Lightning strike sparks an outbreak of fires at the Batu Niah National Park

BATU NIAH, July 14 2026: A lightning strike is believed to have sparked an outbreak of fires at the Niah National Park yesterday.

Caption: Thick smoke is seen shooting up into the sky from the fire at the Batu Niah National Park

The flames have so far destroyed four hectares of the park.

“There were two fire locations, namely on the slopes of Traders Cave Hill and in Kuala Hangus, which are parts of the main cave,” Batu Niah Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) said in a statement.

“The fires involved trees that were struck by lightning and caused the fires,” the department said.

It said the firemen were unable to carry out extinguishing operations due to the difficulty of accessing the fire locations and the rocky and steep road.

It said the fire was at the top of the Niah Cave Limestone Hill, which made it difficult to carry out extinguishing operations.

The firemen only monitored and as a result of the monitoring, the fire was far from local residents.

According to Batu Niah Bomba, the fires have so far destroyed four hectares of tropical forest at the Niah National Park.

However, as of this evening, they have managed to extinguish the flames on two hectares of the park.

According to Batu Niah Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba), it received a call at 2pm yesterday, informing about the outbreak of fire at the park.

Human capital remains the single most important resource in Sarawak's journey toward becoming a developed economy

KUCHING, July 14 2026: Premier Abang Johari Openg stressed that human capital remains the single most important resource in the state’s journey toward becoming a developed economy.

Caption: Premier Abang Johari Openg says that Natural resources may provide us with opportunities, technology may accelerate our growth. But it is the people who will ultimately determine Sarawak's success.

He said  no strategy, regardless of how comprehensive it may be, can succeed without one essential ingredient.

“That ingredient is talent,” he said in his speech  at the opening of St Joseph’s Private Secondary School extension building.

His text of speech was read by Deputy Premier Dr Sim Kui Hian. 

Abang Johari said natural resources may provide us with opportunities, technology may accelerate our growth. But it is our people who will ultimately determine Sarawak's success.

“That is why education occupies such a central position in our development agenda,” the premier said.

He said the economy that Sarawak is building today is fundamentally different from that of previousgenerations.

“We are developing industries centred around renewable energy, hydrogen, artificial intelligence, digital economy, advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, aerospace, biotechnology, carbon management, and green technology.

“These are industries that require highly skilled workers, researchers, engineers, scientists, entrepreneurs and innovators.

“Therefore, our education system must evolve alongside our economy,” the premier said.

Abang Johari also said that schools can no longer focus solely on academic excellence., but they must also cultivate creativity, curiosity, critical thinking, adaptability, leadership and strong moral values.

“Our children must possess not only knowledge. They must also possess the confidence to innovate, solve problems and compete on the global stage.

“This is the kind of talent ecosystem that Sarawak is building,” Abang Johari explained.

The premier said that the Sarawak government has consistently maintained that education should never be viewed merely as an expenditure.

He stressed that it is a long-term investment whose returns may only be realised many years later, but whose impact will shape generations.

“That is why the Sarawak government continues to invest significantly in education through various initiatives,” he said, noting that beginning this year, eligible Sarawakian students are able to pursue tertiary education at state-owned higher learning institutions through the Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES).

He said this initiative reflects the state government’s belief that financial circumstances should never become a barrier for any capable Sarawakians to realise their dreams.

Nanta explains SSLR1 project vs three bridge projects

By Alexander Nanta Linggi

I note the statements raised regarding the Ministry of Works' written response on the Batang Lupar Bridge, Batang Igan Bridge and Batang Rambungan Bridge Projects. 

Caption: Works Minister Alexander Nanta Linggi

First of all, I would like to emphasize that the Ministry's written response is based on the Federal Government's official administrative records regarding the status of the projects at that time. 

As stated, all three bridge projects were approved under the Tenth Malaysia Plan Rolling Plan before their implementation was postponed and later cancelled following policy changes and project re-evaluation by the Federal Government at that time. 

During the same period, the Sarawak-Sabah Link Road Phase 1 (SSLR1) Project was introduced as one of the Federal Government's strategic projects to improve land connectivity between Sarawak and Sabah without going through Brunei and to open up the development potential of the interior areas.

However, it is important to understand that the SSLR1 project and the three coastal bridge projects are not the same project and do not have similar development objectives.

SSLR1 focuses on the development of a strategic road corridor connecting Sarawak and Sabah and opening up access to the interior areas in the northern part of Sarawak.

Meanwhile, the Batang Lupar, Batang Igan and Batang Rambungan Bridges, located along the western to central coastal areas of Sarawak, are infrastructure that directly benefits the community in the coastal areas by shortening travel times, improving road user safety and boosting local economic activities.

Therefore, the two initiatives are actually complementary to each other and should not be seen as competing projects or as replacing each other's functions.

For that reason, using the term 'replacing' the bridge project with SSLR1 is completely inaccurate because both projects target different localities and development needs and need to be understood in the right context.

I also note the view of the YAB Premier of Sarawak that the development needs of coastal areas and the development of strategic road networks inland are equally important to ensure a balanced and inclusive development of Sarawak. This view is in line with the aspirations of the MADANI Government to ensure that infrastructure development benefits all people according to the needs of each area.

At the same time, the Road Network Development Plan (HNDP) which was agreed through the National Physical Planning Council (MPFN) is also part of Sarawak's more comprehensive and inclusive development agenda, focusing on strengthening strategic connectivity, opening up access to the interior and stimulating the development of regional economic growth.

Therefore, the construction of the three bridges complements the agenda.

The Ministry of Works appreciates the efforts of the Sarawak Government which has taken the initiative to continue the construction of these bridges using state funding to ensure that the needs of the people continue to be met.

 As the Minister of Works, my commitment is to continue to work closely with the Sarawak Government in identifying the state's infrastructure development priorities, including considering new proposals submitted through official national development planning channels, subject to the consideration of central agencies and the financial capacity of the Federal Government.

 Our goals are the same, which is to ensure that the people of Sarawak enjoy better infrastructure facilities, a more comprehensive connectivity network and greater economic development opportunities in the future.

Admin’s note:  Alexander Nanta Linggi is the current Works Minister and Kapit Member of Parliament

Completion of RM849 million Batang Lupar 1 Bridge demonstrates Sarawak's strong financial capability, says social activist

KUCHING, July 14 2026: Social activist Voon Shiak Ni stressed that the successful completion of the Batang Lupar 1 Bridge demonstrates Sarawak's financial capability and its resolve to continue implementing major development projects in the best interests of the people 

Caption: Social activist Voon Shiak Ni says Sarawakians should take pride in the bridge's completion

She said Sarawakians should take pride in the completion of the RM849 million bridge and acknowledge the commitment and leadership of the state government.

She said the commitment has ensured that this important bridge project became a reality despite the earlier federal cancellation when Pakatan Harapan (PH) which came to -power after the 2018 general election.

Voon reminded Sarawak DAP chairman Chong Chieng Ken not to fight for credit for “your party as people's interests should always be above political agenda.”

She said credit should be given based on facts and not political narratives.

“The facts surrounding the project should not be disputed as it is not complicated at all,” Voon said, adding that the bridge was originally approved under the previous Barisan Nasional federal administration.

“However, following the 2018 General Election, the PH federal government indeed cancelled the project, citing its high cost.

“ In response, the Sarawak government under the leadership of Premier Abang Johari Tun Openg made the decisive decision to fully finance the project using Sarawak's own funds.

“This ensured that construction proceeded despite the federal cancellation,” she said .

“Today, the 4.88-kilometre Batang Lupar 1 Bridge is  Malaysia's longest river-crossing bridge stands as a symbol of Sarawak's commitment to improving connectivity, promoting economic development, and enhancing the lives of the people.

“Attempts by any party to attribute the project to the federal government or political parties that were not responsible for its funding have understandably drawn criticism from Sarawak leaders and the public, " she said.