Ship worker rescued after falling into river in Simanggang

SIMANGGANG, Aug 15 2026: The swift action by two members of the Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK) Kampung Tengah, Simanggang, successfully rescued a stone ship worker who fell into the river in the Tanjung Apit area, Skait, near here, today.

Caption: The ship worker who was rescued by two members of JKKK Kampung Tengah

According to Simanggang Information Office, the victim was successfully found and rescued after floating for almost an hour on the surface of the water, relying on the life jacket he was wearing.

Kampung Tengah headman Kifli Morni said the rescue operation was carried out by two JKKK members Yusuf Ahmad and Sahpri Yahya who acted quickly using a rental boat as soon as they received information about the incident.

According to Kifli, the efficiency and concern shown by the rental boat team was commended for successfully preventing any untoward incident, given that the waters of Skait and Tanjung Apit are known for their strong river currents and crocodile habitats.

The victim, who was found safe and stable, was immediately lifted onto the boat and then taken to the bank for further action and health checks.

Kifli also expressed his highest appreciation and gratitude for the commitment and courage of the JKKK members involved, thus proving the importance of local community preparedness in handling emergency situations in local waters.

 

Diversify your agricultural activities, such as cultivating terong Dayak, Sikie tells longhouse communities

TATAU, Aug 15 2026: Minister in the Premier’s Department (Native Laws and Customs) John Sikie Tayai has encouraged longhouse communities to diversify their agricultural activities by cultivating high-potential crops such as terong Dayak and coffee plants as additional sources of income for their families.

Caption: Minister John Sikie Tayai says palm oil certainly provides a source of income for longhouse residents, but we can also cultivate other crops to increase income

He said such crops have the potential to be cultivated commercially, including through a group approach among longhouse residents.

"Palm oil certainly provides a source of income for longhouse residents, but we can also cultivate other crops to increase income, including terong Dayak and coffee plants," he said.

He was speaking at the closing of the Agriculture Community Outreach Programme (AgriCOP) at Rumah Siba, Nanga Setengin, Ulu Anap, yesterday.

According to him, the implementation of AgriCOP also helps improve the knowledge and skills of farmers in terms of management and care of crops to ensure optimum production.

Principal assistant director of the extension division of the Sarawak Agriculture Department, Freddy Paul Giang, said that the two-day programme was attended by about 150 participants from 16 longhouses.

He said that among the contents of the programme were sharing on oil palm crops, grafting techniques, producing terong Dayak, cordial drinks and aspects of fish licensing.

The programme focused on efforts to encourage longhouse communities to venture into commercial agriculture as an additional source of income.

Also present were Tatau District Officer Calvin Ligong, Bintulu Division Agriculture Officer representative Roselind Anyi and Tatau District Agriculture Officer Joseph Mawan.

Affin Group appointed KCFC's banking partner

KUCHING, Aug 14 2026 – Kuching City Football Club (KCFC) have appointed Affin Group as its banking partner following the signing of a partnership agreement today. 

Caption: Officials from Kuching City Football Club (right) and Affin Group exchanging partnership agreement documents witnessed by Premier Abang Johari Openg (centre)

The partnership marks an important milestone in strengthening the collaboration between the financial sector and Sarawak’s football development, while creating opportunities for both parties to grow and achieve greater success.

Premier Abang Johari Openg, who witnessed the signing ceremony, described the occasion as an important milestone for both AFFIN and Kuching City FC.

The Premier expressed hope that the strategic partnership would elevate both organisations to greater heights.

“Today is an important occasion between AFFIN and Kuching City FC. I hope we can win not only on the football field, but also in the banking field,” he said.

The premier also emphasised that success, whether in football or business, requires strong teamwork, effective strategy and a shared commitment towards achieving common goals.

“To win, you need manpower and strategy,” he said.

He expressed confidence that the partnership would bring added value to both parties while further strengthening the profile of Kuching City FC and Sarawak’s sporting landscape.

The collaboration also reflects the growing role of corporate partnerships in supporting the development of local sports, particularly in providing stronger foundations for football clubs to enhance their competitiveness and long-term sustainability.

 

Sarawak strengthening ties with leading technology and industrial companies in China

SHANGHAI: Sarawak Deputy Premier Awang Tengah Ali Hasan led a high-level dialogue with chief executive officers and senior representatives from leading technology and industrial companies in Shanghai to explore potential collaborations in advanced industries.

Caption: Deputy Premier Awang Tengah Ali Hasan (seated, centre) leading Sarawak delegation to China

He said the Sarawak government remains committed to facilitating investments through InvestSarawak, providing end-to-end support covering project development, approvals, licensing, utilities and industrial land allocation.

“We are not here simply to promote Sarawak. We are here to understand what you need and explore what we can build together,” he said today.

The closed-door session, organised by InvestSarawak as part of its targeted investment mission, brought together representatives from Isabellenhütte, Microsat Shanghai (Innovation Academy for Microsatellites of the Chinese Academy of Sciences), Bosch Hydrogen Powertrain Systems (Chongqing), Suzhou Fengju Energy Technology (Beeblock), Hörmann Group, Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC), Shine, Altera New Materials and Space Green Energy Investment.

The discussions focused on opportunities in advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, aerospace, renewable energy, water technology, satellite applications and sustainable mobility, including hydrogen and sustainable fuels.

 Awang Tengah who is also Second Minister for Natural Resources and Urban Development and Minister for International Trade, Industry and Investment said Sarawak is positioning itself as Asia’s trusted partner and a China + 1 location for sustainable and high-value manufacturing, driven by global digital and green transitions.

He highlighted Sarawak’s strategic location in Southeast Asia, access to ASEAN’s growing market, abundant renewable energy resources, strategic minerals and industrial infrastructure as key advantages in attracting future-oriented industries.

He also outlined Sarawak’s semiconductor ambitions through SMD Semiconductor and the Sarawak Semiconductor Roadmap 2030, which aims to generate RM30 billion in sector contribution by 2030.

Sarawak is focusing on higher-value segments such as integrated circuit design, compound semiconductors, advanced packaging and semiconductor applications for automotive and aerospace industries.

The dialogue also explored potential partnerships in precision manufacturing, satellite technology, industrial infrastructure, hydrogen technology, bamboo-based industries, renewable energy and semiconductor value chains.

The Sarawak delegation included Deputy Minister for International Trade, Industry and Investment Dr Malcolm Mussen Lamoh, Sarawak Financial Secretary and Chairman of SMD Semiconductor Dr Wan Lizozman Wan Omar, Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of International Trade, Industry and Investment Lester Matthew, Chief Executive Officer of InvestSarawak Timothy Ong, Chief Executive Officer of SMD Semiconductor Shariman Jamil, Consul (Investment) and MIDA Director Shanghai Muhammad Sawaddee Islamuddin, as well as Consul (Trade) and MATRADE Director Shanghai Norman Dzulkarnain Mohd Nasri.

 

Disaster committee plans to carry out cloud seeding operations, targeting dam and water catchment areas

KUCHING, Aug 14 2026: The Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC), in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA), is making plans to carry out cloud seeding operations (OPA) Series 3 in the state.

Caption: SDMC chairman Douglas Uggah Embas says the main focus of OPA Series 3 is on dam and water catchment areas

SDMC chairman Douglas Uggah said this is one of the measures to deal with the prolonged hot and dry weather conditions.

“The main focus of OPA Series 3 is on dam areas and water catchment areas that have been identified as critical, especially areas that are important to the continuity of water supply sources and the stability of dam water levels,” he said in a statement when updating the haze situation in the state.

“This effort aims to increase the potential for rainfall in target areas and subsequently help maintain the availability of the state's water resources.

“The implementation of OPA Series 3 is subject to the availability of suitable clouds and atmospheric conditions and meteorological factors that permit,” Uggah, who is also the deputy premier, said.

However, he said the effectiveness of the operation depends on the existence of a cloud system that has certain characteristics and meets technical and flight safety criteria.

He said METMalaysia will continue to carry out technical analysis and assessment to determine the suitability of the area, time and atmospheric conditions before the operation is carried out.

He said SDMC will continue to work closely with NADMA, METMalaysia, Natural Resources and Environment Board Sarawak (NREB), Department of Environment (DOE), Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba), utility agencies and related agencies to ensure that monitoring, prevention, control and mitigation measures for haze and fire risks are implemented in an integrated and effective manner.

Uggah stressed that SDMC is closely monitoring the hot, dry weather and haze situation in several areas in the state.

He said based on the weather and air quality report on August 14 2026 at 12noon, a total of 18 locations have been monitored.

“Several locations recorded Air Pollution Index (API) readings at unhealthy levels, including IPD Serian (182), Kuching (171), Samarahan (170), Sri Aman (162), Sarikei (158), Mukah (151), Bintulu (151), Tebedu (150) and Lundu (102),” he said in a statement when updating the people on the haze situation in the state.

He added prolonged hot and dry weather conditions have the potential to affect air quality, water supply sources and increase the risk of forest, peatland and open area fires.

In this regard, he said SDMC, together with related agencies are constantly strengthening monitoring of weather developments, air pollution levels, hotspots, forest and peatland fires and the status of water supply sources.