Premier Abang Johari launches second phase of SKAS, says it is intended to help people to purchase basic necessities

SIBURAN, May 15 2026: Premier Abang Johari Openg today launched the second phase of Sumbangan Keperluan Asas Sarawak (SKAS), saying that it is intended to help the people alleviate the current rising cost of living. 

Caption: Premier Abang Johari Openg holding a SKAS placard at the launch of the second phase  of SKAS 2026. 

He said the primary objective of providing this assistance is to enable the people to purchase basic necessities, including groceries.

“We hope that with this increased value, we can slightly ease the burden on our community, which totals approximately 800,000 recipients across Sarawak,” he told reporters the SKAS Walkabout session.

The household category receives RM424, while the senior citizen and single categories receive RM234 and RM150 respectively.

The government also provides other forms of assistance, including a special 25 per cent discount on electricity bills for domestic consumers, as well as a 50 per cent discount on premise rentals.

Meanwhile, the premier said SACOFA Sdn Bhd will serve as the primary backbone of the state's telecommunications infrastructure to improve internet access and speed, particularly in rural areas.

He said the state government can no longer rely entirely on commercial telecommunications providers to expand internet networks in areas with small markets but high infrastructure costs.

“We cannot rely fully on commercial companies at this time; instead, the government will use SACOFA as the network backbone, given that the company is majority-owned by the government.

“The cost of infrastructure improvements will also be borne by the government through SACOFA, and it is hoped that this step will increase the speed and quality of internet access,” he said.

Abang Johari also revealed that Sarawak's long-term vision to explore satellite-based internet technology that no longer relies entirely on fibre optics, instead shifting towards cloud computing systems and digital data storage.

“That is why we need our own satellites, including nanosatellites placed in orbit.

“Now, there is new technology that allows internet access on earth to be channeled through ‘low earth orbit’ using new chips,” he explained.

He added that although the technology is still in the development and research stage, he is optimistic that the target to realise a satellite-based digital ecosystem by 2030 can be achieved.

Miro moans at the slow progress in surveying NCR land in Bidayuh areas

KUCHING, May 15 2026: Serembu state legislative member (SLM) Miro Simuh moaned at the slow progress in surveying native customary rights (NCR) land in Bidayuh areas, such as Bau, Padawan and Serian.

Serembu SLM Miro Simuh says many villagers are still waiting for years for the surveying process to be completed even though applications have been submitted for a long time. 

“Although the government has implemented various initiatives and policies related to NCR land surveying, the process is still seen as too slow, not comprehensive and has not reached the level expected by the people,” he said during the debate on the Royal Address in the state legislative assembly (SLA) today.

“Often this issue becomes a great burden on us elected representatives who seem to not act and do what is necessary to bring this issue to a higher administrative level,” he explained.

“In fact, many villagers are still waiting for years for the surveying process to be completed even though applications have been submitted for a long time.

“Some areas have been identified, some have been mapped in advance, but the surveying process takes too long, causing anxiety among the owners of these NCR lands,” he said.

“What is the question of the people today is why the measurement process by the Land and Survey Department is seen to be much slower when compared to the approach implemented by the Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) in several measurement initiatives and the installation of boundary pegs that have been implemented in many Bidayuh areas and villages.

“The next process is for the Land and Survey Department to enter, measure and map based on the DBNA documentation that has been implemented previously and acknowledge that the boundaries between landowners are valid,” he said.

Miro said the delay has major implications for the people, adding that without grants or official recognition, residents find it difficult to obtain agricultural loans, develop land commercially and face uncertainty about their own ownership rights.

“This is very important because NCR land is not just an economic asset and for most of us, land is a hereditary heritage, community identity and a symbol of the continuity of culture and customs.

“The people are not asking for something new, they just want the rights inherited from generation to generation to be given due recognition quickly, fairly and transparently,” he said.

Miro also expressed concern at the delay in the technical approval process and coordination of regional development projects involving various departments and agencies.

He pointed out that  although the state government has repeatedly stressed that all development projects should be expedited in their implementation, at the implementation level there are still various procedural delays that ultimately affect the effectiveness of the projects and the confidence of the people.

“We can see that many projects under regional development agencies such as Greater Kuching Coordination Development Authority (GKCDA), Highland Development Authority (HAD), Urban Rejang Development Authority (URDA) and others are facing delays not due to lack of allocation, but due to the approval process being too slow, especially involving siting matters, technical reviews by technical agencies, confirmation of land status and land acquisition, utilities, environmental approvals and coordination between departments.

“Among the agencies that are often associated with these delays are the Land and Survey Department and several other technical agencies that are directly involved in the initial project approval process.

“We must admit that every development project has procedures and standards that must be adhered to.

“However, in today's situation, the people want to see a faster, more responsive and solution-oriented work culture.

“What is the point of announcing a project with such grandeur, if in the end the project is delayed for years just because the approval process from table to table takes too long.

“This not only affects the people, but also gives the government a bad image because for the people, the completion of the project reflects an efficient government,” Miro said.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Take over construction and completion of RM445 million Miri Airport upgrading project, Pujut YB appeals to state government

KUCHING, May 15 2026: Pujut state legislative member (SLM) Adam Yii has suggested that the state government takes over the construction and completion of the upgrading of the RM445 million Miri Airport under the 13^th Malaysia Plan (13MP).

Caption: Pujut SLM Adam Yii says from past experience projects announced and allocations approved, but years later, there are no visible progress
 

He said he expresses doubts if the upgrading project could be completed according to schedule, if it is left to the federal government.

He said after the upgrading project has been completed, the state government can then seek reimbursement from the federal government. 

“While we acknowledge and appreciate the continued allocation and approval of development projects by the federal government, one concern frequently raised by the rakyat is the long delay between project approval and actual implementation on the ground,” he said during the debate on the Royal Address in the state legislative assembly (SLA) today.

“In many instances, projects are announced and allocations approved, yet years later, the rakyat still do not see any visible progress,”Yii moaned.

He cited as an example the proposed upgrading project at the roundabout in front of GK Supermarket at Pujut 3, Miri, which involves upgrading the existing roundabout into a six-lane traffic light intersection.

“This project had already received approval several years ago due to the increasing traffic congestion in the area.

“However, until today, the project has yet to commence,” he moaned.

Yii also suggested that the state government to consider using state fund to complete any strategically federal-funded projects first and then seek reimbursement from the federal government later.

He proposed for SLA to consider his proposal for the state government explore a mechanism whereby strategically important projects approved by the federal government could first be implemented or financed in advance by the Sarawak government.

He said the state government can then seek for reimbursement or claims from the federal government later after the projects have been completed.

“This approach is similar to what has already been successfully carried out for the repair and upgrading of schools and clinics in Sarawak, where the Sarawak government took the initiative to fund the projects first in order to avoid unnecessary delays affecting the rakyat,” he said.

He said he believes such an approach would greatly improve project delivery efficiency, accelerate implementation timelines, and most importantly ensure that development projects promised to the people can be delivered without prolonged delays.

“ Ultimately, the rakyat judge us not by announcements alone, but by our ability to implement and deliver tangible results efficiently and effectively,” he said.