Latest news with #SibuAirport
Borneo Post
21-06-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
SWB: Sibu water woes traced to leaks at hospital, airport
Abdul Malik, flanked by Sia (left) and Loh, responds to a question posed during the press conference. SIBU (June 21): The ongoing water supply issues affecting Kemuyang, Sibu Jaya, Rascom Camp and the surrounding areas have been primarily attributed to leaks in the pipeline supplying water to the mentioned areas. Speaking at a press conference here today, Sibu Water Board (SWB) general manager Abdul Malik Abdullah revealed that investigations had pinpointed two key premises with suspected major internal pipeline leaks: Sibu Hospital, and Sibu Airport. 'In the case of Sibu Hospital, we have observed a noticeable increase in water consumption, from approximately 0.5 MLD (million litres per day) to 1MLD. 'Additionally, a review of the hospital's water bills also raised concerns. Typically, their monthly bill is around RM15,000. 'However, last month, it spiked to RM30,000. 'As for Sibu Airport, daily water consumption has doubled from 0.3MLD to 0.6MLD,' he said, adding that both locations had been notified of these matters. In view of this, he said the board had slightly reduced the sluice valve opening to regulate water flow to these two locations while awaiting repair works. According to Abdul Malik, many pipelines are ageing, with some already in service for about 30 years. He also highlighted that the water demand in Sibu had reached its peak at 195MLD, matching the combined production capacity of the existing plants: 150MLD from the Salim Water Treatment Plant, and 45MLD from the Bukit Lima treatment facility. 'This means the system is operating at full capacity. Even minor water disruptions or leaks can impact the overall supply,' he added. To address the issue, Abdul Malik said several main projects had been approved, with some currently being implemented. 'The Salim water treatment plant will increase its capacity from 150MLD to 300MLD, with RM300 million allocated by the Sarawak government,' he said, adding that the project commenced in May last year and should reach completion by mid-2027. 'Upon completion, Sibu's total water production capacity will increase to 345MLD, including output from the Bukit Lima water treatment plant, boosting the reserve margin in order to water usage, in which we anticipate until 2036.' Abdul Malik also said the Sarawak government had approved RM170 million for replacement of 360km stretch of ageing pipes in phases, from this year until 2028. 'This year, five packages worth RM51 million are being implemented as part of the overall project. The Sarawak government has allocated RM1.1 billion for the initiative, with RM170 million allocated to SWB,' he said. Furthermore, Abdul Malik pointed at the Sungai Sadit acute plant as among the mitigation measures, pending the completion of the upgrading works on the Salim water treatment plant. 'This acute system, with 4MLD production capacity, will increase our water reserves.' He also said the non-revenue water (NRW) reduction project, expected to be completed by April 2026, should lead to water savings of 15MLD. In addition, the Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB)'s project, an acute plant in Nibong Tada, once completed, would eliminate the need for SWB to supply 2MLD of water to JBALB. Among those present at the press conference were SWB senior manager (customer service and distribution) Loh Wei Lun and assistant executive (non-revenue water) Sia Yew Tatt. disruption pipeline leaks Sibu SWB water
Borneo Post
01-06-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Malaysia sees tourism boom in 2024 as Gawai festivities light up Sarawak airports
Ting (second left) and Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) Pelawan women chief Anna Lau (third left) present goodie bags to tourists arriving at Sibu Airport. SIBU (June 2): Sarawak's airports came alive with the spirit of Gawai Dayak yesterday, as Tourism Malaysia, in collaboration with Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB), hosted festive celebrations at Kuching International Airport (KIA) and Sibu Airport. The events, held in conjunction with the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign, aimed to share the cultural richness and warmth of Gawai with both domestic and international travellers. Arriving passengers were welcomed with festive goodies, including Sarawak's iconic kek lapis (layered cake) and promotional materials for VM2026. At Sibu Airport, Agatha Ting, special duties officer to federal Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Dato Seri Tiong King Sing, and Rubiah Tul'Adwiyah Md Yusof, director of Tourism Malaysia Sarawak, were present alongside representatives from partner agencies and tourism associations. Guests and travellers were also treated to captivating cultural performances by a local dance troupe, showcasing Sarawak's diverse Dayak heritage. Malaysia welcomed 38 million international visitors last year, marking a 31.1 per cent increase from 2023, and 8.3 per cent above the pre-pandemic 2019 levels. In a press release yesterday, Tourism Malaysia said the visitor receipts also surged, generating RM106.78 billion, reflecting a substantial 43.7 per cent growth over 2023 and exceeding 2019 figures by 20 per cent. 'This positive trend has continued into early 2025, with the first four months recording 13.4 million visitor arrivals, a 21.0 per cent year-on-year increase. Between January and April 2025, Singapore remained Malaysia's top visitor-generating market, followed by Indonesia, China, Thailand, India, Brunei, South Korea, the Philippines, Australia and the United Kingdom. Tourism Malaysia noted that the Gawai Dayak Festival is part of its ongoing effort to promote the essence of Sarawak's cultural tapestry and to invite visitors to experience Malaysian hospitality. Gawai Dayak lead Sibu Airport Tourism Malaysia Visit Malaysia 2026
Borneo Post
04-05-2025
- Borneo Post
Teen motorcyclist killed in crash near Sibu Airport
Firemen cleaning up the aftermath of the accident at the scene. – Bomba photo SIBU (May 4): An 18-year-old motorcyclist was killed in a self-accident near Sibu Airport traffic lights intersection at Jalan Sibu-Durin here today. According to Sibu police chief ACP Zulkipli Suhaili, the police received a report about the incident at 7.35am. 'Investigations at the scene revealed that the victim was heading towards Sibu Jaya from Kemuyang when he suddenly lost control of his motorcycle before it hit the central guardrail and fell onto the road. 'The victim, who suffered severe head injuries, was pronounced dead at the scene,' he said in a statement. Zulkipli said the front of the victim's motorcycle was also severely damaged in the incident. He added they have opened an investigation paper under Section 41(1) Road Transport Act 1987 following the report. bomba fatal accident lead motorcyclist
Borneo Post
26-04-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sibu-Bhutan direct flight set to strengthen bilateral ties, boost tourism
Tan (third right) and Ugyen exchange the MoU, witnessed by Lee (left). SIBU (April 26): Bilateral relations between Malaysia and Bhutan are set to reach new heights with the launch of the inaugural direct chartered flight between Sibu and Bhutan, scheduled to begin on Aug 25. The official signing ceremony for the agreement was held today at Kingwood Hotel, organised by Sak Soon Travel Agencies Sdn Bhd, the main driver behind the initiative. The non-stop service will utilise an Airbus A319 or an equivalent aircraft with a seating capacity of 126 passengers, operating round-trip flights between Sibu Airport (SBW) and Paro Airport (PBH) in Bhutan. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between Sak Soon Travel and Bhutan Airline, represented by managing director Thomas Tan and general manager Ugyen Tenzin, respectively. Tourism Malaysia Deputy Director General (Promotion II) Samuel Lee, witnessed the signing on behalf of the Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) Minister Dato Sri Tiong King Sing. Reading Tiong's speech at the event, Lee highlighted the significance of the route in building a cultural and economic bridge between Malaysia and Bhutan. 'This collaboration clearly shows the commitment of both countries to strengthening the tourism sector, expanding trade opportunities, and fostering closer people-to-people relations,' the speech stated. Tiong said the new route would not only provide better travel options but also allow Bhutanese tourists to explore the cultural richness and natural beauty of Sarawak, while giving Malaysians an opportunity to experience Bhutan's spiritual heritage. He also noted that the initiative supports the Visit Malaysia Year 2026 campaign, which targets 53.3 million tourist arrivals. In his remarks, Tan expressed confidence that the launch of the route would further strengthen ties between the two countries. 'This direct charter flight is not just a new route, as it is a bridge connecting two communities eager to learn from and grow with each other. 'With the expected increase in tourist traffic and business opportunities, we are confident that this partnership will bring long-term benefits to the people of Sibu and Malaysia's tourism industry as a whole,' he said. Also present at the event were Bukit Assek assemblyman Joseph Chieng and Bhutan Tourism marketing chief officer Karma Wangdi. Bhutan direct flights lead memorandum of understanding tourism
