Latest news with #Aidel
Borneo Post
14-07-2025
- Borneo Post
‘Stronger cooperation needed to root out growing drug abuse problem among rural youths'
Aidel (front row, centre) gestures with others in a group photo during the programme. — Ukas photo KUCHING (July 14): Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development Datuk Aidel Lariwoo is calling for urgent action and stronger collaboration from all sectors of society amid the growing problem of drug abuse among rural youth. According to a Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas) report, he said recent statistics indicated a worrying rise in drug use among youths in villages—a trend that was rapidly becoming a serious threat to the wellbeing of rural communities. 'Compared to 10 or 20 years ago, drug dealers today are bolder and more cunning at infiltrating villages. Dangerous substances such as 'syabu' and 'batu' (crystal meth) are being openly distributed to the youth,' he said at the launch of the 'Cegah Sebelum Parah' programme at Dewan Warisan Sadong Jaya on Saturday. The Sadong Jaya assemblyman urged for stronger cooperation from all quarters, including community leaders, village security and development committees (JKKK), the police, National Anti-Drugs Agency and local residents in combating the drug menace at the grassroots level. He also expressed his support for the Education Ministry's move to conduct mandatory urine tests among secondary school students. 'This initiative must continue, as it plays a crucial role in deterring youth from early involvement in drugs,' he said. He commended ongoing efforts by law enforcement and anti-drug agencies in carrying out both open and covert surveillance in rural areas, noting that such vigilance must be maintained. Aidel also called on community networks such as community and village leaders, JKKK, local patrol teams and grassroots associations to remain actively engaged in identifying at-risk individuals and reporting suspicious activities. He also recommended the implementation of more educational and awareness programmes at the village level to equip residents with knowledge about the dangers of drug abuse. 'Youth-focused social and developmental activities should also be encouraged as positive alternatives to steer young people away from harmful influences,' he added. aidel lariwoo community drug abuse lead rural youth
Borneo Post
11-06-2025
- Automotive
- Borneo Post
Package A1A of Second Trunk Road project shows steady progress, says S'wak deputy minister
Aidel (left) during the site visit at the Package A1A section of the Second Trunk Road Package project. – Photo by Mohd Faisal Ahmad KOTA SAMARAHAN (June 11): Package A1A of the Second Trunk Road (STR) project, comprising the new Batang Samarahan Bridge and a 9km dual carriageway to Batang Sadong, has reached 11.61 per cent completion as of today, slightly ahead of its scheduled progress of 11.43 per cent. Sarawak Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Ports Development, Datuk Aidel Lariwoo, expressed satisfaction with the project's progress, highlighting that it is 0.18 per cent ahead of schedule. 'This reflects the steady work by the contractor and a consistent supply of materials,' he told reporters after a site visit and briefing by Sarawak Public Works Department (JKR) at the developer's office here today. He noted that Package A1A is a key component of the broader Second Trunk Road network, which aims to provide an alternative route for residents in coastal and interior areas currently underserved by the Pan Borneo Highway and Coastal Road Network. Aidel also visited the adjacent D3C package, a 7km single carriageway linking Batang Samarahan to Batang Sejingkat. He reported that progress there was generally on track, with actual completion at 23.09 per cent against a scheduled 23.13 per cent. 'There is a very minor delay of 0.04 per cent, but we have advised the contractor to increase their daily supply rate. 'The current rate is slightly below what is required to complete the embankment work efficiently,' he said. He further explained that the Second Trunk Road spans several administrative divisions and will eventually connect Sejingkat to Batang Sadong, Sebuyau, and onward to Betong. Once completed, the road will serve as a direct alternative route for motorists travelling between Sarawak's northern and central coastal regions. Aidel revealed that the full stretch from Batang Samarahan to Batang Sadong measures 23km, consisting of the current 9km A1A package and the upcoming 13km A1B section. 'Plans are also underway to extend a dual carriageway from Batang Sadong to Batang Lupar in Sebuyau, covering another 35km. 'This second trunk road project is designed to complement the Pan Borneo and Coastal Road networks, particularly for areas not directly served by those routes. 'Once completed, it will transform connectivity for people in these regions,' he said. He also pointed out that another key segment – a dual carriageway linking Serian, Gedong, and Samarahan – is currently under construction and expected to bolster regional integration under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) and the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030). 'When this entire network is completed, including the Second Trunk Road and ongoing developments under 13MP and PCDS 2030, connectivity in this region will be significantly improved,' he said. aidel lariwoo Batang Samarahan bridge Package A1A Second Trunk Road
Borneo Post
10-06-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Ongoing Btg Rambungan bridge project to signal end of Kuching's reliance on ferry service
Aidel (front, centre) being briefed on the Rambungan Bridge works updates during the visit to the project site. KUCHING (June 10): Deputy Minister for Infrastructure and Ports Development Sarawak Datuk Aidel Lariwoo looks forward to seeing Kuching Division no longer relying on ferry crossings once the Batang Rambungan Bridge has reached completion. According to the Sadong Jaya assemblyman, the project is progressing well and is currently ahead of schedule, having currently achieved 5.84 per cent in progress rate – up from 3.76 per cent recorded last month. 'This means it is ahead by 2.08 per cent. 'We hope the contractor would maintain this momentum so that the project could be completed faster than scheduled,' he told reporters when met during his working visit to the bridge construction site yesterday. The Batang Rambungan Bridge is regarded as among the most critical components along the coastal road network spanning from Sampadi to Lundu and once it reaches completion, it will replace the existing ferry service – the last remaining ferry crossing in Kuching Division. Adding on, Aidil said the previous contractor had been replaced and the project was re-tendered via an open process, leading to a slight increase in cost due to updated market rates. 'The new contract is valued at RM82 million, (with works spanning) over a 30-month duration, but I am confident that the project could be completed earlier, similar to the Batang Marudi Bridge, which was finished nine months ahead of schedule. 'Efforts are being made to push the contractor to complete key components of the bridge, particularly the two main towers, ahead of the July deadline next year. 'Once those are completed, the remaining works should become much easier,' he said. The state deputy minister also revealed that there had been a noticeable increase in manpower and machinery on site, with the arrival of new tower cranes. 'This shows the contractor's strong commitment.' Aidel also shared with the reporters that upon the bridge's completion, the ferry service would be terminated automatically. However, he added: 'While ferries retired from other locations have been redeployed (to other sites) such as to Batang Paloh and Batang Igan, no decision has been made yet regarding the ferry currently operating at Batang Rambungan.' Moreover, Aidil said in line with the bridge development, plans were underway to upgrade the connecting roads, including a future two-lane stretch from the end of the Federal Authority Centre (FAC) road to the upcoming i-CATS University College campus in Trombol. He pointed out: 'Although the upgrade from the FAC road to the bridge has not started, it will likely follow once the bridge is completed, as part of ongoing efforts to improve the standards of the coastal roads across Sarawak. 'This is one of the last remaining major infrastructure projects in Kuching under the coastal road network. 'With the support of agencies like JKR (Public Works Department), the Resident's Office, and District Office, we are committed to seeing it reach completion smoothly.' aidel lariwoo Batang Rambungan Bridge development project infrastructure
Borneo Post
23-05-2025
- General
- Borneo Post
Elevated road among JKR Sarawak's key methods to counter peat soil construction challenges
Datuk Aidel Lariwoo KUCHING (May 23): The Sarawak Public Works Department (JKR) continues to implement new technologies in constructing roads and bridges across coastal areas with peat soil. Deputy Minister for Infrastructure and Port Development Datuk Aidel Lariwoo said this is to ensure safety, cost-effectiveness, and environmental sustainability. In response to a question raised by Simunjan assemblyman Awla Dris at the State Legislative Assembly today, Aidel outlined the challenges posed by peat soil, which include low bearing capacity, high long-term compression, and acidic environments that accelerate structural erosion. 'JKR Sarawak constantly evaluates and adopts the latest technologies to ensure that the construction of roads and bridges on peat soil is safe, economical, and environmentally friendly,' he said. Awla had asked whether there are new technologies for constructing roads and bridges in coastal areas that have peat soil. Aidel said one of the key technologies currently in use is the elevated road method, which involves constructing raised road structures using support piles that avoid direct contact with peat soil to help reduce the risk of ground settlement and long-term damage to road surfaces. He cited the road from Batang Samarahan Bridge to Batang Sadong Bridge under Package A1-B, as well as Jalan Teku to Pasai Siong in Sibu as projects applying this method. Another method is the replacement technique, which involves excavating soft peat soil and replacing it with stronger and more stable fill materials such as sand, gravel, or compacted clay to enhance the load-bearing capacity of the road foundation. The displacement method is also used, where heavy fill materials like sand or stone are placed directly on top of soft soil, forcing the weaker soil to move sideways without the need for excavation. This approach improves stability without removing the existing ground. To further stabilise the soil, the preloading and ground improvement method is applied, including the use of prefabricated vertical drains (PVD) combined with surcharge fill to accelerate the natural compression of soft soil. Aidel explained that this combination reduces the time needed for soil compaction and minimises the risk of settlement after construction begins. In addition, the deep soil mixing technique is used to strengthen swampy terrain. This involves mixing cement with the soil using specialised equipment, which forms hardened columns that provide underground structural support. Another advanced material used is Ultra-High-Performance Fibre Reinforced Cementitious Composite (UHPFRC), which is highly resistant to the penetration of chloride and sulphate that commonly degrade conventional concrete. UHPFRC allows for longer bridge spans with slender cross-sections and offers greater resistance to acidic erosion. Aidel said this material has been used in several road and bridge projects, including the road from Batang Sadong Bridge to Batang Lupar 1 Bridge under Package A2; Jalan Sebangan in Samarahan; Jalan Klid Medong Lebarassau in Dalat, Mukah; and the proposed road to Kampung Sungai Ijok in Samarahan. To a supplementary question, Aidel highlighted that elevated roads provide several advantages over conventional methods. They enable routes to be built over rivers, swamps, and densely populated areas, help reduce the need for land acquisition and compensation, and lessen environmental impact due to minimal disturbance of sensitive areas such as peatlands, forests, or riverbanks. He also noted that the use of these new technologies can significantly reduce the need for long-term maintenance. For instance, elevated roads supported by piles are effective in reducing uneven ground settlement and the resulting structural issues. Moreover, technologies like PVD and deep soil mixing contribute to soil stability, which addresses one of the main causes of road deterioration. Aidel also emphasised that under the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, the Sarawak government is strongly committed to enhancing safety and quality in rural-urban road connectivity. He said that the integration of new technologies in infrastructure projects plays a crucial role in supporting Sarawak's development. aidel lariwoo elevated road jkr sarawak lead peat soil
The Star
23-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
S'wak taking over former logging roads to improve rural links
State Deputy Infrastructure and Port Development Minister Datuk Aidel Lariwoo addressing the Sarawak Legislative Assembly during question time on Friday (May 23). KUCHING: The Sarawak government plans to take over former logging roads and wooden bridges to improve connectivity to rural settlements, says state Deputy Infrastructure and Port Development Minister Datuk Aidel Lariwoo. He said there was a total of 5,297km of logging roads connecting settlements in rural areas across the state. Of this, 3,293km are still active while 2,004km are no longer in use. "Former logging roads and wooden bridges, which are in urgent need of repair or of high importance, can be considered as proposed projects under the 13th Malaysia Plan," Aidel told Nicholas Kudi (GPS-Baleh) during question time in the Sarawak Legislative Assembly on Friday (May 23). To a supplementary question, he said the state government was registering former logging roads under the Malaysian Road Records Information System (Marris). "This will enable funds to be allocated under Marris for the maintenance of these roads, either as state roads or village roads according to their criteria and specifications," he added.
