Latest news with #SarawakPremier'sDepartment
The Star
10 hours ago
- Business
- The Star
Better but still room for improvement for Sarawak's Industrial Harmony Index score, says state deputy minister
Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department Datuk Gerawat Gala (centre) opening the Sarawak industrial harmony programme in Kuching. KUCHING: Sarawak's Industrial Harmony Index score increased by nearly 3% from 2022 to 2024, but there is still room for improvement, says Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Office Datuk Gerawat Gala. He said the state's score rose from 79.3% in 2022 to 81.5% last year, slightly below the national score of 83%. "This is a satisfying achievement. We are happy with the progress, which shows that we are moving in the right direction. "But I hope this achievement will continue to increase in the coming years because we want to be at least the same, if not better, than the national score," he told reporters after opening the Sarawak industrial harmony programme here on Wednesday (July 30). Gerawat expressed confidence that companies in Sarawak would take positive steps to improve their performance in industrial harmony. He said that two companies from Sarawak made it to the finals of the Anugerah Syarikat Harmoni 2025 awards, which recognised companies that implemented best practices to create a conducive and harmonious work environment. "This shows that the landscape of industrial relations in Sarawak is harmonious," he said. In his speech earlier, Gerawat said employers and employees should work together to resolve industrial issues. "Confrontational and combative methods of resolving differences between employers and employees are always a lose-lose situation for both parties. "In modern times, this approach is out of date. It's always productive to be collaborative between employers and employees," he said. As such, he called on employers and workers' unions to inculcate a culture of collaboration and consultation in resolving disputes. "Employees will be motivated to be more productive in a conducive work environment," he said.
Borneo Post
5 days ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Kuching to host international seminar on climate change, humanity next week
Dr Abdul Rahman (third right) joins other dignitaries in a group photo, taken after the press conference. — Sarawak Public Communications Unit photo KUCHING (July 26): Delegates from around the world are expected to attend the International Seminar on Humanity and the Climate Change Crisis, to be taking place at the Sarawak Islamic Complex Hall here from July 29 to 30. Themed 'A Multidimensional Perspective', the event is held in conjunction with the Sarawak Islamic Council's 70th anniversary celebration. According to State Deputy Minister in Sarawak Premier's Department (Project Coordinator for Regional Development Agencies, Kuching North City Commission and Islamic Affairs) Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi, the seminar aims to bring together policymakers, scientists, scholars and leaders to discuss the often-overlooked human dimension of climate change – an essential point in addressing today's global environmental challenges. 'The purpose of this seminar is to deepen our understanding of the relationship between human activities and climate change, which is becoming increasingly critical,' he said during a press conference at Majma' Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah here yesterday. Dr Abdul Rahman added that the seminar would also highlight perspectives rooted in Islamic teachings, providing participants with holistic methods to collectively address the issues arising from climate change. He stressed that the event was designed to foster collaboration between local and global communities in formulating effective strategies to tackle the ongoing climate crisis. Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg is expected to deliver a keynote address on 'Balancing Development Needs and Environmental Concerns: Sarawak's Experience and The Way Forward' at the seminar's opening. The event is expected to draw participation from both local and international delegates, including academicians, government officials, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), community leaders, and also students. Members of the public, especially those concerned about the climate crisis and its impact on humanity, are encouraged to attend. Participation is free. Abdul Rahman Junaidi Climate Change Crisis lead
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
Borneo Post
21-07-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Pilot project to smoothen business registration process to kick off Aug 1 in Sibu, Kanowit
(Seated, from left) Sempurai, Tiang, Dr Sim, Hii, Loh and others pose with the thumbs-up gesture during a photo-call. SIBU (July 22): A pilot project to reform the process of starting up a business in Sarawak will be implemented effective this Aug 1, in the districts of Sibu and Kanowit, and will be running for six months. According to Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, the project was spearheaded by the state government through the Sarawak Transformation and Innovation Unit in the Sarawak Premier's Department; Ministry of Public Health, Housing and Local Government; and Malaysia Productivity Corporation (MPC). He said under the pilot project, all business registrations involving business name, trade licence and operating licence applications would be coordinated by one agency, namely the local authorities in Sibu and Kanowit, via one facilitation centre. 'Applicants will only need to fill in one composite form that captures all necessary information for business name registration, trade licence and operating licence applications. 'The pilot project targets a processing time from application to licence collection within 14 working days for low-risk businesses, while high-risk business applications such as sales of gas, entertainment centres, elderly or childcare centres and reflexology centres will be processed within 30 working days,' he said in a press conference here yesterday. Dr Sim added that for applications requiring only the business name and trade licence, the licence could be collected within five working days, while licences for those requiring an operating licence could be collected within 14 working days. 'This means applicants only need to visit the counter a maximum of two times. Studies show that licence processing time for business registration may take up to 60 days or more. 'Through this project, the processing time will be reduced from over 60 working days to only 14 or up to 30 working days.' Earlier, Dr Sim said business registration in Sarawak typically involves three main components depending on the type of business, namely the business name registration, trade licence and operating licence. These are governed by Chapter 64 of the Business Names Ordinance 1958, Chapter 33 of the Businesses, Professions and Trades Licensing Ordinance 1958, Local Authorities Ordinance 1996 and other various regulations and bylaws. 'At present, business registration in Sarawak involves various government departments and agencies such as Inland Revenue Board, District Offices, Divisional Treasury Department and Local Authorities. 'For instance, in Sibu District, the process involves the Sibu District Office, Sibu Divisional Treasury Department, and two local authorities namely the Sibu Municipal Council and Sibu Rural District Council (SRDC). 'On top of the agencies that I have mentioned, there is still approval from agencies that may be required, such as from the Fire and Rescue Department, Land and Survey Department and the Health Department. 'Due to this requirement, applicants are required to deal with multiple agencies at various locations, making the process inefficient and time-consuming. In addition, applicants are required to fill in multiple forms, depending on the business type and licenses applied for,' he said. According to the Deputy Premier, this effort was crucial to stimulate business activities in Sarawak and position the region as a more investor-friendly destination. 'Therefore, Sarawak must act swiftly to seize this opportunity by accelerating and streamlining the investment and business processes. This pilot project is a strategic step in that direction. 'We aim to ensure Sarawak remains competitive as an investment destination that offers administrative efficiency, process certainty, and strong governmental support to the business community. 'I urge all agencies involved to give their full commitment and support to ensure the success of this pilot project, which will serve as the foundation for statewide implementation across Sarawak,' he said. He added that under the Sarawak Digital Economy Blueprint 2030, the Sarawak government had been actively driving digitalisation initiatives for business registration to boost public confidence in transacting with the government via online platforms. 'Existing systems such as e-R&DO and e-LA2 will also be upgraded in the near term to support this digital initiative,' he said. Also present were Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Sarawak Datuk Michael Tiang, Deputy State Secretary Datu Hii Chang Kee, the ministry's permanent secretary Datu Elizabeth Loh and SRDC chairman Sempurai Petrus Ngelai. business registration Dr Sim Kui Hian lead start-up businesses
Borneo Post
04-07-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Integrity summit to gather 800 reps from across Borneo
Juanda, flanked by Hii (third second left) and Shahrul Razid, joins Wan Mohamad (second left) and others in a photo-call, taken after the press conference at Bangunan Baitulmakmur 2 in Kuching. KUCHING (July 4): The inaugural Borneo International Integrity Summit (BIIS) 2025 will be taking place at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) from July 29 to 30, bringing together over 800 participants from across the region in a collective effort to promote good governance and ethical leadership. Organised by the Sarawak Integrity and Ombudsman Unit (Unions) under the Sarawak Premier's Department, in collaboration with Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) Sarawak and the Konsortium Universiti-Universitas Borneo (KUUB), the event will focus on fostering integrity as a cornerstone of sustainable development. Held under the theme 'Driving Innovation, Transparency and Ethical Leadership for a Sustainable Future', BIIS 2025 will record participation from academics, civil servants, students from 31 universities and colleges across Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei and Singapore, as well as representatives of secondary schools and several government departments and agencies. According to Deputy Minister in Sarawak Premier's Department (Integrity and Ombudsman) Datuk Dr Juanda Jaya, BIIS 2025 is a strategic platform meant to elevate transparency, drive innovation and nurture ethical leadership across Borneo. 'The summit is not just an intellectual event, but a collective movement to embed integrity into our institutions and systems. 'Through KUUB and Unions, we are uniting voices across sectors to build a more transparent, fair and accountable future for Borneo,' he told a press conference on the event today. He stressed that the summit should reflect Sarawak's long-term vision of instilling integrity as a shared responsibility among leaders, educators, civil servants and youth. 'Integrity is not optional. It is the foundation of a progressive and just society. 'We are investing in a generation of leaders who are not only innovative and capable, but also guided by strong moral values and a sense of accountability,' said Juanda. Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg is scheduled to officiate at the opening ceremony this July 29. According to Juanda, the programme is aligned with the Sarawak government's commitment to cultivating a culture of integrity and ethical governance. 'This is how we build trust in public institutions, by showing that we are willing to be accountable, to collaborate, and to lead by example,' he added. He also said Sarawak would host BIIS every two years. 'As the permanent secretariat of KUUB, UPM Sarawak plays a central role in regional collaboration. 'The KUUB network currently includes 16 universities from Brunei, Indonesia (including Kalimantan), Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan,' he added. In conjunction with the summit, an 'Innovation Exhibition' will be set up, showcasing research works and products by local institutions of higher learning that have the potential to enhance socio-economic development and global well-being. Among the participating institutions are Centre of Technology Excellence (CENTEXS), Sarawak Skills, i-CATS University College, University Technology Sarawak (UTS), University Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas), Universiti Teknologi Mara Sarawak (Samarahan Campus), and Curtin University Malaysia. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) between KUUB and Unions will also be signed during the summit, aimed at strengthening the cooperation in enforcing integrity values across the region. The summit is supported by Business Events Sarawak (BE Sarawak) and the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak (MTCP). Also present at the press conference were Deputy State Secretary (Operations) Datu Hii Chang Kee, UPM Sarawak director Prof Dr Shahrul Razid Sarbini, and Unions director Wan Mohamad Wan Drahman. BIIS Borneo International Integrity Summit Dr Juanda Jaya Kuching
