PBK Voon: Justification for the increase in the number of SLA seats is weak and unconvincing

KUCHING, March 23 2026: Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK) president Voon Lee Shan (picture) has disagreed with the reasons given by Gabungan parti Sarawak (GPS) leaders for the increase in the number of Sarawak Legislative Assembly (SLA) seats from the present 82 to 99.

He said the justification of Sarawak’s vast geographical size as stated by the GPS leaders is weak and unconvincing.

“To date, no transparent study, independent report, or empirical data has been presented to prove that enlarging the legislature will improve governance, representation, or service delivery,” he said in a statement.

Voon said PBK is right to question this, saying that without evidence, this expansion looks less like a solution and more like a political exercise in patronage.

“An increase in political positions means an increase in public spending—more salaries, more allowances, more pensions, and more lifelong benefits borne by taxpayers.

“It raises a serious moral question - why should elected representatives qualify for pensions after a short stint in office—reportedly as little as around three years—while ordinary civil servants must dedicate decades of service to earn the same security?” he asked.

He claimed that this is not about strengthening democracy,  but it is about expanding the political class at public expense.

Voon, a former DAP State Legislative Member (SLM) for Batu Lintang, claimed that more lawmakers do not automatically mean better governance.

“In reality, under Malaysia’s parliamentary system, major decisions are shaped and finalized by the executive—by cabinet—not by the legislature.

“The SLA too often functions as a rubber stamp, endorsing decisions already made behind closed doors,” he said.

 

Eight container-type rooms in Bakun destroyed in a dawn fire

BELAGA, March 23 2026: Eight container-type rooms used as transit houses at the Rainbow Lodge in Bakun were destroyed in a dawn fire today.

Caption: A firefighter extinguishing the fire at the transit houses - Photo Belaga Bomba 

The eight rooms are part of the 24 rooms which are used as temporary lodging by the construction contractor.

Belaga Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba), in a statement, said it received a call about 4.05am and arrived at the scene at 5.20am, about 70km from Belaga town.

The department said the fire was put under control at 8.25am to prevent the fire from spreading to other nearby rooms.

The extinguishing operation was carried out using two units of first aid hoses, with water sources obtained.

Come up with science-based system as mass dog vaccination has failed to halt the spread of rabies, social activist tells govt

KUCHING, March 23 2026: Social activist Voon Shiak Nie has called on the state government to come up with a firm, sustained and science-based system to halt the spread of rabies and to the protect the people.

Social activist Voon Shiak Nie: I am of the view that the vaccination programme needs to be reviewed in its implementation and execution to enable Sarawak to be rabies - free  

She said the standard of practice of the measure to contain the spread of rabies is for the government  to  commit to comprehensive mass dog vaccination, targeting at least 70 per cent of the dog population statewide.

“But this measure has been done a few years ago during the outbreak of rabies but it seems that the measure has failed to free Sarawak from rabies,” she said in a statement.

“We appeal to the government of Sarawak to put the fight against rabies as the public health department's  priorities this year,” she said.

Voon reminded the state government that the public would like to know , if there is any new upcoming measure to be taken  by the government  to battle rabies this year before more dogs and cats are rabid .

“I am of the view that the vaccination programme needs to be reviewed in its implementation and execution to enable Sarawak to be rabies - free  .

“On the other hand , stray dog management must be humane and strategic. Indiscriminate culling is not a solution . It  is a temporary and ineffective measure that disrupts long-term control.

“Sarawak could  invest in Trap–Neuter–Vaccinate–Release (TNVR) programmes, combined with proper identification of vaccinated animals.

“It is also of crucial importance that there must be a robust surveillance and rapid response system,” she said.

She stressed that every animal bite and suspected rabies case must be reported, tracked, and acted upon immediately, saying that delays cost lives and that the response teams must be empowered to act within 24  hours to contain outbreaks.

“Equally critical is access to life-saving post-exposure treatment. Anti-rabies vaccines and immunoglobulin must be readily available in all hospitals and clinics, especially in rural areas.

“The public must be educated that any bite or scratch requires immediate medical attention—waiting can be fatal.

“The fight against rabies can only be more successful with the concerted efforts of both the government and the communities .

“Therefore , public awareness must be intensified and information on the potential dangers of rabies now must be disseminated effectively to the public,” Voon said, reminding that communities, schools, and rural populations must understand the risks, prevention methods, and the urgency of treatment.

 She also reminded that rabies control is not just a government responsibility—it is a shared societal duty.

“We also call for stricter enforcement of responsible pet ownership in not letting their dogs roam the neighborhood and also at public places like kopitiams and markets.

“Mandatory vaccination and control of dogs must not be optional,” she said, noting that rabies control requires a unified “One Health” approach.

“The Ministry of Health, Department of Veterinary Services, local authorities, and community organisations must operate as one coordinated system—not in silos.

“Sarawak has the resources and capacity to eliminate rabies. What is needed now is decisive leadership, sustained funding, and uncompromising implementation.

Voon said the deaths of three persons due to rabies infection in Sarawak this year, as reported by Deputy Premier and Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Dr Sim Kui Hian recently, have triggered an alarm that warrants urgent attention.

She said rabies is not a new threat in Sarawak, adding that it is a known, preventable, and controllable disease—yet it continues to claim lives and put communities in fear.

“Every rabies death is a failure of system, coordination, and political will,” Voon asserted.

She noted that rabies is spreading again and not only dogs but more cats are infected too, saying:” If the spread is unchecked , more lives will be at risk.”