Fadillah officiates at groundbreaking for new 6.2 km road to Kuching International Airport, better access in future
Fadillah (pointing) visiting the construction site of the access road to the south of Kuching International Airport.
KUCHING (Nov 14): A groundbreaking ceremony for the RM112.9-million project to construct a 6.2km access road to the south of Kuching International Airport (KIA) was held yesterday.
Approved under the 11th Malaysia Plan Third Rolling Plan, the project is entrusted to the Public Works Department (JKR) under the Ministry of Works as the implementing agency and project manager.
The supervision of the project was handed over to JKR Sarawak which was also appointed as the superintending officer.
“The access road is not only to lessen the traffic congestions in the surrounding areas but also to provide an alternative route for motorists from different road directions, including from Samarahan and Serian districts,” said Minister of Works Dato Sri Fadillah Yusof when officiating at the groundbreaking ceremony.
Fadillah said the original design of the project was for all the roads to be dual-carriageway but some parts of the roads will be constructed as single-carriageway for now due to limited funding.
“However, we will build up the soil foundation for the construction of a dual-carriageway for all stretches of the roads under the project to make it easier for us to upgrade those single-carriageway roads in the future.”
The federal minister said he will request from the Economic Planning Unit (EPU) for more funding for all the roads under the project to be upgraded as dual-carriageway.
The 36-month project was awarded to contractor Reka Ikhtiar Sdn Bhd and it is expected to be completed by Aug 1, 2024.
The project encompasses the construction of a 1km dual-carriageway from Stutong T-junction to Stampin T-junction and a 5.2km single-carriageway from Stampin T-junction to Bukit Berangan T-junction, built according to JKR U5 standard.
Another 1.7km single-carriageway will also be constructed from Stampin T-junction to Sungai Tapang T-junction under JKR U5 standard.
Works will be carried out to construct Stamping and Sungai Tapang T-junctions as well as improving the Stutong T-junction.
Three concrete single-carriageway bridges will be built across Sungai Kuap, Sungai Stampin and Sungai Sangkoh.
An underpass will also be constructed through the Kuching International Airport, as well as relocation of utilities, installation of streetlights and transportation of soil for the project.
Fadillah pointed out it was the state Minister of Local Government and Housing Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian who had been persistently fighting for the project approval since 2017.
“Since I was appointed as the Minister of Works, Dr Sim has been lobbying hard for the access road project. He met up with me first and attended a meeting with the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, before meeting with me again.
“Finally, today we can witness the earth-breaking ceremony for this access road project.”
During the groundbreaking ceremony, Fadillah presented certificates to 17 contractors approved after a strict screening process to take on ‘sick projects’ of government agencies via open tender.
Among those attending the ceremony were Dr Sim, Assistant Minister of Infrastructure and Ports Development Datuk Julaihi Narawi and Batu Kitang assemblyman Ir Lo Khere Chiang.
KUCHING: Bank Rakyat’s latest branch will be opened for operation soon following the setting up of its branch in the Sentosa Parade near here.
Disclosing this, Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) chairman Lo Khere Chiang said banks are always encouraged to open branches in the Padawan area.
“The distance from Sentosa Parade to Mile 10 is also not that far and I think this is a good thing. Therefore, I try to encourage some other banks to also open their branches in the area,” he said.
He said this when officiating at the Fifth International One Belt One Road Science and Technology competition at Kuching Waterfront yesterday.
Lo added that he is confident that when the Mile 10 area grew rapidly, it would also have a good economic impact.
“When that happens, the banks will also want to place their branches there. So, it’s the same as the concept of supply and demand — if there is demand, the bank will go to the area,” he added.
My ‘report card’ for Batu Kitang is in plain sight for voters to see, says Lo
Lo (second right) witnessing the handing over of the project to upgrade the drainage system at Kg Bumbok Seventh Day Adventist Church to the contractor (right) recently.
By Jacob Achoi
KUCHING, Nov 9: Incumbent for Batu Kitang Lo Khere Chiang says the constituents can see for themselves what he has contributed towards the area’s developing since becoming its elected representative.
Lo said the area has enjoyed great development and it will become his ‘report card’ for the voters.
“I have my report card to show because since becoming the elected representative in the area, I have brought many projects… and I have lots of satisfaction doing that.
“From repairing of dilapidated houses to building and repairing of roads, football fields, futsal courts and community halls and septic tanks, among others, I have been doing just that.
“So this will become my report card for the people (in the area) and they can see for themselves,” Lo told reporters today after officiating at an appreciation event for Grade A coffeeshops owners, at the Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) office.
The MPP chairman, who first won the seat in the 2016 state election, said he has been working since day one after the election.
“I have been putting in much effort to bring development and progress to the area after the election… and honestly, seldom do I have Saturdays and Sundays off for the last five years,” Lo stressed.
Lo, who said that he will be defending the seat this election, also cited the Covid-19 pandemic, where he was meeting peoples during the Movement Control Order (MCO).
“Unlike my political opponents, who only appeared very late to start giving sugar and rice, but for myself I have been doing that to help the people,” Lo pointed out, adding he does not know who his opponents will be in this election.
He strongly believed that the people will continue to support Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) under Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg for political stability, and for progress and development to continue.
On the event proper, Lo said 187 coffeeshops in MPP jurisdiction have received Grade A certification.
He urged coffeeshops owners to maintain high standards of hygiene in their toilets, kitchens and the overall premises to attract customers. — DayakDaily
Kg Bumbok SDA church to get drainage upgrade worth RM150,000 under RTP
Lo (third left) looking at documents with details of the project's scope of work with contractor Wan Jamuri Wan Othman of Buyau Enterprise and others.
By Jacob Achoi
KUCHING, Nov 4: The Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) church at Kg Bumbok can look forward to a better drainage system with the government allocating RM150,000 to carry out the improvement.
Batu Kitang assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang said the work was among the various Rural Transformation Programme (RTP) projects for his constituency.
Today Nov 4, he handed over the project to the contractor at the site.
“The project will start next week and the contractor had assured that it will take three months to complete,” Lo said.
He urged the contractor to complete the project without compromising on quality and work specifications.
Lo also revealed that there were several RTP projects in the constituency which have been implemented and completed.
“Under the RTP from the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government, several projects have been implemented and completed in the area (Batu Kitang) and the government will continue to do so,” Lo assured.
The implemented projects encompassed drainage systems, road improvement and erosion protection, among others.
Lo also pointed out places of worship like churches, surau and temples were not left out, stressing that the most needed projects would be given top priority.
Lo (wearing yellow) flanked by Wenda on his left and the village chief on his right pose for a photo with Suok in the wheelchair.
Earlier, Lo handed over a wheelchair to Suok Kotik, 83 at her residence in the village.
Suok, whose husband died about three years ago, can not walk on her own due to old age.
She is being taken care of by her daughter Wenda Motoi, 43.
Lo also promised to provide building materials to repair their house. — DayakDaily
Liquor sale ban in convenience stores is Malayan politics, not Sarawak’s
From left: Minos, Petrus, Yii and Lo.
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By Lian Cheng
KUCHING, Nov 8: Banning liquor sales in convenience and grocery stores, and Chinese drugstores has been described as Malayan politics, not Sarawak’s.
Padawan Municipal Council chairman Lo Khere Chiang said he saw no ground or reason to ban the sale of liquor in convenience or neighbourhood stores.
“Why should we do it? We are all practical people in Sarawak. We are a multiracial and multicultural society. There is no practical ground for us to do that. I don’t see the reasons for doing that.
“Drinking is even a culture for some of us. And we use liquor or wine for cooking. This in not our politics. It is the politics of West Malaysia.
“In Sarawak here, we don’t need this kind of nonsense. Our council will not entertaining such an idea,” Lo told DayakDaily.
Kota Samarahan Municipal Council (MPKS) chairman Dato Peter Minos, Miri City Council (MCC) chairman Adam Yii and Sibu Rural District Council (SRDC) chairman Sempurai Petrus Ngelai when contacted, all said such a rule will not be adopted in their jurisdictions.
“We follow the position taken by MBKS (Kuching South City Council) and SMC (Sibu Municipal Council) not to ban liquor sales in convenience stores etc.
“To us in Sarawak in particular, we do not have any problem with the sale of liquor as long as they have a licence under the local authority.
“We shouldn’t cloud ourselves with the current issues. So far we here in Sarawak are living in harmony and respect each other’s freedom,” said Petrus in a reply via WhatsApp.
For Minos, he said MPKS will “do it Sarawak’s way” while Yii stressed that there was no such plan at all for MCC.
MBKS mayor Wee Hong Seng in a Facebook live session on Saturday (Nov 6) said the council will not follow Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL)’s decision to ban the sale of liquor in grocery and convenience stores, and Chinese medical halls or drugstores since Nov 1, 2021.
He said there would be no changes to its current rules and regulations whereby liquor permits are not applicable to Chinese drugstores and he gave his assurance that grocery and convenience stores which already have liquor licenses will not have any issue in extending their permits once they have expired as well.
SMC chairman Clarence Ting who was a guest on Wee’s livestream, also agreed with Wee’s stand concerning the ban on medicinal liquor in Chinese drugstores. — DayakDaily
Lo (third right) presents the RM100,000 cheque to Lai. Also seen are Penghulu Lai (left), Lee (third left) and Yap (second right).
KUCHING (Nov 6): Batu Kitang incumbent Lo Khere Chiang wants to defend his seat in the upcoming state election, believing he has the support of his constituents.
A one-term Lo said he had put a lot of effort to help the people under his jurisdiction, like helping the needy families to repair their homes, repairing roads and putting up 800 streetlights over the past five years.
“I have served my constituents well for over five years. I have seen improvement and development brought by Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government in my constituency. The lives of Batu Kitang folk are better,” he said when met at Xi Fan Fu Chinese Temple in Jalan Haji Baki here yesterday.
Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) Complaints Bureau chief Wilfred Yap, temple head Lai Sen Fah, Penghulu Lai Boon Khee and Kapitan Lee Tho Fung were among those at the event.
Lo also said the GPS government cared for all religious, proven with the setting up of Unit for Other Religions (Unifor) which provides funds for Chinese and Indian temples and churches in the state.
“This can be seen by the RM100,000 fund given to the Xi Fan Fu Chinese Temple today.”
Lo said the money would be used to build a community hall near the temple where the people could hold their activities.
Lo also said the Sarawak government is the only one in the country that recognises Unified Examination Certificate (UEC), thanks to the late chief minister fondly known as ‘Tok Nan’, and continued by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.
On the upcoming state election, Lo said it was bound to happen and now is a suitable time.
“The chief minister made the decision and the Agong agreed. The Head of State also brought the subject to the Agong. Now is the right time as the people of Sarawak are ready to come out to vote.”
Abang Johari announced earlier yesterday the dissolution of the State Legislative Assembly, and the GPS government is now a caretaker government.
6th Mile Wholesale Market to benefit wholesalers, traders and local community
Lo (standing behind in yellow shirt) witnessing the handing over of the project from MPP to the contractor, while MPP Cr Amy Tnay (front, second right) and others look on.
KUCHING, Nov 1: The Wholesale Market Project at 6th Mile once completed will provide a platform for wholesalers and distributors in Kuching and Samarahan to conduct their business, as well as benefit local residents.
According to Batu Kitang assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang, the project, which is funded under Batu Kitang’s Rural Transformation Programme (RTP) allocation, will be have parking, cold storage and many other facilities.
“As a start, I am going to help with the ground leveling works, and the rest will follow.
“For this, I would like to thank Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan for approving the use of this plot of land for the construction of this facility, and also to Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg for providing the allocation through my RTP,” he said.
Lo said this to reporters when attending the handing over of the Wholesale Market Project from Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) to the contractor at the project site, here today.
Lo, who is also MPP chairman, noted the location of market is excellent because it is not far from Kuching town.
“Once this project is completed, we will have fish, meat, vegetables, fruits and many others (more easily available). Mostly wholesale, but I am sure the people from town are welcome as well,” he added.
Lo showing the plan for the Wholesale Market Project to reporters.
A total of RM196,000 under Batu Kitang’s RTP allocation has been set aside for the Wholesale Market Project.
The scope of works will involved the initial site clearing and earth filling works for the period of two months. Construction is set to start on Nov 4. — DayakDaily
Sharvina (left) hands over a cheque to Penghulu Sabtuyah as Lo (behind, second left) looks on.
KUCHING: A total of 79 families of flood victims received financial aid from Bank Rakyat today (Oct 26).
Bank manager Sharvina Sarbini handed over a cheque for RM10,000 to Penghulu Sabtuyah witnessed by Batu Kitang assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang
Twenty-seven of the flood victims are from Kampung Batu Kitang, Kampung Batu Kitang Jaya - 26; Kampung Sandong - 22; and two each from Kampung Lidah Tanah and Kampung Haji Baki.
Ministry introduces new text books for pre-schools
Halimah (centre) speaks during the press conference while Batu Kitang assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang (left) and KRT S4 chairman Jisin Nyud look on. – Photo courtesy of Ministry of National Unity
KUCHING (Oct 24): The introduction of new books developed by the Ministry of National Unity under Perpaduan Kindergarten Early Childhood Education Plan 2021-2030 will ease the work of teachers and assistant teachers in Tabika Perpaduan pre-schools.
National Unity Minister Datuk Halimah Mohd Sadique said the books were Pelan Perpaduan Awak Kanak-Kanak Tabika Perpaduan 2021-2030, Pentaksiran Pengajaran Harian/Bulanan Tabika Perpaduan, Buku Pengurusan Dan Pentabiran, Panduan Pengajaran Tahunan/Mingguan/Harian Tabika Perpaduan.
“Other text books such as Sains Awal, Rukun Negara and Jom Urus Diri are developed for children between four and six years. It is important that young children are taught basic science and the five principles of Rukun Negara.
“As for Jom Urus Diri, children will be taught living skills including how to dress, wear shoes and use the toilet amongst others,” she told reporters in a press conference after visiting Tabika Perpaduan Semeba at Kampung Semeba yesterday.
Tabika Perpaduan Semeba currently has 30 students guided by four teachers.
