Upper Padas Hydroelectric Project Improve SESB's Capability to Generate Power

 

Tenom: The Government has identified a unique hydroelectric project with high potential to generate reliable and affordable electricity for the long term for Sabah.

Energy, Green Technology and Water Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Maximus Ongkili said construction of the Upper Padas Hydroelectric Project (UPHEP) situated at the Padas basin, up-stream of Kuala Tomani in Tenom, would proceed next year.

With a capacity of 180 MW, the project is targeted for completion in 2019.

Dr Ongkili said the project had been approved with a government soft loan of RM569 million for SESB's equity injection into a special purpose company to be set up to undertake the project.

The total project cost is estimated at RM2.3 billion, he said, when opening PBS Kemabong division AGM, Saturday, where he informed the division members on the Government measures to improve electricity supply in Sabah.

Earlier, Dr Ongkili, who is also PBS deputy president, made an aerial inspection of the project site as well as the existing Tenom Pangi hydro power station.

On the potential of the project, he said the UPHEP would not involve a large water catchment area at only 590 hectares or involving 2.3 hectares per megawatt.

In comparison, the Bakun hydroelectric project requires up to 29 hectares of land per megawatt of power generated and the Murum hydro with 26 hectares per megawatt.

"Hence, this project can qualify for the Clean Development Mechanism status under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change," he said.

Furthermore, he said, the construction of the UPHEP would not only increase SESB's capability to generate power but also provide a flood mitigation measure especially for Beaufort and Tenom.

He also stressed that the project would create employment for 1,000 people during the construction as well as resuscitate the economy in Tenom.

"This infrastructure is expected to save the Government about RM4bil in 40 years of the project operation as it is undertaken by SESB and a consortium to be set up by the federal government.

This can also subsequently reduce SESB's dependency on government subsidy, aside from costs and losses saved from possible flooding," he said.

The State Government, he added, would ensure the preservation of the ecosystem at the project site.

SESB is currently conducting a detailed engineering study and relevant activities associated with the special Environment Impact Assessment study.Daily Express

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Projek Pembinaan Jalan Pan Borneo Kini 93 Peratus Siap

KOTA KINABALU, 16 Ogos- Rangkaian jalan raya Pan Borneo yang menghubungkan Sarawak, Brunei dan Sabah kini siap 93 peratus dengan selebihnya masih dalam proses pembinaan, kata Timbalan Menteri Kerja Raya Datuk Rosnah Abdul Rashid Shirlin.

Menurut beliau, jalan raya Pan Borneo sepanjang 2,239 kilometer bermula dari Sematan di bahagian barat Sarawak melalui bandaraya Kuching, Serian, Sri Aman, Sarikei, Sibu, Bintulu, Miri, Limbang, Lawas, Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan dan seterusnya ke Tawau, Sabah.

"Keseluruhan jalan raya ini telah berturap dan sepanjang 248.65 kilometer mempunyai tahap empat lorong atau enam lorong manakala bakinya masih ditahap dua lorong, ini tidak termasuk 'missing link' sepanjang 50 kilometer dari Kalabakan, Sabah ke Serudong, Kalimantan yang masih dalam proses pembinaan," katanya pada majlis taklimat media mengenai Jalan Raya Pan Borneo di sini hari ini.

Rosnah berkata, bagi tahun ini, kerajaan memperuntukkan sebanyak RM89 juta untuk melaksanakan program membaik pulih Jalan Raya Pan Borneo iaitu RM41.8 juta bagi negeri Sabah dan RM47.2 juta bagi negeri Sarawak di bawah Rancangan Malaysia Ke-10.

"Sebanyak 109 projek telah dikenal pasti iaitu 86 projek di negeri Sabah dan 23 projek di negeri Sarawak yang melibatkan skop membaik pulih jalan, membina lorong-lorong memotong, rawatan kawasan kemalangan dan menaikkan aras jalan yang sering di landa banjir," katanya.

"Sehingga kini sebanyak 74 projek atau 67.8 peratus telah dan sedang disiapkan manakala bakinya 35 projek atau 32.2 peratus sedang dalam peringkat pembinaan dan dijangka akan siap menjelang tahun 2015 dengan kos RM277.5 juta," katanya.

Rosnah berkata projek jalan raya itu telah dimulakan pada tahun 1963 iaitu sebaik sahaja Persekutuan Malaysia dibentuk dan pada peringkat awalnya sebahagian besar jalan raya itu terdiri daripada tanah dan batu kerikil.

"Kerja-kerja menaik taraf dan menurap keseluruhan jalan raya ini telah dimulakan pada tahun 1968 menerusi Rancangan Colombo dan pada 1973, barulah kerja turapan menggunakan kaedah 'flush sealing' dibuat dan disiapkan akhir tempoh RMKe-8," katanya.

Katanya, melalui Pelan Induk Highway Network Development Plan Phase 2 (HNDP 2) untuk Sabah dan Sarawak, kementerian merancang untuk menaik taraf keseluruhan jalan raya ini ke tahap jalan berkembar, empat lorong secara berperingkat mulai tahun 2011 dengan anggaran kos RM22 bilion, iaitu RM12.5 bilion di Sarawak dan RM9.5 bilion di Sabah.

Ketika ditanya mengenai cadangan untuk membina laluan bagi kenderaan berat seperti lori yang mengangkut kelapa sawit, kayu balak dan arang batu di Sarawak, beliau berkata pihaknya akan mengkaji perkara tersebut.BERNAMA

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Sabah needs more allocation for rural development - Radin

KOTA KINABALU: The Minister of Rural Development, Datuk Radin Malleh has urged the federal government to provide more allocations for rural development in the state.

“Sabah, being a big state, is still lacking in infrastructure such as roads, water and electricity supply especially in the interior areas,” he said at a media luncheon here yesterday.

He said the role of his ministry was not only on poverty eradication in terms of improving the living standard of the rural poor but also encompassed infrastructure facilities.

He added that other relevant ministries and agencies such as the Federal Ministry of Regional and Rural Development; the state Ministry of Infrastructure Development; and Agriculture and Fisheries Departments also play a complementary role in rural development.

Radin also hoped that the federal government would channel development allocations direct to the state government for better coordination of development efforts.

He described Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak’s recent announcement of the three key thrusts in the development of Sabah in the next five years as very appropriate.

The Prime Minister had said in his speech during a breaking-of-fast ceremony with the Sabah BN leaders hosted by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman recently that priority would be given to security, development and welfare for the people in the state.

Najib said in the first thrust the Barisan Nasional government will develop the army camp at Sahabat Felda as an important base in the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM) and restructuring the coastal villages in Sabah’s east coast without causing any burden to local residents.

The second thrust involves the ongoing development for basic infrastructure in the urban and rural areas.

Najib said the third thrust will cover the people’s welfare, not only in terms of physical development but also on matters which involved the people’s interests.

Earlier, Radin said the media plays an important role in society and has an impact on the lives of the people.

Source: New Sabah Times

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Kerjasama Kerajaan Persekutuan dan Negeri Mampu Kurangkan Masalah PATI-Pairin

KOTA KINABALU, 15 Ogos- Timbalan Ketua Menteri Sabah Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan yakin kerjasama serta antara kerajaan Persekutuan dan kerajaan negeri dapat mengurangkan masalah kebanjiran pendatang asing tanpa izin (PATI) ke negeri itu.

Menurutnya, kerjasama itu penting kerana jabatan Polis dan Imigresen adalah di bawah kuasa kerajaan persekutuan yang boleh membantu mencegah kedatangan pendatang asing tanpa izin ke negeri itu terutama dari Filipina dan Indonesia.

Selain itu, bekas ketua menteri Sabah itu berkata kerajaan Persekutuan mempunyai kuasa politik bagi menggerakkan penguatkuasaan undang-undang bagi mengekang masalah itu.

"Sepanjang menjadi Ketua Menteri Sabah saya sudah berusaha sedaya upaya bagi mengatasi masalah kedatangan pendatang asing terbabit tetapi tidak berjaya tanpa kerjasama erat kerajaan Persekutuan.

"Rakyat Sabah ketika itu amat bimbang dengan isu kedatangan pendatang asing ini kerana ia menggugat kedudukan ekonomi dan keselamatan awam tempatan," katanya ketika memberi keterangan kepada Suruhanjaya Siasatan Diraja (RCI) Mengenai Pendatang Asing Di Sabah di sini Khamis.

Pairin berkata rakyat negeri itu mahu keselamatan dan ketenteraman mereka terjamin serta isu pendatang asing tanpa izin terutama dari Filipina dapat diselesaikan dengan segera.

Justeru, katanya beliau memberikan beberapa cadangan bertulis tentang isu berkenaan untuk diatasi kerajaan Persekutuan kepada perdana menteri ketika itu, Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

Menurutnya, atas kesedaran tentang jaminan keselamatan penduduk Sabah juga mendorong Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) menyertai semula Barisan Nasional (BN).

Pairin, yang juga merupakan saksi ke 199, berkata rakyat Sabah mahukan pembangunan tetapi dalam masa sama mereka mahu hidup dalam keadaan aman, selamat dan tenteram.

Sementara itu, seorang lagi saksi, Datu Akjan Datu Ali Muhammad, seorang ahli perniagaan, memberitahu prosiding bahawa pendatang asing tanpa izin yang bekerja di Sabah patut diberi dokumen sementara supaya pergerakkan mereka dapat dikawal oleh pihak berkuasa.

"Pihak penguatkuasa boleh mengambil tindakan tegas sekiranya mereka melanggar undang-undang dan peraturan di negeri ini, " katanya.BERNAMA

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Labuk PPU Boost Power Supply In Sandakan

 

 

Gomez (left) visiting the Labuk Distribution Main Intake Sub-station yesterday.

SANDAKAN: The construction of the Labuk Distribution Main Intake Sub-station (PPU) here is among several initiatives taken by Sabah Electricity Sendirian Berhad (SESB) to improve the power supply in this area.

The Labuk PPU started operation on May 17, 2013 and has been able to supply power to the areas around Taman Fortune, Sibuga Jaya Town, Puspakom, Seguntor, Chang Sawmill, Meranti and Semawang Sawmill and Taman Tah Fai Yen.

According to SESB general manager (main project), Ir John Gomez, a total of 1,685 domestic, commercial and industrial sector consumers in the area benefited from the Labuk PPU.

Speaking to reporters yesterday, Gomez said the construction of the Labuk PPU had helped to reduce the power supply burden of Seguntor PPU for the moment.

“ Labuk PPU, with a capacity of 26 megawatt, is one of the seven PPUs in this district which has an overall capacity of 91 megawatt. The construction of the Labuk PPU is expected to replace the Seguntor PPU in stages since it is located at an isolated area which made it difficult to maintain,” he said.

A total of RM8.4 million was allocated by the government under the Ninth Malaysian Rolling Plan for the project.Borneo Post

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RM746 Million Allocation For New Landfill Sites-Hajiji

Former state football coach Justin Ganai (left) receiving his letter of appointment as Tuaran District Councillor from Hajiji. Justin, 58, was nominated by Joniston (right). Also seen are Madiyem (second left) and Matius.

TUARAN: The State Government will make a request to the Federal Government for an allocation of RM746 million for the creation of new landfill sites at major towns in Sabah as a long-term solution as the lifespan of most existing landfills may be over in the not-too-distant future.

Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Hj Hajiji Hj Noor said this followed the completion of a one-year study costing RM1 million by a consulting firm on future needs for landfills statewide.

Speaking to reporters after witnessing the swearing-in of new Tuaran District Councillors here yesterday, Hajiji said the sum requested for would include costs for acquisition of land and infrastructural works.

“However, due to the vastness of the State, only major towns will get new landfills and each of them will serve as a centralised landfill for the surrounding districts,” he said.

“For example, the new Kota Kinabalu landfill will also serve as the nucleus landfill for surrounding districts like Tuaran, Penampang, Papar and so on,” he added.

Hajiji urged councillors and staff of local authorities (PBTs) to work doubly hard and be dedicated in discharging their duties in the face of rising public expectation.

He said the people are no longer living in an age where the public were afraid to lodge complaints or did not know how to go about it.

He said people are now living in the Internet age whereby pictures of a pile of rubbish or a tilted lamp post can be uploaded unto social websites like Facebook instantly.

“And of course, the various newspapers also have their own pages for the public to air their grievances such as Hotline. So be always on your toes and do not wait until a picture is uploaded or a complaint is published before you act,” the minister said.

“Please be more resourceful, creative and pro-active. Don’t wait for instructions, including from YBs, all the time. Do away with the attitude of giving answers like ‘we will have to verify the authenticity first’, or, worse still, ‘so far no official complaint has been received’,” Hajiji cautioned.

“Who told you that you need an official complaint before you can act?” he asked, adding that councillors and staff of PBTs should always have a small note book and a pen in their pockets to jot down things which they see along the way and which they think require immediate attention.

“Please don’t pretend that you did not see it, apparently to avoid extra work. As almost everybody now has a camera phone, take pictures of what you see to show to your superiors when you get to the office instead of waiting for instructions all the time,” he stressed.

Present at the function were Tuaran member of parliament Datuk Wilfred Madius Tangau, Kiulu assemblyman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Local Government and Housing, Datuk Matius Sator; Tuaran District Officer Madiyem Layapan who is also chairman of the Council and community leaders.

The new Councillors are Haji Matsah Hamid, Effaridun Datuk Hj Ismail, Norsinin Alidah, Alice Tee, Ladin Sapi, Marsah Muyung, Peter Lintar, Haji Hussin Haji Shaadi, Stephen Ebon Sayah, Sabli Nasih, Justin Ganai, Romeo Sindeh, Mu Lin Dan, Joisin Romut, Stephen Basin Masaun, Malijin Logob, Pius Dungkat, Paul Yong Hen Vui, and Sim Chee Sing.Borneo Post

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Pertandingan Jawatan Dalam UMNO Peluang Anggota Buat Pilihan Terbaik-Salleh

KOTA BELUD, 12 Ogos- Jawatan naib presiden dan anggota Majlis Tertinggi Umno perlu dipertandingkan bagi membolehkan anggota parti membuat pilihan terbaik, kata Timbalan Pengerusi Badan Perhubungan Umno Sabah Datuk Seri Salleh Tun Said.

Beliau berkata dengan adanya persaingan, maka anggota parti boleh memilih pemimpin terbaik, seiring prinsip demokratik yang diamalkan Umno.

"Jangan ada usaha mewujudkan 'pakej' semua jawatan secara perundingan kerana ia tidak baik untuk parti kita," katanya kepada pemberita selepas merasmikan Malam Aidilfitri anjuran Umno cawangan Kampung Pengkalan Abai di sini semalam.

Salleh yang juga Speaker Dewan Undangan Negeri Sabah berkata pihaknya bersetuju supaya jawatan presiden dan timbalan presiden tidak dicabar.

"Jawatan presiden dan timbalan presiden masing-masing hanya satu dan tidaklah perlu menjadi rebutan, tetapi jawatan naib presiden ada tiga...justeru sesuailah ada pertandingan untuk membolehkan anggota membuat pilihan bagi mengisi slot berkenaan," katanya.

Beliau mengulas reaksi pemimpin Umno Sabah yang menyokong saranannya sebelum ini bahawa Ketua Menteri Datuk Seri Musa Aman sesuai bertanding jawatan naib presiden Umno.

Salleh sebelum ini dilaporkan berkata Musa merupakan calon pilihan terbaik bagi mengisi slot jawatan naib presiden Umno, dengan mengambil kira rekod pencapaian Musa memimpin Umno Sabah sehingga menyumbang kemenangan besar pada pilihan raya umum ke-13.

Berikutan kenyataannya itu, beberapa Ketua Umno Bahagian di Sabah menyatakan sokongan secara terbuka kepada Musa jika Ketua Menteri memutuskan bertanding jawatan berkenaan dalam pemilihan parti hujung tahun ini.

Sementara itu, Salleh turut mengingatkan semua anggota parti supaya sentiasa mengutamakan soal perpaduan demi survival perjuangan parti.

"Sebagai parti dominan dan tunjang pemerintahan negara, Umno perlu sentiasa padu dan mantap kerana kekuatannya juga mencerminkan keutuhan kerajaan.

"Oleh itu, setiap anggota parti mesti mendahulukan kepentingan parti daripada kepentingan diri, supaya apabila parti kukuh, maka kerajaan akan menjadi kuat dan hasilnya rakyat akan mendapat manfaat," katanya.BERNAMA

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30, 000 Throng Musa, Cabinet Ministers' Open House

KOTA KINABALU: The heavy downpour yesterday did not deter some 30,000 people from all walks of life from making their way to the Hari Raya open house hosted by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Haji Aman and his Cabinet Ministers at the Likas Sports Complex here.

Apart from city dwellers and those from nearby districts, there were many guests who came from as far as Sandakan, Tawau, Kudat, Keningau and Beaufort.

The guests helped themselves to an assortment of food and were entertained to traditional songs and dances at the open house which was held from 10 am to 2 pm.

Among the VIPs who turned up were Head of State Tun Haji Juhar Haji Mahiruddin and wife Toh Puan Hajah Norlidah R.M. Jasni, State Assembly Speaker Datuk Salleh Tun Said, Cabinet Ministers and heads of Barisan Nasional component parties.

Also present was the Chief Minister’s wife, Datin Seri Hajah Faridah Haji Tussin.

Several physically challenged people also attended the open house – among them 22-year-old Nijar Binsul who said he had met Musa thrice.

“I like (to attend these functions) because Datuk Seri Musa exchanges greetings with me,” said the paralysed Nijar, who moves around in a wheelchair and has been living at the Bukit Harapan welfare home after his parents died three years ago.

Another wheelchair-bound Angeline Justin, 14, who is from the same home, regarded herself fortunate to have been invited by the state government to attend the open house.

When met by reporters, Musa said he was happy to note that the open house was well attended by Muslims and non-Muslims in the spirit of solidarity and harmony.

“It also reflects unity which we must preserve and further strengthen,” he said, adding that the people of this country and in Sabah continue to live in peace and harmony.

New Sabah Times

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Khabar Angin Gelombang Kedua Pencerobohan Tidak Halang Kemeriahan Sambutan Raya

 

TAWAU: Aidilfitri di-sambut meriah di Tawau dan Lahad Datu walaupun timbul desas-desus sebelum ini bahawa kumpulan pengganas Kesultanan Sulu dari selatan Filipina akan melakukan gelombang kedua pencerobohan.

Walaupun desas-desus itu turut menyebut akan berlaku penculikan dan kekacauan, ia tidak menampakkan suasana panik mahupun kerisauan dalam kalangan umat Islam dalam menyambut Hari Raya di dua daerah ini.

Di Lahad Datu yang menyaksikan pencerobohan oleh kumpulan militan itu awal tahun ini, lawatan dari rumah ke rumah sanak saudara meriah seperti tahun-tahun lalu dan majlis rumah terbuka diada-kan sepanjang hari pertama dan kedua Hari Raya.

Majlis Rakyat Hari Raya turut diadakan di Kampung Labian, salah satu lokasi yang diceroboh pengganas Kesultanan Sulu dengan persem-bahan hiburan oleh finalis Akademi Fantasia, Mila.

Di Tawau, tinjauan Bernama terutamanya di lokasi yang dikhabarkan menjadi sasaran penceroboh iaitu pusat pemunggahan barangan perniagaan ‘tukar barang’ Sabindo, sehingga Hari Raya pertama menyaksikan aktiviti berjalan seperti biasa sehingga awal pagi.

Kawasan perniagaan ‘tukar barang’ Sabindo sepanjang kira-kira 1,000 meter menghadap lautan terbuka, turut digunakan sebagai laluan ke Nunukan dan Tarakan, di Indonesia selain ke pulau-pulau kecil selatan Filipina seperti Tawi-Tawi yang di-diami masyarakat Tausug dan Suluk.

Peniaga sayur di Sabindo, Abidin Samsudin, 53, meng-akui ada mendengar desas-desus penceroboh akan menyelinap masuk di kawasan berhampiran pemunggahan barangan itu, tempat beliau menjalankan perniagaan.

“Aktiviti perniagaan berjalan seperti biasa dan kami menyerahkan kepada ke-cekapan pihak berkuasa keselamatan dalam mengawal keadaan,” katanya ketika ditemui.

Abidin yang telah menjalankan perniagaan hampir sedekad di pelbagai lokasi di kawasan pasar Sabindo berkata para peniaga hanya inginkan keamanan.

“Apa yang kita lihat dan dengar selain apa yang telah berlaku di Lahad Datu merupakan satu pengajaran dan teladan kepada kami di Tawau ini,” katanya.

Mariamah Osmang, 55, peniaga keropok ikan berkata majoriti peniaga di kompleks pasar Sabindo hanya mahukan pengesahan daripada pihak berkuasa bahawa keselamatan di kawasan pemunggahan barangan itu, terjamin.

“Kami tidak mahu mendengar perkhabaran yang menakutkan, walaupun kami percaya dan yakin akan kebolehan pihak keselamatan. Kalau boleh biarlah ada rondaan dari masa ke masa di kawasan pasar ini,” katanya.

Ketua Daerah Polis Tawau ACP Awang Besar Dullah ketika dihubungi Bernama berkata suasana sambutan perayaan aman di daerah ini dan tidak terdapat sebarang kejadian seperti dikhabarkan.

“Masyarakat peniaga menjalankan perniagaan seperti biasa tanpa ada kerisauan, manakala penduduk meraya-kan Hari Raya dengan meriah seperti tahun-tahun lalu. Begitu juga rumah terbuka sejak hari pertama Hari Raya,” katanya.

Awang Besar berkata anggota polis marin bersama Agensi Penguatkuasa Mari-tim Malaysia (APMM) akan terus membuat pemantauan dan melaksanakan operasi rondaan, sementara pihak Kawasan Keselamatan Khas Pantai Timur Sabah (ESSCOM) dan Pasukan Gerakan Am (PGA) mengawasi sebarang kemungkinan pencerobohan.

Insiden penceroboh pengganas selatan Filipina itu menggemparkan negara setelah mereka menduduki kawasan perkampungan di Lahad Datu, pada 12 Februari lepas dan kerajaan melancarkan Operasi Daulat pada 5 Mac dalam mempertahankan kedaulatan negara.

Lapan anggota polis dan dua tentera terkorban dalam Operasi Daulat manakala 68 pengganas ditembak mati.Borneo Post

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Unity, the Foundations of Stability-Musa

KOTA KINABALU: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman has called on the people to not only strengthen their ties among Muslims, but with Malaysians from all walks of life through the practice of exchanging greetings at open houses.

Sabah has prospered along with the rest of Malaysia and achieved progress in many fields, leading to higher quality of life for its people, Musa said.

“Our determination to strive for excellence and a population made up of diverse backgrounds are some factors that have led to Malaysia’s growth.

“Through our combined knowledge and experience, we will achieve more in the future. We must strengthen unity, work with each another and respect one another even when differences in opinions emerge,” the Chief Minister said in his message in conjunction with this year’s Hari Raya celebration.

Musa, who is also Sabah Barisan Nasional chairman, lamented that some irresponsible quarters had set out to destroy what we have built, saying things that are hurtful to fellow Malaysians.

In expressing or discussing opinions, he advised the people to be mindful of the fact that they are living in a multi-racial country and that the harmony they have enjoyed for so long should never be compromised.

“Unity is one of the foundations of the stability we have today and I call on us all to always respect and support each other.

“We are indeed all Malaysians and I hope we will all continue to reflect on this and subscribe to 1Malaysia, the brainchild of our Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Mohd Najib Tun Razak, who sincerely wants to bring this country to greater heights,” he said.

According to Musa, both the Economic Transformation Programme (ETP) and Government Transformation Programme (GTP) have been showing results and together with the 10th Malaysia Plan, the government remains committed to reaching its projected goals within the respective time frames given for each initiative.

The Sabah Development Corridor (SDC) and the State Development Agenda, or Halatuju, are also on track to achieve their respective targets, he added.

In addition, Musa said the Federal Government has embarked on other initiatives under the 1Malaysia banner in order to address a range of issues from affordable housing to better healthcare and to address the prices of daily consumer items.

He pointed out that the Annual Salary Increment (KGT) had been carried out twice this year, with the most recent in July, by both the Federal and State governments.

“I am confident that the Federal Government will come up with more initiatives that will positively impact the people in the near future. The Barisan Nasional government is one that truly cares for the people,” Musa said.

With the general election fever now over, he said the time has come to move on and he called on all political parties to close ranks, work together and to cut down on politicking which wastes time and energy.

Musa also pointed out that Sabah has many positive traits that the people can leverage on.

“Our finances are well managed, our economy is growing and we also pay focus on environmental initiatives as we acknowledge that our biodiversity cannot and must not be taken for granted.

“For Sabah to keep progressing within a sustainably managed economy, we cannot be complacent. We must all join hands,” he said, adding that while rejoicing during this celebration, we must also remember the less fortunate.

Musa also thanked the Armed Forces, police and other security agencies for their services in safeguarding the State and reminded the people to put the unfortunate intrusion earlier this year in Lahad Datu behind them.

“I am confident that we will not see a repeat. Innocent lives were lost in the line of duty and we are forever indebted to those who were sacrificed during the incident,” he added.Borneo Post

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Bekalan Air Lebih Baik Bakal Dinikmati Penduduk Kuala Penyu,Menumbok-Pairin

 

KUALA PENYU, 6 Ogos- Sambutan Aidilfitri penduduk di kawasan Kuala Penyu dan Menumbok kini lebih bermakna apabila bekalan air dapat disalurkan ke seluruh kawasan berkenaan, kata Menteri Pembangunan Infrastruktur Negeri Tan Sri Pairin Kitingan.

Beliau berkata, kerajaan melalui jabatan air sentiasa berusaha untuk membaiki dan menaik taraf bekalan air bersih ke kawasan yang memerlukan khususnya di luar bandar.

"Sejumlah RM47.7 juta telah diperuntukkan kerajaan bagi menampung projek bekalan air ini ke seluruh kawasan yang meliputi sepanjang 26.6 KM," katanya kepada pemberita pada majlis pelancaran pengepaman air ke daerah kecil Menumbok di sini, Selasa.

Pairin berkata, melalui sistem paip transmisi dari Limbawang ke stesen pam penggalak Tamu Kayul itu, ia mampu membekalkan air dan mengatasi masalah bekalan air terutamanya pada musim kemarau kepada penduduk di kawasan itu.

"Sejumlah sembilan juta liter air sehari mampu dibekalkan kepada 90 peratus penduduk setempat yang meliputi 3,600 buah rumah berbanding enam juta liter sehari sebelum ini," katanya.

Turut hadir Timbalan Menteri Pembangunan Wanita, Keluarga dan Masyarakat merangkap anggota Parlimen Datuk Azizah Mohd Dun dan anggota Dewan Undangan Negeri Kuala Penyu Limus Juri.

Menurut Pairin, projek tersebut akan menggantikan sistem paip lama yang tidak mampu menampung jumlah bekalan air ke setiap kawasan sehingga berlakunya saluran paip pecah.BERNAMA

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Krisis Diesel: Kerajaan tumpukan penyelesaian pelbagai, bukan hanya tambahan kuota

Stephen Wong berkata bahawa, sekiranya KPDNKK anggap kuota bekalan diesel tersebut adalah mencukupi bagi permintaan orang awam, mustahil isu kekurangan bekalan diesel akan berlaku jika wujudnya kegiatan penyeludupan dan perdagangan haram. Beliau percaya bahawa sekiranya KPDNKK tidak dapat mengenalpastikan masalah sebenar yang mengakibatkan isu kekurangan bekalan diesel dan mengambil tindakan yang sewajarnya, peningkatan kuota bekalan diesel pun tidak akan menyelesaikan isu ini. - Sabahkini

Bukankah pihak KPDNKK telah menjelaskan bahawa tambahan kuota diesel untuk Sabah hanya untuk penyelesaian sementara? Kenapa dalam kenyataan Stephen Wong seolah-olah langkah penyelesaian itu diambil sebagai penyelesaian jangka panjang? Buat masa ini tambahan kuota diesel itu mencukupi untuk memenuhi permintaan di Sabah.. 

Malah tambahan kuota ini baru sahaja dilaksanakan tidak seperti yang digambarkan Stephen Wong seolah-olah tambahan kuota itu telah dilaksanakan sejak sekian lama. Kerajaan juga mengambil berat dengan masalah ini dan sebab itu KPDNKK ditugaskan untuk membuat kajian dan berbincang dengan persatuan-persatuan berkaitan bagi mencari penyelesaian jangka masa panjang.

Menurut Menteri PDNKK, Datuk Hasan Malek, cadangan Menteri Pembangunan Masyarakat dan Hal Ehwal Pengguna, Datuk Jainab Ahmad Ayid mengenai mewujudkan pusat pengumpulan dan juga cadangan-cadangan dari pihak lain akan dibawa ke mesyuarat kementerian akan datang. Jesteru, Stephen Wong tidak perlu risau mengenai kemungkinan cadangan beliau tidak diterima oleh kementerian berkenaan. Malahan, KPDNKK mengalu-alukan orang awam termasuklah ahli-ahli politik untuk sama-sama menangani masalah ini samada melalui sumbangan idea mahupun melaporkan sebarang kegiatan penyeludupan diesel ke talian 1800 886 800. 

Disamping melaksanakan penyelesaian jangka pendek dan merangka penyelesaian jangka panjang, kerajaan juga tidak lupa menggunakan pendekatan undang-undang bagi menunjukkan ketegasan kerajaan dalam menangani krisis diesel ini. Buktinya kerajaan telah melakukan operasi sehingga tertangkapnya 12 pengusaha yang didapati bersalah berdasarkan Akta Kawalan Bekalan 1961.

Jesteru, berdasarkan langkah-langkah penyelesaian yang diambil dan dirangka oleh kerajaan terutamanya kementerian yang terlibat, fokus penyelesaian bukanlah terhadap satu faktor sahaja. Malah, faktor-faktor lain seperti peningkatan jumlah kenderaan yang menggunakan enjin diesel dan faktor perayaan perlu juga dipertimbangkang. 

Sebab itu penambahan kuota ini juga penting dalam menyelesaikan krisis diesel di Sabah, kerana sekalipun aktiviti penyeludupan berjaya diselesaikan, tanpa kuota yang mencukupi, masalah kekurangan diesel ini tetap akan berlaku. Sebab itu juga kerajaan memerlukan kerjasama semua pihak dalam memberikan cadangan kerana masalah ini memerlukan penyelesaian yang pelbagai bukan hanya tertumpu kepada aktiviti penyeludupan..

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