Premier Abang Johari receives letter of appointment as patron of Sarawak Heart Foundation

KUCHING, June 16 206: Premier Abang Johari Openg has received an official appointment letter as patron of the Sarawak Heart Foundation, effective April 15.

Caption: Premier Abang Johari Openg receiving a courtesy call from board of trustees from the Sarawak Heart Foundation, led by Dr Sim Kui Hian

The letter was handed over to him at a courtesy call by the foundation’s board of trustees led by its chairman Dr Sim Kui Hian at Satria Pertiwi Complex this morning.

Dr Sim also introduced the foundation’s board trustees to the premier.

Dr Sim said the appointment is a token of appreciation and recognition of his leadership in supporting efforts to empower the people's health in the state.

The discussion session also touched on the role and direction of the foundation in raising public awareness on heart health care, prevention of cardiovascular diseases as well as the implementation of educational and welfare programmes that benefit the people of Sarawak.

The visit also served as a platform to strengthen the collaboration between the foundation and the Sarawak government in expanding public health initiatives and strengthening the people's well-being agenda through various programs and activities planned in the future.

The foundation also expressed its appreciation for the willingness of the Sarawak premier to accept the appointment as patron, which is believed to further strengthen the role and credibility of the foundation in leading efforts to promote heart health and healthy lifestyles among the community throughout Sarawak.

Present for the visit were the Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development of Sarawak and Trustee Member Dr Annuar Rapaee, Trustee Member Jamilah Anu and other dignitaries.

Sarawak does not need DAP, PKR, reiterates PBK president

KUCHING, June 16 2026: Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK) president Voon Lee Shan reiterated that Sarawak does not need opposition parties from Malaya.

Caption: PBK president Voon Lee Shan says promises pledged by DAP and PKR have not been fulfilled

He said he believes Sarawak deserves opposition parties, independent, and accountable only to the people of Sarawak,   not to political headquarters in Kuala Lumpur.

"Sarawak's future should be decided by Sarawakians, for Sarawakians.The time may have come not merely to change the government, but to change the opposition as well," he said in a statement today.

He added for nearly two decades, Malayan-based DAP and PKR have asked Sarawakians to vote for "Change" (UBAH) as their campaign theme.

"Election after election, Sarawakians were promised a better deal, greater autonomy, fairer treatment, and a larger share of the wealth generated from Sarawak.

"Among the promises frequently highlighted were the return of 20 per cent oil royalty and the return of up to 50 per cent of federal revenues collected from Sarawak. 

"These promises helped win votes and political support from many Sarawakians who hoped that long-standing injustices would finally be addressed," he said, adding that  many Sarawakians are still asking: where are those promises until today.

Voon said when these parties were given the opportunity to participate in the federal government, the promises that sounded so convincing during election campaigns became difficult to fulfill. 

"To many Sarawakians, those promises now resemble election vouchers with an expiry date — valuable before polling day, forgotten afterwards.

"Sarawakians have long memories. We remember not only what was promised, but also what was delivered," Voon stressed.

Car driver killed in road crash in Sibu

SIBU, June 16 2026: A man was killed when the car he was driving collided with a 4WD vehicle at Pulau Dudong roundabout this morning.

Caption: The badly damaged car whose driver was killed in the collision

Sibu Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba), in a statement, said a car passenger, however, suffered injuries and admitted to the Sibu Hospital.

The driver of the 4WD was also injured.

The department said it received a call at 8.32am about the collision.

“Upon arrival at the location, the firemen found the collision involved a Toyota Hilux and a Honda City car.

“The driver of the Honda car was found trapped and was successfully extricated.

“The trapped victim was confirmed by the Ministry of Health to have died at the scene and was handed over to the police.

“The injured victim received initial treatment from the firemen and was handed over to the paramedics further treatment,” it said.

Gawai Dayak ngiling tikai is a cultural event, an important platform in strengthening racial understanding, says deputy minister

KUCHING, June 15 2026: Deputy Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew described Gawai Ngiling Tikai festival as not just a cultural event for the Dayak community, but also serves as an important platform in strengthening relationships and understanding between the various communities in Sarawak.

Caption: Deputy Minister Sebastian Ting performing the Iban ajat around the "ranyai" at the closing of the Gawai Dayak celebration

He said Sarawak has a rich cultural heritage and unique ethnic diversity, with people from various races having long lived in harmony, respecting each other and together forming the special values of the Sarawakian community.

“Sarawak is one of the most diverse states in Malaysia with 34 ethnic groups, each of which has its own language, culture, customs and festivals that are the pride of the people of this state.

“Whether it is Gawai Dayak, Chinese New Year, Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Christmas or other ethnic festivals, we can see people from various races and religions opening their homes to receive visitors and celebrate the festival together.

“This spirit of unity and tolerance is the most valuable asset for Sarawak,” he said when speaking at the Gawai Ngiling Tikai celebration ceremony held in Kampung Sealine, yesterday.

Sebastian said the social harmony and stability enjoyed by Sarawak for so long and its recognition as the best example of multi-racial life in the country was the result of the practice of mutual respect, understanding and tolerance among its people.

He also stressed that apart from preserving inter-racial harmony, the Sarawak government is committed to strengthening educational development to improve the living standards of the people and provide a brighter future for the younger generation.

Commenting on the Gawai Ngiling Tikai celebration, he said organising such programmes not only honours the cultural heritage of the Dayak community, but also serves as a platform to strengthen ties and unity among the multi-racial community.

“Let us continue to preserve and inherit the rich culture of each ethnicities, while displaying the spirit of unity, friendship and harmony that is the pride of Sarawak,” he said.