Latest news with #Kuching
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Cahya Mata Cement selects EPCC contractor for new clinker line in Malaysia
Cahya Mata Cement has selected Sinoma Industry Engineering as the engineering, procurement, construction, and commissioning (EPCC) contractor for a new clinker line at its Mambong Integrated Plant in Kuching, Malaysia. The RM673m ($159m) project aims to construct a 6,000-tonne (t)-per-day clinker line, which is expected to be completed in 21 months. The new line will increase the annual clinker capacity of Cahya Mata Cement, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cahya Mata Sarawak, from 900,000t to 1.9 million tonnes. The facility will incorporate advanced technologies to enhance environmental performance and energy efficiency. It will include a waste heat recovery system capable of generating up to 6MW of power and a dust filtration system designed to cut dust emissions to less than half of the current regulatory limit. Additionally, Clinker Line 2 will use high-efficiency equipment to decrease energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions while also utilising locally sourced alternative raw materials and fuels to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. During peak construction, the project is set to create up to 500 jobs, offering economic benefits to local businesses, particularly in the Padawan and Kuching regions. Cahya Mata group managing director Dato Sri Sulaiman Abdul Rahman Taib said: 'The Mambong Clinker Line 2 is a key step in strengthening Sarawak's cement supply chain, boosting capacity, reducing import reliance, and ensuring we can meet future demand reliably. 'Beyond production, it reflects Cahya Mata's commitment to building a modern facility that positions us as possibly the greenest cement producer in the region.' Cahya Mata Cement has reportedly been a key player in Sarawak's construction sector since 1974. The company operates three cement grinding plants in Kuching and Bintulu, along with distribution terminals in Sibu and Miri, supporting a comprehensive supply chain to meet the state's evolving construction needs. "Cahya Mata Cement selects EPCC contractor for new clinker line in Malaysia" was originally created and published by World Construction Network, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
Malay Mail
4 days ago
- Malay Mail
Kuching joggers and dog nab rock-throwing homeless man for smashing car windscreen, mayor says deeper issue at play
KUCHING, July 20 — An elderly man was apprehended earlier this morning for allegedly throwing a rock at a car's windscreen along Jalan Central Timur here, said Kuching South Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng. According to him, the suspect was detained with the help of nearby joggers and a dog before police arrived at the scene. He added that the suspect is now in police custody. With similar cases reported in Kuching, Wee expressed concern over what he described as 'a deeper societal issue' that requires thoughtful attention. 'From our observations, the individual involved may be suffering from a mental health condition, but this will need to be thoroughly investigated,' he told reporters. While praising the relevant agencies for their efforts in managing the homeless population, Wee pointed out that homeless individuals with mental health disorders may be falling through the cracks. He revealed that the individual had previously been caught by MBKS security personnel, but he did not cause any harm or damages. 'However, this time, damage was done to a vehicle, so we must wait for the car owner to press charges, he added. Concerned that these homeless individuals with unsound minds may repeat their offences, he proposed a 'three-strikes' intervention policy for those who repeatedly pose a danger, while acknowledging the complexities surrounding detention and mental healthcare. 'This is where social development must take a broader perspective. A 'smart city' must also care for those who are vulnerable – not everyone is born healthy. 'As a city council, our power is limited. We can report incidents, but enforcement and long-term care fall under other agencies. 'That's why there must be a concerted effort to clearly define responsibilities, without pushing blame from one agency to another,' he added. Emphasising that prevention is key, he said mental health treatment and care need time, communication, and consistent support, unlike treating physical illness. 'Treatment often requires family involvement and long-term commitment. Many individuals resist staying in psychiatric institutions, which are not ideal living environments. 'Still, securing such individuals is often necessary to prevent them from wandering off. Caring for people with mental illness is complex and exhausting, as each patient requires personalised care, including medication, nutrition, and daily support. 'We must develop a long-term strategy to address these foreseeable problems. Organisations like the Sarawak Mental Health Association have been around for decades, yet the reintegration rate of patients into society remains low. 'We must therefore focus on prevention—how to avoid mental breakdowns caused by life pressures—and rehabilitation,' he added. — The Borneo Post
Free Malaysia Today
16-07-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Sarawak govt dragging its feet on Ombudsman unit, says DAP
DAP chairman Chong Chieng Jen says Sarawakians have waited for the progress on the Ombudsman check-and-balance mechanism. KUCHING : Sarawak DAP chairman Chong Chieng Jen has accused the state government of dragging its feet through prolonged delays and a lack of transparency in presenting a report from the Ombudsman unit. Chong said the delay created the impression of a lack of political will and a tendency to 'pay lip service' to the principle of integrity and accountability in state administration. '(Is any) real work being done?' he said in an interview with FMT. He said transparency was crucial as the chairman of the state's Public Accounts Committee was from the ruling party whereas in Parliament, the chairman was from the opposition. Chong, who is Stampin MP, said Sarawakians have waited for news about progress on the Ombudsman mechanism, which was supposed to serve as a check and balance on government administration. In Nov 2023, Sarawak became the first state in Malaysia to have ombudsman law, with the setting up of an ombudsman unit, after the Sarawak Ombudsman Bill 2023 was passed at the State Legislative Assembly. A year later, Sarawak's deputy integrity and ombudsman minister Juanda Jaya said the Ombudsman unit is only expected to present its first report in the state assembly in 2025. Juanda was further reported as saying that the Ombudsman Ordinance came into effect in April and the Sarawak chief Ombudsman was appointed in June. But Chong, who is also the Padungan state assemblyman, said the process has been very slow and there have been no hearings. Chong said the Ombudsman unit has crucial powers to investigate complaints and oversee the conduct of public officials. He criticised the government for dragging its feet. The delay was unacceptable, as the state government has ample financial resources, Chong said. 'Sarawak is the richest state in terms of GDP, with RM14 billion in revenue. Yet we see slow action on this front.' Chong said the state government seemed to be giving the appearance of promoting transparency and accountability. 'There is no genuine oversight of the state administration,' he said.
Free Malaysia Today
15-07-2025
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
Nuclear power a long-term option, not immediate solution, says DPM
Fadillah Yusof estimated that it would take 10 years before nuclear energy is implemented in Malaysia. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA : The government's stance on nuclear power is to treat it as a long-term option rather than an immediate solution, deputy prime minister Fadillah Yusof said today. Citing the complexity and safety concerns associated with the technology, he said Malaysia was still in the early stages of studying its feasibility as part of the country's future energy mix. 'We are not saying that we are going ahead (with it). What has been approved is that we will consider nuclear as part of the potential energy mix,' Bernama quoted him as saying at an international energy week conference in Kuching. Fadillah, who is minister for energy transition and water transformation, estimated that it would take Malaysia at least 10 years to implement nuclear energy. He said extensive groundwork was being carried out, including international benchmarking and regulatory planning. 'I've visited the UK, France and Russia, and we will also be going to the US, China and South Korea. We are analysing all available technologies, including the safety and environmental implications,' he said. Fadillah emphasised that nuclear adoption must comply with strict international processes and treaties, particularly with regard to the impact on the environment. 'Only after we sign all 18 required international treaties, and receive approval at that level, can we even begin to consider incorporating nuclear energy in our national energy supply.' He also highlighted the importance of public acceptance, saying that without widespread support from Malaysians, the nuclear option would not proceed. 'We must engage the public and secure their buy-in,' he said. Separately, Sarawak premier Abang Johari Openg said nuclear energy was not currently relevant for the state, given its abundant and diversified renewable energy sources. He told reporters that Sarawak had hydro, gas and solar energy, adding: 'With what we have, I don't think Sarawak needs nuclear energy.' He said Sarawak remains focussed on becoming a renewable energy powerhouse, targeting the production of up to 15 gigawatts by 2035 through existing clean energy sources. Abang Johari also said Sarawak was exploring energy production using hydrogen from water as a safer, cleaner and cheaper alternative to nuclear fission. 'We have the water resources to support it,' he said.
Free Malaysia Today
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Law needed to curb overexposure of children in media, says Nancy
Women, family and community development minister Nancy Shukri said Malaysia currently lacks specific legislation to regulate how children are portrayed or exposed in digital and broadcast media. PETALING JAYA : Women, family and community development minister Nancy Shukri has called for a bill to regulate how children are portrayed or exposed in digital and broadcast media. Nancy said while many other countries already have strong legal frameworks in place, Malaysia currently lacks specific legislation on the matter. 'We need to do the same,' she told reporters during an event in Kuching. She said her ministry is ready to provide input to the legal affairs division of the Prime Minister's Department, the digital ministry, and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission in drafting such a law. She said a recent United Nations Children's Fund (Unicef) report revealed that 40% of children in Malaysia do not know how to protect themselves when using the internet, while 83% are exposed to various online risks due to insufficient protection. Nancy said the government will also hold discussions with Unicef and other countries to gather feedback regarding children's digital safety issues. Among the efforts currently being implemented are awareness campaigns on social media and television advising parents not to overexpose their children in the media for safety reasons. 'We do not encourage parents to overly expose their children on social media just because they think their child is cute, as this can pose serious safety risks,' she said. Nancy also emphasised the importance of school visits to educate students, teachers, and parents about the dangers and impacts of social media and digital technology on children.
