French global energy company expresses interest in large-scale solar projects in Sarawak

SINGAPORE, April 22 2026:  TotalEnergies, a  global energy company from France, has expressed  interest in expanding its involvement in large-scale solar projects, including onshore and floating installations, as well as sharing its experience in renewable energy development  in Sarawak region.

 Caption: Deputy Premier Awang Tengah Ali Hasan (seated, third from left) in discussions with representatives of the Fraench energy company

In a media statement issued by Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas), the French company shows its interest during a discussion with Deputy Premier Awang Tengah Ali Hasan and members of the Sarawak delegation here.

The discussions focused on efforts to harness Sarawak's natural resources as well as the company's global expertise, with both parties sharing aspirations towards a more sustainable energy future, particularly in the solar, hydro and biomass sectors.

Sarawak expressed its commitment to expanding its green energy capacity.

In the oil and gas sector, both parties also assessed opportunities for continued cooperation, taking into account Sarawak's position as a state rich in gas resources and plans to meet domestic and international needs.

Discussions also covered emerging areas such as Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) technologies, which are seen as capable of supporting carbon emission reduction efforts.

In addition, the strategic collaboration through the TotalEnergies joint venture with Masdar is seen as having the potential to accelerate the development of renewable energy in the Asia Pacific region, with Malaysia among the markets being focused on.

This move reflects Sarawak’s readiness to move more aggressively in strengthening the future energy sector, while also attracting high-quality investments from global companies.

Also participating in the meeting was Deputy Minister of International Trade, Industry and Investment  Malcom Mussen Lamoh.

The meeting  was held while Awang Tengah was here to open the Sarawak Pavilion at the Food & Hospitality Asia (FHA) 2026

14yo boy dies of drowning at Kampung Segubang

BAU, April 22 2026: A 14-year old boy died of drowning in a river near Kampung Segubang here this afternoon.

Caption: The search team found the body of the 14-year old boy 

His body was found about 90 minutes after he was reported to have disappeared under water while he and his five friends were swimming.

Bau Fire and Rescue Department, in a statement, said it received an emergency call at 4pm from the headman of Kampung Segubang, informing of an  incident.

It said the victim was reported to be a 14-year-old boy who was bathing with four of his friends before the incident occurred.

Upon arrival at the scene of the incident, the victim was found to have drowned in the river as reported.

A rescue team was  initiated in the area where the victim was last seen using the Water Surface Searching technique and free diving by personnel on duty.

At about 5.35pm, the victim was found at a depth of approximately 10 meters and a distance of approximately 15 meters from the last location where the victim was reported to have drowned.

The victim was confirmed dead at the location by  the personnel from the Ministry of Health.

The victim's body was handed over to the police for further action.

 

Stampin MP asks state govt if it has obstained bus licence for school buses for Kuching Chung Hua Primary School No. 6

KUCHING,  April 22 026: Stampin Member of Parliament Chong Chieng Jen (picture) has asked the state government to explain if it has obtained the necessary school bus licence for buses for Kuching Chung Hua Primary School No. 6.

He said he was informed that the free school buses have still failed to obtain the licence issued by the Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (LPKP)  since its operation in January this year.

“While we support the provision of free school bus services for all students, there should not be any compromise on regulatory compliance and safety standards,” Chong said in a statement today.

“It is a regulatory requirement that all school buses must be equipped with the licence,” he said, pointing out that this is not a trivial administrative matter.

“School buses are subject to strict regulatory requirements by LPKP for good reason. These include vehicle inspections, driver background checks, proper training, Public Service Vehicle (PSV) licence of the driver, proper insurance coverage, and adherence to safety protocols.

“Licensing frameworks exist to ensure that children are transported in vehicles that meet stringent safety criteria and are operated by qualified personnel,” the Sarawak DAP chairman said.

“If these buses have been deployed without full compliance, it raises serious concern,” he said and asked if these drivers are adequately vetted and trained.

“Have the vehicles undergone proper safety inspections? Is there sufficient insurance coverage in the event of an accident?” he asked.

He said he has been informed that to this day, all the 12 free school buses initiated ny a state legislative member (SLM) and endorsed by the Sarawak government have still failed to obtain the proper licence from LPKP to operate the school bus services.

He added the government would do well to address these concerns proactively, saying that a public disclosure of licensing status, safety audits, and compliance measures would go a long way in reassuring families.