Abang Johari praises unwavering contributions of religious institutions towards strengthening social harmony

SIBU, July 20 2026: Premier Abang Johari Openg has expressed the state government’s sincere appreciation to the Christian, Buddhist, Taoist, Hindu, Sikh and Bahá'í communities for their unwavering contributions towards strengthening social harmony and developing the people.

Caption: Premier Abang Johari Openg says the strength of Sarawak lies not only in its robust economy but deeply rooted in the moral foundation of its people

He said religious institutions are far more than places of worship as they also serve as centres of education, welfare, humanitarian services and moral guidance.

“The strength of Sarawak lies not only in its robust economy but deeply rooted in the moral foundation of its people,” he said in his text of speech read by Deputy Premier Dr Sim Kui Hian at a thanksgiving ceremony ahead of the Sarawak Day celebration on July 22.

The ceremony was organised by Unit for Other Religions (Unifor) at a hotel here tonight.

Abang Johari stressed that genuine progress cannot be measured solely by economic growth or physical development, saying that true prosperity is achieved when people live peacefully, opportunities are shared fairly, and social harmony continues to flourish.

“Prosperity without unity is fragile. Development without harmony is incomplete.

“For this reason, the Sarawak government remains committed to ensuring that every development agenda is inclusive, equitable and people-centred.

The premier said since the establishment of Unifor, the Sarawak government has remained steadfast in ensuring that every religion receives equal respect, recognition and support.

“This is not merely a government policy. It is a reflection of who we are as Sarawakians,” he said.

He said the state government, to date, approved a total allocation of RM685 million through Unifor, out of it,  RM565 million has been channelled towards the construction, upgrading and maintenance of hundreds of other religions places of worship throughout Sarawak; and RM120 million has been allocated to support mission schools that have played an invaluable role in educating generations of Sarawakians.

He said the Sarawak government has allocated RM120 million to Unifor so far this year. He added the amount includes RM20 million specifically for mission schools, with an additional RM10 million dedicated to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) initiative. 

On Sarawak Day, the premier said it  is not merely about commemorating the historic events of 22 July 1963, but more importantly, it reminds “us of our shared journey in building a homeland founded upon unity, mutual respect and collective responsibility.”

AirBorneo offers a year-long fixed fare of RM399 for flight to Singapore startingJuly 22

SEPANG, July 20 2026: Premier Abang Johari Openg said AirBorneo will offer a year-long fixed fare of RM399 for economy class seats on Kuching-Singapore route, beginning July 22.

Caption: Premier Ababg Johari Openg presenting gifts to Kuching-bound passengers of AirBorneo at KLIA Terminal 1

AirBorneo has offered a fixed fare of RM375 for the Kuching-Kuala Lumpur route.

He said AirBorneo would commence its inaugural flight to Singapore on July 22, followed by Jakarta in the next two months before expanding its network to other destinations in East Asia within one to two years.

“The state government sees AirBorneo as a strategic investment to support the influx of investment in the renewable energy, semiconductor and low-carbon industries, as well as boosting the tourism and health tourism sectors.,” he told reporters after the launch of AirBorneo inaugural flight from Kuala Lumpur - Kuching at KLIA Terminal 1 here.

He said AirBorneo's model was different from other airlines because the state government would support part of the fixed costs, while commercial operations would be driven by market demand.

Abang Johari said Sarawak's long-term aspiration is to emerge as a regional economic hub that can play a significant role in Malaysia's growth, with AirBorneo being one of the key catalysts in realising that goal.

He said the airline will serve as an “air bridge” connecting Sarawak with Malaya and Asean countries, thus strengthening economic growth, investment and people-to-people ties.

He said the concept formed the basis of AirBorneo’s operating model after the Sarawak Government took over MASwings, with the airline not only continuing its Rural Air Services (RAS) in Sarawak and Sabah, but also expanding as a commercial airline.

“We have built more than 20 physical bridges in Sarawak in the past four years, and now we are expanding the concept to air bridges as Sarawak is separated by the South China Sea. AirBorneo is an air bridge that connects the people, investors and economic opportunities,” he said.

Former Unimas professor Dr Neilon Ilan is the new head of Majlis Adat Istiadat Sarawak

KUCHING, July 20 2026: Dr Neilson Ilan Mersat, a former professor at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas),  has been appointed as the new head of Majlis Adat Istiadat Sarawak (MAIS) (Sarawak Council of Customs and Traditions), effective July 13 for a three-year term.

Caption: Minister John Sikie Tayai (right) with Dr Neilson Ilan Mersat and Elsie William during the courtesy call

He took over from Ronnie Edward.

This morning, he paid a courtesy call on Minister in the Premier's Department John Sikie Tayai at the Baitulmakmur Building.

Sikie congratulated Ilan for the appointment.

Elsie William was also appointed as the new council secretary.

Tayai also announced that MAIS will organise a symposium on Iban customs and traditions in September 2026 in Sibu.

The symposium will bring together 300 participants consisting of community leaders and Iban headmen and Sarawak government agencies.

He hoped that with the new head, the role of MAIS  in preserving, developing and disseminating native customs in Sarawak would be further strengthened.

Present at the courtesy call  Deputy Minister in the Premier's Department (Bumiputera Laws and Customs) Jefferson Jamit, MAIS secretary Elsie Willam and senior MAIS officers.