Latest news with #MichaelTiang
Borneo Post
13 hours ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sarawak mulls star rating system to protect homebuyers from scam developers
Tiang (left) presents a cheque to one of the house owners, while others look on. – Photo by Peter Boon SIBU (July 20): The Sarawak Ministry of Public Health, Housing and Local Government is considering implementing a star rating system for housing developers in the state to protect homebuyers from scams. Its deputy minister Datuk Michael Tiang revealed talks are currently taking place with the Sarawak Housing and Real Estate Developers' Association (Sheda). He also disclosed the ministry was blacklisting housing developers with poor track records in Sarawak. 'We are not only going to blacklist them, but we might use the publicly available star rating system for reference. 'So, if you purchase a house from developers with a one-star rating, you should think twice. However, if you buy from those with a five-star rating, you can proceed with confidence,' he told reporters when met on the sidelines after a ceremony presenting reimbursement for septic tank self-installation to Rejang Park homeowners here yesterday. He said the rating system functions similarly to other online rating platforms, allowing them to distinguish the quality of developers. 'It categorises them as five-star or one-star developers, helping users steer clear of potential scams. 'We have come across many scams among housing development projects, so we want to find ways to help our consumers to avoid these unnecessary scams, because they use their hard-earned money (to buy a house). Maybe they only buy one house in their whole life (time). 'This is a huge decision they are making, so we want to help them make better decisions,' he said. When asked when the rating system could be implemented, he said the ministry was still in discussions with Sheda, but opined it could be soon. 'The content will be published on the Ministry of Public Health, Housing and Local Government's website and perhaps on Sheda's website as well. This will go a long way to remind developers about their moral duty to house buyers. 'They shouldn't just think about making money or how much they can earn. They have a moral duty to deliver whatever they promise, not only an agreement. As developers, people use their hard-earned money to buy a house from you, so you better do it properly,' he said. Meanwhile, Tiang also shared his message for the upcoming Sarawak Day: 'I wish all Sarawakians a joyous Sarawak Day and be proud to be Sarawakians.' Also present was Sibu Municipal Council Market and Petty Traders standing committee chairwoman Jenny Ting. homebuyers Michael Tiang scams Sheda star rating system
The Star
2 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Jalan Deshon 'sick' housing project to be declared abandoned, more to follow
SIBU: The Jalan Deshon townhouse housing project here has been labelled as one of the most sick projects in Sibu. State Deputy Local Government, Housing and Public Administration Minister Datuk Michael Tiang said his ministry is in the process of formally declaring the project as abandoned under the Housing Development (Control and Licensing) Ordinance 2013. 'We anticipate that the declaration will be made by next month, pending formal confirmation from the Minister himself, Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian,' he said The move, according to Tiang, is expected to bring some relief to purchasers, enabling them to negotiate with their respective banks for potential loan interest waivers. 'This is our first step in alleviating the financial burden of the buyers. "Following this, we will engage with the landowner to explore options for reviving and completing the project,' he told reporters during a site inspection on Friday (July 18). The project involving 80 townhouse units started in 2012 and was scheduled for completion in 2015. However, more than a decade later, construction remains incomplete, with only a 70% completion rate. Tiang explained that prolonged delays to the project have led affected buyers to initiate legal proceedings. "This is one of the most seriously stalled developments in Sibu, as there has been no substantial progress for a prolonged period. "The developer was also declared bankrupt by the Sibu High Court in 2022," he added. Tiang also mentioned that several other housing developments across Sarawak are similarly categorised as "sick" projects and are being closely monitored by the ministry. 'We will continue to carry out on-site inspections to identify abandoned projects, especially those where developers are no longer financially capable of proceeding,' he said. Tiang, who is also the Pelawan assemblyman, reiterated the state government's commitment to safeguarding the rights and welfare of homebuyers, particularly in cases involving long-delayed housing developments.
Borneo Post
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Borneo Post
RM900,000 road upgrade begins to ease Sibu traffic bottleneck
Tiang (second right), accompanied by other officials, inspects the ongoing road improvement project at the intersection. SIBU (July 17): A road improvement project aimed at easing traffic congestion at the Jalan Wong Soon Kai-Jalan Ling Kai Cheng-Jalan Deshon traffic light intersection has commenced this month, said State Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government, Datuk Michael Tiang. The RM900,000 project, implemented by the Sibu Municipal Council (SMC), is expected to be completed within four months. 'The project involves constructing an extra 400-metre right-turn lane from Jalan Wong Soon Kai into Jalan Deshon. 'Traffic in this area is particularly heavy during peak hours when people commute to and from work,' Tiang said during a site inspection yesterday. 'We observed long queues in front of the traffic lights, so SMC proposed expanding the road by constructing a right-turn lane to Jalan Deshon. 'This addition is expected to significantly ease traffic movement along Jalan Ling Kai Cheng and Jalan Deshon.' Tiang, who was accompanied by SMC chairman Clarence Ting, expressed confidence that the project could be completed ahead of schedule, given its current progress. He also called on the Public Works Department (JKR) to implement a complementary improvement by constructing an extra right-turn lane from Jalan Deshon into Jalan Ling Kai Cheng. 'This will complement the existing project and help further resolve the bottleneck problem at the intersection,' he added. lead Michael Tiang road upgrade Sibu traffic bottleneck
Borneo Post
6 days ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Sarawak's decision to keep youth age limit at 40 ensures broader inclusivity, policy participation
Datuk Michael Tiang SIBU (July 14): Maintaining the youth age limit at 40 will ensure broader youth inclusion and policy participation, said Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Michael Tiang. In voicing his support, he said the state's decision to maintain the age limit reflected its practical and people-oriented approach to autonomous policy-making. 'This policy position, as highlighted by Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts and Saberkas president Dato Sri Abdul Karim, is formulated based on Sarawak's unique social context, economic structure and actual needs in youth development. 'In Sarawak, particularly in rural and less urbanised areas, many youths are still pursuing higher education, undergoing skills training or just beginning to build their careers and families by the age of 30. 'Redefining youth as only those under 30 would immediately exclude a large segment of Sarawakian young adults aged 30 to 39 who are in the prime of their personal development, family building and civic engagement—severely limiting their access to resources, participation in policymaking, eligibility for entrepreneurship aid, involvement in youth organisations and opportunities for advancement,' said the Sarawak United National Youth Organisation (Saberkas) vice president. He added many government programmes and initiatives would no longer cover the majority of Sarawak's actual youths if restricted to those under 30, and that lowering the youth age limit comes with its own challenges and issues. 'We understand the federal government's intention to redefine the youth category more precisely to better allocate resources. However, in a vast and socioeconomically diverse state like Sarawak, simply replicating federal policy may not yield the best outcomes.' He also highlighted several problems that may arise if the age limit was rigidly lowered, such as a reduction in policy coverage that excludes a large group of Sarawakian youths between the ages of 30 and 39, as well as leadership gaps in youth organisations. 'In Saberkas, for example, our organisational model specifically reserves 30 per cent of leadership positions for experienced members over 40 years old to guide and work alongside the 70 per cent younger members. This distinctive Sarawak model helps ensure continuity in leadership and mentorship,' he said. Tiang also touched on the disruption in talent support, as many aspiring entrepreneurs and professionals in their 30s would no longer be eligible for youth-focused government support, but by retaining the current definition of youths as 'aged 40 and below', more would be able to access extended opportunities for personal growth and participation in public policy, social services and community development. 'Other benefits include receiving greater career and entrepreneurial support, including grants, loans and training from the government, and playing stronger leadership and driving roles in politics, civic organisations and social development. 'This inclusive approach allows youths to continue being recognised as vital contributors to the state's progress over a longer life stage and aligns better with Sarawak's people-centric development vision,' he said. age limit Michael Tiang youth
Borneo Post
05-07-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Abang Johari's Sandhurst initiative strategic move to strengthen Sarawak's defence, says Tiang
Michael Tiang KUCHING (July 5): Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg's Sandhurst initiative has been hailed as a strategic step toward enhancing Sarawak's human capital in the areas of security and defence. Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Michael Tiang said this initiative is forward-looking, timely and crucial with Sarawak seeing to strengthen its capacity and capability in security particularly in border protection and marine defence within the South China Sea. 'I fully support the recent statement by Premier of Sarawak that Sarawak is prepared to send our youths to undergo officer training at the prestigious Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the United Kingdom, as part of our broader human capital development strategy. 'The professional and world-class military training at Sandhurst will undoubtedly equip Sarawakian youths with the discipline, leadership and strategic thinking essential for modern defence roles,' he said in a statement today. He also commended and supported Works Minister Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi's suggestion to explore the revival of the historic Sarawak Rangers. Tiang opined that the legacy and spirit of the Sarawak Rangers should be reawakened as a proud symbol of the state's local heritage in national defence. 'Their revival, in tandem with the Sandhurst initiative, can offer our youth a deeper sense of purpose and belonging in serving the state and nation,' he said. Tiang added that the state government should consider extending these scholarship opportunities to students from diverse educational backgrounds, including holders of the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC). Historically, the Chinese community has been under-represented in uniformed services such as the police and military, often due to cultural perceptions or limited pathways, he regretted. Given this, he believed that the offer of such scholarships will definitely attract Chinese youths to choose to be part of Sarawak's security and defence forces. 'By opening up these opportunities, we will encourage a new generation of Sarawakians, regardless of ethnic background or educational stream, to contribute to our state's security and resilience. 'It is also a powerful way to promote inclusivity and shared responsibility in safeguarding Sarawak's future,' said Tiang. He said Sarawak must continue to lead by example in shaping a society that values service, unity and excellence, adding that this initiative is a bold step in that direction.
