Diesel quotas should take into account geographical challenges in Sarawak, Awang Tengah tells Putrajaya

KUCHING, June 8 2026: The Sarawak government has urged the federal government to consider adopting a special approach to the implementation of diesel purchase quotas in Sarawak.

Caption: Deputy Premier Awang Tengah Ali Hasan chairing the Sarawak State Consumer Movement meeting 

Deputy Premier Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said the special approach should take into account the geographical challenges and the different needs of rural and inland communities compared to states in Peninsular Malaysia.

He said the current diesel purchase limit needs to be re-evaluated, especially for residents in the inland areas who have to travel long distances to obtain fuel supplies.

"There are residents in the inland areas who have to bear high travel costs to the nearest petrol station, but are only allowed to buy up to 100 litres of diesel per transaction.

"For example, in Bario, it can take up to 15 hours to get to the nearest petrol station, so we need to think about the actual situation in Sarawak.

"I hope special consideration can be given to help the people who are in such a situation," he told reporters after chairing the Sarawak State Consumer Movement (GPN) Meeting this afternoon.

In this regard, he requested that the matter be given special consideration for Sarawak, especially in areas that still depend on generators for electricity supply and use boats as the main transportation that requires diesel.

On  the meeting, he said it discussed consumer complaints received throughout this year and follow-up actions that need to be taken based on the reports.

According to him, the same meeting also presented inspection reports on business premises and petrol stations, in addition to receiving a briefing on the National Consumer Policy 2.0 and the Subsidized Diesel Control System.

In the same development, he said the Sarawak GPN would intensify efforts to provide information to the community to increase understanding of the implementation of subsidies, including the application method and process for obtaining the assistance provided.

"This is important because without proper explanation, the community will face difficulties in understanding the facilities provided.

"Therefore, this matter will continue to be improved because we want to educate, train and raise awareness among consumers about their rights as consumers," he said.

He also stressed that enforcement aspects will continue to be strengthened through close cooperation between various agencies, especially in dealing with leakage issues that require immediate action.

He explained that coordination between agencies is very important to strengthen enforcement and not rely entirely on the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) in curbing any form of misconduct.

Deputy Minister of International Trade, Industry and Investment Malcolm Mussen Lamoh, Police Commissioner Mohamad Zainal Abdullah, MINTRED Permanent Secretary Lester Matthew and Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Director Matthew Dominic Barin.

Processing period for EFS online applications reduced to one month, and BIB online applications to two weeks

KUCHING, June 8 2026:  The processing periods for online applications for Endowment Fund Sarawak (EFS) has been reduced from three and six months to one month while for Childbirth Assistance (BIB), from three months to two weeks.

Caption: Minister Fatimah Abdullah says that a  total of 154,648 Sarawakians have had EFS accounts with a total allocation of RM154.6 million from the state government, from January 1 2019 to April 30, 2026.

 Women, Early Childhood and Community Well-being Development Minister Fatimah Abdullah said the reduction of the processing period for EFS and BIB online applications are made  possible through the implementation of a fully online application system and integration with sarawak.gov.my, SarawakPASS portals and SPAYGLOBAL.

“The improvements allow parents to receive application results and account opening more quickly, easily and transparently compared to previous methods,” Fatimah said after chairing the EFS committee meeting.

She said all EFS applications will be carried out online through the Sarawak.gov.my portal which is integrated with SarawakPASS, starting this year.

“This new system will not only increase transparency and efficiency in service delivery, but will also make it easier for parents to apply without having to be physically present.

“For parents facing technical problems, assistance can be obtained at the Sarawak Service Centre, through Talikhidmat Sarawak or by contacting KPWK at 082-374700,” she said.

Fatimah said the implementation of EFS 2.0 is an important transformation step to ensure that the funds provided by the Sarawak government provide more optimal returns to Sarawak children.

Eligible Sarawakian parents with the “K” status on their MyKad are entitled to receive RM1,000 for each of their babies.

Fatimah also said the processing period for BIB (Childbirth Assistance) of RM450 for each mother has also been reduced from three months to just two weeks.

She said this is made possible through the implementation of the online application system, integration of SarawakPASS and SPAYGLOBAL and improvements to the work process.

“In addition, BIB payments are now channeled directly to the SPay Global accounts of eligible recipients to speed up the payment process and increase the efficiency of aid delivery,” Fatimah said,

She said the state government will continue to strengthen its publicity and promotional efforts to ensure that more eligible mothers benefit from the initiative.

She also told reporters that a total of 154,648 Sarawakians have had EFS accounts with a total allocation of RM154.6 million from the state government, from January 1 2019 to April 30, 2026.

“For the year 2025, a total of 27,421 births with “K” status were recorded. Of this total, 24,315 EFS applications were received, equivalent to a participation rate of 89 oer cent,” she said

“Of the total applications, 17,597 accounts (72.3per cent) were successfully opened in the same year, while the rest were completed in the first quarter of 2026.

“For 2026, as of April 30,  a total of 5,230 Sarawakians or 60 per cent of the total 8,743 eligible children had submitted their EFS applications.

“This rate is expected to continue to increase as the majority of parents are still within the allowed period to apply,” she said.

Faimah said her ministry will continue to strengthen its publicity and promotion efforts through hospitals, health clinics, District Offices, Sarawak Service Centres and the Sarawak government's digital platform to ensure that all eligible Sarawakians receive EFS benefits.

She said since its introduction in 2020, a total of 99,260 mothers have received the benefits of Childbirth Assistance  with a total allocation of RM44.6 million channeled by the Sarawak government.

Sylverster Lim Kak Bin takes over from Soo Tien Ren as DAP Stampin branch Socialist Youth chief

KUCHING, June 8 2026: Sylverster Lim Kak Bin is now the new DAP Stampin branch Socialist Youth chief, taking over from Soo Tien Ren, at a recent branch election.

Caption: Newly elected Stampin branch Youth chief Sylverster Lim Kak Bin (left) with former Stampin Youth chief Soo Tien Ren

Lim has been an active in the youth cultural and community movements in Kuching.

Soo said the purpose of rebuilding DAP Stampin branch Socialist Youth was to provide more young people with a platform to participate in politics, serve the community, and pursue the ideals they believe in.

Now that Stampin Youth has gradually been reorganised and strengthened, Soo believes it is time for more young people to step forward, shoulder responsibilities, and exercise leadership.

He said that as he has now taken up the position of Sarawak DAP Youth, he hopes to pass the Stampin Youth platform to a new generation of young leaders.

“This will allow more young people from different backgrounds, with different strengths and ideas, to be involved in public affairs and contribute to Stampin, Kuching, and Sarawak,” Soo said im a statement.

“Politics should not be a stage reserved for only a few. Youth politics must continue to renew itself and pass the baton to the next generation.

“We want to give more young people the opportunity to do what they want to do and to push for the change they believe in,” he said.

Soo also expressed full confidence in Lim’s leadership, saying that he has long been active in various youth cultural movements in Kuching.

Apart from actively promoting lion dance culture, Lim is also a football coach and has organised several state-level football tournaments.

He has maintained close engagement with youth groups over the years.

Soo described Lim as not only a hands-on executor, but also a young leader capable of leading a team, uniting young people, and turning ideas into action.

“Sylverster is not someone who merely talks. He is someone who works, organises, and is willing to take responsibility. I believe that under his leadership, Stampin DAPSY will continue to grow and develop a direction that belongs to the new generation of young people,” he said.

Soo stressed that stepping down as Stampin Youth chief does not mean he is leaving youth work in Stampin.

He said he will continue to fully support Lim in in leading Stampin Youth, and will also work with him and more young leaders at the Sarawak Youth level to promote greater youth participation in public affairs, community service, cultural and sports activities, as well as political training.

He also thanked all party comrades, young friends, and community partners who supported the rebuilding of Stampin Youth.

He said Stampin Youth will continue to serve as a platform connecting young people with society, so that youth will not merely be passive participants, but an important force in driving change.

Develop your land for modern agricultural activities, Dr Jerip advises Dayak landowners

PADAWAN, June 8 2026: Deputy Minister of Transport Dr Jerip Susil has urged the Dayak community to make full use of their village and native customary rights (NCR) lands for modern and commercial agricultural activities to increase their income and stimulate local economic development.

Caption: Bidayuh girls in the colourful costumes ready to take part in the Rami Sibayan Nga Man Tubi Bauh at Kampung Punau 

He said that among the modern and commercial agricultural activities that can be implemented are the cultivation of paddy, bananas, oil palm, and other crops that can generate income.

He suggested the development of the agro-tourism sector, such as 'homestay' and glamping based on the beauty of the paddy fields, especially in the Rabak Bah area, Kampung Punau as a new source of income for the residents.

"The government is always ready to help if the residents show commitment and determination in developing their respective areas," he said when speaking at the Rami Sibayan Nga Man Tubi Bauh Kampung Punau 2026 celebration yesterday.

Dr Jerip  stressed the importance of providing basic infrastructure such as agricultural roads, electricity supply and irrigation systems to support the development of the agricultural sector more systematically in the Kampung Punau area and the Mambong DUN area in particular.

The Rami Sibayan Nga Man Tubi Bauh Kampung Punau 2026 celebration was lively and colourful with the customs and culture of the Bidayuh Bisegu community, thus fueling the spirit of unity among the local residents.

Various cultural and traditional activities were held throughout the programme, making this celebration not only a platform for strengthening friendships, but also a continuous effort to preserve the Bidayuh cultural identity to be inherited by future generations.