Villager, 69, found safe, but in weak conditions

SIMUNJAN, Feb 16 2026: A 69-year old man was found safe, but in weak conditions today, a day after he had gone out in the jungle looking for wooden poles.

Caption: Sapaie Sijo receiving treatment at the clinic. He was found in weak condtions by the villagers of Kampung Melayu in Simunjan district 

Sapaie Sijo was found by the villagers from Kampung Tungkah Melayu, who were involved in the search operation, at the location where he was picking up wood in a safe and weak condition this morning.

Simunjan Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) station, in a statement, said the distance from  his house to where he was found by boat was about one hour.

“He was taken to the clinic by his family for further examination,” the station said.

The station said at about 3pm, at the Kampung Tungkah Melayu house, Sapaie told his wife that he wanted to go to the upper reaches of the Kampung Tungkah Melayu river to look for wooden poles. Until the police report was made this morning, he has not yet been found or returned home.

“Efforts to search for the victim had been made with relatives but still failed to find the victim,” the station.

The station said its control room received a call from the Simunjan police informing of a missing person case this morning.

Chinese community gets Sarawak Governor's praise in his Chinese New Year's message

KUCHING, Feb 15 2026: Sarawak Governor Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar has praised the Chinese Community in Sarawak for having long played an important role in the progress of the state, especially in the fields of economy and entrepreneurship. 

Captiom: Sarawak Governor Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar says that   the Chinese community also plays a significant role in various sectors such as politics, education, and social—which are key factors in the success and progress of Sarawak as a progressive and harmonious region 

He said there is no doubt that they have become the backbone of many sectors of the Sarawak economy, including trade, agriculture, commercial agriculture, modern enterprises, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and investment.

“In addition to developing the family economy, they have driven the growth of Sarawak's economy,” he said in his Chinese New Year’s message.

“In general, the Chinese community also plays a significant role in various sectors such as politics, education, and social—which are key factors in the success and progress of Sarawak as a progressive and harmonious region,” he added.

The governor said in line with the goals of the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030), the Sarawak government is very transparent, inclusive and concerned about the welfare of all Sarawakians, including the Chinese community.

He added that there are several forms of assistance and support provided by the Sarawak government to the Chinese community, especially in the aspects of education, social and welfare.

“For example, in 2024, the Sarawak government under the leadership Abang  Johari Abang Openg has allocated around RM22 million to Chinese medium schools in this region, namely RM12 million for Chinese Aided Primary Schools and RM10 million for Chinese Aided Secondary Schools.

“This is an increase from RM9 million to RM12 million for primary schools compared to the previous year and is an effort by the Sarawak government to support the development of student talent and strengthen multi-stream education.

“This assistance is part of the Sarawak government's efforts to develop highly skilled human capital and make Sarawak a developed state by 2030,” he said.

Wan Junaidi also said the Sarawak government continues to recognise the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) to enable Chinese school students to pursue their studies at Sarawak-owned universities, including in strategic fields such as satellite technology and aerospace, with Education in Sarawak universities and higher education institutions planned to be provided free of charge this year.

“In addition, the Sarawak government also implements Welfare programmes, especially for low-income groups in conjunction with major festivals through the Chinese New Year Flower of Love Programme.

“This is a special initiative of the Sarawak government that is held consistently during every major festival, aimed at easing the financial burden of low-income families among the Chinese community,” the governor said.