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Borneo Post
5 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Tiang: Jln Deshon sick housing project set to be declared abandoned next month
A view of the long-delayed housing project. – Photo by Peter Boon SIBU (July 18): The long-overdue housing development project along Jalan Deshon here is expected to be declared an abandoned project by next month, said State Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government, Datuk Michael Tiang. Speaking to reporters during a site visit today, he said the project, which commenced in 2012 and was initially slated for completion in 2015, remains only 70 per cent completed after over a decade. 'Due to the delay, many buyers have started filing lawsuits against the developer. In 2022, the company was wound up by the Sibu High Court and placed under the receivership of the Insolvency Department,' he said. Tiang explained that once the project is gazetted as abandoned under the Housing Development Control Licencing Ordinance 2013, affected buyers would be able to approach their respective banks to apply for interest exemptions. 'This will ease their financial burden, as they will no longer have to service the interest. That is one form of relief we can provide at this stage,' he said. The Pelawan assemblyman also revealed that discussions are underway with landowners on the next course of action for the stalled development. 'As for the way forward — how to turn the project around — that will be the next step. 'Across Sarawak, we have identified several other similar projects and will gradually visit and assess them for possible declaration as abandoned projects. This is what we mean when developers are no longer in a position to continue their projects,' he added. Tiang disclosed that the housing development project along Jalan Deshon here will be the first of the sick projects to be declared as abandoned under his tenure as Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government. The project comprised 80 units of townhouses and 10 units of two-and-a-half storey semi-detached houses, affecting 44 house purchasers. Earlier, Tiang also visited another sick project at Lorong Salim 28, noting that it was delayed for two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic. During the inspection, he expressed satisfaction with the progress and quality of the project. 'There are 47 units in Phase 1 and 2. According to the developer, Phase 1 involving 21 units is scheduled to complete by next month, while Phase 2 involving 26 units is expected for completion by year end,' he said. He added that after the completion of the project, Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) will assist with the occupational permit (OP) for residents to move in. Furthermore, Tiang also inspected the project at Taman Muhibbah, with 35 units of single-storey terrace houses and 12 single-storey semi-detached houses. abandoned Jalan Deshon Michaeel Tiang sick housing project
Borneo Post
07-07-2025
- General
- Borneo Post
Hundreds attend inauguration of new Sri Maha Mariamman Temple in Sibu (Video)
Manogaran (third left), Sangapoosan (fifth left), and others in a group photo. — Photo by Peter Boon SIBU (July 7): Hundreds of Hindu devotees converged on the new Sri Maha Mariamman Temple at Jalan Orchid here today for its inauguration. The drizzle did not dampen their spirits throughout the ceremony. Among those present were temple president Manogaran Krishnasamy, Sibu Hospital director Dr Nanthakumar Thirunavukkarasu, and Malaysia Hindu Sangam president Sangapoosan T Ganesan. Photo shows the short procession. — Photo by Peter Boon Manogaran told The Borneo Post the initial plan was to hold the opening ceremony yesterday. 'However, that date wasn't quite 'ideal' for us. Therefore, we chose July 7 instead, as it's considered an auspicious day according to the Indian calendar,' he explained. There was a short procession on the temple's compound before the devotees proceeded into the house of worship itself and took part in prayers. The new temple was elaborately decorated by artisans from India. — Photo by Peter Boon Construction on the temple had been hit by a four-year delay due to the Covid-19 pandemic. During an interview with The Borneo Post last month, Manogaran said the original temple was built in 1920. 'It was just a small hut back then. This present building was established in 1971.' Prayers are held on top of the temple. — Photo by Peter Boon Manogaran also pointed out the construction cost nearly amounted to RM2 million, up from the initial RM1.1 million due to rising building material costs and also wages. 'The current double-storey building of the temple would be repurposed. 'We need to use the top floor as a hall, while the ground floor will be for the priest's accommodation and other related purposes,' he said, adding the building has significant historical and cultural value. Devotees join the prayer session inside the new temple building. — Photo by Borhaniza Ali Basah Jalan Orchid lead Manogaran Krishnasamy Sri Maha Mariamman Temple
Borneo Post
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
BCF Chinese Cultural Night highlights Chinese community's rich traditions, vibrant heritage
(Seated from third right) Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) chairman Clarence Ting, Wong, Ting, Lau, SMC deputy chairman Mohammed Abdullah Izkandar Roseley and others in a photo session at UCA Sibu booth. — Photo by Peter Boon SIBU (July 7): The Borneo Cultural Festival's (BCF) Chinese Cultural Night is a meaningful event that showcases the rich traditions, timeless values and vibrant heritage of the Chinese community, said Bawang Assan assemblyman Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh. 'Culture is the soul of a community. It carries with it the wisdom of our ancestors, the expressions of identity and the bridge between generations. Let us continue to promote mutual understanding, cultural exchange and community harmony. 'Let us also pass down these traditions to our younger generations so they know where they come from and carry forward the best of their heritage,' he said during the opening ceremony of the event here on Saturday. Meanwhile, United Chinese Association (UCA) Sibu president Lau Ing Siong said Chinese culture, with it's a 5,000-year heritage, has taken root and evolved differently across overseas communities. Photo shows the huge crowd that thronged the Borneo Cultural Festival. — Photo by Peter Boon 'Among all countries with overseas Chinese, Malaysia is one of the best at preserving and promoting Chinese culture,' he said. He said the event showcased Chinese cultural performances that also featured participation from other ethnic groups. 'This fully reflects the local flavor of our shared culture and proves that Chinese civilisation is no hindrance to inter-ethnic harmony and development.' During the event, the guest-of-honour was Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, who was represented by his special duties officer Agatha Ting. borneo cultural festival Chinese community wong soon koh
Borneo Post
06-07-2025
- Health
- Borneo Post
Lorry driver honoured at Sibu-level World Blood Donor Day 2025
Chiew shows his certificate and trophy, awarded in recognition of his active blood donation over the years. — Photos by Peter Boon SIBU (July 6): Lorry driver, Chiew Kian Peng, received the recognition as the top donor at the division-level 'World Blood Donor Day 2025' event here today. The local man, in his 60s, has donated 154 pints. 'I can't remember when I first donated blood, but it was at the old hospital (Lau King Howe Hospital). 'I am still a regular donor, and I still work as a lorry driver,' he told The Borneo Post when met after the ceremony where he received the tokens of appreciation from Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) chairman Clarence Ting, who represented the Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian at the event. Chiew then said he donated between four and six times a year. 'Previously, one could only donate once every three months. But now, it's once every two months. 'While I am still donating blood regularly, at my age, I need to go for medical check-up before donating,' said Chiew, who was among the 861 donors being honoured at the event. Also present yesterday were Sibu MP Oscar Ling, MRC Sarawak Chapter chairman Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan, as well as MRC Sibu branch chairman Penghulu Chua Hiong Kee, its advisor Temenggong Dato Vincent Lau, deputy chairman Hii Sieh Toh and vice-chairperson Dr Rachel Teng. blood donor lead lorry driver World Blood Donor Day
Borneo Post
05-07-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Expanded SST may burden rural students with price hikes on books, stationery, says SUPP man
Lau (seated, third left) takes a group photo with his mobile team. — Photo by Peter Boon SIBU (July 5): The federal government should look into concerns of possible price hikes on books and stationery following the expanded Sales and Service Tax (SST), said Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP) Bawang Assan chairman Kevin Lau. He said many rural students were still dependent on textbooks and exercise books, and that this issue had been raised by the Sibu Stationery and Book Sellers Association. 'I came across a news article this morning about the extension of SST to include stationery and paper, and there is a worry that the increase in paper prices would impact items like books and exercise books. I believe the Finance Ministry (MOF) and federal government should address this concern raised by the association. 'As you know, in Sarawak, we have many students in rural areas that still depend on exercise books and textbooks. If this SST expansion becomes a burden for them, we hope that the MOF will find a solution and consider the education sector, which includes schools. 'As we all strive to earn a living, we recognise the significance of education for our children. We sincerely hope that this does not add extra pressure on parents and students, allowing them to continue their education without any hindrance,' he told The Borneo Post when met at SUPP Bawang Assan branch's mobile service here today. Lau said the association's concerns were legitimate and should be addressed and given special attention by MOF and the federal government. When asked if the sector should be left out of the expanded SST, he replied: 'I believe the federal government should think about exempting them but they need to examine the mechanism because it's more complex than that.' Lau said based on what he had read, the SST is applied to the pulp, which serves as the primary component in paper production. 'So, if that happens then it applies across the board. Therefore, I'm not sure how they are able to implement it in their mechanism. 'So again that requires a very detailed study by their side and of course, if it can be exempted particularly for the students and education sector, I think it's for the best. That's what we want for the students,' said Lau. According to Oriental Daily, based on the government's gazette, the scope of the expanded SST includes wood pulp raw materials, various types of paper stationery, printed materials, stamps, and postcards. Among the detailed list of goods subject to the expanded SST were various types of pulp used to produce paper, such as mechanical pulp, chemical pulp, and recycled pulp. It reported that this meant various types of paper and stationery products fell under the expanded SST list, including newsprint, notepads, exercise books, account books, folders, receipt books, diaries, and other common stationery. It was also reported that the selling prices for these products would likely be reviewed due to the increasing costs. Meanwhile, on the mobile service, Lau mentioned that it has been ongoing regularly in a bid to connect with the people. 'Being here offers us a valuable chance to engage not just with the public, but also with the business community.'
