18 August 2018

Lo: MPP strives to engage with local communities


Lo: MPP strives to engage with local communities

By : News Desk Posted on : Friday, August 17, 2018 Sarawak Tribune


KUCHING: Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) strives to be accountable to the local communities by playing a key role in community engagement towards building a stronger and more cohesive community.

“Besides providing municipal service, the function of the council now includes community development.

“Engagement with the local communities enables the council to carry out its functions more effectively,” said MPP Chairman Lo Khere Chiang during MPP’s 22nd anniversary celebration, held at MPP headquarters in Padawan, yesterday.

Lo said MPP would provide opportunities for the residents to involve and participate in programmes to shape their own community.

“Everyone wants a clean and beautiful environment. Hence the responsibility does not only rest with the local council, but with the people as well.

“People are more educated and civic conscious nowdays, and MPP shall tap on their capabilities and involve them in working with the council towards improving the environment and promoting good living,” he said.

He pointed that MPP strives to promote good governance through transparent leadership and remains sensitive to the needs, interests and aspirations of the various communities.
“Based on these strategies, MPP shall work towards achieving its vision of improving the quality of live of its residents.

“We will continue the close partnership between MPP, local communities and the staffs of the council in order to achieve this vision,” he said.

On another matter, Lo who is also Batu Kitang Assemblyman said MPP has implemented the Urban Poverty Eradication Programme (PPKB) since 2008 to help those in need to repair their houses.

He said MPP had repaired three houses in 2016 and another 23 houses in 2017, involving a total allocation of RM334,493 from the Ministry of Housing and Local Government.

“All the houses were repaired and handed over to the household heads within three month from the date of approval.

“For 2018, we received a total allocation of RM405,000 from the ministry to repair 27 houses, and all this would not be possible without the dedication and commitment of our staffs,” he said.

Lo also urged the ratepayers to pay their assessment rates promptly as the council is dependent on the assessment revenue.

“Assesment rates are the major source of income of the council which is used to finance the council’s operating expenditure and for MPP, assessment rates contributes 60 to 70 per cent of the council’s total revenue.

“Therefore, I urge the ratepayers to pay their assessment rates on time, as the revenue is necessary for us to provide the services enjoyed by all residents,” he stressed.

MPP outlines three key directions to improve services

MPP outlines three key directions to improve services

KUCHING: Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) has outlined three key directions to be implemented in the years to come to further improve the services of the council.
Lo Khere Chiang
Its chairman Lo Khere Chiang said the council would be accountable to the local communities playing a key role in community engagement for a stronger and more cohesive society, to provide opportunities for the residents’ involvement and participation in shaping their own community and promote good governance through transparent leadership and sensitivity to the needs, interests and aspirations of the communities.
“Based on these directions, the council shall work towards achieving its vision of improving the quality of living of its residents….we will continue the close partnership between the council, local communities and MPP staff,” Lo said at the council’s 22nd anniversary at its compound on Thursday, which was officiated at by Minister of Housing and Local Government Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian.According to him, the three key directions have underpinned the council’s activities in the first eight months of this year.
Lo, who is Batu Kitang assemblyman also said that the council had implemented various initiatives to serve the public like launching of the WhatsApp application for the public to forward suggestions, constructive feedback and advices,putting up road signages with the council’s logo to enable the public to distinguish which areas are under the purview of the three local councils, and traffic wardens to assist in easing traffic congestion.
On the Urban Poverty Eradication Programme, he said the council has implemented the programme since 2008 and in 2016 and last year, had implemented works to repair three houses in 2016 and 23 houses last year.
According to him, the council received RM344,493 allocation last year under the programme and received RM405,000 this year for 27 houses.
He also said that 60 to 70 per cent of the council’s revenue derived from the assessment rates and urged rate payers to pay their assessment rate to enable the council to provide better services.

Social media allows local authorities to engage with public after office hours, says minister

Social media allows local authorities to engage with public after office hours, says minister


            METRO NEWS
         Friday, 17 Aug 2018 
                        
         by sharon ling


Dr Sim (in white shirt) leading MPP councillors to cut a cake during the council’s 22nd anniversary celebration.

KUCHING: Local authorities should make use of mobile technology to serve the public more efficiently.
State Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian said mobile apps such as WhatsApp enable residents to engage directly with councils at all hours, compared to a hotline which was only manned during office hours.

For example, he said the Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) started using WhatsApp last year for the public to forward suggestions and complaints.
A new mobile app called iPeople has also been introduced and is being tested by the Kuching South City Council (MBKS).

“The app allows the public to make complaints and give feedback to MBKS.
“They can take photos and send it through the app for the council to take action.
“After the pilot trial by MBKS, we hope to extend the app to other councils,” Dr Sim said at MPP’s 22nd anniversary celebration at the council’s headquarters yesterday.
He also called on local authorities to engage in community development, apart from providing municipal services.
“Residents should be empowered to be the eyes and ears of the council, for example by monitoring the performance of grass-cutting contractors.
“Through resident involvement and good governance, we can make our areas a better place to live in,” he said.
Earlier MPP chairman Lo Khere Chiang said the council would be accountable to the local communities through active engagement.
“The council’s functions also include community development.
“Engagement with local communities will enable us to carry this out more effectively.”
He added MPP would also provide opportunities for residents to get involved and participate in shaping their own communities.
This included working with the council to improve the environment and promote a better quality of life in Padawan.
Lo said MPP would promote good governance through transparent leadership.



17 August 2018

Dr Sim: All local councils to have Ipeople application

Dr Sim: All local councils to have Ipeople application


Dr Sim (third left), flanked by Lo on his right and Ahmad and other staff and councillors cut the anniversary cake.
KUCHING: The use of smartphone IPeople application will be extended to all local councils in Sarawak as part of efforts to provide better services to the people.
Minister of Housing and Local Government Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian said the IPeople application would enable the people to make complaints, make payment of assessment rate and other services.
He said the present ‘talian khidmat’ service was too slow, resulting in people wanting  to make complaints and give feedback having to wait for too long.
“I am very keen to extend the use of IPeople application to all local councils because ‘talian khidmat’ service that we have now is very slow to respond, and sometimes receiving no reply at all.
“We have to move in tandem with the advancement in technology to serve the people well,” Dr Sim said.
He said this when officiating at Padawan Municipal Council  (PMC) 22nd anniversary celebration at its premises in Kota Padwan yesterday.
Dr Sim added that extending the use of smartphone IPeople application to all local councils was necessary because the majority (80 per cent) of complaints to ‘talian khidmat’ were issues related to local councils.
He said providing better services must be the top priority of local councils otherwise the people would vent their anger on the government during elections.
“Local councils must bear in mind that whatever they do, their customers are their priority.
“They must address and fulfill their expectation.” He also urged PMC council staff and councillors to work with sincerity and in good teamwork to steer the council to greater success in serving the people.
Its chairman Lo Khere Chiang, who is also Batu Kitang assemblyman, deputy chairman Datuk Ahmad Ibrahim, staff and councillors were also present at the gathering.

携手提升基建设施 MPP吁与州议员合作

携手提升基建设施 MPP吁与州议员合作

(本报古晋16日讯)门牌税收是地方议会的主要收入来源,以作为议会营运开支用途,尤其是巴达旺市议会的60至70%收入乃来自门牌税收。因此,巴达旺市议会主席罗克强促请屋主可以准时缴交门牌税,确保议会可以将门牌税收善用,为纳税者提供更优质服务。 他称,地方议会的服务包括道路修复、割草、沟渠清理、收集垃圾等,这些服务的费用皆来自门牌税收。 他亦呼吁选区代议士可以与巴达旺市议会合作,共同携手提升管辖区上的基建设施,例如透过州议员享获的小型郊区拨款(MRP)分配,在地区上用作路灯设置等。 也为巴都吉当区州议员的他是于今日在巴达旺市议会22周年庆仪式上致词时,这么表示。 他指出,该议会亦拟定三项的未来方向与远景,第一是该议会在参与社区责任上法会关键作用,以建立一个更强大、更有凝聚力的社区。这除了提供市议会服务外,最重要是与社区接触,以便得以更有效的履行议会职能。 第二,是为居民提供自己塑造社区的机会,让所有人都享有干净与美丽的环境。如今,人民已接受更高程度教育,在公民意识方面相对显得更强,因此,该议会应善用人民的能力参与改善环境的合作,共同促进巴达旺的良好生活环境。 第三,该议会也将通过透明的领导和对社区的需求,以促进地区上良好治理。基于这些策略,巴达旺市议会将努力实现改善居民生活质量的愿景。 他补充,该议会今年周年庆的主题为“我们的职员、我们的资产”,无论是从低下至高上阶级的职员,他们都是议会最宝贵的资产。 “没有你们,巴达旺市议会就没有今天成就,你们都是议会最重要的资产,从开始入职直到退休为止。”

16 August 2018

罗克强:占市会逾七成收入 .欠门牌税 打击服务

罗克强:占市会逾七成收入 .欠门牌税 打击服务

(古晋16日讯)巴达旺市议会主席罗克强指出,该市议会收 来源有70%至80% 来自门牌税

巴达旺市议会主席罗克强指出,该市议会收入来源有70%至80%来自门牌 税,而这些税收都是用在为人民提供服务,因此希望纳税者不要拖欠有关税务。

他称,市议会提供的服务包括道路维修、割草、沟渠清理及收集垃圾,而这些服务也是市 议会主要开销。

砂地方政府及房屋部长沈桂贤(左二)颁发卓越服务奖状给巴达旺市议会社区发展与公共关系 主任黄圣为;左起为巴达旺市议会主席罗克强、副主席拿督阿末与代秘书柯热礼。

 罗克强:占市会逾七成收入 .欠门牌税打击服务 罗克强是今日在巴达旺市议会22周年庆上致词时,如是说。

文章来源:
星洲日报/砂拉越.2018.08.16

14 August 2018

Sacofa, residents hold dialogue to resolve tower issue


Sacofa, residents hold dialogue to resolve tower issue

By : Christopher Lidom Posted on : Tuesday, August 14, 2018 Sarawak Tribune


KUCHING: Sacofa Sdn Bhd (Sacofa) will come out with proper data regarding radiation emitted from their telecommunication tower in residential areas. Following complaints from the residents of Lorong Stapok Selatan 8, Taman Park View, a dialogue session was held between the Sacofa and the residents in order to solve the issue involving the construction of a telecommunication tower near the housing areas.

According to Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) chairman, Lo Khere Chiang, there is a need to improve the existing rule regarding this matter and at the same time, Sacofa must also come out with convincing proof that the radio frequency (RF) emitted from the tower is safe.
“The dialogue is fruitful as the residents are very cooperative. At the same time, they are giving Sacofa the benefit of doubt on the matter,” said Lo during the press conference held after the dialogues session between residents of Lorong Stapok Selatan 8, Taman Park View, and Sacofa, held in MPP headquarters, yesterday.

He added that the proof must comprise comparisons of between the home electrical appliances that transmitted RF such as Wifi, radio, television and many others.

“Next meeting will be held after the findings from Sacofa are out,” said Lo. The construction of the telecommunication tower was opposed by the residents of Lorong Stapok Selatan 8, Taman Park View and their concern was voiced to MPP. Since then, Sacofa has stopped the construction of the tower.

对话会未令居民满意 续反对兴建电讯塔


对话会未令居民满意 续反对兴建电讯塔

(本报古晋13日讯)电讯塔公司Sacofa拟于古晋史打博路第8巷住宅区设立电讯塔而遭居民强烈反对,双方在巴当旺市议会主席罗克强安排下展开对话会,然而居民仍未满意解释,继续反对电讯塔在该住宅区范围设立。对此,电讯塔公司则同意暂缓计划,并寻找合适仪器以读取电讯塔辐射指数,以求证明电讯塔对人们健康无害。 据悉,今日的对话会中,居民仍提出反对意见,让对话会气氛凝重。居民在经过2小时的的对话会后,离开时在巴达旺市议会大门前拉起横幅,抗议电讯塔公司在他们的住宅区附近兴建电讯塔。 也是巴都吉当区州议员的罗克强指出,今日对话会中讨论的结果,是居民要求电讯塔公司使用仪器证明电讯塔辐射处于安全范围而不会危害健康。对此,电讯塔公司也答应暂缓执行兴建计划,并探讨采购合适仪器进行侦测,以便寻找让居民满意的解决方案。 据悉,受影响的居民约有20、30户,他们都提出反对兴建,并认为电讯塔兴建位置过于靠近他们的住宅。 上述对话会虽气氛凝重,不过仍在平静的情况下结束。 罗克强在对话会结束后召开在新闻发布会时表示感谢居民踊跃出席对话会,并形容对话会成果丰硕,居民提出他们的顾虑,也提出合理的疑问。 对此,他表示电讯塔公司也同意居民意见,以物色何时的仪器作为侦测电讯塔辐射,以证明电讯塔不会造成太大辐射而危害健康。 无论如何,他希望受影响居民对电讯塔公司给予配合,让该公司针对家电如电讯塔、WiFi设备、冰箱、微波炉等进行辐射数据对比,希望籍此可以说服居民,认同电讯塔对人体健康无害。 他指出,如今的时代已经处在4G网速时代,人们都是人手一机,若然网速慢便会抱怨电讯公司网络不好,如今却不同意兴建电讯塔以加强网速,对此她也表示不知如何是好。他说,若许多居民要求高速网络覆盖,却反对建设电讯塔,相信是难以实现的。 “大家都想获得更快网速,然而却不要建立电讯塔,试问该如何达到更快网速?” 他也指出,居民将会等候电讯塔公司拟出辐射报告,因此他也将安排双方再次见面,展开领一轮的对话会。不过,他表示目前未确定下一次的对话会将于何时举行

13 August 2018

10 associations take part in CASH Martial Art Display


10 associations take part in CASH Martial Art Display
By : News Desk Posted on : Monday, August 13, 2018 Sarawak Tribune


KUCHING: Ten martial art associations were involved in the CASH Martial Art Display held at the State Hockey Stadium here last Saturday in conjunction with the Kuching Festival 2018.

The event was officiated by Batu Kitang State Assemblyman, Lo Khere Chiang, on behalf of Minister of Local Government and Housing, Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian.




The martial art associations which took part in the show were Sarawak Raining Qigong Shabashi Association with 641 participants, Rumpun Silat Sarawak with 250 participants, WTF State Taekwondo Association with 250 participants, Wushu Federation of Sarawak with 50 participants, Perguruan Seni Silat Gerak Kuntau Betawi Association with50 participants, Silambam Association with 12 participants,Bandarayaku (DBKU) with 30 participants, Seni Silat Cekak Pusaka Ustaz Hanafi Sarawak with 35 participants, Muaythai Association with 40 participants and Angkatan Tentera Malaysia (ATM) with 75 participants.

The stadium was crowded with the spectators who enjoyed the exciting martial art show by the participants.

武术渐获众人爱戴 望未来登奥运舞台

武术渐获众人爱戴 望未来登奥运舞台

(本报古晋12日讯)尽管近来天气不稳定,但砂地方政府与房屋部长拿督沈桂贤对于古晋节武术大汇演活动仍能吸引太极、武术、马来武术、跆拳道、泰拳及等团体代表踊跃参与深感欣慰。 他说大家的出席展现了团结精神,更示范出大家对体育的热忱。 “各类武术教导人们更深入了解人体动作及活动的原则,若往哲学方面解剖,它即教导我们如何包容及忍耐,它的存在是为了发挥保护的作用,而非攻击。也因如此,此类的活动越来越获得众人的喜爱。” 由于沈桂贤不克出席,因此其言词由巴都吉当区州议员罗克强代读。 另一方面,他希望随着各类武术逐渐获得众人的爱戴,未来可以成为亚运会及奥运会的竞争项目。 他认为说,毕竟数十年来亚洲各个国家一直都接受及参与西方的体育及运动项目,包括足球,篮球及其他项目,如今是时候推动来自亚洲的体育项目至国际舞台,以便其他国家也逐渐认识马来武术、跆拳道、中国武术、泰拳及太极的由来。 据悉,今年度的古晋节武术大汇演共获得11支队伍总计1千440人参与汇演,较去年9支队伍1325人更多。

11 August 2018

Abolish BTN immediately, not fine-tune and rebrand it — Lo

Abolish BTN immediately, not fine-tune and rebrand it — Lo 

Lo Khere Chiang
KUCHING: The controversial National Civics Bureau (BTN) should be abolished immediately as this is what Pakatan Harapan (PH) had promised in its 14th general election manifesto and not fine-tuned and rebranded, says Batu Kitang assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang.
He said PH had boasted of delivering on its promises within 100 days of winning the election and the 100 days is now up.
Lo in a press statement pointed out that PH’s feel-good manifesto is beginning to stink as barely any of the election promises made have been fulfilled.
“One by one, the election promises were chucked aside with a host of feeble excuses from PH.
“I feel sorry for the voters who must be feeling that they have been taken for a ride,” he added.
Lo, who is Padawan Municipal Council (PMC) chairman, said while the Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Mohamed Farid Md Rafik promised to rebrand and fine-tune BTN during the winding up of the royal address, he would very much like to know what Sarawak PH has to say about this.
He alleged that BTN was anti-racial harmony and anti- multi-culturalism and as a Sarawakian, he believed it can never fit into the harmonious lifestyle that the people in Sarawak have been enjoying.
“Farid promised to rebrand and fine-tune BTN but he does not elaborate on what this fine tuning means. Will he make transparent his plans? Will the fine tuning sow even more seeds of discord among Malaysians than it had now?
“How can we believe that it will not go even more haywire than it has along the way? How can we be sure that this time around it will not lose its initial objective of ‘instilling patriotism and nationalism’ in all Malaysians,” he questioned.
Lo said with so many promises made by PH which remain unfulfilled, he was worried that BTN would not be abolished as had been promised by PH.
He believed that to continue with BTN was also a waste of taxpayers’ money especially now as PH-led federal government is claiming that Malaysia is burdened with huge debts.
“So why waste money on something that is not at all useful for Malaysians,” he asked.
Lo said in this regard, he was in complete agreement with DAP lawmakers RSN Rayer (Jelutong) and Kasthuriraani Patto (Batu Kawan) who said that the abolishment of BTN was among the promises that PH made in its manifesto in the recent GE14.
He said PH also claimed that there was no need for an agency to educate civil servants to love their country or to love other Malaysians.
“I hope that PH will keep their promises to the people and not just use these promises as a way to cheat them to win their support,” he said.

10 August 2018

居民抗议建电讯塔 . 市议会13日对话 释 疑

居民抗议建电讯塔 . 市议会13日对话 释 疑


(古晋9日讯)《星洲日报》针对实打博南路第8巷Park View花园居民不满当地 建设电讯塔的报导引起回响,巴达旺市议会主席罗克强特别于本月13日(星期一)举行对话会,邀请SACOFA及当地居民出席,讨论此事。

居民抗议建电讯塔 . 市议会13日对话 释疑

《星洲日报》针对实打博南路第8巷Park View花园居民不满当地建设电讯塔 的报导引起回响,巴达旺市议会主席罗克强特别于本月13日(星期一)举行对话会,邀请 SACOFA及当地居民出席,讨论此事。

罗克强今日透过助理指出,对话会是当天上午9时在巴达旺市议会2楼会议厅举行。

电讯塔 承包商和相关政府单位的代表受邀出席对话会,从电讯塔辐射和安全角度,向出席者作出 说明。

因此,他呼吁实打博南路第8巷Park View花园居民踊跃出席对话会。

据了解,居民十分忧心坐落在住宅区前方的电讯塔会带来辐射,对健康造成影响。因此希望电讯塔不会在该处落实。

他们先于7月28日表达不满,并于8月5日在建设电讯塔的空地拉横幅抗议。据居民代表路易 斯表示,他已代表住宅区居民,针对此事向警方投报。此外,也希望罗克强能对这件事多
加留意。

“这片空地理应打造成公园,而非电讯塔。”

他强调,该住宅区居民一直期盼有朝一日,该片土地能转为 园,为居民提供休闲设施。

没想到,公园等不到,却迎来了让人头疼的电讯塔。

文章来源:
星洲日报/砂拉越.2018.08.10