(UPDATED) Over 93,800 individuals in Sarawak eligible to apply for BUDI Agri-Commodity Programme, says federal minister

SARIKEI, Aug 15 2026:  A total of 93,819 individuals in Sarawak have been identified as eligible to apply for the BUDI Agri-Commodity Programme which provides a cash contribution of RM400 per month to smallholders in the oil palm, rubber, cocoa, pepper and kenaf sectors.

Caption:  Minister Dr Noraini Ahmad visiting a pepper garden in Julau

Minister of Plantations and Commodities Dr Noraini Ahmad  explained that the assistance is among efforts to help smallholders facing pressure from input and fuel costs, in addition to the challenges of labour shortages, weather changes, crop disease attacks and difficulties in bringing produce to market. 

“The government has made an announcement on the expansion of the BUDI Agri-Commodity Programme to farmers and smallholders in Sabah and Sarawak and based on records up to June 2026, " she said.

“A total of 93,819 individuals in Sarawak have been identified as eligible to apply, subject to the conditions that have been set, that is why agency representatives, officer representatives are here to provide explanations on the registration eligibility and application procedures,” she said when officiating the MADANI Agri-Commodity Carnival Programme at the Sarikei Central Hall.

She said that support for smallholders should not be limited to providing incentives, but rather should be followed by efforts to increase the value of agri-commodity products.

The minister also said that the application of modern technology in pepper crop management is able to increase the production efficiency and productivity of smallholders, thus supporting efforts to strengthen the country's commodity industry.

This matter was highlighted during a working visit by the minister to the pepper farm owned by Nalong Jantan in Nanga Langu today.

Also participating was the Deputy Minister of Plantations and Commodities cum Member of Parliament for Sarikei who is also the Repok State Legislative Member (SLM) Huang Tiong Sii.

The visit gave her the opportunity to see for herself the use of technology and innovation at the farm level which can help farmers manage crops more systematically and increase production.

Among the technologies highlighted were the Dr.Lada application, the Piperspectral Project and the use of drones to monitor crop conditions and provide information to support farm management more effectively.

The use of fertigation systems, the Internet of Things (IoT) and fertilization methods were also seen as modern approaches to optimise crop care and the use of agricultural inputs.

The mechanization aspect was also given attention through demonstrations of pepper processing equipment at the farm level, including Pepper Splitters and Spiral separators, which can facilitate product handling and reduce dependence on traditional methods.

During the field trip session, the delegation also had the opportunity to hear firsthand the challenges and needs of smallholders, especially regarding farm management, increased productivity and efforts to increase income.

Sharing with farmers provided an overview of the actual condition of crops in the field and helped ensure that the technology and innovations introduced were in line with the needs of pepper farmers.

The program was followed by the symbolic harvesting of pepper fruits, which demonstrated the potential of using technology in improving operational efficiency and yield handling at the farm level.

 

His federal government will never sideline Sabah and Sarawak, Anwar reiterates

KUCHING, Aug 15 2026: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has reiterated that the federal government, under his leadership, has never sidelined Sabah and Sarawak, nor opposition-held states, in the national development agenda.

Caption: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim says Sabah and Sarawak must be part of the nation-building programme

"To our friends in Sabah and Sarawak, I want to say that whatever our weaknesses may be, this is the first party and government in history that does not view the demands of Sabah and Sarawak as side issues,” he said, quoted by the New Straits Times.

"It is a national agenda, and we want to succeed as one nation. Sabah and Sarawak must be part of this nation-building programme," he said n his policy speech at the 2026 PKR National Congress at the Melaka International Trade Centre (MITC) today.

The prime minister said he will make several announcements regarding changes to the government starting late this month, culminating in the tabling of 2027 Budget in early October.

Anwar also said he would address internal PH and other party matters.

"So I hope tomorrow, after we listen to the debate today and tomorrow, I will address what I can regarding policy, the unity government, and national programmes.

"Secondly, ahead of Independence Day on Aug 30, I will share my views before the historic day of Aug 31, and leading up to Malaysia Day on Sept 16 in Kuching.

“Following that, I will summarise several urgent changes that need to be implemented in the 2027 Budget this October.

"I have these three milestones, and God willing, we will execute them to the best of our ability," he said.

Also present were PKR and unity government leaders, including PKR deputy president Nurul Izzah Anwar, Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) chairman Hajiji Nor and Amanah president Mohamad Sabu.

Anwar, who is also the finance minister, acknowledged that the failure to translate policies effectively was not due to weak policies, but rather shortcomings in leadership communication.

"It is not the fault of the foundation; it is our own fault for lacking the skill to communicate effectively, and perhaps because certain matters have yet to be finalised.

"We cannot deny one thing: economic performance is good and all numbers are impressive, including Bank Negara's projection reaching up to six per cent for this quarter. But it will fail to touch and win the hearts of the people if our communication is weak," he sai

UCCN Grastronomy Pavilion blown off by strong winds and heavy wind this evening

KUCHING, Aug 15 2026: Strong winds and heavy rain this evening have blown off the Unesco Creative Cities Network (UCCN) Grastronomy Pavilion at Kuching Festival Fair, Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Wee Hong Seng said in a statement.

Caption: Mayor Wee Hong Seng (in black shirt) at the site of UCCN Grastronomy Pavilion

He said the strong winds caused the middle section of the pavilion's marque tent to be blown off, affecting several stalls within the area.

However, he said there were no injuries reported and everyone at the site is safe.

 

"As a precaution and to allow our team to carry out a full inspection, clean-up and necessary repair works, the UCCN Gastronomy Pavilion will be closed this eveing and tomorrow, Aug 16, 2026," Wee said in a statement posted on MBKS Facebook.

"However, I wish to emphasise that all other stalls and activities at the Kuching Festival Fair are not affected and will continue to operate as usual.

"The safety of our vendors, workers and members of the public remains our highest priority," he said, adding that MBKS does not want to take any unnecessary risks, particularly with the current weather conditions.

Wee said MBKS personnel are currently at the site assessing the damage and making the necessary arrangements to secure the affected structures and area.

"We apologise for any inconvenience caused and sincerely thank all vendors and members of the public for their understanding and cooperation," Wee offered.

 

MMMLL road project, when completed, expected to benefit Lubok Nibong Poyut community

MARUDI, Aug 15 2026:  The Miri–Marudi-Mulu-Long Panai-Long Lama (MMMLL) road project is expected to improve connectivity and open up new economic opportunities for the Lubok Nibong Poyut community.

Caption: Deputy Minister Gerawat Gala speaking at leaders-meet-people session

Deputy Minister in the Premier's Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring) Gerawat Gala said the construction of the approximately 142-kilometre alignment would strengthen the relationship between Miri, Marudi and Mulu.

"MMMLL is not just a road. It is a network that connects areas, opens up opportunities and changes the economic and social landscape of the community," he said when speaking at the leaders-meet-people session at Rumah Saut Aseng, Sungai Sebatang here yesterday.

Gerawat, who is also the Mulu State Legislative Member (SLM), said construction work is now starting to be seen, including before the Marudi bridge and around the Rumah Stephen Kalong junction.

According to him, when connected to the Second Trunk Road/Sarawak-Sabah Link Road Phase Two (SSLR2), MMMLL will complete the communication network in northern Sarawak and open up development potential in the agriculture, trade and tourism sectors.

He said that the increased access will also benefit the Poyut Lubok Nibong community through better connections to markets and services.

The program also provides briefing sessions by various government agencies on services and programs that can be used by the community.

At the same ceremony, Polen Gelau was appointed as the Tuai Rumah of Kampung Sungai Melikat while Tua Layat was appointed as the Tuai Rumah of Kampung Long Patan for the 2026–2027 session.

A total of 29 Village Development and Security Committees (JKKK) also received certificates of appointment registration for the same session.

Gerawat also expressed his appreciation to community leaders who completed their terms of service for their contributions to the community.

Also present were Marudi District Officer Rose Edward Tarang, Marudi District Iban Community leader and Lubok Nibong Poyut development advisor Pemanca Randie Bundan and Miri Division Iban Community leader Temenggong Boniface Bada Enjah.

Ship worker rescued after falling into river in Simanggang

SIMANGGANG, Aug 15 2026: The swift action by two members of the Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK) Kampung Tengah, Simanggang, successfully rescued a stone ship worker who fell into the river in the Tanjung Apit area, Skait, near here, today.

Caption: The ship worker who was rescued by two members of JKKK Kampung Tengah

According to Simanggang Information Office, the victim was successfully found and rescued after floating for almost an hour on the surface of the water, relying on the life jacket he was wearing.

Kampung Tengah headman Kifli Morni said the rescue operation was carried out by two JKKK members Yusuf Ahmad and Sahpri Yahya who acted quickly using a rental boat as soon as they received information about the incident.

According to Kifli, the efficiency and concern shown by the rental boat team was commended for successfully preventing any untoward incident, given that the waters of Skait and Tanjung Apit are known for their strong river currents and crocodile habitats.

The victim, who was found safe and stable, was immediately lifted onto the boat and then taken to the bank for further action and health checks.

Kifli also expressed his highest appreciation and gratitude for the commitment and courage of the JKKK members involved, thus proving the importance of local community preparedness in handling emergency situations in local waters.

 

Diversify your agricultural activities, such as cultivating terong Dayak, Sikie tells longhouse communities

TATAU, Aug 15 2026: Minister in the Premier’s Department (Native Laws and Customs) John Sikie Tayai has encouraged longhouse communities to diversify their agricultural activities by cultivating high-potential crops such as terong Dayak and coffee plants as additional sources of income for their families.

Caption: Minister John Sikie Tayai says palm oil certainly provides a source of income for longhouse residents, but we can also cultivate other crops to increase income

He said such crops have the potential to be cultivated commercially, including through a group approach among longhouse residents.

"Palm oil certainly provides a source of income for longhouse residents, but we can also cultivate other crops to increase income, including terong Dayak and coffee plants," he said.

He was speaking at the closing of the Agriculture Community Outreach Programme (AgriCOP) at Rumah Siba, Nanga Setengin, Ulu Anap, yesterday.

According to him, the implementation of AgriCOP also helps improve the knowledge and skills of farmers in terms of management and care of crops to ensure optimum production.

Principal assistant director of the extension division of the Sarawak Agriculture Department, Freddy Paul Giang, said that the two-day programme was attended by about 150 participants from 16 longhouses.

He said that among the contents of the programme were sharing on oil palm crops, grafting techniques, producing terong Dayak, cordial drinks and aspects of fish licensing.

The programme focused on efforts to encourage longhouse communities to venture into commercial agriculture as an additional source of income.

Also present were Tatau District Officer Calvin Ligong, Bintulu Division Agriculture Officer representative Roselind Anyi and Tatau District Agriculture Officer Joseph Mawan.