Latest news with #RM16
The Sun
4 hours ago
- Health
- The Sun
New health clinic to be built in Betong
KUCHING: A health clinic costing RM16 million will be built in the Simpang Layar area of Betong, said Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas. He said the clinic would complement two other proposed medical facilities in the Spaoh area of Betong - a RM36 million clinic and a RM5 million haemodialysis centre. Uggah attributed these developments to the establishment of the Betong Division Development Agency (BDDA). 'We have seen many high-impact projects coming our way. Another project we are eagerly anticipating is the completion of the road from Sri Aman to Betong town. 'This road, which is part of the Second Trunk Road project, is expected to be completed next year and will reduce travel time between the two towns to about 30 minutes,' he said in a statement today. Uggah reiterated that he would continue to focus on creating more income-generating economic activities and promoting education excellence in Betong. 'We view modern farming as the way forward. Toward this end, we have identified an area of 1,000 acres for our agro park, and we have also identified several companies to spearhead the development with landowners,' he added.
Barnama
4 hours ago
- Health
- Barnama
New Health Clinic To Be Built In Betong
REGION - SARAWAK > NEWS KUCHING, June 28 (Bernama) -- A health clinic costing RM16 million will be built in the Simpang Layar area of Betong, said Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas. He said the clinic would complement two other proposed medical facilities in the Spaoh area of Betong - a RM36 million clinic and a RM5 million haemodialysis centre. Uggah attributed these developments to the establishment of the Betong Division Development Agency (BDDA). bootstrap slideshow 'We have seen many high-impact projects coming our way. Another project we are eagerly anticipating is the completion of the road from Sri Aman to Betong town. 'This road, which is part of the Second Trunk Road project, is expected to be completed next year and will reduce travel time between the two towns to about 30 minutes,' he said in a statement today. Uggah reiterated that he would continue to focus on creating more income-generating economic activities and promoting education excellence in Betong. 'We view modern farming as the way forward. Toward this end, we have identified an area of 1,000 acres for our agro park, and we have also identified several companies to spearhead the development with landowners,' he added. -- BERNAMA
New Straits Times
10 hours ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Establish a National Maritime Blueprint for geopolitical resilience and Blue Economy growth
The recent India-Pakistan hostilities are another international occurrence that may trigger supply chain setbacks while countries are concurrently struggling with the US reciprocal tariffs. With the ongoing South China Sea issues ranging from big powers' rivalry and assertive behaviour that may disrupt maritime trade, Malaysia must carefully navigate geopolitical repercussions and dampen the geo-economic shock. This strategic pressure is amplified by Malaysia's deep maritime dependence. Located between the South China Sea and the Straits of Malacca, its economic heartbeat heavily depends on the ocean. The Academy of Sciences Malaysia estimated that in 2020, Malaysia's blue economy contributed 21.3 per cent of Malaysia's GDP. By 2030, it is forecasted to increase significantly, potentially reaching 31.5 per cent of GDP and totalling around RM1.4 trillion. Malaysia's maritime interests are substantial, built upon Petronas' offshore oil and gas operations which contribute around 20 per cent of national GDP, alongside a RM16 billion fishing industry, and maritime trade comprising 98 per cent of its international commerce. These sectors also sustain the livelihoods of countless Malaysian citizens across all states. Any disruption, whether internal or external, threatens both national prosperity and individual well-being. The risks and threats in the maritime domain remain contentious and, more often than not, loom large, potentially impeding Malaysia's maritime economy. Concurrently, Malaysia faces challenges on multiple fronts in defending its national interest: internal leakages and corruption, domestic differences including growing calls for greater autonomy in Sabah and Sarawak, evolving transnational threats, persistent maritime disputes, and the intensifying geopolitical rivalry. In recent decades, the South China Sea has evolved into a critical security flashpoint where Malaysia maintains legitimate claims under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). An alarming increase in dangerous incidents throughout the region demands our attention. Though Malaysia has experienced fewer confrontations than our regional neighbours, concerning episodes, including the 2020 West Capella standoff, PLA's aircraft incursions into Malaysian airspace, and persistent harassment of vessels operating within our Exclusive Economic Zone, serve as key reminders that enhanced maritime governance and security are not optional but essential. Malaysia stepped up efforts in safeguarding its national interests in 2020 by launching the inaugural Defence White Paper (DWP) to strengthen its national defence and lay the foundation for the nation's security strategy. Crucially, the DWP projected Malaysia as a 'maritime nation,' signalling a strategic vision that places the maritime domain at the core of its national interests. As the DWP undergoes its mid-term review approaching 2025, it's clear that while it provides overarching guidance on protecting sovereignty and sovereign rights, the focus is not on the granularities of maritime governance itself. Therefore, complementing the DWP with specific, actionable policies is imperative. Malaysia needs dedicated measures to realise the potential of its 2030 blue economy goals, shielded from the contentious maritime environment. Therefore, a coherent national maritime blueprint is the necessary instrument to achieve this. Encouragingly, under the administration of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, the discourse on maritime governance and security has gained notable traction. Discussions in parliament and public statements have increasingly touched upon protecting territorial integrity, harnessing the blue economy, and modernising maritime assets. Furthermore, the National Security Council's (NSC) ongoing development of a new national security policy is eminently important and timely. Yet, discourse and broad policy must translate into coordinated actions. Now is the opportune moment for Malaysia, in its quest as a maritime nation and racing against escalating geopolitical tensions, to formulate a dedicated national maritime blueprint. The increasing uncertainty in global politics, which directly impacts Malaysia's vast interests in the maritime sphere, especially the South China Sea, makes such preparedness paramount. A foundation that prescribes more effective coordination between key agencies with maritime interests at the federal and state levels will allow Malaysia to project a united front, and in turn, eliminate any loopholes that render a siloed culture. This is necessary to allow the country to better navigate global uncertainty that seeks to jeopardise national progress regardless of whether its origin is internal, bilateral, or multilateral. A national maritime blueprint can provide a guideline for seamless coordination of actions between federal and state agencies in protecting national borders This blueprint must be a living strategic document that assesses Malaysia's maritime capabilities across defense, economic, and developmental dimensions, crafting a cohesive strategy to navigate geopolitical uncertainties. It must encompass a clear vision and objectives, placing Malaysia's long-term ambition as a maritime nation at the forefront. Success depends on embracing a "Whole of Government, Whole of Society" (WoGoS) approach that aligns national priorities above all, not driven by any single entity or state, but rather shaped through an engagement of all stakeholders. The WoGoS approach must form the cornerstone of both planning and implementing Malaysia's maritime blueprint. This framework ensures that all relevant perspectives, from security agencies to economic interests to environmental concerns, formulate a coherent national strategy. The blueprint can establish foundational governance structures and coordination mechanisms that could eventually evolve into a governing formality. Such a framework would also drive asset modernisation through transparent processes where non-military stakeholders provide essential oversight, ensuring that procurement decisions serve national interests. The maritime blueprint must be conceived as a long-term strategic instrument for safeguarding Malaysia's maritime interests against evolving threats. Its success hinges on meaningful engagement with key constituencies: nurturing maritime awareness among the youth that will inherit far more complex challenges; securing support from MPs who shape policy frameworks; and addressing the specific concerns of coastal communities whose livelihoods depend directly on our waters. A comprehensive national maritime blueprint represents a historic opportunity for the current administration to establish a long-lasting legacy to contend with contemporary challenges. By articulating a clear vision for Malaysia as a maritime nation and embedding this identity in key guiding policy documents, the government can ensure that Malaysia's maritime interests remain protected for generations to come, regardless of shifting geopolitical headwinds.
Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
MPP records rise in assessment rate collection, reaffirms commitment to devt
Tan (centre) and others pose for a photo call after the meeting. KUCHING (June 26): The Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) has recorded an increase in assessment rate collection, with RM16 million collected as of June 2025, marking a 58.06 per cent collection rate, up from 57.47 per cent during the same period last year. Chairman Tan Kai, after chairing the MPP full council meeting yesterday, said the increase demonstrates the council's ongoing commitment to enhance revenue collection and community cooperation. 'Arrears collection has also risen by RM189,000 compared to the same period in 2024. 'MPP has implemented several proactive measures, including mobile counters, door-to-door programmes, SMS and email reminders, follow-up calls, and reminder notices,' he said, stressing that assessment rate revenue is crucial for sustaining services and development in Padawan. Payments can be made at all MPP counters, Service Sarawak locations, the Kuching North City Commission (DBKU), the Kuching South City Hall (MBKS), Post Malaysia Bhd, H&L Supermarkets, and online via the Service Sarawak website, S Pay Global app, and PayBills Malaysia website. Ratepayers who have not received their bills are encouraged to update the contact details at MPP or Service Sarawak counters to receive digital copies. During the meeting, Tan also provided updates on infrastructure projects funded through the Malaysian Road Records Information System (Marris). A total of 121 projects under the Special Marris Road allocation, amounting to RM8.2 million, have been approved, with 47.1 per cent completed. Under the Special Marris Drainage allocation, 28 projects worth RM7.8 million were approved, with 32.14 per cent completed. Separately, 133 out of 411 routine maintenance projects across the council's area have been completed. 'The council reaffirms its commitment to transparency, efficiency, and timely project delivery to ensure maximum benefit for the community,' said Tan. He also warned private developers against carrying out earthworks without prior engineering approval, noting that companies must apply for road permits and clearly indicate routes for heavy vehicles, particularly when transporting construction materials. 'Repeated damage to roads caused by heavy vehicles places a burden on public resources due to frequent repairs,' he said. 'Non-compliance with Section 8A of the Sarawak Building Ordinance 1996 and planning regulations may lead to enforcement, including site closure. A non-compliant site was closed just last month as part of such enforcement efforts.' Moreover, MPP is also moving to regularise unauthorised advertisements within its jurisdiction. Tan stressed that all advertisements must follow council guidelines and by-laws to ensure public safety and preserve the townscape. 'Violators may face a compound of RM1,000 under By-law 28 of the Local Authorities (Advertisements) By-laws 2012,' he said, adding that MPP is committed to working closely with business owners to support compliance and guide them through proper licensing procedures. On another matter, MPP will hold a free dog licensing, anti-rabies vaccination, and microchipping programme this Saturday at the Kota Sentosa basketball court parking lot. The first 50 dogs vaccinated, licensed, and registered with the council will receive a RM150 subsidy. assessment rate collection lead MPP Tan Kai
The Star
3 days ago
- Automotive
- The Star
Tribunal orders car dealer to refund booking fee to claimant
Jayandi claims that the salesman did not tell her the RM500 booking fee was non-refundable. AN operations executive changed her mind a week after deciding to buy a used car and paying a RM500 booking fee. When the car dealer refused to refund the money, she took up the matter with the Johor Consumer Claims Tribunal. The tribunal ordered the refund to be paid back to her, minus expenses incurred by the dealer in the process of the purchase. S. Jayandi, 58, from Larkin in Johor Baru and works in Singapore, had on Jan 6, 2025, visited the dealer's shop to buy the car. 'I decided to buy a 14-year-old continental car for RM16,000,' she said, adding that she paid RM500 to the salesman and had an invoice as proof of payment. However, when she returned home, her son and son-in-law advised her not to buy the car as getting spare parts and components for the model would be difficult. Jayandi took their advice and asked the dealer to refund the booking fee, but it was refused. 'I was told that under the company's policy, the money was non-refundable as written on the invoice issued to me,' she said outside the Tribunal in Menara Ansar, Johor Baru. Jayandi claimed that the salesman attending to her did not tell her the booking fee was non-refundable and neither did she sign any documents for the intended purchase. Having given her old car to her son, Jayandi needed one to drive to Singapore for work daily. As the dealer had incurred cost to send the car for inspection at Puspakom and for servicing, tribunal president Hafez Zalkapli awarded only RM200 to Jayandi. He ordered the dealer to refund the RM200 within two weeks. Those needing assistance in regard to Consumer Claims Tribunal matters can call 07-227 1755 or 07-227 1766.
