Monday, 14 September 2026

40yo man crushed to death by bulldozer in Long Seridan

MARUDI, Sept 14 2026: A worker, 40, was killed when a bulldozer crushed him in an accident in Long Seridan yesterday afternoon.

Caption: Firemen in the process of extricating the body of the worker pinned under the bulldozer

Marudi Fire and Rescue Department said it received an emergency call at 2.20pm calling for an assistance to extricate the body of the victim pinned under the heavy machinery.

It said the firemen, upon the arrival at the scene, confirmed that a victim was trapped beneath a bulldozer. 

"The victim had already been pronounced dead by a Medical Assistant (MA) from the Long Seridan Health Clinic prior to the Fire and Rescue team's arrival," it said.

It added the Operation Commander Erec Unyi then instructed the team to prepare rescue equipment, including a power unit for rescue tools and two airbags. 

After conducting a size-up assessment, the team's initial attempt to extricate the victim proved difficult due to the victim's position trapped beneath the bulldozer. 

Although the victim was successfully extricated, he was found to have sustained severe injuries to his abdomen and right leg and showed no signs of life. 

The victim was subsequently handed over to the auxiliary police for further action and transport to Marudi Hospital via a four-wheel-drive vehicle (Hilux) belonging to Shin Yang Company. 

Forest Department's Greening Sarawak Campaign recognised under ASEAN Creen Initiative 2026

KUCHING, Sept 14 2026: The state Forest Department, through its Greening Sarawak Campaign, has received recognition under the ASEAN Green Initiative (AGI) 2026 in the Large-Scale Tree Planting Initiative category. 

Caption:  Presentation of the ASEAN Green Initiative (AGI) 2026 recognition to Forest Department Sarawak.

The recognition was presented at the Second ASEAN Green Initiative Recognition Event held recently in Quezon City, Philippines.

The ASEAN Green Initiative is a regional recognition programme implemented by the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB) to recognise tree planting initiatives that contribute to increasing tree cover and restoring ecosystems across the ASEAN region. 

The initiative promotes the planting of native tree species to support biodiversity conservation and ecosystem restoration.

In a statement, the department said the recognition reflects its continued commitment to forest landscape restoration and greening efforts in Sarawak, particularly through the planting of indigenous tree species. 

It added a total of 290,846 trees from threatened species listed in the IUCN Red List were planted under the Greening Sarawak Campaign, comprising species classified as Endangered and Vulnerable, from 2021 to 2025.

Head of the Restoration and Industrial Forest Division (RIFD) Zarina Shebli received the recognition and subsequently shared Sarawak’s experience in implementing the Greening Sarawak Campaign during the Ecosystem Restoration Session of the ASEAN Heritage Parks Forum 2026, alongside other AGI awardees.

This ASEAN-level recognition further strengthens the department's commitment to advancing forest restoration, biodiversity conservation and sustainable forest management in Sarawak. 

The department extends its sincere appreciation to all stakeholders and partners for their continuous support and contribution towards the successful implementation of the Greening Sarawak Campaign. 

This recognition reflects the collective commitment towards forest restoration, biodiversity conservation and the greening of Sarawak.

  

 

Sunday, 13 September 2026

Fresh from addressing PBB northern zone convention in Miri, Abang Johari now in Bangkok to attend the GASTECH 2026

BANGKOK, Sept 13 2026 – Fresh from addressing PBB northern zone special convention in Sibu late this morning, Premier Abang Johari Openg arrived in Bangkok for a one-day official working visit to Thailand.

Caption: Premier Abang Johari Openg arriving in Bangkok for a one-day working visit

He was received upon arrival by Ahmad Phadil bin Mohamed Ismail Deputy Chief of Mission at the Malaysian Embassy in Bangkok.

He is in Bangkok at the invitation of the Ministry of Energy of Thailand to attend GASTECH 2026, the world’s largest exhibition and conference dedicated to natural gas, liquefied natural gas (LNG), low-carbon solutions, electrification and artificial intelligence (AI) for energy.

During the visit, Abang Johari is scheduled to participate in a Ministerial Roundtable Meeting and a Fireside Chat moderated by Roland Lim at GASTECH 2026, which will be held at the Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre (BITEC) tomorrow.

The engagements will provide an important platform for Sarawak to exchange views on the evolving global energy landscape, explore strategic opportunities and strengthen cooperation in areas related to energy transition, technology and innovation.

Sarawak's wealthy northern region key to drive state's economy further, says Awang Tengah

MIRI, Sept 13 2026: Sarawak's  northern region is in a key position to drive the state's economy further by 2030 due to its vast natural resources, strategic location and  well-developed infrastructures.

Caption: Deputy Premier and PBB deputy president Awang Tengah Ali Hasan says northern region's proximity to Brunei, Kalimantan, Sabah and Labuan also opens up opportunities for cross-border trade, in addition to modern agricultural development to enhance food security


Deputy Premier Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said the region had strengths in the oil and gas, renewable energy, agriculture, forestry, industrial and tourism sectors that could be leveraged to generate new growth.

“Among the developments is the onshore oil and gas drilling at Adong Kecil West, Miri, which is now producing more than 800 barrels per day, marking Sarawak’s return to onshore oil production after almost 50 years,” he said.

Awang Tengah, who is also PBB deputy president, was addressing the Special Convention of PBB Northern Zone, which was officiated by Premier and PBB pesident Abang Johari Openg today.

He said the northern zone’s strengths are further supported by Bintulu as a centre for the oil and gas industry and low-carbon economic activities, while Miri has strengths in the services and tourism sectors.

“Its proximity to Brunei, Kalimantan, Sabah and Labuan also opens up opportunities for cross-border trade, in addition to modern agricultural development to enhance food security,” he said.

He added that efforts to harness these potentials needed to be supported by road and bridge networks, water and electricity supply, as well as telecommunications infrastructure to connect communities with markets and economic opportunities, in line with the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030) to increase the income and well-being of the people.

Premier raised up issue concerning over 5,000 shortages of healthcare workforce in Sarawak at recent MTPMA63 meeting, says Dr Sim

 PADAWAN, Sept 13 2026: Premier Abang Johari Openg has raised up the issue of healthcare workforce shortages in Sarawak, involving over 5,000 positions, during the recent meeting of the Implementation of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) Action Council, Deputy Premier Dr Sim Kui Hian said today.

Caption: Deputy Premier Dr Sim Kui Hian (wearing a yellow shirt) and Deputy Minister of Transport Dr Jerip Susil speaking to reporters

He said the issue has been brought to the attention of the Public Service Department (JPA).

Dr Sim said that approximately 18 percent of positions within the Sarawak State Health Department (JKNS) currently have remained unfilled.

"This matter requires a special approach—including regarding workforce recruitment—to enable Sarawak to meet the state's healthcare service needs more effectively," he told reporters.

“We have actually spoken to the JPA, and the premier also raised the issue during the MA63 meeting, noting that we need a special task force and special recruitment measures so we can help ourselves and not have to rely on Kuala Lumpur all the time,” he said.

Dr Sim, who is also the Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government, said this  after visiting the family and paying his last respects to the late Staff Nurse (SN) Debra Moset at her family home in Kampung Semadang, here, today.

He noted that efforts to strengthen Sarawak's healthcare autonomy are also being discussed; however, implementation is a complex process as it involves amending 41 laws.

He added that practical approaches must continue to be explored to ensure that workforce issues and healthcare service delivery can be addressed in stages for the benefit of the people of Sarawak.

“We are trying to look at whatever methods can yield results first and improve everyone's lives,” he added.