Latest news with #RegionalDevelopmentAgencies
Borneo Post
23-07-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Toh Puan Fauziah visits Miri Handicraft Centre in conjunction with Sarawak Day
Fauziah (right) visit one of the vendors own by Chan Chew Hua (left) as Rosey (second right), Siti Shorgayah (third right) and Rita (fourth right) look on. MIRI (July 23): Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, wife of the Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, visited the Miri Handicraft Centre yesterday in conjunction with the Sarawak Day 2025 celebration. She was accompanied by Deputy State Minister for Women, Childhood and Community Development, Datuk Rosey Yunus; wife of Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department (Project Coordinator for Regional Development Agencies, Kuching North City Hall and Islamic Affairs) Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi, Datin Siti Shorgayah Ahmad Zaidin,wife of Miri Mayor Adam Yii, Rita Lau Leh Sien; and Miri Administrative Officer Geraldine Janely Doris Peter Kulai. The group arrived at 2.30pm and was greeted with a traditional dance performance. During the visit, Fauziah watched a traditional bead weaving demonstration and toured stalls featuring local handicrafts. She also interacted with vendors and made a few purchases to show her support for the local craft community. The visit ended around 3pm with light refreshments. lead Miri Handicraft Centre Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi
Yahoo
16-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Canada introduces new tariffs, investment plan to support steel industry
-- Prime Minister Mark Carney unveiled a sweeping industrial strategy Wednesday aimed at reinforcing Canada's steel sector, as the country grapples with U.S. tariffs and surging global steel distortions. The measures are designed to curb harmful trade diversion, strengthen domestic supply chains, and prepare Canadian producers for deep shifts in global steel markets. Canada is among the most exposed advanced economies to structural shifts in the steel industry, given its large export volumes, open import market, and high per capita consumption. 'Our steel industry will be central to Canada's competitiveness, our security, and our prosperity,' said Carney in announcing the initiative. The government will impose a series of targeted tariff changes, reducing the steel import quota for non-free trade agreement (non-FTA) countries to 50% of 2024 volumes, with a 50% tariff on imports above that threshold. For FTA partners outside the U.S., the quota will remain at 100% of 2024 levels with the same overage tariff, while existing USMCA rules covering U.S. imports remain unchanged. Further, by the end of July, a 25% tariff will apply to all steel imports from non-U.S. countries containing steel 'melted and poured in China.' These measures, according to government statements, aim to 'prevent harmful trade diversion amid current tensions in global steel trade,' particularly in light of U.S. tariffs that have disrupted North American supply chains. Beyond defensive tariffs, the government pledged C$1 billion through the Strategic Innovation Fund to help Canadian steel producers develop new products and onshore capabilities. Another C$70 million will go toward Labour Market Development Agreements to support and reskill up to 10,000 affected workers in the steel sector. The federal government is also preparing a major expansion of financial supports through Regional Development Agencies and the Business Development Bank of Canada, including C$150 million in regional tariff response funding and enhanced access to low-cost loans. Minimum eligibility thresholds for the Large Enterprise Tariff Loan program will be lowered significantly, extending access to more mid-sized firms. Procurement rules will also be revised to channel more federal construction and infrastructure spending toward domestic producers. 'As Canada moves from reliance to resilience, Canada's new government is taking a series of major measures to support, reinforce, and transform the industry,' Carney said. The measures come as Canada continues negotiations with Washington following the Trump administration's decision to impose 25% tariffs on Canadian steel in March, which were later increased to 50% in June. With no resolution yet in place, Ottawa's approach aims to stabilize its domestic market while sending a signal of long-term commitment to national industrial capacity. Canadian steel company Algoma Steel Group Inc (TSX:ASTL) saw shares rise 3.2% following the announcement. Related articles Canada introduces new tariffs, investment plan to support steel industry Buy this massive AI stock into upcoming Q2 print: Morgan Stanley Surge of 50% since our AI selection, this chip giant still has great potential Sign in to access your portfolio
Borneo Post
24-06-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
I-Syariah system boosts efficiency, transparency in Sarawak Syariah courts
Suhaili speaking to reporters at the Sarawak Islamic Complex Hall today. Also seen are Awang Tengah (right) and Dr Abdul Rahman (second right). – Photo by Mohd Faisal Ahmad KUCHING (June 24): The implementation of the I-Syariah system has significantly improved the efficiency, accuracy, and transparency of case management in Sarawak's Syariah courts, said Sarawak Syariah Judiciary Department Chief Judge Datu Awang Suhaili Ledi. According to him, the system has enabled better coordination of court processes across jurisdictions, especially when the parties involved are located in different districts. 'With the I-Syariah system, all legal and judicial affairs related to the Syariah court can now be carried out more efficiently and effectively,' Awang Suhaili told the media after the official launch of the Sarawak National Syariah Convention (KoSKeS) 2025 at the Sarawak Islamic Complex Hall today. Apart from that, he also said that case backlogs in the Syariah courts remained minimal, noting that most pending matters were due to external factors such as witness availability, legal counsel, or the involved parties themselves. 'We have to remember that delays are not solely the responsibility of the courts. Other parties such as witnesses, lawyers, plaintiffs, and defendants also play a crucial role in ensuring cases are resolved smoothly,' he explained. On the impact of digitalisation, Awang Suhaili said it has greatly enhanced the integrity and traceability of court records. The system supports officers in documenting witness statements and testimonies accurately, ensuring reliability and accountability throughout the judicial process. 'All data is accurately recorded and if any alterations are attempted, we can trace the changes. This makes it much harder for anyone to tamper with official records. 'Every statement made in court is recorded and can be used as official reference when preparing judgments,' he said. When asked about the current trend in divorce cases in Sarawak, he acknowledged a slight increase, but said it remained within manageable levels. 'There has been a small upward trend, but nothing drastic. Many factors contribute to divorce, each with its own complexity. 'After divorce, there are often follow-up cases such as child custody, alimony, and property division,' he added. He also addressed issues related to cases involving religious status and conversion, saying such matters are handled under the Religious Status Determination Procedures 2011. This legal framework guides the court on who may file such cases and the process that follows. He emphasised that all such cases are managed in line with the established legal procedures to ensure fairness and consistency. KoSKeS was inaugurate during ceremony which officiated by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan and also attended by Deputy Minister in Sarawak Premier's Department (Project Coordinator for Regional Development Agencies, Kuching North City Commission-DBKU and Islamic Affairs) Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi, State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar and Sarawak Islamic Council president Datuk Misnu Taha. It was attended by delegates from across Malaysia and neighbouring countries including Singapore, Indonesia, and Brunei, marking a key milestone in Sarawak's efforts to modernise its Syariah judiciary and strengthen regional cooperation. Awang Suhaili Ledi digitalisation I-Syariah Syariah courts
Borneo Post
29-05-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Over 10,000 expected at Yang di-Pertuan Agong's birthday celebration in Limbang
(Seated, from left) Unos, Dr Abdul Rahman, Sagah and others hold the event promotional poster during the press conference. MIRI (May 29): More than 10,000 visitors from Sarawak, Sabah, Brunei, and the Federal Territory of Labuan are expected to enliven the official celebration of the 17th Yang di-Pertuan Agong's Birthday in Sarawak, which will be held in Limbang from June 11 to June 15. Minister in-charge of the event, Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn, at a press conference today said the Limbang Division has been chosen as the host for this year's celebration. He said the event is hosted by a different division each year to promote awareness of the monarchy's significance among all levels of Sarawakian society. 'We are giving every division in Sarawak, including Limbang, the opportunity to host the official celebration of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong's Birthday. This year, Limbang was selected to give its people a chance to understand the significance and importance of the monarchy institution. 'In the context of unity, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong is a symbol of strength for our country's ethnic diversity and serves as a balance for justice and welfare among Malaysians,' said Sagah. Sagah, who is also the State Minister of Education, Innovation, and Talent Development, said various exciting programmes will be held throughout the five-day celebration. Among the highlights are Interfaith Thanksgiving Ceremony at the Limbang Civic Centre (June 11), 'Raja Kita' Exhibition at the Limbang Civic Centre (June 12 to 15), Special Sermons at all mosques in Sarawak (June 13), Thanksgiving Ceremony at the Jannatul Firdaus Mosque, Limbang at 6pm (June 13), and Tea Reception at the Limbang Civic Center (June 14). There will also be side events such as Limbang Kitchen, Limbang Idol, and more. Also present at the press conference were the Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department (Project Coordinator for Regional Development Agencies, Kuching North City Hall and Islamic Affairs) Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi and Limbang Resident Unos Tambi. birthday celebration limbang Yang di-Pertuan Agong
Borneo Post
28-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sarawak allocates RM13.5 bln to Regional Development Agencies for 1,571 projects
Uggah says that as of April 2025, 82 projects or nine per cent had been completed and that the remaining 819 projects or 91 per cent were in various stages of implementation. – Ukas photo KUCHING (May 28): Sarawak has provided an allocation of RM13.5 billion to all nine Regional Development Agencies in the state with each agency receiving an allocation of RM1.5 billion, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas. The State Minister of Finance and New Economy II said of the RM13.5 billion, RM7.5 billion was allocated under Sarawak's annual budget to finance the implementation of 901 development projects under the supervision of the five Regional Development Agencies. 'Among them are the Sri Aman Development Agency (SADA), Betong Division Development Agency (BDDA), Rajang Delta Development Agency (RADDA), Greater Kuching Development Coordinated Agency (GKCDA), and Mid Rajang Regional Development Agency (MiRRDA). 'Of the total, 894 projects are physical projects, while seven are non-physical projects,' he added when delivering his winding-up speech for the ministry at the State Legislative Assembly sitting, today. He said that as of April 2025, 82 projects or nine per cent had been completed and that the remaining 819 projects or 91 per cent were in various stages of implementation. In addition, he also said RM6.0 billion has been allocated under Alternative Financing for projects under the supervision of regional development agencies. 'These include the Northern Regional Development Agency (NRDA), the Highland Development Agency (HDA), the Upper Rajang Development Agency (URDA), and the Integrated Samarahan Regional Development Agency (IRSDA). 'To date, a total of RM3.19 billion has been spent with 601 projects completed,' he said. Uggah said Sarawak had established various Regional Development Agencies to bridge the development gap between urban and rural areas and accelerate infrastructure development throughout Sarawak. The initiative, he said, was implemented through a bottom-up approach in project planning and implementation. Regarding the performance of project implementation under Alternative Financing, Uggah said that this year the Sarawak Government had allocated a total of RM8.12 billion for the implementation of 1,571 projects. 'As of April 2025, a total of RM1.11 billion or 14 per cent of the total allocation has been spent,' he said. He said that of the total, 1,514 projects were categorised as physical projects while 57 projects were non-physical. 'To date, 974 projects or 61 per cent have been completed, while the remaining 597 projects or 39 per cent are in various stages of implementation,' he said. Uggah said in total, a total of RM16.0 billion has been spent until April 2025 for the implementation of major development projects throughout Sarawak. douglas uggah DUN regional development agencies
