Dr Sim to submit proposal to MoH for Sarawak govt to directly employ doctors

KUCHING, Oct 2 2026: Deputy Premier Dr Sim Kui Hian said that he will submit a proposal to the Ministry of Health (MoH) to enable Sarawak government to directly employ doctors to help address the need for medical personnel in the state.

Caption: Deputy Premier Dr Sim Kui Hian says that the proposal to directly employ doctors is among the approaches that need to be explored to enable Sarawak to obtain the necessary medical personnel

He said he will submit the proposal when he will hold discussions with the Minister of Health Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad at a date to be decided later.

He said the proposal to directly employ doctors is among the approaches that need to be explored to enable Sarawak to obtain the necessary medical personnel.

He said the state government wants to hold discussions with MoH to find a comprehensive solution to the state's medical workforce challenges.

Dr Sim, who is also Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government, said the discussions need to look at the issue comprehensively, including policies, funding and specialist training opportunities.

"I will seek an appointment with the Minister of Health later, we will discuss and examine this policy issue comprehensively including the permission to employ doctors and not just focus on the issue of payment alone.

"This is because payment is only part of the overall challenge, which also includes aspects such as postgraduate training opportunities and so on," he told reporters after the launch of the Padawan Discovery Festival at the Ang Cheng Ho Quarry Multipurpose Hall today.

 Dr Sim said the issue cannot be resolved through a financial approach alone because it also involves policies and opportunities for the development of doctors' careers.

He added that the results of the discussion will later help Sarawak identify the real needs before the relevant proposals are submitted for consideration and further action. 

Families affected by recent strong winds each receives additional RM1,000 from MBKS

KUCHING, Oct 2 2026: Kuching South City Council (MBKS) is providing additional aid of RM1,000 to each family affected by the recent strong winds in its jurisdiction to assist with home repairs and alleviate the victims' financial burden.

Caption: MBKS Mayor Wee Hong Seng (in white shirt, back row) with the aid recipients and MBKS councillors

MBKS Mayor Wee Hong Seng said that the assistance, provided through the MBKS *Prihatin* (Care) Programme, is an additional initiative by the local authority, complementing the RM107,000 in disaster relief allocated by the Sarawak government to approximately 75 affected families.

“When the roofs of the houses are blown off by the wind, victims do not ask who arrives first or who receives the most media coverage. They simply want their homes repaired and their lives to return to normal,” he said during the MBKS Financial Aid Presentation Ceremony for families affected by the strong winds, held at the MBKS headquarters here today.

According to him, the Sarawak government aid announced on September 25 will be distributed in stages to eligible recipients following the verification and validation of their applications and documents.

He said the process involves the preparation of police reports and documentation regarding property damage to ensure that every application meets the stipulated criteria and that public funds are distributed transparently and systematically.

Wee noted that since the day the incident occurred, MBKS— alongside council members and community leaders— has conducted house-to-house inspections and assisted victims in preparing documents and submitting aid applications to the government.

He explained that the assistance provided to victims also includes contributions from elected representatives, with each aid channel operating under its own specific distribution mechanism and process. 

He emphasized that the priority for all parties is to ensure victims receive appropriate assistance so that home repairs can be carried out and their lives restored.

Meanwhile, MBKS will continue to strengthen its ground-level engagement through mobile services and existing communication channels to identify residents' needs and ensure aid reaches those who require it.

Once a teacher, always a teacher for two retired educators

MUKAH, Oct 2 2026:  An educator's dedication does not cease upon retirement; instead, it lives on through the transformations fostered in their students and their continued contributions to society.

Caption: Cikgu Shazwan Seun retired in in August 2024

For teachers Shazwan Seun and Angela Murni, the recognition they received serves not only as an appreciation of their service but also as a reminder of the trust, sincerity, and commitment that must be upheld by future generations of educators.

Shazwan, who concluded his mandatory service on August 1, 2024, after more than three decades in education, recalled that seeing former students grow into knowledgeable and disciplined individuals is the most meaningful reward for a teacher.

In an interview with Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas), he said an educator's responsibility extends beyond merely imparting knowledge in the classroom; it involves shaping character and preparing the younger generation for the future.

"If our task were simply to teach, it would be easy—entering and leaving the classroom while ensuring academic success. However, the primary goal is to educate—to shape their futures and ensure they become individuals who are balanced emotionally, physically, and spiritually," he said when met after the Mukah Division Loyal Service Medal presentation ceremony today.

The ceremony was officiated by the Premie Abang Johari Openg, during his visit to Mukah for the Sarawakku Sayang programme.

Caption: Cikgu Angela advises students to do their best in whatever task is assigned to them.

Throughout his career, Shazwan served in vocational schools, religious schools, and the Mukah Division Education Office, in addition to holding positions such as Senior Assistant at SMK Oya and Principal of SMK Mukah.

He later served as a mentor to principals, providing guidance on leadership and school management.

 Drawing on her experience, Angela believes that collaboration among parents, teachers, and the community is crucial in addressing the challenges of educating today's generation, particularly regarding the cultivation of student discipline and proper conduct.

 She expressed her appreciation to the Sarawak government for the recognition bestowed upon her and offered words of advice to the next generation set to assume service responsibilities, urging them to always demonstrate their utmost commitment.

“Do your best in whatever task is assigned to you. Put your heart and soul into what you do,” she said.

This message underscores that the quality of service is measured not merely by the duration of one's tenure, but also by the dedication shown in fulfilling one's mandate and the willingness to carry on responsibilities for the benefit of the community.

Don't miss the opportunity to come for the Mukah Sarawakku Sayang programme this Saturday, SS tells the public

MUKAH, Oct 2 2026: The opportunities to interact directly with department heads, obtain information on government services, and enjoy unique local delicacies are among the main attractions of the Sarawakku Sayang (SKS) programme for the Mukah Division.

Caption: State Secretary Abu Bakar Marzuki, flanked by his deputies Hii Chang Kee and Felicia Tan, says officials and departments heads will resolve immediately whatever can be resolved on the spot

State Secretary Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki said that the programme serves not only as a platform to bring the government closer to the people but also provides an avenue for the community to voice their concerns and seek direct solutions from relevant agencies.

He added the presence of senior officials and department heads allows visitors to obtain explanations regarding government services and enables specific issues to be addressed immediately within the respective agencies' jurisdictions.

“What is important to us is conveying information to the people. They can meet face-to-face with our officers, senior officials, and department heads if they have any issue.

“We resolve immediately whatever can be resolved on the spot," he said when met by reporters after officiating the ‘Soft Launching of Sarawak Kitchen’ here today.

He noted that the local dishes and recipes showcased also serve as a unique attraction of SKS Mukah, highlighting the distinctive heritage cuisine of the local community that is rarely found elsewhere.

In addition to allowing the public to gain a better understanding of government services, the programme offers various attractions for visitors, including a lucky draw featuring a Proton Saga as the grand prize.

Regarding preparations leading up to the main event on Saturday, Abu Bakar added that the organising process has proceeded smoothly, thanks to the cooperation of the organizing committee and the strong support of the Mukah community.

Also present were Deputies State Secretary (Operations) Hii Chang Kee and Felicia Tan (administration) and Mukah Division Resident Bujang Rahman Seli. 

Give attention to welfare of participants, Billy tells management of FELCRA Berhad Tamang Sembawang 1 project

LUNDU, Oct 2 2026: The management of FELCRA Berhad Tamang Sembawang 1 project has been asked to give attention to the welfare of its 560 participants, especially involving land grant issues, dividend payments and oil palm replanting plans to ensure their economic survival.

Caption: Opar SLM Billy Sujang being welcomed on arrival for the FELCRA Berhad Tamang Sembawang 1 general meeting

The project, which involves an area of ​​547.44 hectares, began operating in 1999 before planting activities began in 2000, involving participants from several villages including Sebigo, Sebandi Hulu, Sebandi Hilir, Stunggang Melayu, Stunggang Melayu Baru, Seketi, Sileng Dayak, Sileng Melayu and Pandan.

This was among the matters raised at the 10th FELCRA Berhad Tamang Sembawang 1 general Meeting for the 2026-2028 session that Billy Sujang officiated at the Mahligai Gading Lundu Hall two days ago.
 

According to Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas), Billy reminded that payments and the welfare of participants must always be given attention by the management, in addition to ensuring that every matter relating to the interests of the participants is carried out transparently, with integrity and in an orderly manner.

He also touched on the participants' concerns regarding the land grant issue which has not been resolved after more than two decades, and suggested that the matter be managed jointly by the Participants' Development and Security Committee (AJKKP), participants and related agencies.

According to him, efforts to find a solution regarding the land grant issue should continue through negotiations with the relevant authorities, while elected representatives are ready to help bring the matter to further attention.

Following this, a meeting with FELCRA is planned for October 6, 2026 in Kuching to discuss several matters relating to the interests of participants including land grant claims, levies and dividend payments.

FELCRA Berhad Sarawak state director Zulkifli Sulong said that oil palm plantations in the area concerned have reached the appropriate period to undergo the replanting process following declining yield performance.

He said that replanting planning has also been given attention through the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), in addition to there being a grant assistance of RM11,000 per hectare.

In addition, several forms of support are also provided including financial assistance and grants for business activities, disaster-related assistance and assistance in entering public universities for children of participants who meet the requirements.

In an effort to ensure that the plantation sector continues to be relevant to the new generation, FELCRA also wants to attract the children of participants to get involved in the industry through the use of more modern machinery and technology as well as increasing the involvement of local residents.

Present at the general meeting were Lundu District Officer Zulkarnain Ismail, Tamang Sembawang 1 Plantation Manager Azlan Hazmy Muzakir and FELCRA scheme participants.