Senior citizen of Kampung Long Napir found dead by search and rescue team

LIMBANG, Feb 28 2026: A 64-year old senior citizen of Kampung Long Napir has been confirmed dead after his longboat in which he was riding on had capsised in the mouth of Limbang river here two days ago.

Caption: Search and Rescue team found the body among a pile of twigs - Photo by Bomba 

The body of Hendry Sian anak Tama Sian was found by a search and rescue (S&R) team downstream of Long Kebar area of Limbang river about 12 noon, Limbang Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) said in a statement.

“The victim's body was found in a pile of twigs about one hour and 45 minutes away by boat from the location of his boat sinking and was then taken to Kampung Long Napir using a 4WD vehicle owned by villagers,” the department said.

It said his body was identified by his next of kin before handing it over to the police for further action.

The department received a call past mid-night on Feb 27, seeking its assistance to look for Hendry who was feared to have drowned after his longboat had capsised.

According to the headman Joshua, Hendry had gone out to repair his boat at 11:30am pm Feb 26 in the river mouth area.

Two villagers found the deceased’s  boat had capsised in the middle of the river mouth  and the victim was not found at the location of the overturned boat.

Search efforts were carried out by villagers using boats but the victim failed to be found.

Apart from the personnel from the Fire and Rescue Department, personnel from the police, Civil Defence Department and the villagers were also involved in the S&R operations.

Don't consume alcoholic drinks excessively, Larry Sng advises at the leader-meet-people programme

SARIKEI,Feb 28 2026: Julau Member of Parliament Larry Sng, at a leader-meet-the people programme at Rumah Belun longhouse Nanga Ijit in Julau yesterday, has advised the people not to consume alcoholic drinks excessively.

Caption: Julau MP Larry Sng being given a traditional welcoming ceremony on arrival at Rumah Belun longhouse 

He said they should take of their health.

“I don't mean you should stop drinking but not every day because it can be harmful to our ealth, especially our brain,”he expressed. His statement was posted on his Facebook.

“If we damage our brain and mind, we do not know what we are doing or what we are doing that leads us to do wrong and cause chaos,” Larry, who is also Parti Bangsa Malaysia (PBM) president, added.

“So it is not good and it brings losses to us and our families.

“Therefore, I urge the people to always be careful regarding this activity especially during the holidays.

“We must know how to control our drinking and this way we can maintain our health and our work can be successful,” he said.

In conjunction with the programme, he hande over a total of RM68,600 to the Village Development and Security Committees of Rumah Belun, Rumah Giman Kemedu, Rumah Mesa and Rumah Sandai Lubok Nibong longhouses.

Also receiving were Ruman Belun longhouse’s Women's Bureau and Ruman Saripah Women's Bureau.

 

Iban's unique stories have universal appeal and should be highlighted as a world - class Sarawak identity, says deputy tourism minister

MIRI, Feb 28 2027: The unique stories of the Iban community are seen to have universal appeal and should be highlighted as a world-class Sarawak identity, in line with efforts to strengthen the creative economy of the state and the country.

Caption: Deputy Minister Sebastian Ting (centre) presenting a copy of the comic book to a guest while creator Britto Augustine looks on. - Photo by Ukas

This was emphasised by Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industries and Performing Arts and Piasau State Legislative Member (SLM) Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew when officiating the closing ceremony of the comic installation exhibition titled “Apai Alui Becomes A Shaman” organised by Curtin University Malaysia at the Lutong Community Library, here, today.

According to him, the translation of the Iban folk tale “Apai Alui” into the contemporary comic medium proves that traditional heritage is not just a historical relic, but rather a cultural asset that can penetrate a wider market if processed creatively and strategically.

“The folk tales of the Iban community are loaded with universal values, philosophies and views of nature.
”If  worked professionally and innovatively, it can not only strengthen the identity of Sarawak, but also has the potential to be highlighted at the national and international levels,” he said.

He noted that the exhibition  showcased the creative research results of Master of Media, Culture and Creative Arts candidate Britto Augustus, who elevated the narrative of oral traditions into a fresher visual form that is easily accessible to the younger generation.

Caption: Comic creator Britto Augustine - Photo by Ukas

He added that the practice-based research approach applied through the project was in line with the state government's aspirations in strengthening the "Orange Economy" or creative economy as a driver of new growth.

"When research results are taken out of educational institutions and exhibited in community spaces, it opens up a space for two-way interaction between academia and society. This is where cultural heritage becomes alive, dynamic and relevant to current needs," he said.

Head of the Department of Media and Communication, Faculty of Humanities and Health Sciences Terry Justin said the exhibition was an important platform in combining the oral traditions of the Iban community with a modern artistic approach, thus demonstrating the great potential of local works to be highlighted to a higher level.

He also expressed his appreciation to Sebastian Ting for his continued support for the development of the creative industry in Sarawak as well as to the Miri City Council for providing a strategic space to make the exhibition a success.

The event was also graced with a guided tour of the exhibition and presentation by Britto Augustus, followed by a photography session and networking with attendees.

The organisation of such an exhibition is seen as a significant step in upholding the story of the Iban community as a cultural treasure that not only strengthens the state's identity, but also has the potential to become the face of Sarawak on the world stage through innovative and competitive creative mediums.

Dr Annuar brings up proposal to build new SMK Abang Ali to federal education minister

PUTRAJAYA, Feb 28 2026 –  Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Dr Annuar Rapaee met with Minister of Education (MoE) Fadhlina Sidek  at her office yesterday. 

Caption: Dr Annuar Rapaee (second left) and Fahdlina Sidek posing before a camera before the start of the meeting

Among the main focuses of the discussion was the Sarawak government's proposal to build Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Abang Ali in Sibu.

The proposal to build this new school is to accommodate the increase in student enrolment in the Sibu area and its surroundings, in addition to providing access to more conducive and quality secondary education to the local community.

Dr. Annuar Rapaee in the session informed that the construction of SMK Abang Ali is among the strategic initiatives of the Sarawak Government to ensure that the education infrastructure continues to be strengthened in line with current needs and state development plans.

According to a statement posted on the State Education Department’s Face, Dr Annuar also stressed the importance of close cooperation between the federal and state governments in realising high-impact projects for the people.

Fadhlina welcomed the proposal submitted and affirmed the MoE's commitment to examine the needs and implications of implementing the project based on the national education development plan and current priorities.

The meeting took place in a professional and constructive atmosphere, reflecting unity and shared commitment in ensuring access to inclusive, equitable and quality education for all.

Present at the meeting were Adana Jed, Permanent Secretary of MEITD and Omar Mahli, director of Education Sarawak.

The courtesy visit aimed to strengthen the strategic relationship between the Sarawak government and MoE in efforts to strengthen the state's education development, in line with the aspirations of federal government and the direction of national education.