KAPIT: Sixty-two bodies comprising longhouse security and development committees (JKKK), churches and non-governmental organisations received contribution amounting to more than RM1.3 million, under the Baleh state constituency’s Minor Rural Projects (MRP) grant. Masing holding the mock chequeo f RM1,306,600 prior to the handover at Bletih State Complex in Kapit. Its assemblyman Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Masing handed over the allocation during a ceremony held at Bletih State Complex here recently. In his remarks, he advised the constituents to cast their votes wisely in the next state election, adding that every BarisanNasional (BN)representative had been given MRP funding. “The Baleh constituents have made a wise decision in voting for BN, by which ...

(From second left) Alexander, Peggy, Katis, Jadam and Juni perform the ‘miring’ as Sali (left) and others look on. Children exploring in the crystal-clear Sungai Ngemah. KANOWIT: Some 500 Ngemah constituents have expressed their joy over the commencement of perimeter survey on their native customary rights (NCR) land. According to community leader Penghulu Juni Massam, they have been waiting for quite a long time for the matter to materialise, on top of having to face issues with some land owners who are opposed to the project. “Series of discussions between Land and Survey Department and these land owners have been held on the matter. “The exercise, which is using a new initiative, is very meaningful in guaranteeing us the ownership of ...

BELAGA: Belaga assemblyman Liwan Lagang has good news — the 150-km Belaga-Ng Merit Road has just been approved by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak during the former’s recent visit to Putrajaya. As such, he pleaded with the state government to speed up the land alienation process so that the road could be built as soon as possible. It is understood that the road would be built in the same mode as the recently completed Belaga-Mejawah Road, which is through the Jiwa Murni programme. However, that 34-km long road has been nicknamed as “the roller coaster road” by its users because of its rough terrain and sharp turns. As it is the only road that linked Belaga to the rest of Sarawak, it was thus Liwan’s hope that the Public Works Department would ...

Abang Johari (second right) presenting a trophy and cash prize of RM2,400 to the Maren Uma (village chief) of Uma Kahei, Betrice Kedoh Tajang. Her village’s team won in the 35-paddler category of the Belaga Regatta. With them are (from left) Frederick, Ik Pahon, Abdullah and Liwan. BELAGA: The hinterland tourism study on the huge man-made lakes that arose out of the hydroelectric dams in Bakun and Murum and the proposed dam in Baleh will be completed next month. Tourism Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg said the government hoped to promote these lakes, which are all located in Kapit Division, as a ‘lake district’ and built a new township to spur ecotourism. He said the State Planning Unit (SPU) has the help of a consultant from New Zealand and ...

Daud (second left) presenting the RM100,000 grant to Wilfred as others look on. BAU: Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s Office (Islamic Affairs) Datuk Daud Abdul Rahman on Friday night presented RM100,000 grant to St John’s Church in Kampung Sagah. The grant was for the church renovation including building a hall for the benefit of the villagers. Speaking at the function, Daud said the people, irrespective of race and religion have the right to receive grants from the government. “All the people, irrespective of race and religion have the right to receive grants from the government and as an elected representative, it is my responsibility to look after the welfare of the people,” the Tupong assemblyman pointed out. He hoped that ...

KUCHING: The 1MCC-Astro Kem Bola programme will conduct training at Padang D Jalan Stadium, Petrajaya from 7am this weekend (Aug 16 and 17). Led by coach Jordan (right), the 1MCC coaches line up to give ‘high fives’ to participants at the end of the selection camp. Coach Jordan motivates participant Mexnol Mios. The map showing the location of Padang D Jalan Stadium, Petrajaya. According to the publicity release yesterday, this year’s programme kicked off in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah with a two-day training selection at Kompleks Sukan Likas on Aug 9 and 10. About 200 participants are registered to undergo training with professional coaches from 1MCC. In addition to this, Astro hosted students from the Astro Kasih Hostel projects in SK Magandai, ...

Adenan, accompanied by Fatimah on his right, being warmly greeted upon arrival at SK Datu Pengiran Mohamad. Mukah: Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Adenan Satem has approved RM1 million to equip the new building of  Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Datu Pengiran Mohamad at Oya near here. He said besides meeting the urgent needs of the school the grant was also a gift to the school to mark his visit to Oya. “Owing to lot of things yet to be equipped at the school and the financial assistance sought by Dalat assemblywoman, Datuk Fatimah Abdullah, I approved RM1 million to be channelled before year end,” he said when officiating at the opening of the new school building cum Aidilfitri gathering at Oya yesterday. Touching on the coming state election, he said ...

KUCHING: Yang di-Pertua Negeri  Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud says there is still room for improvement in the state’s development. The former Chief Minister who helmed Sarawak for more than 30 years said: “I am still not very satisfied with our present success to necessitate us to have the commitment to continue with the struggle even though I have retired but a new leader has come up. I believe my successor Tan Sri Datuk Amar Adenan Satem, as the fifth chief minister will be able to continue with our struggles in governing the state that will bring it to a higher level of success.” He said personally he knew Adenan as a man of integrity, fairness and with the desire and interest to help people and had wide experience after serving in his state cabinet ...

KUCHING: The Bidayuh community in Sarawak is expected to fix a permanent date for the closing of the Gawai starting next year. Dayak National Bidayuh Association (DBNA) senior advisor Dato Sri Michael Manyin said as of now there was no specific limit for the celebration and therefore suggested a one common date to be set. “Different villages have their own Gawai closing and it seems that everyone will fix the day based on their own convenience and wishes,” he said when chairing a dialogue session recently with Bidayuh community leaders which included DBNA president Datuk Ik Pahon Joyik, Kuching Division Bidayuh community leader Temenggong Austin DiminSinyon and former Bidayuh Temenggong Datuk Stephen Jussem. Manyin, who is also Minister of Infrastructure Development ...