Latest news with #SimKuiHian
Borneo Post
7 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
S'wak govt backs sustainable, innovative devt projects, says Premier
Dr Sim (second left) speaks to Adrianta (left) regarding the designs. At right is the competition's convener Amzar Ahmad. KOTA SAMARAHAN (June 25): The Sarawak government will continue to support developments that demonstrate sustainability, inclusivity and innovation, said Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. The Premier said this is to ensure that the built environment keeps pace with the state's ambitions. 'Architecture sits at the heart of that agenda. We seek buildings and neighbourhoods that nurture biodiversity, embrace smart technology and, above all, put people first,' he said in a speech for the AIR Architecture Competition prize presentation at Hock Seng Lee (HSL) Tower here today. The text of Abang Johari's speech was delivered by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, who represented him at the event. The Premier said the competition is aligned with the state government's Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030, charting a path towards a high-income, green, and digital economy powered by talent and creativity. 'Competitions like AIR push our collective imagination and help translate policy into projects on the ground,' he added. The AIR Architecture Competition involves a 13-acre land between Kuching International Airport and Saradise. It is HSL's second national architecture competition after 'Langit' in 2021, and was jointly organised with the Malaysian Institute of Architects (PAM). HSL is the landowner and promoter of the competition, which is open to PAM members nationwide. Abang Johari also noted the Project AIR tagline, 'The AIR Above Us, Di Bawah AIR Mengalir', as a simple phrase which distils Sarawak's long tradition of living in harmony with nature—from longhouses upriver to the shophouses of the Nanyang style that line old Kuching. 'Great cities grow from great rivers, whether in Kuala Lumpur or here at Kuching. When we design well, we create not merely handsome façades but healthier, happier communities. 'When we build responsibly, we honour our rivers, our forests, and the generations yet to come,' he said, adding it was heartening to see human-centred emphasis in each of the competition's submissions. In this regard, he called on HSL, PAM and the wider design community to share these ideas through public exhibitions, online forums, and academic studios. Also present were HSL managing director Datuk Paul Yu Chee Hoe and PAM president Adrianta Aziz. abang johari Dr Sim Kui Hian innovation sustainability
Borneo Post
7 days ago
- Health
- Borneo Post
Sarawak's pressing need for palliative care
Sarawak is bracing for an increased need for palliative care, expected to be the highest in Malaysia by 2030. MIRI (June 25): With an ageing population and rising NCDs burden, Sarawak is bracing for an increased need for palliative care, expected to be the highest in Malaysia by 2030. In anticipation, the state has stepped up efforts to improve access and quality of care for patients with life-limiting illnesses. At the opening of the 15th Malaysia Hospice Council Congress 2024 in Sibu on July 25 last year, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian acknowledged that Sarawak will become the state with the highest need for palliative care by year 2030. As such, he said the state is actively strengthening its healthcare infrastructure to meet this future demand, adding that Sarawak is determined to ensure that palliative care becomes a mainstream service. Dr Sim, who is also the Public Health, Housing, and Local Government Minister said among the key initiatives is the expansion of the Domiciliary Palliative Care programme, which has now been rolled out in 34 government health clinics across the state. These clinics are tasked with delivering care and comfort to terminally ill patients in their own homes, especially in rural and underserved areas. He also revealed that the state is also working to ensure sustainability of palliative care services by training Master Trainers in collaboration with the Asia Pacific Hospice Palliative Care Network (APHN). 'Thirteen clinics are involved in the training programme, which aims to build capacity and strengthen palliative care services at the grassroots level,' he said at the Congress. He further disclosed that the Palliative Care Unit at Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) is now working with Kuching Life Care, a private hospice facility with 58 inpatient beds. Through this partnership, Dr Sim said SGH can refer overflow patients to the hospice, which provides care free of charge, thereby easing congestion and improving patient comfort. One year prior, Sarawak began its effort by signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Asia Pacific Hospice Palliative Care Network (APHN) on April 13, 2023, which is a significant step to see the successful rollout of palliative care training and educational program across Sarawak. This collaboration marks the launch of Sarawak's first structured palliative care training programme, designed to train and certify healthcare workers across hospitals and clinics in the state. The MoU saw the first batch of trainees consists of 46 healthcare workers from 12 healthcare clinics, Sarawak General Hospital (SGH), Sibu Hospital and Miri Hospital trained with the necessary skills and knowledge required for providing holistic palliative care to patients. Apart from these initiatives, at a press conference after officiating the Asia Pacific Hospice Palliative Care Conference (ACPH 2025) at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching on April 24 this year, Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government, Datuk Michael Tiang announced the formation of a Sarawak state-level palliative care taskforce. The setting up of this taskforce, he said, aims to address service gaps and elevate the quality and accessibility of palliative care throughout the region. However, despite these efforts, one of the most pressing challenges remains the shortage of trained personnel. Jacqueline Buri Palliative Care Association of Miri (PCAM) vice president Jacqueline Buri noted that Sarawak's vast geographical landscape and widely scattered communities make this shortage particularly evident. 'Even if the population isn't dense, patients are spread out. I had hoped there would be palliative care centres in at least all major towns or divisions across the state, but look at where we are now,' she told The Borneo Post. In the northern region, Jacqueline noted that PCAM is the only non-governmental organisation (NGO) catering to patients from Baram, Batu Niah, Bekenu, Bakong, as well as from Lawas and Limbang. She said demand for palliative care from patients outside Miri continues to grow, but PCAM is already stretched thin. 'Patients in remote or interior areas often have to travel long distances to urban centres like Miri, Sibu, or Kuching — not just for treatment, but also for consultations, medication refills or basic pain management. This poses logistical, emotional and financial challenges for families already in distress,' she said. On another note, she revealed that PCAM is currently building its first standalone facility, which is expected to be completed within five years. Jacqueline highlighted that one of the biggest challenges in running an NGO like PCAM is the limited budget and funding needed to expand its services to reach more communities in need. She expressed hope that both the federal and state governments would step in to support NGOs like PCAM in completing the facility on time. 'We are hopeful for government assistance in making this building a reality. It's not just for the association—it's a community facility. This new building will serve not only the people of Miri, but also communities from Limbang, Lawas, Bekenu, Batu Niah and Baram,' she said. Jacqueline also expressed hope that the Sarawak government would accelerate the training of more palliative care nurses and doctors to meet rising demand, especially given the increasing prevalence of NCDs in the state. 'As for palliative care — if you're familiar with it — you'll know the need is only going to grow with the increasing number of patients. We'll need more staff and more resources to operate effectively. That's why government grants are essential. We simply cannot rely on donations alone,' she stressed. She also warned that Sarawak has just two years to catch up, as the state is projected to attain ageing state status by 2028. As Sarawak stands on the brink of becoming Malaysia's most palliative care-dependent state by 2030, the question is no longer whether action is needed—the numbers speak for themselves. The question is whether the country is prepared to act and to do so swiftly. For frontline NGOs like PCAM, driven by compassion but limited by resources, the next few years will be critical. Whether Malaysia's palliative care system can move from patchy access to a comprehensive safety net will not be measured in budgets alone—but in the lived experiences of individuals like Nur Atikah. The stakes are deeply personal. Every delay, every missed opportunity for care, translates into suffering that could have been prevented. As PCAM nurse Melissa Desmond often reminds her patients: 'We cannot add days to your life, but we can add life to your days.' For families across Sarawak and beyond, that promise may be the difference between isolation and support, between fear and hope. See related reports: A light in the dark: Need for palliative care surges amid challenges, resource gaps 'Who will pack her lunches?': A mother's final days with cancer A light in the dark: Finding comfort in community care palliative care Palliative Care Association Miri
The Sun
22-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
Sarawak's 11th Multifuel Station in Batu Kawa to open soon
KUCHING: The Petros Multifuel Station (MFS) in Batu Kawa is set to begin operations soon, making it the 11th MFS in Sarawak and the second flagship station in the state equipped with hydrogen dispensing capabilities. In a statement today, Sarawak Economic Development Corporation Energy (SEDCE) said the physical structure of the station has been fully completed, and the team is now working closely with regulatory authorities to ensure full compliance before commissioning. 'MFS Batu Kawa is the second flagship station after MFS Darul Hana. It is designed to offer conventional fuels, fast electric vehicle (EV) charging and hydrogen dispensing,' it said. According to the statement, MFS Batu Kawa will receive its hydrogen supply from MFS Darul Hana, which houses an on-site hydrogen production plant with a capacity of 150kg. 'The hydrogen will be transported via tube trailers, and a Mobile Hydrogen Refuelling System will be used to dispense the fuel. This distribution model is the first of its kind in the region,' it added. Earlier today, Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian visited the site and was briefed on the station's progress and key features. SEDCE also said that the Koperasi Bomba dan Penyelamat Malaysia (KOBOPEM) was appointed earlier this year as the operator of MFS Batu Kawa to support the cooperative in generating sustainable income for its members. To date, 10 multifuel stations are fully operational across Sarawak, namely in Darul Hana (Kuching), Daro, Kanowit, Kuala Matu, Brooke Drive (Sibu), Selangau, Tatau, Kapit, Sungai Asap, and Jepak. Meanwhile, SEDCE said four more flagship stations are in the pipeline in Sri Aman, Sibu, Bintulu, and Miri. Construction of the Bintulu station at Jalan Sultan Iskandar is expected to begin in the second half of this year. 'Three MFS are currently under construction, and more than 40 sites are in the planning and processing stages across Sarawak. 'Once completed, these stations will provide customers with a network of EV charging facilities in addition to conventional fuels,' it added.
The Sun
22-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
11th Petros Multifuel Station in Sarawak to open in Batu Kawa
KUCHING: The Petros Multifuel Station (MFS) in Batu Kawa is set to begin operations soon, making it the 11th MFS in Sarawak and the second flagship station in the state equipped with hydrogen dispensing capabilities. In a statement today, Sarawak Economic Development Corporation Energy (SEDCE) said the physical structure of the station has been fully completed, and the team is now working closely with regulatory authorities to ensure full compliance before commissioning. 'MFS Batu Kawa is the second flagship station after MFS Darul Hana. It is designed to offer conventional fuels, fast electric vehicle (EV) charging and hydrogen dispensing,' it said. According to the statement, MFS Batu Kawa will receive its hydrogen supply from MFS Darul Hana, which houses an on-site hydrogen production plant with a capacity of 150kg. 'The hydrogen will be transported via tube trailers, and a Mobile Hydrogen Refuelling System will be used to dispense the fuel. This distribution model is the first of its kind in the region,' it added. Earlier today, Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian visited the site and was briefed on the station's progress and key features. SEDCE also said that the Koperasi Bomba dan Penyelamat Malaysia (KOBOPEM) was appointed earlier this year as the operator of MFS Batu Kawa to support the cooperative in generating sustainable income for its members. To date, 10 multifuel stations are fully operational across Sarawak, namely in Darul Hana (Kuching), Daro, Kanowit, Kuala Matu, Brooke Drive (Sibu), Selangau, Tatau, Kapit, Sungai Asap, and Jepak. Meanwhile, SEDCE said four more flagship stations are in the pipeline in Sri Aman, Sibu, Bintulu, and Miri. Construction of the Bintulu station at Jalan Sultan Iskandar is expected to begin in the second half of this year. 'Three MFS are currently under construction, and more than 40 sites are in the planning and processing stages across Sarawak. 'Once completed, these stations will provide customers with a network of EV charging facilities in addition to conventional fuels,' it added.
Borneo Post
22-06-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Petros multifuel station in Batu Kawa on track to start operations soon — SEDCE
KUCHING (June 22): The Petros Multifuel Station (MFS) Batu Kawa, the second flagship station equipped with hydrogen supply and 11th station in Sarawak, is on track to being operational soon. Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian in a recent visit to the site was briefed on its progress and features by the Sarawak Economic Development Corporation Energy (SEDCE) team. 'The physical structure of the MFS is fully completed, and the team is working closely with the regulatory authorities before the station can be operated,' said SEDCE in a statement. MFS Batu Kawa is the second flagship station after MFS Darul Hana, which is designed for conventional fuels, fast EV chargers and hydrogen dispensing. It will be getting its hydrogen supply from MFS Darul Hana, where the onsite hydrogen plant with 150kg production capacity is located, and the hydrogen supply will be transported via tube trailers where Mobile Hydrogen Refuelling System will be used for dispensing the molecules. This distribution model will be the first of its kind in the region. Earlier this year, SEDCE appointed Koperasi Bomba & Penyelamat Malaysia (KOBOPEM) as the operator for MFS Batu Kawa, which aims to support the cooperative as sustainable income stream for its members. SEDCE is responsible for developing the hydrogen value chain and downstream retail oil and gas business in Sarawak under the brand name Petros MFS. To date, there are 10 fully operating stations namely MFS Darul Hana (Jalan Tun Salahuddin), MFS Daro (Jalan Matu-Daro), MFS Kanowit (Jalan Kubu), MFS Kuala Matu (Jalan Daro–Kuala Matu), MFS Brooke Drive (Sibu), MFS Selangau (Pan Borneo-Selangau), MFS Tatau (Pan Borneo Tatau), Kapit (Jalan Bleteh), MFS Sungai Asap (Jalan Bintulu-Bakun), MFS Jepak (Kampung Jepak). SEDCE said with the completion of MFS Darul Hana and MFS Batu Kawa, four more flagship MFS are in the pipeline namely Sri Aman, Sibu, Bintulu and Miri, with construction for Bintulu (Jalan Sultan Iskandar) scheduled to begin in the second half of this year. These flagship MFS are designed to form the backbone of Sarawak's hydrogen refuelling network along its main cities. In comparison, non-flagship or standard MFS provide conventional fuels and EV charging facilities. Meanwhile, it said three MFS are currently under construction, and more than 40 sites are being processed for construction across Sarawak. Upon completion, these stations will also provide a network of EV charging facilities on top of conventional fuel to its customers.
