Datuk Amar Speaker,

1. First and foremost, I together with the other Ahli-ahli Yang Berhormat in this august House wish to record my sincere appreciation and thanks to Tuan Yang Terutama Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak for his address during the opening of the 1st meeting of the 3rd session of the 18th Dewan Undangan Negeri Sarawak sitting on the 9th of July 2018.

2. Tuan Yang Terutama in his opening address has spoken on a wide range of matters such as political stability, State’s economy, State and Federal Government relationship, State’s right and autonomy, racial unity, socio-economic transformation, housing, environmental sustainability, health services and public security.

Tuan Yang Terutama has also reminded Ahli-ahli Yang Berhormat to maintain discipline and proper decorum during the course of their debates in this august House.

3. I would like to record my thanks to all Ahli-ahli Yang Berhormat who, during the course of their debates, have either commented or raised matters related to my Ministry as well as agencies and departments under my purview or watching brief. I will now do my winding up for my Ministry, Departments and Agencies and at the same time, I will attempt to respond to issues raised by Ahli-ahli Yang Berhormat.
Ministry of Local Government and Housing (MLGH)

Datuk Amar Speaker,

4. My Ministry and all the State departments and agencies under my charge, namely, DID, Sewerage Services Department, Housing Development Corporation, the 24 local authorities including MBKS are service-oriented organisations. We are committed to ensure that our service delivery is continuously improved in order to enhance the quality of life of the Rakyat. In addition, there are 2 Federal departments under my watching brief namely, Sarawak Health Department and Jabatan Bomba dan Penyelamat Malaysia Negeri Sarawak.

Solid Waste Management

Datuk Amar Speaker,

5. This year, the State Government has engaged a consultant to conduct an integrated solid waste management study with the objective to have a holistic plan for a more sustainable and long- term solution on solid waste management, covering the collection, transportation, treatment and disposal of municipal wastes. This study is expected to be completed by the end of this year.
Scavenging Services at Major Towns and Cities

Datuk Amar Speaker,

6. My Ministry is looking into areas where the scavenging contract in major towns and cities can be improved. Amongst others, we will look into standardizing payment to the scavenging contractors by way of total tonnage collected with capping on maximum charge. In addition, we will introduce demerit point system on the contractors if they fail to collect the rubbish on-schedule. Also, as part of our digitalization initiatives, the contract will require the contractors to install sensors to their trucks so that the councils can monitor their services level and at the same time, retrieve data on their movement. Lastly, we would encourage community to report any failure by the appointed contractors in meeting the councils’ collection schedule.

Rural Scavenging Services

Datuk Amar Speaker,

7. My Ministry acknowledged the difficulties faced by the councils in providing scavenging services in rural areas, especially in those areas that are not accessible by road. To overcome these challenges, my Ministry through its community development programmes will assist the councils to implement Community Self- help Programme on waste management. The main components of this programme will be recycling and composting. The residual wastes will be disposed off by “Dig and Bury” method or will be burnt in a locally installed furnace like the one that is already used by the folks in Kampung Tuba, Kampung Ruan, Kampung Nyelitak and Kampung Sungai Indai, Simunjan.

Green Market

Datuk Amar Speaker,

8. One of our Local Key Result Areas (LKRAs) is for all our Local Authorities to embark on Green Market Initiatives. The components of Green Market Initiatives are the 3R programme, composting and rain water harvesting. The State Government has allocated RM 5.2 million for this initiative. The objective of this LKRA is to reduce the volume of market waste being sent to our landfills and to avoid the usage of potable water for general cleaning in the markets.

Development Projects and Programmes under Local Authorities

Datuk Amar Speaker,

9. Ahli-ahli Yang Berhormat for Padungan, Bukit Assek, Repok, Dudong, Lingga, Pelawan, Simunjan, Pujut, Tanjung Batu, Tupong and Samalaju have highlighted various issues and concerns relating to town beautification, provision of infrastructures, municipal services and occurrences of flood in their respective constituencies. These issues and concerns raised by Ahli-ahli Yang Berhormat will be looked into by the respective agencies under my charge. In this regard, my Ministry will continue to seek for more State and Federal fundings.

10. For the information of Ahli-ahli Yang Berhormat, the State Government has approved an allocation of RM 54.33 million in 2018 for the 24 Local Authorities to implement 454 infrastructure projects such as upgrading of street lightings, traffic lights, footpaths, public toilets, libraries, jetties and recreational parks. Out of these 454 projects, 406 of these projects are at various stages of implementation and the majority of them will be completed within this year.

11. In addition to this, under the Cabinet Committee Rural Transformation Initiatives, an allocation of RM 19.4 million has been received for 42 flood mitigation projects to be implemented by the local authorities, DID and JKR. 39 of these projects will be completed by the end of this year whilst the remaining 3 projects will be completed in 2019.

Datuk Amar Speaker,

12. In 2018, a total of RM 294 million has also been approved under MARRIS for the 24 local authorities under my Ministry for the maintenance of roads under the said councils. As at 28th of June 2018, RM 216 million has been disbursed for the various road maintenance programmes. The balance of RM 78 million will be disbursed once the 2nd half year road maintenance programmes has been endorsed by the State Financial Secretary’s office.

13. Apart from the State funding, my Ministry also received RM 6.47 million from the Federal Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) for local authorities in the State to implement 39 BP 1 minor infrastructure development projects this year.

Datuk Amar Speaker,

14. The Federal Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) has also allocated RM 4.275 million in 2018 for implementation of 285 house repair projects by Local Authorities in Sarawak under the Urban Poor Eradication Programme (PPKB). My Ministry will continue to bid for more funding under this programme as well as to monitor the implementation of these approved projects.

15. For 2018, under the Safe City Programme, the Federal Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) has approved RM800,000 for Dewan Bandaraya Kuching Utara (DBKU) to implement Safe City Project in Kampung Kudei and Jalan Nanas, Kuching. These include the installation of high-mast lighting at blackspot area; installation of motorcycle parking bays with lock; installation of safety barrier rails on walkway; and installation of signboards to raise crime awareness among the residents.

Rabies

Datuk Amar Speaker,

16. Ahli-ahli Yang Berhormat from Padungan and Bukit Assek have touched on the issue of rabies in the State. Now, l would like to update this august House on this issue.

17. On 1st July 2017, the State Disaster Management Steering Committee was set up under the chairmanship of our Deputy Chief Minister, Yang Berhormat Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas. The Steering Committee is made up of both State and Federal Government agencies, namely the Sarawak Health Department, Sarawak Information Department, Sarawak Education Department, Police, Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak and my Ministry. Plan of action to control and manage rabies in the State has been drawn up by this committee and all the agencies are working based on the adopted strategies and amongst others, the strategies include targeted strays removal, animal vaccination, awareness campaign, the setting up of animal diagnostic laboratory and dog bite clinics.

18. As at 30th June 2018, 13,974 animal bites were reported in the State. 4,153 patients were given anti-rabies vaccination. Public awareness on rabies were also carried out by way of flyers as well as banners and also, through various health promotion programs. On animal vaccination, my Ministry has started a pilot project named as “House to House Vaccination”. To-date, we have visited 7,688 houses and vaccinated 2,836 dogs under this project.

19. For the information of Ahli Yang Berhormat for Padungan, the draft of new Local Authorities (Dog Licensing and Control) By-laws, providing for more effective control and licensing of dogs is already prepared by my Ministry. We anticipate this new law to be implemented soon. Further, the local authorities have also tightened their licence conditions to disallow food outlet operators to feed stray cats and dogs in their premises.

Datuk Amar Speaker,

20. Dog pound is an important facility that local authorities must have in order to allow them to carry out dog population control more effectively. For a start, my Ministry is putting up a proposal to set up 3 regional dog pounds namely, in Kuching, Sibu and Miri to cater for the needs of the local authorities in the 3 regions.

Datuk Amar Speaker,

21. I wish to thank all the local authorities, health and veterinary staff as well as the NGOs who have worked relentlessly over the past one year in our fight against rabies. To-date rabies has caused the State millions of ringgit and the State could only be declared as “rabies free” if in the next 2 years, there is no new human and canine positive case. We have onerous task ahead. A fight against rabies is not the sole responsibility of the local authorities and the related agencies. Everyone has a role to play, I therefore urge all Ahli-ahli Yang Berhormat in this august House to play an active role in creating awareness on this deadly disease.

Datuk Amar Speaker,

22. Now I turn to the issues raised by Ahli-ahli Yang Berhormat on Local Authorities.
Upgrading of Road, Drainage System and Street Lightings in Sarikei.

Datuk Amar Speaker,

23. For the information of Ahli Yang Berhormat for Repok, Sarikei District Council plans to upgrade Jalan Repok to Simpang CTC and also to install street lightings at Jalan Nyelong bypass to Jalan Merudu Junction, Hospital Sarikei to Taman Susur Jambu and Jalan Merudu to Simpang Jakar (JKR road). However, the estimated total cost for these projects is RM 41.3 million. The proposed projects will be included in the RMK-12 list for consideration.

MBKS Hotline Service

24. For the information of Ahli Yang Berhormat for Padungan, MBKS Hotline only operates during office hours. However, MBKS has two others 24 hours services namely, a mobile application known as IPeople and MBKS Complaint Whatsapp. IPeople is a web-based application, meaning the public can communicate with MBKS in real time anywhere in the world 24/7. MBKS Complaint Whatsapp number is 016-879 6441.

Traffic Congestion at Ulu Sg Merah – Jln Ulu Sg Merah/Jln Ling Kai Cheng

25. For the information of Ahli Yang Berhormat for Pelawan, in order to address the traffic congestion occurring during peak hours at the roundabout in Jln Ulu Sg Merah/Jln Ling Kai Cheng, Sibu Municipal Council plans to convert the said roundabout into traffic light junction in 2019.

Locked-up Stall Project at Maludam

26. For the information of Ahli Yang Berhormat for Lingga, the tender for construction of 13 units of market locked-up stalls closed on 26th April 2018. The Letter of Award is expected to be issued in August and the construction period for this project will take 10 months.

Pasar Malam Saberkas – Hawkers Association

27. For the information of Ahli Yang Berhormat for Pujut, Persatuan Pasar Malam Saberkas Miri was formed only as a channel for Pasar Malam Saberkas hawkers to communicate with Miri City Council on issues related to cleanliness, malfunction of facilities, and reporting on illegal hawking activities etc. All allocation of trading lots for the said pasar malam including collection of license fees and enforcement activities are under the Miri City Council.

Infrastructure Development at Jalan Piasau, Miri

28. For the information of Ahli Yang Berhormat for Pujut, the upgrading project of Jalan Piasau, Miri was undertaken by Miri City Council through open tender procedure. The said road is constructed based on type R2 JKR guideline standard (town road). This project was completed on 30th April 2018 and is still under 6 months’ defect liability period. As such, the contractor is still liable and responsible for rectifying any defects to the said infrastructure.

Online Gambling Activities at 24-hours Grocery Shops

29. On the issue raised by Ahli Yang Berhormat for Tupong on the grocery shops operating 24 hours in Tupong constituency which may also be involved in the selling of reload for online gambling, I wish to inform Ahli Yang Berhormat for Tupong that any information on such activities must be reported to the Police so that the action can be taken under the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953.

Occupation Permit at Taman One Villa, Bintulu

30. For the information of Ahli Yang Berhormat for Tanjung Batu, all houses at Taman One Villa have been issued with Occupation Permit by BDA. However, if Ahli Yang Berhormat for Tanjung Batu was referring to the development at Lot 1713 which is adjacent to Taman One Villa, I wish to inform Ahli Yang Berhormat that BDA is unable to issue the road certificate and OP due to non-compliance with the approved engineering plan. The developer has agreed to resubmit the amended engineering plan for further consideration by BDA.

Lambir Solid Waste Transfer Station

31. For the information of Ahli Yang Berhormat for Lambir, Land and Survey Department has approved a new site at Kilometre 11 Miri- Bintulu Road to construct a new permanent Solid Waste Transfer Station. The total funding required is RM 17.8 million. Miri City Council has submitted for this funding under RMK-11 Mid Term Review but it was not approved.

32. My Ministry will request for special funding from the State Government to implement this project.

Housing

Datuk Amar Speaker,

33. Now I would like to address all the issues raised by Ahli-ahli Yang Berhormat on housing.

Housing Demand Study

34. I wish to inform Ahli-ahli Yang Berhormat for Beting Maro, Balingian, Simunjan, Daro, Samalaju and Kabong that HDC shall conduct a demand study before planning for any housing development projects including redevelopment. This demand study will measure the level of demand and types of houses that are required based on data collected within the respective areas of study. These findings served as a guide for housing development planning. Therefore, Ahli-ahli Yang Berhormat are requested to approach HDC directly if there is any request for housing development in their respective constituencies.

35. For the information of Ahli Yang Berhormat for Repok, HDC has recently completed a demand study in DUN Repok. The study showed that there is a demand for houses with price ranging from RM 100,000 to RM 120,000. HDC will work closely with Land and Survey Department to identify the suitable and available land for this purpose before the housing development proposal can be submitted to State Planning Authority (SPA) for approval. The implementation is then subject to availability of funding from either Federal or State Government.

Customer Service of HDC

36. For information of Ahli Yang Berhormat for Pending, my Ministry is very concern about the alleged incidents involving Housing Development Corporation. We will investigate that alleged shortcomings and we will take appropriate action.
Housing Subsidy for Young Couples

37. For the information of Ahli Yang Berhormat for Lingga, all Government affordable housing programmes are heavily subsidized. Depending on the type of affordable housing scheme, the subsidy ranges from 25% to 70% of the construction costs. This subsidy is applicable to all couples irrespective of their age.

Affordable Housing for Bintulu

38. For information of Ahli Yang Berhormat for Samalaju, Housing Development Corporation (HDC) planned to implement 498 units of Spektra Lite Apartment at Jalan Saberkas, Kidurong, Bintulu. This housing proposal has been submitted to the State Planning Authority for approval.

Housing in Kampung Extension Scheme in Daro

39. For the information of Ahli Yang Berhormat for Daro, all Kampung Extension Scheme is under the jurisdiction of Land and Survey Department. In this respect, my Ministry through HDC will work closely with Land and Survey Department on the need to provide affordable housing within the scheme in Daro.

Department of Irrigation and Drainage Sarawak (DID)

Datuk Amar Speaker,

40. Allow me to clarify on the issues raised by Ahli-ahli Yang Berhormat on flooding as well as to update on the status of urban drainage and flood mitigation projects implemented by DID.

41. For the information of Ahli-ahli Yang Berhormat, the Federal Government provides funding for drainage master plan studies, flood mitigation projects, coastal and riverbank protection works while the State Government is responsible for implementation of projects to resolve flash flooding. For Urban Drainage programme, DID is responsible for trunk drains while the local councils are responsible for secondary drains.

River Flooding

Datuk Amar Speaker,

42. River flooding or regional flooding is major flood that occurs due to river overflowing its banks. As Ahli-ahli Yang Berhormat for Saribas and Lingga are aware of, tide plays a significant role in river flooding in the coastal and lower reaches of river. In Sarawak, the limit of tidal influence for some rivers like Batang Sadong, Batang Lupar and Batang Saribas can go upstream as far as 100 km from the coast. As such, traditional villages and settlements along the low-lying coastal and riverine areas are inundated monthly during king tide period. Due to space constraint, soft ground condition and slope instability at the riverbank, it is not viable option to construct river bunding to protect such settlement. Therefore, the long term and the most viable solution is to resettle these affected residents to higher ground or to build their houses on stilt as practised by our forefathers.

Datuk Amar Speaker,

43. I will now update Ahli-ahli Yang Berhormat on the progress of on- going flood mitigation projects. The physical progress of flood mitigation project at Jalan Tun Razak, Bintulu is 50% and is on schedule for completion by December 2018. The flood mitigation project for Sibu Phase 3 has been awarded in April 2018 but pending review and final decision by the new Federal Government. Other projects in Kuching (including Sungai Tabuan), Kota Samarahan, Miri and Limbang which are yet to be awarded are also pending review by the new Federal Government.

Flash Flooding

Datuk Amar Speaker,

44. Flash flooding in Sarawak is often due to a combination of localised heavy rainfall, inadequate drainage capacity and the lack of flood storage. Increase in paved areas has reduced water infiltration into the ground and has resulted in rapid surface runoff. Rapid urbanisation has reached a level where drainage issues are complex and challenging. Our existing drainage system just cannot cope with the increasing volume of stormwater runoffs due to rapid urban development.

45. To address this, the Government has adopted a new sustainable stormwater management approach as outlined in Sarawak Urban Stormwater Management (SUStoM) guideline. SUStoM has been introduced to control stormwater at source and to safeguard the streams, rivers and natural flow path, if any at the development site.

46. For the information of Ahli-ahli Yang Berhormat, the State Government has also conducted a study on Drainage Reserve Master Plan Study Phase 1 for Kuching City and the report of the study is now in the draft final stage. Once completed, the identified drainage reserve shall be incorporated by the Land and Survey Department into the Kuching City structure plan for future development planning. Similar studies will also be conducted for other urban centres, subject to availability of funds.

47. Developers and contractors also need to play their part and be more responsible to adopt best management practices in SUStoM. Erosion and Sediment Control practices such as installation of silt trap at all construction sites need to be in place in order to avoid clogged drains and heavy siltation in our streams and rivers.

Datuk Amar Speaker,

48. The Federal Government has approved RM 11 million for Stormwater Management Drainage Master Plan study for 10 urban centers in Sarawak under 11th Malaysia Plan. I wish to inform Ahli- ahli Yang Berhormat in this august House that the Master Plan study for Sarikei and Bintangor town is ongoing and expected to be completed by September 2018. The studies for other main towns such as Sri Aman, Betong, Debak, Spaoh, Saratok, Limbang, Lawas and Serian are currently pending review by the new Federal Government.

49. The State Government has allocated fund amounting to RM 11.98 million in 2018 to implement five (5) Urban Drainage Improvement projects throughout the State. Out of the five projects, two (2) projects have been completed namely the drainage improvement works in Lawas town and drainage outlet for Sarawak General Hospital in early 2018. Another two (2) drainage projects at Kampung Gita, Kuching and Kampung Jeriah, Sibu are under construction with physical progress at 34% and 10.1% respectively. The other project at Kampung Bahagia, Sibu has just been awarded.

50. Some additional projects approved under the State Mid Term Review include the drainage improvement works at Taman Tunku, Miri as well as Phase II of drainage improvement for Kampung Jeriah, Sibu.

Riverbank Protection Works

Datuk Amar Speaker,

51. RM 32 million has been approved by the Federal Government for the implementation of three (3) riverbank protection works. The physical progress of Batang Kayan at 52.6%, Pekan Gedong at 90.6% and Pekan Simunjan at 95%. Five (5) other projects at Pekan Sabtu in Oya, Kampung Pulat Balingian, Ulu Spak, Betong and Sungai Baram are currently pending review by the new Federal Government.

52. The State Government has recently approved under the Mid Term Review three riverbank protection projects costing a total of RM 30 million. These projects are the riverbank protection works at Simunjan (RM 10 million), Gedong (RM 15 million) and Sungai Igan, Mukah (RM 5 million).

Coastal Erosion and River Mouth Rehabilitation Projects

Datuk Amar Speaker,

53. RM 21 million has been approved for the implementation of four (4) coastal erosion protection projects. The physical progress at Kampung Sebuyau is 13.4%, Kampung Buntal is 0.9% and SK Badengan, Mukah is 20.4%. The project at Kampung Serpan has been completed in June this year. Five (5) other projects at Pekan Sematan, Kampung Batu 1 in Kuala Baram, Oya Hilir in Mukah, Kampung Semarang, Betong and Kampung Muara Tebas, Kuching are currently pending review by the new Federal Government.

54. For the information of Ahli Yang Berhormat for Lingga, Department of Irrigation and Drainage has bid for RM 20 million under RMK-11 to implement coastal erosion works at Kampung Maludam. However, this proposal was not approved and DID has resubmitted under RP4 for consideration.

55. In addition to these, RM 29.96 million has been approved for river mouth dredging works to mitigate flood and facilitate river navigation. The four (4) projects are at the river mouths of Sungai Sematan, Sungai Buntal, Sungai Bako and Sungai Limbang. These projects are also pending review by the new Federal Government.

Issues Raised by Ahli-ahli Yang Berhormat

Datuk Amar Speaker

56. Ahli-ahli Yang Berhormat for Tanjung Datu, Lingga and Daro have all raised issues on riverbank erosions in their respective consituencies. For the information of Ahli-ahli Yang Berhormat, the cost for riverbank protection works is very expensive and there are numerous settlements along rivers which are facing similar problems. The Department has requested for RM 929 million for riverbank protection at 23 locations including Kpg. Siling Dayak, Kpg. Hulu, Kpg. Tengah, Kpg. Hilir, Sri Aman and Kpg. Penasu. However, these kampungs are not among the 8 projects approved. The approved project cost for the 8 projects is RM 61.8 million. DID has resubmitted the projects that were not approved for consideration under RMK-11 RP4.

57. For the information of Ahli Yang Berhormat for Saribas, the bunding project for 10 kampungs in Saribas has been approved for implementation in 2019-2020. DID will carry out the preliminary works such as survey, investigation and in-house design this year.

58. For the information of Ahli Yang Berhormat for Layar, the proposed tidal control gate was included under the Betong River Rehabilitation project. The total project cost is RM 5 million and is currently awaiting review by the Federal Government. As such, DID will wait for the outcome of the review before deciding on the next course of action.

59. For the information of Ahli Yang Berhormat for Tupong, DID has submitted a proposal to mitigate flash flood at Taman Sejoli under RMK-11 RP4. The estimated cost is RM6 million. For rock revetment at Sungai Sebubut, Batu 10 Matang, DID needs to bid for funding from the new Federal Government and the estimated cost for this project is RM 300,000.

Flash Flooding at MBKS Areas

Datuk Amar Speaker,

60. I now touch on flash flooding at Jalan Kenny Height, Jalan Bidayuh, Kampung Dayak, Jalan Mendu, Jalan Elis, Jalan Penyau raised by Ahli Yang Berhormat for Pending.

Flash flooding at Jalan Mendu, Jalan Elis and Jalan Penyau

61. Clogged drain due to indiscriminate throwing of rubbish by the members of the public was the main cause of flash flood at Jalan Mendu and Jalan Ellis. End of May this year, DID has cleared the drain from Jalan Mendu all the way to St. Peter Church and we will continue to monitor the situation. Flash flooding at Jalan Penyau was due to the undersized culvert at Jalan Tun Razak. The earthworks activities by private developer downstream of the culvert has further aggravated the situation. MBKS has instructed the developer to clear the outlet and the developer has taken necessary actions. Any attempt to enlarge the undersized culvert will transfer the flash flood problem to the downstream of the area. As a long term solution, DID will conduct a feasibility study to identify a suitable water retention area that can help in mitigating the flood in Jalan Penyau.

Flash Flooding at Kenny Height and Jalan Bidayuh

62. One of the main contributing factors of the flash flood in Kenny Height was due to the poor maintenance of the silt trap in the private housing development construction site at Jalan Bidayuh. MBKS will closely monitor the developer to ensure regular maintenance of the said silt trap.

Flash Flooding at Lorong Foochow 1 T, 1 V, 1 W and Kampung Tabuan Dayak

63. Lorong Foochow 1 T, 1 V, 1 W and Kampung Tabuan Dayak are densely populated areas within Sungai Tabuan catchment. Occasional flooding will occur in all these locations when heavy rain coincides with king tide. Many of the houses have been built without taking this factor into consideration. To construct any flood mitigating infrastructure in the area is very costly. For example, to build a barrage at Sungai Tabuan rivermouth will cost about RM 380 million.

SEWERAGE SERVICES DEPARTMENT (SSD)

Urban Sewerage

Datuk Amar Speaker,

64. I will now update the various sewerage projects in the State which are undertaken by the Sewerage Services Department.

Septic Sludge Treatment Facilities

Datuk Amar Speaker,

65. Under RMK-11, the Federal Government has approved a total of RM 60 million to build four (4) additional septic sludge treatment plants in Sarawak to serve the towns of Betong, Sarikei, Kapit and Limbang. These 4 septic sludge treatment plants are now at the final stage of detail design which is expected to be completed in the 3rd and 4th quarters of this year. However, the Federal Government has put on hold the implementation of these four projects. The Department has applied to the Federal Ministry for these four projects to be continued.

Centralised Sewerage Systems

Datuk Amar Speaker,

66. The construction of Miri Centralised Sewerage System, Phase 1, Package A involving the sewer network has achieved 18% progress and is on schedule for completion in year 2021. The tender for Package B involving the construction of the centralised sewage treatment plant will be called in the 3rd Quarter of this year. The total scheme value for Package A and Package B is RM 428 million.

67. For the Kuching Centralised Sewerage System project, Zone 1 Package 2 contract with an allocation of RM 20 million is scheduled for completion in December this year. It is now 45% completed. For the Package 2 contract, which has commenced on 15th September 2017, the progress is on schedule at 3%. It is scheduled to complete in 2023.

Sewerage Master Plan Studies

Datuk Amar Speaker,

68. The Federal Government has also approved RM 1 million each for three (3) sewerage Master Plan studies under the RMK-11 First Rolling Plan (2016-2017). These master plan studies are for our smaller urban centres of Kota Samarahan Town, Sarikei and Bintangor Town, and Mukah Town. These studies have commenced on 22nd May 2017 and are now in the stage of finalising the reports. These are expected to be concluded in the next few months.

Sarawak Health Department Health Services

Datuk Amar Speaker,

69. I shall now touch on the services provided by Sarawak Health Department, one of the Federal departments under my watching brief.

70. To-date, the Sarawak Health Department has received an allocation of RM 1.79 billion compared to RM 1.52 billion in 2017, an increase of RM 270 million. Of the allocation received, RM 1.22 billion or 68% is for emolument alone while the remaining RM 570 million or 32% is for operating costs.

Datuk Amar Speaker,

71. I am pleased to inform Ahli-ahli Yang Berhormat of this august House as of Epid Week 25 in 2018, most of the communicable diseases reported in the State are under control and with declining incidence rates compared to 2017. However, non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and heart diseases continue to pose problems.

Rural Health Service (State Rural Transformation Initiatives)

Datuk Amar Speaker,

72. Rural Health Service is under the Key Result Area 2 (KRA 2) of the State Rural Transformation Initiatives. The State Government has allocated RM 2.1 million in 2018 to finance upgrading of rural clinics project through partnership approach, Rural Clinic Visiting Doctors and Cluster Clinic System.

73. A total of 102 out of 167 rural clinics in Sarawak do not have resident doctors. The Rural Clinic Visiting Doctors service is an approach that has been taken to fill this gap before permanent doctors can be posted there. For the first phase in 2017, 85 rural clinics were planned to be visited under this programme. To-date, 51 clinics are visited every month, 9 clinics are visited once every two months and 3 clinics are visited once every three months. The remaining 39 clinics will be included into this programme in Phase 2 in 2018.

Datuk Amar Speaker,

74. As of June 2018, Sarawak Health Department has also received RM 4 million from the Federal fund to upgrade and repair existing clinics which mostly are for internal rewiring and utility connection, repair work for the damages caused by flood and due to its dilapidated condition. Apart from physical repair work, a total of RM 16.4 million is approved this year under Medical Equipment Enhancement Tenure (MEET) programme to equip health clinics and dental clinics with the necessary medical equipment throughout the State.

Development Project

Datuk Amar Speaker,

75. For the information of Ahli-ahli Yang Berhormat, two (2) hospital projects in Sarawak are being built under the supervision of Jabatan Kerja Raya (JKR) Malaysia. They are Petra Jaya Hospital and Sri Aman Hospital.

76. Petra Jaya Hospital is categorized as ‘sick project’ where this project should have been completed on 29th November 2016. The contractor was granted Extension of Time (EOT) and the completion date was then revised to 9th June 2017. However, the project continues to suffer delay. On the 3rd July 2018, the new Minister of Health Malaysia, YB Dr. Dzulkefly Ahmad visited the project site and a meeting was held where the decision was reached to recommend for termination of the existing contract. The meeting also considered various options on how to complete the project.

77. For the information of Ahli Yang Berhormat for Lingga, the actual physical progress for the Sri Aman Hospital as at 6th June 2018 is 42.76% as compared to the scheduled progress of 67.8%, i.e 25.04% or 105 days behind schedule. The catch-up plan has been agreed on 7th June 2018, but to-date the contractor has failed to achieve the targeted progress.

Overcrowding issues in Sarawak General Hospital

Datuk Amar Speaker,

78. To overcome the overcrowding issues in Emergency & Trauma Department of Sarawak General Hospital, the Ministry of Health (MOH) has approved a funding of RM 1.096 million to convert the Convention Hall into Medical Ward 5 (24 beds) including provision of equipments. In addition to that, Sarawak Health Department has also submitted a proposal to MOH for upgrading of the female ward in Serian Hospital. This proposal for female ward upgrading if approved will increase the number of beds and will reduce the number of patients to be referred to Sarawak General Hospital for admission. The MOH will also look at other alternatives including negotiating with private hospitals in Kuching in terms of leasing of ward spaces and other facilities.

Request for Upgrading or a New Polyclinic for Sarikei

Datuk Amar Speaker,

79. On the issue raised by Ahli Yang Berhormat for Repok, on the increase in the number of patients and the congestion at Sarikei Health Clinic, I wish to inform Ahli Yang Berhormat that the Sarawak Health Department is aware of this issue and has taken the following measures to address the congestion at the said health clinic:

i. Provision of a staggered appointment system to control the number of patients at a specific time frame to reduce their waiting time;
ii. Introducing visiting specialist clinic at nearby community clinics to decentralize patients who require specialist attention from patronising Sarikei Health Clinic;
iii. To equip Pakan Health Clinic and Julau Health Clinic with laboratory and X-ray services in order to reduce the number of patients referred to Sarikei Health Clinic; and Issues Raised by Ahli-ahli Yang Berhormat
iv. Sarawak Health Department is planning to renovate the waiting area of Sarikei Health Clinic to accommodate the increasing number of patients.

Long Napir Health Clinic

80. For the information of Ahli Yang Berhormat for Batu Danau, the construction of Long Napir Health Clinic (type 6) is a project under the supervision of JKR Sarawak. The project started on 3rd October 2016 and was scheduled to be completed on 25th April 2018. However, as at 28th May 2018, the progress was only 34.55%. The delay was due to the poor performance of the contractor and also due to poor accessibility to the construction site. JKR Sarawak has already issued a Notice of Termination to the contractor on 12th June 2018 and appointment of new contractor will be carried out to complete the project.

Issue On Haemodialysis Service In Hospitals And Clinics

Datuk Amar Speaker,

81. Ahli-ahli Yang Berhormat for Repok, Daro, Layar, Meluan and Bukit Goram have requested to add more haemodialysis machines to serve patients under their respective constituency. For information, building haemodialysis unit is a temporary and the last resort measure. What we should be focusing on is to ensure that the community in your constituency practices healthy lifestyle to prevent themselves from developing diseases such as diabetes. Diabetes patients on the other hand should comply to the management regime to prevent complication of diabetes that can lead to end-stage renal failure which requires dialysis treatment.

82. I wish to inform Ahli Yang Berhormat for Repok that, in the case of Sarikei Hospital, although the number of haemodialysis patients in Sarikei Hospital has increased from 69 patients in 2016 to 75 patients in 2017, the existing 16 functioning haemodialysis machines in Sarikei Hospital are adequate to serve up to 96 patients. Apart from these machines, Sarikei Hospital does not face any issue of inadequate supply of medicines.

83. For Daro Hospital, I wish to inform Ahli Yang Berhormat for Daro that currently, all the 5 haemodialysis machines are in functioning condition to serve all the 22 patients.

84. To respond on the issue by Ahli Yang Berhormat for Layar, the Department has no immediate plan to increase the number of haemodialysis machine in Betong Hospital. Currently, there are 11 functioning machines with the capacity to serve up to 66 patients. Betong Hospital is now serving 59 patients. In addition to that, there is a haemodialysis unit in nearby KK Debak with 6 functioning machines serving 19 patients.

85. For the information of Ahli Yang Berhormat for Meluan, there is no plan to set up a HDU in Julau.

86. For the information of Ahli Yang Berhormat for Bukit Goram, similarly, Sarawak Health Department has no plan to add more haemodialysis machine at Kapit Hospital at the moment due to space constraint. Currently there are 13 functioning machines in Kapit Hospital serving 61 patients. In addition to that, Sarawak Health Department had built a Haemodialysis Unit in KK Song in 2014. This unit has 5 functioning machines serving 13 patients at the moment.

Overcrowding in Serian Hospital and Human Rabies in Serian District

Datuk Amar Speaker,

87. I would like to address the issue raised by Ahli Yang Berhormat for Bukit Semuja on overcrowding at Serian Hospital. Overcrowding only occurs on visiting specialist clinic days. On other days, crowd is manageable with an average daily attendance of 240 patients. Serian Hospital is a 84-bedded hospital with a low bed occupancy rate of 45%.

88. Besides, the type 3 Serian Health Clinic approved under RMK-10 RP4 is expected to cater 300-500 patients per day, thus can divert the outpatient department patients of the hospital to the clinic once completed. Phase One of the project, which involves earthwork was completed on 20th July 2017 and is still under Defects Liability Period (DLP). JKR Sarawak as the implementing agency is in the process of preparing the estimate for the building construction after which will be submitted to the Ministry of Health for approval.

89. On the rabies issue also raised by Ahli Yang Berhormat for Bukit Semuja, the last victim had a history of dog bite from an adopted dog of unknown status. However, the victim did not seek for medical treatment until one month after the incident when she has manifested the signs and symptoms of rabies. Therefore, it is very crucial for the public to take caution when considering adopting canines of unknown vaccination status and to seek immediate treatment if bitten by canines.

90. Sarawak Health Department continues to take the following actions in curbing this life threatening disease including:

i. Actively detecting human bitten by dogs who has not come to seek treatment;
ii. Dog bite cases surveillance among humans;
iii. Serian Divisional Health Office collaborating with the District Office and community leaders in public awareness and vaccination activities;
iv. Advising public to seek immediate treatment if bitten by canines; and
v. Advising public not to adopt canines of unknown vaccination status.

Kidurong Health Clinic and Inadequate Barrack in Rural Clinics

91. For the information of Ahli Yang Berhormat for Tanjung Batu, Sarawak Health Department has once again submitted the proposal for type 3 Kidurong Health Clinic and quarters block in RMK-11 RP4, after it was not approved in RMK-11 RP3.

92. The issue of inadequate number and dilapidated barracks at rural clinics is a real concern. For the information of Ahli Yang Berhormat, years ago, majority of these rural clinics were upgraded in terms of service (with the addition of outpatient component) without upgrading its infrastructure and facilities. The Sarawak Health Department has prepared a development plan to replace 186 current wooden rural clinics over a period from 2016 – 2030 (RMK-11 – RMK-13) to new clinics using the pre-approved standard clinic design complete with living quarters for the staff.

Request For More Specialist for Betong Hospital

93. For the information of Ahli Yang Berhormat for Layar, Sarawak Health Department has no immediate plan to upgrade Betong Hospital as a specialist hospital. Currently, specialists from 6 specialities conduct regular visiting specialist clinic sessions in Betong Hospital, namely Opthalmology, Obstetric & Gynecology, General Medicine, Surgery, Orthopedic and Psychiatric. The Orthopedic and Surgery department has started doing minor operation in Betong Hospital. The Department’s priority is to first upgrade minor specialist hospitals to major specialist hospitals by increasing the number of specialists to better serve the population in nearby areas. For example, Sri Aman Hospital can serve population in Betong.

Upgrading of Health Service in Julau

94. I wish to inform Ahli Yang Berhormat for Meluan, Sarawak Health Department has a plan to build a new type 4 health clinic in Julau. The application will be submitted to the central agency under RMK-11 RP4 for consideration. The new clinic will be equipped with a standard set of equipment and will be ICT-enabled.

95. On the request to upgrade dental equipment, currently there is no dental service provided at a static dental clinic. However, the dental services are given through a regular visiting dental team. Besides, the Sarawak Health Department has forwarded the request to the Ministry of Health to upgrade dental equipment for visiting teams throughout the state, including visiting team for DUN Meluan.
Exit Road at Kapit Hospital

96. Ahli Yang Berhormat for Bukit Goram has raised the issue on the proposal of exit road construction at Kapit Hospital. For information, the proposal was approved by the State Government two years ago. It is now at the design stage by JKR Sarawak.

Jabatan Bomba dan Penyelamat Malaysia Negeri Sarawak (JBPM)

Fire and Rescue stations under RMK-11

Datuk Amar Speaker,

97. The construction for the six (6) New Fire & Rescue Stations approved under RMK-11 namely Batu Niah, Samalaju, Daro, Selangau, Sibu Jaya and Matu is still on-going. The replacement of Bintangor Fire and Rescue Station and the upgrading of Bintulu Fire and Rescue Station are also in progress. Apart from that, the new Fire and Rescue Station for Belaga is still in the tendering stage and will be subject to review by the new Federal Government.

“Khidmat Bakti Bomba” Project

Datuk Amar Speaker,

98. Jabatan Bomba dan Penyelamat Malaysia Negeri Sarawak through “Khidmat Bakti Bomba” programme has provided assistance in the form of house repairing for the poor and rebuilding of houses that have been burnt down. The Department is currently rebuilding 4 new houses and 8 house repair projects.

Fire Safety Awareness Programme

Datuk Amar Speaker,

99. Jabatan Bomba dan Penyelamat Malaysia Negeri Sarawak will continue to implement Public Educational and Awareness programmes on fire safety to the community in the State. Last year, the Department has carried out 2,142 Public Awareness Programmes, 85 longhouse fire safety campaigns, 96 fire points and has set up 133 new Bomba Community teams with a total of 1,043 members. Till June this year, the Department has carried out 1,190 public awareness programmes, 50 longhouse fire safety campaigns and has set up 40 new Bomba Community teams.

Statistic of Emergency Calls

Datuk Amar Speaker,

100. Up to May this year, Jabatan Bomba dan Penyelamat Malaysia Negeri Sarawak received a total of 5,107 emergency calls, as compared with 2,976 calls recorded for the same period last year which is an increase of 72%. These 5,107 emergency calls comprised of 704 calls on fire outbreaks, 2,406 rescue calls, 1,984 calls for special services and 5 prank calls. The Department managed to save RM 234 million worth of properties. However, the estimated loss recorded due to fire was RM 32 million, a decrease of 45% as compared to the same period last year.

Political Issues

Datuk Amar Speaker,

With the passing of the Oil Mining (Amendment) Bill 2018, it is the time for all Sarawakians to rally behind YAB DP Hj Abj Zohari, our Chief Minister and give our full support to the Sarawak Government to exercise the Oil and Gas rights for Sarawak. This is an important part of Sarawak autonomy This Bill will open up greater opportunities for more Sarawak companies and Sarawakians to participate in a meaningful manner in the oil and gas industry.

Though the bill was passed with the support of both sides of this August House, I was wondering from the debates, whether some of the Ahli YB truly support whole heartedly or not on the Oil Mining (Amendment) Bill?

Datuk Amar Speaker

The passing of the Land Code (Amendment) Bill 2018 marks another achievement in this sitting of the August House. I would like to congratulate Deputy Chief Minister YB DA Douglas for leading the task force, working through with extensive consultations and finally table the Bill in this August House on 12 July. It was a very challenging amendment Bill in which 22 Hon’ble members deliberated and their views were taken into consideration as they represented the voices of the rakyat concerned. It is fervently hoped that with the said amendment Bill passed, the question of NCR land Pemakai Menoa and Pulau Galau will be resolved and should not be irresponsibly politicized by certain quarters in order to achieve their hidden selfish political or personal agenda.

With the two aforesaid amendment Bills passed, this August House has also fulfilled two of the wishes of our late 5th Chief Minister Pehin Sri Adenan Satem for the people of Sarawak. If he could hear us from his eternal resting place, I believe he will be smiling and very happy and perhaps respond with his usual ooha and yoyo. He has left a lasting legacy for all Sarawakians to continue to steadfastly protect and zealously safeguard Sarawak rights and interests, especially those as stipulated in MA63, our Sarawak Constitution and Ordinances.

Datuk Amar Speaker

The political scenario in Malaysia has changed following the 14 General Election. Hence the need to review and keep in tandem with the rising needs and expectations of the people in an industry 4.0 environment. A bold decision was taken on 12th June, 2018 by our former BN Sarawak leaders under the leadership of our YAB CM Abg Jo to leave BN and form our own Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS). By leaving BN, we are no longer subject to BN whip and policies. GPS as a totally Sarawak based coalition party can now function independently and focus on “Sarawak First”.

As the saying goes, charity begins at home. This is also in line with the wishes of Sarawakians who want Sarawak’s rights and interests to be duly protected and safeguarded. Sarawakians want us to fight and gain back all rights that have been eroded or taken away by the Federal Government which are not in accordance with the letter and spirit of the Malaysia Agreement 1963, the InterGovernmental Committee Report, the Cobold Commission Report or any other legal documents relating to the formation of Malaysia as well as our Sarawak Constitution and ordinances and the Federal Constitution.

The formation of GPS will bring more political autonomy for Sarawak to chart its future, to fight for the rights and interests of Sarawakians. This will also give our Sarawak Government more independent power in looking after Sarawak’s interests, unlike the time when we had to comply with national BN policy

Now GPS can decide independently for Sarawak. GPS can now focus on formulating new plans and policies for Sarawak without having to be dictated as in the past. We will be brewing our new Sarawak Wine in a new bottle, so to speak and not old wine in a new bottle as certain quarters alleged. Under the GPS, SUPP will work in unison and closely together as equal partners with PBB, PRS and PDP in fulfilling the wishes of Sarawakians to protect and safeguard the rights and interests of Sarawak and to reclaim whatever rights that have been eroded or taken away.

In fact SUPP, as the Sarawak’s first local political party, formed on 4th June, 1959 for all Sarawakians, began its political struggles by fighting for the rights and interests of Sarawak and its people.

Datuk Amar Speaker,

I would like to thank YAB Chief Minister for approving 1361 Permanent Resident of Sarawak till May 2018 while another 971 applications for 2017-2018 are still being processed. While we must continue to maintain stringent control on the granting of Permanent Residency of Sarawak, clear cut cases with their long standing service contributions to Sarawak, or through their marriage and children, etc should have their application for PR of Sarawak expediated.

Datuk Amar Speaker,

I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate PH govt for winning and forming the new Federal Government. Malaysians, including Sarawakians, voted for them because of the promises contained in their manifesto. People believed them during election time and are now anxiously waiting for these promises to be delivered to them.

Under the PH Government, Sarawak has one Minister of Works Malaysia who is also the Ahli YB for Ba’ Kelalan in this august House and a Deputy Minister of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Malaysia who is also Ahli YB for Kota Sentosa. I would like to convey my heartiest congratulation to both Honourable Members on their appointments and hope that they will pay special attention to the needs and expectations of Sarawak and its people especially those subject matters which come under the purview of their respective Ministries.

Datuk Amar Speaker

For the people of Sarawak, we want the PH Government to ensure that the promises made under Buku Harapan particularly under Pillar 4, namely, return Sabah and Sarawak to the status accorded by the Malaysia Agreement 1963 and promises 40 to 48 as well as PH Sarawak Manifesto on the devolution of full power in Education & Health to Sarawak should be duly fulfilled. Sarawakians will monitor very closely on all these promises made, specially on Sarawak and Sabah apart from those made for Malaysia as a whole.

The people of Sarawak also want the PH Government to continue all those projects in Sarawak which have already been approved and funds already allocated for, especially for hospitals, clinics, schools, roads, drainage, affordable housing, rural electrification and water supply scheme, just to name some of them. Those are essential projects needed by the rakyat. As a Government, PH should subscribe to the tenets of democratic Government by the people, for the people and of the people. The needs of the rakyat must always come first and politics should be put aside.

Datuk Amar Speaker

Chinese education is always very dear to the hearts and minds of our Malaysian Chinese. There is a world of difference on the recognition of UEC by Federal government and Sarawak Government. Our Sarawak Government under the late Tok Nan had recognised UEC in 2014. All the recent Sarawak Government’s job recruitment are not only advertised in the local Chinese Newspapers but has also listed UEC as one of the accepted qualifications.

Federal Government must recognise it, without conditions or without imposing too much conditions. Recognition of UEC does not in any way belittle our education system, nor will it adversely touch on the feeling of other races. Sarawak is the best example where the Percentage of Bumiputras studying in SJK Chinese schools is very high. On the contrary these students believe that they have learned the Chinese culture and thus understand the Chinese and in this way helps to promote better racial harmony.

Datuk Amar Speaker

Late Tok Nan courageously declared 22 July as Sarawak Independence Day; our birthday. It serves as a permanent reminder to all Sarawakians, irrespective of where you are in the world, of our rights, privileges and interests in MA63. I hope that Ahli Ahli YB will not only join in the various 722 celebrations in Kuching but will help also to celebrate 722 throughout Sarawak in a few day time. All anak anak Sarawak are urged to fly our Sarawak flag on 22 July.

Conclusion

Datuk Amar Speaker,

101. Before I conclude, I wish to take this opportunity to congratulate and thank Datuk Amar Speaker for your wisdom in ensuring that the proceedings in this august House were conducted with dignity and proper decorum.

102. I would also like to put on record my thanks and appreciation to Yang Berhormat Tan Sri Datuk Amar State Secretary of Sarawak and all officers from the various Ministries, State and Federal Departments as well as government agencies for their hard work and dedication in ensuring the smooth proceedings of this august House. My special thanks also go to our friends from the media who have provided detail coverage throughout the sittings.

Sekian, terima kasih.