40 hectares of forest fire area on Jalan Kejatau-Lingga successfully extinguished

SIMANGGANG, Aug 14 2026:  A total of 40 hectares of forest fire area on Jalan Kejatau-Lingga near Bandar Simanggang have been successfully extinguished so far.

Caption: Vast area of forest along Jalan Kejatau-Lingga has been destroyed in the fire

Head of Zone 3 of the state Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) Muhammad Rais Adham Rosalan said that efforts to put off the fire at the location involved are still continuing through the 'fire break' method with six additional personnel deployed to assist the 28 personnel who were on duty previously.

"The area of forest fire that has been successfully extinguished by the party has increased to 40 hectares compared to 30 hectares on Wednesday.

"Our party will continue efforts to extinguish the forest fire on Jalan Kejatau-Lingga through the 'fire break' method and hope that it continues to run smoothly until it is completed," he said when briefing Sri Aman Division Resident, Mahra Salleh during a review session on the fifth day of firefighting operations at the location today.

Previously, the forest fire incident on Jalan Kejatau-Lingga began last Monday involving a total of 80 hectares of land there.

The forest fire extinguishing operation has been divided into five sectors with all parties focusing their efforts through the 'fire break' method and 'total flooding' in the peatland area.

Signings of five agreements further strengthening China-Sarawak economic partnership. says Awang Tengah

SHANGHAI, Aug 14 2026: Sarawak  has strengthened its economic partnership with China yesterday as five agreements were signed during the investment mission, led by Deputy Premier and Minister for International Trade, Industry and Investment (MINTRED) Awang Tengah Ali Hasan.

Caption: Deputy Premier Awang Tengah Ali Hasan says the agreements reflect growing collaboration between the business communities of China and Sarawak

The agreements are on intelligent construction, energy storage manufacturing, basalt fibre production, mineral development and oil and gas services.

Among them, FAME International Construction Technology Sdn Bhd signed an MoA with Chongqing Intelligent Construction and Construction Robotics Industry Center to jointly develop Malaysia's intelligent construction market.

Torch Energy Storage Technology Sdn Bhd entered a factory construction agreement with Acute Iconic Sdn Bhd to build a 150,000-square-foot facility at Samajaya Hi-Tech Park, Kuching.

EcoNature New Material Technology Sdn Bhd signed with Pawoke Mineral Fiber Products Group Co Ltd to establish a basalt fibre manufacturing facility.

Tecktonic Minerals Sdn Bhd signed separate MoUs with Sound Achiever Limited on a mineral development project and with Shanghai Richtech Technology Company Limited to establish a fully localised oil and gas exploration and services entity in Sarawak.

SMD Semiconductor and Linyang Energy Group signed an MoA on integrating SMD's Gallium Nitride power modules into Linyang's smart meter and power inverter systems for a 200MW solar farm.

Awang Tengah said the signings reflect growing collaboration between the business communities of China and Sarawak, and strong interest among Chinese companies in establishing a presence in the state.

The programme also featured the Sarawak–China Strategic Investment Roundtable, which explored opportunities in advanced manufacturing, renewable energy, digital economy and green technology, alongside potential technology transfer with Chongqing investors in smart infrastructure, robotics, AI, circular economy and high-performance computing.

The delegation later met chief executives from ten technology companies, including Hörmann Group, BMW Group, ZF Automotive and Space Green Energy Investment Inc.

The Sarawak government noted its continued investment in large-scale infrastructure and competitively priced utilities and industrial land, including a 30 per cent rebate for eligible projects completed within stipulated time-frames, to support long-term investor competitiveness.

 

Main pipeline near Lorong Kiew Nang 1, Sibu completed, but water supply can't be restored immediately

SIBU, Aug 14 2026: Sarawak Water Sdn Bhd (SWSB) said that the repair works on the1000mm-diameter main pipeline near Lorong Kiew Nang 1, Sibu, was completed early this morning, but the water supply cannot be restored immediately to all affected consumers.

Caption: Repair works on the main pipeline completed, but water supply cannot be restored immediately

It said the distribution system needs time to refill, while water pressure has to be gradually rebuilt before supply can reach all areas.

“At the same time, a 600mm-diameter delivery valve at the Salim WaterTreatment Plant experienced an unexpected malfunction, which has further affected the recovery of water supply to several areas.

“Repair works on the affected valve is currently ongoing and is expected to be completed between 1pm and 3pm today,” SWSB said in a statement.

It advised the consumers that water supply will not return to normal immediately upon completion of the valve repair works.

It explained that following a major interruption, the distribution system requires time to refill and water pressure must gradually build up before supply can reach all affected areas.

SWSBG said water supply will therefore be restored progressively, with some areas receiving earlier than others depending on the location within the distribution system.

“As a result, approximately 15,000 consumer accounts are expected to continue experiencing temporary water supply interruption or low water pressure in Jalan Tun Ahmad Zaidi Adruce (Jalan Salim intersection) – Lorong 60 to Lorong 66,including the Petronas Station Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, including Lorong Tunku Abdul Rahman 42, Rumah Sebastian, Jalan Rafflesia, Jalan Jade Villa, Taman Primeview, Taman Azalea, Taman Sanhill, Sibu Airport and Eco Garden Sibu Jaya Jalan Durin Link up to Durin Bridge Jalan Satria, Jalan Bumi Indah, Jalan Ruai, Jalan Bougenvilla, Jalan Kaland, Jalan Pine,Taman Kemuyang, Rascom Camp and Rumah Nari up to the Sibu–Bintulu junction Surrounding  areas.

In the meantime, SWSB has deployed water tankers to the affected areas to provide temporary water supply assistance while repair and restoration efforts are ongoing.ater supply assistance while repair and restoration efforts are ongoing.

During the recovery period, some consumers may experience temporary low water pressure or discoloured water as the distribution system stabilises. Consumers experiencing discoloured water are advised to allow their taps to run until the water becomes clear before use.

Sarawak Water regrets the inconvenience caused and appreciates the patience and understanding of all affected consumers as our teams work to restore the water supply as soon as possible.

Further updates on the repair works and water supply restoration progress will be provided through Sarawak Water’s official communication channels.