Coming soon. Factory to produce Gardenia bread to start operating in Kota Samarahan next year

 KUCHING, July 13 2026 – Coming soon. Sarawakians will no longer need to bring home Gardenia bread from Malaya because the bread factory will be operating in Kota Samarahan next year.

Caption: Deputy Premier Dr Sim Kui Hian says Sarawak Edition of Gardenia bread coming soon

Deputy Premier Dr Sim Kui Hian said the new factory is the result of a collaboration between Kim Teck Cheong (KTC) Consolidated Berhad with Sanjung Etika Sdn. Bhd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Yayasan Sarawak and the Sarawak government.

He said this to reporters after witnessing the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between KTC executive director Dexter Lau, and Yayasan Sarawak director Mohamad Junaidi Mohidin, in Kuching today

The signing of the MoU is an important step in strengthening the food manufacturing industry in Sarawak.

"We are very grateful for this opportunity. Over the past few years, I have noticed at Kuching International Airport (KIA), more and more people are bringing Gardenia bread home every time they board a plane.

" So, we are very grateful that this factory will be built in Sarawak. At least more people will be able to enjoy Gardenia bread. As we always say, 'bread and butter' symbolizes the basic needs of the people," he said.

The construction of the factory will not only ensure that bread supplies are more easily available, but is also expected to create about 500 job opportunities for the local population.

It also aims to establish Gardenia Bakeries (Sarawak) Sdn. Bhd., a wholly-owned subsidiary that will be a joint shareholder by combining Gardenia's manufacturing expertise with human capital and community development by Yayasan Sarawak.

Through the collaboration, both parties are committed to signing a Joint Venture Agreement and Shareholders' Agreement within the next three months to officially begin the operational phase and establishment of the entity.

The collaboration also opens up opportunities to produce a range of exclusive products and special packaging known as Gardenia "Sarawak Edition".

 

Be ethical, deputy minister reminds social media users, content creators

 KUCHING: Social media users, content creators, and media practitioners are reminded to practice ethical content usage by respecting the copyright of creative works and giving credit to the original owners of the materials used.

Caption: Deputy Minister Abdullah Saidol says he is aware that many journalists do not receive credit they deserve

Deputy Minister in the Premier's Department (Corporate Affairs, Information and UKAS), Abdullah Saidol said that the issue of using photos and media content without permission or proper acknowledgement is becoming increasingly concerning, thereby undermining the efforts and hard work of media practitioners.

“We are aware that many members of the journalistic fraternity sometimes feel aggrieved because their work is seemingly stolen and does not receive the credit it deserves,” he said at press conference to announce the date of the Sarawak Media Conference (SMeC) 2026 today.

According to him, aspects of media content usage ethics will also be highlighted during the conference to raise awareness among media practitioners, content creators, and the public regarding the importance of respecting copyright and the original sources of materials.

“Those who take photographs or use materials from media platforms such as TVS, RTM, and other media organisations must attribute credit to the original owner and state the source of the photo or content,” he said.

Abdullah added that technological advancements, including the use of artificial intelligence (AI), also pose new challenges as content from various sources can be easily integrated, which means media integrity and governance must continue to be strengthened. 

Sarawak government strengthens agricultural sector by using modern technology and innovation

SEBAUH, July 13 2026:  Sarawak is strengthening the agricultural sector through the application of modern technology and innovation to increase productivity, farmers' income and ensure the state's food security.

Caption: Minister Dr Stephen Rundi Utom says the use of modern technology is to increase agricultural products 

Food Industry, Commodities and Regional Development Minister Dr Stephen Rundi Utom said the agricultural sector needs to shift from traditional methods to the use of technology such as 'Precision Farming', Internet of Things (IoT), fertigation, hydroponics and mechanisation.

According to him, this approach is important to ensure that agricultural products are more efficient, of better quality and able to provide better returns to entrepreneurs.

"If an effort is not profitable, then the way of working needs to be changed. Agriculture today must be driven by knowledge, technology and innovation," he said when speaking at the AgroFest Sebauh 2026 Adjournment Ceremony.

Dr Rundi also emphasised that the success of the agricultural sector requires comprehensive cooperation involving the government, private sector, research institutions and the farming community in developing a sustainable and competitive agricultural ecosystem.

He explained that the Department of Agriculture plays an important role as a facilitator by providing training, technical services and continuous guidance to farmers so that they can master the entire agricultural value chain.

In addition, he said, young people are also encouraged to venture into modern agriculture which is seen as having the potential to generate lucrative income if pursued professionally and using the latest technology.

The Sarawak government also, he said, continues to strengthen efforts to increase local food production including rice, grain corn, fruits, vegetables, livestock and aquaculture to reduce dependence on food imports.

He also reminded officers of the Department of Agriculture to continue to go to the field to help farmers, resolve issues on the ground and ensure that each project is implemented effectively.

AgroFest Sebauh 2026, which lasted for three days, brought together various government agencies, agro-entrepreneurs and local communities through exhibitions, technology demonstrations, sales of agricultural products and knowledge sharing sessions.

Also present were Bintulu Division Resident  Nyurak Keti, Department of Agriculture Director Dominic Chunggat, Sebauh District Officer, Thaddeus Ling and Bintulu Divisional Agriculture Officer, Jackson Nanta.

Sarawak Net Zero Strategy and Carbon Plan identifies green investment opportunities exceeding RM357 billion by 2050, says deputy -premier

KUCHING, July 13 2026: The state government has completed the Sarawak Net Zero Strategy and Carbon Plan that identifies green investment opportunities exceeding RM357 billion, with the potential to contribute approximately RM27.6 billion to the economy and create about 223,000 jobs by 2050. 

Caption: Deputy Premier Awang Tengah Ali Hasan says  that the World Bank, this year, conducted its first Climate Change Institutional Assessment at the sub-national level for Sarawak and Sabah.

Deputy Premier Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said the plan reinforces the state government's position that climate action can drive investment, innovation and quality employment.

“These efforts are strengthening internationa confidence in Sarawak's climate governance,” he said at the opening of the Second Malaysian Conservation conference 2026 (MCC 2026) today.

He noted that the World Bank, this year, conducted its first Climate Change Institutional Assessment at the sub-national level for Sarawak and Sabah.

He said Sarawak also hosted the Transitioning Industrial Cluster initiative to promote coordinated industrial decarbonisation, cleaner technologies and stronger collaboration among government, industry and development partners.

Motorist, 49, killed when his car suddenly bursts into fire

SELANGAU, July 12 2026: A 49-year man was killed when the car he was driving suddenly burst into fire at the Selangau flyover, Sibu-Bintulu, Pan Borneo Highway, this evening.

Caption: Firemen extinguishing the fire from the engine of the car

Selangau Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) spokesman said the incident happened at about 7.15pm with the man still trapped inside his car.

His death was confirmed by paramedics from the Ministry of Health (MoH).

His badly burnt body was later handed over to the police for further action.

Rescue team from Selangau Bomba arrived at the scene soon after it received a call from a member of the public.

“Upon arrival, it was found that there was an incident involving a sedan car whose engine had caught fire,” Bomba spokesman said.

He said  after being informed that the driver was still inside, firemen immediately carried out extinguishing work using one first aid line (SBM) until the fire was completely extinguished.

He said the firemen then removed the victim from the driver's seat.