Sarawak needs to prepare early to address ageing population, says Fatimah

KUCHING, Oct 30 2026: Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister Fatimah Abdullah stressed that Sarawak needs to begin preparations early to address demographic shifts and an ageing population through the development of the Sarawak Ageing Blueprint (SAB) 2026–2030.

Caption: Minister Fatimah Abdullah says the state government is not just preparing for the elderly of today, but also for the elderly of the future. Preparations must begin early in life so that future generations are better equipped,

She said preparation for old age should not begin only upon reaching retirement, but should also be cultivated from a young age, specifically regarding health, finances, and housing arrangements.

"We are not just preparing for the elderly of today, but also for the elderly of the future. Preparations must begin early in life so that future generations are better equipped," she said at the opening of a workshop on refining the Terms of Reference for the Sarawak Ageing Council (SAC) here today.

According to her, the blueprint was developed based on a comprehensive study conducted in collaboration with Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak and the University of Technology Sarawak (UTS). 

She said the study aimed to identify the needs and challenges faced by the elderly across Sarawak, including those in urban, rural, and remote areas.

"The study focuses on key areas such as health, economic security, age-friendly environments, lifelong learning, and rights and protection.

Identified challenges include difficulties in accessing healthcare services, financial issues, public facilities that are not senior-friendly, and challenges in utilizing digital technology.

To address these needs, Fatimah said the state government has introduced the "Senior Citizen Health Benefits"— a cashless provision worth RM500 for eligible senior citizens to cover outpatient treatment, health screenings, and dental care at private hospitals and clinics.

She added that caregiving support must also be strengthened through community-based and in-home services, alongside training and assistance for family members responsible for the care of elderly individuals. 

In this regard, she emphasized that the blueprint must be translated into actions and programmes that deliver tangible benefits to the target group.

"This blueprint cannot merely be a document left sitting on a shelf; instead, it must serve as a practical action plan that guides government decision-making and budget planning, ultimately leading to real improvements in the lives of senior citizens," she further explained.

Governor, wife visit daughter at private hospital

KUCHING, Oct 30 2026: Sarawak Governor Tun Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife Toh Puan Fauziah Mohd Sanusi visited their daughter Sharifah Nong-Jasima, who is currently receiving treatment at KPJ Kuching Specialist Hospital, this afternoon.

Caption: Governor Tun Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his daughter during the visit at KPJ Kuching Specialist Hospital - Picture from Astana Negeri Sarawak

He said they also received an update on Nong-Jasima’s health and treatment from Dr Florence.

"I feel a great sense of relief today seeing my daughter’s gradual recovery. I will continue to pray to Allah SWT to grant her a speedy recovery, as well as strength and fortitude," the governor said on his Facebook.

He expressed his deepest gratitude to Hakem Yusuf for the care and support he has shown Nong. 

"My thanks also go to the doctors and nurses for their attentive care and diligent service," he said.

Also present during the visit were Winston and his wife, Se Tho, from Kuala Lumpur, as well as Stephene Sim and her husband, Kevin,  close friends of Nong-Jasima. 

Make sure business premises and business operators keep their public toilets clean, comfortable and safe, local authorities told

SIBURAN, Oct 30 2026: Local authorities have been reminded to ensure that public toilets of business premises and business operators  are always clean, comfortable and safe and are maintained at all times.

Caption: Minister Roland Sagah Wee Inn says the Clean, Charming and Fragrant Public Toilet Competition (BMW) 2026 organised by the Siburan District Council (SDC) carries a bigger message than just winning, namely creating awareness of cleanliness, public health and the responsibility of caring for the environment,

Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister Roland Sagah Wee Inn also said the responsibility of maintaining the cleanliness of public toilets should not be borne by the local authorities alone, but rather requires the cooperation of all parties to continuously cultivate cleanliness practices.

He said holding Clean, Charming and Fragrant Public Toilet Competition (BMW) 2026 by the Siburan District Council (SDC) is not just aimed at recognising premises that maintain the best level of cleanliness, but also as a platform to raise public awareness of the importance of maintaining public facilities.

“The Clean, Charming and Fragrant Public Toilet Competition (BMW) 2026 organised by the Siburan District Council (SDC) carries a bigger message than just winning, namely creating awareness of cleanliness, public health and the responsibility of caring for the environment,” he said during the BMW 2026 Public Toilet Competition Postponement Ceremony here today.

Sagah also stressed the importance of the SDC "Randau" session with community leaders and headmen as a platform to strengthen communication and cooperation between the PBT and the community.

Meanwhile, Pizza Hut Siburan was crowned the champion of the BMW 2026 Public Toilet Competition, taking home a cash prize of RM1,000 and a certificate.

KFC Siburan took second place with a prize of RM700, while Joyful Hakka Food came in third place and received RM500 and a certificate.

SDC chairman Ranum Bari said that the competition, which took place from Sept 7 to 16, was among the local authorities initiatives to raise awareness about the importance of cleanliness, public health and the maintenance of toilet facilities.

Sarawak State Election: Mong launches PRS Bukit Begunan election machinery

LACHAU, Oct 30 2026: Bukit Begunan PRS branch chairman Mong Dagang has launched the election machinery in Bukit Begunan state constituency yesterday at Gua Multipurpose Hall.

Caption: PRS Bukit Begunan branch chairman Mong Dagang says discipline among members and campaign workers is a fundamental requirement for executing campaign activities and upholding the party's reputation when engaging with the public.

In his speech, Mong urged party members to give priority to the party's interests and maintain discipline throughout the campaign period for the upcoming state election.

He stressed that personal interests must be set aside to strengthen unity and ensure that the entire machinery moves toward a common goal.

According to him, discipline among members and campaign workers is a fundamental requirement for executing campaign activities and upholding the party's reputation when engaging with the public.

Mong, who is also PRS vice president, also affirmed that Bukit Begunan PRS branch is prepared to shoulder the responsibility of securing Bukit Begunan seat for the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) coalition.

In this regard, he called upon the entire machinery to strengthen cooperation and carry out their respective duties with full commitment in preparation for the upcoming election.

Btg Paloh Bridge opens to public today, Btg Lupar 2 Bridge tomorrow

DARO, Oct 30 2026: Batang Paloh Bridge opened to the public today while Batang Lupar 2 Bridge opens to public tomorrow.

Caption: The RM299 million Batang Paloh Bridge opens to public beginning today

These new bridges will make travel easier, improve road connections and bring greater convenience to local communities.

Deputy Premier Douglas Uggah said so far 13 out of 22 major bridge construction projects in Sarawak have been completed, involving a total project value of approximately RM7 billion funded by the state government to strengthen the people's communication network and accessibility.

He said bridge projects are part of the state government's commitment to expand infrastructure development, especially in connecting areas that need better communication facilities.

He explained that Batang Paloh Bridge, which is worth approximately RM299 million, is among the projects that have been completed, improving communication facilities for residents in coastal areas.

Speaking at the soft opening ceremony of Batang Paloh Bridge, said the development of the state's transportation network is also complemented by the implementation of the 890-kilometer Coastal Road and the construction of the Second Trunk Road.

The two routes complement the construction of the main bridge in forming a more comprehensive transportation network, thus facilitating the movement of residents and improving connections between areas.

In a related development, he said that the Batang Lupar 2 Bridge in Sri Aman is scheduled to open to the public on October 31, adding another major connectivity facility in Sarawak.

He said the implementation of the infrastructure project reflects the commitment of Premier and Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government to continue development that benefits the people.

Sarawak State Election: No indication yet from the party leadership, says Karim on whether his request to step aside has been accepted

KUCHING, Oct 30 2026: PBB information chief Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said that there has been no indication yet from party leadership that if his decision not to defend his Asajaya seat in the coming state election has been accepted.

Caption: PBB information chief Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah says he is prepared to shoulder the responsibility should he be asked to contest once again.

He said he has twice requested to step aside to the PBB and GPS leadership.

He said he leaves the decision to Premier Abang Johari Openg and will abide by whatever outcome, whether he is renominated or otherwise.

He, however, said he is prepared to shoulder the responsibility should he be asked to contest once again.

Karim stressed that GPS is prepared to face the DAP and PKR in state election, despite being partners within the federal government

He said that GPS is also ready to take on PAS or any other party wishing to contest, adding that many opposing candidates would likely lose their election deposits.

“It does not matter whether or not we are currently together in the Unity Government. If the DAP wants to challenge us, we are ready. If PKR wants to challenge us, we are ready. If PAS wants to challenge us, we are ready,” he was quoted as saying by TV Sarawak (TVS).

Karim, who also the Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development, made these remarks during a press conference for the Sarawak Esports Expo 2026 (SAREX26) here today.