Harmony, unity are our pillars of strength, premier tells Sarawakians

KUCHING, Dec 31 2025: Premier Abang Johari Openg called on all people, regardless of race and religion, to continue to preserve the harmony and unity that are the pillars of Sarawak’s strength.

Premier Abang Johari Openg: In terms of infrastructure, more than 1,000 kilometers of new and upgraded roads have been completed. 

 In his New Year’s message, he said the journey does not end in the year 2025, pointing out that the year 2026 promises more opportunities and development which Sarawakians will realise together.

“The year 2026 marks an important phase in the effort to become a developed region by 2030, with a focus on a high-impact economy and infrastructure development for the future,” he said.

“The year also brings a new light with the operation of AirBorneo, which will increase air connectivity and boost tourism, trade and mobility of the people,” the premier said.

He said Sarawak continues to record meaningful progress through the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030, saying that throughout 2025, Sarawakians witnessed clear progress in socio-economic development that brought well-being to the people.

“In terms of infrastructure, more than 1,000 kilometers of new and upgraded roads have been completed.

“The development of the Pan Borneo Highway, with the main section now fully completed, makes travel safer and faster, while opening up the potential for economic growth in urban and rural areas,” the premier said.

Abang Johari said the quality of life of the people has also been improved through the supply of clean water, electricity and increasingly widespread internet coverage.

He added digital transformation is driven by world-class data centres, the use of AI and cloud, and more efficient and user-friendly e-government systems.

He said to ensure that the people enjoy comprehensive development, human capital development is the core of the progress.

“TVET training, the provision of scholarships, and the implementation of the Sarawak Free Higher Education Scheme (FTES) starting in 2026 will ensure that more Sarawakians enjoy access to quality education without financial constraints.

“To ease the burden of the cost of living, the Sarawak government will continue to implement the Sarawak Basic Needs Contribution (SKAS) with a higher allocation of RM640 million in 2026, to ensure that household well-being is maintained,” he said.

He stressed that the state government remains committed to preserving forests, rivers and biodiversity as well as strengthening the development of clean energy to ensure that environmental sustainability is maintained for future generations.

He said the unity of the people of Sarawak remains the state’s main strength, adding that progress can be built with technology and capital, but the real strength of Sarawak is built from the hearts of its united people.

Governor, wife hope 2026 will bring peace, clarity in direction and strength of spirit in the community

KUCHING, Dec 31 2025: Sarawak Governor Tun Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife, Toh Puan Fauziah Mohd Sanusi expressed their hope that the coming year will bring peace, clarity of direction and strength of spirit to the community.

Caption: Governor Tun Wan Junaidi says the year 2026 is expected to be a space for reflection 

In their New Year’s Eve message, Wan Junaidi said the new year must be used as a platform to strengthen commitment, streamline implementation and ensure that every effort is translated into results that benefit everyone.

“In this context, the spirit of togetherness, mutual respect and the bonds of friendship must continue to be preserved as the foundation for the stability, progress and well-being of Sarawak,” he said.

He also prayed that all the people would be blessed with long-lasting health, harmony in family life, success in every endeavor and a continuous atmosphere of peace and prosperity.

“The year 2026 is expected to be a space for reflection, sowing gratitude and moving forward with a stronger resolve for the future of Sarawak and future generations,” he said.

Kuching Division braces for severe flooding until January 1 2026

KUCHING, Dec 31 2025: The Drainage and Irrigation Department today issued a warning that many low-lying areas in Kuching Division will experience severe flooding between now and Jan 1, 2026 due to a surge in monsoon that could bring in heavy rain.

Caption: Flooding at Kampung Sinar Budi, Batu Kawa 

The low-lying areas within 5km around the Sarawak River Basin are at Sarawak General Hospital, Jalan Mcdougall, Jalan Matang, Kg Sungai Bedaun, Jalan Mendu, Jalan Tong Wei Tah, Jalan Ong Tiang Swee,

Jalan Liu Shan Bang, Jalan Penrissen, Kampung Sinar Budi Baru, Taman Desa Wira, Jalan Ketitir, Jalan Burung Lilin and Jalan Sungai Tengah.

The other low-lying areas are at Jalan Tabuan, Padang Merdeka, Jalan Kwong Lee Bank, Kg Buso and Kg Segong.

The department said the low-lying areas expected to experience flooding around Batang Kayan Basin are Kampung Stunggang Melayu Baru, Kg Stunggang Melayu Lama, Kg Semunin, Kg Dagang, Pekan Lundu, Kg Seling Melayu, Kg Sileng Dayak and Kg Sungai Lundu.

Following the continuous rain warning (severe) by the Malaysian Meteorological Department dated  December 31, 2025, 6.30am, as well as the river water status which is predicted to rise and will exceed the danger level.

Flooding is predicted to occur in several parts of Sarawak until 11pm on January 1, 2026.

The predicted flooding may occur earlier or later than expected.

The warning is issued to enable all residents, especially in areas where flooding is expected, to be vigilant and comply with the instructions of the authorities or flood disaster management agencies.