Further Sibu Development Plan

SIBU: Proposed Airport again:
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b311/qanxtiong/airport2.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b311/qanxtiong/airport.jpg

Sources: jecklee, www.sibu.org/cn

Any progress ?...

Sarawak needs RM30b for major projects
Updated : 08-08-2007
Media : The Star


KUCHING: Sarawak needs RM30bil in public funding to develop infrastructure and power projects over the next eight years, said Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud.

He said such development were vital to boost the state's industrialisation programme, including the development of energy-intensive industries in the proposed development corridor in central Sarawak.

I have been assured by the Prime Minister (Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi) that whatever I (Sarawak) need in terms of infrastructure development, he will support me, Taib said yesterday.

The Chief Minister was speaking at an agreement signing ceremony between Cahya Mata Sarawak Bhd and Rio Tinto Aluminium, Australia, to build a US$2bil (RM6.9bil) aluminium smelter project in Similajau, Bintulu.

The proposed smelter requires 900MW to power its initial operations. It will source the electricity from the Bakun hydroelectric dam which is under construction.

Taib said the state required federal funding to also build two new roads ¡V one linking Bakun and Murum and the other in Baram, northern Sarawak.

The state government has plans to develop the proposed 900MW Murum hydroelectric dam project to cater to the demand for power from energy-intensive industries to be set up.

Central Development Corridor in S’wak to start next year
Thursday August 9, 2007
TheStar


KOTA SAMARAHAN: Sarawak’s Central Development Corridor, stretching from Tanjung Manis in Mukah and Similajau in Bintulu is expected to be implemented next year through an integrated approach, Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud said.

He said the development corridor would involve a structural change in the state’s economy by harnessing its huge industrial potential within the next 15 years.

Three major projects had been identified; two aluminium smelter plants in Similajau and Murum and a paper and pulp mill in Tatau.

“The initial capital will involve quite a large sum. It is going to be implemented all the way beyond 2020, mainly involving infrastructure with government investments into dams, generators and industries,” he told reporters after attending the Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) 11th convocation here on Sunday.

He said it would not be difficult to get investors and that a study currently conducted by an American consultant on the economic potential and spin-off effects of the development corridor was expected to be ready by end Oct.

At present economic niches by geographical divisions have already been identified by the state with major ongoing government-funded jobs such as the Bakun Dam and coastal roads in Sarawak.

Taib, who is also Unimas pro-chancellor, said Sarawak would also forge more smart partnerships between local industries and universities in the fields of high-tech and biotechnology products as part of the state’s economic transformation.

He said, at present, such strategic alliances were confined to research and development (R&D) programmes in the field of forestry, with postgraduates being sent to other institutions of higher learning in Peninsular Malaysia and overseas.

A win-win situation could be forged, especially in the biotechnology industry, which was not very well developed in Sarawak.

Such collaboration was needed as industries could contribute funds towards the R&D programmes to exploit the potential of commercialising their research findings and products for development purposes through transfer of scientific knowledge.

Earlier, Taib reminded the 1,564 Unimas graduates including 134 postgraduates, that they needed to have added value to compete in the workforce in view of the rising rate of unemployment in the country, particularly among new graduates.

The development of human capital was an important agenda for which the Federal Government had allocated RM33.4bil, including RM10.4bil for institutions of higher learning under the 2007 budget, in efforts to meet the requirements of the industries’ workforce by 2020, he said.

Sabah Foundation Plans World-class MICE Centre
August 08, 2007 17:58 PM

KOTA KINABALU, Aug 8 (Bernama) -- The Sabah Foundation Group plans to build a world-class MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Convention and Exhibition) centre here, said Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman.

Construction of the MICE centre was one of Sabah Foundation's plan to diversify its sources of income.

"The state government believe that Kota Kinabalu is in need of a convention centre which can become an alternative for world-class organisers to hold their programmes," he said when closing Sabah Foundation's 40th anniversary celebration here Wednesday.

Musa who is also Sabah Foundation Board of Trustee chairman said the MICE centre would benefit the state economically particularly in tourism through the creation of jobs and human capital development.

He said the Sabah Foundation MICE centre would be built in a package which include a convention hall, hotel and resort.

The MICE centre would overcome the problem of inadequate hotel rooms and a large convention hall to accommodate large groups of participants attending world-class events.-- BERNAMA

Malaysia to speed up work on Sabah Corridor
By Sharen Kaur
August 14 2007
BusinessTimes


There will be large-scale construction and infrastructure projects, says a Minister in the Prime Minister's Department

THE Sabah Development Corridor will be fast-tracked to boost economic growth at a quicker pace in the resource-rich state.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Tan Sri Bernard Dompok said the corridor will have similar elements as the Northern and Eastern corridors.

This means that there will be large-scale construction and infrastructure projects as well.

"The concept of the Sabah Corridor will work with the private sector which can benefit as the government is trying to make it easier for them to work on the development," Dompok told Business Times on the sidelines of a public sector conference yesterday.

The project would be spearheaded by three key state agencies - Sabah Foundation, Sawit Kinabalu Bhd and Sabah Economic Development Corp.

Dompok also said foreign funds from West Asia will continue to flow into Malaysia.

"Middle Eastern investors come here because they know they can get better yields, as compared to investing in London, Paris and the US. This augurs well for the investment climate here," he said.

During his speech, Dompok said the government is accelerating its policies towards achieving a value and knowledge-based economy.

"The government has shown a strong commitment towards recognising the importance of promoting corporate governance and transparency in financial reporting. We are certainly progressing in the right direction," he said.

The one-day conference was hosted by the Malaysian Institute of Accountants and CPA Australia.

It Agenda In Sabah Development Corridor - Jamaludin
August 13, 2007 20:39 PM

SEPANGGAR, Aug 13 (Bernama) -- Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi wants the Sabah Development Corridor to have an information technology (IT) and multimedia agenda, Science, Technology and Innovations Minister Datuk Seri Dr Jamaludin Jarjis said today.

He said he had discussed with Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman about the Prime Ministry's wish, and his ministry together with Multimedia Development Corporation Sdn Bhd (MDeC) dan Mimos Berhad were ready to assist the state government.

"A committee under the supervision of State Resource Development and IT Minister Datuk Yee Moh Chai has been set up between MDeC and the IT Unit of the Chief Minister's Department to draw up a plan to promote an IT industry in Sabah including bringing IT outsourcing like having call centres to the state," he told reporters after launching Sirim Berhad here.

Having a call centre industry in Sabah would give a competitive edge to the state which received tourists and IT experts from countries like Hong Kong, Japan, Taiwan and China, he said.

He said he would prepare a working paper on incentives to be given to Cyberjaya IT firms that were interested to shift to Sabah.

Jamaludin said his ministry also planned to set up a biotech centre of excellence in the effort to commercialise marine-based products in Sabah.

"I will discuss with Universiti Malaysia Sabah to cooperate in the matter because Sabah is rich in sea resources such as seaweed and they can be commercialised internationally," he said.

"As the resources are plentiful in Sabah, we want the experts from Sabah and the operators also from Sabah, and this will give a shift in terms of technological advancement and economic development to Sabah," he said.

Earlier, he asked Sirim to hold dialogues with local industries on how it could assist them enhance productivity and add value to their products using technology.

"We want Sirim to have a second agenda besides that relating to standards, namely assisting the industries in adding value to their products not only for the local market but also the world," he said.

-- BERNAMA

Sarawak sees RM4bil as funding for major projects
Sunday September 9, 2007
TheStar


MUKAH: The additional RM4bil allocation for Sarawak in the 2008 National Budget is a big boost to help finance the state’s second wave of development.

Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud said the funding would help Sarawak to be on par with other developed states in the country.

The RM4bil, which was announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi on Friday, will fund major projects – including the construction of Jalan Kota Samarahan-Gumpeh, upgrading of Jalan Kuching-Sibu, expansion of Universiti Putra Malaysia and Mara Skills Institute, and replacement of Batang Lupar bridge in Samarahan.

The money will also be channelled to provide rural health services and for electricity, water supply and sewerage projects.

“Under the Ninth Malaysia Plan, our aim is to bridge the (development) gap between central Sarawak (Sibu, Mukah, Sarikei and Kapit Divisions) and southern and northern Sarawak so that all the regions will be uniformly developed,” said Taib.

Taib was speaking at the parade to mark Sarawak Governor Tun Abang Muhammad Salahuddin’s 86th birthday at Dataran Pehin Setia Raja here yesterday.

He said the vast hydro and coal resources in central Sarawak would be developed to supply electricity to industries like aluminium smelters and to the peninsula.

In Miri, MP Datuk Peter Chin Fah Kui said there was an urgent need for more charity welfare shelters and nursing homes in Sarawak.

Giant timber and oil palm firms and property developers in the state must make use of the newly-announced Budget incentives to help set up such homes and fulfil their social obligations to the people, he said.

“There are more people needing welfare assistance and their number is growing all the time.

“This new Budget has special provisions to encourage private companies to be more active in helping these needy folk. It's tax-deductible,” said Chin, who is also Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister.

“I hope huge companies in Sarawak like Samling and Shin Yang (two Miri-based consortiums) will use these incentives to help build more welfare homes for needy groups in Sarawak,” he said yesterday.

Sarawak commercial property outlook: Robust
Updated : 10-10-2007
Media : The Star
Story By : STEPHEN THEN


MIRI: Sarawak is expected to enjoy robust growth in its commercial property sector thanks to the rapid urbanisation being experienced now in its cities and urban centres.

Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr George Chan Hong Nam said the outlook for this important trade-related segment of the property market was good.

"Prices of commercial property will continue to rise. The market value will rise with rising demand. The situation in the commercial sector still looks good," he said.

"However, there is a certain overhang of residential property, especially in the high-cost categories. The market demand is tapering in this sector," said Dr Chan, who is also State Industrial Development Minister and State Agriculture Modernisation Minister.

He was asked to comment on proposals from property developers in this state who want to increase the price of residential houses, even medium- and low-cost homes.

Over the past month, housing developers in the state have started highlighting their need to increase prices, citing such reasons as the increase in the price of raw materials such as steel and fuel, and also the shortage of construction cement in the state.

Dr Chan said that housing developers would always want to increase the price of their units if given the chance.

"They want to increase prices all the time. However, it is up to market forces to determine if any increase is justified or not.

"If the demand is high and the people can afford it, then they will be willing to pay higher prices," he stressed.

Asked whether the state government felt that there were justifiable reasons to increase the price of houses in Sarawak, he said: "It is difficult for the Government to comment on this. It all depends on prevailing situations in the market."

Boom for Sarawak properties
Updated : 11-10-2007
Media : The Star


MIRI: Sarawak is expected to enjoy robust growth in its commercial properties sector due to rapid urbanisation that is pushing up commercial real estate values.

The prices of commercial properties will continue to rise. The market value will rise with rising demand. The situation in the commercial sector looks good, said Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr George Chan Hong Nam.

However, there is a overhang of residential properties, especially in the high-cost categories. The market demand is tapering in this sector, said Dr Chan, who is also State Industrial Development Minister and State Agriculture Modernisation Minister.

He was asked to comment on proposals from property developers in this state who want to increase the prices of residential houses, even the medium-low-cost types.

Over the past month, developers in the state have started highlighting their ¡§needs to increase the prices of ready-built houses.

They have cited reasons such as increase in prices of raw materials like steel, fuel, and also shortages of construction cement in the state as grounds for the need to increase house prices.

Dr Chan said that developers would always want to increase the prices of their units given the chance.

PM to launch Sarawak corridor
October 16 2007

PRIME Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi will launch the Sarawak Regional Corridor Development (Recorda) in December, Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud said today.

He said the state government is working on the actual launch date.

Despite its sprawling size, Sarawak, Malaysia’s biggest state, only needs one regional corridor development concept for now, he said.

Recorda would be implemented under the 9th and 10th Malaysia plans, he told reporters after attending a Hari Raya gathering in Mukah.

Earlier, in his speech, Taib said Recorda, which straddles from Similajau in Bintulu division to Tanjung Manis in Mukah division, would yield immense benefits to the state and the people.

“The area is essentially rich in energy sources from coal to hydro-electric power. It will promote growth of energy-intensive industries throughout the state from Miri to Kuching and even in isolated rural areas like Tunoh in the Kapit division.

“We are going to exploit these natural energy sources to propel the state development to greater heights and level of sophistication much more efficiently with foreign investments.

“By my own rough reckoning, we may be able to generate about 200,000MW (Megawatt) of electricity by 2015, “ he said. - Bernama

cant wait to see the masterplan...and who's the major developers?

PM to launch Sarawak corridor
October 16 2007

Recorda, which straddles from Similajau in Bintulu division to Tanjung Manis in Mukah division



keciknya...what about my division..samarahan?

Source : thestar.com.my
Sabah stops coastline development

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah has put a stop to all future coastal reclamation to safeguard the environment and the tourism industry.

State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun said the state government would only allow reclamation for the purposes of strengthening and enhancing the coastline.

He said the decision to stop future coastline development was made by the state Cabinet when it adopted and approved the Coastal Management Guideline recently.

“There is sufficient land in the state to support the population and development of the industries. Land reclamation will affect the whole structure of out ecosystem and we want to avoid that,” he said.

Masidi said that Sabah’s coastline was one of the main draws of tourist to the state and if the state continued to allow development along its coastline, the natural attraction would be lost.

However, he said that local authorities must play their role in ensuring that the guidelines were followed and enforced.

“Ultimately it is in the hands of the local authorities as they are responsible in issuing approvals for development,” he added.

PM To Open Mega Projects In Sarawak Next Week
November 06, 2007 19:59 PM


KUCHING, Nov 6 (Bernama) -- Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, who will make a two-day visit to Sarawak next week, is expected to open two mega projects -- the RM85 million Pujut Flyover in Miri and the RM220 million BDC interchange here.

Sarawak Public Utilities Minister Datuk Seri Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said today the prime minister, who would be accompanied by his wife, Datin Seri Jeanne Abdullah, was scheduled to arrive in Miri on Monday to open the Pujut Flyover at 3pm and later attend an all-community dinner at the Pavillion Parkcity Everly Hotel.

The 498m flyover was completed in time for the Merdeka celebration on Aug 31, about 11 months ahead of schedule, by developer Global Upline Sdn Bhd, which is expected to carry out another infrastructure work worth RM400 million to build a four-lane highway connecting the Kuala Baram industrial area with the Miri airport.

The following morning, Abdullah will fly to Kuching to open the BDC Interchange at 10.45am, another mega project being undertaken by Global Upline which encompasses the Kuching International Airport and Stutong Link Road here leading from the city centre.

Serving as the main gateway for visitors to the city, it was completed in record time in May this year and opened to motorists, one year ahead of the targeted completion date.

Abdullah will also witness the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Starwood Asia Pacific Hotels and Resorts Pte. Ltd. and Global Upline for the construction of the Hotel Four Points Sheraton Kuching.

Awang Tengah said that the same day, the prime minister would perform yet another earth-breaking ceremony for the Sarawak Islamic Complex at Jalan P.Ramlee here before departing for Kuala Lumpur.

Abdullah and his wife are expected to arrive in Miri from Kota Kinabalu, where he is scheduled to open the Parti Bersatu Sabah's (PBS) 22nd Congress on Sunday.

-- BERNAMA

Sabah Development Corridor may eradicate state's high rate of poverty
BERNAMA


KUALA LUMPUR, THU.:

Sabah Umno hopes that the Sabah Development Corridor (SDC) to be launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi before the end of the year will be the catalyst for poverty eradication in the state.

State Umno Liaison Committee secretary Datuk Seri Yahya Hussin said besides physical development, the development in the SDC would provide many job opportunities.

Sabah, the second largest state in the country, has the highest poverty rate in Malaysia at 16 per cent, or three times higher than the national poverty rate.

Yahya, who is also the Sabah Deputy Chief Minister, hoped that the people including Umno members would be able to participate in the development of the corridor.

“We don’t want Umno members to struggle for the projects but are given small ones only while opposition supporters get the bigger ones,” he said during the debate on the party president’s policy speech at the Umno General Assembly here today.

He suggested that the private sector undertook agricultural projects in the corridor area, starting with the planting of “jarak” trees (jatropha) which had commercial value.

Yahya also wanted the government to approve the application from Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) for a university hospital similar to the Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia in Kelantan.

He also asked the government to reduce the air fare for Malaysia Airlines (MAS) to enable more Sabahans to visit the peninsula and help boost the economy.

Melaka representative Datuk Idris Haron said that although the poverty rate among the Bumiputeras had dropped, it was still three times higher than the rate of the Chinese which is 0.6 per cent.

The monthly income of a Malay family was also lower compared to the Chinese, and the Bumiputeras had still not achieved the 30 percent equity level.

He believed that the limited success of the Bumiputeras was caused by policies and lack of awareness among the successful Bumiputeras that they should assist other Bumiputeras to succeed.

Idris, the Member of Parliament for Tangga Batu, said Bumiputeras should adopt the Blue Ocean Strategy (BOS) by pioneering new fields to become successful in business.

“BOS has brought success to large companies such as Samsung Electronics, Apple Computers, AirAsia and Tuah Guard,” he said adding that BOS could be adapted to suit Bumiputera companies.

Meanwhile, Perlis Umno welcomed the proposal by the Prime Minister that co-operatives in the country be merged to make them bigger and stronger.

The representative from the state, Datuk Hashim Suboh, said there were 5,000 co-operatives in Malaysia with six million members and RM26 billion in assets.

The strength would make the co-operative sector a major contributor to the economy, Hashim said.

Citing Mont Dragon as an example, he said the Spanish co-op comprised 160 smaller cooperatives with 23,000 members and was the 12th largest trading group in Spain while The National Cooperative Federation in South Korea which comprised nearly 4,000 agricultural co-ops owned the second largest commercial bank in South Korea.

Johor representative, Senator Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi said Umno should set up a watch-dog committee to monitor the funds for the agricultural sector from the government.

November 13, 2007 12:02 PM

Abdullah Flies In To Kuching From Miri To Launch Mega Projects


KUCHING, Nov 13 (Bernama) - Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi arrived here from Miri this morning for a one-day visit.

Present at the Kuching International Airport to receive Abdullah and his wife, Datin Seri Jeanne Abdullah, were Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud, his wife, Toh Puan Laila Taib, state ministers, heads of government departments and corporate leaders.

Upon arrival, Abdullah proceeded to open the BDC Interchange, a mega project encompassing the Kuching International Airport and Stutong Link Road leading to the city centre, undertaken by Global Upline Sdn Bhd.

After launching construction of the Four Points Sheraton Kuching Hotel, the Prime Minister will witness the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Starwood Asia-Pacific Hotels and Resorts Pte Ltd Points Sheraton Kuching.

In the afternoon, Abdullah will officiate at the foundation stone laying ceremony for the RM100 million Sarawak Islamic Complex at Jalan P. Ramlee while Jeanne will attend a tea reception hosted in her honour by the Sarawak Badan Amal Tenaga Isteri-Isteri (Sabati) at Hilton Hotel.

Abdullah and Jeanne will attend a dinner at the Chief Minister's official residence at Demak Jaya in Jalan Bako before returning to Kuala Lumpur.

-- BERNAMA

Starwood to manage Four Points hotel

By Jack Wong

KUCHING: Starwood Asia Pacific Hotels & Resorts Pte Ltd will manage the proposed RM100mil Four Points by Sheraton Hotel to be developed by Global Upline Sdn Bhd at Jalan Airport here.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi had performed the earth-breaking ceremony for the hotel project yesterday.

The proposed 12-storey 300-room hotel, which is expected to be operational by Aug 31, is one of the three international standard hotels planned in Sarawak by construction company Global Upline.

The second 220-room hotel will be built at Jalan Tabuan here while the third hotel has been earmarked for Miri.

http://biz.thestar.com.my/archives/2007/11/14/business/leadpicstarwoodp12i.JPG

The proposed Four Points by Sheraton will form part of a complex which will also house an office tower.

The hotel and office tower blocks will share a common three-storey podium, which will provide shopping and dinning facilities.

Global Upline managing director Datuk Mohamad Daniel Abong and Starwood Asia director Thomas J. Monahan signed the hotel management agreement.

Daniel said the investments in the hotel industry marked Global Upline’s diversification into the hospitality service sector to cater for the expanding tourism industry.

“Our company has grown tremendously in the past eight years and has completed some RM1bil worth of infrastructure projects,” he said at the ceremony.

According to him. the airports and flyover projects that the company have undertaken are all delivered ahead of time, within budget and with high quality.

Asia Pacific Starwood Hotel & Resorts Worldwide Inc president Miguel Ko said the proposed Four Points by Sheraton Hotel would cater for both mid-scale business and leisure travellers.

He said Starwood’s portfolio of hotel company brands also included Sheraton, Westin, St Regis, W Hotels, The Luxury Collection, Le Meridien, Element and Aloft.

“The Four Point by Sheraton brand, with 136 properties in 16 countries, is consistently rated as a top performer in the mid-priced category by business travellers,” Ko said in his message in the souvenir magazine published to mark the proposed hotel ground breaking yesterday.

Source : http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/11/26/business/20071126163513&sec=business

Sabah’s E-W power grid commissioned at last
By MUGUNTAN VANAR

KOTA KINABALU: The long-delayed RM503mil east-west power grid in Sabah should herald a more stable electricity supply for the state.

Launched Monday, the power grid should stabilise the supply of electricity especially to the state's Easy Coast, Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd chairman Tan Sri Leo Moggie said.

"This is because the higher power production capacity in the West Coast of Sabah could be channelled to the East Coast area," said Moggie.

Sabah Electricity is a subsidiary of Tenaga Nasional Bhd.

“The grid was supposed to have been completed in 2005 but due to technical and land acquisition problems in the Crocker Range area, we were faced delays,” he said after the commissioning of the grid at Kg Kolopis power station here by Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Ahmadshah Abdullah.

Moggie said the grid between east coast towns of Sandakan to Kunak had completed in 2003 while the grid from the west coast to the interior around Tenom was completed in 1984.

The grid link to the north was done in 2005.

He said that Sabah power generation of 866MW was sufficient to meet the present peak demand of 624MW.

November 30, 2007 16:17 PM

Oil And Gas To Play Important Role In Sabah's Economy


LABUAN, Nov 30 (Bernama) -- The oil and gas resources industry is expected to play a more important role in Sabah's economy, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman.

He said the sector was expected to expand rapidly in the years to come and would bring economic spin-offs to benefit the state's economy.

"Companies serving the oil and gas industry like Asian Supply Base Sdn Bhd (ASB) will likely see an increase in their business.

"I hope it will follow up on the opening of the deepwater blocks, with infrastructure upgrade and enhancement to meet the demands of its clients," he said at the opening of the company's quay wharf here today.

ASB is a wholly-owned unit of state-owned Sabah Energy Corp under the Chief Minister's Department. It was incorporated in 1984 to develop and manage a one-stop centralised logistics support centre to meet the needs of oil and gas exploration, development and production activities.

Musa, who is also state finance minister, said the new quay wharf would enable ASB to boost its services to the industry.

He said the Sabah government would support any initiatives to help develop the state as well as bring economic benefits to the people.

In this respect, he called on ASB to help Sabahans play a more active role in the oil and gas sector.

"The sector is expected to create more business as well as jobs in view of the aggressive oil exploration as well as the development and production of new oil fields driven by the high prices," he said.

He said this development has resulted in the industry facing a shortage of labour where experienced workers, attracted by high wages, flocked to Middle East.

As such, Musa urged ASB to initiate a specific programme to develop the human capital and management talent within the oil and gas sector.

--BERNAMA

Haiz... the road light in KK is not bright lah. like dying city
KL famous in building skyline, Penang is food & IT...
What icon of Sabah gonna be? Tourism?
Hopefully Sabah will not turn like KL

Haiz... the road light in KK is not bright lah. like dying city
KL famous in building skyline, Penang is food & IT...
What icon of Sabah gonna be? Tourism?
Hopefully Sabah will not turn like KL

Sabah has the Mount Kinabalu. That's the Sabah icon that will beat other states.

World expo positions Sabah as up-and-coming MICE destination

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah’s target to become a top contender in the Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) industry is not too far off.

Its premier Sabah International Expo 2008 will be the biggest exposition with participation from 30 countries that will showcase their latest products, services and technologies during the four-day exhibition set for Oct 16-19 at the yet-to-be-completed 1 Borneo exhibition hall.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Haji Aman said the organizer was targeting to have 300 booths taken up each promoting their own wares.

To make it grand, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi will be invited to launch the exposition.

Musa who is also the Finance Minister said the effort by the organizer was in line with the government’s aspirations to expose Sabah to oversea investors as a new investment destination in the region.

“The staging of SIE 2008 is timely with the steps taken by the government to give exposure to oversea investors to come and see the potentials and opportunities that Sabah have to offer,” he said at the launch of SIE2008 and mock cheque presentation ceremony here yesterday.

“The event has been vigorously promoting the State to different countries either through direct and indirect roadshows to embassies, trade offices in Kuala Lumpur and to prospective participating countries,” he said.

The event is jointly organized by the State Government, Federation of Sabah Manufacturers and Malaysian International Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MICCI), Sabah branch.

Citing an example, Musa said that Sabah being the largest palm oil producing state in the country offered plenty of opportunities especially in downstream processing of palm oil.

He said a preceding one-day Sabah International Business Conference would allocate a session for discussion on the potential of the oil palm industry.

The biennial event is set to attract exhibitors from India, Brunei, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Poland, China, Japan, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, and Australia among others.

At the function, Musa also witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the chambers of commerce from China, Singapore and the Philippines which will take up nearly 150 exhibition and sales booths.

Meanwhile, organizing charman Datuk Wong Khen Thau said the organizers were targeting sales to reach RM15 million in the coming trade fair.

Among the MoUs signed were between SIE represented by Wong and his co-organising chairman Datuk Arul Pragasam with Long Mai International Economy Commerce Centre of China represented by Stiven Liang and Singapore represented by Albert Hsiu and between SIE and Sagajuta and Novotel hotel chain.

Present at the launch were Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Masidi Manjun; Assistant Ministers Datuk Edward Khoo and Jainab Datuk Ahmad; State Secretary Datuk Sukarti Wakiman; Finance Ministry Permanent Secretary Datuk Haji Yusof Datuk Kassim.

Koridor Pembangunan Sabah (SDC) dilancar akhir bulan


PAPAR: Koridor Pembangunan Sabah (SDC) yang akan dilancarkan Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, di sini akhir bulan ini akan membawa kesan pembangunan lebih berkesan dan holistik membabitkan semua kawasan di negeri ini.

Menteri Pertanian dan Industri Makanan negeri, Datuk Abdul Rahim Ismail, berkata pelaksanaan SDC bakal meningkatkan keyakinan masyarakat untuk menggandakan pembabitan mereka dalam program pembangunan.

Katanya, pelaksanaan SDC turut meningkatkan kerjasama sektor awam dan swasta dalam memajukan ekonomi Sabah melalui penyediaan pelbagai perkhidmatan, perniagaan dan peluang pekerjaan untuk rakyat.



"SDC akan membuka pintu menggalakkan industri baru yang memerlukan pekerja berpengetahuan berasaskan sains dan teknologi untuk meningkatkan produktiviti serta daya saing," katanya ketika merasmikan Seminar Patriotisme Pemimpin Masyarakat Dewan Undangan Negeri (DUN) Pantai Manis, di Rumah Rehat Daerah, di sini, kelmarin.

Sarawak to launch renewable energy corridor soon
Tuesday January 8, 2008
By STEPHEN THEN
TheStar

MIRI: The soon-to-be launched “renewable energy corridor” project will ensure all regions in Sarawak are balanced development-wise, said Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud.

The state wants to ensure the northern half catches up with the more-developed and highly-populated southern zone.

Abdul Taib said the opening of the energy corridor would bring in power-generating projects, thus helping to transform the social and economic landspace in the northern coastal region.

The energy corridor will see the construction of new electricity-generating plants in Mukah and Bintulu divisions.

Electricity generated from these power plants will be linked to the existing state power grid. Together with the soon-to-be completed RM9bil Bakun hydroelectric dam project, up to 40,000 megawatts of electricity can be generated at any one time in the state.

Abdul Taib said the state would use this ready and cheap energy source to bring in local and foreign investments.

“We want to invite investments in aluminium smelting, shipbuilding, construction and other energy-intensive projects.

“Along the way, some 6,000 new jobs will be created and new townships developed to accommodate the expected influx of workers and businesses,” he said.

He said the state wanted to see the northern and southern halves enjoy the same pace of growth.

“This regional corridor development plan will focus on this objective. We hope to launch it soon. It is going to be a hectic year for us,” he told reporters after declaring open the Setia Raja flyover.

The Setia Raja project used part of the RM110mil allocated by the Federal Government to build two new flyovers and upgrade highways.

The other flyover in Pujut was declared open by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi last month.

Taib said the state was grateful to the Federal Government for providing the much-needed allocation.

“The state would not have been able to carry out the projects due to financial constraints. Federal authorities have helped us a lot to enhance our infrastructure facilities.

“Due to vast development in places like Miri, we needed to implement a lot of upgrading works.

“The fast pace of development has brought along new problems such as traffic congestion and increasing housing needs,” he said.

Federal Projects Under 9MP In Sarawak Going On Smoothly
January 08, 2008 01:00 AM

KUCHING, Jan 8 (Bernama) -- All federal government projects worth RM14 billion under the Ninth Malaysia Plan are going on smoothly, said Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Dr Maximus Ongkili.

He said to date, 217 of the 247 sites for the projects had obtained approval from the land owners and state government.

"Only 30 sites have not been approved due to various problems involving the land owners and other related matters," he told reporters here Monday.

He said the construction works were being speeded up to ensure the projects could be completed within the time set by the government.

Besides benefiting the people, the federal government projects in Sarawak were aimed at balancing development throughout the country, he added.

-- BERNAMA

Kota Kinabalu: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman said the Sabah Development Corridor (SDC) is expected to be launched by end of this month.

He said the date would be announced shortly after the proposed SDC project has been finalised.

"Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi will launch the project," he said when asked on the latest development of the project.

The launching was earlier scheduled last month. A mega project, SDC is expected to further stimulate Sabah's economic development at a high proportion.
:banana:

Corridor spread over 17 years

Kota Kinabalu: The much-awaited Sabah Development Corridor (SDC) programme will be launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi at the Sepanggar Bay Container Terminal (SBCT), here, on Jan. 29.

The proramme would span 17 years from 2008 to 2025.

Announcing this after chairing the Cabinet meeting at Wisma Innoprise here Wednesday, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Haji Aman said they agreed with the SDC development blueprint after being briefed by Economic Planning Unit (EPU) and consultants.

He said the SDC, which was the brainchild of the Prime Minister himself, would mark a significant milestone to the State's economic development.

According to Institute for Development Studies (IDS) Sabah Executive Director Datuk Dr Yaakob Johari, the SDC involved three key principles namely focusing on a balanced economic growth, economic development via environmental conservation and capturing higher value added economic activities.

The first principle of a balanced economic growth would be achieved through reduction of poverty and disparity of income as well as increasing employment opportunity.

The second principle was to ensure that while economic growth was being prioritised but it would not supersedes environmental issues.

Lastly, he said the sectors targeted for the capturing of higher value-added activities are the manufacturing, tourism and agriculture.

By RUBEN SARIO

KOTA KINABALU: A more vibrant state economy powered partly by high value industries and environmentally sensitive tourism activities are among the high expectations being pinned on the Sabah Development Corridor (SDC).

Sabah's business communities say they are looking forward to the SDC, which is to be launched by the Prime Minister on Jan 29.

The 18-year project, which will run until 2025, would stimulate growth particularly in the state.

"This is something all Sabahans are looking forward to," said Kota Kinabalu Chinese Chamber of Commerce president Datuk Sari Tan.

His counterpart at the Sabah Bumiputra Chamber of Commerce Datuk Ahmad Ali Lope Abdul Aziz said the SDC would ensure a modern economy and infrastructure for the state.

"I think with the Corridor in place the people of Sabah can expect a better life," he said.

Ahmad said the chamber had given its input for the SDC blueprint that looked into the micro aspects of the state to address the economic disparity among the various districts.

In this regard, he said the SDC would offer numerous investment opportunities for Sabahan entrepreneurs and those from outside the state.

"Our hope is that we will be involved in whatever opportunities available," Ahmad said.:banana:

Malaysia Star

January 21, 2008 15:19 PM

9MP Plants To Raise Sabah Water Supply To 1,180 MLD


KOTA KINABALU, Jan 21 (Bernama) -- Water supply in Sabah is expected to rise from the current 760 million litres per day (MLD) to 1,180 MLD once water filtration plants planned under the Ninth Malaysia Plan (9MP) come on-stream.

Allocations have been made under the 9MP to build four large plants -- in Telibong (Tamparuli), Papar, Sandakan (second phase) and Kudat -- and several small ones in places such as Sipitang, Kota Belud, Pulau Banggi, Kunak, Balung, Tenom, Kanibungan (Pitas), Kalabakan and Sukau.

Sabah Water Department Director Ag Mohd Tahir Mohd Talib said the Telibong plant had a capacity of 80 MLD and was expected to begin operating in March, the Papar plant (40 MLD) sometime this year, the Sandakan plant (125 MLD) in September and the Kudat plant (55 MLD) at the end of the year.

He said the increase in supply would enable the state to meet the needs of not only the fast-developing industrial sector but also more people in the rural areas.

The plant projects were being implemented with 9MP allocations of RM1.3 billion from the federal government, RM600 million from the state government and RM370 million from the Rural and Regional Development Ministry, he told Bernama.

Ag Mohd Tahir said Sabah now faced a water shortage of about 180 MLD as demand was 940 MLD compared to existing supply of only 760 MLD.

Papar, Tuaran, Sandakan, Kudat and Kota Kinabalu had been identified as places which faced a serious shortage of water supply, he added.

He said the Telibong plant would ease the shortage of water supply not only in Kota Kinabalu but also in Tuaran while the plant in Papar would help solve the water shortage in Papar and Kimanis and have a 30 per cent surplus.

A small plant, of about 12 MLD capacity, has gone into operation in Papar pending the coming on-stream of the big plant, he added.

Ag Mohd Tahir said the department was implementing an emergency project in Sandakan to supply more water pending the completion of the second phase of the Sandakan plant in September.

-- BERNAMA

RM300m commercial centre to enliven Lahad Datu

A RM300 million commercial centre, called Palm City Centre, will be built on 23.5ha just outside the Lahad Datu town centre in Sabah.

It is a joint venture between the Sabah Housing and Town Development Authority and Renofajar Sdn Bhd.

Renofajar managing director Chris Pang said the project will complement Lahad Datu's image as a rising economic region once the state's Palm Oil Industrial Cluster (POIC) is fully operational.

He said Lahad Datu was still underdeveloped commercially, with only two major supermarkets located in different parts of the town.

At a press conference recently, Pang said the project will include an eight-storey shopping complex, hotels, 350 retail shops and a two-storey wet and dry market.

The centre is adjacent to the Lahad Datu Sports Complex and in the middle of the Sandakan-Tawau road. The first phase will be completed within two-and-a-half years.

By New Straits Times (by Julia Chan)

RM334b price tag for renewable energy

By JACK WONG

KUCHING: A whopping RM334bil in capital investment is needed to fully develop the proposed Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) in the central region.

The establishment of energy-intensive and other industries would require about RM200bil in funding, while about RM67bil would be needed to develop energy resources, including building hydropower dams and coal-fired power stations.

Another RM61bil would go to fund infrastructure projects and RM3bil each in human capital development and institutional infrastructure, according to a 126-page book published by the state government to give investors an overview of SCORE in conjunction with its launch by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi next Monday.

Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud said SCORE would capitalise on the central region's abundance of energy resources, a prerequisite for the development of energy-based industries.

Banks plan US$6b Islamic energy fund in Sarawak

Published: 2008/02/05


Asian Finance Bank, RHB Islamic and Unicorn Investment Bank are teaming up with Sarawak Energy to set up the fund


THREE Islamic banks are teaming up with Malaysian utility Sarawak Energy to set up an Islamic energy fund to finance up to US$6 billion (RM19.8 billion) in projects in Sarawak, one of the banks said yesterday.

The parties are set to sign a memorandum of understanding in Sarawak next week, and plan to set up the fund with an initial size of around US$1 billion (RM3.23 billion), Asian Finance Bank chief executive Faisal Alshowaikh said.

"We will start with a US$1 billion fund and then move towards the rest of the US$6 billion as we go along," he said in an interview in his office in Kuala Lumpur.

The other two banks involved in setting up the fund are RHB Islamic, a unit of Malaysian bank RHB Capital Bhd, and Bahrain-based Unicorn Investment Bank, Alshowaikh said.

A Sarawak Energy spokesman could not be immediately reached for comment.

Sarawak state is building one of the largest hydro-electric complexes outside China.

Its 2,400-megawatt Bakun dam is nearing completion and the state plans to develop another 2,000 megawatts in hydro-electric capacity by 2013.

Asian Finance Bank, controlled by Qatar Islamic Bank, and Unicorn Investment Bank are looking to channel Middle East money into Asian investments that comply with Islamic law, which bans investment in activities such as gambling, alcohol, tobacco, pork and weapons manufacturing. - Reuters

RM334bil is the cost for developing Sarawak corridor
Thursday February 7, 2008
TheStar

KUCHING: A whopping RM334bil in capital investment is needed to fully develop the proposed Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) in the central region.

The setting up of energy-intensive and other industries would require some RM200bil in funding while some RM67bil would be needed to develop huge energy resources, including the building of hydropower dams and coal-fired power stations.

Another RM61bil will go to fund infrastructure projects, and RM3bil each will be required for human capital development and institutional infrastructure.

These figures are provided in a 126-page book published by the state government to give investors an overview of SCORE in conjunction with its launch by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi on Monday.

Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud said SCORE would capitalise on the central region’s abundance of energy resources. A pre-requisite for the development of energy-based industries was to have access to relatively cheaper electricity.

The energy resources identified in the central region include hydropower (28,000MW), coal (1.46bil tonnes) and natural gas (40.8 trillion cu ft).

“Other industries such as timber-based, oil palm and tourism will continue to be aggressively promoted and developed,” he added.

The first energy-intensive project to be implemented in Balingian within the corridor is an aluminium smelter, which is expected to be in production next year. The plant is expected to consume 90MW of power initially, which will increase to 630MW by 2011.

A second and bigger aluminium smelter is expected to begin production in Similajau by late 2010, requiring some 900MW of energy.

Taib, in a separate Chinese New Year message yesterday, said the state government would work hard to attract foreign direct investment, especially in the development of the hydropower projects and coal reserves in the Kapit and Mukah divisions.

Sheraton Kuching to open on Jan 17
2009/01/04
By : Nancy Nais

KUCHING, SARAWAK, SUN: After almost two decades, a new international hotel will open here.

Sheraton’s “Four Points” hotel, owned by Global Upline Sdn Bhd, will begin business on Jan 17, to meet the rising demand for hotel rooms.

Global Upline adviser Tan Sri Ting Pek Khiing told reporters at the hotel’s soft launch yesterday that Sarawak had seen little growth in the development of new tourist attractions and products over the past years.

"The much recognised shortage of hotel rooms in the city has led to very few extended stays in Kuching, with large number of tour groups choosing Kuala Lumpur or Kota Kinabalu over Kuching, leading to a subsequent stagnation in the growth of local economy," he said.

Ting said a four-star hotel was suitable for the current economic situation with the Four Points being a middle to upper middle property providing the comforts of a five-star property at a lower price.

He said the hotel was also aimed at catering to the meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (MICE) market.

Design and sketches of Jesselton Waterfront

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3331/3202308792_bb392fe890_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3505/3202307700_4b513e2283_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3317/3201457487_652aa173b6_b.jpg

by roelcayas

Futsal Arena in KK

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3110/3202311578_f43cb79c09_b.jpg

Sports Arena for Yayasan Sabah

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3133/3201458271_f177a38182_b.jpg

by roelcayas

Futsal Arena in KK

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3110/3202311578_f43cb79c09_b.jpg

Sports Arena for Yayasan Sabah

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3133/3201458271_f177a38182_b.jpg

This project didn't work out. One of the developers walked out.....:badnews:

There is a new one now. Visit http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=957104