Continuity of the GPS government is vital, Lee Kim Shin tells Sarawakians

KUCHING, Oct 19 2026: Transport Minister Lee Kim Shin has urged Sarawakians to unite under Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government, saying that they must recognise the importance of continuity in leadership, consistency in policy and stability in government to sustain Sarawak's growth and progress.

Caption: Minister Lee Kim Shin says equally important, Sarawak's continued progress rests on the unity and harmony of its people

He said the transformation that the GPS government is pursuing requires long-term commitment, adding developing infrastructure, nurturing skilled talent, strengthening connectivity and building new industries demand sustained investment, coordinated implementation and a clear direction.

"Continuity of the GPS government is therefore vital to carry these commitments through to completion and ensure that their benefits reach our people," he said in his winding up speech in the State Legislative Assembly (SLA) today.

He added the GPS government shall continue to turn the state's development plans into lasting improvements in employment, household incomes, public services and quality of life.

"Continuity also carries a responsibility: to remain responsive to the rakyat, uphold sound governance and be accountable for delivery. We must earn the people's confidence through our
service, our decisions and the results we achieve.

"Equally important, Sarawak's continued progress rests on the unity and harmony of its people," he said.

He said political stability gives the state government the confidence to plan, adding that policy continuity enables the state government to deliver. 

"Unity and harmony give us the strength to move forward together.

"At the same time, we must remain vigilant against opposition tactics that seek to sow doubt, create suspicion, divide our communities or misrepresent the Government's plans and initiatives. 

"Our people deserve accurate information and constructive proposals, not distorted facts, unfounded allegations or political manipulation. Those who seek to hold the government accountable must also be accountable for their own words and actions.

"Let us therefore sustain the continuity of our GPS government, strengthen effective delivery and preserve the unity that binds us as Sarawakians," he said.

Chong's call for state government to abandon development of new Kuching International Airport as short-sighted, glaring example of political double standards, says Lee

KUCHING, Oct 19 2026: Transport Minister Lee Kim Shin has described Padungan State Legislative Member (SLM) Chong Chieng Jen's argument to abandon the proposed new Kuching International Airport (KIA) not only short-sighted, but a glaring example of political double standards.

Caption: Minister Lee Kim Shin reminds Chong that the DAP-controlled Penang government has championed the Penang South Islands reclamation development, involving billions of ringgit, while the Mutiara Line Light Rail Transit project carries a budget ceiling of RM16.8 billion. 

"Talking about being short-sighted, this reminds me of a strikingly similar argument made by his own party's veteran leader Lim Kit Siang, nearly three decades ago during the development of the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), when he labelled it as a financial burden for our country. 

"Can you imagine what will happen today if KLIA was not developed and we stick to Subang Airport like what he proposed? KLIA that the DAP veteran once called a 'white elephant' is today handling 63.3 million passengers annually," Lee said in his winding up speech in the State Legislative Assembly (SLA) today.

Lee reminds Chong that the DAP-controlled Penang government has championed the Penang South Islands reclamation development, involving billions of ringgit, while the Mutiara Line Light Rail Transit project carries a budget ceiling of RM16.8 billion. 

"These projects are defended on the grounds of improving connectivity, attracting investments and preparing Penang for future growth," he said.

"Has the Honourable Member for Padungan ever demanded that the Penang government led by DAP abandon its multi-billion-ringgit reclamation project? Has he called for the cancellation of the Mutiara Line project because of its enormous
cost? 

"If these projects can be justified as long-term investments for Penang, why should the new KIA not be regarded as a long-term investment for Sarawak?" he asked.

Lee said Sarawak must not be denied the same right to develop, modernise and prosper as other states in Malaysia, saying:" We are almost the same size as the whole of Peninsular Malaysia with vast geographical distances, growing economic activities and communities that depend heavily on air connectivity that is still lagging behind. 

"Our airport is not merely a building to accommodate passengers. It is a strategic gateway for tourism, international trade, investments, air cargo, aviation services and Sarawak's future economic growth. Instead of asking the
Sarawak government to cancel this project, Chong should use his position as a Member of Parliament to advocate federal support for major infrastructure projects in Sarawak," Lee said.

He asked with Chong's five terms of tenure until now as an elected Member of Parliament, has he ever succeeded in securing any funding from the federal government for major infrastructure projects in Sarawak?

Lee described Chong's suggestion that the state government spent a few hundred million ringgit to upgrade the existing Kuching International Airport may sound attractive in the short term, but it fails to address the fundamental need for long-term aviation infrastructure planning. 

"Simply expanding the existing terminal does not automatically resolve limitations involving runway capacity, aircraft movements, airside infrastructure, cargo facilities, maintenance, repair and overhaul
(MRO) facilities and future expansion due to the existing Kuching International Airport having limited land size.

"Besides, having an airport in the middle of the city limits the development of high rise buildings within the surrounding areas," Lee stressed.

He explained that the proposal to build the new KIA is supported by a feasibility study undertaken by Netherlands Airport Consultants (NACO), a global airport consultant and engineering firm with 75 years of
experience in airport planning and development, involvement in more than 750 airports worldwide, which collaborate with the state's local consultant, Jurutera Jasa Sdn Bhd.

He said NACO's extensive international experience also includes major aviation hubs such as Amsterdam Schiphol, Singapore Changi, Incheon and Hamad International Airport. 

He added the completed study has concluded that Tanjung Embang is technically and operationally feasible for the proposed airport development.

He said the feasibility study projects that NKIA could contribute approximately RM1.8 billion annually to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2050 under the high-growth scenario, while supporting approximately 37,919 full-time equivalent jobs across the wider economy.

"During construction, Phase 1 could also support around 9,393 jobs annually over the projected six-year construction period," he said.

He said the study also projects that increased passenger traffic could generate RM3.99 billion in tourism receipts by 2050, adding that these benefits could attract new investments, strengthen local businesses, create employment opportunities and stimulate economic growth across Sarawak.

"We must plan not merely for the needs of today or just the next few years, but for the Sarawak of the next 25 to 50 years. The proposed the new KIA at Tanjung Embang is envisioned as a strategic catalyst for aviation-related
industries, logistics, tourism, investment and economic development. 

"Building on the completed feasibility study, the project's scope and implementation structure will be assessed against market demand, technical and regulatory requirements and financial viability," he said,

Kim Shin rejects Chieng Jen's proposal to halt development of ART system, saying Kuching needs dependable, high-capacity transport system

KUCHING, Oct 19 2026: Transport Minister Lee Kim Shin has flatly rejected Padungan State Legislative Member (SLM) Chong Chieng Jen's proposal for the state government to halt further development of the Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) system and convert its dedicated infrastructure into lanes for private cars and buses.

Caption: Minister Lee Kim Shin says  Kuching Urban Transportation System is planned to transform the way people move around Kuching.

He said such a proposal may appear to offer a convenient solution to today's traffic congestion. 

"However, it does not address the fundamental question before us: How do we move more people efficiently, rather than simply accommodate more vehicles on our roads?" he asked in his winding up speech in the State Legislative Assembly (SLA) today.

Lee reminded Chong that Kuching needs a dependable, high-capacity public transport system that provides a genuine alternative to private vehicles, saying that converting dedicated public transport corridors into general
traffic lanes would undermine the very purpose for which this infrastructure is being developed.

"The Kuching Urban Transportation System is planned to transform the way people move around Kuching. It is designed to encourage public transport use, reduce dependence on private vehicles, reduce road accidents and improve urban
mobility through an integrated transport network.

"The ART system will operate on dedicated lanes, allowing it to avoid much of the congestion affecting general traffic and providing a stronger foundation for reliable journey times.

"Complementing this backbone, feeder buses will connect residential neighbourhoods and surrounding communities to the ART network, making public transport more accessible and practical for everyday commuters," Lee said.

He said for the working population, this means having an alternative to the daily stress of driving, unpredictable journey times and hours lost in traffic. For students, senior citizens and families without access to private vehicles, it means improved access to employment, education, healthcare and other essential services.

He said the ART vehicles including buses being powered by hydrogen will further promote green mobility which contributes to environmental sustainability.

"We must therefore judge KUTS by its ability to deliver long-term public benefits, not simply by the construction activities or traffic inconvenience experienced during its implementation," he said.

Lee said other states are pursuing their own public transport initiatives to address the mobility challenges faced by their respective urban centres. 

"Penang is advancing its Mutiara Line Light Rail Transit (LRT) project, while Johor is pursuing the Elevated Autonomous Rapid Transit (E-ART) system. 

"Does the Honourable Member for Padungan want Sarawak to be left behind?"  he asked.

He said other state governments have come to Sarawak to learn about the KUTS initiative, saying that they are very impressed with Sarawak's project implementation and are considering to implement similar projects in their respective states.

He said Singapore provides another example of the role of long-term public transport planning. Its development of the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system, beginning in the 1980s, formed part of a broader strategy to support urban mobility and accommodate the needs of a growing population. 

"Today, the MRT is a backbone of Singapore's public transport network," he said.

497 foreign workers identified with Hepatitis B, 119 others tested positive for TB under SAFHIS, says Sikie

KUCHING, Oct 19 2026: Minister in the Premier's Department John Sikie Tayai said stringent health screening conducted under Sarawak Foreign Health Information System (SAFHIS) has identified 497 foreign workers with Hepatitis B and 119 were tested positive for tuberculosis (TB).

Caption: Minister John Sikie Tayai says the 30-day post-arrival medical examination mandate is not merely an administrative formality. It is the frontline biosecurity defence to protect the people of Sarawak from imported infectious and communicable diseases. 

He said the detection has prevented them from proceeding through the work authorisation process in the state.

"Early detection prevents disease transmission, shields Sarawak's public healthcare system from avoidable strain and treatment costs, and reinforces public confidence in key economic sectors such as hospitality, tourism, and food services," he said in his winding up speech in the State Legislative Assembly (SLA).

He said the state government has observed, however, that some employers delay sending newly arrived workers for screening until the final days of the 30-day grace period, which compromises early medical intervention. 

"Our 30-day post-arrival medical examination mandate is not merely an administrative formality. It is our frontline biosecurity defence to protect the people of Sarawak from imported infectious and communicable diseases. 

"The necessity of this strict time frame is proven by data from SAFHIS," Sikie said.

He said under the Foreign Workers Transformation Approach (FWTA) framework, a dedicated replacement mechanism allows any worker who fails the medical screening to be replaced within 60 days at no additional cost.  

"Supported by our improved 40-to-43-day average application turnaround time, the 60-day cost-free replacement window is carefully calibrated to shield compliant employers from financial loss while preventing the misuse or indefinite dragging out of replacement quotas, ensuring statutory and public health obligations are upheld promptly," he said.

Drafts of reviewed Adats of four Dayak communities submitted to the State Attorney-General's Chambers for review, says Sikie

KUCHING, Oct 19 2026: Minister in the Premier's Department John Sikie Tayai told the State Legislative Assembly (SLA) that the drafts of the reviewed Adat Iban, Adat Bidayuh, Adet Kayan and Adet Kenyah have submitted in June 2026 to the State Attorney-General’s Chambers (SAGC) for review.

Caption: Minister John Sikie Tayai says Majlis Adat Istiadat Sarawak (MAIS) is currently preparing the explanatory notes to accompany the text under review

He said that the drafts of Adet Melanau, Adet Bagatan, Adet Berawan and Adet Kiput are also under the review of State Attorney-General’s Chambers (SAGC). 

"While awaiting clearance from the State Attorney-General’s Chambers (SAGC) on the drafts of the reviewed text of all the Adat, Majlis Adat Istiadat Sarawak (MAIS) is currently preparing the explanatory notes to accompany the text under review," he said.

He added the explanatory notes are intended to provide clearer understanding and practical guidance on Adat to all parties involved in its administration, as well as members of the public who have an interest in understanding Adat.

"Additionally, efforts are also ongoing to review four  existing Adat codes specifically, Adat Bisaya, Adat Lun Bawang, Adet Penan and Adet Kelabit," he added.

He said MAIS is also preparing to commence preliminary work for the codification of three Adat, namely, Adet Tagal, Adet Punan and Adat Iban Remun

Should pre-gawai be held not earlier than May 1 and Gawai celebration to conclude on June 30 each year?

KUCHING. Oct 19 2026: Should pre-Gawai Dayak celebration (mantar gawai) be held no earlier than May 1 and that the Gawai celebration to conclude no later than June 30 each year? 

Caption: Minister John Sikie Tayai (;eft) with his deputy Jefferson Jamit 

Minister in the Premier's Department John Sikie Tayai said this was one of the resulutions adopted at a symposium attended by 470 community leaders, headmen, non-governmental organisations and institutions of higher learning in Sibu recently.

He said the resolution was tabled  by a Temenggong and subsequently received unanimous support from all community leaders in attendance. 

"This collective agreement reflects their shared commitment to safeguarding the significance, traditions and cultural integrity of Gawai Dayak, while ensuring that its celebration on 1 June remains the focal point of this important cultural heritage," Sikie said in his winding up speech in the State Legislative Assembly (SLA) today.

He, however, did not say if the Majlis Adat Istiadat Sarawak (MAIS) (Sarawak Council of Customs and Traditions) would adopt the resolution as binding.

Sikie said MAIS has been actively conducts capacity building programmes such as workshops and seminars to equip native community leaders with the latest information and a deeper understanding of Adat at the grassroots level. 

"As of third quarter of 2026, a total of five capacity building programmes have been organised for 190 community leaders from Betong, Mukah, Dalat, Sibu, Kuching and Serian," he said.

He said MAIS is planning to organise an Orang Ulu Culture and Tradition Symposium in 2027 to showcase rich cultural heritage of all Orang Ulu ethnic and sub-groups in Sarawak. 

6,246 students have accepted FTES at Sarawak-owned higher institutions as of Sept 30 2026

KUCHING, Oct 19 2026: Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister Roland Sagah Wee Inn said a total of 6,246 students have accepted the Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES) at Sarawak-owned Institutions of Higher Learning (SIHLs) as of Sept 30 this year.

Caption: Minister Roland Sagah Wee Inn (seated, centre) giving a press conference after delivering his winding up speech in the State Legislative Assembly

He said these students are enrolled across the four SIHLs, with Curtin University Malaysia accepting 949 students; i-CATS University College 464 students; and  Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus
2,802 students, University of Technology Sarawak 2,031 students.

"My ministry remains committed to the continued implementation of FTES, to ensure that eligible Sarawakian students have greater access to quality higher education, without the financial burden of tuition fees," he said in his winding up speech in the State Legislative Assembly (SLA) today.

Sagah said recognising that the cost of pursuing higher education, the state government also provides an annual stipend of RM15,000, to eligible students from lower-income households. 

He added the stipend is to help cover their living and accommodation expenses, noting that to date, 3,195 students, of those who have accepted the FTES offer, qualify for the stipend.

He said the 2026 student intake across the 64 courses under the FTES, experienced significant growth, rising to 3,491 students, compared to 1,528 in 2025 intake, prior to the establishment of FTES.

"This represents a substantial increase of 1,963 students or 128.5%. These courses cover a range of disciplines relevant to Sarawak's strategic economic priorities, including the hydrogen economy, precision agriculture, data centre
development and the aerospace industry. 

"We are confident that this momentum will be sustained," he stressed.

Sagah also said a feasibility study for the establishment of the first wholly state-owned Faculty of Medicine at University Technology Sarawak (UTS) has been completed

He said the next step is to fulfil the relevant requirements and criteria, and approval by Ministry of Higher Education, Malaysian Medical Council and  Malaysian Qualifications
Agency, including the necessary infrastructure, before the medical programme can commence.

Asian International Arbitration Centre sets up its branch office in Kuching, first outside Kuala Lumpur

KUCHING, Oct 19 2026: The Asian International Arbitration Centre (AIAC) opens its branch office in Sarawak, the first outside Kuala Lumpur,  after almost 50 years of its establishment in Malaysia.

Caption: Minister of Law and Institutional Reforms Azalina Othman Said (with dark glasses) arriving to witness the signing of an agreement to set up AIAC branch office in Kuching

An agreement to set up the branch was signed today in the presence of Premier Abang Johari Openg, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reforms) Azalina Othman Said, Sarawak State Secretary Abu Bakar Marzuki, alongside other key officials representing both the federal and Sarawak government as well as industry stakeholders. 

In a  statement, AIAC said the  Sarawak branch office is well-positioned as a regional hub to ensure that commercial disputes are effectively resolved. 

It said the Sarawak branch reinforces a longstanding commitment in ensuring parallel development of the alternative dispute resolution (ADR) landscape in Sarawak, Borneo and beyond. 

"Establishing the AIAC’s physical presence now in Kuching proves our testament to broadening access to justice, offering a proximity to ADR solutions that are within the reach of the people," AIAC said.

Importantly, it added the Sarawak branch is aspired to become a value-creating entity that bridges ADR collaboration, creates employment opportunity, cultivates talent through capacity-building and empowers the local community in this collective pursuit. 

"Above all, these efforts are driven with a shared ambition in mind in building a sustainable dispute resolution ecosystem and strengthening Malaysia’s position as a global home for ADR," AIAC said.

It records its utmost appreciation to the premier and Sarawak government, Azalina, Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Law, MA63) and State-Federal Relations) Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali, State Attorney-General Saferi Ali.

SIDC conducting research to identify generic variants linked to adervse reactions to tuberculosis treatment

KUCHING, Oct 19 2026: Sarawak Infectious Disease Centre (SIDC) has initiated a pharmacogenomic pilot study using PacBio human genome sequencing to identify genetic variants linked to adverse reactions to tuberculosis treatment, supporting more personalised antibiotic treatment based on individual genetic profiles.

Caption: Minister Roland Sagah Wee Inn says SIDC, in collaboration with international research institutions, conducting researcch in African Swine Fever prevention and control

Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister Roland Sagah Wee Inn also said SIDC has secured RM18.38 million from UK Research and Innovation, in collaboration with the University of Sheffield, University of Liverpool, and BIOTEC-NSTDA of Thailand, to research African Swine Fever prevention and control. 

"At the same time, SIDC will receive RM270,000, from UK-SEA Vax Hub, Proof of Concept grant, to investigate silica-based virus stabilisation for vaccine applications, strengthening its international research collaboration and research and development (R&D) capabilities.

"SIDC continues to strengthen local scientific talent through PhD studies in Australia, supported by RM1.0 million in combined funding, and RM290,000 in external funding for specialised training in epidemiology, genomics, genomic surveillance and vaccine research in the United Kingdom," he said in his winding up speech at the State Legislative Assembly (SLA) today.

He said SIDC will continue to advance Sarawak's capabilities in infectious disease research and public health, adding that its RM320 million facility was 90% complete, as of August 2026, with its official launch targeted in the third quarter of 2027.

"Under its Disease Surveillance Programme (DSP), 13 exercises have been conducted across Southern Sarawak, reaching over 1,000 participants," he said pointing out that the Gedong Pangkor exercise, witnessed by Premier Abang Johari Openg yesterday, also marked the launch of SIDC's first mobile laboratory. 

"In 2027, the programme will expand to eight sites in Central Sarawak, including Kapit, Sebauh and Mukah, to strengthen disease surveillance and public health interventions," Sagah said.