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Daily Express
2 days ago
- Business
- Daily Express
Pan Borneo Highway project being closely monitored
Published on: Sunday, June 29, 2025 Published on: Sun, Jun 29, 2025 By: Ricardo Unto Text Size: Shahelmey inspects the Pan Borneo Highway construction project in Benoni. CONTRACTORS working on the Pan Borneo Highway project in Sabah are now operating under closer government supervision, as the State seeks to prevent further delays and restore public confidence in the multi-billion ringgit infrastructure undertaking. Deputy Chief Minister cum State Works Minister Datuk Shahelmey Yahya said a structured monitoring system has been implemented to ensure that contractors meet their obligations and that the project stays on course after repeated setbacks in earlier phases. 'We have enhanced our monitoring systems – this allows us to track progress more closely and flag any issues early before they become major problems,' he said. Under the revised system, contractors falling behind by 5 per cent in scheduled progress will receive formal reminders, while delays of 20 per cent will prompt warning letters. In more serious breaches, termination of contract and blacklisting from future work packages will be considered. 'If any contractor breaches the contract, they will be issued a warning or, in the worst case, their contract will be terminated in accordance with the Conditions of Contract.' He stressed that the government was no longer prepared to tolerate substandard performance at the expense of the public purse. 'These contractors will also be excluded from consideration for future work packages,' he added, noting that public interest and trust were paramount in the stewardship of state infrastructure funds. As of April this year, 82.55 per cent of Phase 1A of the highway has been completed. The project, which spans approximately 706 kilometres in Sabah, is part of a broader Borneo-wide connectivity plan linking Sabah to Sarawak and ultimately Kalimantan. Four work packages covering 41.7 kilometres have already been completed and opened to public use. The remainder of Phase 1A is scheduled for completion by 2026. Phase 1B, which recently commenced, has recorded 3.70 per cent progress and is targeted for completion in 2028. In the long term, the highway is envisioned to support cross-border movement and trade with Indonesia via Kalimantan. A portion linking Sindumin in Sarawak is expected to be completed by 2027. A proposed Phase 3 is also in planning, involving a route from Tawau through Kalabakan, Keningau and Kimanis, completing a loop within Sabah and linking to the Kalabakan-Simanggaris road on the Kalimantan border. To oversee the implementation and maintain transparency, the government has formed a high-level Steering Committee comprising senior Federal and State officials. According to Shahelmey, this body meets monthly to assess progress and resolve issues swiftly. 'The Steering Committee is co-chaired by the Federal Works Ministry and the Sabah Works Ministry secretaries, with input from utility agencies,' he said. The committee's monthly meetings serve as a control mechanism, offering a platform to identify bottlenecks and authorise corrective measures, including budget realignment, land acquisition acceleration, and disciplinary review of contractor performance. 'We are fully committed to resolving these matters as quickly as possible,' he said, adding that all decisions are now being made more efficiently due to the committee's elevated mandate. While project delays have long frustrated the public, the State Government has taken the stance that not all setbacks are within the contractors' control. The main contributors to delays, said Shahelmey, are land acquisition and utility relocation. 'These two factors are not entirely within the contractor's control, and imposing penalties in such circumstances could be counterproductive.' He added that no financial penalties have been imposed on contractors so far, although enforcement actions are being considered in relevant cases. 'Every effort is made to resolve issues promptly to prevent any contract termination and avoid additional cost implications for the government,' he said. Despite not enforcing penalties yet, Shahelmey made it clear that accountability remains a central policy tenet. 'The government remains committed to holding contractors accountable for their performance.' On the financial loss to the government due to project delays or underperformance, Shahelmey said a full assessment can only be conducted after the completion of all phases. 'The total cost impact is still being evaluated and can only be fully determined through the assessment of loss and expenses claims and related cost implications,' he said. He added that cost escalation due to material prices, workforce shortage, and site complications are also under review, and a post-project audit would determine whether losses stemmed from preventable lapses. To ensure that only capable contractors are appointed for future phases, the government has restructured its prequalification tender process. 'We are improving our contractor selection process to make sure we appoint companies with a strong track record and the ability to deliver what they have committed to,' said Shahelmey. This reform, he explained, is aimed at preventing the appointment of entities that lack the capacity or experience to manage large-scale, geographically challenging infrastructure works. He acknowledged that past leniencies in contract award processes had left room for inefficiencies, particularly among contractors unprepared for Sabah's more demanding terrain. Unlike in Sarawak, where larger road reserves have simplified construction, Sabah's development has been hampered by compact road corridors and higher population density in affected areas. 'Sabah's more compact road reserves and more densely populated areas have required more extensive coordination and negotiation with landowners,' said Shahelmey. These factors have delayed both construction and utility relocation, often necessitating fresh rounds of community engagement, compensation settlements, and design revisions. Nonetheless, coordination with local authorities has improved, to speed up these processes through targeted task forces and dedicated land acquisition units. The recent elevation of the Sabah Public Works Department (PWD) to a full technical department under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) framework has further enhanced the project's governance structure. 'This shift strengthens its technical expertise, allowing the department to be more efficient and effective in managing complex projects,' said Shahelmey. He said this development has enabled the PWD to act with greater autonomy in approving designs, overseeing procurement, and addressing technical obstacles without repeated referrals to federal agencies. Shahelmey said the State Government is also pushing for contractors to adopt modern technologies at construction sites to boost efficiency and reduce human error. 'We also encourage the contractor to adopt modern technologies to improve efficiency at construction sites, whether it is through better scheduling tools or automation of machinery.' The integration of digital monitoring tools into construction planning is one such initiative, allowing project managers to track real-time progress and identify resource lags. In addressing public concerns about delays and the apparent lack of terminations, Shahelmey said the government is prioritising completion over finger-pointing. 'The focus is ensuring completion and minimising further delays,' he said, while reiterating that consequences for non-performance remain on the table. No contractors have been terminated to date, he added, but all are under active monitoring. The State's zero-tolerance stance on repeat failures means any breach could lead to disqualification from future government projects. Shahelmey stressed that the State Government's approach is rooted in collaborative problem-solving rather than punitive escalation. 'The State Government prioritises collaborative solutions to address challenges before pursuing punitive measures that could stall overall progress,' he said. Highway to remain toll-free THE Sabah Pan Borneo Highway will remain toll-free, with the State Government maintaining its position that no tolls will be introduced for road users once the highway is fully completed. Shahelmey said the decision to keep the Pan Borneo Highway toll-free reflects the critical role it plays in connecting inter-district areas throughout Sabah, where no viable alternative routes exist. 'Currently, there are no plans to impose tolls on the Pan Borneo Highway,' he said, adding that affordability and accessibility for all road users are key priorities. He noted that keeping the highway free of tolls is vital to supporting both mobility and economic development across the State. Shahelmey also confirmed that the original estimated total cost of the Sabah Pan Borneo Highway remains at RM26.6 billion and that this figure has not changed since the inception of the project. However, he said the final cost can only be determined once the project is fully completed, as variations and extensions may alter the overall expenditure. 'The final cost will only be known upon completion of the project, as it may be subject to adjustments due to variation orders and extensions of time,' he explained. Whether the project is the most expensive highway infrastructure undertaken in the country, Shahelmey said it may not necessarily be the case. 'While the Pan Borneo Highway is undoubtedly a major infrastructure investment, it may not be the most expensive highway project in Malaysia,' he said. He pointed out that urban highway projects in the peninsula, especially those in areas with high land values or requiring complex tunnelling works, typically incur higher costs per kilometre. Nonetheless, he acknowledged that the Sabah portion of the Pan Borneo Highway comes with its own cost pressures and engineering challenges. 'The difficult terrain, construction complexities, land compensation costs, and the need for utility relocation all contribute to a higher overall cost,' he said. To date, RM1.294 billion has been allocated for land acquisition under Phase 1A of the project, a figure Shahelmey said is consistent with the original budget and compensates all affected landowners accordingly. He added that land acquisition for Phase 1B is now underway, with an initial estimate of RM1.215 billion allocated for compensation to landowners. 'The process of offering compensation to landowners is currently in progress for Phase 1B,' he said.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Create app for access to women's schemes, says Maharashtra deputy CM
Mumbai: Deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde on Tuesday directed officials to create a comprehensive app for women in the city to access information about schemes for women in one place. Shinde said the various departments should work effectively to implement the Fourth Women's Policy 2024 was announced. "Through this policy, the state govt is creating an enabling environment for women and girls. Keeping in mind the population of Mumbai city, emphasis should be placed on establishing hostels for working women, daycare centres for children, women's self-help groups in slum areas and other needy places, providing stalls to self-help groups on a rotation basis, developing tourism projects to increase women's participation in the tourism sector, and implementing govt schemes for women fishermen. Implement various schemes for tribal women effectively. Work should be done to complete the projects planned to solve the housing problem on time, provide health facilities to women immediately, and increase health facilities in line with the times," Shinde said at the Fourth Women's Policy-2024 District Level Implementation Steering Committee meeting."Strict measures are being taken to curb violence against women. To make the security and other important schemes implemented by the govt available on a single app, an app should be developed in Mumbai city and made available to all women. The various schemes implemented by the govt to help women should be made available immediately. Women should be supported while filing a complaint after coming to the police station. The atmosphere in the police station should be such that they can file a complaint without succumbing to any pressure. The govt is taking complaints regarding women on a fast track. The administration should work for this as women also need to have a big share to take the state towards a one trillion economy," Shinde said.
Hindustan Times
17-06-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
International Big Cat Alliance holds its first assembly in Delhi
New Delhi: The International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) held its first assembly at its Delhi headquarters on Monday. The assembly approved the Headquarters Agreement signed with India, work plan, rules of procedure and the manual of staff and financial regulations. These will serve as the guiding foundation for the effective governance, operations, and collaborative initiatives of IBCA. The assembly also endorsed the proceedings of the first International Steering Committee meeting of IBCA, which was held in April 2024, according to a statement by India's environment ministry. Further, the assembly unanimously endorsed Bhupender Yadav, India's environment minister as the president of IBCA. The assembly also endorsed SP Yadav as the director general of IBCA. Created by the Government of India, the IBCA is a coalition of 95 range countries with a mandate for the conservation of seven big cats namely Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar and Puma. The assembly, which is the apex body of IBCA, was attended in Delhi by ministerial delegations from Bhutan, Cambodia, Eswatini, Guinea, India, Liberia, Suriname, Somalia and Kazakhstan. In his address, Yadav called upon the Big Cat range countries to actively engage and collaborate in the initiatives and programmes of IBCA. He emphasised the importance of collective action to advance the conservation and protection of the seven major big cat species and their natural habitats and assist in securing our ecological future and mitigate adverse effects of climate change. The IBCA was established by the Government of India, through its nodal organisation viz. National Tiger Conservation Authority, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in 2024. The primary objective of IBCA is to facilitate collaboration and synergy among range countries and other stakeholders.
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Jewish festival organizers boost security amid recent anti-Semitic attacks
MORTON GROVE, Ill. (WGN) – The largest Jewish cultural event in the area is set for this weekend, right on the heels of two violent anti-Semitic attacks. On Sunday, a forest preserve in Morton Grove will be hosting a Jewish festival, featuring three music stages, 50 artists' booths and numerous food options. 'It is in that regard the longest-running Jewish festival in America and the largest Jewish cultural event in the area,' Michael Lorge, founder and chair of the Greater Chicago Jewish Festival, said. 'The philosophy is to share Jewish culture, food, dance music with everyone.' Chicago officials raise concerns over federal immigration raids in Pilsen The Greater Chicago Jewish Festival started in 1980 and runs every two years. It will be held at St. Paul Woods in Morton Grove this Sunday, June 8. 'It draws from around the area, Wisconsin, Indiana, Michigan people come,' Steve Franklin, a member of the Greater Chicago Jewish Festival Steering Committee, said. 'We've had as many as 15,000 people or more come to the event.' This year's event comes on the heels of two violent anti-Semitic attacks. Two staff members of the Israeli embassy in Washington, D.C. were shot and killed outside a D.C. museum last month. On Sunday, June 1, a man threw Molotov cocktails into a crowd of demonstrators in Boulder, Colorado, taking part in a walk bringing attention to Israelis still being held hostage in Gaza. A total of 12 people were injured. Suspect in DC Jewish museum shooting faces murder, firearm charges in 'death penalty eligible case' 'It's terrible. People feel angry. At the same time, people feel resolved. We do not back down on this,' Lorge said. With incidents like these taking place throughout the country, there is concern people might not feel safe taking part in Jewish events. 'We are not going to be afraid. We are not going to cancel the festival or say to people, 'Be careful. Don't come.' We're saying come. It's a time of solidarity. This is a time to share our culture in the most positive way,' Lorge said. SEE ALSO: 4 more victims ID'd in Colorado fire attack, bringing number of injured to 12 Festival organizers said this year they are working with seven different law enforcement agencies and their own security staff to keep the event safe. 'We have the festival itself, our own officers, Chicago off-duty police with a bomb sniffing dog, all kinds of resources that are part of our planning,' Lorge said. 'The grounds will be fenced. There will only be one entrance in and out. We are telling people there will be metal detectors. We want people to get inside and feel comfortable and celebrate, because we're sharing this event, not just with the Jewish community, but the whole community.' Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines Organizers told WGN-TV no vendors or musical acts have canceled. The event will be held Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The Irish Sun
29-05-2025
- Business
- The Irish Sun
GAA, LGFA and Camogie urged to deliver long-awaited merger by 2027
THE Steering Group on Integration insists unification can happen by 2027. Time is ticking for the 2 Steering Committee Chairperson Mary McAleese says GAA, LGFA and Camogie Association must unite under the one umbrella in 2027 2 The Steering Committee Chairperson Mary McAleese gave the update on the integration process A new Central Fixtures Oversight Committee was formed last month, headed up by former Munster GAA chair Ger Ryan. The GPA have raised concerns over the lack of consultation with the players' representative body in the process, as doubts hang over the plan to make it happen by 2027. Chaired by former President of Ireland Mary McAleese, the SGI remains confident that joining forces will be a reality in two years. A statement said: 'Integration is a complex mission but the sentiment remains the same. There is a clear commitment to deliver an integrated association by 2027. Most read on GAA 'The integration of three separate associations, who have spent decades building their own identity, structures and ways of doing things, is an extraordinary undertaking. 'This is a complex piece of work involving experts across the three associations. 'The goal is to have one single membership for all in 2027.' McAleese added: 'I urge all stakeholders to do everything they can to make an integrated mindset a reality in their sphere of influence. "It is our future and making it happen is the responsibility of all.' Most read in GAA Football 'Like something out of the French Revolution' - RTE GAA pundit Donal Og Cusack slams Dublin star's reckless swipe
