Solar powered street lights to be installed along Bau-Batu Kitang Road
POSTED ON
(From left) Henry, Abang Johari, Lo and Miro in a group photo after their meeting.
KUCHING (Jan 31): Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has approved the installation of 285 units of solar powered street lights along the Bau-Batu Kitang Road, said Dato Henry Harry Jinep.
The Assistant Minister of Transport II said the Chief Minister agreed with the proposal to install the solar powered lights when it was presented to him during a courtesy call today.
Accompanying Henry in the courtesy call on Abang Johari were Batu Kitang assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang and Serembu assemblyman Miro Simuh.
Henry, who is also Tasik Biru assemblyman, said the installation of solar powered lights is one of the components of the Bau-Batu Kitang Road upgrading project.
“The installation of these 285 units of solar lights is important given the conditions along the Bau-Batu Kitang Road especially at night which can be unsafe.
“This is due to the absence of street lights in some of the road locations as well as uneven and bumpy road surfaces that can endanger road users,” he said in a statement following the courtesy call.
Henry also pointed out the traffic volume at Bau-Batu Kitang Road is very high given that many road users prefer the shorter distance and travel time compared to Bau-Batu Kawa road especially during peak hours in the morning and evening.“With the approval of this proposal, road users can look forward to a more comfortable and safe journey,” he added.
He also said the placement of the solar powered lights will be at dark spots and overtaking lanes which have been identified.
During the courtesy call, Henry, Lo and Miro also briefed the Chief Minister on the upgrading of the road which is popularly known as the old Bau road.
Chong’s move to accuse MPP for lack of compensation after man dies in Batu Kitang road collapse ‘disappointing’, says Lo
Lo Khere Chiang
KUCHING, Jan 27: Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) chairman Lo Khere Chiang has expressed disappointment over Sarawak Democratic Action Party (DAP) chairman Chong Chieng Jen’s accusation that MPP failed to provide compensation for the family of the victim who died in an accident when a part of Jalan Batu Kitang collapsed last year.
“Chong should get all his facts straight before making such wild allegations against the council. The Council sympathises with the family over the death of the victim,” he said in a statement today.
The 62-year-old man died after crashing his vehicle when a part of Jalan Batu Kitang collapsed in July 2021.According to Lo, the Council regrets that such baseless accusations and claims have been made by a senior politician against MPP.
He said the accusation has tarnished the good name of the Council.
“Nevertheless, Chong, being a lawyer and an MP for the last 18 years, should advise and assist the family of the decease to make a claim against MPP if he honestly believes that MPP is responsible for the accident that has happened where the victim succumbed to the accident that occurred,” he added. — DayakDaily
MPP chairman urges road users to be patient until 7th Mile flyover completed in April
Lo (right) and Yap (left) speaking to reporters during their work visit to inspect the traffic flow at 7th Mile today (Jan 10, 2022).
KUCHING, Jan 10: Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) chairman Lo Khere Chiang is urging road users to be patient until the 7th Mile flyover is completed in April.
According to Lo, the council has discussed with Lebuhraya Borneo Utara Sdn Bhd (LBU), Public Works Department (JKR) and the contractor to find ways and means to solve the traffic jam issues related to the flyover’s construction.
He explained it is not an easy job, and the reason why there is a jam is because Sarawak is now in Phase 4 of the National Recovery Plan which has encouraged more movement resulting in the increase of traffic volume, and it is made worse with the opening of schools which starts today.
To address and improve the current traffic situation, he said that the council has adjusted the traffic light timing, especially from Kuching heading towards Serian, and vice versa.
“From 6am to 9am, the timing of green lights from Kuching heading towards Serian has been increased to the maximum, which is 140 seconds before it turns red, and from 5pm to 7.30pm, the green lights for the Serian to Kuching route has also been increased to 120 seconds.
“We are also controlling the timing of traffic lights (for users) from both Jalan Haji Baki heading towards Sentosa and Sentosa to Haji Baki as well, because this is a four-way junction,” he told reporters during a work visit to inspect the traffic flow at the affected 7th Mile area today.
Lo, who is also the Batu Kitang assemblyman, gave his assurance that MPP will continue to push the contractor involved to complete the flyover project as soon as possible.
Meanwhile, Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap expressed hope that the public will bear with the temporary traffic situation at 7th Mile with an eye on the long-term benefit of the flyover when it is completed.
He pointed out that in the meantime, engineers and contractors are coming up with mitigating steps to help reduce traffic jams in the area.
“Although it is successful, it is still not good enough. In April, once the flyover is completed, there will be smoother traffic flow.
“After that we move on to another project. Step by step, and systematically, we will make Kota Sentosa better. That is my commitment,” he added. — DayakDaily
Traffic congestion Jalan Kuching-Serian at Kota Sentosa, Kuching semalam. Photo: Ghazali Bujang
BY JACINTHA JOLENE
KUCHING: Traffic congestion along Jalan Kuching-Serian has been a constant thorn in the side of many who ply the route.
Batu Kitang assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang
Batu Kitang assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang said he had received numerous complaints regarding the horrendous traffic situation there.
“I’ve received lots of complaints from road users on social media that the traffic is getting worse everyday.
“I’ve also talked to LBU, JKR and contractors to find ways and means to solve this problem,” Lo said during a site inspection on Monday (Jan 10).
He said the traffic volume was increasing because Sarawak was now in Phase 4 of the National Recovery Plan (NRP) – more business activities are allowed leading to more people going out often.
“The reopening of schools is also one of the contributing factors to the increased traffic.”
Lo also mentioned optimising the traffic timing to its optimal usage.
“We have increased the traffic timing for peak hours from 6am to 9am towards Kuching to 140 seconds, which is the maximum before traffic lights turn red.
“For peak hours at 5pm to 7.30pm from Kuching to Serian, we have also increased the timing from 50 seconds to 120 seconds.
“I believe by controlling the traffic timing, this can reduce the congestion.”
He urged the public to be patient and wait for the flyover to be completed.
The flyover is expected to be completed in April this year.
PELAN… Lo Khere Chiang bersama yang lain menunjukkan isyarat bagus bagi pelan Program Transformasi Luar Bandar (RTP) di Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Cina Chung Hua Batu 8 ½ Jalan Batu Kitang, Kuching. • Foto HERRIEY NAHA
KUCHING: Projek menaik taraf gelanggang bola keranjang kepada dewan serbaguna di Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Cina (SJKC) Chung Hua Batu 8 ½ dijangka siap pada April depan.
Pemenang kerusi Dewan Undangan Negeri (ADUN) Batu Kitang, Lo Khere Chiang berkata, projek tersebut menggunakan dana sebanyak RM150,000.
“Jumlah pelajar di sekolah ini semakin bertambah dan ruangan di sekolah ini tidak mencukupi untuk menampung jumlah pelajar yang semkain ramai.
“Justeru, kita melaksanakan projek naik taraf gelanggang bola keranjang ini untuk dijadikan dewan serbaguna agar dapat digunakan sebagai bilik darjah tambahan sekiranya bilik darjah tidak mencukupi,” jelasnya yang turut mendedahkan pelaksanaan projek tersebut dimulakan sejak semalam.
Beliau berkata demikian pada majlis simbolik penyerahan projek kepada pihak kontraktor di hadapan SJKC Chung Hua Batu 8 ½, di sini, semalam.
Dalam perkembangan lain, Lo yang juga Pengerusi Majlis Perbandaran Padawan (MPP) memberitahu MPP kini telah bersiap siaga bagi menghadapi bencana banjir.
“Kita mempunyai sebuah organisasi yang diketuai oleh Pejabat Residen yang akan bertanggungjawab dan dibantu oleh pelbagai agensi bertanggungjawab lain dalam menghadapi bencana banjir terutamanya bagi menyediakan Pusat Penempatan Sementara (PPS) kepada rakyat yang terjejas akibat banjir.
“Bencana banjir bukan suatu perkara yang baharu dan semua pihak berwajib termasuk Ketua Kaum dan Ketua Kampung sudah sedia maklum peranan masing-masing sekiranya berlaku banjir,” ujarnya.
MPP ready to face possibility of floods, says chairman
Lo speaking to reporters at SJK Chung Hua Batu 8.5, Jalan Batu Kitang in Kuching today.
KUCHING (Jan 3): Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) is ready to face the possibility of floods, said its chairman Lo Khere Chiang.
He added that MPP will be working with the Divisional Disaster Management Committee led by the Kuching Resident’s Office should there be floods in its area of its jurisdiction.
The other government agencies involved are the Public Works Department (JKR), Irrigation and Drainage Department (DID), Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM), Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) and others.
“All these agencies would work together under the leadership of the resident’s office should there be floods and will come down to help in dealing with the flood situation if it occurs,” he said when met at the SJK Chung Hua Batu 8.5, Jalan Batu Kitang here today.
Lo, who is also Batu Kitang assemblyman assured the people that the local authorities and government are always ready to face floods in Sarawak.
“Sometimes big floods happen every 10 years or 15 years in Sarawak while small floods, perhaps every four or five years. So, every time when there is a flood, we (the government) provide shelter for the affected residents such as halls, mosques and suraus which function as flood evacuation centres,” he said.
As for the preparation for floods in Batu Kitang and Batu Kawah constituencies, Lo said he and Batu Kawah assemblyman Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian have been preparing small boats for the flood-affected villages in their constituency over the past five years.
“Therefore, we are ready to face floods and we will not have problems like what happened in the Peninsular Malaysia,” he added.
Lo was at the SJK Chung Hua Batu 8.5, Jalan Batu Kitang to witness the handing over of the project to wall up the school’s basketball court from MPP to a contractor tasked to carry out the project.
Also present during the event was Datuk Seri Sulaiman Natu, who represented the contractor.
Lo (third, left) and Sulaiman (second, left) showing the details to of the project to wall up the SJK Chung Hua Batu 8.5 school basketball during the event at the school today. Also seen are representatives from the school, MPP, Sulaiman Enterprise and local community leader Kapitan Lee Tho Fung (right).
KUCHING (Jan 3): Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) will always make sure that only the best contractors are appointed to carry out the projects implemented by the council, said its chairman Lo Khere Chiang.
Lo, who is also Batu Kitang assemblyman-elect, pointed out that MPP will never accept contractors who could not carry out their duties because the council only wanted the best for people in its area of jurisdiction.
“If any contractor are awarded projects from MPP, they must do their best and MPP have always supported the best contractors.
“We will give more projects to contractors who perform their duties as contractors very well,” he told reporters at the SJK Chung Hua Batu 8.5 school today.
During the event, Lo witnessed the handing over of the project to wall up the basketball court of the school from MPP to the project contractor Sulaiman Enterprise.
According to Lo, there is a need to wall up the school’s basketball court because the students of the school have increased and the basketball court will function as a hall once it has been walled up.
“The cost to wall up this school’s basketball court is around RM150,000 and the project is expected to be completed in four months time,” he said.
Datuk Seri Sulaiman Natu who was present on behalf of Sulaiman Enterprise during the event said he was grateful that his company was awarded the project by MPP.
“I have done a lot of projects for MPP before this and I never failed to deliver as a contractor which was why we always have a working relationship with them,” added Sulaiman.
Published Friday, 31 Dec 2021, 11:09 pm •Modified Friday, 31 Dec 2021
18Shares
Share
Tweet
Email
Share
Lo (second right) presents an aid to a recipient as Yap (right) looks on.
BY JACINTHA JOLENE
KUCHING: A total of 260 recipients received their Bantuan Khas Sarawakku Sayang (BKSS) 6.0 for petty traders under the Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) jurisdiction here at MPP’s office on Friday (Dec 31).
MPP, in a statement today, said the payment to the 260 recipients had been made through electronic fund transfers.
It said another three recipients received their BKSS aid via cash presentation because they did not have any bank accounts.
The handing over of the aid was presented by MPP chairman Lo Khere Chiang.
Also present at the handing over ceremony was Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap Yau Sin.
The council will also hand over the aid via cash to those who are yet to receive it and are without bank accounts.
MPP’s smart traffic light system wins 2021 Sustainable Development Award
Lo (centre) holds up the 2021 Sustainable Development Award trophy while others look on.
KUCHING, Dec 31: Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) has won the 2021 Sustainable Development Award (SDA) for its Smart Traffic Light System (SCATS) project under the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
MPP chairman Lo Khere Chiang said with SCATS, the public can now travel smoothly especially during peak time and thus, cut short their travel time.
“Furthermore, by reducing their travel time, it can also contribute to reducing air and noise pollution. Well managed traffic also can minimise the occurrence of accidents, especially at junctions.
“By having the smart signalised junction, road users can enter in and out smoothly and also the system can reduce vehicle idle times by having more green waves,” he said at a press conference held at MPP headquarters today.
This is the third consecutive year that MPP has won the Junior Chamber International (JCI) award as it was crowned champion of all 17 SDGs categories with its ‘Green Market, Green Community’ project in 2019 and winner of SDG 11: No Poverty with its ‘House Repair for the Poor Programme’ project in 2020.
At the same time, Lo informed that MPP have made Bantuan Khas Sarawakku Sayang 6.0 (BKSS 6.0) payment through electronic fund transfers to 260 petty traders that have submitted their bank account to the MPP for the purpose.
He also presented the BKSS payments to three recipients, Atut Nyis, Normalati Samsudin and Chai Khin Joon, as they didn’t have bank accounts.
Lo also mentioned that MPP has set up a special committee in preparation for flash floods.
The roles and functions of the committee in flood operations included desilting soil ditches and removal of culvert pipes, removing landslides blocking the road, installing flood benchmarks at high-risk areas, providing mobile toilets and Trienekens bins at temporary evacuation centres (PPVs), cutting and removing fallen trees and cleaning up the remnants of fallen trees as well as carrying out clean-up works in flood-affected areas. — DayakDaily
Lo: SUPP reach its goals with Dr Sim appointed as Deputy Chief Minister
Lo speaking to reporters at the event.
Follow and subscribe to DayakDaily on Telegramfor faster news updates.
KUCHING, Dec 30: Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) finally reach its goal with the appointment of its president Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian as Deputy Chief Minister, said Batu Kitang assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang.
According to Lo, this is something that all members in the party look forward to, and will appreciate as well as treasure the opportunity that has been given.
“Together as Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) and SUPP, we will try to deliver the best to our people,” he told reporters after witnessing the handing over of Rural Transformation Projects (RTP) at SMK Arang, here today.
Meanwhile, Lo also congratulated Pelawan assemblyman Micheal Tiang for his appointment as Assistant Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government, which is also under Dr Sim.
“This is important because Michael Tiang together with Dr Sim will be able to ensure that the agenda of the local government will get delivered not only in Kuching and Miri, but in Sibu as well,” he added.
Lo (center) witnessing the handing over of RTP worksite between MPP and the contractor.
Earlier on, Lo, who is also Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) chairman witnessed the handing over of RTP work site from MPP to the contractor.
The project involved the construction of about 200 meter shed walkway along the road side of SMK Arang, with the cost of RM50,000. The project will commence on Jan 3, 2022, and expected to be completed in three month, by April 2, 2022. — DayakDailyhttps://dayakdaily.com/lo-supp-reach-its-goals-with-dr-sim-appointed-as-deputy-chief-minister/
Sarawak encouraged by implementation of major projects
Abang Johari, flanked by Batu Kawah elected representative Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian (front, right) and Padawan Municipal Council chairman Lo Khere Chiang, is seen in this photo where the background shows the towering ‘Sky Window of Batu Kawah’. — Photo by Chimon Upon
THE year witnessed the implementation of many major projects in Sarawak, ranging from public infrastructure such as roads to specific facility such as a disease centre.
Whether scheduled for completion in the near term, being a long-haul development or still on the drawing board, these projects signify ‘more things to come’ as Sarawak strives towards achieving a ‘developed economy’ status by 2030.
Abang Johari performing the ground-breaking ceremony for the Batang Lupar bridge, in this photo taken on March 23. — Photo by Roystein Emmor
1. Batang Lupar Bridge ⦁ Costing RM848 million, this structure aims to become the longest river bridge in Malaysia, at a length of 4.8km. Meant to connect Kuching, Sebuyau and Maludam, it is scheduled for completion by 2025, with the project cost being fully borne by the state government after it was initially cancelled by the then-Pakatan Harapan (PH)-led federal government. The Batang Lupar Bridge would significantly shorten the travelling time; at present, the only way to travel across the river is via ferry.
2. Sarawak Infectious Disease Centre (SIDC) ⦁ It is said that this centre, located in Kota Samarahan, would catalyse the development of biomedical industries in Sarawak and pave the way towards the establishment of a bio-hub integrating hospitals, research centres, academics and also a bio-park. Reported to cost about RM200 million, the SIDC would function as a research facility under the purview of Sarawak Research and Development Council (SRDC). To be operational by 2024, the centre would be equipped with Bio-Safety Level 3 (BSL-3) laboratories, meant to facilitate research and development (R&D) works on BSL-3 infectious agents and subsequently, product-testing meant to ensure the commercialisation of the R&D output.
3. Sungai Sarawak-Sejingkat Bridge ⦁ The 1.281km dual-carriageway cable-stayed bridge, which would go across Sarawak River at Sejingkat, is set to be the third-longest of its kind in the country.
This RM485-million structure, upon its completion, would be the final link to the ambitious, 896km Sarawak Coastal Highway. The bridge would provide an alternative route linking Kuching and Samarahan, aimed at addressing traffic congestion during peak hours. The bridge is being built according to R5 standard specifications under the Public Works Department (JKR), and it is scheduled for completion by July 2023.
An artist’s impression of Bebuling STOLport in Spaoh, Betong.
4. Bebuling STOLport ⦁ The RM108-million short take-off and landing airport (STOLport) in Spaoh, Betong, is part of the initiatives towards attaining the state’s goal of becoming a net food producer by 2030. With design features comprising a 790m runway and a 185m taxiway, two units of aircraft parking spaces, a terminal building and a watch tower, the STOLport is scheduled for completion by September 2023. It has been reported that this facility is meant to cater for the immediate transportation of the agriculture produce from the agro-park in Bebuling to the markets.
5. Access road to south of Kuching International Airport ⦁ The RM112.9-million project, comprising the construction of a 6.2km road, was approved under the 11th Malaysia Plan (11MP) Third Rolling Plan.
Supervised by Public Works Department (JKR) Sarawak, the project is aimed at mitigating traffic congestion in the surrounding areas, as well as providing an alternative route for motorists from different directions, including those from and going to Samarahan and Serian districts. As a part of the works, concrete single-carriageway bridges would be built across Sungai Kuap, Sungai Stampin and Sungai Sangkoh, and an underpass would be constructed through the airport. The completion date is set on Aug 1, 2024.
The new Satok Suspension Bridge has maintained the design of the original structure.
6. Satok Suspension Bridge ⦁ Costing RM14.3 million, this 213m pedestrian bridge was reconstructed after the original structure collapsed on Oct 7, 2004. The predecessor was built during the Rajah Brooke era in 1923, at a cost equivalent to US$52,000 – it reached completion in 1926. Due to wear-and-tear, the bridge was closed to public in 1992, and remained so until its collapse in 2004.
In 2017, the Sarawak government decided to rebuild the bridge, and the works commenced on Sept 19 that year.
Suspended 18m above the Sarawak River and having somewhat maintained the original design, the Satok Suspension Bridge now ranks alongside the iconic Darul Hana Bridge at the Old Kuching section of the river.
7. Batu Kawah Riverbank Park ⦁ The RM8.8-million development features the latest landmark in the Batu Kawah area of Kuching, namely a 10-storey structure named the ‘Sky Window of Batu Kawah’, towering over what was once a wasteland covering 15.6 acres. The project is divided into five phases – the park provides a 2km walkway starting from Point 1, passing the Chinese temple at the Batu Kawah Old Bazaar, and reaching Kampung Rantau Panjang on the other end. Padawan Municipal Council is the implementing agency of the project.
8. Proposal to set up Sarawak’s own boutique airline ⦁ On Nov 30, Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the proposed airline would be for business and leisure travels, and it would be parked under Hornbill Skyways, an established regional chartered air service operating in Sarawak. The airline aims to penetrate tourism hubs such as Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Bangkok and Hong Kong, and it would focus on small-scale carriers able to accommodate between 100 and 120 passengers each.
The Chief Minister said he had calculated the cost and was confidence that this airline would be economically viable.
