Fatimah brushes aside labels by sceptics that the 2027 budget is an election budget

KUCHING, Oct 20 2026: Women, Early Childhood and Community Well-being Development Minister Fatimah Abdullah has brushed aside labels by some sceptics that the 2027 State Budget tabled by Premier Abang Johari Openg last week was an election budget.

Caption: Minister Fatimah Abdullah  asks if putting our people first is merely an election slogan, then why have we continued to prioritise their well-being, livelihoods, families and future year after year?

"Let us leave the labels aside and look at the record," she said in her winding up speech today.

Fatimah, who is also PBB Women chief, said “Utamakan Sarawak” and ”Sarawak Maju Makmur” slogans have been the guiding principle of Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government. 

"It is a principle reflected not only in our words, but also in our policies, priorities and continued delivery from year to year," she said.

"If putting our people first is merely an election slogan, then why have we continued to prioritise their well-being, livelihoods, families and future year after year?" she asked.

"And if developing our rural communities, empowering our women and children, strengthening families, uplifting vulnerable groups and narrowing the rural-urban divide are merely political promises, then what shall we call the commitment to pursue these priorities beyond the headlines and beyond the political calendar?" she asked again.

Fatimah said the people are witness, saying that the years are the GPS government's record. 

"And the work we continue to do is our answer. Some may choose to make promises when an election approaches. But promises alone do not build a road, educate a child, support a family or restore hope to a community. 

"It is the work done, the policies implemented and the lives improved that ultimately matter. For us, the principle is simple: less talk about what we intend to do, and more determination to do what needs to be done," Fatimah said.

She said the commitment has been strengthened by the visionary leadership of Premier Abang Johari Tun Openg, saying that under his leadership, Sarawak has not merely managed the present, "we have prepared for the future."

"Through the re-engineering of our revenue sources, Sarawak has strengthened its financial position and created greater capacity to invest in development, infrastructure, human capital and the well-being of our people. 

"This is not simply about increasing revenue. It is about increasing Sarawak’s ability to decide, to plan and to act in the best interests of Sarawakians," she added.
 

Dr Sim reiterates his stance that Sarawak political stability remains solid due to the absence of the DAP in the state government

KUCHING, Oct 20 2026: Deputy Premier Dr Sim Kui Hian has maintained his stance that Sarawak's political stability remains solid due to the absence of the DAP in the state government.

Caption: Deputy Premier Dr Sim Kui Hian says even with 40 DAP MPs in Parliament, second last party after PAS with 43 MPs, they fail to provide checks and balances in Kuala Lumpur

He said political stability exists in Sarawak because of the leadership of Premier Abang Johari Openg as well as "we don't have DAP in Sarawak government, as they are always divisive, polarising and politicking; disguise as championing for the rakyat." 

"We have witnessed in this August House their behaviour and drama in every State Legislative Assembly (SLA) session as indeed one's character cannot change," he said in his winding up speech in the SLA today.

Dr  Sim, who is also Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP) president, accused Sarawak DAP Sarawak of being bankrupt of ideas, still playing the same political style of gutter politics, cheap publicity for emotional sympathy and without significant substance or results, all disguised as championing for check and balance in democracy.

"Even with 40 DAP MPs in Parliament, second last party after PAS with 43 MPs, they fail to provide checks and balances in Kuala Lumpur," he said.

He called upon Sarawakians to remain united and stand together in solidarity for these few critical years till 2030, saying :"We must be on high alert for anai anai (termites) from both within and outside Sarawak and also for anai anai inside GPS.

He also called upon every Sarawakian to play their role and doing their part, no matter where they are in the world, to contribute, to support the GPS government under Premier Abang Johari Openg in building a stronger and prosperous Sarawak, an inclusive Sarawak, an environmental sustainable Sarawak.

"Is not good enough for the premier doing well but every Sarawak agencies, every Sarawak NGOs, and every Sarawakian to do well also.

"This way, everyone of can make a difference for Sarawak nation building, ensuring a better Sarawak for every Sarawakian in Malaysia and overseas, so that they can come home to work, to retire, to enjoy Sarawak values, the best of Sarawak spirit and lifestyles, especially if they are frustrated and disillusioned in West Malaysia or overseas.

"Given the political chaos in West Malaysia in the last few months, where Sarawak is supposed to have election but Johore, Negeri Sembilan and Malacca have state election sooner than Sarawak election.

"We can see how toxic, divisive, polarising West Malaysia cultures and how chaotic politically. Let’s “tolak” all “Malayan parties” from Sarawak for once," Dr Sim said.

Dr Sim: A sum of RM17.26 billion is needed if Sarawak were to catch up with Malaya's healthcare facilities standard

KUCHING, Oct 20 2026: Sarawak needs about RM17.26 billion if it were to catch up with Peninsular Malaysia's healthcare facilities standard, Deputy Premier Dr Sim kui Hian told the State Legislative Assembly (SLA) today.

Caption: Deputy Premier Dr Sim Kui Hian hopes that the federal government and MoH will be fair to the people of Sarawak. 

He said he had shared the issue with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Deputy Prime Minister Fadillah Yusof and Minister of Health Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad during meetings on Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).

"Just for upgrading and rehabilitating hospitals and health clinics in Sarawak, we need $8.98 billion and for the construction of new hospitals and health clinics in Sarawak we need $8.28 billion," he said in his winding up speech.

Dr Sim, who is also the Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government, said during annual MA63 meeting in Kota Kinabaru recently, he asked Anwar to allow Sarawak to have special recruitment to fill the 5,654 (18% of total workforce) vacant posts at the Sarawak Health Department, not to mention for the creation of 11,000 post (various categories) in order to be consistent with the Ministry of Health's (MoH) norms and standard of staffing after KKM/JPA audit seven hospitals in Sarawak last year.

He hoped that the federal government and MoH will be fair to the people of Sarawak. 

"We are not asking our facilities or human resources to be better than Peninsular Malaysia but just to catch up to them so that we Sarawakians can enjoy the same health facilities and healthcare human resources standards," he said.

Dr Sim said the state Health Department has received RM2.91 billion operating funds and RM552.64 million development funds from MoH as of last month.

He said the funds is allocated for operational expenses, human capital development, minor upgrading and repair on health facilities as well as for hospital and clinic support services including procurement of medical equipment.

On other issue, Dr Sim said the Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) has been recognised as top clinical research centre and top research medical specialist, Dr Voon Pei Jye in Malaysia for four consecutive years. 

He said recognitions have proven that hospital in Sarawak despite under funding, under staffs, overwork, under paid, the medical personnel were working beyond the call of duty, putting Sarawak not just top in Malaysia but top in Asia Pacific region. 

"Imagine if Kuala Lumpur gives us more funding and health autonomy under MA63," he said.

Sarawak contributes almost 100 per cent of the country's total pepper production

KUCHING, Oct 20 2026: Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Minister Dr Stephen Rundi Utom said today Sarawak remains the backbone of Malaysia's pepper industry, contributing more than 98% of national production. 

Caption: Minister Dr Stephen Rundi says the average FOB price of Malaysian white pepper (FAQ) increased by approximately 2.6%, from RM48,373 to RM49,642 per metric tonne.

He said Sarawak recorded 39,122 pepper smallholders cultivating 8,168 hectares as of last month, reflecting modest growth compared with the same period in 2025.

"Sarawak Pepper continues to command a premium price for its pepper in the international market. The average Free on Board (FOB) price of Malaysian black pepper (ASTA) stood at approximately RM37,649 per metric tonne, remaining relatively stable compared with the corresponding period in 2025," he said in his winding up speech in the State Legislative Assembly (SLA) today.

He said the average FOB price of Malaysian white pepper (FAQ) increased by approximately 2.6%, from RM48,373 to RM49,642 per metric tonne.

"These figures reflect the continued value of local pepper in the premium market segment. Nevertheless, the relatively higher export prices compared with competing producing countries present an ongoing challenge to price competitiveness," he said.

"Therefore, efforts must continue to focus on improving product quality, strengthening traceability, expanding market access and developing higher-value downstream products to enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of Sarawak's pepper industry, while safeguarding the interests and livelihoods of our pepper smallholders," he said.

Under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), Dr Rundi said the federal government has allocated RM50 million to implement the Programme Kemampanan Penanaman Lada di Malaysia to enhance sustainability and productivity. 

He added the programme is expected to benefit 2,800 smallholders under the Premium Pepper Cultivation Scheme (PLP) covering 700 hectares while another 3,000 smallholders are expected to benefit under the Pepper Maintenance Scheme (PTLM) involving 750 hectares.

"As of September 2026, Malaysian Pepper Board (MPB) had provided assistance to 1,775 smallholders in Sarawak covering 276 hectares under PLP," he said, noting that under PTLM a total of 1,665 smallholders in Sarawak covering 311 hectares had received support to sustain and enhance their farm productivity. 

"These initiatives aim to support the expansion of pepper cultivation, improve farm maintenance and increase yields, thereby strengthening smallholders' incomes and the long-term sustainability of the pepper industry," Dr Rundi stressed.

He explained that eligible pepper smallholders also receive support through BUDI MADANI AgriKomoditi, which provides monthly assistance of RM400 and as Aug 31 2026, applications from 10,655 pepper smallholders in Sarawak had been approved.

He said as a continuation of the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP), MPB has been allocated RM41.85 million under Rolling Plan 1 of the 13th Malaysia Plan to implement ten (10) upstream and downstream development programmes. 

He added as of September 30 2026, expenditure stood at approximately RM13.36 million, with commitments of RM25.84 million.

Dr Rundi also said MPB continues to strengthen industry understanding of and compliance with the requirements governing the use of the Geographical Indication (GI) for Sarawak Pepper, adding that as of September 2026, MPB had conducted three  engagement sessions with pepper traders in Kuching, Sibu and Sarikei. 

He said these sessions provided a platform to clarify GI requirements and reinforce industry players' role in preserving the integrity of the Sarawak Pepper designation.

Sarawak exports 2.6 million tonnes of palm oil from January to August this year

KUCHING, Oct 20 2026: Palm oil remained Sarawak's largest export commodity from January to August 2026, with export volume rising by 317,585 tonnes to 2.6 million tonnes, up from 2.3 million tonnes recorded in the same period in 2025, and revenue increasing by RM1.2 billion to reach RM11.5 billion, up from RM10.3 billion.

Caption: Minister Dr Stephen Rundi Utom says a total of 1.7 million hectares are planted with oil palm trees as of August 2026.

Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Dr Stephen Rundi Utom said in the same period the crude Palm Kernel Oil (CPKO) production surged by 13 per cent, up from 241,040 tonnes to 272,210 tonnes while Crude Palm Oil (CPO) output increased by 8%, from 2.7 million tonnes to 2.9 million tonnes.

He said a total of 1.7 million hectares are planted with oil palm trees as of August 2026.

Dr Rundi said the government through the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) as the implementing agency and Agrobank as the financing institution, has established the Oil Palm Smallholders Replanting
Financing Incentive Scheme  with a dedicated fund of RM200.0 million, to support independent oil palm smallholders in undertaking replanting activities and alleviate the financial burden associated with replacing old and unproductive oil palm  trees.

He said a total of 106 independent oil palm smallholders has been approved for the scheme since 2024, covering 311 hectares of old and unproductive cultivated oil palm
areas, with a total financing amount of RM5.6 million, as of last month.

State government offers attractive incentives to athletes as recognition for their contributions to Sarawak

KUCHING, Oct 20 2026: The state government is offering attractive incentives to athletes as recognition for their contributions and sacrifices to the state and country.

Caption: Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah says that through these efforts, athletes will be better supported in balancing their sporting commitments with academic advancement and future career aspirations

Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah  said among the initiatives is the chance to further their education at higher learning institutions and technical colleges.

He said the institutions are University of Technology Sarawak (UTS), Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Centre for Technology Excellence Sarawak (CENTEXS), Kolej Laila Taib (KLT) and Politeknik Mukah, to facilitate opportunities for the athletes to pursue further education and technical skills.

"Through these efforts, athletes will be better supported in balancing their sporting commitments with academic advancement and future career aspirations," he said in his winding up speech in the State Legislative Assembly (SLA) today.

He said the state government recognises that an athlete is not defined solely by his or her sporting performance, saying that their welfare, education, career development and future employability are equally important. 

"We want our young athletes to have confidence that pursuing excellence in sport does not mean sacrificing their education or future career prospects. 

"Therefore, the government will continue to work towards a more holistic athlete development approach, where sporting performance is supported alongside education, welfare, career planning and personal development. 

"This will help us retain talented athletes within the sporting system for a longer period and provide them with greater confidence to pursue high-performance sports," Karim, who is also the Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, said.

Violet Yong ordered out of the SLA sitting for unwilling to withdraw unparliamentary words against state minister

KUCHING, Oct 20 2026: Pending State Legislative Member (SLM) Violet Yong Wui Wui was ordered out of the State Legislative Assembly (SLA) sitting this morning after interrupting a ruling by Mohamad Asfia Awang Nasar regarding the use of unparliamentary language.

Caption: Pending SLM Violet Yong opposes Minister Lee Kim Shin from attacking Chong Chieng Jen who was not in the House

The Speaker had previously ruled that the term "political coward" that she uttered against Transport Minister Lee Kim Shin yesterday was deemed as unparliamentary insulting and derogatory.

He emphasized that this decision was made after the Pending assemblywoman behaved in an unparliamentary manner while the ruling concerning her was being delivered.

He further ordered that the term be expunged from the Hansard, based on his own observation and the unedited Hansard records.

Earlier, Lee had cited Standing Order 32(4), which prohibits the use of insulting or offensive language directed at members of the House.

Through the motion, he requested that the term be declared unparliamentary and struck from the Hansard. 

In his winding up speech yesterday, Lee responded to SLM Chong Chieng Jen who called on the state government to abandon the proposed new Kuching International Airport and other major strategic infrastructure projects on grounds of their substantial development costs.

Lee, who is also Senadin SLM, said he found Choong's argument not only short-sighted but a glaring example of political double standards.

He reminded Chong that DAP veteran Lim Kit Siang three decades ago also opposed the construction of Kuala Lumpur International Airport, labelling it as a financial burden for the 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 had said.

Yong then stood up and told Lee not to attack Chong who was not in the House.

Violet Yong Wui Wui: Tuan Speaker, you should stop him from raising the attack in this House, uphold the dignity of this House and the fairness of this House, shouldn't allow him to do
that. 

"If he wants to answer, why he removed, why he removed Padungan? This is not called strength; this is called political coward. Cheapskate at the lowest standard ... (Interruption)...

Les said he objected the use of the word ‘coward’ uttered against him..

Sarawak tourism ministry has registered 32 ethnic products to safeguard their cultural authenticity

KUCHING, Oct 20 2026: Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Ministry has registered 32 ethnic products to safeguard the cultural authenticity and catalyse heritage-driven economic development by protecting intellectual property of the products.

Caption: Tourism Minister Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah says Sarawak's strength lies in its cultural heritage across 34 ethnic groups

The minister Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said currently his ministry is facilitating the process to register Kuas Iban Balau Simanggang, Buri Kapit and Gagung Iban Sarawak. 

"Through collaboration with government agencies, cultural associations, researchers and local communities, we aim to ensure that Sarawak's cultural heritage continues to be documented, appreciated, protected and transmitted to future generations," he said in his winding up speech in the State Legislative Assembly (SLA) today.

He said Sarawak's strength lies in tts cultural diversity across 34 enthic groups.

He added his ministry also continues to develop heritage trails such as Miri Heritage Trail and Betong Heritage Trail, in the effort to document and promote local heritage while creating opportunities for heritage tourism. 

He stressed that the local communities are actively involved in identifying and interpreting their heritage through oral history documentation.  

"Sarawak’s growing international profile in heritage conservation is further reflected in its hosting of the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) 22nd General Assembly and Scientific Symposium in Kuching from  October 18 to 23 2026 bringing together 1,800 heritage experts from 110 countries," he said.

Sarawak records 3.52 million visitor arrivals in first nine months of this year, generating RM9 billion in tourism receipts

KUCHING, Oct 20 2026: Sarawak registered 3.52 million visitor arrivals for the January-September 2026 period, generating a remarkable RM9.0 billion in tourism receipts, Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said in his winding up speech in the State Legislative Assembly (SLA) today.

Caption: Tourism Minister Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah says that last year Sarawak generated approximately RM12.67 billion in tourism receipts

He said the Asean region maintained as the state's major market with Brunei and Indonesia constitute 46.5 per cent of the visitors, while Singapore, Philippines, and Thailand also contributed significantly to the visitor arrivals.

He said the tourism sector continues to contribute significantly to Sarawak’s economy. 

"In 2025, Sarawak generated approximately RM12.67 billion in tourism receipts, grew 1.75 per cent from the previous year," Karim said.

He said over the past five years, Sarawak’s tourism sector has successfully maneuvered the challenges brought by the Covid-19 pandemic which led to low visitor arrivals of just 0.23 million visitors in 2021 compared to 4.66 million in 2019. 

He said Sarawak staged a remarkable recovery with visitor arrivals surged to 4.83 million in 2024 and 4.97 million in 2025.

Karim said his ministry is dedicated to advancing Sarawak’s tourism industry by leveraging its unique strengths and remain highly responsive to market demands and global sensitivities.