Firemen making efforts to bring down a 41-year old worker who is reported to be unconscious on top of a 54-metre high crane tonight

KUCHING, Feb 12 2026:  Firemen are now making efforts to bring down a 41-year old worker who is said to be unconscious on top of a 54-metre high crane at a construction site at Northbank commercial centre, Tabuan  Jaya, tonight.

Caption: The 41-year  old Walsh anak Jawi is said to be unconscious on top of this crane- Photo Bomba 

Tabuan Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) station, in a statement, said the firemen are

 preparing equipment for the rescue operations, given that the conditions at the location are drizzling rain and the crane stairs are quite narrow and slippery.

The station, in a statement, identified the man as Walsh anak Jawi.

It said it received a call from the site manager of the construction company about 9.16pm, asking the station for help to bring down the man.

“An information from the construction site manager informing that the victim was supposed to get off the crane at 5pm.

“After trying to contact the victim and getting no response, site manager immediately contacted the fire department for assistance,” the station said.

It said initial information is that a male victim is feared unconscious on top of a construction crane approximately 54 metres high.

As at 10.45pm, it is not known if the firemen managed to bring the man down.

 

18yo man dies after a fight with another man during a drinking session, says Lundu police chief

LUNDU, Feb 12 2026: A drinking session broke into a fight between two men that led to the death of one of them,  police said this evening.

Caption: Lundu police chief Supt Sudirman Kram says the murder suspect is still at large

Lundu district police chief Supt Sudirman Kram said the 18-year old victim was unconscious when he was brought to the Sarawak General Hospital and was later confirmed dead by the medical officer.

“The suspect, who is still at large, fled after taking the victim to the hospital, he said, adding that efforts are being made to trace the suspect.

 He said the results of the investigation found that the victim suffered injuries to the eye and left cheek, as well as dried blood in his nose.

“The initial investigation by the police found that before the incident, the victim and several men had attended a social gathering and was believed to have consumed hard drinks in a rented house,” he said.

Sudirman said an argument occurred between the victim and the suspect and which later developed into a physical fight.

He said the victim was reported to be unconscious after the fight and was taken to the hospital by the suspect for treatment. The suspect later fled.

Sudirman, however,  said the police have detained three workers to assist in their investigation.

He said the police is investigating the case under 302 of the Penal Code for murder.

 

Assessment, intelligence processes used when selecting appointments for community leaders, not through election, says PBB leader

KUCHING, Feb 12 2026: Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersat (PBB)  information chief Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah has explained that the appointments of community leaders and village headmen are made through assessment and intelligence process, not through election.

Abdul Karim: Appointments of community leaders are made through an assessment process by relevant parties and confirmed at the highest level

He said they need to have knowledge, good character, understand the community they are leading and have a belief.

“Appointments are made through an assessment process by relevant parties and confirmed at the highest level," he said when asked by reporters on calls by certain quarters that the community leaders and headmen be elected by the communities themselves.

Karim, who is also the Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister, said the age limit and increased allowances implemented by the government are among the improvements to ensure that the KMKK appointment system remains relevant and effective.

Karim, who is also Sarawak United Youth Organisation (Saberkas) president, said the organisation has successfully conducted 162 programmes and activities across the state during the period July 2025 to January 2026, reflecting its active role in empowering youth and communities.

He said the programmes included workshops, sports, culture, welfare and skills training implemented at the state, branch and unit levels.

“During the seven-month period, a total of 162 programmes and activities were held by SABERKAS at the state, branch and unit levels,” he said at a press conference after the Saberkas supreme committee meeting today.

He said the total membership of the organisation now reaches 56,750 as of January 31, 2026, including 1,387 members in institutions of higher learning.

According to him, among the main programs planned this year are the Saberkas President's Cup Futsal Championship in May and the Bubur Lambuk programme which has become an iconic annual activity.

He described the current development of Saberkas as very encouraging with various programs held almost every week throughout Sarawak, thus producing a line of young leaders who have potential for the future of the state.

 

 

Any new appointment of community leaders, village headmen will be strictly based on qualifications and administrative capabilities, says Sikie

BINTULU, Feb 12 2026: Minister in the Premier’s Department (Native Laws and Customs) John Sikie Tayai has reiterated that any new appointment of community leaders and village headmen (KMKK) such as tuai rumah, penghulu and pemanca will be strictly based on academic qualifications and administrative capabilities to ensure more structured and effective village management.

John Sikie Tayai: Among the issues that often arise is the weakness in preparing reports due to lack of computer skills. This matter needs to be addressed 

He said that setting the minimum requirement of having a Form Five certificate for new appointments is a step in line with current needs and challenges.

He stressed that leaders who have a good educational foundation are more capable of managing documentation, preparing reports and communicating officially with government agencies and related parties.

"However, there are also candidates who do not have a Form Five qualification but have extensive experience in the government, security or public service sectors. These groups can still be considered as appropriate," he said when speaking at the Juh Ngopi Ngan Programme of the Sarawak Public Communications Unit (UKAS) in Tatau, today.

He insisted that for new appointments, priority should be given to individuals who are knowledgeable and capable so that village administration can be implemented more efficiently and systematically.

"Among the issues that often arise is the weakness in preparing reports due to lack of computer skills. This matter needs to be addressed," he explained.

He added that quality leadership is very important to ensure that the development of longhouses and villages can be implemented in line with the aspirations and needs of the local community.

In the meantime, he also reminded that the KMKK selection process must be carried out transparently and fairly without being influenced by any particular interests.

"Integrity-based elections can produce leaders who are respected and trusted by the community," he added.

Dr Sim cautions that misinformation, incomplete narratives can weaken public confidence and disturb social harmony

KUCHING, Feb 12 2026: Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) president Dr Sim Kui Hian  has  cautioned that misinformation, incomplete narratives, and emotionally charged headlines can easily weaken public confidence and disturb social harmony. 

Dr Sim Kui Hian: Social media platforms play a powerful role in shaping public perception and, in some cases, influencing important outcomes

He said in such an environment, responsible journalism is more important than ever.

“Social media platforms have undoubtedly strengthened communication among diverse communities and amplified voices across society,” he said at the SUPP media appreciation night tonight.

“At the same time, the social media platforms play a powerful role in shaping public perception and, in some cases, influencing important outcomes,” he stressed.

Dr Sim, who is also the Deputy Premier, said that he also observes that while online newspapers continue to grow, traditional media still maintains its relevance.

“However, for younger generations, especially Gen Z, platforms such as TikTok, Xiao Hong Shu, Instagram, and others have become their primary sources of news, often surpassing television and radio.

“This changing media landscape reminds us that how information is presented matters as much as the information itself,” he said, adding that “very often, we see the same story reported with very different headlines — even within the same country.

“One angle may come from West Malaysia, another from Sarawak. Yet, the audience sizes are vastly different.

“One side reaches over 31 million readers nationwide, while Sarawak’s voice reaches only about three million,” he said, adding that this imbalance makes it even more important for stories, state’s perspectives and its contributions to be told accurately and fairly.