Package B4 of Second Trunk Road connecting Btg Lupar Bridge 2 to Betong Intersection ready in August

BETONG, May 6 2026: The construction project of the Second Main Road under Package B4 which connects the proposed Batang Lupar Bridge No. 2 in Sri Aman to the Betong Intersection on the Pan Borneo Highway has now achieved physical progress of 76.68 per cent.

Caption: Deputy Minister Aidel Lariwoo perusing the progress report on the construction of the road project 

The RM292.06 million project is being implemented by the state Public Works Department (JKR) with a construction period of 42 months and is expected to be opened in stages to road users starting August 2026.

Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development Aidel Lariwoo said the project is very important in strengthening the communication network between Sri Aman and Betong as well as improving the accessibility of residents in the surrounding areas.

"This project is very important in improving the communication network in this area. Therefore, the commitment of all parties including the contractor is needed to ensure that it can be completed according to the set schedule," he said during a site visit today.

The scope of the project involves the construction of a two-lane, one-way road along 27.84 kilometres with the upgrading of road standards from JKR R3 to R5.

In addition, the project also includes the construction of two 'triple span' type bridges, utility relocation works, new infrastructure development, public works, installation of street lights, road markings and signage.

When completed, the project is expected to provide great benefits to local residents by providing a smoother and more comfortable travel route in addition to shortening the travel time between Sri Aman and Betong.

In fact, the construction of the road also opens up better access to longhouse areas and villages along Jalan Lidong, thus stimulating economic growth and improving the living standards of rural residents.

With the current encouraging developments and continuous monitoring by relevant parties, the project is seen to be on track to be completed according to the set schedule.

 

Domestic trade ministry seizes 28,000 litres of diesel, two tanker lorries in raid in Demak Laut

KUCHING, May 6 2026: The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living has seized 28,000 litres of diesel, worth RM144,760, in a raid in Demak Laut yesterday.

Caption: The two tanker lorries in the process of transferring the diesel 

The ministry’s enforcement team also seized two tanker lorries and detained two drivers during the raid.

In a statement, the ministry said the total value of the seizure is estimated to be RM444,860.

“At approximately 2pm yesterday, a team of enforcement officers,  conducted an inspection and raid on a premises suspected of being used as a place to store diesel without a permit in Demak Laut.

 “The enforcement officers followed a tanker lorry that was driven into a premises believed to be a workshop.

“During the raid, the tanker lorry driver was in the process of transferring diesel oil from one tanker lorry to another at the scene without a valid permit from the Supply Controller,” the ministry said.

It added a storage store was hidden behind a workshop.

“The inspection results found 28,000 litres of diesel worth RM144,760 stored in two tanker lorries assigned to transfer diesel oil.

“The total value of the seizure is believed to be RM444,860,” the ministry said.

It added two men, aged 30s and 50s, believed to be lorry drivers, were also detained to assist in the investigation.

Dr Sim: Health research sector attracts RM1.8 billion funding since 2012

KUCHING, May 6 2026:  The health research sector has successfully attracted research funding totaling RM1.8 billion from 2012 to 2025, with much of the funds concentrated in Kuching.

Caption: Deputy Premier Dr Sim Kui Hian affixing his signature on the plaque to officially open the Affin Bank Batu Kawa branch  

Deputy Premier Dr Sim Kui Hian said the achievement was based on the annual report on Malaysian Clinical Research launched in Kuching last month, creating more than 3,500 high-income job opportunities.

“Malaysian Clinical Research last month launched its annual report in Kuching which showed that during the period 2012 to 2025, the organisation successfully brought in research funds amounting to RM1.8 billion, with the majority of the funds remaining in Kuching.

“During the same period, more than 3,500 highly skilled and well-paid job opportunities were also successfully created,” he said during his speech at the opening of the Affin Bank Batu Kawa Branch, here, today.

Touching on the opening of the Affin Bank branch, Dr Sim who is also the State Legislative Member (SLM) for Batu Kawa, welcomed the opening of the branch in his constituency which is not just a normal banking operation, but rather part of the grand agenda of building Sarawak.

It is understood that the opening of the Affin Bank Batu Kawah Branch is part of AFFIN’s wider network which includes 13 branches throughout the state, thus bringing its services closer to the people.

Also present were Affin Islamic Bank Berhad Chairman Musa Abdul Malek, Affin Hwang Investment Bank Berhad Chairman Hasli Hashim, Affin Bank Berhad Board of Directors Members  Abang Iskandar Abang Hashim,  Sharkawi Alis and Elean Masa'at.

Wooden house in Bekenu collapses at dawn today

BEKENU, May 6 2026: An unoccupied wooden house at Kampung Subak, Bekenu, collapsed at dawn today.

Caption: The collapsed house at Kampung Subak, Bekenu 

Batu Niah Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) spokesman said, the incident which happened at 5.50am, could injuries if there were people inside.

“After inspecting and finding that the collapsed house was not safe to enter, the department advised anyone not to enter the house for safety reasons,” a spokesman said.

The incident involved  wooden structure house with pillars collapsed in its entire structure.

It was reported that the occupants of the house were not in the  house at the time of the incident. The firefighters' actions were only to check for safety and obtain information about the incident.

 After finding the situation under control, the firemen returned to the station.