Letter to Editor: Complaints against failing solar system have existed in Hulu Rajang parliamentary constituency

 I refer to a report by *Borneo Post Online* titled “RM50.49 million needed to fix failing solar systems in Baram, says Telang Usan rep,” which highlights the need for an allocation of RM50.49 million to repair malfunctioning solar systems in the Baram region.

Caption: Senator Abun Sui Anyit and PKR Hulu Rajang branch chairman

A similar situation exists in several remote areas within the Hulu Rajang constituency, where solar system batteries are no longer capable of providing the 24-hour electricity supply required by the local residents.

This is not a new issue. Complaints regarding the failure of solar energy storage systems have persisted for over a year. Several months ago, I also received complaints from the residents of Long Lidem concerning this exact problem.

The question is: have these complaints been addressed, and have any repair works actually been carried out?

A 24-hour electricity supply is a basic necessity, not an optional luxury. For those living in remote areas, far removed from urban amenities, electricity is vital for daily living—providing lighting, enabling communication, and allowing for the preservation of hunted game and fish catches so that they do not spoil.

The failure of these solar systems—specifically the batteries, which are no longer functioning correctly—disrupts the daily lives of the residents and hinders them from carrying out their routine activities effectively.

In light of this, I urge the government and the relevant agencies to: Expedite the replacement of batteries for solar systems that are either damaged or no longer capable of storing sufficient energy.

Conduct a comprehensive inspection of solar systems in rural areas currently experiencing power supply disruptions.

Review previous complaints—including those from the residents of Long Lidem—and provide an update on the actions taken. Ensure that the batteries and replacement components provided are of high quality and capable of supporting a stable electricity supply 24 hours a day.

Provide regular maintenance to prevent the recurrence of the same issues, ensuring that residents are not left to endure the consequences for an extended period.

Residents in the interior of Sarawak also have the right to a reliable electricity supply. They should not have to continue facing power supply issues simply because they live far from urban centers.

I urge that this matter be given serious attention and that immediate action be taken. Do not leave the residents waiting indefinitely for a resolution to a fundamental problem that has persisted for over a year.
A stable electricity supply is crucial for improving the quality of life, safety, and well-being of communities in the interior.

YB SENATOR ABUN SUI ANYIT
Member of the Upper House
Head of the KEADILAN Hulu Rajang Branch

Don't allow GPS to win all the 82 seats in upcoming state election, PBK tells Sarawakians

MIRI, Oct 18 2026: Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK) said it intends to give a strong challenge to the ruling Parti Gabungan Sarawak (GPS) in the upcoming state election, telling Sarawakians not to allow GPS a clean sweep of all the 82 seats or else democracy will give the coalition too much power.

Caption: PBK president Voon Lee Shan (3rd from left) with five of the potential PBKs candidates in MIri

Its president Voon Lee Shan, however, said he is aware that GPS has the advantage of incumbency and the vast resources in their disposal.

He said in the coming election, PBK will be fighting a giant.

"PBK needs support from Sarawakians to fight in the elections," he said in a statement.

He said PBK's candidates, who are from working class people, have volunteered to contest under PBK which is fighting for more equitable share of the economy. 

"Sarawakians need to be informed that Sarawak is rich in natural resources and in oil and gas but the majority of its people still remain very poor," he said.

He said PBK is not against giving handouts to the people because of increase costs of living and soaring prices of essential goods affecting mostly middle and lower income groups.

He added many people have offered themselves to contest in the elections on PBK ticket but they need funds and material support 

He said any financial support and materials can be handed to any PBK candidate or be remitted to PBK Party Account: Hong Leong Bank Berhad Account - HLBB 018000 98039

He said financial support could also be handed directly to party secretary general Priscilla Lau or he himself.

Sarawak PKR restructures leadership council, Mahmud Epah appointed as new chairman

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 18 2026: The meeting of the Sarawak PKR leadership council with party president Anwar Ibrahim yesterday has reached several key decisions to strengthen the party's preparations for the upcoming 13th Sarawak state election.

Caption: Sarawak PKR leadership council meeting with parti president Anwar Ibrahim - Facebook picture/Fuziah Salleh

The meeting's primary focus is on election strategy and operational groundwork as part of a comprehensive preparation framework. 

"In this regard, the meeting, held in Kuala Lumpur, also agreed to a restructuring of the state leadership, with Mahmud Epah appointed as the new chairman of the Sarawak PKR leadership council, replacing Ahmad Nazib Johari," PKR secretary-general Fuziah Salleh said in her Facebook post.

She said Ahmad Nazib, however, will continue his role in strengthening ties between the central leadership and Sabah and Sarawak, in line with the party's focus on bolstering political networks in both regions.

Mahmud Epah has served as Sarawak PKR secretary and PKR Kota Samarahan branch secretary as well as central PKR ducation bureau chairman.

He contested as a PKR candidate for Asajaya state seat in the state election in December 2021.

Sarawak Infectious Disease Centre to conduct surveillance programme to identity trends of infectious diseases in any particular area

GEDONG, Oct 18 2026: The mobile laboratory unit of Sarawak Infectious Disease Centre (SIDC) will be running a disease surveillance programme across Sarawak to identify trends of infectious diseases that a particular area has, Premier Abang Johari Openg said today.

Caption: Premier Abang Johari Openg (centre)  giving a press conference after launching the disease surveillance programme run by Sarawak Infectiiys Disease Centre

He said this is to help the state government to control or eliminate the spread of the infectious diseases.

"If our health is affected, our productivity and our daily work will also be affected," he told reporters after launching the disease surveillance programme run by the mobile laboratory unit in Lubok Buntin here.

He said if the unit is able to produce samples from their researches and findings, the state government can come up with solutions to the curb or eliminate the infectious diseases from spreading.

He said the disease surveillance programme  will be carried out throughout Sarawak, including in Kuching and Serian divisions.

"We are looking at the lifestyles of the people, and it is possible that certain disease occurs in a particular area.

"One of which is cancer. This cancer can be prevented if we change our lifestyles and control the food we eat," he said.

At this moment, the premier said it has been found out that Kapit has a different kind of common disease and Simanggang has another.

"This is the kind of thing that we are conducting research on. We want to look at the trend. It is possible that we can come up with medicines from our natural diversity sources to cure the diseases.

"Among the diseases is Malaria which common in the tropical countries," Abang Johari said.

He added in Lubok Buntin, there are indications of the occurrence of worm infection among the people who may be infected through walking bare-footed or the water they drink or food they eat.

"we want to get the actual data so that can find solutions," he said.

The premier said there is an increasing trend among the people in Sarikei suffering from diabetes and in Sibu, there seems to be more people suffering from obesity.

"The other day, I was joking with Dr Annuar that obesity may be due to eating too much kampua mee, without control," he said, referring to Dr Annuar Rapaee, Nangka State Legislative Member and Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development.

292 students have receives educational incentives from Tasik Biru State Legistative Member

BAU, Oct 18 2026: A total of 292 students from the Tasik Biru state constituency have benefited from educational incentives amounting to RM114,100, distributed across four phases throughout 2026. 

Caption: Tasik Biru SLM Henry Harry Jinep with the beneficiaries of educational incentives

The initiative aims to alleviate the financial burden on students as they pursue higher education at various institutions of higher learning (IPT).

Of this total, 37 students received incentives amounting to RM15,200 during the fourth distribution phase, which was presented Deputy Minister of Transport (Riverine and Marine) and Tasik Biru State Legislative Member (SLM) Henry Harry Jinep.

The presentation ceremony took place at the Tasik Biru Service Centre meeting room, with recipients currently enrolled in various local higher education institutions, yesterday.

The beneficiaries include students pursuing foundation, certificate, diploma, and bachelor’s degree programmes.

The educational incentives are part of an ongoing effort to assist students in the Tasik Biru area in continuing their studies, thereby reducing the financial strain on their families—particularly in covering the initial costs associated with higher education.

Henry said the four distribution phases throughout the year reflects a sustained commitment to supporting human capital development, while creating more opportunities for the younger generation to enhance their academic achievements and skills.

Tanjong Manis MP pledges to help Semop Health Clinic gets ambulance from Ministry of Health

SEMOP, Oct 18 2026: Tanjong Manis Member of Parliament (MP) Yusuf Abd Wahab pledged to help Semop Health Clinic to have an ambulance to ensure that emergency response and patient transport can be carried out more swiftly and effectively, particularly for residents of the surrounding villages and longhouses.

Caption: Tanjong Manis MP Yusuf Abdul Wahab (left) visiting Semop Health Clinic

He said the provision of an ambulance is one of the most pressing needs identified during his visit to Semop Health Clinic yesterday.

He said an ambulance is crucial for supporting the clinic’s operations, especially when handling emergencies that require immediate action or the referral of patients to better-equipped healthcare facilities.

“In terms of equipment, the clinic urgently requires an ambulance for use during emergencies.

“Furthermore, there are several other requirements, such as additional air conditioning units, patient mattresses, laboratory equipment, a kitchen for food preparation, and a water dispenser,” he said during his brief
to Semop Health Clinic, after attending the *Gerakan Massa Masyarakat Desa* (GEMA) @ KKDW (Rural Community Mass Movement) programme in Kampung Semop.

During the visit, he also had the opportunity to meet with the medical officer in charge Dr Aisah, as well as several clinic staff members, to gain an understanding of the current situation and the clinic’s operations.

Yusuf was informed that the current number of staff is generally sufficient to support the clinic’s operations, though some minor shortages still exist.

He emphasized, however, that the need for adequate facilities and equipment must be addressed to ensure that the clinic can provide the best possible healthcare services to the local community.

“Once I receive a complete list from the clinic, I will forward these requirements to the Ministry of Health.” 

“This is important because the clinic receives approximately 600 visitors each month, comprising residents from nearby villages and longhouses,” he said.

Therefore, he hopes that the need for an ambulance and additional equipment will be considered and duly addressed, in order to strengthen the capacity of the Semop Health Clinic to provide efficient, safe, and effective healthcare services to the local population.

Early detection to help mitigate threat of heart disease important, Dr Sim reminds

KUCHING, Oct 18 2026: Deputy Premier Dr Sim Kui Hian stressed the importance of early detection to help mitigate the threat of heart disease that remains a major health concern in both Malaysia and Sarawak.

Caption: Deputy Premier Dr Sim Kui Hian says heart disease does not only affect the elderly; it can also impact younger individuals, underscoring the need to focus on adopting a healthy life

He said the public should be aware of their own blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels to enable proactive preventive measures.

“Prevention means you must also know your health readings, including your cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels,” he said at the state-level World Heart Day celebration held at the Kuching Civic Centre here today.

Dr Sim, a trained cardiologist, added heart disease does not only affect the elderly; it can also impact younger individuals, underscoring the need to focus on adopting a healthy lifestyle.

He advised the public to maintain a balanced diet and monitor their blood sugar levels to help manage the risk factors associated with heart disease.

Dr Sim, who is also the state Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government, highlighted the vital role of the Sarawak Heart Foundation in expanding public education and awareness regarding the prevention of heart disease, as well as supporting initiatives that encourage the community to prioritise their health.

He said the World Heart Day celebration with the theme “Don’t Miss a Beat” reminds the public that every individual has a part to play in safeguarding heart health through prevention and early action.

Also present were members of the Sarawak Heart Foundation Board of Trustees Jamilah Anu and Anne Teng.