DUN Sitting : Nov 01 - Nov 10, 2010

Day One (Nov 01):
* Ucapan Belanjawan 2010 by Taib

Day Two (Nov 02):
* Draft of Private Motion By Karim on WHITE PAPER
* Draft of Private Motion By Ho Leng on Ministers
* Draft of Private Motion By Ho Leng on logjam at Rajang River
* Draft of Private Motion By Violet Yong against Article 24(7)
* Abu Seman querying about Mukah airport and MASwings
* Nelson querying about road connecting Ba' Kelalan and Bario
* Simoi querying about road upgrading
* Mohammad Ali querying about general hospital in Kota Samarahan
* Joseh Mauh querying about supply of water to long houses
* Dr. Abdul Rahman querying about drainage system in Rampangi
* Wahbi querying about telecommunication tower
* Andy Chia querying about jetties

Day Three (Nov 03):
* RM1.4 bln road to make Kapit accessible in 5 years, says Manyin
* Investment in 1st Silicon for long-term benefit, says George Chan
* Protect Sarawak companies servicing oil and gas industry, says Andy Chia
* Police HQ to be built at Petra Jaya, says George Chan

Day Four (Nov 04):
* RM60 million for perimeter survey on NCR land, saysTengah
* Dr Jerip urges dept to urgently build long-overdue Siburan health clinic
* Limbang in need of specialist doctors, says Dr Abdul Rahman
* Assign specialist to Dato hospital, says Abu Seman
* Improvement for Kpg Benuk, Kpg Mongkos homestay programmes, says Talip
* Voon calls for govt clinic or mobile medical team for Batu Lintang
* Bayoi - Many areas in Serian need power, clean water supply

Day Five (Nov 05):
* DAP’s Chiew and Voon invited to join ruling govt by Dr. Abdul Rahman and Liwan
* Buffalo farmers to receive assistance, says Jabu
* 4 hectres per family can lift state’s economy, says Jabu
* Categorise SK Long Napir as Penan school, says Paulus
* Manyin says Rayang-Sebemban road to be included in 10MP
* Dr Chan says History syllabus must be all inclusive
* Dr Abd Rahman says every Pantai Damai village needs primary drain
* Abg Jo says 70 pct maximum loan won’t affect local property market
* Hasidah says Consider grassroots’ opinions in future govt plans

No DUN Sitting on Nov 06 (Sat) & Nov 07 (Sun).

Day Six (Nov 08):
* Sarawak's Export Of Timber Products To Hit RM7 Billion This Year, says Tengah
* Sarawak Foundation Aid For All Sarawakians, says Fatimah
* Human Capital Development Must Meet Needs Of SCORE, says Taib

Day Seven (Nov 09):
* White paper not designed to oppress, says Taib 
* Sarawak Plans To Develop Bus Rapid Transit System, says Abang Jo
* Higher House Prices In Sarawak, says Abang Jo
* Pandalela, Bibiana And Brian Rewarded By Sarawak Government, says Mawan
* Sarawak Plans To Merge, Upgrade Dumpsites To Sanitary Landfills, says Soon Koh
* Goverment Plans To Implement Eight EPP Along The Palm Oil Value Chain, says Masing
* Masing says many countries want to copy BN unique system
* Ministry aims to improve people’s oral health, says Soon Koh

Day Eight (Nov 10):
* DUN passes Budget 2011
* Dr Chan says rep should not have touched on his and his daughter’s personal affairs
* Jabu says Community leaders to get raise 100% in allowances
* More MAS international flights from KIA, says Dr Chan
* Salcra might pay highest dividend, says Jabu
* Soon Koh tells private sector to take lead in Sarawak’s economic transformation
* Vessels can enjoy further sudsidised diesel extension, says Dr Chan
* Local business portal ready to assist entrepreneurs and investors, says Dr Chan
* SMEs in major sectors assisted with training, says Dr Chan
  

DUN Sitting (Day Eight): More MAS international flights from KIA, says Dr Chan

(Nov 10, 2010)

SARAWAKIANS can expect Malaysia Airlines (MAS) to operate more international routes to and from Kuching next year.

Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan yesterday said the destinations include Tokyo and Osaka in Japan, Seoul in South Korea and Bandar Seri Begawan in Brunei.

The Tourism and Heritage Minister also said MAS would commence its flight from Tokyo’s Haneda Airport, Osaka’s Kansai Airport and Seoul’s Incheon Airport into Kuching via Kota Kinabalu in Sabah from mid January next year.

“AirAsia will operate Kuching-Bandar Seri Begawan in 2011. We are also advocating that MASwings be allowed to operate Kuching-Pontianak, Kuching-Bandar Seri Begawan and Mulu-Bandar Seri Begawan routes on a commercial basis,” said Dr Chan in his winding-up speech at the State Legislative Assembly yesterday.

DUN Sitting (Day Eight): DUN passes Budget 2011

(Nov 10, 2010)

THE SUPPLY (2011) Bill, 2010 and the motion to refer the Resolution of the Estimates of Development Expenditure, 2011 was passed by the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) yesterday.

Budget 2011 which was tabled by Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud on the first day of the DUN sitting on November 1 was passed after it was read for the third time by Second Finance Minister Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh.

More than 30 members of the august house participated in the debate on the Bill throughout the sitting, including members from the opposition bench before it was finally passed.

Taib, who is Minister of Finance, when presenting the budget, said that Budget 2011 was expected to generate a budget surplus of RM60 million.

It was the second meeting of the fifth session of the 16th DUN sitting, and could be the final for some members as the next state election could be called soon.

The motion to adjourn the sitting was read by Assistant Minister of Rural District Councils John Sikie Tayai.

DUN Sitting (Day Eight): SMEs in major sectors assisted with training, says Dr Chan

(Nov 10, 2010)

SHIPBUILDING, electrical and electronic sectors will be provided with training by the Ministry of Industrial Development.

Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan said the ministry was planning to broaden the training scope for the three sectors to really help the small and medium entrepreneurs (SMEs) in the state.

According to him, the ministry at the moment has assisted in the entrepreneurial and skill development of the SMEs in three sectors, namely; food-based, fabric and ceramic.

“The success of transforming SMEs to be more competitive and resilient depends largely on human capital development and knowledge enrichment, which are imperative for SMEs,” said Dr Chan, who is also the Industrial Development Minister in his winding-up speech.

DUN Sitting (Day Eight): Local business portal ready to assist entrepreneurs and investors, says Dr Chan

(Nov 10, 2010)

THE Sarawak Business Connect portal, an Internet software mechanism to facilitate the dissemination of investors’ information and business opportunities available to the local business communities is now completed and ready for launch soon.

The business portal, which houses profiles of local entrepreneurs, would also disseminate information and business opportunities of Small and Medium Enterprises.

Through the portal, the Industrial Development Ministry together with the Sarawak Chamber of Commerce and Industry could display the requirements or needs of investors such as logistics, packaging, material supplies, manpower and many more valuable information.

In addition, the portal would also provide the platform for local entrepreneurs to display their technical capabilities and capacities.

DUN Sitting (Day Eight): Vessels can enjoy further sudsidised diesel extension, says Dr Chan

(Nov 10, 2010)

SOON, coastal vessels, tugboats, barges and others operating within Sarawak under the Controlled Subsidised Diesel Scheme (SKDS) can enjoy further subsidised diesel extension.

This followed a decision reached after a paper on the matter was tabled by the state’s Industrial Development Ministry at the Industries-Joint Committee (JBI) meeting last Oct 8.

The meeting, co-chaired by its minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan and Deputy International Trade and Industry minister Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir also saw another paper touching on extension of tax exemption of shipping profits to ferries, tugboats, barges, lighters and others which operated within Sarawak under the Income Tax Act.

“Our main aim is to bring down the cost of transportation of goods, hence, the cost of doing businesses in the state in line with the changing needs and to enable our businesses to be more competitive,” said Dr Chan, who is also the Industrial Development Minister, when delivering his winding-up speech yesterday.

DUN Sitting (Day Eight): Soon Koh tells private sector to take lead in Sarawak’s economic transformation

(Nov 10, 2010)

THE PRIVATE sector has been told to make preparations to play the lead role in transforming the state’s economy into a high-income one.

In saying this, Second Finance Minister Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh pointed out that it was the private sector that would benefit from development.

“Industry players, particularly those in the oil, gas and energy, electric and electronic, palm oil and agriculture are the main targets of the National Key Economic Areas (NKEA),” he said in his winding-up speech yesterday.

Sarawak is expecting 11 NKEAs and 68 entry point projects to be implemented to boost the state’s development in the next 20 years, following the Economic Transformation Programme (ETP) Road Map launched by the prime minister on Oct 25.

Wong said that the ETP will be led by the private sector and the government will primarily play the role of a facilitator.

DUN Sitting (Day Eight): Salcra might pay highest dividend, says Jabu

(Nov 10, 2010)

SARAWAK Land Consolidation and Rehabilitation Authority (Salcra) generated a group total revenue of RM473.99 million and group profit before tax of RM119.71 million as at August 31 this year.

Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu said this in his winding-up speech, where he also disclosed that its estate operations recorded an operating surplus of RM84.6 million.

He also forecasted that should the price of crude palm oil remain favourbale for the last quarter of this year, estate operations would achieve an operating surplus of around RM120 million.

This would enable Salcra’s board to consider the highest and “most handsome” ever dividend payment of not less than RM50 million to landowners and participants for this year, he added.

DUN Sitting (Day Eight): Jabu says Community leaders to get raise 100% in allowances

(Nov 10, 2010)

SHOW OF SOLIDARITY: Jabu (second right) leaving the State Legislative Assembly after delivering his winding-up speech with (from left) Sharifah Hasidah (BN-Semariang), Andy Chia (BN-Pujut) and (right) Datuk Francis Harden (BN- Simanggang) yesterday.

THE state government will increase the allowances of penghulus, pemamcas and temenggongs after it has finalised the matter with the federal government.

Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu Numpang said the move was made following an announcement by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Najib Razak in his recent 2011 Budget speech that ketua kampungs and village security and development committee (JKKK) chairmen would be getting an allowance of RM800 per month effective January 2011.

The amount would be a 100 per cent increase from their current allowance of RM400 per month.

Jabu who is also the Minister of Rural Development said the new allowances would be announced once the administrative issue relating to them has been finalised by the relevant authorities.

DUN Sitting (Day Eight): Dr Chan says rep should not have touched on his and his daughter’s personal affairs

(Nov 10, 2010)

by Johnson K Saai.

ADJOURNED SINE DIE: Dr Chan waving to reporters before getting into his car after DUN was adjourned yesterday.

KUCHING: Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan would have regretted it if he had allowed an interruption by Violet Yong (DAP-Pending) during his winding-up speech as the Minister of Industrial Development on the final day of the State Legislative Assembly sitting yesterday.

This was because Yong, who was granted the floor when she sought for point of order, instead of clarifying issues affecting the state and the people in general, touched on matters concerning the minister’s and his daughter’s private lives.

She first started her remarks by congratulating Dr Chan for his “second marriage” before asking the minister why his daughter had been able to get a piece of land in BDC area at a low price.

DUN Sitting (Day Seven): White paper not designed to oppress, says Taib

 (Nov 09, 2010)

KUCHING: Government backbenchers’ effort to keep the proceedings of the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) decorous must not be regarded as a move to oppress the opposition.

Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud who said this yesterday gave state BN Backbenchers’ Club chairman Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah a pat on the back for his initiative to curtail unintended disputes in the august house.

“I think it is an intelligent way (Karim had moved a motion for a white paper) to get things to calm down, to get people to see the rational approach to solving problems… not like what (you see) in the papers, to muzzle the opposition.

“It is an effort to try to understand what the real situation is. Once we know the real situation, measures will be taken and prevention put in place to preserve the good character of the people,” he said in his winding up speech yesterday.

DUN Sitting (Day Seven): Ministry aims to improve people’s oral health, says Soon Koh

(Nov 09, 2010)

ABOUT 460,000 people are expected to receive oral healthcare at government dental facilities while 1,511 (79 per cent) kindergartens and 1,206 (95.5 per cent) primary schools in the state respectively will receive oral healthcare under the Incremental School Dental Programme. 

Minister of Environment and Public Health Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh said in his winding-up speech that the Oral Health Division aims to improve the oral health status of the people, especially school children, as well as to mould an exemplary workforce.

As such, it launched its first master plan – Pinnacle 2010 on July 27 in 2002.

As a result, 25 per cent of six-year-old children and 51 per cent of 12-year-old children in the State were free dental decay in 2009 and the average number of decayed teeth among 12-year-old schoolchildren had decreased from 2.5 in 1997, to 1.3 in 2009.

DUN Sitting (Day Seven): Masing says many countries want to copy BN unique system

(Nov 09, 2010)

THE Barisan Nasional (BN) government is the most unique system of governance in a multi-racial nation like Malaysia which many countries tried to emulate but failed, said Minister of Land Development Dato Sri Dr James Masing.

As such he said the BN concept, which was incepted in 1974, should not be taken for granted.

“BN is the successor of the Alliance. There are now 14 different political parties in the BN and there are rules and understanding which govern the BN,” Masing said in his winding-up speech at the State Legislative Assembly yesterday.

He also spelt out pertinent issues which govern the fabric of BN’s survival, which include: admission to the BN must be unanimous.

“This means all political parties within the BN, regardless of their size have the power to veto any new admission to the BN. Once a veto is registered a new admission is rejected.

DUN Sitting (Day Seven): Goverment Plans To Implement Eight EPP Along The Palm Oil Value Chain, says Masing

(Nov 09, 2010)

KUCHING -- The Sarawak state government plans to implement eight core Entry Point Projects (EPP) along the palm oil value chain under the palm oil National Key Economic Areas (NKEA).

Minister of Land Development Datuk Seri James Jemut Masing said the EPP is important, especially in Sarawak, as development of the palm oil industry remains heavily biased towards upstream activities.

He said under the upstream activities, the EPP would focus on improving productivity and sustainability, in order to transform the palm oil plantation.

This is to be done, he added, by accelerating the replanting of aging oil palms, mechanising plantations using equipment such as Cantas, stringently enforcing best practices, implementing strict quality control parameters and developing biogas facilities at palm oil mills.

DUN Sitting (Day Seven): Sarawak Plans To Merge, Upgrade Dumpsites To Sanitary Landfills, says Soon Koh

(Nov 09, 2010)

KUCHING -- Sarawak has proposed to merge and upgrade the existing dumpsites in the state to at least level three sanitary landfills in phases, state Environment and Public Health Minister Datuk Seri Wong Soon Koh said Tuesday.

He said the ministry had conducted a study and proposed to upgrade the dumpsites to sanitary landfills equipped with cells, gas venting system, leachate treatment system and polishing ponds.

"We have secured funding this year from the Ministry of Housing and Local Government to upgrade the leachate treatment plant and build new cells at the Kemuyang sanitary landfill, Sibu costing RM7.5 million and at the Sibuti sanitary landfill, Miri costing RM6.8 million.

"In addition, the ministry has also approved the safe closure of the Kuala Baram, Miri dumpsite costing RM8 milion and the upgrading of the landfill in Sarikei," he said in his winding-up speech for his ministry at the state assembly sitting, here Tuesday.

DUN Sitting (Day Seven): Pandalela, Bibiana And Brian Rewarded By Sarawak Government, says Mawan

(Nov 09, 2010)

KUCHING -- Three Sarawak athletes who won medals at the Delhi Commonwealth Games were rewarded by the state government, the Sarawak State Assembly was told Tuesday.

Social Development and Urbanisation Minister Datuk Seri William Mawan Ikom said Bibiana Ng and Pandalela Rinong anak Pamg, who won gold and silver medals respectively in the shooting and diving events, received incentives totalling RM50,000 each.

He said Brian Nickson Lomas, who won two bronze in diving, received a total of RM15,000.

The incentives were the state government's way of rewarding Sarawak athletes who turn in medal winning performances at big meets, he said when winding up debate for his ministry.

DUN Sitting (Day Seven): Higher House Prices In Sarawak, State Assembly Told

(Nov 09, 2010)

KUCHING -- House prices in Sarawak have shot up in a period of less than a year, State Housing and Urban Development Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg said Tuesday.

He told the state assembly that a double-storey semi-detached house which cost RM500,000 in May was now priced at RM600,000 and a double-storey corner house which went for RM300,000 in May was now RM400,000.

Winding up debate on his ministry, he did not dismiss the possibility that developers raised prices on the excuse that higher cost of land, construction material and oil had hiked up the cost of construction.

"This can result in medium-income people being unable to buy houses of their choice. Furthermore, it could set off a property bubble which can have dire consequences on the economy," he said.

DUN Sitting (Day Seven): Sarawak Plans To Develop Bus Rapid Transit System, says Abang Jo

(Nov 09, 2009)

KUCHING, Nov 9 -- Sarawak urged the federal government to assist the state in developing a modern Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system in the 10th Malaysia Plan (10MP).

Housing and Urban Development Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg said Tuesday the BRT system would be integrated with the river taxi and other non-motorised transportation such as pedestrian walks and cycling lanes.

"We hope the federal government will assist us to revamp our bus services and to develop BRT system.

"This is our way forward to make Kuching a world class city," he said when the winding up the debate for his ministry at the State Assembly Meeting here Tuesday.

He added that revamping urban public transportation system would unclog the traffic congestion in the city, reduce pollution and usage of fuel per capita.

DUN Sitting (Day Six): Human Capital Development Must Meet Needs Of SCORE, says Taib

(Nov 08, 2010)

KUCHING, Nov 8 (Bernama) -- Human capital development must be able to meet the needs of the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) to ensure the success of this mega development programme.

Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud said that 20 years from now, SCORE which was expected to attract RM300 billion worth of investments would require knowledgeable and highly skilled manpower.

"Therefore, human capital development must be in tandem with SCORE's requirements," he said when winding up the debate at the state assembly sitting, here, Monday.

This way, Taib said, in future SCORE would be able to check the migration of local youths who possessed the skills in various fields of industry to other countries like the Gulf states.

He said the stiff competition at the global level in hiring highly skilled manpower and offering high salaries should also serve as a lesson in the development of SCORE.

DUN Sitting (Day Six): Sarawak Foundation Aid For All Sarawakians, says Fatimah

(Nov 08, 2010)

KUCHING -- All the people of Sarawak are entitled to educational opportunities and aid from the Sarawak Foundation, with priority given to the low-income group in accordance with the academic achievement of the student, the state assembly was told Monday.

Minister in the Chief Minister's Office Datin Fatimah Abdullah said RM30 million had been allocated for educational aid schemes such as scholarships and loans from the school to the tertiary institution level.

"The government wishes to see the Sarawak Foundation, through various educational initiatives, create a knowledgeable and competitive generation capable of fulfilling the manpower needs of today and the future," she said when winding up debate on her ministry.

She said the offer of educational aid also took into account the courses attended, with priority given to meeting the critical needs of Sarawak such as engineering, quantity survey and land survey, and post-graduate professional education offered by the Yayasan Biasiswa Sarawak Tunku Abdul Rahman (YBSTAR).

DUN Sitting (Day Six): Sarawak's Export Of Timber Products To Hit RM7 Billion This Year, says Tengah

(Nov 08, 2010)

KUCHING -- Sarawak's export of timber products is expected to hit RM7 billion this year if the recovery in demand for wood products remains stable till end of the year, says Second Minister of Planning and Resource Management Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan.

He said the state's value of timber exports recorded an increase of 15.6 per cent with exports amounting to RM5.49 billion by the third quarter of this year compared with RM4.75 billion seen in the corresponding period of last year.

"During the period, the value of major wood products from Sarawak such as logs, plywood and sawn timber rose by 20 per cent from RM4.15 billion worth in 2009 to RM4.98 billion this year.

DUN Sitting (Day Five): Hasidah - Consider grassroots’ opinions in future govt plans

(Nov 05, 2010)

SHARIFAH Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali (BN-Semariang) hoped all future government plans and programmes would not leave out grassroots opinions and voices.

She said this was necessary to reduce speculations and unnecessary conflicts in the implementation of all government projects.

“For example, the plan to build Rumah Mesra Rakyat or even a flood mitigation project especially in villages…the views of the people affected and living in the areas must be considered as they know their areas better,” she said when debating the 2011 State Budget yesterday.

She added that many grassroots people hold good jobs and some are professionals.

DUN Sitting (Day Five): Abg Jo - 70 pct maximum loan won’t affect local property market

(Nov 05, 2010)

The implementation of a maximum loan-to-value (LTV) ratio of 70 per cent for people buying their third or more houses will not affect the local property market, Housing and Urban Development Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg said.

He said this was because in Sarawak there were not many property speculators and very few people would buy more than two houses.

Therefore, he said, as far as the state was concerned the supply and demand for properties would not be affected especially with the introduction of exemption for those earning RM3,000 a month from paying the deposit for their first home.

DUN Sitting (Day Five): Dr Abd Rahman - Every Pantai Damai village needs primary drain

(Nov 05, 2010)

A GOVERNMENT backbencher has urged the authorities concerned to build a primary drain in each village in Pantai Damai.

Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi (BN-Pantai Damai) said the primary drain would ensure the smooth flow of water from sub-drains in Kampung Boyan, Gersik, Surabaya, Panglima Seman, Semarang, Pulo and Bintawa.

“We are worried that the stagnant water in the sub-drains would affect the health of the people.

“If left unattended, the stagnant water could become breeding ground for mosquitoes that might lead to possible outbreak of diseases namely dengue, malaria and chikungkunya,” he said in his debate speech on Supply (2011) Bill 2010 yesterday.

DUN Sitting (Day Five): Dr Chan - History syllabus must be all inclusive

(Nov 05, 2010)

SARAWAK United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) wants the History syllabus to be reviewed to ensure it is all inclusive for all Malaysians.

Its president Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan said the party agreed that the study of history in schools, particularly national history, ‘is a good tool for nation-building’ and hence must be accurate recording of historical events in the nation.

Dr Chan, who is Deputy Chief Minister, regretted that the Malaysian school curriculum for History had been perceived as not adequately reflecting the contributions of all communities in the nation.

He recapped the background of the formation of Malaysia in a media statement issued outside DUN yesterday while responding to a recent announcement that History be made a compulsory pass subject for Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) 2013.

DUN Sitting (Day Five): Manyin - Rayang-Sebemban road to be included in 10MP

(Nov 05, 2010)

INFRASTRUCTURE Development and Communication Minister Dato Sri Michael Manyin yesterday explained that a number of approved road projects in Tarat constituency could not be implemented due to lack of government funds.

Replying to Roland Sagah Wee Inn (BN-Tarat) at the DUN sitting, Manyin said that the Rayang/Munggu Kopi/Tanah Puteh/Sebemban road in Serian was in fact approved in the Eighth Malaysia Plan (MP) valued at RM20 million then.

“However, no allocation was provided under the 9MP and our ministry, through the State Planning Unit, has submitted the project to be included in the 10MP.

DUN Sitting (Day Five): Categorise SK Long Napir as Penan school, says Paulus

(Nov 05, 2010)

PAULUS Palu Gumbang (BN-Batu Danau) has called for SK Long Napir to be recognised as a Penan school so that all its students could receive allowances as those in other Penan schools in the state.

At the moment, the school, located deep in Ulu Limbang has about 81 students including pre-schoolers.

From the number, 57 students (80.2 per cent) are Penans while the 24 others are Kelabits.

“Now that the Penan students in SK Long Napir are more than 80 per cent, it is only just that the school received recognition. Furthermore, it is to help the people,” said the Batu Danau assemblyman when debating during the State 2011 Budget at the State Legislative Assembly yesterday.

DUN Sitting (Day Five): Jabu - 4 hectres per family can lift state’s economy

(Nov 05, 2010)

SARAWAK is recommending a ‘4-ha rubber or oil palm per family’ policy for inclusion in the federal government’s development programmes in the next 10 years in the state.

Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu Numpang, who mentioned this at the august House yesterday, believed this could lift the state’s gross domestic product (GDP) to be on par with those of the developed states.

“Four hectres of rubber and 4 hectres of oil palm per family are recommended to the federal government for inclusion in its development programmes for the next 10 years, (that is) to the year 2020,” he said.

DUN Sitting (Day Five): Buffalo farmers to receive assistance

(Nov 05, 2010)

BUFFALO farmers in northern Sarawak will receive a boost from the ceiling allocation of RM8 million from the federal government under the 10th Malaysia Plan (10MP), the august house was told yesterday.

Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu Numpang also announced the Department of Agriculture (DOA) will receive an allocation of RM2 million for 2011 and 2012.

“This is to assist buffalo farmers in Limbang and Miri divisions. The fund will be used for the purchase of between 400 and 500 breeding buffaloes,” he said.

Jabu, who is also Modernisation of Agriculture Minister, was answering a question from Paulus Palu Gumbang (BN – Batu Danau).

DUN Sitting (Day Five): DAP’s Chiew and Voon invited to join ruling govt

(Nov 05, 2010)

Posted on November 6, 2010, Saturday

BOTH Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi (BN-Pantai Damai) and Liwan Lagang (BN-Belaga) have unanimously invited opposition members Chiew Chin Sing (DAP-Kidurong) and Voon Lee Shan (DAP-Batu Lintang) to be a part of the ruling government.

They believed that Chiew and Voon could further ease the implementation of development projects planned for their respective constituencies.

Dr Rahman said he had looked up to the Kidurong assemblyman whom he described as a gentleman with manners and laudable character.

“It would be great if the member for Batu Lintang could emulate his counterpart from Kidurong to make this honorable assembly more orderly so that we all can work as a team for mutual benefit,” he said when debating on the Supply (2011) Bill 2010 yesterday. 

Dr Rahman said the disciplinary action taken against Ting Tze Fui (DAP-Meradong) should serve as a reminder for the opposition bench that no one would escape any inappropriate action or words uttered.

DUN Sitting (Day Four): Bayoi - Many areas in Serian need power, clean water supply

(Nov 04, 2010)

SERIAN district is in dire need of power and clean water supplies, Kedup assemblyman Frederick Bayoi Manggie said when debating the 2011 State Budget.

He attributed this to its rapidly increasing population which at present is about 130,000.

“Many villages in the district aside from Kedup still have not been provided with clean and treated water supply from Public Works Department (JKR),” he said.

He pointed out that in Serian town itself, consumers often complained of dry taps and very low water pressure as the present water treatment plant at Slabi with a capacity of 12.4 million litres per day was incapable of meeting the people’s requirement.

DUN Sitting (Day Four): Voon calls for govt clinic or mobile medical team for Batu Lintang

(Nov 04, 2010)

KUCHING: Batu Lintang constituency badly needs a government clinic or at least a regular mobile medical team to provide medical services to the people living in the area.

This was among the issues highlighted by Voon Lee Shan (DAP-Batu Lintang) when debating the Supply (2011) Bill 2010 and a motion to refer the Resolution on the Estimates of Development Expenditure 2011, at the DUN sitting on Wednesday. He told the august house that the constituency was experiencing a growing population and should not be left without a government clinic.

DUN Sitting (Day Four): Improvement for Kpg Benuk, Kpg Mongkos homestay programmes

(Nov 04, 2010)

TWO Bidayuh villages — Kampung Benuk and Kampung Mongkos — are set to benefit from infrastructure improvement projects worth more than RM2 million for the homestay programme.

Assistant Minister of Tourism Datuk Talib Zulpilip told the assembly yesterday that his ministry was submitting two projects in the two villages for consideration under the 10th Malaysia Plan.

“Amounting to RM2,634,750, these projects are Kampung Benuk Homestay and Bangunan One Stop Centre and Gelanggang Sukan Pelbagai Guna Berbumbung for Kampung Mongkos homestay,” he said when replying to a question from Datuk Aidan Wing (BN-Lambir).

DUN Sitting (Day Four): Assign specialist to Daro hospital

(Nov 04, 2010)

A GOVERNMENT backbencher has called on the authorities to dispatch a specialist to the hospital in Daro, which serves the people in Daro as well as Jemoreng.

Abu Seman Jahwie (BN-Jemoreng), in making the call yesterday, said some critical cases had to be referred to the nearest hospital, which was in Sibu, adding that the distance had caused great inconvenience let alone loss of lives.

“Some patients need further treatment due to critical conditions, and this is not offered at the hospital in Daro. Thus, they have to be sent all the way to Sibu Hospital.

DUN Sitting (Day Four): Limbang in need of specialist doctors

(Nov 04, 2010)

DR Abdul Rahman Ismaili (BN-Bukit Kota) told the august house yesterday, that Limbang Hospital is in dire need of specialist doctors in gynaecology and obstetrics, surgeon, physician and pediatrician.

He said that in the previous DUN sittings, the government had agreed to place the specialist doctors at the hospital and he hoped this could be implemented soon.

“With the specialist doctors in place, the hospital can accept referred patients from Lawas Hospital and at the same time, could assist Miri Hospital. This also helps to reduce the burden of bearing the cost of treatment for patients,” he said in responding to the State 2011 budget which was tabled by Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud last Monday.

DUN Sitting (Day Four): Dr Jerip urges dept to urgently build long-overdue Siburan health clinic

(Nov 04, 2010)

THE Medical Department has been told to urgently look into the construction of the long overdue Siburan health clinic.

Dr Jerip Susil (BN-Bengoh) said the land had been acquired within Siburan area and the implementation was due in the 9th Malaysian Plan (9MP).

According to him, the present clinic was overcrowded with inadequate facilities.

“There was a plan to upgrade the clinic into a health centre, with doctors and a family physician, so I urge the Medical Department to urgently take up the matter,” he told the august house when debating the 2010 State Budget. Dr Jerip said Siburan was fast developing, with a number of housing estates and the population had tripled.

DUN Sitting (Day Four): RM60 million for perimeter survey on NCR land

(Nov 04, 2010)

THE government has allocated RM60 million for the perimeter survey on native customary rights (NCR) land in the state in 2011 and 2012.

HEADING FOR THE SITTING: Second Minister of Planning and Resource Management Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hassan (left) with State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohd Morshidi Abdul Ghani wait for the lift during the sitting yesterday morning.

Second Minister of Planning and Resource Management Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hassan said yesterday that  with the allocation,  the Land and Survey Department (LSD) would continue the state government’s initiative to carry out perimeter survey on NCR land.

“So far, 27 hectares of NCR  land  in  Sarawak  have been covered. NCR land is scattered throughout the state and it will take time to complete the perimeter  survey. What matters is that the initiative is continuous.

DUN Sitting (Day Three): Police HQ to be built at Petra Jaya

(Nov 03, 2010)

A NEW Kuching District police headquarters is to be built at Petra Jaya under the Tenth Malaysia Plan (10MP).

MEETING THE MEDIA: Dr Chan (middle) flanked by Dato Sri Wong Son Koh (left) and Datuk David Teng at the media conference held in the afternoon session of DUN sitting.

Bandar Baru Samariang, Muara Tebas and Bako will also have a police station each proposed under the plan.

This was revealed by Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan when he replied to questions raised by Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali (BN-Semariang) and Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi (BN-Pantai Damai) at DUN yesterday.

Both backbenchers have raised concern over the rising population in the areas which they feared could give rise to some social problems.

To a particular question raised by Dr Abdul Rahman, Dr Chan, who is also Industrial Development Minister, disclosed that Gita and Santubong police stations had 67 officers.

In view of the fast growing population in these areas, Dr Chan (BN-Piasau) pointed out that crime prevention activities undertaken by both police stations were complemented by the General Operations Force (GOF), patrol vehicle units, and CID Kuching District police from Simpang Tiga.

DUN Sitting (Day Three): Protect Sarawak companies servicing oil and gas industry

(Nov 03, 2010)

THE state government must step in and demand that Petronas stop the unfair practices that benefit larger Peninsular Malaysia firms at the expense of Sarawak companies.

Andy Chia Chu Fatt (BN-Pujut) said yesterday that there have been complaints that some Petronas policies, licensing requirements and conditions kept changing, placing Sarawak companies at a disadvantage.

“Licensing renewal delays have often caused the local companies to miss important term contract tenders,” he said.

It was reported that the contract work and supply services were eventually subcontracted by these Peninsular Malaysia companies who have no presence in Sarawak to local companies at a lower price, Chia added.

He urged the state government to set up a professionally-run agency that will act as a facilitator and advisory body for the local industry.

DUN Sitting (Day Three): ‘Investment in 1st Silicon for long-term benefit’

(Nov 03, 2010)

The investment by the state government to set up 1st Silicon (now X Fab) is for long-term gain, said Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Industrial Development Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan Hong Nam.

He said the investment on 1st Silicon was justified to spearhead the growth of hi-tech industries in Sarawak.

“It’s just like building roads and other infrastructure. Do we get instant profit from it? No, this also applies to 1st Silicon.

“Without it, Sarawak would not be able to attract foreign investors in hi-tech industries,” Dr Chan told the media on the sidelines of the State Legislative Assembly sitting here yesterday.

Dr Chan was commenting on Meradong assemblywoman Ting Tze Hui’s suspension ‘for misleading the house by accusing the government of spending millions of ringgit without proper substantiation’ on 1st Silicon.

DUN Sitting (Day Three): RM1.4 bln road to make Kapit accessible in 5 years

(Nov 03, 2010)

IN five years’ time, Kapit would be connected to the whole of Sarawak by land with the soon to be built RM1.4 billion Sangan (Tatau)-Sg Anap road.

Stretching 136 kilometres, the Sangan-Sg Anap route would connect with the Nanga Mulukun-Kapit road when completed.

With Tatau already easily reached to Bintulu by land, this project would ensure that the whole state could easily drive to Kapit via Tatau, Bintulu.

Infrastructure Development and Communication Minister Dato Sri Michael Manyin Jawong told the press at the State Legislative Complex yesterday, that the road would be a R3 Public Works Department-standard road and the proposed project has been approved by the state.

“However, tender for the first phase project will be closed by Nov 18. Hopefully, the winning bid (contractor) can start the job immediately and I also hoped that this approved road would be completed within five years time,” he added.

Manyin, who is also the Tebedu assemblyman, stressed that the project was under the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (Score) project and not under the 10th Malaysia Plan.

DUN Sitting (Day Two): Andy Chia querying about jetties

(Nov 02, 2010)

YB Andy Chia :-
Are there any plans to build jetties and related facilities along the Sungai Miri for the benefit of local river users including leisure angling boats, scuba diving tourist's boats and the local people?

Minister of Infrastructure Development and Communication Dato Sri Michael Manyin Jawong :-
Saya ingin memaklumkan Ahli Yang Berhormat bagi Pujut bahawa Lembaga Sungai-Sungai Sarawak telah mengemukakan sebuah cadangan projek jeti di Sungai Miri dalam RMK10 dengan anggaran RM1 juta.

Perlaksanaan projek tersebut adalah tertakluk kepada kelulusan dan peruntukan yang diperolehi.

DUN Sitting (Day Two): Wahbi querying about telecommunication tower

(Nov 02, 2010)

YB Dr. Wahbi Junaidi:-
Bagaimanakah perkembangan terkini pembinaan menara telekomunikasi yang telah dibangkitkan enam tahun lalu dalam sesi Dewan Undangan Negeri ini khususnya di kawasan zon Tuie dan kawasan zon Tanjong Assam di Kawasan Dewan Undangan Negeri Saribas?

Minister of Public Utilities Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hassan:-

Untuk makluman Ahli Yang Berhormat bagi Saribas, kawasan Zon Tanjung Assam akan mendapat liputan selular daripada 9 buah menara yang akan dibina di kawasan Daerah Betong termasuk kawasan Isu Bangat, Tuie, Nanga Spak, Nanga Tiga, Pelikut dan Batu 8 Nanga Bong, Kampung Penom dan Kampung Triso.

Pembinaan menara di kawasan terbabit dijangka siap pada bulan Jun 2011.
 

DUN Sitting (Day Two): Dr. Abdul Rahman querying about drainage system in Rampangi

(Nov 02, 2010)

YB Dr. Abdul Rahman Junaidi:-
Apakah rancangan kerajaan untuk mempertimbangkan sistem pemparitan di kawasan penempatan semula Rampangi yang rata-ratanya hanya mempunyai parit tanah (earth drains) yang kini tidak berfungsi dengan baik. Sebahagian daripada perparitan di kawasan penempatan ini telah rosak dan tersumbat dan ini mendatangkan masalah kesihatan kepada penduduk setempat.

Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud:-

Untuk makluman Ahli Yang Berhormat bagi Pantai Damai, kerja-kerja penyelenggaraan dan baikpulih parit tanah yang tidak berfungsi dengan baik di kawasan penempatan semula Rampangi telah dilaksanakan secara berperingkat.

Untuk rancangan masa hadapan, DBKU telah mengemukakan permohonan peruntukkan dalam RMK Ke-10 bagi menaiktaraf sistem perparitan kawasan tersebut daripada parit tanah kepada parit konkrit.

Kerja-kerja penyelenggaraan juga dilakukan secara berkala di kawasan Rampangi, mengikut jadual yang mana DBKU memperuntukkan RM20 ribu setahun bagi tujuan tersebut. Kerja-kerja penyelenggaraan yang dijalankan termasuklah pemotongan rumput, pembersihan parit dan baikpulih parit tanah.

Maklumat Tambahan

1. Pihak DBKU telah membelanjakan sebanyak RM550,000 untuk kerja-kerja penyelenggaraan dan baikpulih parit tanah di kawasan penempatan semula Rampangi bagi tempoh 2009 sehingga 2010.

RM400,000 pula telah dibelanjakan untuk membaikpulih jalan di kawasan tersebut.

2. DBKU telah mengemukakan permohonan peruntukkan berjumlah RM6 juta dalam RMK Ke-10 bagi menaiktaraf parit tanah kepada parit konkrit di kawasan Rampangi.

DUN Sitting (Day Two): Joseh Mauh querying about supply of water to long houses

(Nov 02, 2010)

YB Joseph Mauh Ikeh:-
Tentang pencemaran Sungai Siong Daerah Sibu disebabkan penternakkan babi dan Ayan. Adakah kerajaan bercadang untuk membekalkan air paip bersih dengan segera kepada rumah panjang, kampung-kampung, sekolah dan juga klinik di kawasan tersebut?

Minister of Public Utilities Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hassan:-

Untuk makluman Ahli Yang Berhormat bagi Tamin, pihak kerajaan telah meluluskan dan akan melaksanakan Projek Bekalan Air Bersih ke kawasan Teku - Pasai Siong, Bahagian Sibu di bawah Bidang Keberhasilan Utama Nasional (NKRA) pada tahun ini dibawah Kementerian Kemajuan Luar Bandar dan Wilayah. Projek ini merangkumi pembinaan saluran paip sepanjang 30 km bersambung daripada tangki simpanan air dan stesen pam. Perlaksanaan projek ini akan membekalkan air paip bersih kepada rumah-rumah panjang, kampung-kampung, sekolah dan juga klinik di kawasan tersebut.