Deputy minister: 106,242 applications from employers approved by Foreign Workers Transformation Approach (FWTA) Sdn Bhd

By Mohd Abdullah Lee

KUCHING, May 21 2026: Foreign Worker Transformation Approach Sdn Bhd (FWTA) has approved  106,242 applications from employers, Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring) Gerawat Gala said in a statement today.

Caption: Gerawat Gala says that a free of RM1,854 is charged for each application 

“A total of 69,570 applications were processed manually before the implementation of the FWTA and were not subject to the fee,” he explained.

He said a free of RM1,854 was charged for each application,  entirely for the purpose of operating, maintaining and improving the system while the government did not receive any part of the payment.

The FWTA initiative not only strengthens the efficiency of the workforce ecosystem, but also plays a role in addressing the issue of illegal foreign workers through a more structured and integrated management approach.

Gerawat stressed that the implementation of the FWTA was carried out in accordance with the prescribed legal, administrative and financial procedures and has received approval from the relevant authorities.

According to him, the implementation is also subject to periodic reviews, audits and monitoring by authoritative bodies to ensure that the level of compliance, accountability and value for money is always maintained.

He explained that the FWTA was implemented through a public-private partnership (PPP) model, with the entire development and operational costs being fully funded by the private sector without involving government allocations.

He said that FWTA Sdn Bhd legally appointed as a subcontractor by the service provider, with the appointment made according to procurement procedures and subject to audit and monitoring by the authorities.

He also reminded that administrative issues involving state interests should not be politicized, but rather discussed responsibly based on valid facts.

the government, he said, remains committed to the principles of transparency and good governance, but any disclosure related to contracts or commercial matters is subject to the law and the obligation of confidentiality. 

 

 

No urgency for premier to call for state election prematurely, says PBK president

By CW Claire 

KUCHING, May 21 2026: Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK) president Voon Lee Shan  believed that there is no urgency for Premier Abang Johari Openg to dissolve the State Legislative Assembly (SLA) prematurely as the current term can continue until around April next year. 

Caption: PBK president Voon Lee Shan says a strong mandate in the next state election would further strengthen GPS midway through its new term 

He said political situation remains stable under Gagungan Parti Sarawak (GPS).

He believed that the coming 13th Sarawak state election is widely expected to reaffirm GPS’s position in government.

“A strong mandate in the next state election would further strengthen GPS midway through its new term,” he said in a statement.

“Should the premier decide to retire in the future, he would leave behind a stable administration and a stronger political legacy for both GPS and the people of Sarawak.

“Political stability and strong governance are essential to attracting foreign investment and ensuring continued economic growth and investor confidence in both Sarawak and Malaysia,” he emphasised.

At GPS Back-Benchers" Club gathering last night, Abang Johari had hinted that the state election might be "getting closer",

However, he did not give the exact date or whether it would be held before the end of this year.

Political analysts believed that there is a possibility that the state election could be held before the end of this year, or at the same time with the general election which Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim might call this year due to internal crisis in the unity government.

PBB is due to hold its three regional conventions within the next few months, indicating that the state electrion is nearer.

Meanwhile, Voon is of the opinion that federal political stability should remain the priority at this moment, as the unity government is facing various internal and external challenges, including coalition pressures, economic concerns, and security-related issues.

He said calling for a general election now would carry significant risks, as there is no guarantee the present federal government would retain power and continue governing effectively.

“Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim should instead utilise the remaining term to repair political weaknesses, strengthen confidence within the coalition, and address issues affecting the people and the economy,” he said.

He stressed that the current parliamentary term still has several years remaining before its expected expiry in 2028, and there is sufficient time to restore political stability and public confidence.

“In any elections, there is no guarantee that the government of the day could retain its position to continue as government, especially, when there are many unresolved issues affecting the economy and security of the country,” he questioned.

Abang Johari hinting Sarawak state election is "getting closer"

By Mohd Abdullah Lee

KUCHING, May 21 2026: Premier Abang Johari Abang Openg has hinted that the Sarawak state election is now getting closer. 

Caption: Premier Abang Johari Openg shaking hands with GPS leaders at the Back-Benchers Club dinner

Although he did not give a clear hint as to the exact date, he said that the election could be held by the end of this year.

"I don't know when the election will be, but what I do know is it is almost here, it is almost here. I don't know when the 'beduk will sound'," he said at the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) Backbenchers dinner last night.

The Sarawak premier also expressed concern over the political atmosphere in Peninsular Malaysia which is divided to the point of threatening the stability of the country and causing problems.

Therefore, he called on the GPS government to continue to unite in rejecting the culture of division and continue to work hard to preserve the welfare of the people.

"For this reason, the GPS government is very important as a bulwark for us to defend Sarawak," he explained.

Political analysts believe that the state legislative assembly (SLA) could be dissolved once Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim calls the general election.

The federal government is in chaos as the Malayan-based political parties, especially the DAP and Umno, are literally at each other’s throat.

Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) is itself having internal crisis.

With the political  bickering going on, it is little wonder that the prime minister will soon call for the general election.

The Malaysian general election was held November 19. 2022

The next general election is scheduled to be held by 17 February 2028. It will determine the composition of the Dewan Rakyat, which determines the government of Malaysia.

The next Sarawak state election, formally the 13th Sarawak general election, must be held on or before 15 April 2027 at the latest, persuant to clause 21(4) of the Constitution of Sarawak.

The current Sarawak state legislative assembly's five-year term was elected on December 18, 2021.

 

 

Take-over of Bintulu Port by state government from federal government to be finalised by end of next month

KUCHING, May 20 2026: Deputy Premier Douglas Uggah told the state legislative assembly (SLA) that the handing over of the Bintulu Port will be finalised by the end of next month.

Caption: Deputy Premier Douglas says consolidating all the ports to be finalised by third quarter of this year 

He said the consolidation of all state port authorities under a central port authority - the Sarawak Ports Authority - to be finalised  by the third quarter of this year.

“This will streamline policy-making, regulation, and harmonise development efforts alongside the implementation of strategic Sarawak ports masterplan,” he said in his winding up speech in the SLA.

In December last year, the federal government agreed to the transfer of Bintulu Port to Sarawak government for a value of RM1.8 billion.  

Uggah, who is also Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development, also said the state ports recorded encouraging growth in early 2026, with throughput in the first quarter having increased by 10% compared to the first quarter of 2025.  

“This demonstrates the resilience of our economy in this uncertain geopolitical climate,” he said.

He also said that the state ports are undergoing development through strategic projects such as the proposed dredging and associated works at Batang Baram Delta, Miri, which is targeted to complete by the end of 2026, to enable deeper draught vessels to call at Miri Port.

He said the vehicle yard at Senari Terminal has been expanded to accommodate 1,000 additional vehicles, raising total capacity to 3,500 by 2026.

“This move positions Senari as a leading regional hub for car distribution; extension of wharf at Senari Terminal by 250 meters inclusive of 30 meters for mooring dolphin, this will allow the port to handle more vessels.

Tanjung Embang masterplan finalised, physical and infrastructure development expected next year

 By CW Claire

KUCHING, May 20 2026: The state government is in the process of finalising the detailed masterplan of Tanjung Embang development, Premier Abang Johari Openg said today.

Caption: Premier Abang Johari Openg says the deep-sea  port will handle larger cargo volumes 

He said physical and infrastructure development is expected to begin in 2027 through a PPP approach.

“A key part of this masterplan includes the New Kuching International Airport (NKIA) and a deep-sea port, which will facilitate connectivity, support trade and expand our participation in regional and global supply chains,”  he said in his winding up speech in the state legislative assembly (SLA) today.

He stressed that NKIA will be developed as a future-ready aviation hub, with an initial capacity of 15 million passengers a year, scalable to 60 million.

“It will improve passenger travel, air cargo logistics, and maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services.

“The deep-sea port will handle larger cargo volumes, support industrial expansion, and connect Sarawak more effectively to global trade, while complementing hubs such as Bintulu and Samalaju,” he said.

“As Sarawak moves into its next level of advancement, it is imperative that we take bold steps to stay competitive.  

“The Sarawak Gas Roadmap is part of that effort. It is a roadmap leveraging on gas for export and to create more value across four hubs – Kuching, Bintulu, Samalaju and Miri.

“Building on the roadmap, we are now developing the integrated Kuching Low-Carbon Hub (KLCH) in Tanjung Embang, centred on sustainability, innovation, and high-value investment.

“Supported by natural gas from Western Sarawak, it will provide reliable lower-carbon energy for industries such as advanced manufacturing, food processing, digital economy, and circular economy activities,” the premier said.

He said KLCH is gaining strong international traction, saying that the state government has established strategic partnerships with leading industry players namely China Jiangsu International and Sumitomo Corporation, Japan.

He added growing interest from Europe and other regions reflects confidence in KLCH’s long-term potential.

“With its prime location and shared infrastructures, Tanjung Embang is well positioned to become a competitive low-carbon gateway for trade, logistics, and green industries,” he stressed.