Lebuk Melanau is set to become new landmark to strengthen heritage in Kuching

KUCHING, April 4 2026: The proposed  'Lebuk Melanau' or Melanau House, estimated to cost at least RM55 million, is set to become a new landmark to strengthen heritage and community unity in the state. 

Deputy Minister of Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Len Talif Salleh (picture)_ said the project, located at Wisma Melanau near the Islamic Information Centre (IIC), is expected to begin construction this year and is scheduled to be completed by 2027. 

 He said the project has received preliminary approval from the State Planning Authority (SPA) and is currently in the documentation preparation phase before the tender process is implemented.

"Lebuk Melanau will function as a community interaction centre and a location for various cultural and social activities involving the Melanau community and other races.

"However, the existing main building of Wisma Melanau will still be maintained to preserve the historical value and legacy of the previous leadership for the younger generation,” he said.

He said this when met by the media at the Aidilfitri 2026 Reception organised by the Sarawak Melanau Welfare Trust Board at the Royal Malaysian Customs Academy here today.

 Commenting on the development cost, he explained that the state government would fund part of the cost, but implementation needed to be expedited to avoid the implications of cost increases due to global economic factors.

More than 500 guests from various ethnic backgrounds, thus reflecting the continued spirit of goodwill and harmony among the people of Sarawak.-

 

 

Hypertension is top on list of major findings of chronic health conditions among senior citizens in a recent study carried out in Sarawak

KUCHING, April 4 2026: Hypertension is on the top list  of major findings of chronic health condition among senior citizens  in a recent study carried out in the state by the Ministry of Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development in collaboration with Swinburne University of Technology, Sarawak campus.

The minister Fatimah Abdullah (picture) said that the study  entiled Profile of Ageing Issues of Older Persons in Sarawak shows that 44 of the respondents suffer from  hypertension, followed by high cholesterol (35.5 per cent) and diabetes (23 per cent).

“Around two-thirds of respondents exhibit cognitive decline, with many of them under-utilising the healthcare services due to cost, transport, or lack of awareness,” she said at the launch of the Senior Citizen - We Care programme here.

She added nearly 30 per cent of the respondent live below RM2,500 monthly income, with limited savings and dependence on informal support.

“Seven per cent live alone, while many reside in homes that are unsafe or not adapted for ageing, particularly in rural districts,” she said.

She also said the study noted that older persons face low digital literacy, limited participation in lifelong learning, and low awareness of government support programmes.

She said the study found out that the family caregivers bear the main responsibility but face emotional and financial strain without structured respite or training.

“The study forms the basis for the development of the Masterplan for Healthy, Active and Dignified Ageing, to ensure that our senior citizens can live safe, active and inclusive lives in their respective communities,” the minister said.

Fartimah said the state Welfare Department monthly assistance for February 2026 has recorded a total of 55,194 cases involving an expenditure of RM25,322,226.00.

“Of the total, 22,355 cases are recipients of Senior Citizen Assistance amounting to RM600. A total of RM13,413,000.00 has been spent on Senior Citizen Assistance as of February 2026 for the whole of Sarawak.

“Through the Sarawak government, for the senior citizens, they are provided with discounted prices and services through the use of the Kenyalang Gold Card (KGC) in collaboration with 1180 KGC strategic partners consisting of private companies and registered commercial centers throughout Sarawak.

“As of February 2026, a total of 374,566 cards have been distributed and digital cards have been activated,” she said.

She added KGC is also equipped with Benevolence Death Assistance (BIK) which is a grant to the heirs of deceased KGC holders to cover the funeral costs of RM1,800.00 per KGC holder.

“As of February 2026, a total of 29,641 people have received BIK for the year 2020 - 2026 with a total of RM77,774,200.00 spent” Fatimah said.

Meanwhile, for the Senior Citizen Health Benefit (SCHB), which benefits senior citizens with a household income of RM7,000 and below per month.

This facility provides assistance for cashless outpatient treatment at panel clinics with a maximum limit of RM500 per person per year.

Throughout Sarawak, there are 224 health institutions registered as SCHB panels which can be benefited by 221,225 active SCHB recipients

Karim says Sarawak receives positive tourist arrivals, despite the Middle East conflict and rising cost of travel

KUCHING, April 2 2026: Visitor arrivals to Sarawak for the period January to March remained positive despite facing travel cost pressure following the conflict in the Middle East and rising oil prices.
 

Tourism Minister Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah says most of the tourists are from Indonesia, Brunei and Singapore

Minister of Tourism, Creative Industries and Performing Artsi Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said statistics for the first three months of this year showed that the momentum of visitor arrivals was still positive.

“We will continue to monitor, but hope that despite the war and the increase in oil prices, visitor arrivals to Sarawak can still be maintained.

“Most of our visitors come from neighbouring countries such as Brunei, Indonesia and Singapore, so we don’t need to worry too much if this trend continues,” he said when when met by reporters during the Sarawak Serumpun Majlis at the Sarawak Cultural Village last night..

He said federal Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Tiong King Sing also informed that visitor arrivals to Malaysia in March remained stable and were not significantly affected.

Commenting on the possibility of assistance to tourism industry players, he said any action would be considered based on the actual level of impact on the sector.

According to him, the government needs to assess the overall impact including on the hospitality, transportation and food supply chains.

“We will see how bad the situation is and of course the federal government is also looking into this matter because it is putting pressure on all parties.

“We hope this situation will not last long and will subside in the next few months,” he said.

He also commented on the temporary suspension of Batik Air flights to Bintulu and Sibu which was influenced by global factors including rising fuel prices.

He explained that airline operations depend on commercial factors, especially when certain routes record low load factors following the increase in ticket prices.

He said that the situation could cause people to postpone their travel, thus prompting airlines to re-evaluate their routes and frequency of operations.

However, he was optimistic that the situation would not last long and was expected to return to stability after geopolitical pressures subsided.