Latest news with #BintuluDevelopmentAuthority
Borneo Post
a day ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sebauh poised for transformation after completion of bridge, says Kemena rep
Dr Rundi gestures while speaking to the media. SEBAUH (July 27): The Sebauh area may undergo a major transformation especially after the Sebauh Bridge is completed, said Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom. The Kemena assemblyman said the bridge, which is nearing completion, would become a key game-changer in transforming the mobility and landscape of the area. 'We are also planning a new township on the opposite bank of the river,' he told reporters today after flagging off the Sebauh Powerboat Race 2025, which also marked the final day of Pesta Sebauh 2025. Dr Rundi noted that once the new road from Sepadok to Bintulu is completed, travel time would be significantly shortened—making it more convenient for people to live in Sebauh while working or studying in Bintulu. 'It only takes 30 minutes now to drive from Bintulu to Sebauh. With better infrastructure, more people may choose to reside here. We are not just looking at Bintulu anymore—development must also spread to Sebauh and Tatau,' he said. He urged the Bintulu Development Authority (BDA) to prioritise development planning for Sebauh and nearby areas, and proposed building new roads to underserved rural communities such as Ulu Pandan, Jelalong and Tubau. 'With all these plans in motion, the current Sebauh Bazaar will become congested in the near future. We must give it a facelift and upgrade its facilities,' he said. He also suggested turning the weekend market into a permanent agro-tourism attraction showcasing local seafood and agricultural products. 'This town shouldn't just be vibrant during Pesta Sebauh. We should promote it as a regular weekend destination. We want people to come not because we invite them, but because the location itself is a draw,' he said, calling on local authorities to think about how to attract and retain crowds beyond festivals and events. Dr Rundi said the final stitching ceremony of the Sebauh Bridge was soon, and the bridge was expected to open before Christmas this year. He said once operational, residents will no longer need to rely on ferries to cross Batang Kemena. 'In the meantime, I urge ferry services to be extended to Labang, while waiting for the Labang Bridge to be completed. This will ease mobility for rural residents who travel to Sebauh for daily needs,' he said. He also reminded local residents to protect their native customary rights (NCR) lands amid rapid development and rising land value. 'Don't be tempted to sell. Once you give up your rights, you'll never get them back. As Sebauh grows, investors will come like ants to sugar,' he said. Meanwhile, Dr Rundi expressed his joy at seeing such a big turnout for the festival this year. 'Hopefully next year we will celebrate at a brand-new waterfront, with a beautiful design that has already been approved by the Sarawak Cabinet. With the new waterfront, the environment will be more comfortable for visitors,' he said. The 'Adong Belalai 777' boat crosses the finish line to clinch victory in the 5HP race category. The event drew large crowds to the riverside festivities, which included a health run, big bike unity ride, powerboat race, 'bermukun' performances, and a 'Battle of the Bands'. Addressing the postponement of this year's Sebauh regatta event, Dr Rundi acknowledged the challenges faced by the organisers and pledged better planning next year. 'We want to make the next edition more exciting and on a larger scale. The vision is to bring together various programmes into a single, grand celebration,' he said. He also invited the public to attend the upcoming Bintulu AgroFest from August 23-31. 'The calendar is packed with events—Malaysia Day on Sept 16, the Bintulu Kite Festival on Sept 17…there's something for everyone,' he added. Dr Stephen Rundi Utom economic transformation sebauh Sebauh bridge
Borneo Post
19-07-2025
- General
- Borneo Post
Sarawak Day car-free event draws over 400 in Bintulu
Pang joins participants in an aerobics session during the Sarawak Day edition of the BCFM. BINTULU (July 19): More than 400 people took part in the Sarawak Day edition of the Bintulu Car-Free Morning (BCFM) held at Tanjung Batu Beach here today. The event kicked off with an aerobics session, followed by a plogging activity and a Fun Hunt Run. Participants of all ages also enjoyed traditional games and various family-friendly activities throughout the morning. Tanjong Batu assemblyman Johnny Pang, who joined the event, said programmes such as BCFM should continue in the coming months as they promote a healthy lifestyle and foster community engagement. 'BCFM is a meaningful initiative that benefits both the physical and mental well-being of the community. It provides a positive platform for people to come together and stay active,' he said. A symbolic marker was also placed to designate a 5-kilometre route, which will serve as a permanent feature for future BCFM events. Pang expressed hope that the dedicated route will encourage more members of the public — including children, students, youths and senior citizens — to take up jogging and cycling regularly. He also extended his appreciation to all parties involved, especially Bintulu Development Authority (BDA), the main organiser of the event. 'I'm pleased to take part in today's BCFM. It not only promotes a healthy lifestyle, but also helps reduce carbon emissions and supports our vision for a Low Carbon Industrial Hub by 2030,' he added. Bintulu Car-Free Day johnny pang sarawak day
Borneo Post
06-06-2025
- Health
- Borneo Post
BDA orders two-week closure for food outlet in Parkcity for dirty premises
Handout photo shows the unsanitary conditions of the premises' food supply storage area. BINTULU (June 6): A food premises in the Parkcity area has been ordered to close effective May 30 for a period of 14 days for violating Section 23(1) of the Public Health Protection Ordinance 1999. Bintulu Development Authority (BDA) in a statement said the temporary closure was to facilitate comprehensive cleaning of the premises. 'BDA will not tolerate any non-compliance by premises owners or food handlers with the established health regulations,' it said. The order was issued following an inspection by its Food Safety and Hygiene Control Unit. BDA stressed that food handlers must maintain strict cleanliness standards and ensure all food served is hygienic, safe, and poses no risk to public health. 'Public health and safety remain our utmost priority. BDA will continue to carry out regular monitoring and enforcement to safeguard the well-being of the Bintulu community,' it added.
Borneo Post
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Tanjong Batu rep proposes 'sub-committee system' for BDA to enhance grassroots representation
Johnny Pang KUCHING (May 20): Tanjong Batu assemblyman Johnny Pang has proposed for the Bintulu Development Authority (BDA) to explore the establishment of a formal sub-committee, structured to function in a role similar to councillors. He said the sub-committee could be structured by area to represent major zones within Bintulu town and its surrounding areas. It would be composed of community leaders, civil society representatives, and relevant stakeholders. The proposed body would be empowered to receive, investigate, and recommend solutions to local complaints and act as a bridge between the BDA and the community. 'If necessary, a policy paper or subsidiary regulation may be issued to formalise this under BDA's operational mandate since Section 5 of the BDA Ordinance empowers the Authority to form committees for specific purposes,' he said when debating the Local Authorities (Amendment) Bill 2025 at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today. Pang told the august House that the BDA is presently not structured with councillors as provided under the Local Authorities Ordinance, which creates a governance gap, especially on the ground level. 'Unlike municipalities where appointed councillors represent zones, handle local issues, and engage residents directly, constituencies under BDA lack this grassroots machinery. 'This means that when public complaints arise, from blocked drains to license disputes to development matters, residents turn directly to the local elected representatives, and by extension, our service centres, for every issue, big or small. 'While we continue to serve diligently, a more structured community-based governance mechanism would greatly improve responsiveness,' he said. Noting that the amendment Bill focuses on councils governed under the Local Authorities Ordinance, he urged that the same spirit of inclusivity, representation and structured local input be extended to areas under statutory bodies like BDA. 'Let me be clear, this proposal does not aim to undermine or discredit the commendable work already carried out by BDA. 'On the contrary, it is intended to complement and support BDA's existing efforts by strengthening its connection with communities on the ground. 'By introducing a more structured local feedback mechanism, we can ensure that the voices of the public are channelled more effectively and consistently, thereby enhancing the responsiveness and reach of BDA's services,' said Pang. Bintulu Development Authority councillors DUN sitting johnny pang lead
The Star
22-04-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Exciting run-up to Bintulu Marathon as it targets record turnout
A scene from the 2024 Bintulu Marathon, which saw overwhelming success with over 5,800 runners. The 2025 edition is set to return even bigger and bolder this August. PETALING JAYA: The third edition of the Bintulu Marathon is set to blaze through Borneo's heartland on Aug 3 with organisers targeting a record-breaking turnout. With RM100,000 in prize money up for grabs, Bintulu Development Authority (BDA) expects to exceed last year's impressive turnout of 5,800 runners from 19 countries, which has already shown significant growth from the inaugural 3,535 participants in 2023. Billed as RM9.73 for the 1st month then RM13.90 thereafters. RM12.33/month RM8.63/month Billed as RM103.60 for the 1st year then RM148 thereafters. Free Trial For new subscribers only
