MBKS wins big at the Green and Geopark Excellence Awards 2026 presentation

KUCHING: Kuching South City Council (MBKS) emerged as the biggest winner at the Green and Geopark Excellence Awards 2026 presentation, taking home six awards — the highest number received by any single recipient - last night.

Caption: MBKS mayor Wee Hong Seng (third from right) at the Green and Georpark Excellence Awards presentation

The accolades recognised MBKS’s comprehensive initiatives across sustainable city leadership, environmental education, recycling, community participation, food security, and green infrastructure.

They were presented by Deputy Premier and Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government Dr Sim Kui Hian.

Among the honours received was the Outstanding Sustainable City Transformation Leadership award, presented in recognition of Kuching South Council mayor Wee Hong Seng’s personal leadership in driving sustainable urban development.

MBKS also earned accolades for its Community Composting Education Programme using the Takakura method under Environmental Education and Awareness, the iBuyBack digital recycling system under Green Technology Innovation, Bank Sampah under Community Circularity Pioneer, the Kuching Farmer Market under Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security, and the ESG Smart Pole under Smart Green Infrastructure Innovation.

Wee said sustainability had been one of his key priorities since taking over the Mayorship in September 2019.

"My belief was simple. We should not only manage the city for today. We must prepare Kuching South for the generations to come," he said.

"Since then, MBKS has continued to put this commitment into practice through environmental protection, waste reduction, circular economy initiatives, greener public spaces, community participation and healthier living.

"The Community Composting Education Programme teaches the community to turn food waste into compost using the Takakura method, helping to reduce waste and produce compost for plants.

"Meanwhile, iBuyBack uses digital technology to support recycling, while Bank Sampah encourages community involvement in recovering recyclable materials. Kuching Farmer Market supports local producers and access to food, and the ESG Smart Pole forms part of the Council’s efforts to incorporate green technology into city infrastructure."

Wee said he was deeply honoured to receive the Outstanding Sustainable City Transformation Leadership award, adding that the recognition reflected the support of Councillors, staff, partners and the community. 

Petros, SoftBank Group and Grab Holdings sign Framework Agreement to develop AI and digital infrastructure platform in Sarawak

KUCHING, Oct 8 2026 — SoftBank Group Corp, Grab Holdings Limited and Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros) today signed a Framework Agreement (FA) to explore the development of an artificial intelligence (AI) and digital infrastructure platform in Sarawak, in a move to expand the state’s participation in the high-value technology economy.

Caption: Premier Abang Johari Openg (second right) with (from left) Janin Girie, Masayoshi Son and Anthony Tan Ping Yeow after the signing of the Framework Agreement

The FA was signed by Masayoshi Son, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of SoftBank Group Corp; Anthony Tan, Group Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Grab; and Janin Girie, Group Chief Executive Officer of Petros.
 
The signing, witnessed by Premier Abang Johari Openg, took place at the Satria Pertiwi Complex.

The agreement provides a framework for SoftBank, Grab and Petros to assess and develop a roadmap for an AI and digital infrastructure platform in Sarawak.
 
The phased initiative will explore AI computing and services, advanced technologies, robotics, workforce development and community participation, with the aim of building the infrastructure and capabilities needed to support high-value technology industries.

Under the framework, SoftBank is set to provide expertise in AI infrastructure, advanced computing, semiconductors and physical AI, while Grab contributes its applied AI capabilities and Southeast Asian digital ecosystem.
 
Petros, meanwhile, will contribute its experience in harnessing Sarawak’s energy resources to drive economic development through the Sarawak Gas Roadmap and as the Master Developer of Kuching Low-Carbon Hub (KLCH).
 
The collaboration supports Sarawak’s ambition to develop a high-value, technology-driven economy and strengthen its position as a destination for AI infrastructure and advanced technology industries.
 
It aligns with the state’s aspiration to achieve high-income status by 2030 under the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030, while complementing Malaysia’s digital economy and AI agenda under the Ekonomi MADANI framework and the Thirteenth Malaysia Plan.

The partnership is expected to create opportunities to attract strategic investment, develop Malaysian and Sarawakian talent and capabilities, and catalyse technology-driven economic activities across Sarawak, Malaysia and the wider region.

The initiative could further contribute to the expansion of Malaysia’s digital infrastructure and connectivity, including through the Jalinan Digital Negara (JENDELA) initiative.

The agreement marks another step in Sarawak’s efforts to build an integrated ecosystem where energy, digital infrastructure, advanced technology and human capital can support the state’s next phase of economic development. 

By combining the respective strengths of SoftBank, Grab and Petros, the collaboration provides a platform to explore new AI-related opportunities while strengthening Sarawak’s role in the emerging regional digital economy. 

Pakistani delegation on official visit to study the implementation of Child-Friendly Cities Initiative from Kuching South

KUCHING, Oct 8 2026: An 11-member delegation from Pakistan is here for an official study visit, focusing on the implementation of UNICEF’s Child Friendly Cities Initiative (CFCI) by Kuching South City Council (MBKS).

Caption: MBKS mayor Wee Hong Seng (right) in discussions with the delegation from Pakistan

Led by director of the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) Muhammad Ubaid Iqbal, the delegation comprises six representatives from the LDA, two officials from other urban authorities in Lahore, and three members of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) Pakistan team.

The delegation paid a courtesy call on MBKS mayor Wee Hong Seng, who shared the counci's governance framework and experiences in integrating children’s views into municipal planning, programmes, and policy decisions.

The study visit aims to gain insights into how child-friendly city development is structured institutionally and translated into practical community outcomes, particularly concerning child participation, local planning, inclusive public spaces, and family-friendly infrastructure.

Wee explained that MBKS’s CFCI model combines active community involvement with a formal platform through the Kuching South Child Council, which empowers children aged 12 to 16 from diverse backgrounds to discuss local issues, develop leadership skills, and contribute directly to city governance.

"Children experience our city differently. They may notice an unsafe crossing on their way to school or a public space where they do not feel comfortable. Listening to them helps us understand what needs attention in our planning and daily work. 

“The Child Council must serve a meaningful purpose. Children’s participation should go beyond attending an event or being asked for their opinions. There must be a way for their views to be considered when we develop programmes and make decisions affecting them," Wee emphasised.

He added that MBKS’s CFCI Plan of Action focuses on four core pillars: survival and development, learning, protection, and participation. 

Guided by these pillars, MBKS collaborates with government agencies, schools, and community organisations to execute school safety audits, road safety campaigns, mental health awareness drives, and peer-led youth engagement initiatives.

During the visit, the Pakistani delegates met directly with members of the Kuching South Child Council to observe how youth perspectives are incorporated into local policymaking.

He highlighted that building a child-friendly city requires strong inter-agency partnerships and yields broader social benefits, noting that safer pedestrian routes, accessible community amenities, and inclusive public spaces ultimately benefit families, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities across Kuching South.

Puncak Borneo MP proposes the creation of a Malaysia Food Security Framework under the Food Act 1983

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 8 2026: Puncak Borneo Member of Parliament Willie Mongin has proposed, as a long-term measure, the creation of a Malaysia Food Security Framework 2030 under the Food Act 1983.

Caption: Puncak Borneo MP Willie Mongin says that the national food security system needs to be modernized in tandem with the evolving business ecosystem

To strengthen the national food security framework, he also proposed enhancing the digital traceability system by expanding the Food Security Information System of Malaysia (FoSIM) platform into a National Food Safety Data and Traceability System, capable of recording digital profiles for high-risk products.

He said a mandatory product recall system must also be established to ensure hazardous food products can be systematically withdrawn from the market, rather than relying entirely on voluntary action by manufacturers.

Furthermore, he emphasized the principle of primary manufacturer responsibility in ensuring the safety of marketed products and called for stricter action against intentional food fraud.

At the same time, he also suggested that Malaysia examine international best practices, including those from the United States, European Union, China, and Singapore, and adapt them to the local context to develop a food safety regulatory system that is more modern, effective, and inclusive. – 

Debating the Food (Amendment) Bill 2026 in Parliament today, Willie said the national food security system needs to be modernized in tandem with the evolving business ecosystem, without sidelining the role of small traders and micro-enterprises.

He said the Bill  should be supported to ensure food security controls remain relevant in addressing current challenges.

He welcomed the introduction of Section 11A—which stipulates penalties of up to 10 years' imprisonment or fines of up to RM500,000 for related offenses—as well as Section 8A(1), which empowers officers to access digital information and data.

However, he noted that the implementation of the law must be balanced with an approach focused on guidance and awareness, rather than being solely punitive towards local small traders. “We cannot simply blame them; instead, we need to provide guidance, raise awareness, and offer instructions on safe food processing, packaging, and distribution in compliance with regulations before enforcing these amendments.

“It would be unfair for punitive action to precede education,” he said.

Willie urged the federal government to hold specific discussions with state governments, particularly the State Attorney-General’s (SAG) offices of Sabah and Sarawak, given that food security falls under the Concurrent List.

Meanwhile, Batang Sadong Member of Parliament Rodiyah Sapiee said the implementation of the proposed amendments to the Food Bill 2026 must take into account the capabilities of small-scale traders, particularly rural entrepreneurs in Sarawak.

She welcomed the amendments, including the introduction of the "Food Contact Materials" concept, which ensures that food safety standards extend to the packaging materials and containers used.

However, she emphasized that the implementation of these new standards must consider the situation of small traders who still rely on traditional packaging methods.

"We must ensure that a sound policy formulated at the federal level does not become overly difficult for small hawkers and rural entrepreneurs to implement," she said.

She noted that Sarawak holds immense potential in the production of local food items, such as kek lapis (layered cake), gula apong (nipah palm sugar), and keropok (fish crackers)—by small traders and rural entrepreneurs.

Consequently, she urged the Ministry of Health (MoH) to provide a transition period, guidelines, and appropriate support to assist traders in meeting the new requirements.

Rodiyah also called on the MoH to strengthen the monitoring of food sales via digital platforms and to enhance enforcement cooperation with relevant agencies.

Institution of community leaders needs to be further strengthened to ensure the survival of Adat Iban, says Uggah

SIBU, Oct 8 2026: The institutions of Community leaders and headmen, especially Penghulu, Pemancha and Temenggong, need to be further strengthened to ensure the survival of Iban Custom and strengthen their role in the Bumiputera Court system in Sarawak.

Caption:Deputy Premier Douglas Uggah says community leaders must  have a deep understanding of custom is very important to enable them to explain its meaning and importance to the younger generation, thus becoming a link between traditional custom practices and changes in the lives of modern society

Deputy Premier Douglas Uggah Embas said that community leaders at the grassroots level not only need to master knowledge related to custom, but also understand the principles, rationale and context of its implementation so that the heritage continues to be preserved and can be passed on to future generations.

“We want community leaders who not only know custom, but also understand the principles, rationale and context of custom,” he said at the opening of the 2026 Iban Custom Symposium here today.

He added that a deep understanding of custom is very important to enable them to explain its meaning and importance to the younger generation, thus becoming a link between traditional custom practices and changes in the lives of modern society.

In this regard, he hoped that the 2026 Iban Custom Symposium could be a platform to detail the roles and responsibilities of the community leaders in the upcoming upgraded Bumiputera Court system.

He said that the views and feedback from various stakeholders also need to be taken into account in formulating new guidelines that are in line with the needs of custom and the current reality of society.

In the meantime, Uggah stressed that custom and law should not be seen as two separate or contradictory elements, but rather need to be understood comprehensively based on the historical context, community life and the legal framework in force.

He explained that Sarawak has extensive experience in managing the customary affairs of indigenous communities, hence any effort to strengthen customary institutions must take into account the close relationship between cultural heritage, community life and the state's legal system.

Also present were Minister in the Premier's Department John Sikie Tayai, Trustee of the Dayak Cultural Foundation Leonard Linggi Jugah, Deputy Minister in the Premier's Department (Bumiputera Law and Custom) Jefferson Jamit Unyat, Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government of Sarawak,  Dr Penguang Manggil, Deputy Sarawak Secretary (Administration) Felicia Tan Ya Hua, Head of the Sarawak Customs and Traditions Council Dr Neilson Ilan Mersat and Secretary of the Sarawak Customs and Traditions Council, Elsie William.

Sarawak Infectious Disease Centre and a UK university to undertake research project on African Swine Fever in Sarawak

KUCHING, Oct 8 2026: The Sarawak Infectious Disease Centre (SIDC) has entered into a strategic partnership with the University of Sheffield, United Kingdom, through an international research project aimed at strengthening efforts to understand, predict, and prevent the spread of African Swine Fever (ASF) in Sarawak, Southeast Asia, and the United Kingdom.

Caption: Deputy Minister Dr Annuar Rapaee says securing the research grant demonstrates SIDC’s capability to forge strategic partnerships with international institutions in tackling the challenges posed by infectious diseases.

The project, funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) with a total allocation of £3.4 million, is one of 18 research projects announced today.

Led by Professor Peter J. Dodd from the University of Sheffield, the research also involves the University of Liverpool, the National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC) in Thailand, and the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) Sarawak.

ASF is a highly contagious viral disease affecting domestic and wild pigs, though it poses no threat to human health.

However, its spread can cause mass livestock mortality, thereby resulting in significant economic and social impacts on farmers and communities reliant on the industry.

The research will focus on the genetic diversity of the virus, its evolution, and transmission patterns, while also reinforcing SIDC’s role as a regional genomics reference centre for ASF.

The study's findings are expected to support the development of SIDC’s vaccine strategies and the harmonisation of ASF control measures in the region, helping farmers, authorities, and policymakers address the threat of the disease more effectively.

Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development and chairman of the SIDC Board of Directors, Dr Annuar Rapaee said that securing the research grant demonstrates SIDC’s capability to forge strategic partnerships with international institutions in tackling the challenges posed by infectious diseases.

Meanwhile, SIDC chief executive officer, Associate Professor Ivan K.S. Yap explained that the project combines expertise in genomic sequencing, the experience of livestock farmers, and the specialized knowledge of SIDC and DVS Sarawak to generate scientific evidence aimed at protecting the livestock industry and the communities that rely on it.

This cross-border collaboration also strengthens the SIDC’s relationship with the University of Sheffield—established through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in November 2024—encompassing joint research, staff and student exchanges, and capacity building in the control and prevention of infectious diseases in Borneo.

Federal government remains committed to empowering and safeguarding the welfare of independent oil palm smallholders, says deputy minister

KUCHING, Oct 8 2-26: Deputy Minister of Plantation and Commodities Huang Tiong Sii said that the federal government remains committed to empowering and safeguarding the welfare of independent smallholders (PKP) nationwide, including in Sarawak, through various productivity incentives and continuous agricultural input support aimed at increasing their yields and income. 

Under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), he said the federal government, through the Ministry of Plantation and Commodities,, provides the Oil Palm Smallholder Replanting Financing Incentive Scheme 2.0 (TSPKS 2.0) to assist smallholders in replanting to replace old and unproductive oil palm trees. 

Huang was responding Lubok Member of Parliament (MP) Roy Angau anak Gingkoi who asked the Minister of Plantation and Commodities whether the government plans to provide continuous productivity incentives—including input assistance such as fertilizers—to independent oil palm smallholders who are active and compliant with MSPO certification, in order to enhance productivity and income. 

He said the scope of input assistance under this Scheme includes the supply of quality oil palm seedlings, fertilizers, pesticides, and equipment for plantation maintenance and the control of "Ganoderma" infestations, particularly during the early stages of growth. 

"Furthermore, for independent smallholders actively cultivating mature plantations and complying with the Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) certification, the ministry, through the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB), continuously provides incentive support. 

"This includes covering the full cost of MSPO certification audits, training on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), technical advisory services on prudent fertilizer application via Sustainable Palm Oil Clusters (SPOC), and the distribution of physical incentives—such as chemical storage racks and personal protective equipment (PPE)—to eligible smallholders. 

"Therefore, it can be concluded that the government has been and continues to provide productivity incentives to independent smallholders and is committed to further strengthening these efforts," Huang said in Parliament.