Ministry orders report on the cause of the structural failure of the shophouses in Sibu

SIBU, Feb 14 2026: The Ministry of Public Health, Housing and Local Government has ordered a person, who submitted the original plan of a row of eight collapsed shophouses, to identify and report the cause of the structural failure.

Caption: A row of eight collapsed shophouses in Jalan Pahlawan 

Its Deputy Minister Michael Tiang Ming Tee said, under the Building By-laws, the person must submit the report within seven days from the date of the collapse early yesterday morning.

“We were informed that the original person was present at this  meeting and will submit a further report within the specified period or present it at the next meeting,” he told reporters yesterday after chairing a meeting on the collapse of the shophouses in Jalan Pahlawan.

He added that if the investigation finds that the building is no longer structurally safe, the authorities will declare it a dangerous building and subsequently order the demolition work to be carried out by the owner.

“The owner needs to demolish and clear the debris of the area before the road can be reopened. Whether they want to rebuild or not, that is up to the owner because it is private land,” he said.

He said the duration of the area closure depends on the results of the investigation and technical decisions, but the authorities have assured that further action will be taken as soon as possible for the safety of the public.

Tiang, who is also Pelawan state legislative member (SLM), said a follow-up on the Jalan Pahlawan shophouse collapse incident will be held on February 23 to examine the technical report to be submitted by the Public Works Department (JKR) as well as the views of relevant experts.

He said further decisions including the duration of the area closure and actions against the building structure involved will depend on the results of the report.

“We need to ensure that all aspects of public safety remain a priority following the collapse incident early this morning, with the surrounding area now completely closed until further notice.

“We understand that there are business interests and valuables still in the building.

“However, safety is the number one priority, we cannot take risks,” he said.

He added based on observations and videos that have gone viral, the structure of the building is still not stable and cracking sounds can still be heard in the rubble.

He said roads in the surrounding area have been closed, including to heavy vehicles, to ensure that no members of the public approach the danger zone.

The action is acknowledged to have caused inconvenience to nearby premises operators, including a restaurant next to the building.

“We know this is inconvenient for traders and tenants, but we are very grateful because when the collapse occurred early this morning, no injuries were reported. This is something we should be grateful for,” he said.

Forest Dpt denies allegations of discriminatory enforcement of forest laws involving timber harvested by the Penans in Upper Baram

KUCHING, Feb 14 2026: The state Forest Department (FD) strongly refutes allegations of uneven or discriminatory enforcement of forestry laws following the recent enforcement action involving timber harvested in Upper Baram, Miri.

Caption: The sawn timber products confiscated by the Forest Department, which the Penans say the timber products are meant to be used to build their family houses - Photo from Bruno Manser Fonds  

It clarified that all enforcement activities are conducted strictly in accordance with the Forests Ordinance and related rules and regulations, without bias towards any individual, community, or commercial entity.

“The confiscation of timber in the incident was carried out based on legal and regulatory requirements, and not targeted at the affected community or for any punitive purpose,” FD said in a statement when responding to a concern expressed by the Penan representative regarding the confiscation of timber harvested for the construction of a family home, while destructive large-scale logging activities continue to be permitted.  

According to Mutang Tuo, a residen of Penan settlement Ba Payau, the harvested timber was for personal, non-commercial use to build their family house on their ancestral land.

He had said that the wood was confiscated by FD and later removed without any explanation, consultation, or official communication with the residents who required the timber for housing purposes.   

Clarifying, FD said it recognises the rights of indigenous communities to utilise forest resources for subsistence and traditional purposes.

“However, such activities remain subject to regulatory procedures, including permits and documentation, to ensure sustainable forest management, prevent illegal extraction, and safeguard forest resources for future generations.

On commercial logging operation as raised by the Penan representative, FD said they are governed by separate licensing frameworks, environmental impact assessments, and strict operational controls, and are subject to continuous monitoring and compliance audits.

The department rejects assertions that large-scale logging is permitted without oversight, while indigenous communities are penalised.

It said enforcement actions against commercial operators are also undertaken where violations are detected, and penalties are imposed in accordance with the law.

It said it remains committed to transparency, fairness, and constructive engagement with local communities, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders.

In a statement issued by Bruno Manser Fonds two days ago,  the families residing in the rainforest are penalized for using wood sustainably for the construction of their homes,  while that large-scale logging operations continue to be approved unabated.

“Such actions question the priorities of the department, which leaves the impression to serve rich timber tycoons instead of focusing on forest protection, sustainability, and the rights of Indigenous peoples.  

“This raises a fundamental question of fairness and priorities,” said Balang Nalan, Penan from the Upper Baram.

“In Sarawak, several giant logging companies have become rich exploiting our rainforest for decades. Yet the localindigenous Penan families are punished for harvesting wood to build their own home.”  

The community of Ba Payau had also been holing a blockade near their settlement against the carbon trading encroachment by Shin Yang.

Mutang Tuo explains: “How can it be, that big companies are given the permission to destroy our land and make profit from it while we are not even allowed to use our timber to build our house.”  

“The issue is not just about wood,” added Balang Nalan.

 “It is about justice, dignity, and the right of Indigenous peoples to live on and care for their ancestral lands.”  

Based on residents' observations, the amount of timber seized is estimated to be several tons. However, the exact amount cannot be determined as no list of the seized items, inventory, or official documents was provided to the residents.  

Community leaders and civil society organizations are seeking clarification on how forestry regulations are applied, particularly with regard to small-scale, subsistence use of timber by indigenous peoples compared to commercial logging operations.  

 

 

Sabah expresses interest to explore potential collaboration with Sarawak-owned AirBorneo, says Kim Shin

KUCHING, Feb 13 2026: Sabah Deputy Chief Minister Ewon Benedick has expressed the state’s interest in exploring potential collaboration with AirBorneo in future, Sarawak Transport Minister Lee Kim Shin said in a statement today.

Caption: Sarawak Transport Minister Lee Kim Shin (4h from left) and Sabah Deputy Chief Minister Ewon Benedict (5th from left) in Kota Kinabalu on Feb 12 2026 - Picture from Sarawak Transport Ministry
 

He said Ewon also expressed his intention to make an official visit to Sarawak to continue discussions with him on areas of mutual interest.

Lee said he paid a courtesy call on Ewon, who is also the Minister of Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport, on Feb 12.

During the meeting, both parties exchanged views on transport development matters, with particular focus on Rural Air Services (RAS) by AirBorneo.

“The working visit to Kota Kinabalu underscores the Sarawak government’s continued emphasis on close engagement with industry stakeholders and neighbouring states, in line with Sarawak’s vision to build a resilient, efficient and people-centric transport ecosystem,” Lee said.

On his visit to Kinabalu, he said it is as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen cooperation in aviation and transport development, particularly involving Sarawak-owned airline AirBorneo.

The visit commenced on the evening of February 11, with the ministry hosting a dinner with Kota Kinabalu’s AirBorneo staff.

During the engagement, he reflected on earlier interactions with airline personnel in Sabah, noting that he had met with MASwings staff in Kota Kinabalu in November 2023 during the preliminary stages of Sarawak’s preparations to acquire the airline.

He said the current visit marked a significant milestone, as Sarawak has since successfully taken over MASwings, established AirBorneo as a Sarawak government-owned airline, and officially commenced operations.

The minister expressed his appreciation to the staff for their continued trust and professionalism throughout the transition process.

He also acknowledged the commitment shown by former MASwings employees, highlighting that all the staff had voluntarily chosen to continue their service under AirBorneo.

He said the transition had been smooth and reassuring, as the retained workforce comprises experienced personnel who are well-versed in airline operations, and therefore expressed confidence in AirBorneo’s operational readiness.

On the morning of Feb 12, Lee visited the AirBorneo office in Kota Kinabalu, where he met with management and staff to gain insights into the airline’s operations and ongoing initiatives.

The visit allowed for direct exchanges on operational matters and discussions on further strengthening service delivery.

Man, 70, killed in a single-vehicle accident

KUCHING, Feb 13 2026: An elderly man was killed while two family members were injured when a  car they were travelling in skidded and landed in a ditch at Batu 28 Kuching-Serian road this afternoon.

Caption: Firemen helping to take out Then Ket Fui from inside the car - Photo by Bomba 

Serian Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) station, in a statement, identified the man as Then Ket Fui, 70, the driver of the car.

“He was trapped in the driver’s seat, unconscious, while the other two, an elderly woman and a child, suffered injuries and were not trapped,” the station said.

It said the injured persons were taken by an ambulance to the Serian hospital for treatment.

The station said firemen took the unconscious man from the driver’s seat and he was confirmed dead by the medical personnel from the Ministry of Health.

Then’s body was subsequently handed over to the police for further action.

It said it received a call about the accident about 2.55pm this afteroon.