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Metalun bridge not built by us, says JKR - The Borneo Post Online Berita Sarawak - News 2 Sarawak

Metalun bridge not built by us, says JKR - The Borneo Post Online

Posted: 13 Aug 2014 12:41 PM PDT

KUCHING: The Public Works Department (JKR) yesterday said the Metalun bridge over areas flooded by the Murum hydroelectric dam project was not built by them.

It said the bridge was built by the timber concessionaire within the timber concession area, and it lay just outside the Murum Dam Development Scheme Area, which is under the jurisdiction of Sarawak Energy Bhd (SEB).

The bridge is not part of any government agency's approved project, said JKR deputy director (Corporate Affairs) John Wong in a press statement.

The statement was issued yesterday following the article 'Outcry over RM150 per crossing' that was front-paged by The Borneo Post on Tuesday.

JKR was prompted to respond because the last paragraph of the article mentioned that state JKR director Zuraimi Sabki could not be reached for comment.

Wong said Zuraimi is out of the state on official duty from Aug 10 to 16.

"Nevertheless, arising from the press report, JKR has spoken to the Forest Department, SEB and the timber concessionaire, and we have received assurance from the concessionaire company that locals and civil servants, like school teachers, would not be charged for using the bridge.

"The company has also clarified that the whole intent of the high charge is for security reasons. They elaborated that they had been facing issues like theft, sabotage and so on."

The said article quoted both sources and Belaga assemblyman Liwan Lagang as urging the state government to intervene as the toll charges was atrocious and beyond the means of the locals.

Yesterday, the state government directed the timber concessionaire to waive the toll charges to all motorists plying the bridge with immediate effect.

Liwan said the abolishment of the toll would be a great relief for those who have been using the bridge. Previously, they have to pay RM150 for a one way trip, meaning RM300 per return trip.

However, Penan resettlers at Metalun were exempted from paying toll charges then.

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Collaboration to develop housing projects in <b>Sarawak</b> – BorneoPost <b>...</b>

Posted: 07 Aug 2014 12:28 PM PDT

KUCHING: Housing Development Corporation (HDC) yesterday inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Rama GuoMao (CQ) Co Ltd from China to collaborate in developing housing projects in Sarawak.

The MoU marked the success of the Housing Ministry's working visit to China in June led by its minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg.

"Signing this MoU with Rama GuoMao initiates a closer working relationship between Sarawak and China and expands our good and cordial relationship with China which went back a long way," said Abang Johari.

He added that through strengthened collaboration "we hope to learn from each others' experiences and look forward to more collaboration in business with China."

The MoU was the first step towards developing and re-planning the housing sector undertaken by the HDC in Sarawak.

This signing also formalised the Sarawak-China partnership and confirmed a joint commitment to develop and implement potential housing projects in the state.

Rama GuoMao will propose a few possible collaborations with HDC, especially in developing and re-planning the affordable housing sector in Sarawak.

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