In his Christmas Day's message, Sarawak governor expresses his concern in the rise of bullying cases across the country

KUCHING, Dec 24 2025: Governor Tun Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar has expressed his concern in the rise of serious social issues, such as bullying cases reported across the country.

He said according to a report by the Ministry of Education of Malaysia, the number of bullying cases (physical, verbal, and cyber) in 2024 was 6,208 cases, indicating that this issue is serious.

“Road  accident cases are on the rise,” he said in his Christmas Day’s message.

He added local media reported that Sarawak recorded 19,964 road accident cases in 2024, an increase of 2.4 percent compared to 19,498 cases in 2023.

The governor also expressed his concern in the rise of house fire cases, noting that a total of 15 cases of house fires, including longhouses and private houses, occurred this year, indicating that many homes in Sarawak are still exposed to the risk of fire.

“These incidents cause loss of life and property, and we hope that such cases can be reduced in the future,” he said.

He said it is important for there to be cooperation between the government and the local community and the commitment of various parties to continue to take proactive steps in prevention, improvement, and more appropriate actions to deal with these cases rather than continuing to increase.

The governor also called on the people to wise in using and evaluating Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology, stating that although AI offers many benefits and conveniences, it also has dangers and risks that need to be paid attention to.

“These include manipulation and deception, the spread of false information, and propaganda that can affect individual privacy and security.

“It can even potentially trigger misunderstandings and racial divisions. Therefore, it is important for the government, industry and society to collaborate in setting regulations and standards for the safe, ethical and responsible use of AI,” he added.

He expressed his hope that the people of Sarawak do not blindly accept all information or content generated by AI., urging all citizens  to always check facts and maintain analytical thinking skills and be savvy, active, and ethical users of AI.

 

Much of next year's State Budget of RM12.91 billion is for development, especially for road construction, water and electricity supplies, says Abang Johari

KUCHING, Dec 24 2025: Premier Abang Johari Openg has explained that much of State Budget 2026 of RM12.91 billion will go to development, especially the provision of road infrastructure, water supply and electricity for the benefit of the people as well as creating an ecosystem conducive to Sarawak’s economic transformation.

Abang Johari Openg: I recently officiated the Miri–Marudi–Mulu–Long Panai–Long Lama (MMMLL) road project which will cost RM3.8 billion from Sarawak's own funds.
 

“We do not want to boast that our estimated revenue of RM13.1 billion and budget are big, but it reflects the GPS government’s commitment to expedite development,” he said in his Christmas Day’s message.

“Our state's income which has increased 2.4 times compared to the past eight years and is a blessing that should be shared with all Sarawakians in terms of infrastructure provision, basic amenities and human resource development,” the premier said.

Abang Johari said he recently officiated the Miri–Marudi–Mulu–Long Panai–Long Lama (MMMLL) road project which will cost RM3.8 billion from Sarawak's own funds.

He said the road with a main alignment of 142 kilometres is not just a road, but a new life and economic route that will open the door to development for communities that were previously only accessible by water or air transport.

“In addition, the recently commenced Sarawak–Sabah Link Road Phase 2 (SSLR2) project will also strengthen the road network in northern Sarawak, thus connecting the state with Sabah without having to go through Brunei,” he added.

He said the SSLR Phase 2 project is a continuation of the SSLR Phase 1 which started from Lawas to Long Luping and has now reached 57.6 percent implementation progress.

“Through the road, the people of northern Sarawak will no longer be burdened with crossing charges,passport matters or have to pass through immigration posts before reaching their destination,” he said.

He added  following the success of implementing the main road project, the Sarawak government willfully take over the 6,000-kilometer logging roads throughout Sarawak to become public roads by 2030.

“All these projects will strengthen connectivity in northern Sarawak and open up new economic potential, especially in the agriculture and rural tourism sectors,” he said.

Apart from its commitment to physical and economic development, the premier said the Sarawak government also places great emphasis on the development of highly skilled and knowledgeable human capital.

“ In this regard, starting in 2026, all Sarawakians who enroll in universities owned by the state government will receive free education under the Free Higher Education Scheme (FTES).

“A total of 64 undergraduate programmes have been identified to be included in the scheme, involving 10,000 students at a cost of RM250 million.

“This scheme is open to all eligible students regardless of family income, thus proving the government's commitment in providing education as a basic necessity.

“With this, we are not only investing in the future of individuals, but also investing in the future of Sarawak by providing a highly educated, competitive and capable workforce to drive a high-income economy, “ he said.

He stressed that in line with the initiative, the Sarawak government is also committed to strengthening the level of secondary school education through the establishment of the Sarawak International Secondary School (YSISS) Foundation.

“This initiative is a major step in the state's education strategy that offers the Cambridge Curriculum and aligns the Sarawak education system with international standards,” he said.

 

Tall order, but it is not impossible for Sarawak to be a Star economy of Asean, says premier

KUCHING, Dec 24 2025: Premier Abang Johari Openg believes that it is not impossible for Sarawak to achieve its vision of becoming a “Star” economy in Asean, though it is a tall order to realise. 

Abang Johari Openg: In the realm of natural gas, Sarawak is endowed with vast gas resources which would be used as feedstock for the petrochemical industry 

In his Christmas Day’s message, he said Sarawak has the strength and the resources to be the Star economy of Asean.

“Taking advantage of our vast river systems and hydropower capacity Sarawak is poised to become a leader in clean energy production, including pioneering green hydrogen and solar power production and export,” he said.

He added that Sarawak has been identified as a contributor to the proposed Asean Power Grid and a source of renewable energy generation and this will lend support to state’s aim of becoming a “battery” for the region.

“In the realm of natural gas, Sarawak is endowed with vast gas resources which would be used as feedstock for the petrochemical industry, including the building of necessary infrastructure such as gas pipelines and terminals.

“With billions in potential investment, this is expected to further invigorate the Sarawak

economy,” he said, adding that Sarawak is also fortunate that both its onshore and offshore geological structure present significant potential for carbon storage to support the Carbon

Capture Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) initiative.

“This initiative is expected to create a new revenue stream for Sarawak’s economy.

“The semiconductor industry promises to be another lucrative sector for Sarawak. Steps have been taken that will position Sarawak as a major player in the semiconductor ecosystem, focusing on compound chip design, research, and innovation,” the premier said.