Annuar (left) together with (from right) Lo, Anielia and Harry at the launch of the first 50 units of RSP in Bau.
BAU: A total of 1,383 units of Spektra Permata houses (RSP) are currently being built throughout Sarawak.
Assistant Minister of Housing and Public Health Dr Annuar Rapa’ee said some of them have been completed while some are still in progress.
He said the 1,383 units are among the 2,500 RSP announced by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg in January last year and to be delivered within two years from the day of announcement.
“Now, we already have 1,383 units, which are in progress. So we still have 1,117 units more to build.
“The locations for these remaining units had been identified all over Sarawak. So it is just a matter of time for these 2,500 units of RSP to be delivered,” he told reporters after the launch of RSP programme at Luboh Bau here yesterday.
Asked if any or the houses have been fully completed, Dr Annuar said some house owners, for example in Sibu, have already move in; some have already started to pay the loan and waiting to move into the house.
The locations of the 1383 units that have already been completed in progress are in Darul Hana Kuching (564), Bunga Rampai Bau (122), Kemuyang Sibu (110), RSP Lundu (26), RSP Sematan (25), RSP Igan (22), RSP Tian (20), Rangau Limbang (128), Kampung Baru Kapit (75), Kampung Tabuan Melayu (258). RSP Lingga (10), Mejelin, Miri (20) and Kg Dato, Sibu (3).
He said the implementation at the seven new locations will begin this year because they need to complete all the 2500 units by end of 2022.
Dr Annuar noted that the respond to the RSP project in Sibuluh was very good.
“In other words, there are lots of demands here. So I think the Tasik Biru assemblyman Dato’ Henry Harry Jinep and Housing Development Corporation (HDC) will have to sit down again to look into this issue; whether we should put some more in Bau.
“It’s not a promise; but we have to look into it,” he said.
He said that the Housing Development Corporation planned to construct 164 units in Sibuluh with the 50 units expected to take after March.
“The requirement to build the 50 units is that there must be at least 200 applicants. And today all the 200 have finished within one hour.
“So you see, there is good demand here,” he said.
Harry, Kitang assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang. Bau District Officer Anielia Siam and HDC chief executive officer Mohamad Asman Ahmad were also present.
LO Khere Chiang, MPP chairman and Batu Kitang Assemblyman.
KUCHING: The federal government’s allocation for street lights along Jalan Puncak Borneo is only enough to build the infrastructures, said Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) chairman Lo Khere Chiang.
He was addressing the lack of funding by the federal government for implementing the street light project along dark stretches from Jalan Kota Padawan to Kampung Annah Rais, which was announced by Puncak Borneo MP Willie Mongin on Thursday.
Lo stated, “While we welcome all funds received from the federal government, there’s a need to clarify that the money obtained by Willie is merely for building the infrastructures. The infrastructures are useless if there is no supply of electricity.
“I would like to highlight that when street lighting projects are proposed, a whole package need to be considered — infrastructures and costs of electricity supply which is a recurring cost,” he said in a statement yesterday.
Lo explained that for each street lighting infrastructure, funds in the tune of RM500,000 annually ought to be made available to MPP, for recurring costs and payments.
“This is because the rate collected from Puncak Borneo is far from enough to pay for daily services rendered and street lighting bills incurred.
“After all, the federal government siphons RM92 billion annually from Sarawak while returning a mere five percent to us.
“It is high time for the federal government under Pakatan Harapan returns, at least, what has been promised and which is 20 percent oil royalty, 50 percent of all taxes collected in Sarawak and the state’s autonomy on education and health,” he said.
Dog owners cooperation requested in neutering pets to prevent spread of rabies (Video)
Lo (right) in a photo call with a Husky alongside its owner. – Photo by Roystein Emmor
KUCHING: It is paramount for dog owners in Sarawak to neuter their pets in preventing the spread of rabies in Sarawak, said Batu Kitang assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang.
He said that neutering was the best way to control the population of dogs in the state, which been the catalyst to the spread of the virus in 2017.
Video by Roy Emmor
“Although the virus is currently under control, the problem now is the population of stray dogs due to the state’s vast areas such as forests and empty lands, and these stray dogs are capable to breed and expand its population.
“Meanwhile, the stray dogs’ population remained unseen in large cities such as Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. As such, we should vaccinate our dogs by getting the anti-rabies shot and at the same time neuter them so that dogs will not populate further,” the Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) chairman added.
He said this when met by reporters during his visit at the Anti-Rabies Vaccination Programme held at Kampung Semeba here today, of which similar programmes were simultaneously held in Sungai Apong and Taman Hui Sing.
As of 2.15pm this afternoon, the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) Sarawak have vaccinated 360 dogs with owners coming in from Kampung Semeba and its nearby areas.
On December last year, DVS Sarawak director Dr Adrian Susin Ambud said the vaccination programme will continue in an effort to achieve a rabies-free state by 2025.
Volunteers bring CNY cheer to 100 residents of Rumah Seri Kenangan
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Lo greets some of the Rumah Seri Kenangan residents at the Chinese New Year event.
KOTA SAMARAHAN: Some 100 residents of Rumah Seri Kenangan at Jalan Datuk Mohammad Musa here were treated to a Chinese New Year luncheon yesterday, hosted by Kuching Dynamic Association (KDA) and Alvin Deco.
Batu Kitang assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang, who is also Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) chairman, was the guest-of-honour at the event, where Rumah Seri Kenangan Board of Visitors member Yep Seck Yong was also present.
Lo regarded the Chinese New Year celebration as a time when family members would gather and affirm their ties.
“The same, I believe, goes for those celebrating other festive occasions like Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Gawai Dayak. However, I have found out that the majority of our old folk here (residents of Rumah Seri Kenangan) are not able to spend time together with their loved ones during this time.
“Fret not – we’re here today and feeling very happy to be here. We’re very thankful to the team from KDA and Alvin Deco, who have organised this event, and brought love and happiness to all of the residents here.
“Thank you for your time – and Happy Chinese New Year, celebrating the ‘Year of the Rat’,” said Lo.
Lo (seated, fourth left) and members of the organising committee gather for a group photo. On Lo’s left is Yep.
Lo: We’ll revoke licenses of illegal business outlets in Padawan
BY JACQUELINE DAVID ON JANUARY 26, 2020, SUNDAY AT 1:56 AMNEWS, SARAWAK
Abang Johari (second left) presents a token of appreciation to Lo’s wife, Margaret Lim Sok Kiang (second right), as Lo (left), Julaihi (third left) and Masing (right) look on.
KUCHING: Business outlets in Padawan area that are known to be carrying out illegal activities will have their licenses revoked by the council.
Batu Kitang state assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang said these business outlets masquerading themselves by selling topups, stationery or tidbits but are in fact running illegal online gambling activities would see that their licenses withdrawn.
“I heard there are some involved in my area (Padawan) but I would have to ascertain if it is true.
“If it is true, then be prepared to get your license revoked,” warned Lo when met by the reporters at his Chinese New Year open house at Jalan Stapok here today.
Lo commented on the illegal gambling in business outlets after Sarawak Police Commissioner Dato Ramli Din said that one of the main targets that police are aiming to crack down on this year include illegal gambling outlets throughout Sarawak.
Recently, Ramli was quoted as saying that his men were conducting checks on these outlets daily and there was a need for them to communicate with the respective councils.
“We will give our full cooperation to the police,” Lo assured.
Among those present at Lo’s Chinese New Year open house were Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar James Masing, Assistant Minister of Law, State-Federal Relations and Project Monitoring Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali and Assistant Minister of Infrastructure & Ports Development Datuk Julaihi Narawi.
KUCHING: Ketua Menteri Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari Tun Abang Haji Openg hari ini menerima dua kunjungan hormat daripada Ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri (ADUN) Tasik Biru, Dato Henry Harry Jinep dan Persatuan Alumni Polis Sarawak di pejabatnya Wisma Bapa Malaysia.
Kunjungan pertama adalah daripada Dato Henry Harry Jinep yang bertujuan untuk menyatakan isu penempatan baharu kampung melayu di kawasan Bau dimana ia merupakan salah satu pelaksanaan pembangunan termaktub di dalam Blueprint Daerah Bau 2016-2030
Turut bersama beliau juga ialah ADUN Batu Kitang, Lo Khere Chiang.
Manakala kunjungan kedua adalah daripada Persatuan Alumni Polis Sarawak (SAPA) yang diketuai oleh Datuk Abang Abdul Wahab Abang Julai selaku Presiden SAPA.
Kunjungan tersebut adalah bertujuan untuk memberi pendedahan kepada Ketua Menteri mengenai peranan dan fungsi persatuan terhadap kerajaan untuk terus berkhidmat dalam konteks keselamatan dan pembangunan.
Cheng (fifth right) presents a souvenir to Dr Sim. Seen from fourth right to right are Manyin, Abdul Karim, Lee and Dr Jerip.
KUCHING: China and Sarawak will continue to explore potential areas for collaboration which will help in developing the state, says Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said China’s meteoric rise as an economic power has brought about deep impact to other countries, especially those in South East Asia, who would be able to ride on China’s success.
“China consul-general’s office here has always been helpful to us in our various initiatives to tap into China’s economic and technological strength inorder to develop our economy. The consulate-general provides us with the essential connection between Sarawak and China authorities, businessmen and investors in our efforts to develop and add value to our natural resources,” he said at a Chinese New Year dinner here on Wednesday.
His text of speech read by Minister of Local Government and Housing Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian.
Abang Johari went on to say the development of Sarawak’s hydro-electric potential, investment in energy-intensive industries in Samalaju, and high-tech manufacturing in Samajaya (Kuching) might not have been possible without China’s expertise and economic strength.
“The co-operation between China and Sarawak shall continue; they will enter into a number of understandings to explore various areas of collaboration, especially in the oil and gas, and petro-chemical sectors.
“As Sarawak aspires to be a developed state by 2030, billions of ringgit are being allocated to build a network of roads, including in the rural areas. Without good connectivity, our economy will not move forward fast.
“We are also putting in place a system that allows people to transact business across borders through the Internet. Sarawak, through Sarawak Pay has collaborated with Union Pay that allows payments and receipt of payments to be done seamlessly.
This will help in the trade between China and Sarawak.”
He also thanked the consul-general for his commitment to help strengthen the cultural and trade relations between China and Sarawak.
On the Lunar New Year, he said it is a time of great joy and celebrations for our Chinese friends.
“Chinese New Year celebration has become a part of our cultural diversity, much like other festivals and religious celebrations in Sarawak.
“It cannot be denied that the Chinese community has always been an important part of Sarawak’s political and economic life. Chinese business acumen, their vision and industriousness have positioned the community in the forefront of business, trade and industry in the state, which provide thousands of jobs for our people, and bring revenue to the state through taxes.”
Meanwhile, Cheng Guangzhong China’s consul-general in Kuching, said China would continue to expand bilateral relations with Malaysia.
He also said that Sarawak had established friendly relations with three provinces and 26 cities and districts in China.
Minister of Education, Science and Technological Research Dato Sri Michael Manyin, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Transport Minister Datuk Lee Kim Shin, Assistant Minister of Transport Datuk Dr Jerip Susil, and Batu Kitang assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang were among those who attended the dinner.
Batu Kitang rep committed to improving constituents’ living standards
Lo Khere Chiang
By Peter Sibon
KUCHING, Jan 20: Batu Kitang assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang vowed to continue his efforts to improve the living standard of his constituents especially housing, after it was announced by his party president Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian that all seven SUPP incumbents will be retained in the coming 12th state election.
“Just for the ‘baik pulih rumah’ (house renovation) scheme, we have assisted 60 households. We allocated RM15,000 per household for which they don’t have to pay a single sen. After we have helped the poorest, then we go for the next level.
“I think eventually everyone in my area in Batu Kitang will have a good house to stay. For this I would like to thank our CM for his farsightedness,” Lo told journalists during the Chinese Leaders’ New Year Open House here last night.
He said so far, 60 households have benefited from the scheme and he was optimistic that in the next few years, every household in Batu Kitang will have a comfortable house to live in.
He explained that the allocation normally assists recipients to fix their roofing and toilets and improve their kitchens.
“So now, very year we have RM1 million to spend on this. You can imagine how many people we can assist. We are going to assist the poorest and then to the next level of the poor,” he said.
Lo who is also Padawan Municipal Council chairman also revealed that each elected representative from Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) will receive RM5 million in Rural Transformation Programme (RTP) funds; RM2 million in Minor Rural Project (MPR) funds and another RM1 million for the ‘baik pulih rumah’ (house renovation) scheme.
“The RM5 million annual allocation will also help the poorest in my area. This way, we can elevate (the living standards of) the poor in our environment. I’m very happy with what we are doing and I believe that the people can see the leadership of Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari (Tun Openg) is the best leadership that we have and Sarawakians should support our present leadership. Only Sarawakians will look after Sarawak. See what is happening in Semenanjung, the Malayans will never take care of Sarawak,” he reiterated.
When asked about his chances of successfully defending his seat, Lo said, “The chances are very good. Not because SUPP is very good but because PH has not done as well.
“I do not want to under-rate anybody but I want to remind myself to work even harder. and I believe that the present state government leadership under CM Abang Jo, we have RM5 million RTP every year; RM2 million MPR fund and another RM1 million for ‘baik pulih rumah’.
“And now we are going to get more funds for agricultural purposes. And all this money will be used for the people who will need it most…. That’s the best policy. We go and help the poor,” he said.
Meanwhile, Lo said, since soon after the last state election in 2016, he has been busy on the ground to serve the people.
“Ever since 2016, even though the election was over in 2016, I got busier by the day. It is just like going for the election (every day) and I have been wearing my yellow shirt every day since 2016,” said Lo.
In the last state election, Lo won his Batu Kitang seat with a 1,840-vote majority in a five-cornered fight. — DayakDaily
SARAWAK INDEPENDENCE Can it be achieved peacefully? By Tania Lam - January 12, 2020 SARAWAK INDEPENDENCE
KUCHING: The main challenge facing Sarawak’s independence movement is how it can be achieved in a peaceful manner, said Batu Kitang assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang. “We want independence because we want our wealth back, and the legal framework to protect our wealth,” he said. He was speaking at a Movement of Change Sarawak (MoCS) forum entitled ‘Independence: The Final Destination’ at the DBNA Hall here, yesterday. His talk was entitled, ‘SUPP’s Stand on Referendum’.
Lo Khere Chiang SUPP on Referendum
“Is Malaya treating us fairly? Is this an equal partnership as enshrined in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63)?” he questioned. He elaborated that under circumstances such as oil and gas issues faced between Sarawak and Malaya, who would not want independence? Lo said that with differing views on independence, the state had to analyse how to achieve this in light of so many uncertainties. “As for when is the right time to bring up the subject of independence to the United Nations (UN), your guess is as good as mine,” he added. Meanwhile, Batu Lintang assemblyman See Chee How, who is also legal advisor of MoCS, said that everyone should come together regardless of political ideology in independence efforts.
Jeffrey Kitingan presenting his talk via teleconferencing.
Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (Sabah STAR) president Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan, who was barred from entering Sarawak, shared his views via teleconferencing during the forum. He said that Sarawak and Sabah were being treated and exploited like colonies. Touching on independence for the two states, he said, “We have journeyed and suffered together.” “At the end of the day, if we decide to exit or separate (from Malaysia), I think we should do it together when we are ready,” he said. Other speakers at the forum included MoCS president Francis Paul Siah and Parti Bumi Kenyalang president Voon Lee Shan.
Sarawak’s progress hanging in the balance of racial unity, says Lo Jan 12, 2020 @ 13:59
By Malcolm Lau KUCHING, Jan 12: Racial harmony remained a key factor to strengthen unity and ensure peace and stability in Sarawak amid its multiethnic society, said Batu Kitang assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang. He reminded the people to always protect racial harmony and tolerance to unite the state, which was also a key element to spur economic growth. “Sarawakians must unite to protect the prosperity of our own state. We must be united in order to keep Sarawak safe and prosperous,” Lo said when officiating at Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) Batu Kitang’s Mile 7 branch anniversary at Kampung Haji Baki here yesterday. He added that the peace and prosperity that Sarawakians enjoyed today is the result of tolerance and respect of many races and religions. In light of the third year anniversary of the passing of Sarawak former chief minister Pehin Sri Adenan Satem, or popularly known as Tok Nan, Lo urged Sarawakians to instil a fighting spirit to fight and protect Sarawak’s rights. “Tok Nan’s spirit had sparked the fight for the rights of Sarawak in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63),” he said. Lo added that Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari, who is also the state ruling Gabungan Parti Sarawak chief, has vowed to claim all Sarawak rights from the federal government. — DayakDaily
https://dayakdaily.com/sarawaks-progress-hanging-in-the-balance-of-racial-unity-says-lo/
Best-performing contractors will continue to get jobs from MPP, assures rep
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#DunBatuKitang, #MPP,
Lo (front, centre) flanked by MPP deputy chairman Dato Ahmad Ibrahim and Loh, in a photo-call with the contractors.
KUCHING:The best-performing contractors who are appointed by the Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) would continue to receive more jobs, assures Batu Kitang assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang.
Lo, who is the council’s chairman, points out that the MPP utilises the ‘A-to-D’ grading system to evaluate the performance of these contractors.
“Those who are performing well will be graded A, and we shall continue to give the jobs to them. Those underperforming will be graded B, C and D.
“Those grade C and D will no longer receive any job. As such, we hope that we would only have Grade A contractors,” he spoke prior to a pledge-signing ceremony involving 61 contractors at the MPP headquarters in Kota Padawan near here yesterday.
The event was for the MPP-appointed contractors to sign a statutory declaration, in that they must not subcontract the works to any individual or other contractors.
This was to ensure that the contractors would continue to deliver excellent services.
In this regard, Lo pointed out that the council encountered a lot of subcontracting works over the years, whereby the first contractor who received the project would sublet it to the second contractor – and so on, until the seventh contractor who would only then initiated the works.
He said any project would ‘become a disaster’, if such ‘subcontracting culture’ were to continue.
“Today, I am happy to note that such subcontracting works are no longer in practice,” he added.
Meanwhile, MPP secretary Elizabeth Loh said any contractors found to be subletting the works to any individual or other contractors, would be stripped of their awarded contracts.
Not only that, she stressed that these contractors’ names and telephone numbers would be displayed on the council’s website for public viewing.
“This means that their (work) quality is not only under MPP’s supervision, but is also monitored by members of the public,” she added.
