Thank you very much Datuk Amar Speaker. G’noon and Salam Ibupertiwkiku

Datuk Amar Speaker,

1. First and foremost, I wish to congratulate Yang Amat Berhormat Chief Minister of Sarawak for tabling the biggest ever recorded 2019 State Budget of $11.9 billion. The 2019 State Budget continues to be development-biased with focus on high impact, people-centric projects, particularly in the rural areas and with commitment to ensure completion of all on-going projects. This is a testament of the State’s commitment under the able leadership of Yang Amat Berhormat Chief Minister of Sarawak to fulfil the aspiration of our people particularly, the rural population to have the much awaited roads, bridges, increased connectivity and coverage of treated water and electricity supply to bridge the gap between the urban areas and rural areas and to spur our beloved state towards a High Income Economy.

2. I would like also 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 proceed with my winding up speech and I will attempt to respond to issues raised by Ahli-ahli Yang Berhormat.

MINISTRY OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND HOUSING (MLGH)

Datuk Amar Speaker,

3. My Ministry and all the State departments and agencies under my charge, namely, Department of Irrigation and Drainage, Sewerage Services Department, Housing Development Corporation, the 24 Local Authorities including MBKS are service-oriented organisations. We pledge to do our best and are committed to continuously enhance our service delivery in order to improve the quality of life of the Rakyat. In addition to these, there are 2 Federal departments that are also under my watching brief namely, Sarawak State Health Department and the Fire and Rescue Department Malaysia, Sarawak.

Development Projects and Programmes under Local

Authorities

Datuk Amar Speaker,

4. A number of Ahli-ahli Yang Berhormat has also 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 and in this respect, my Ministry will also continue to seek for more State and Federal funding.

5. For the information of Ahli-ahli Yang Berhormat, in 2018, the State Government has approved an allocation of RM53.23 million for the 24 Local Authorities including MBKS, to implement 539 infrastructure projects such as provision of street lightings, traffic lights, footpaths, public toilets, libraries, jetties and recreational parks. Out of these, 223 projects were completed and the remaining projects are at various stages of implementation.

6. Apart from this, under the Cabinet Committee for Rural Transformation, my Ministry has also received an allocation of RM32.3 million for 51 flood mitigation projects to be implemented by the local authorities, DID and JKR. Out of these, 41 projects will be completed this year whilst the remaining 10 projects will be completed in 2019.

Datuk Amar Speaker

7. Under the Rural Transformation Projects (RTP), 495 projects amounting to RM81.1 million were approved for implementation by the local authorities this year. Out of these, 33 projects have been completed while 462 projects are at various stages of implementation.

8. In addition to these, in 2018, another 68 projects have been approved under YAB Chief Minister Walkabout Projects with a total allocation of RM677.78 million. These projects are implemented by DID, HDC, JKR and the local authorities. To-date, 2 projects have been completed while 11 projects are at various stages of implementation. 9 projects are currently in the process of award while the remaining 46 projects are at design stage.

9. For this year, a total of RM296.8 million was approved under the Malaysian Road Record Information System (MARRIS) for maintenance of roads including maintenance of road furnitures, road verges, side drains, etc. in the local authorities areas. As at 30th October 2018, RM178.4 million has been spent.

10. Apart from State funding, my ministry has also received RM14.99 million from the Federal Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) for local authorities in the State to implement 465 minor infrastructure projects this year. 75 projects were completed whilst the remaining 390 projects are under implementation and will be completed by the end of this year.

Datuk Amar Speaker,

11. To strengthen the capacity and the capability of the local authorities to expedite the delivery of the approved projects, the State Government has recently approved 75 technical posts such as engineers, quantity surveyors, assistant engineers, assistant landscape architect, assistant quantity surveyors and draughtsmen. The recruitment will be conducted by my Ministry and the successful candidates will then be deployed to the local authorities and my Ministry.

Skuad LA Serve

Datuk Amar Speaker,

12. This LA Serve was set up in September 2017 and was fully operational in February 2018. I wish to update this august House on the implementation of LA Serve in the six pilot councils. Since its implementation, the number of complaints in Talikhidmat has reduced. In January to June 2017 there are 4,598 complaints, as compared to 3,079 complaints for the same period in 2018. They said squad has also solved 1,414 cases during their patrolling.

13. In addition to LA Serve, MBKS has since the middle of this year, embarked on I-People Apps as pilot project. The Apps is about the real time communication between the people and MBKS. Some of the important features of the Apps are photo attachment and geo tagging. The map-based pin-drop location function will enable MBKS to identify the exact location of the complaint and thereby enabling MBKS to resolve the issue quickly. Up to 10th November, 8,027 people have downloaded the Apps and MBKS has received 920 cases through this Apps.

Community Development and Engagement Programmes

Datuk Amar Speaker,

14. To date, my Ministry has disbursed RM2.4 million to the 23 local authorities for implementation of various community development and engagement programmes such as no plastic campaigns, 3R programmes, community composting programmes and other programmes to enhance the socio-economy of the community as well as to promote unity among our Rakyat.

15. Apart from this, my Ministry has since 2016 introduced the SMART Community Award. The aim of this award is to recognise the contribution of the local communities in improving their socio- economy and to acknowledge their contribution towards stewardship of the environment, beautification and community services in their respective kampungs in collaboration with the local authorities. The SMART Community Award has become the benchmark programmes for 23 Local Authorities to enhance their community development programmes in their respective jurisdiction.

Urban Poor Eradication Program (PPKB)

16. The Federal Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) has also allocated RM4.695 million in 2018 for the implementation of 313 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 program as well as to monitor the implementation of these approved projects. To-date, all the house repair projects have been completed.

Population Control on Dogs

Datuk Amar Speaker,

17. I wish to update Ahli-ahli Yang Berhormat that the Local Authorities (Dog Licensing and Control) By-Laws, 2018 has already been approved by the State Cabinet on 18th October 2018 and shall come into force on 1st December 2018. With the coming into force of the new By-laws, all the 26 dog licence By-laws of all local authorities in Sarawak will be consolidated into one law. This is to ensure uniformity and consistency in dog licensing and control.

Datuk Amar Speaker,

18. I will now address the issue raised by Ahli Yang Berhormat for Pelawan on the new Local Authorities (Dog Licensing and Control) By-Laws, 2018.

19. For the information of Ahli Yang Berhormat, under By-Law 3 of the said By-Laws, a fine for keeping a dog without a license is RM5,000 while any person who obstructs Council officers from carrying out their duties shall be dealt with under Section 162 of the Local Authorities Ordinance, 1996. Under the said Section 162, any person who is found guilty of obstructing Council officers in executing their duties shall be liable to a fine not exceeding RM1,500 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months or both.

20. On the issue on dogs catching, the decision as to whether or not to outsource such activity is purely an operational issue. There is no need for the law to provide for such transaction. Yes, all mammals including cats can carry rabies virus but we ought to be more careful with dogs because all the reported human rabies cases in the State came from dog bites.

Rabies

Datuk Amar Speaker,

21. For the information of Ahli-ahli Yang Berhormat, the battle against rabies involves multi-agency collaboration led by the Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak together with the Sarawak State Health Department and the local authorities. The main task of the local authorities is to remove targeted stray dogs from the streets, to create awareness on rabies among the community and to control population of dogs with owners through licensing.

22. On human rabies cases, Sarawak State Health Department has reported thirteen (13) laboratory confirmed cases, twelve (12) of whom have died due to the disease.

23. Up to the end of October 2018, all divisions in Sarawak except Limbang have been declared as rabies outbreak areas under the Veterinary Public Health Ordinance, 1999. A total of 20,127 cases of animal bites from the outbreak areas have been reported to Sarawak State Health Department since 1st April 2017. Out of this number, 5,557 cases of high risk bites have received human anti- rabies vaccination.

24. A total of 825 awareness campaigns and talks have been organised by the Sarawak State Health Department, Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak and the local authorities which were attended by 138,256 people. To-date, almost a million (915,557) brochures have been distributed to the community and 531 posters and banners have been placed at strategic locations to create awareness and to continually remind the public on rabies.

25. Sarawak can be declared free of rabies only if the State remains free of animal and human rabies for a period of at least 2 years. The World Health Organization (WHO) has targeted for rabies to be eliminated globally by the year 2030.

26. Ahli Yang Berhormat for Bukit Assek, has raised the issue on the needs to remove stray dogs from our streets. I agreed with Ahli Yang Berhormat for Bukit Assek that targeted removing stray dogs from the street is important but rabies eradication requires multi- pronged strategies. As Ahli Yang Berhormat for Bukit Assek is well aware of, Sarawak is a vast state with porous boundaries with Kalimantan. Under such circumstances, to control the movement of stray dogs is definitely going to be a challenging task. The local authorities will also continue to work closely with the Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak and Sarawak State Health Department so that their programmes and multi-pronged strategies can achieve the desired outcomes in eradicating rabies in the State.

Datuk Amar Speaker,

27. To-date, a total of 153 local authority staff has been deployed for rabies eradication program. The main activity is the targeted removal of stray dogs. Since the outbreak, about 11,000 stray dogs have been removed by the 26 local authorities in Sarawak. Apart from this, my Ministry has also initiated rabies awareness campaign through printed as well as social media.

Solid Waste Management

Datuk Amar Speaker,

28. A number of Ahli-ahli Yang Berhormat has raised questions and issues related to solid waste management and landfills. For the information of Ahli-ahli Yang Berhormat, the State Government is currently conducting an integrated solid waste management study for Sarawak and this study will provide a holistic plan for sustainable and long-term solution on solid waste management for the State. This study is expected to be completed by the end of December 2018.

29. For the information of all Ahli-ahli Yang Berhormat, the State currently has three (3) sanitary landfills that are equipped with proper leachate treatment plant while the remaining waste disposal sites are all open dump sites. Solid waste management is very costly. In 2017, the 23 local authorities under my Ministry collected RM25.1 million for scavenging service from the assessment rates. However, during the same year, the said local authorities spent about RM58 million for the service. Apart from the financial constraint, the local authorities also face other technical issues and challenges like narrow roads, scattered settlements, high water content in our wastes, etc.

Sibuti Sanitary Landfill and Lambir Transfer Station

Datuk Amar Speaker,

30. Ahli Yang Berhormat for Lambir has raised the issue of Sibuti Sanitary Landfill and Lambir Transfer Station. For the information of Ahli Yang Berhormat for Lambir, Miri City Council has no plan to shut down and relocate the existing Sibuti Sanitary Landfill. The facility is conveniently located to serve Miri, Subis as well as Marudi and the landfill is 3 kilometres away from the nearest kampung. The facility is also equipped with new RM23 million leachate treatment plant which was recently operational and it has a capacity to serve Miri, Subis and Marudi for the next 35 years. As for Lambir Transfer Station, Miri City Council has applied for an allocation of RM17 million this year, from the Federal Ministry of Housing and Local Government to construct a new transfer station at Kilometre 11, Miri-Bintulu Road. Miri City Council is still waiting for approval of funding.

Closure of Dump Site at Entulang

31. For the information of Ahli Yang Berhormat for Bukit Begunan, the State Government has approved a site for a new sanitary landfill at Bukit Gran Stumbin. However, Sri Aman District Council has to wait for the recommendations of the Sarawak Integrated Solid Waste Management Study before planning and bidding for the necessary budget to construct the new landfill. The closure of the Entulang dump site can only be executed upon completion of the new sanitary landfill.

Issues Raised by Ahli-ahli Yang Berhormat

Datuk Amar Speaker,

Online Gambling

32. On the issue raised by Ahli-ahli Yang Berhormat for Tupong and Lambir on the grocery or convenience shops operating 24 hours in their constituencies which may also be involved in the selling of reload for online gambling, I wish to inform Ahli-ahli Yang Berhormat for Tupong and Lambir that any information on such activities must be reported to the Police so that actions can be taken under the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953.

e-Sport Activity

33. On the issue raised by Ahli Yang Berhormat for Tupong on e-Sport, I wish to inform Ahli Yang Berhormat that my Ministry is in the process of preparing a policy to regulate e-Sports activities. This is to ensure that there is no element of gambling in the operations of e-Sports centre. It is hope that this policy will strengthen the enforcement of the existing Entertainments By-laws. This policy is expected to be implemented early next year after consultation and engagement with the various stakeholders.

Control of Tobacco Product Regulations 2004

34. For the information of Ahli Yang Berhormat for Piasau, the gazetting of smoke-free zone is under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Health Malaysia and this law is only enforceable by the authorized personnel of Health Department.

Datuk Amar Speaker,

35. The Sarawak Government is very supportive of the initiative to ban smoking in public places. Currently, there are already 23 public places that have been gazetted as smoke-free zones under these Regulations. From January until September 2018, 2,636 premises were checked for compliance with the Regulations. The inspected premises were the health facilities, government offices, airports, educational institutions and religious premises. So far, Sarawak State Health Department has issued compounds amounting to RM 437,052 this year.

5-Footway in Bintulu

Datuk Amar Speaker,

36. On the issue raised by Ahli Yang Berhormat for Tanjung Batu on 5- footway in Bintulu, I wish to inform Ahli Yang Berhormat that under by law 26(1) of the Local Authorities (Cleanliness) By laws, 1999 prohibits any person to put, display, store or hang on or above any footway, any goods, article or things for sale or otherwise. Bintulu Development Authority (BDA) is enforcing what is already provided for under the law when disallowing any goods to be put on display at 5-footways.

Lingga Waterfront Project

Datuk Amar Speaker,

37. For the information of Ahli Yang Berhormat for Lingga, RM5 million was approved for Lingga Waterfront under YAB Chief Minister Walkabout Projects. The project is currently at the pre-contract stage and expected to commence in January 2019. The project will take 12 months to complete.

Poor Maintenance of Drain

38. For information of Ahli Yang Berhormat for Lingga, Sri Aman District Council will identify the problem location and take action accordingly.

Widening of Access Road to Rh Rawing and Rh Repong

39. For the information of Ahli Yang Berhormat for Engkilili, Lubok Antu District Council will study the need to widen the access road to Rh Rawing and Rh Repong.

Shortage of Manpower and Funding for Betong District

Council Office Roof Repair

40. For the information of Ahli Yang Berhormat for Layar, Betong District Council has a total number of 74 posts out of which, 55 posts have been filled. The remaining 19 vacancies will be filled in stages. In addition to this, the Ministry will deploy one Engineer and one Assistant Engineer to Betong District Council by early next year. On the issue of repair on the council’s office, my Ministry will look for necessary funding for the required works.

Proposal for a New Selangau District Council

41. For the information of Ahli Yang Berhormat for Tamin, my Ministry has no plan to set up Selangau District Council. Based on the statistics, the population of Selangau is about 22,000 with 2,871 rateable properties which can generate assessment rates revenue of about RM128,000. To run a small district council would require funding of at least RM2 million a year. Therefore, to set up Selangau District Council at this juncture is not financially viable. However, notwithstanding this, Selangau area will still be serviced by Sibu Rural District Council.

Proposal for a Sub-office for Dalat and Mukah District

Council at Balingian

Datuk Amar Speaker,

42. For the information of Ahli Yang Berhormat for Balingian, Dalat and Mukah District Council has a plan to have sub-office at Balingian. Currently, the office is temporarily sited at Dewan Masyarakat until we find new suitable office space in Balingian.

Matang Metrocity Night Market

43. Ahli Yang Berhormat for Tupong has raised the issue of a new site for Matang Metrocity night market. My Ministry will recommend to DBKU to identify a space within the Metrocity development area for the purpose of night market.

New Simunjan Market

44. For information of Ahli Yang Berhormat for Simunjan, the State Government has approved a new Simunjan market under RMK-11 costing RM3.5 million to be implemented by Simunjan District Council. Currently, the said project is pending siting approval.

Clogged and Broken Drains in Sibu

45. As Ahli Berhormat for Bukit Assek is well aware of, Sibu town is mainly sited on a low-lying peat swamp area. Based on technical advice, any attempt to construct covered concrete drain would create a host of other problems such as lowering of the water table which may cause further ground settlement. A better solution to avoid clogged drain due to rubbish is to get the people of Sibu not to throw rubbish indiscriminately. In this respect, I urge Ahli Yang Berhormat for Bukit Assek to work together with Sibu Municipal Council in their anti-litter campaign and to inculcate the culture of shared responsibility in ensuring clean environment just like in Japan.

Recreational Park at Pantai Tanjung Batu

46. Ahli Yang Berhormat for Samalaju has raised the issue on the upgrading and improvement of facilities for Tanjung Batu Beach. For the information of Ahli Yang Berhormat, Bintulu Development Authority (BDA) is currently redeveloping Tanjung Batu Beach costing RM5.71 million. This project is scheduled for completion by the end of 2018. The scope of works include improvement to existing public toilet, gazebo, BBQ pits, children playground, facilities for the disabled, construction of surau and improvement of parking lots.

Miri City Council Car Parking Contract

Datuk Amar Speaker,

47. Ahli Yang Berhormat for Pujut has raised the issue on the selection of contractor for Miri City Parking System. I wish to inform Ahli Yang Berhormat for Pujut that the Miri parking management contract was procured through open tender in 2013. The decision by than Miri City Council to award the contract to Miri Parking Systems Sdn. Bhd. was based on not just financial but also technical capability consideration.

Miri City Council Beach Cleaning Contract

48. Ahli Yang Berhormat for Pujut has also raised the issue on Miri beach cleaning contract. For the information of Ahli Yang Berhormat for Pujut, the contract was awarded based on open tender procedure and was strictly in compliance with all financial regulations.

HOUSING

Datuk Amar Speaker,

I will now deliberate on housing.

Housing for Low Income Group (B40)

49. Under RMK-11 State funded project, my Ministry through Housing Development Corporation (HDC) was allocated RM250 million to implement 1,338 units at Darul Hana, Tabuan Melayu, Sematan, Lundu and Bau in Kuching Division, 42 units at Kampung Tian and Kampung Igan in Mukah Division, 110 units at Kemunyang and Kampung Dato Baru in Sibu Division, 150 units at Kampung Baru in Kapit Division and 128 units at Ranggau in Limbang Division. These projects are mostly affordable homes for the low income group.

50. Apart from this, HDC was allocated a total sum of RM127 million to implement one amenity project in Sibu and 13 related infrastructure projects in Kuching, Sibu, Sri Aman, Betong and Miri Divisions.

Federal Funded Project

51. As Ahli-ahli Yang Berhormat are aware of, housing for low income group is a joint responsibility of the State and Federal Government. The current arrangement is for HDC to provide the land and the Federal Government through Ministry of Housing and Local Government Malaysia (KPKT), to provide funding for the development of the houses. Currently, there are 2 approved Federal funded projects which are now in progress namely, Program Perumahan Rakyat (PPR) Landeh, Padawan consisting of 443 units of apartments and Program Perumahan Rakyat (PPR) Petra Jaya, Kuching consisting of 208 units of single storey terrace houses. Both projects are scheduled for completion by 2020. My Ministry will continue to pursue for more funding from the Federal Government to provide more affordable housing for the B40 group.

Issues Raised by Ahli-ahli Yang Berhormat

Longhouse Loan

52. Ahli-ahli Yang Berhormat for Layar and Lingga have raised issues on the longhouse loan. For the information of Ahli-ahli Yang Berhormat for Layar and Lingga, my Ministry will continue to provide loans especially for building new longhouses but this program is subject to availability of fund from the Federal Government. For 2016, my Ministry has received a total of RM40 million from the Federal Government for implementation of this programme. However for 2017 and 2018, my Ministry has applied for RM50 million each year but the approved amount was only RM10 million for each year. Since 2016 until now, 2,280 households have benefited from this programme.

Affordable Housing in Samalaju Industrial Park

53. Ahli Yang Berhormat for Samalaju has raised the issue on the non- availability of affordable housing in Samalaju Industrial Park. I wish to inform Ahli Yang Berhormat for Samalaju, that the State Government has allocated 50 hectares for the purpose of providing affordable housing in Samalaju Industrial Park. Bintulu Development Authority will commence the infrastructure works by next year.

Rumah Mampu Milik (RMM)

54. Ahli-ahli Yang Berhormat for Serembu, Lingga, Machan, Kalaka, Kabong, Balingian, Demak Laut and Beting Maro have raised the issues on the provision of Rumah Mampu Milik (RMM) in their respective constituencies.

55. For the information of Ahli-ahli Yang Berhormat, I have mentioned in my last winding up speech that HDC shall conduct a demand study before planning for any housing development projects. 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 serve as a guide for housing development planning. HDC will conduct the necessary demand studies in Serembu, Lingga, Machan, Kalaka, Kabong, Balingian and Demak Laut.

56. In response to the issue raised by Ahli Yang Berhormat for Machan, the State Government has recently introduced another affordable housing program called Sri Pertiwi. Policies and guidelines of this program have been approved by the State Planning Authority on the 5th September 2018. The objective of this program is to provide more choices of affordable housing for the B40 and M40 groups. The houses under this program shall be priced between RM 270,000 and RM 295,000 per unit.

57. For the information of Ahli yang Berhormat for Beting Maro, HDC has conducted the demand study in October this year. The finding of the study revealed that, out of 445 respondents, 57% of the respondents have indicated that they are interested to buy affordable houses with price ranging from RM100,000 to RM120,000. Since there is a demand for affordable houses in Pusa, HDC will bid for necessary funding to implement this project.

Rumah Mampu Milik (RMM) for Persatuan Veteran

Angkatan Tentera Malaysia (PVATM) Kapit

58. Ahli Yang Berhormat for Bukit Goram has raised the issue for the Government to assist members of Persatuan Veteran Angkatan Tentera Malaysia (PVATM) Kapit to construct house (Rumah Mampu Milik) on their own housing lots.

59. For the information of Ahli Yang Berhormat for Bukit Goram, there is currently no specific housing programme provided by the State Government for PVATM and therefore members of PVATM can apply for Rumah Mesra Rakyat (RMR) housing programme under Syarikat Perumahan Negara Berhad (SPNB) which is also open to general public.

Rumah SPEKTRA Permata (RSP)

60. Ahli-ahli Yang Berhormat for Tupong and Beting Maro have raised the issue on the provision of Rumah SPEKTRA Permata (RSP) in their respective constituencies. For the information of Ahli-ahli Yang Berhormat for Tupong and Beting Maro, the implementation of RSP is mainly to assist low income group (B40) who are provided with residential lot to build their own house in Skim Pembesaran Kampung and Skim Penempatan Semula. Ahli-ahli Yang Berhormat for Tupong and Beting Maro are advised to help identify suitable Skim Pembesaran Kampung or Skim Penempatan Semula in their constituencies for HDC to implement this program.

61. In response to the issue raised by Ahli Yang Berhormat for Tanjong Datu, to expedite the construction of Rumah SPEKTRA Permata (RSP) in Lundu and Sematan, I wish to inform Ahli Yang Berhormat that HDC will commence construction of RSP for Lundu and Sematan in early 2019. To-date, the earthworks for 26 units of RSP in Skim Pembesaran Kampung Lundu and 25 units of RSP in Sematan have been completed. The State Government has approved an allocation of RM5.4 million for the construction of the 26 units of RSP Lundu and RM5.27 million for the 25 units of RSP Sematan.

62. Ahli Yang Berhormat for Jemoreng has raised the issue on the implementation of Rumah SPEKTRA Permata in Igan and Matu. For the information of Ahli Yang Berhormat for Jemoreng, tender for the earthworks for 22 units of RSP Igan and 20 units of RSP Tian is at tender evaluation stage and works is expected to start before end of 2018. The earthworks is scheduled for completion within 4 months. Meanwhile, the building works will start by the 2nd quarter 2019. A total amount of RM15.7 million has been approved for the implementation of both projects by the State Government.

Rumah Mampu Milik (RMM) and SPEKTRA Permata

Housing (RSP)

63. In response to the issue raised by Ahli Yang Berhormat for Daro to build more Rumah Mampu Milik (RMM) and Rumah SPEKTRA Permata (RSP) in Daro, HDC will implement the RMM in Daro if there is a demand for such housing and it is also subject to the availability of suitable state land in Daro. Whereas, for Rumah SPEKTRA Permata (RSP), HDC has proposed the development of RSP in Skim Pembesaran Kampung Badong, Daro during the RMK- 11 Mid-term Review but unfortunately, it was not approved. HDC will continue to find ways and means to seek fund for this project.

Rumah Mesra Rakyat (RMR)

Datuk Amar Speaker,

64. On the issue raised by Ahli Yang Berhormat for Lingga for more Rumah Mesra Rakyat (RMR) to be built in Lingga, I wish to inform Ahli Yang Berhormat for Lingga that new Rumah Mesra Rakyat (RMR) programs under Syarikat Perumahan Negara Berhad (SPNB) are currently put on hold pending direction from the Federal Government.

Industrialized Building System (IBS)

65. Ahli Yang Berhormat for Lambir has raised the issue on IBS and suggested that the State Government to construct IBS Plant in Sarawak. My Ministry through HDC will take note of the suggestion from Ahli Yang Berhormat.

Tribunal of House Purchaser Claims

66. I wish to inform Ahli-ahli Yang Berhormat that from 2015 up until October 2018, the total number of cases solved by the Tribunal is 217 involving RM1.3 million worth of settlement in Sibu, Limbang, Bintulu, Mukah, Miri, and Kuching Divisions. During the same period, the Tribunal has also recorded 75 withdrawn cases as the claimants and the respondents have agreed to settle their cases outside the tribunal process.

DEPARTMENT OF IRRIGATION AND DRAINAGE (DID)

Datuk Amar Speaker,

67. Drainage and irrigation is under the concurrent list in the 9th Schedule of The Constitution of Malaysia.

State Funded Flood Mitigation and Urban Drainage

68. For the information of Ahli-ahli Yang Berhormat in this august House, in 2018, the State Government has allocated fund amounting to RM11.82 million to implement five (5) urban drainage improvement projects throughout the State. Out of the five (5) projects, two (2) have been completed while another three (3) are still under construction and expected to be completed in 2019. The two (2) completed projects are drainage works in Lawas Town and drainage outlet for Sarawak General Hospital. The three (3) on-going projects are Drainage Improvement Works at Kampung Gita, Kuching, Kampung Jeriah and Kampung Bahagia in Sibu.

69. Under YAB Chief Minister Walkabout Projects, a total of RM128.86 million was approved for the implementation of 11 projects; six (6) riverbank protection projects, three (3) flood mitigation projects, one (1) concrete walkway and one (1) rural road project. The six (6) riverbank protection projects with a total cost of RM52.2 million were approved for implementation at Simunjan, Gedong, Kampung Penasu, Sungai Matu, Sungai Seloating, Lawas and Kampung Sungai Bedil to Kampung Lintang, Kuching.

70. The three (3) flood mitigation projects are at Taman Tunku and Taman Ecopark both in Miri and Kampung Tuie, Betong with total cost of RM30.5 million and works will commence early next year. For the information of Ahli Yang Berhormat for Lambir, the flood mitigation project at Taman Tunku shall also include Sg Rait and Tukau areas. However, this project will be implemented in phases with priority given to Taman Tunku.

71. Two (2) other YAB Chief Minister Walkabout projects are the concrete walkway at Kampung Tian Matu and the road linking Kampung Penasu to Nanga Semah, Daro with a project cost of RM6.16 million and RM40 million respectively.

Federal Funded Projects

72. In 2018, the Federal Government has allocated an amount of RM54.08 million for flood and riverbank protection works. This funding is meant for flood mitigation projects, riverbank protection works, river cleaning and maintenance and to reinstate any infrastructure that has been damaged due to flooding.

73. The flood mitigation project at Jalan Tun Razak, Bintulu is scheduled for completion by December 2018 and the current progress is 91%. The flood mitigation projects for Sibu Phase 3 and Projek Lembangan Sungai Bersepadu (PLSB) Sungai Sarawak with a project cost of RM100 million and RM150 million respectively, are under review by the Federal Government. The sub-projects for PLSB Sungai Sarawak include flood mitigation works at Batu Lintang, Sarawak General Hospital, Federal Quarters, Sungai Sinjan, Sungai Gersik, SK Muara Tuang, Taman Unigarden, Taman Malihah and Sungai Tabuan.

74. In 2018, the Federal Government has allocated RM14 million for the implementation of three (3) Rancangan Memulihkan Koridor Sungai (RMKS) in the State. Out of these three (3) projects, two (2) have been completed, namely RMKS in Gedong and Simunjan towns while RMKS Batang Kayan in Lundu town is still on-going. The current physical progress of this project is 76% and is scheduled for completion by the end of December 2018.

Datuk Amar Speaker,

75. The Government will continue to give priority to Stormwater Management Drainage Master Plan study for urban centres in Sarawak with the approved funding of RM11 million under RMK- 11. Stormwater Management Drainage Master Plan for Sarikei and Bintangor was completed on 31st October 2018.

76. Stormwater Management Drainage Master Plan studies for other main towns namely, Serian, Sri Aman, Betong, Debak, Spaoh, Saratok, Limbang and Lawas are scheduled to commence under Rolling Plan 4 (2019).

Coastal Erosion Protection and River Mouth Rehabilitation Projects

77. The Federal Government has approved a total of RM115.55 million under RMK-11 for coastal erosion protection projects. Coastal erosion protection works at Kampung Serpan was completed in May 2018. Three (3) other projects at Kampung Sebuyau, Samarahan, Kampung Buntal, Kuching and SK Badengan, Mukah are currently under construction. The other five (5) projects namely at Pekan Sematan, Kuala Baram Kampung Batu 1, Oya Hilir, Kampung Semarang and Kampung Muara Tebas are at planning and design stage.

78. In addition, RM29.96 million has been approved for the implementation of 4 river mouth dredging works at Sungai Sematan, Sungai Buntal, Sungai Bako and Sungai Limbang. This is to mitigate flood and facilitate river navigation. The dredging works will be carried out next year.

Issues Raised by Ahli-ahli Yang Berhormat

Flooding at Kampung Hulu, Kampung Tengah dan Kampung Hilir Sri Aman

79. For the information of Ahli Yang Berhormat for Lingga, DID has submitted proposal for riverbank erosion protection project covering Kampung Hilir, Kampung Tengah and Kampung Hulu in RMK-11, estimated at RM29 million but the proposal was not approved. DID will resubmit the said proposal again under the next Rolling Plan for consideration.

Riverbank Protection Works at Batang Mukah

80. For the information of Ahli Yang Berhormat for Tellian, DID has put up proposal to the Federal Government under the RMK-11 to request for an allocation of RM8 million to implement erosion protection works at critically eroded riverbank with length of 515 meter at Sungai Penakub / Sungai Tellian, Mukah but the proposal was not approved. DID will submit a revised proposal for the riverbank protection works of 1.45 kilometre from Sungai Penakub to the river mouth of Sungai Tellian to the Federal Government for consideration in the RMK-12.

Coastal Erosion at Kabong Area

81. For the information of Ahli Yang Berhormat for Kabong, DID will put up a study for the proposed diversion of river mouth of Sungai Ulu Alit / Sungai Bubus with the estimated cost of RM1.5 million in the next Rolling Plan.

Tidal Flood at Lorong Foochow, Kuching

82. For the information of Ahli Yang Berhormat for Pending, on the upgrading of the earth drains, MBKS has been bidding for the required funding of RM6 million since RMK-10 but, it was not approved. I also wish to inform Ahli Yang Berhormat that based on technical advice, upgrading of earth drain and raising of the road level in the Lorong Foochow areas will not be effective in mitigating the flooding issues. The area is naturally low-lying and tidal flooding is the dominating factor. As I have already explained in my last winding up speech, based on the technical advice, the most effective measure is to construct a barrage near Sungai Tabuan river mouth with an total estimated cost of RM380 million. Therefore, I hope Ahli Yang Berhormat for Pending can help to secure the required funding from the Federal Government.

Flood Mitigation and Drainage Improvement Works at Tupong Area

83. For the information of Ahli Yang Berhormat for Tupong, DID has submitted to the Federal Government under RMK-11, two (2) flood mitigation proposals, namely for Taman Sejoli and Jalan Matang Baru costing RM16 million but both proposals were not approved. Apart from these, DID has also bid for State funding under RMK- 11 Mid-term Review to implement two (2) drainage improvement projects at Kampung Pinang Jawa Fasa 2 and Jalan Matang Baru / Batu Kawa at an estimated cost of RM18 million but it were not approved. DID will continue to source for funding to implement these projects.

Flood Prone Areas along Batang Sadong

84. On the request for flood mitigation measures raised by Ahli Berhormat for Bukit Semuja, I wish to inform Ahli Yang Berhormat that the construction of flood mitigation measures such as bund and riverwall are not only costly but can also lead to a false sense of security when people start building on low lying platform or extend their stilt house to ground level. Bunding also requires space and buffer along the riverbanks of Batang Sadong which are not available in these existing villages. Therefore, as per expert technical advice, a more practical approach for villages along riverine areas that are subjected to tidal flooding and riverbank failures is to relocate them to higher ground.

Bund / Flood mitigation at Kampung Simunjan Jaya, Kampung Tabuan Iban and few kampung at Rangawan zone.

85. For the information of Ahli Yang Berhormat for Simunjan, DID has requested for fund for riverbank protection works at Kampung Sageng Hilir as well as improvement works at Kampung Tabuan Iban, Kampung Simunjan Jaya and Sungai Rangawan from the Federal Government but was not approved. DID will continue to source for funding.

Flash Flood in Repok

86. For the information of Ahli Yang Berhormat for Repok, the Urban Stormwater Drainage Master Plan Study for Sarikei and Bintangor was completed on 31st October 2018. Structural measures such as communal detention pond and drainage upgrading will be implemented subject to funding availability. Non-structural measures such as regulating land use, gazetting of river reserve, regulating building platform levels and etc. will also be carried out. In addition, all new land developments are required to apply the Best Management Practices (BMPs) as stipulated in Sarawak Urban Stormwater Management (SUStoM).

87. To strengthen the capacity and the capability of DID to expedite the delivery of all the approved projects, the State Government has recently approved 96 new posts consisting of 15 engineers and 81 assistant engineers.

SEWERAGE SERVICES DEPARTMENT (SSD) Urban Sewerage

Datuk Amar Speaker,

88. 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,

89. Under RMK-11, the Federal Government has approved a total of RM60 million to build four (4) additional septic sludge treatment plants in Sarawak to serve the towns of Betong, Sarikei, Kapit and Limbang. The Department is finalising the design of these plants. However, these 4 projects have been put on hold by the Federal Government. Sewerage Services Department has on the 13th September written to the Federal Ministry of Water, Land and Natural Resources for these 4 projects to be continued. To-date we have not received any feedback from the said Federal Ministry.

Centralised Sewerage Systems

Datuk Amar Speaker,

90. The construction of Miri Centralized Sewerage System, Phase 1, Package A involving the sewer network has achieved 31% progress and it is on schedule for completion in year 2021. The open tender for Package B involving the construction of the centralized sewage treatment plant was called on 20th August and closed on 10th October this year. The tender is now under evaluation. The total scheme value for Package A and Package B is RM428 million.

91. For the Kuching Centralized Sewerage System, Zone 1 Package 2 Contract with an allocation of RM20 million is now scheduled for completion in January 2019. It is now 62% completed. For Package 2 Contract, which has commenced on 15th September 2017, the progress is on schedule at 7%. It is scheduled to complete in 2023.

Sewerage Master Plan Studies

Datuk Amar Speaker,

92. The Federal Government has also approved RM1 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 been successfully completed.

SARAWAK STATE HEALTH DEPARTMENT

Health Services

Datuk Amar Speaker,

93. I shall now touch on the services provided by the Sarawak State Health Department, a Federal agency under my watching brief. Protecting the safety and health of the Sarawak population from various infections and diseases is an important aspect of the services provided by Sarawak State Health Department. Despite efforts put into preventive and control measures, diseases continue to occur causing morbidity and mortality.

Dengue and Malaria

Datuk Amar Speaker,

94. As of 27th October 2018, 540 dengue cases were reported in Sarawak compared to 834 cases over the same period in 2017, a decrease of 35.3%. Sarawak State Health Department is committed to continue to collaborate with the community and other non-health agencies in the State to further prevent and reduce dengue cases in Sarawak.

95. As Sarawak has been free from indigenous human malaria (falciparum and malariae malaria since 2013 and vivax malaria since 2016), we must be cautious with imported malaria cases so that the infection is not reintroduced back to the State. To-date, 251 imported human malaria cases were reported as compared to 163 cases over the same period last year. These imported human malaria cases are mostly brought into the State by Sarawakians who got infected while working overseas. We urged the companies who have Sarawakians working in Malaria endemic countries to be more proactive and responsible by ensuring that the returning workers are free from Malaria.

Non-Communicable Disease (NCD)

96. Non-communicable diseases (NCD) such as diabetes, hypertension and heart diseases continue to pose problem. Up to September 2018, a total of 150,149 old and newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus cases were registered in Sarawak.

97. As for hypertension, the cumulative number of diagnosed cases continues to increase from 137,713 cases registered in 2017 to 357,268 cases in 2018, making the prevalence of hypertension in Sarawak at 16.4%.

98. We believe many of us do not go for health screening, therefore are not aware of our sugar level and blood pressure reading. We urge the people of Sarawak to go for health screening to know your health status. If found to have the disease, early treatment can be given and possible complications can be avoided.

99. Efforts for early detection of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) at community level such as Komuniti Sihat Pembina Negara (KOSPEN) and early intervention to the high-risk group to prevent complications of NCD are on-going.

Rural Transformation Initiative; Key Result Areas 2 – Rural Health Services

Datuk Amar Speaker,

100. Apart from fund received from the Federal Government, Sarawak State Health Department also received fund from Sarawak State Government. Through the Sarawak Cabinet Committee, a sum of RM6.01 million has been allocated for the Rural Transformation Initiative Key Result Area 2 on Rural Health Services. This fund is to (1) repair and upgrade 22 dilapidated rural clinics (RM 3.14 million), (2) establish the second cluster-clinic centred at Klinik Kesihatan Sungai Asap to purchase new medical equipment and an ambulance (RM 700,00), and (3) procure equipment and vehicles for Rural Clinics Visiting Doctor (RCVD) teams (RM 2.17 million).

Expanding Speciality Services to Minor Specialist and District Hospitals

Datuk Amar Speaker,

101. Sarawak State Health Department is planning to expand the speciality services in minor specialist and district hospitals. In 2019, a physician will be posted to Serian Hospital, an obstetric and gynaecologist to Sri Aman Hospital as well as a paediatrician and a physician to Limbang Hospital.

102. In Bau Hospital, a hospital cluster programme was implemented since September 2018 to reduce the waiting time for operation theatre procedures. Since then, a surgical team from Sarawak General Hospital has started performing surgeries and procedures at the said hospital.

Issues Raised by Ahli-ahli Yang Berhormat Upgrading/New Klinik Kesihatan for Sarikei

103. Ahli Yang Berhormat for Repok has raised issue on construction of a new clinic for Sarikei or upgrading of the existing Klinik Kesihatan Sarikei to address the congestion due to space constraint at Klinik Kesihatan Sarikei. I wish to inform Ahli Yang Berhormat for Repok that Sarawak State Health Department is currently in the process of renovating the patient waiting area in Klinik Kesihatan Sarikei to accommodate the increasing number of patients. Sarawak State Health Department will also put up a proposal for a new clinic in Sarikei for consideration in RMK-12.

Posting of Medical Officers to Health Clinics in Balingian Sub-District

104. Ahli Yang Berhormat for Balingian has raised the issue for medical officers to be posted to health clinics in Balingian sub-district. Currently, Klinik Kesihatan Balingian has a permanent medical officer and for Klinik Kesihatan Kuala Balingian, a medical officer will be posted by end of this year. As for Klinik Kesihatan Kampung Teh which has recently been upgraded from klinik desa to klinik kesihatan, a medical officer will be posted there by next year.

New Hemodialysis Unit for Kapit Hospital

105. For the information of Ahli Yang Berhormat for Bukit Goram, Sarawak State Health Department has no plan to expand the Hemodialysis Unit of Kapit Hospital. The existing Hemodialysis Unit is sufficient to cater for the needs of Kapit Division. Currently, there are 13 machines catering for only 57 patients.

New Clinic for Nanga Mekey

106. Ahli Yang Berhormat for Pelagus has raised the issue on new clinic to be built at Nanga Mekey. For the information of Ahli Yang Berhormat for Pelagus, this area is served by mobile health services from Klinik Kesihatan Merit on regular basis. The current mode of delivering health services is adequate to cater for the needs of the population at this moment.

New Klinik Kesihatan Serian

107. For the information of Ahli Yang Berhormat for Bukit Semuja, the Ministry of Health Malaysia had received a notification from Economic Planning Unit on 24th October 2018 that the new Klinik Kesihatan Serian project had been cancelled. Nevertheless, Sarawak State Health Department has been informed by the Ministry of Health Malaysia to resubmit the project application in Rolling Plan 4 (2020).

Upgrading of Health Facility in Murum

108. Ahli Yang Berhormat for Murum has raised the issue on upgrading of the health facility in Murum. I wish to inform Ahli Yang Berhormat for Murum that Klinik Kesihatan Sungai Asap will be upgraded to become the centre for a cluster clinic system that will serve as a referral centre for nearby clinics by the end of this year. At present, 5 medical officers have already been posted to KK Sungai Asap and a Family Medicine Specialist will soon be posted to this clinic. Apart from that, a full dental service will be provided at KK Sungai Asap in 2019.

109. For the time being, Ministry of Health Malaysia has no immediate plan to build a Hospital in Sungai Asap area. However that decision will be review in the future based on the needs of the population.

110. Sarawak State Health Department is continuously monitoring the need for establishment of new clinics in the area. For Tegulang, Metalun and Jelalong, the process to identify and procure suitable sites is on-going.

111. Meanwhile for Linau, the existing KK Lusong Laku will continue to serve the population in Linau. Continuous effort will be made to maintain and refurbish the existing clinic.

Skim Bantuan Kesihatan

112. Ahli-ahli Yang Berhormat for Tupong and Demak Laut have raised the issue on the Skim Bantuan Kesihatan/e-sihat and medical card. I wish to inform Ahli-ahli Yang Berhormat that the new Skim Bantuan Kesihatan Kebangsaan announced during the Budget 2019 is still being debated in Parliament. The Ministry of Health Malaysia will issue the details of the implementation guidelines only after the budget proposal is approved. At present, Sarawak State Health Department is actively doing free screening as early as after the child is born and continues as the child goes to primary school and secondary school. For adults, they are welcome to come to any health facilities for health screening.

FIRE AND RESCUE DEPARTMENT MALAYSIA SARAWAK

Datuk Amar Speaker,

Fire and Rescue Stations under RMK-11

113. Tanjung Manis Fire and Rescue Station was completed on 12th October 2017 and officially started the operation on 1st January 2018. Meanwhile, the construction works and progress for 5 new Fire & Rescue Stations namely Samalaju is 98%, Selangau 77%, Daro 72%, Batu Niah 62%, and Sibu Jaya, 27%. Samalaju Fire and Rescue Station will be handed over by JKR Sarawak to the Fire and Rescue Department Malaysia Sarawak on 10th December 2018 and is expected to be operational by January 2019. On the Matu Fire and Rescue Volunteer Station, the construction on the building will commence in early 2019.

Fire Safety Awareness Program

114. Fire and Rescue Department Malaysia Sarawak is committed to implement public educational and awareness program in fire safety to the community in Sarawak. As of September 2018, the department has carried out 1,490 Public Awareness Programs and Fire Safety Campaigns. As an outcome of these programs and campaigns, a total of 503 Bomba Community teams are currently operating in the State with 4,771 members.

Statistic of Emergency Calls

115. Up to October 2018, Fire and Rescue Department Malaysia Sarawak has received 12,365 emergency calls compared to 6,418 calls recorded for the same period last year. Rescue and Special services call has increased from 4,835 to 10,098. It consists of road traffic accidents, emergency medical rescue services, search and rescue (SAR), patrolling services and etc.

Canine (K-9) Unit

116. In October this year, Fire and Rescue Department Malaysia Sarawak has acquired 6 United Kingdom (UK) trained dogs comprising 4 English Springer Spaniels, a Border Collie and a Labrador breed. They are currently placed at Serian Fire and Rescue Station. These dogs are specially trained to assist in fire investigation, wilderness and cadaver. The service of these dogs will definitely enhance Fire and Rescue Department operations.

POLITICAL ISSUE

Datuk Amar Speaker,

117. Let’s we not forget that our August house celebrated 150 anniversary this year and all the elected Ahli ahli Yang Berehormat are duty bound to follow the strong tradition of speaking up for Sarawak and for the people of Sarawak in this August House. Some of us are priviledged not just to sit in this August House in Sarawak but also sit in the Parliament of Malaysia. While I was a member of Senate, in the Parliament of Malaysia I had spoken in every Senate sitting for Sarawak on topics including

• Without Sarawak, there is no Malaysia but without Malaysia, there is still Sarawak

• regaining our rights under MA63 (not re-negotiating as Sarawakians expect nothing more and nothing less as stipulated in MA63),

• having 1/3 of the Member of Parliament of Malaysia from Sabah and Sarawak (so as to safeguard Sabah & Sarawak interest from constitutional amendment just because we are minority in terms of population),

• Urgent need for Sarawak to catch up with infrastructure development not just in our rural areas but the glaring unfair infrastructure shortcomings such as

o the lack of a UNIMAS hospital (despite being the 5th oldest out of 23 public universities in Malaysia with a medical faculty),

o the need of a cancer hospital in Sarawak

o the need for a sport school in Sarawak (despite having produced the most successful Olympians in Malaysia),

o unfortunately it all fell onto deaf Malaysan ears.

I was waiting in great anticipation when PH came into power in May hoping that they will deliver to Sarawak all that was listed in their PH Manifesto.

Datuk Amar Speaker,

Unfortunately PH Sarawak

• Instead the janji to Sarawak of 20% oil royalty became 20% oil profit,

• Instead the restoring of Sarawak’s right under MA63 became a lop sided Malaya majority MA63 steering committee,

• Instead of the promise No.41 of PH Buku Harapan page 90 “To ensure the prosperity of the people of Sabah & Sarawak by enhancing the state economic growth namely through supply of clean water and clean energy to urban & rural areas, build roads & highways to connect towns & cities throughout Sarawak, bul more public schools & health centres, Sarawak is marginalise again in 2019 Federal Budget

Datuk Amar Speaker,

I was very very happy especially when the member for Kota Sentosa reassured our fellow Sarawakians of 30% Federal development budget for Sabah & Sarawak, but instead not only the Federal Budget 2019 did not allocate 30% development budget for Sabah & Sarawak, but even some of the previously approved projects were cancelled or put on hold.

Datuk Amar Speaker,

More than 6 months has passed since GE14, but some PH leaders and some PH honorable members in this August House still continue to blame the previous BN Govt for their own failures and inability to fulfil their GE14 promises and pledges. Even Tun Daim, the Chairman of Council of Eminent Person (CEP) under PH Government was quoted as saying “it is time for PH to start delivering its promised and stop pointing fingers at the previous government”

Datuk Amar Speaker,

Our members of Parliament Malaysia from Sarawak, as representative of the people of Sarawak, must be Sarawak First and should not instead help to speak up and defend Malaya at best and at worse not knowing what to do in Parliament of Malaysia by asking what are we Sarawakians fighting for!

Datuk Amar Speaker,

Lets all the members of Parliament from Sarawak realised that it is not merely what is written in the constitution, or what was taken away intentionally or unintentionally over the years but also what is not written in the constitution but was in the original spirit as in the IGC and Cobbold Commission Reports. It is never too late to right what is wrong. All Sarawak members of Parliament of Malaysia are of the people of Sarawak, by the people of Sarawak, and for the people of Sarawak, hence must be at all time, Sarawak First, whether you are inside or outside the Parliament of Malaysia.

Datuk Amar Speaker,

I would like to congratulate YAB CM Abg Jo and this August House for supporting the 5% Sales Tax on exported petroleum products with an estimated revenue of RM3.9B for Sarawak next year. It is a small step on our road to financial independence, truly an appropriate historical milesone in the 150th annivesary of this August House. After 55 years of forming Malaysia as one of 4 equal partners, fellow Sarawakians, is time to trust only Sarawkains and to take steps to look after our Sarawak. We must not fail the late Tok Nam’s constant reminder “Jaga Sarawak baik- baik“

Datuk Amar Speaker,

With our own Sarawak money, we not only can proceed with our much needed infrastructure development ourselves without being at the mercy of the Federal government, but also sharing out with every Sarawakians (as advised by Tan Sri Datuk Amar Linggi in Lan Berambih 2019), such as YAB CM Abg Jo‘s policy of RM1,000 for education for every Sarawakian born from next year. I am supportive of more people centric policies raised by our Ahli YB for Meradong for more direct and immediate impact such as RM1,000 to parents of every Sarawakian born, RM1,000 for every Sarawakian who passes away in order to assist the high cost of living nowadays.

Datuk Amar Speaker,

Indeed the sustainability of Sarawak Financial Independence relies on prudent and transparent management of Sarawak’s wealths including the setting up of professional managed Sovereign Fund like in Norway as suggested by some Ahli-Ahli Yang Berhormat.

Datuk Amar Speaker,

I was shocked to hear some of our members in this August House stating that the 5% Sales Tax on exported petroleum products will have severe impact and hardship on Sarawakians! The policy of GPS under YAB CM Abg Jo is definitely people centric, not people hardship. Why are we helping Petronas to make 100% profits from our 100% Sarawak Oil & Gas. Are you Malaya First or Sarawak First? We merely claim 16 days out of 365 days of Oil & Gas from Sarawak per year. I am sure if we put this critical issue to vote by all Sarawakians, (we need to find a mechanism, and perhaps through the suggested Referendum Ordinance by Ahli Yang Berhormat for Piasau), not only will Sarawakians support but may want to claim more than 16 days out of 365 days!

Datuk Amar Speaker,

Despite the political differences, I had faith and confidance in our Ahli Ahli YBs in this August House to come together (though some were a bit reluctant) as Sarawak First as seen in support of the motion for the Consultative Committee on MA63 in this August House on 6 November 2018. Truly another historical milestone of great significance in the 150th Anniversary of this August House as after all Ahli-Ahli Yang Berhormat from the August House similar to our fellow Sarawakian in Parliament Malaysia are of the people of Sarawak, by the people of Sarawak and for the people of Sarawak. Hence Sarawak First.

CONCLUSION

Datuk Amar Speaker,

118. 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.

119. 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.

120. Lastly, I would like to take this opportunity to wish all Sarawakians Merry Xmas & Happy 2019.

Sekian Terima Kasih & Salam Ibupertiwiku