One killed, three injured in single-vehicle accident near Kampung Sungai Sabal Tapang

SERIAN, Sept 28 2026: A 24-year old man was killed and three persons, including a three-year old girl, were injured when a car they were travelling in skidded into a roadside ditch near Kampung Sungai Sabal Tapang, Serian-Simanggang stretch of the Pan Borrneo Highway last night.

Caption: The firemen helping one of the victims of the single-vehicle accident

Serian Fire and Rescue Department, in a statement, said the paramedics from the Ministry of Health (MoH) confirmed the death of the man at the scene of the accident.

The injured persons - the toddler, a woman and a man- were taken to the hospital for treatment.

The department said it received a call at 9.50pm from a member of the public, telling of a single-vehicle accident near Kampung Sungai Sabal Tapang.

It said members of the public helped to extricate all the victims from inside the car.

The body of the dead victim was subsequently handed over to the police for further action
 

We cannot wait, explains Dr Annuar on why the state government has taken measures to strengthen the education sector

KUCHING, Sept 27 2026: Sarawak government has taken measures to strengthen its education sector so to keep pace with its current needs, explained Deputy Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister Dr Annuar Rapa'ee.

Caption: Deputy Minister Dr Annuar  Rapa'ee says the efforts to strengthen the education sector include addressing the issue of dilapidated schools and expanding the use of English language in teaching and learning

He said the measures implementing various homegrown initiatives to ensure that the quality of education and learning opportunities for the state's children are continuously enhanced.

“We cannot wait. We must take decisive actions ourselves so that we do not fall behind in education,” he said at the closing of the Information and Clarification Programme on Current Issues regarding the Empowerment of the Dual Language Programme (DLP) in Sarawak. 

The event was organised in collaboration with the Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS), the District Education Office (PPD), and the Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development.

Dr Annuar said the efforts include addressing the issue of dilapidated schools, expanding the use of English in teaching and learning, and establishing state-owned international schools.

He noted that the efforts are crucial to ensure that educational opportunities are not concentrated solely in urban areas but are also extended to rural students, thereby narrowing the educational gap between the two regions.

Dr Annuar stressed that without appropriate intervention, the gap between different income groups and between urban and rural areas could potentially widen.

He remarked that the shift in Sarawak's educational approach reflects the state government's commitment to playing a more active role in addressing educational needs, particularly in talent development and providing a stronger educational foundation for future generations. 

Also present were Deputy Director of the Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS)Mohamed Faizal Shah Ali, the Chairman of the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) of Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Merpati Jepang and Dr Abang Kassim Yusuf Kadir.

Biawak to be empowered as strategic gateway for cross-border economic activities between Sarawak and Kalimantan, says premier

LUNDU, Sept 27 2026: The border town of Biawak will be empowered as a strategic gateway for cross-border economic activities  between Sarawak and Kalimantan.

Caption: Premier Abang Johari Openg said the border gateway in Biawak will serve as key channel for Malaysia-Indonesia trade and economic cooperation

Premier Abang Johari Openg explained that upgrading the Biawak border post is expected to serve as a catalyst to strengthen economic and business ties between Sarawak and Kalimantan.

He added that the move aligns with ongoing efforts to establish a Bornean economic cooperation network that can subsequently interface with the regional ASEAN economy.

“One matter I wish to highlight regarding Kalimantan is that we will upgrade the border gateway in Biawak. This will serve as a key channel for cooperation between Indonesia and Malaysia, which will undoubtedly impact Sarawak, and this connection will further reinforce economic relations between both nations." he said at the closing of the Batang Kayan Regatta today.

He said he recently  received a courtesy call from the Chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry alongside his delegation, who expressed their intent to establish a Bornean economic cooperation network.

"This represents a fresh opportunity to strengthen cooperation capable of driving deeper economic development, thereby boosting economic growth across this region," he added.

The premier also said that Sampadi is set to become a key catalyst for establishing a new development corridor in Lundu through an integrated development plan combining residential settlements, education, infrastructure, and technology over the next five years.

Hr said the plan includes transforming Sampadi into a smart town equipped with modern amenities, as well as executing a resettlement programme to support the region's growth.

He said Sampadi’s proximity to the new i-CATS University campus in Trombol provides a strategic advantage, as the educational institution's development is expected to spur growth in the surrounding areas.

“Over the next five years, we will carry out organic planning so that it becomes an attraction as well as a location for a 'resettlement programme' with modern amenities, which hopefully can evolve into a smart town complete with IT infrastructure," he said.

He noted that the Sarawak government is reinforcing the area’s connectivity network by ensuring the completion of the Rambungan Bridge, which is now targeted for completion in 2027 following the appointment of a new contractor and the allocation of additional funding.

He added that these developments will complete the road connectivity to Tanjung Datu, thereby unlocking further opportunities for economic growth, tourism, and residential development in the surrounding areas. 

Mesha wins Ratu Kebaya 2026 Kanowit title, Best Kebaya Award and Miss Popular title

KANOWIT, Sept 27 2026: Mesha Carlynie Jesse was crowned the winner of the Ratu Kebaya 2026 competition held in conjunction with the Kanowit Festival last night,

Caption: Mesha Carlynie Jesse is crowned Ratu Kebaya 2026 Kanowit

She also secured the Best Kebaya Award and the Miss Popular title after garnering 310 likes and 9,500 shares on social media.

Venneillise Lee took second place, while Ainur Aisyah finished third.

The Miss Photogenic award went to Marycia Slamat.

Three other contestants—Michelle Demuny Utau, Anynnany Ilap Anthony Kasi, and Marysia Slamat—each received a consolation prize.

The prizes were presented by the wife of  Gelim Utan, wife of Ngemah SLM Anyi Jana and Dinamicayanti Daris, wife of Machan SLM Allan Siden Gramong.

Anyi, in his speech, said the Ratu Kebaya 2026 competition served as a platform to strengthen unity and foster closer community ties through the participation of contestants and local residents.

He stressed that the competition did more than just showcase the *kebaya* outfit; it provided an opportunity for the community to gather and celebrate diversity in a spirit of togetherness.

“The Ratu Kebaya 2026 competition is not merely a contest. It is also a platform to convey a message of unity and bring the community together,” he remaked.

He said the participants' courage in taking part also gave them the opportunity to showcase their respective talents and potential.

The competition, which featured six contestants, drew thousands of visitors.

Nine Kajang community figures receiving Ikon Kencana Kajang 2026 Award for their achievements and contributions

BINTULU, Sept 27 2026: Nine Kajang community figures received the 'Ikon Kencana Kajang 2026' Award in recognition of their achievements and contributions across various fields during the Sarawak Kajang Ethnic Community Association (PKEKS) charity dinner here last night.

Caption: Deputy Minister Wilson Ugak (5th from left) and SLM for Murum Kennedy Chupkai (6th from left) with the award recipients and community leaders after the presentations of the awards

The nine recipients of the 'Ikon Kencana Kajang 2026' Award are Temenggung Ajang Sirek, Associate Professor Dr Ajau Danis, Abdul Halim Abdullah, Dr Emelyne Bani Jam, Michael Belekum, Raymond Buju Bilong, Dr Zeckqualine Melai, Jacquelyne Ekot and Siga Adau.

Deputy Minister of Digital and Member of Parliament for Hulu Rajang Wilson Ugak Kumbong explained that the recognition reflects the community members' contributions towards strengthening the identity, heritage, and development of the Kajang community.

He said the Kajang community must continue to preserve its language, customs, arts, handicrafts, traditional food, stories, and history to pass them on to the younger generation.

"Cultural heritage is not merely an identity; it also holds economic value that can be developed through handicrafts, traditional food, community products, and cultural tourism," he said at the charity dinner.

Ugak also encouraged efforts to digitally document Kajang heritage and to strengthen the Kajang Cultural Centre as a space to preserve history, showcase heritage, and introduce the community's culture to future generations. 

Meanwhile, the State Legislative Member for Murum Kennedy Chukpai Ugon advised PKEKS to continue to play a role in strengthening education, youth leadership development, and economic empowerment, as well as preserving the culture of the Kajang community.

He noted that emphasis must be placed on education to create more opportunities for the younger generation in fields such as digital technology, engineering, smart agriculture, entrepreneurship, and professional careers.
The event, which brought together approximately 500 guests, was further enlivened by cultural performances from the ethnic groups under the auspices of PKEKS.

Also present were Senator Michael Mujah Lihan, Bintulu Division Resident Nyurak Keti, Sarawak Kajang Association Chairman Asan Saget, and PKEKS Charity Dinner Organizing Chairman Kuba Lusat.