Premier Abang Johari hints state government to take over more major entities in future

KUCHING, May 10 2026: After Bakun dam, MASwings and Bintulu Port, the state government will take over more major entities in future, hinted Premier Abang Johari Openg today.

Caption: Premier Abang Johari Openg speaking to reporters after addressing the state-level Worker's Day celebration 

However, he did not identify the entities that the state government will take over.

“We have acquired majority equity in Affin Bank, set up Petroleum Sarawak, we have set up Development Bank of Sarawak and formed our own airlines, Air Borneo.

“Our economy will be based on the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030,” he said when addressing the state-level Worker’s Day celebration at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here.

The premier said more roads will also be built to connect the rural areas, thus opening up more land for modern agriculture that will require skilled farmers.

Abang Johari expressed his grateful to the workers for their contribution to develop Sarawak into a progressive state.

“The success is due to a close cooperation between the workers, employers and the state government,” he said.

About 3,000 workers from various categories attended the celebration.

Among those present were Deputy Premier Dr Sim Kui Hian, state ministers and representatives from the federal agencies.

Australia's The Fabfour bringing back to life the memories of The Beatles

KUCHING, May 10 2026: The aura of world music legends, The Beatles, came back to life in Kuching through an exclusive performance by the famous Australian tribute band, The Fabfour, which successfully brought the audience back to the glorious era of 1960s music in a nostalgic atmosphere last night. 

Caption: The Fabfour bringing back memories of the famous Beatles with their songs 

The concert, which lasted almost two hours, brought together more than 30 iconic Beatles songs, which were energetically performed complete with authentic visual elements, including costumes and performance styles according to the legendary group's glorious era.

Among the fresh songs performed were I Want To Hold Your Hand, Let It Be and Hey Jude, which not only sparked cheers from the audience, but also revived the "Beatlemania" phenomenon that once sparked a major revolution in the world music industry.

More interestingly, Kuching was the first destination of The Fabfour's tour series in Malaysia before the group continued its performances to Kuala Lumpur and George Town, thus strengthening the city's position as one of the preferred locations for organizing international-class entertainment events.

Established in 1992, The Fabfour has continued to build its reputation on the international stage through tribute performances that feature musical elements, vocals, stage style and appearance that are almost identical to the original Beatles.

Tourism Minister Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah with The Fabfour

The evening's performance was headlined by Stephen Derek Brazier as John Lennon, Richard James Taylor as George Harrison, Brendan Dale Gaspari as Paul McCartney and Mark Dudley Nelson as Ringo Starr.

The combination of energetic performances, vocal harmonies that closely resemble the original band and relaxed interaction with the audience succeeded in creating a very exciting and intimate concert experience for fans.

More than five decades after The Beatles' heyday, the legendary group's influence still remains great in shaping the global music landscape, and that legacy is reinterpreted through The Fabfour's interactive performances that are full of nostalgic and emotional elements.

The concert also offered an exclusive experience to fans through a more intimate and relaxed venue atmosphere, thus allowing the audience to enjoy each performance more deeply.

Also present to enliven the concert were  Minister of Tourism, Creative Industries and Performing Arts Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industries and Performing Arts Sebastian Ting and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industries and Performing Arts  Morshidi Frederick.

66-year old senior citizen dies in a road accident in Sibu

SIBU, May 10 2026: A 66-year old senior citizen was killed in a road accident involving a car, she and three senior citizens were travelling in,  was involved in a collision with a four-wheel drive vehicle at Mile 11, Sibu-Bintulu Road last night.

Caption: The deceased was trapped in the front passenger seat 

Sungai Merah Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) station, in a statement, said Yap Li Yun was confirmed dead on the spot by the Ministry of Health (MoH) medical personnel.

The  driver Liew Ken Yun,  56, was unhurt, but the other two passengers, Fung Chen Siang, 63, and Goh Chia En, 76, suffered minor injuries.

The four persons in the four-wheel drive vehicle, escaped unhurt.

Sungai Merah station said it received a call at about 9.50pm, requesting for assistance.

Upon arrival at the location, the firemen found a female victim unconscious and still pinned in the front passenger seat of the car.

The firemen then removed the trapped victim by installing a 'choke' to stabilize the vehicle which was still in a side rollover state and opening a space using a hydraulic 'spreader' to remove the victim.

The trapped victim was confirmed dead by the MoH), and was then handed over to the police at the location for further action.

The two female victims were taken by ambulance.

 

Ik Pahon returns unopposed as DBNA president

KUCHING, May 9 2026: Former Deputy State Secretary Ik Pahon Joyik retained his president’s post of Dayak Bidayuh Nasional Association (DBNA) at its triennial general assembly (TGA) at the DBNA its Multipurpose Hall here today.He has been holding post since 2004.

Caption" Ik Pahon Joyik retains his post as DBNA president 

Also returned unopposed were secretary-general Jubilant Austinway and treasurer-general Shirley Kho Kim Hai, while Dr Charlie Ungang successfully retained the post of deputy president.
The contest for the three vice-president positions emerged as one of the highlights of the assembly, attracting seven candidates.

Securing the positions were Associate Professor Dr Kismet Hong Ping, Bronnie Marshall Benedict Poris, and Joseph Jindy Peter Rosen.

Senorita Senong was elected assistant secretary-general, while Esther Mathew Mapi won the assistant treasurer-general post.’

The cultural officer position saw the emergence of a new face, Richard Banter, while Aden Nagrace was elected unopposed as information officer.

A total of  29 candidates contested for seats in the committee.

Those elected were Dr Adrian Susin Ambud, Simon Ilus, Datuk Lester Matthew, John Riba Marin, Dr Les Met, Dr Bernard Stephen Jussem, Thomas Daling, and Major Kencha Dewok.

Later Ik Pahon expressed his appreciation to delegates and observers for ensuring the smooth conduct of the TGA.

He also thanked members for their continued trust and confidence in the leadership team to steer DBNA forward.

“The commitment and dedication shown by delegates throughout the assembly reflect the unity and shared aspirations of our community,” he said.

The TGA also underscored DBNA’s ongoing commitment to strengthening leadership, fostering unity, and advancing the interests of the Bidayuh community through experienced stewardship and the participation of emerging leaders.

Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister Datuk Seri Froland Sagah Wee Inn officiated at the opening of the TGA during a welcoming dinner held at the DBNA Multipurpose Hall on Friday nig