Schoolgirl Avril Filles Natalia, 16 years, has gone missing from her village in Tebedu

SERIAN, Feb 11 2026: A villager from Kampung Tema Saan, Tebedu, has lodged  a report with the Tebedu police station informing that her daughter, Avril  Filles Natalia anak Jimmey, a schoolgirl, has gone missing.

Caption: Avril Filles Natalia anak Jimmey has gone missing as reported by her father 

Serian District police chief, Supt Freddy Bian Stanislaus Bian, in a media statement, said the Tebedu police station received a report from the villager at about 3.28pm today regarding the disappearance of his daughter.

He said the victim was last seen wearing a school uniform and carrying a school bag before she was reported missing.

Freddy said efforts to locate the victim were carried out at a nearby location, but to date she has not been found and the case is classified as missing.

Freddy urged members of the public with information regarding the incident are asked to channel information to the Serian District police headquarters at 082-874201 or contact investigating officer, Insp. Nur Munirah Pardanah at 010-3604245.

Premier pays his last respect to the late James Chabu, husband of Dr Lulie Melling

KUCHING, Feb 11 2026: Premier Abang Jphari Openg this afternoon paid his last respects to the late James Chabu, the husband of Dr Lulie Melling, former director of the Sarawak Tropical Peat Research Institute, at their residence at Arang Road.

Premier Abang Johari Openg (right) paying his last respects to the late James Chabu, the husband of  Dr Lulie Melling 

The presence of the premier reflects the state government's concern and support for the deceased's family in facing this difficult time.

While expressing condolences to Dr Lulie, Abang Johari also took the opportunity to meet the family members and give words of encouragement so that they can endure the situation.

Minister in the Premier's Department John Sikie Tayai and Deputy Minister of Food Industry, Commodities and Regional Development Martin Ben were also present to pay their last respects and express their condolences to the deceased's family.

Also present was former Sarawak State Secretary Jaul Samion who described the deceased's passing as a great loss to many.

"James' passing has been deeply felt by many, especially his friends and acquaintances.

"The deceased was a very kind person and approachable to all," he said when met by the media.

James passed away yesterday at the age of 65.

He is remembered as a friendly and well-liked person.

MAS to operate 24 additional flights from Kuala Lumpur to Sarawak in conjunction with the Chinese New Year celebration, says Kim Shin

KUCHING, Feb 11 2026: Malaysia Airlines (MAS) will be operating 24 additional flights from Kuala Lumpur to Sarawak in conjunction with the upcoming Chinese New Year festive period, to cater for the expected surge in travel demand.

Lee Kim Shin:  MAS is also offering a fixed all-in one-way fare of RM339 for flights to Sarawak, with a travel period from 11 to 23 February 

Transport Minister Lee Kim Shin said six flights will be added on the Kuala Lumpur–Kuching route, 16 flights on the Kuala Lumpur–Sibu route, and two flights on the Kuala Lumpur–Miri route.

“These festive periods are especially meaningful for families. As Sarawak and Malaya are separated by the South China Sea, air travel remains the only practical means of connectivity.

“This is why, ahead of every major festive season, the state Ministry of Transport (MoT) will engage with airline operators to request additional flights, so that Sarawakians can return home and celebrate with their families,” he said.

Lee added MAS is also offering a fixed all-in one-way fare of RM339 for flights to Sarawak, with a travel period from 11 to 23 February, providing greater certainty and affordability for passengers planning their festive journeys.

Following a courtesy visit yesterday by representatives from Malaysia Airlines Group (MAG), during which they briefed the Minister on MAS and Firefly’s Q1 2026 festive services for Sarawak, Lee said his welcomes the additional flight capacity and fare initiatives introduced for the Chinese New Year period.

He added that MAS and Firefly are also expected to increase flight frequencies during the Hari Raya Aidilfitri festive period to meet the anticipated rise in passenger demand, particularly for travel between Malaya and Sarawak.

He said his ministry continues to work closely with airline operators, federal Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) to ensure sufficient flight capacity and seat availability to Sarawak during peak festive periods, while also maintaining reasonable airfares for the travelling public. Other airline operators are also expected to adjust and increase their flight schedules to meet overall passenger demand.

During the briefing, MAG representatives also updated the minister on changes to the group’s senior management team, effective Feb 1, 2026.

He expressed his appreciation to MAG for its continued engagement and cooperation with the Sarawak Government in strengthening air connectivity to Sarawak, particularly during major festive seasons.

The Ministry of Transport Sarawak will continue to engage closely with all stakeholders to ensure smooth, adequate and affordable air connectivity for Sarawakians, especially during peak travel periods.

Those present included MAG representatives Nita Malek, head of government and industry relations; Leong Chuo Sheng, head of network planning; Muhammad Yasser Rabusah, station head Kuching; MoT Permanent Secretary Wong Hee Sieng; and head of the aviation division Dayang Nurhayati Abang Ahmad.

FTES: Good response in enrolment for science, technology, engineering and mathematics disciplines, says Yayasan Sarawak

KUCHING, Feb 11 2026: The implementation of the Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES) at four higher education institutions owned by the Sarawak government this year has received an encouraging response, with a notable increase in enrolment particularly in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

Mohamad Junaidi: In addition to providing free tertiary education, Yayasan Sarawak also offers various forms of education financing including full scholarships and loan scholarships for Sarawakian students pursuing tertiary studies.
 

Yayasan Sarawak director Mohamad Junaidi Mohidin said that feedback received thus far indicates a positive trend based on current registration data at several state-owned universities.

“So far, the feedback received has been very encouraging. Based on the ongoing enrolment process at several Sarawak government-owned universities, there has been a significant increase in the number of enrolments, especially in STEM majors,” he said.

He said this in a press conference after paying a courtesy call on Premier Abang Johari Openg at the Kompleks Satria Pertiwi today.

He said the development reflects public confidence in the Sarawak government’s commitment to enhancing access to higher education and developing a highly skilled human capital in line with the state’s development aspirations.

He said in addition to providing free tertiary education, Yayasan Sarawak also offers various forms of education financing including full scholarships and loan scholarships for Sarawakian students pursuing tertiary studies.

"Under Yayasan Sarawak, various forms of education financing are provided, including full scholarships for further studies and loan scholarships for Sarawakian students continuing their education at the tertiary level,” he added.