Take into account the realities of daily life before taking actions against owners of pickup trucks in Murum and Belaga, Abun Sui tells JPJ

MIRI, Oct 27 2026: Senator Abun Sui Anyit has urged the Road Transport Departmeht (JPJ) to take into account the realities of daily life, economic needs, and the challenges faced by communities in remote areas before taking actions owners of modified 4X4 pickup trucks in Murum and Belaga areas.

Caption: The modified 4X4 pickup truck with installed railings in the rear

He said for the smallholders, pickup truck is not merely a vehicle for daily use, it is also an essential tool for their livelihood. 

"The installation of railings in the rear is typically intended to facilitate the transport of oil palm fresh fruit bunches and other agricultural produce, particularly in areas where transport infrastructure is limited," he said in a statement today.

"It must be recognized that not all smallholders have the financial means to purchase lorries or commercial vehicles specifically designed for transporting agricultural produce.," he said, noting that for many, a single 4x4 pickup truck serves multiple purposes, such as transporting palm oil harvests, carrying essential supplies, and managing family affairs.

"Therefore, we should not automatically assume that pickup owners who carry out such modifications are intentionally seeking to break the law.

"Instead, we should seek to understand the purpose behind these modifications and the actual circumstances that have compelled these individuals to make them," Abun Sui, who is also PKR Hulu Rajang branch chairman, said.

He said he understands that laws must be enforced with due regard for fairness, reasonableness, and the impact on the lives of the people. 

"But enforcement approaches that lack due consideration must not end up burdening smallholders who are striving to protect their livelihoods and the survival of their families," Abun said.

He urged the federal government, through the Ministry of Transport and the Road Transport Department (JPJ), to temporarily suspend enforcement actions concerning modifications to the sideboards (tailgates/fences) of pickup trucks used for transporting agricultural produce, pending the study of an appropriate solution, subject to safety risk assessments and existing laws.

He also called on JPJ to engage in dialogue with the local community, including representatives of smallholders, community leaders, farmers' associations, and the relevant authorities—to better understand the residents' actual needs and prevent misunderstandings.

He also called for a review of existing regulations, including the possibility of legislative amendments or the establishment of reasonable, specific guidelines for vehicles used by smallholders in rural areas, provided that road safety remains upheld.

He said JPJ should develop a practical and achievable approval or modification mechanism, enabling smallholders to transport their agricultural produce without being burdened by requirements that are ill-suited to their means or local circumstances.

"I wish to emphasize that this appeal is not intended to reject the law or challenge the responsibilities of the JPJ. Rather, the goal is to ensure that the law is implemented fairly and prudently, with due regard for the interests of the people, particularly those with low incomes who rely on agricultural produce for their survival.

"One should not view these infractions solely through the lens of regulations; one must also consider the lives of the people behind these violations," he said, stating that for smallholders in Murum and Belaga, every bunch of oil palm fruit transported represents the fruits of their hard labor to support their families.

"I hope that the government and the JPJ will listen to the grievances of the rural community and work toward a fair and practical solution," he said, adding that while studies and discussions are underway, due consideration must be given to ensure that any related enforcement actions do not disproportionately affect the livelihoods of smallholders.

He said regulations must safeguard the well-being of the people, yet their implementation should also take into account the realities of the people's daily lives.

Sarawak transport ministry asks airlines and bus operators to increase services before and after polling day of state election

KUCHING, Oct 27 2026: The state Ministry of Transport has written to airlines and express bus operators to explore for additional services before and after polling day for the upcoming 13th state election, particularly flights between Peninsular Malaysia and Sarawak.

In a statement issued today, the ministry said the move aims to support Sarawakians returning to their registered constituencies to fulfil their civic duty.

The ministry recognises that many Sarawakians work in various states in Peninsular Malaysia, as well as in Singapore and Sabah, and may face challenges in arranging their journeys home during periods of high travel demand.

For air travel, the ministry has requested airlines to plan for increased flight frequencies during the week before and the week after polling day, to accommodate voters travelling home to vote and their return journeys afterwards.

For express bus services, the ministry has advised and encouraged operators in Sarawak to temporarily increase trip frequencies from three days before polling day until three days after polling day.

The ministry has also encouraged express bus operators to schedule additional services, deploy reserve buses and make tickets available for early online booking to help prevent ticket shortages and facilitate safe and smooth travel along major routes in Sarawak.

Any changes to express bus trip schedules remain subject to notification to and approval by the Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (CVLB) Sarawak.

Additional flights will depend on the airlines’ operational capacity and the necessary approvals. Details of any additional flights or express bus services, including schedules and ticket availability, will be announced by the respective operators once confirmed.

The ministry encourages travellers to plan their journeys early and refer to operators’ official channels for accurate information on schedules, fares and bookings.

Russia keen to share with Sarawak establish rocket launch facilities and manufacture satellites

KUCHING,Oct 27 2026: Russia is ready to collaborate with Sarawak in developing its aerospace industry, including sharing expertise to establish rocket launch facilities and manufacture satellites.

Caption: Premier Abang Johari Openg (right) with Russian Ambassador to Malaysia Naiyl Latypov during the courtesy call

Its ambassador to Malaysia Naiyl Latypov said that Sarawak possesses potential strategic locations for developing a rocket launch site, such an undertaking requires supporting infrastructure, technical expertise, and a skilled local workforce.

“I hope this collaboration will be mutually beneficial as we can share our experience in constructing rocket launch sites.

“We are also prepared to cooperate in satellite manufacturing and construction, as well as capacity building,” he  told reporters after paying a courtesy call on Premier Abang Johari Openg at the Satria Pertiwi Complex here today.

Latypov added that this partnership could also be expanded to include iCATS University College, particularly in aerospace-related education and training.

“We are ready to offer opportunities for Malaysian students to pursue higher studies in Russia and hope to hold discussions with iCATS University College to identify potential collaborative opportunities in capacity building.

“We have prior experience collaborating with UniKL MIAT and hope that similar cooperation can be extended to iCATS University College or other institutions,” he noted.

Latypov stressed that further discussions between experts from both sides are necessary to ensure the proposed initiatives can be effectively translated into actionable follow-up plans. —

He also said his country is interested in exploring collaboration with Sarawak in agriculture, specifically in rice cultivation technology, agricultural research, and animal feed production to boost sector productivity.

He said that Russia sees strong potential for cooperation with Sarawak, leveraging local expertise, technology, and knowledge in paddy production as well as veterinary science.

“We are very interested in Sarawak’s experience and capabilities in veterinary medicine, particularly in animal feed production, including manufacturing methods and the types of animal pharmaceuticals that can be produced.

“We are also keen on Sarawak’s technology and expertise in rice cultivation,” he said.

Latypov noted that while Russia is known for its cold climate, its vast territory encompasses diverse climatic conditions, including regions well-suited for rice production.

He added that Sarawak’s experience and technology could serve as a solid foundation for knowledge exchange and joint research initiatives to enhance agricultural yields. 

Adong Kechil revives Sarawak's onshore oil production after 50 years

SINGAPORE, Oct 27 2026: The first oil production from the Adong Kechil West field, Block SK433 in Miri has revived Sarawak's onshore oil production activities after almost 50 years, Deputy Minister of Energy and Environmental Sustainability  Dr Hazland Abang Hipni said.

Caption: Deputy Minister Dr Hazland Hipni says the momentum would continue through oil and gas exploration activities in several other areas including Balingian, Limbang, Marudi and Niah.

He said the production, which was started by Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros) and PETRA Energy in July 2026, is now recording about 800 barrels of oil per day.

He said the development proves that Sarawak's efforts to strengthen energy security continue to bear fruit, especially in ensuring sufficient energy supply to support the state's industrial and economic growth.

“As our industry grows, so does the demand for energy.

“Therefore, we continue to strengthen our energy security by developing onshore and offshore oil and gas resources, as well as expanding hydro and solar generation,” he said while delivering a keynote address at the Singapore International Energy Week (SIEW) 2026 at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre, Singapore, today.

He said the momentum would continue through oil and gas exploration activities in several other areas including Balingian, Limbang, Marudi and Niah.

In a related development, he said, Petros is also exploring the integrated development of offshore gas fields in Sarawak’s western waters to create a more reliable source of gas supply for the Kuching Low-Carbon Hub.

According to him, the development of the gas infrastructure is important to support future power generation needs and industrial activities, especially in the southern region of Sarawak.

“This will help attract new industries and investments, create downstream opportunities and drive economic growth,” he said.

He said Kuching LNG Terminal, which Petros developed with Höegh Evi through a Joint Development Agreement, will be part of the Kuching Low-Carbon Hub and is Sarawak’s first LNG regasification facility.

Dr Hazland said the development of Tanjung Embang will be supported by LNG infrastructure, Kuching Deepsea Port and industrial parks to attract high-value industries including artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, food processing and smart machines.

At the same time, he said Samajaya 2 High Tech Park in Samarahan has been identified as the first development area to start the Kuching Low-Carbon Hub and is targeted to be ready to receive investors by early 2028.

He also said the 65-kilometre Samalaju-Bintulu Pipeline project is expected to be completed by the end of 2026 to supply natural gas to industries in Samalaju Industrial Park.

In strengthening the energy system, Sarawak, he said, has also increased its use of renewable energy when nine Solar Power Purchase Agreements have been signed, involving a total solar capacity of 1,450 megawatts.

Efforts to strengthen the electricity supply network have also continued through the Bunut-Medamit-Limbang grid which was completed last July and the Lawas transmission network, thus increasing energy supply in northern Sarawak.

Dr Hazland said the infrastructure is also an important foundation for the Sarawak-Sabah Interconnection, thus supporting efforts to realise the Borneo Grid and the ASEAN Power Grid initiative.

“Growth brings responsibility. Net Zero cannot be separated from economic development.

“It needs to shape the way we grow by using energy more efficiently, reducing emissions and getting higher value from the resources we have,” he said.

He added that the State Cabinet in June also approved the Sarawak Net Zero Strategy and Carbon Plan, while a study for the establishment of the Sarawak Climate Finance Accelerator is underway.

He explained that the move reflects Sarawak’s approach in balancing economic development, energy security and the sustainability agenda.

Election Commission to hold special meeting on Nov 6 to make arrangement for Sarawak state election

KUCHING, Oct 27 2026: The Election Commission (EC) will hold a special meeting on Nov 6 to make arrangement for the 13th Sarawak state election, its secretary Khairul Shahril Idrus said in a statement posted on the commission's Facebook.

He said the EC has received a notification from Speaker Mohamad Asfia Awang Nasar today on the dissolution of the State Legislative Assembly (SLA) on Oct 26.

"The special meeting, to be chaired by its chairman Ramlan Harun, is to discuss, among other things, the issuance of election writs, nomination day, polling day and electoral roll to be used in the election," Khairul Shahril said.

He added the election must be held within 60 days from the date of the dissolution as required under 21(2) of the State Constitution.

Premier Abang Johari Openg announced the dissolution of SLA on Oct 23, saying that the time is appropriate to call for a fresh mandate from the people.

The12th state election was held on Dec 18 2021