo reiterated.

Lo, who is also the Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) deputy information chief, said Chong should concentrate on seeking funds for the state instead of spending time throwing rude remarks at fellow Sarawakians in Parliament.

“Chong jibes at SUPP by saying leaders in SUPP should check their facts before they speak. What about him? Where are those promises of 20 per cent oil royalty, the return of 50 per cent taxes and promises on health and education autonomy?

“Those promises above involved the whole population of Sarawak, not just Stampin and he won the election on the backbone of those promises.

Thus, Chong should be more responsible for his words and should check his own facts before he speaks,” he quipped, adding that the Stampin MP is now part of the unity government and has the obligations to take care of the interests of Sarawak in Parliament.

https://www.theborneopost.com/2023/04/29/bring-issues-on-federal-projects-to-parliament-lo-tells-chong/

Mile 8 flyover and project-cutting: Batu Kitang rep continues war of words with Stampin MP

Apr 27, 2023 @ 12:56

Lo Khere Chiang

KUCHING, Apr 27: Former Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) chairman Lo Khere Chiang calls on Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen to advocate for funds to build a flyover at Mile 8 flyover instead of tinkering with traffic lights, which has been tried and found to be ineffective as a long-term solution to congestion.

Lo, who is also Batu Kitang assemblyman, stressed in a statement released today that Chong should do the right thing for Sarawak by fighting for the Mile 8 flyover in Parliament as it is what the people want and it would also solve the traffic congestion problem. 

“Today, instead of bringing this to Parliament, what is Chong doing? He is saying there is not necessarily any need to build a flyover! He is saying what needs to be done is to just adjust the timing of the traffic lights.

“This has been tried and there is no way adjusting the timing can help. If it can, there would be no jams already. His idea of traffic management by extension of green lights during peak hours with assistance of traffic police has been tried and found not workable by the traffic lights consultant and it is definitely not a long-term solution,” Lo asserted.

“I am perplexed as to why the MP of Stampin tries so hard to avoid bringing up the issue in Parliament and request for funds, but is so quick and eager to cut funding for projects in Sarawak,” he added.

Lo also demanded Chong disclose the entire list of what the latter called ‘hot air’ or ‘overpriced’ projects for Sarawak that were cut by the Pakatan Harapan (PH) government in 2018 because the ‘rakyat’ (people) deserve to know.

“Don’t just call them ‘hot air’ or ‘overpriced projects’. What were they? How much were they? What was the official statement given for axing them?” he said.

In addition, the former MPP chairman clarified that the Council was not involved in the initial planning and design (phases) of the Sarawak Pan Borneo Highway project.

He said the fact that the then MPP chairman only announced the other four flyovers does not prove that Mile 8 was not initially considered as it just means that the four mentioned flyovers were finalised for implementation. Lo said this to rebutt Chong’s statement at a press conference on April 20 that the ‘missing’ Mile 8 flyover was never part of the Sarawak Pan Borneo Highway project. — DayakDailyhttps://dayakdaily.com/mile-8-flyover-and-project-cutting-batu-kitang-rep-continues-war-of-words-with-stampin-mp/

Stampin MP chided for shooting down elected reps instead of bringing up federal projects in Parliament

Apr 28, 2023 @ 17:59

Lo Khere Chiang

KUCHING, April 28: Batu Kitang assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang has criticised Stampin Member of Parliament (MP) Chong Chieng Jen for shooting down Sarawak assemblymen instead of seeking funds for federal projects in the region.

He said it is important for elected representatives to bring up issues like the Mile 15 roundabout for the people.

“As ADUN (assemblyman) for Batu Kitang, it is my responsibility to the rakyat to bring it up. So I suggested demolishing the roundabout and putting up an elevated U-turn instead.

“As MP for Stampin, Chong should be a voice for Sarawak to rectify all these, not shoot Sarawak’s ADUNs down for bringing these matters up because people’s lives are at stake here,” he said in a statement today following a war of wordswith Chong.

Lo further stressed that the Mile 8 flyover and Mile 15 roundabout are federal projects, and thus, Chong, as an MP, should help bring them up to Parliament.

“Because RM80 billion worth of oil and gas has been siphoned from Sarawak annually, the Mile 8 flyover benefitting thousands of motorists daily, and the U-turn at Mile 15 instead of the deadly roundabout should be given priority and be built by the federal government.

“Since we are all under the unity government at the federal level, the MP should bring up to Parliament to request (approval and funds) for this project, not for the ADUN to bring up at the Sarawak-level simply because these are federal projects, and Mile 8 and Mile 15 are under the federal constituency of Stampin.

“Chong is now part of the unity government and has an obligation to take care of the interests of Sarawak in Parliament. Therefore, he should concentrate on seeking funds for Sarawak instead of spending precious minutes throwing rude remarks at fellow Sarawakians in Parliament,” he explained.

As to Chong’s jibe towards Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) leaders to check their facts, Lo urged the former to look in the mirror with regards to Pakatan Harapan’s (PH) promises of 20 per cent oil royalty, the return of 50 per cent taxes, as well as the return of health and education autonomy.

“Those promises involved the whole population of Sarawak, not just Stampin, and he won the election (2022 General Election) on the backbone of those lies!

“Chong should be more responsible for his words and check his facts before speaking,” he added. — DayakDaily

 

https://dayakdaily.com/stampin-mp-chided-for-shooting-down-elected-reps-instead-of-bringing-up-federal-projects-in-parliament/

兴建晋连路8哩高架大道 罗克强要张健仁争取拨款

2023年4月27日

（古晋27日讯）砂人联党峇都吉当区州议员罗克强要求行动党实旦宾区国会议员张健仁履行其职责，为兴建晋连路8哩高架大道争取拨款。

他呼吁张健仁为砂拉越和实旦宾选民在国会中争取有关高架大道。

“当地必须有一个高架大道来解决问题。张健仁至今没有把它带到国会，他做什么？他说不一定要建高架大道！他说需要做的只是调整交通灯的运行时间。”

“我们已经尝试过调整交通灯时间，没有任何帮助，否则早就没有交通阻塞。张健仁提出的交警在高峰时段给予协助，并延长绿灯时间的交通管理理念，经过交通灯顾问的尝试，发现行不通，绝对不是长久之计。”

“现在的重点是每天都有成千车辆经过晋连路8哩，造成严重的交通拥堵。我很困惑为什么实旦宾区国会议员不在国会中提出这个问题和寻求拨款，但却如此迅速和急切地削减砂拉越项目的资金。”

也是巴达旺市议会前任主席的罗克强今日发文告，如此表示。

他认为，担任五届国会议员的张健仁对巴达旺市议会扮演的角色是“无知和困惑的”，令人感到尴尬。

他解释，地方议会的职责是收集垃圾、维护街道照明、道路等基础设施，以及清理沟渠等服务。

“它不涉及泛婆大道的初步规划和设计，因此，张健仁指责我没有将晋连路8哩高架大道纳入初步计划是荒谬的。”

“仅仅因为巴达旺市议会主席宣布了其他四个高架大道，并不能证明最初没有考虑晋连路8哩。这只是意味着上述四个高架大道已完成实施。”

“这让我想起了张健仁曾经做出的令人震惊的声明，即我亲自制定了防洪总体规划。直到今天，张健仁还没有为他荒谬的说法提供任何证据。”

罗克强同时举例，张健仁曾经指责巴达旺市议会没有割草，自掏腰包200令吉去清理杂草，却发现有关路段属于联邦道路，而不是巴达旺市议会。”

他质疑张健仁是否在试图误导人民，同时推卸自己作为实旦宾区国会议员的所有责任。

他强调，泛婆大道项目属于联邦政府的职权范围。

“实旦宾选区从2013年到2017年属于行动党，张健仁自2018年以来是实旦宾区国会议员，为何没有向国会提出8哩高架大道的要求？正如他在新闻报导中提到，他知道当地居民对没有兴建8哩高架大道感到不满。”

“作为国会议员，他有责任在国会中提出这个问题，并要求将其包括在内。他有没有对此采取任何行动？“

“在2018年，他有许多机会这样做，因为希盟掌权。他有没有利用机会向工程部部长提出这件事？并没有！”

罗克强要求张健仁披露他所谓的砂拉越“吹牛”或“定价过高”项目的完整清单，这些项目在2018年被希盟政府削减，人们有权知道。

“张健仁对砂拉越的发展支出大惊小怪，但当槟城在槟城交通总体规划上花费460亿令吉时，他选择保持沉默。”

https://news.seehua.com/?p=975657

搞不懂市會和自身角色 羅克強批張健仁可笑

（古晋27日讯）巴都吉当区州议员罗克强今日文告指出，作为5届国会议员张健仁对巴达旺市议会的角色和他作为国会议员的角色的无知和困惑是对他自己的耻辱。

他披露，大多数人都知道，巴达旺市议会是地方当局，负责确保垃圾收集，街道照明，道路和基础设施的维护以及排水沟的清理得到满意的执行。 

“它没有参与泛婆大道工程的初步规划和设计，因此，张健仁指责我没有在最初的计划中列入8哩高架桥是荒谬的。 他“坚如磐石”的证据都是可笑的！”

他说，只是因为巴达旺市议会主席宣布了其他4个高架桥并不意味着8哩高架桥没有被考虑在内。 这只是意味着这4个提到的高架桥已经最终确定实施。

“这让我想起了张健仁曾经做出的惊人声明，声称我个人制定了治水的总体规划。 直到今天，他还没有提供任何证据证明他荒谬的说法。”

他表示，这也带有联邦道路割草事件的感觉，当时张健仁指责巴达旺市议会没有割草，并掏出200令吉自己割草，结果发现是联邦政府而不是巴达旺市议会负责联邦道路割草工作。

“张健仁是否试图误导人们，同时推卸自己国会议员的责任？ ”

罗克强指出，泛婆大道工程处于联邦政府监管之下。

“2013年至2017年间，实旦宾国会议员来自行动党，自2018年以来，张健仁一直担任实旦宾国会议员，那么张健仁为什么不在国会中提出这个高架桥要求？”

他强调， 张健仁在新闻文章中提及当地居民对“失踪的8哩高架桥”感到不满，张必须在国会上提出这个问题，这是他作为国会议员的责任，并要求联邦政府将其纳入计划中。

“他有采取任何行动吗？ 在2018年，由于希盟掌权，他有更多机会这样做。他作为实旦宾国会议员有向工程部长提出这个问题吗？没有！”

他说，现在张健仁应该为砂拉越做正确的事情，在国会中争取建立8哩高架桥来解决8哩堵车问题，这是也是实旦宾选民的愿望。

“今天，张健仁不但没有将这个问题带到国会，而是在说不一定需要建立高架桥！他说需要做的是调整交通灯的时间。这我已经尝试过了，调整时间无法帮助堵车，如果可以，就不会有拥堵了。他通过延长绿灯时间来进行交通管理的想法及在高峰时段得到了交警的协助，但交通灯顾问发现这绝对不是长期解决方案。”

“现在的问题是每天都有数千辆车通过8哩而导致严重的交通堵塞，我很困惑为什么实旦宾的国会议员如此努力地避免在国会中提出这个问题并请求资金，但却如此迅速和渴望地削减砂拉越项目的资金。”

罗克强建议张健仁公开披露他所谓的“热空气”或“过高价格”的砂拉越项目清单，因为人民应该知道。不要只称它们为热空气或过高价格的项目。

“它们是什么？多少钱？取消它们的官方声明是什么？”

他说，张健仁在为砂拉越的发展支出大惊小怪，但当槟城花费460亿马币进行槟城交通总体规划时选择保持沉默。

https://weareunited.com.my/11971122/

Lo tells Chong to understand role as MP, advocate for Mile 8 flyover

April 27, 2023, Thursday at 2:17 PM

Lo Khere Chiang

KUCHING (April 27): Democratic Action Party (DAP) Sarawak chairman Chong Chieng Jen has been told to understand his role as Stampin MP and advocate for funding for the Mile 8 flyover.

Batu Kitang assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang called on Chong to do the right thing for Sarawak and Stampin by fighting for the flyover in Parliament.

“There has to be a flyover to solve the problem. Today, instead of bringing this to Parliament, what is Chong doing? He is saying there is not necessarily any need to build a flyover! He is saying what needs to be done is to just adjust the timing of the traffic lights.

“This has been tried and there is no way adjusting the timing can help. If it can, there would be no jams already. His idea of traffic management by extension of green lights during peak hours with assistance of traffic police has been tried and found not workable by the traffic lights consultant and it is definitely not a long-term solution.

“The point now is there is severe traffic jam every day with thousands of vehicles passing through Mile 8 daily. I am perplexed as to why MP of Stampin tries so hard to avoid bringing up the issue in Parliament and request for funds but is so quick and eager to cut funding for projects in Sarawak,” Lo said in a statement.

He claimed Chong’s “ignorance and confusion” over the role of the Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) and his role as MP was “an embarrassment” after holding the office for five terms.

According to the former MPP chairman, most would know that the local authority is responsible for satisfactorily carrying out services such as rubbish collection, street lighting, maintenance of roads and infrastructure, as well as the clearing of drains.

“It did not involve the initial planning and design of the Pan Borneo and as such, it is absurd of Chong to blame me for not including the Mile 8 flyover in the initial plans.

“His ‘rock solid’ evidence is hilarious if you ask any research scientist. Just because the MPP chairman announced the other four flyovers is not evidence that Mile 8 was not being considered initially. It just means that the four mentioned flyovers were finalised for implementation.

“This reminds me of him making astonishing claims that I have personally drawn up the flood mitigation master plans. To this day, he has yet to come up with any proof for his ludicrous claims,” Lo said in a statement.

He also cited a grass cutting saga where Chong accused MPP of not cutting grass.

“Forked out RM200 of his own money to cut the grass only to discover that federal, not MPP, was responsible for cutting grass along federal roads,” Lo said of Chong.

He questioned whether Chong was trying to mislead the people while absolving himself of all blame and responsibility as Stampin MP.

He also pointed out that the Pan Borneo project is under the purview of the federal government.

He cited the fact that DAP represented Stampin from 2013 to 2017 and Chong has held the seat since 2018.

“Why did Chong not bring this request for a flyover in Parliament? Chong knew that the local residents were unhappy about the ‘missing Mile 8’ flyover then as he mentioned in the news article.

“As the MP, that is his responsibility to bring this up in Parliament and request for it to be included. Did he ever take any action on that?

“In 2018, he had more opportunities to do that as PH (Pakatan Harapan) was in power. Did he take the opportunity as MP of Stampin to bring up this matter to the works minister? No! ” he said.

Lo asked Chong to disclose the entire list of what he called “hot air” or “overpriced” projects for Sarawak that were cut by the PH government in 2018 because the people deserve to know.

“Don’t just call them ‘hot air’ or ‘overpriced’ projects. What were they? How much were they? What was the official statement given for axing them?

“Chong kicks up such a fuss over spending on development for Sarawak but chooses to keep quiet when Penang spends RM46 billion on the Penang Transport Master Plan,” he added.

https://www.theborneopost.com/2023/04/27/lo-tells-chong-to-understand-role-as-mp-advocate-for-mile-8-flyover/

Think of your safety; don’t drive and text: Lo

Lo (left) receiving a gift from regional retail manager of Petronas (Sarawak and Sabah) Azaidie Selli.

KUCHING: There is a popular advice for road users: when you drink don’t drive, and when you drive don’t drink.

Now, there is another piece of advice for the public – when you drive don’t text, and when you text don’t drive. And this message is from Batu Kitang assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang to those who compulsively check their phones.

He urged road users to put safety first on the road, advising them to drive in a careful and prudent manner. Other don’ts which he said the public should take note of is: don’t exceed the speed limit; don’t beat the traffic light; and don’t rush to your destinations.

Lo, delivering his speech.

He said these measures will make other road users feel safe whenever they are on the road.

“The thing is, lately we have read news regarding road accidents due to the carelessness of some drivers, which cost many lives.

“This would never have happened if road users had adopted safety measures on the road,” he lamented.

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He advised road users to plan their trip ahead to avoid having to rush to their destinations, and to inspect their vehicles before begin their journey.

Lo (9^th from left) hands out gifts to students from SK Haji Baki during the programme.

“All the safety campaigns, laws or enforcement would not mean anything if we did not stay cautious and practise safe driving,” he said in his speech ahead of the launching of the Road Safety Awareness with Petronas programme at Kampung Haji Baki here today.  

Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) Tan Kai, who was present, suggested the road safety programme should continue in the near future.

“This programme has been held every year by the federal Ministry of Transport in collaboration with the Road Transport Department (JPJ), PDRM and Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS).

“The purpose of the programme is to remind road users to always be careful on the road, especially during festive seasons,” he said.

Batu Kitang rep: GPS should be Sarawak’s sole representative in Parliament

Apr 19, 2023 @ 11:35

Lo speaks to DayakDaily reporters during an exclusive interview at its office here on April 18, 2023.

By Ling Hui

KUCHING, April 19: Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) should be the only representation of Sarawak in Parliament, opines Batu Kitang assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang.

He said having both GPS and Democratic Action Party (DAP) representing Sarawak in the unity government as of currently, is similar to disunity.

“That’s why I said we (Sarawakians) should not be disunited. We should not have GPS and DAP (at the same time). We should only have GPS in Parliament for Sarawak. We should not be disunited,” he said.

Lo was expressing his views that Sarawakians should vote to send more GPS MPs to Parliament because only a strong GPS presence in the Federal government can ensure more Sarawak rights to be reinstated.

He held that voting for representatives from DAP, which is a federal-based party, is equal to a waste of Sarawak’s parliamentary seats.

Lo, who was GPS’ candidate for the Stampin parliamentary seat in 2022, said he had failed to convince the people to realise this importance which contributed to his defeat in the general election.

“I have failed to convince the masses, I admit that. But politics is a continuous process, and I hope our people will realise that we need to protect Sarawak.

“We need to send the best people to Parliament. We need to send as big a number (of GPS MPs) to Parliament to speak for Sarawak, bring up issues and request for more funds,” he added.

For the record, Sarawak DAP chairman Chong Chieng Jen fended off Lo’s challenge with 7,158 majority votes and kept the Stampin seat for the second term.

Chong polled 39,310 votes, beating Lo who obtained 32,152 votes. — DayakDaily

https://dayakdaily.com/batu-kitang-rep-gps-should-be-sarawaks-sole-representative-in-parliament/

Batu Kitang rep pursuing 1.5km monsoon drain project for Arang Road to Hua Joo Park

Apr 19, 2023 @ 17:52

Lo speaking on DayakDaily's "Spot On" at DayakDaily's office in Kuching today (April 18, 2023).

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, April 19: Batu Kitang assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang is pursuing an ambitious project to construct a 1.5km monsoon drain along Arang Road up to Hua Joo Park in the Mile 4 area to protect the area from future floods.

According to him, the proposed project is estimated to cost between RM30 to RM50 million, and will cover Arang Road from Capital Garden all the way to Hong Hong Garden, across Jalan Datuk Tawi Sli to Hua Joo Park.

“I hope it will materialise. We need the big drains. If this can be done, I believe it can effectively bring water out from Arang Road and the surrounding residential areas there.

“Hopefully, it will be able to minimise the risk of future flooding problems in the area,” he shared in an exclusive interview on DayakDaily Spot On programme yesterday (April 18).

In addition, Lo also has a tourism masterplan for Batu Kitang constituency and for this, he is planning to meet Federal Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Dato Sri Tiong King Sing to discuss the plan and seek his assistance in elevating tourism in Batu Kitang.

“He (Tiong) is a capable Minister and I hope he will be able to help realise the tourism masterplan for Batu Kitang,” he added.

These aside, Lo also expressed his continued commitment to serve the people and look after Batu Kitang constituency so as to bring more positive changes in the community.

“All these years ever since I won the Sarawak election in 2016, I have made use of the RM5 million RTP (Rural Transformation Project) funding and resources from Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) to carry out many projects and programmes for the community,” he said.

Over the past six years, Lo shared that funding had been utilised to repair 166 houses for the needy to ensure that they have access to safe and comfortable living conditions.

With an annual grant of RM1 million from the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), he is optimistic that in the next five years, the constituency will see an end to issues like leaking roofs, toilets without septic tanks, holes in floors and broken windows.

Lo has also put focus on improving infrastructure in the area with 950 streetlightings had been put up, RM3.34 million utilised to carry out repair and upgrade roads, RM9.3 million spent on drainage works, RM2.6 million to put up various facilities such as a futsal court, badminton court, football field and basketball court, RM2.23 million to improve bus shades for schools, carparks, kindergarten buildings and hawker centres, and over RM1 million invested on places of worships. — DayakDaily

Batu Kitang rep: S’wak contributes RM80 bln annually to federal govt, only allocated RM22 mln under Marris grants

Apr 18, 2023 @ 18:07

Lo speaking on DayakDaily's "Spot On" at DayakDaily's office in Kuching today (April 18, 2023).

By Lian Cheng

KUCHING, April 18: Batu Kitang assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang hopes there will be bigger Malaysian Road Records Information System (Marris) grants to improve the infrastructure in Kuching since Sarawak has been contributing RM80 billion to the Federal government annually.

The former Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) chairman said the council receives only RM22 million a year from Marris to repair roads, drains and curbs, which is grossly insufficient.

“The federal government has siphoned RM80 billion from us every year and only gives us RM22 million a year to repair roads, drains and curbs and others.

“I feel strongly about this. And we wish our MPs who were voted to Parliament would feel the same and demand from the federal government this RM80 billion that has been given to the federal government all this while,” said Lo in DayakDaily’s “Spot On” programme today.

He asserted even Prime Minister Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim yesterday in Kuching acknowledged that Sarawak and Sabah have been shortchanged all these years.

“Our infrastructure is no way to compare with that of Semananjung Malaysia and even Anwar Ibrahim said this yesterday when he came to Sarawak,” said Lo.

As for Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen and the needs of the constituency, Lo said he hoped all MPs in Sarawak will bring up this issue in Parliament.

some of the urgent projects under MPP which he felt required pertinent attention included the construction of flyovers at 8th Mile and 15th Mile of Kuching-Serian Road respectively.

“I hope the government of the day, considering the fact that RM80 billion is siphoned from Sarawak every year, put up the flyovers,” said Lo whose term as MPP chairman ended on March 31 this year. — DayakDaily

https://dayakdaily.com/batu-kitang-rep-swak-contributes-rm80-bln-annually-to-federal-govt-only-allocated-rm22-mln-under-marris-grants/

Batu Kitang rep: Silly that Marris funds cannot be used to repair back lanes in S’wak but can in Peninsular M’sia

Apr 18, 2023 @ 17:33

Lo in an exclusive interview with DayakDaily at DayakDaily's office here today (April 18, 2023).

By Ashley Sim

KUCHING, Apr 18: Batu Kitang assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang deems it absurd that Malaysian Road Records Information System (Marris) funds cannot be used to repair and maintain back lanes in Sarawak, but can be used to do so in Peninsular Malaysia.

According to Lo, the Marris funds policy has prevented the upkeep and repair of back lanes where the footpaths and drains are both 30–40 years old and in need of replacement or reconstruction.

“The Marris funds have a policy that says it can’t be used to maintain the back lanes, which is silly.

“But, they can be used in Semenanjung Malaysia (Peninsular Malaysia) because they say the back lanes there are passable by traffic,” Lo claimed in an exclusive interview with DayakDaily at DayakDaily’s office here today.

He also expressed hope that Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen would raise the issue of the Marris funds “silly” policy in Parliament.

“I say this today because we are now a unity government. So, whether we are from Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) or Democratic Action Party (DAP), in Parliament, we all speak the same language.

“We demand for the same thing. We must protect Sarawak. We must take care of Sarawak. Sarawak First,” Lo asserted. — DayakDaily

https://dayakdaily.com/batu-kitang-rep-silly-that-marris-funds-cannot-be-used-to-repair-back-lanes-in-swak-but-can-in-peninsular-msia/

Former MPP chairman cites insufficient funding as one of the challenges during his tenure

Apr 18, 2023 @ 22:12

In this file photo from 2018, Lo surveys the condition of a drain which needed to be cleared during his tenure as MPP chairman. 

By Ashley Sim

KUCHING, April 18: Many obstacles arose during Lo Khere Chiang’s tenure as chairman of the Padawan Municipal Council (MPP), but one of the most significant was the difficulty of securing sufficient funding.

In an exclusive interview today with DayakDaily at its office here, the former MPP chairman said, “Money is always an issue, and despite the fact that we have built many drains and roads, the ‘rakyat’ (people) continue to demand more.”

“I guess this is normal for any government of the day, so no matter how good you are, you still have to try your best to meet the people’s expectations,” he said.

He also mentioned that the RM22 million in funds provided by the Federal government through the Malaysian Road Records Information System (Marris)each year to repair roads and drains was insufficient.

“This is one of the challenges that I faced, but we still did our best to accommodate,” he added.

Lo, who is also Batu Kitang assemblyman, expressed gratitude to Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg for granting RM5 million in funding for the Rural Transformation Project (RTP) to each assemblyman and member of parliament (MP).

“Apart from the RM22 million in funds that MPP has used to repair roads within its jurisdiction, I, together with all the assemblymen and MPs, made use of our RM5 million RTP fund to carry out projects on the ground, which are projects that our people want and projects that affect the livelihood of our people.

“MPP currently has six assemblymen and three MPs, for a total of nine. So, thankfully, we have RM45 million in RTP funds per year to carry out all of these projects,” he disclosed.

He went on to say that the RTP fund is not just for MPP, but it also has to be shared with the Sarawak Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID), the Sarawak Public Works Department (JKR), the Sarawak Land and Survey Department, among others.

“This is because all of these departments assist us in carrying out the projects.

“So, while we have the RM45 million RTP fund, we must use it wisely and distribute it among all of the departments that are relevant and helpful to us in implementing all of these projects. So, thankfully, we have RTP to assist us today,” he added. — DayakDaily

https://dayakdaily.com/former-mpp-chairman-cites-insufficient-funding-as-one-of-the-challenges-during-his-tenure/ 

Batu Kitang rep advises motorists to exercise caution on the road this Hari Raya

Azaidie (second right) presents a memento to Lo (second left), while Tan (left) and Zulaihi look on.

KUCHING (April 18): Motorists are advised to exercise caution when driving to their respective destinations, especially those returning to their villages in time to celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

In giving the advice, Batu Kitang assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang said motorists should plan their journey ahead and avoid driving recklessly, as well as ensuring that their vehicles are in good condition before starting their journey home.

“The laws, enforcements and the road safety awareness campaigns will be meaningless if motorists are not prudent, disciplined and ethical when driving,” he said when launching the Hari Raya Aidilfitri Road Safety Campaign at Kampung Haji Baki Multipurpose Hall here this morning.

Lo also said most road accidents occur due to the motorists’ carelessness when driving on the road, adding that none of this would happen if the driver continues to drive safely on the road.

As such, he said the road safety programme should be taught to children so that they can advise their parents to drive safely.

“For school students attending this event today, I believe the (road safety) education should be applied since school – at least the children who attended this programme today can advise their parents should they begin to be careless in their driving,” he added.

The programme was organised by the Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) alongside Petronas Trading Area SW02 business partners and was attended by 50 schoolchildren from SK Haji Baki as well as Kampung Haji Baki villagers.

Also present at the event were MPP chairman Tan Kai, Petronas Sarawak general manager Zulaihi Mohd Mantali, and regional retail manager for Sarawak and Sabah Azaidie Selli

https://www.theborneopost.com/2023/04/18/batu-kitang-rep-advises-motorists-to-exercise-caution-on-the-road-this-hari-raya/

罗克强：车祸多因疏忽造成 . 改变驾驶态度最棘手

由巴达旺市议会与国油SW02贸易区合作伙伴联办的道路安全意识运动，获得来自哈芝巴基国小的学生和甘榜哈芝峇基居民参与。

国油砂沙区域零售经理阿再迪（右二）赠送纪念品给主宾峇都吉当区州议员罗克强。左为巴达旺市议会主席陈开；右为国油砂拉越总经理朱莱希。

（古晋18日讯）峇都吉当区州议员罗克强表示，世界各地研究发现，大多数车祸都是因为司机疏忽驾驶所造成，而改变个人驾驶态度则是最难解决的一环。

他说，近期，各大报章与电视均报道各种因司机疏忽驾驶而导致交通事故发生的相关新闻，其中死者更是来自各年龄层。

“无论是州政府抑或联邦政府所推行的道路安全战略计划，均旨在改变所有利益相关者态度。然而，改变所有人的个人态度却是最难解决的。倘若司机保持安全、谨慎的驾驶态度，而非在只顾自己，那麽交通事故，甚至导致死亡事故就不会发生。”

罗克强今日出席由巴达旺市议会与国油SW02贸易区合作伙伴联办的道路安全意识运动上致词时说，司机应注意谨慎驾驶，如不超速、不闯红绿灯、不打信号灯变道以及驾驶时不使用手机等，以确保自身与其他道路使用者的安全。

同时，他也呼吁所有道路使用者谨慎驾驶，规划好行程，以避免匆忙驾驶，并确保车辆在启程前处于良好状态。

他说，如果道路使用者在行驶时仍然粗心、不守纪律和不守驾驶道德，那麽法律、执法和道路安全意识运动的举办就无法带来意义，或产生良好影响。

Batu Kitang rep wants unity govt to revive “missing” Mile 8 flyover project terminated by previous PH govt

Apr 18, 2023 @ 17:35

Lo speaks to DayakDaily reporters during an exclusive interview at DayakDaily's office in Kuching today (April 18, 2023).

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, April 18: Batu Kitang assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang wants the unity government to revive the “missing” Mile 8 flyover project which was initially part of the Pan Borneo Highway project but had been terminated by the previous Pakatan Harapan (PH) government.  

With people now able to travel smoothly from Mile 4 to Mile 10, the former Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) chairman stressed that however, travellers still get stuck in traffic congestion at Mile 8.  

“We have the flyovers at Mile 4, Mile 6, Mile 7 and Mile 10, but the Mile 8 flyover is missing.  

“The Mile 8 flyover is very pertinent to keep traffic at a steady flow but I have not seen or heard YB Chong Chieng Jen (Stampin MP) raise this in Parliament. This is one of the few things that needs to be done in the Stampin constituency. The project should have been revived long ago,” he shared on DayakDaily’s “Spot On” programme today.

Lo explained that the 8th Mile flyover was included in the initial plan for the Pan Borneo Highway project but the flyover project was terminated by the previous PH government after the 14th General Election (GE14).  

Pointing out that infrastructure in Sarawak is still far behind that of Peninsular Malaysia, he said Chong should bring up this issue in Parliament given that the project also falls under his parliamentary constituency.  

“Now that PH is the ruling government again and Chong remains as the MP and his boss is the honourable (Prime Minister Dato Sri) Anwar Ibrahim. I hope the government-of-the-day will consider the fact that Sarawak contributes RM80 billion every year, and put up this flyover,” Lo said.  

Noting that Anwar voiced his support for fair treatment of Sarawak and Sabah in his remarks when officiating at the launch of Raia Hotel & Convention Centre Kuching here yesterday (April 17), Lo expressed hope that all Sarawakian MPs including Chong will raise up all the important issues in Parliament, especially those affecting Stampin constituency, and make their demands known to the unity government.  

“We have been shortchanged over the years. (Moreover) there are a lot of issues yet to be resolved in the Stampin constituency. I hope the Prime Minister hears this as well,” he added. — DayakDaily

First phase of Kpg Sinar Baru community hall finally complete

BY IRENE C ON APRIL 14, 2023, FRIDAY AT 7:01 AMSARAWAK

Nurul (third right) hands over the project document to Ngui (second left) witnessed by Lo (left) at the project site.

KUCHING (April 14): The first phase of Kampung Sinar Baru’s community hall project is finally complete and was handed over by the Public Works Department (JKR) yesterday.

Batu Kitang assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang who was present during the handover to community leader Ngui Nam Chiew said he is glad that the RM200,000 project is finally finished after falling behind schedule for a few months.

“This RTP (Rural Transformation Project) will benefit 380 villagers from 62 households here,” he said at the hall yesterday.

Lo said another RM200,000 has already been allocated for the second phase which includes the hall expansion, electricity and water supply, and an additional carpark.

He added the area of the project site first had to be filled up, levelled and piled before the construction took place – which is part of the cost.

JKR assistant civil engineer Nurul Syuhadah Jamalee was present.

https://www.theborneopost.com/2023/04/14/first-phase-of-kpg-sinar-baru-community-hall-finally-complete/