Sarawak is facing a shortage of about 1,000 teachers, says education minister

 KUCHING, Sept 28 2026: Sarawak is facing a shortage of about 1,000 teachers to meet the needs of teaching workforce, especially in Science subjects, said Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister Roland Sagah Wee Inn.

Caption: Minister Roland Sagah Wee Inn says that the shortages in specific subject specialisations remain the main challenge, as not all subjects have sufficient teachers, particularly in Science.

He said the recruitment of new teachers for Sarawak is yet to be announced and his ministry is still awaiting further information on the matter from the Education Service Commission (SPP).

“It has not been announced yet, so we will have to wait and see. Teacher recruitment is handled by the SPP, which will make offers to all successful candidates,” he told reporters after officiating at the Sarawak Informal Education (IFE) Recognition - Community Skills and Productivity Opening Ceremony at LCDA Tower here today.

Sagah added that Sarawak is not facing a particularly severe teacher shortage, with the shortfall estimated at around 1,000.

However, he said shortages in specific subject specialisations remain the main challenge, as not all subjects have sufficient teachers, particularly in Science.

He said some of the teachers needed are also those capable of teaching more than one subject, based on information presented to him.

During the ceremony, a total of 105 participants received the Sarawak IFE Recognition certificates after successfully completing the skills recognition process through the Sarawak IFE - Community Skills and Productivity initiative.

The initiative marks an effort to recognise the skills and competencies acquired by individuals outside the formal education system.

Sagah expressed hope that the recognition could serve as a stepping stone for participants to explore new opportunities, continue skill development and contribute to their families, communities and the wider economy.

About 600 out of 1,200 dilapidated schools in Sarawak have been repaired or replaced with new buildings, says education minister

KUCHING, Sept 28 2026: Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister Roland Sagah Wee Inn said about 600 out of the 1,200 dilapidated schools identified in Sarawak have either been rehabilitated, fixed or replaced with new buildings.

Caption: Education Minister Roland Sagah Wee Inn says that the redevelopment of dilapidated schools has yet to reach halfway mark

He said the remaining dilapidated schools are at various stages of rehabilitation, with some replacement schools are under construction while others have yet to be tendered.

“At present, the redevelopment of dilapidated schools has yet to reach the halfway mark, with some still under construction while others have yet to be tendered,” he reporters after the opening of Sarawak Informal Education (IFE) Recognition – Community Skills and Productivity at Menara LCDA here today.

He added that the Sarawak government had previously allocated RM1 billion to address the issue of dilapidated schools, but implementation takes time due to the construction period involved and the capacity of contractors in the state.

According to him, the allocation is being fully utilised, although the pace of implementation also depends on the number of available contractors and their willingness to take up the projects.

Sagah exptressed hope the  federal Budget 2027, to be tabled by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on October 9, will provide more funding for the redevelopment of dilapidated schools as well as the construction of new schools requested by Sarawak.

"We want to see more allocations for the reconstruction of dilapidated schools including for the new schools that we have applied for as well.

"So, we'll see what will happen because the federal Budget 2027 has not been tabled, but we hope for the best," he declared.

Sarawak government ready to match federal government's allocation of RM1 billion to boost paddy cultivation in the state, says premier

BINTULU, Sept 28 2026: Federal Agriculture and Food Security Minister Mohamad Sabu said his ministry will proposed an additional of RM1 billion to accelerate the development of the food sector, especially paddy production in Sarawak, for consideration by the federal Cabinet.

Caption: Premier Abang Johari Openg at a joint press conference with federal Agriculture and Food Security Mohamad Sabu (right) after the opening of Sarawak Agrofest 2026

He said the allocation is important in supporting efforts to increase the country's rice Self-Sufficiency Level (SSL), with Sarawak potentially playing a greater role in the production of this strategic food commodity.

"We realise that if Sarawak is able to produce enough (rice) for Sarawak, it means that the state can help the country's Self-Sufficiency Level (SSL).

"So for the additional application of RM1 billion, of course I will bring this matter to the cabinet for consideration," he explained at a joint press conference with Premier Abang Johari Openg after the opening of Sarawak  Agrofest 2026 at the old Bintulu Airport site/

According to him, the allocation could accelerate the development of infrastructure related to paddy production, especially irrigation and drainage systems which require large investments and a long development period.

Mohamad said that his ministry is working on additional allocations from the Ministry of Finance to strengthen food security, especially in the face of the possibility of the El Nino phenomenon this year and next year.

He also assured that the federal government would support Sarawak government's efforts in transforming the agro sector, including through the use of modern technology to increase productivity.

"The Sarawak premier's emphasis on modern technology is very important because if we still use old methods, the effort to achieve at least 80 percent SSL will be difficult in the next seven to eight years.

"We will find ways to fully support this effort," he explained. 

Abang Johari said the Sarawak government is ready to implement a 'one-to-one' approach for additional allocations if the federal government also provided the same amount, which is RM1 billion.

He added that the state is intensifying efforts to boost rice production and food security through the development of 14,000 hectares of land for paddy cultivation, including 7,000 hectares of state land to be gazetted specifically for the purpose.

He said gazetting the land is crucial to ensure the identified areas remain dedicated to paddy production and are not converted to other crops offering higher returns.

He said the move is also in line with the national agenda to increase domestic rice production and strengthen food security.

“We are responding to the national agenda to increase domestic rice production.

“For this, we have identified areas to be developed for paddy cultivation,” he told a press conference today.

The Sarawak premier added that areas identified as part of the 7,000 hectares to be gazetted for paddy cultivation include Lundu, Banting (Lingga), Limbang and Lawas.

He said apart from expanding cultivation areas, Sarawak is also focusing on research to develop rice varieties that better meet health needs, including rice with lower starch content that could potentially be developed under a Sarawak rice brand.

“We are also placing emphasis on research into rice that is beneficial to health and contains less starch.

“If this succeeds, we will have our own brand, which I believe will be a product needed around the world,” he explained.

Sarawak government extends its deepest condolences and profound sorrow on the passing of the late Dr Siti Hasmah

KUCHING, Sept 28 2026: The Sarawak government extends its deepest condolences and profound sorrow on the passing of the late Tun Dr Siti Hasmah binti Mohamad Ali, wife of former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir bin Mohamad.

"May Allah SWT shower His mercy upon her soul, forgive all her shortcomings, accept and multiply the rewards for all the good deeds and acts of worship performed throughout her life, and place her among His faithful and righteous servants," the state government said in a condolence message posted on Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) Facebook.

The state government said her passing is a loss deeply felt by her family and all those who knew her.

"May her family and next-of-kin be granted strength, fortitude, and patience in facing this time of great sorrow," the state government said.

Dr Siti Hasmah died at the age of 100 years old today at the National Heart Institute (IJN) in Kuala Lumpur.

The news was confirmed by her son, Mokhzani Mahathir, according to media reports.

Born on July 12, 1926, in Klang, Selangor, Dr Hasmah was one of the first Malay women to champion medicine following her graduation from the King Edward VII College of Medicine in Singapore.

Her early career focused on public health, particularly maternal and child healthcare in rural communities.

In 1956, she married Dr Mahathir Mohamad and they couple have seven children, including social activist Marina Mahathir and former Kedah Menteri Besar Mukhriz Mahathir.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has announced that Dr Hasmah will be accorded a state funeral.

Ministry has identified 60 problematic housing development projects across Sarawak

KUCHING, Sept 28 2026: The Ministry of Public Health, Housing and Local Government has identified 60 problematic housing development projects across Sarawak as of last month, it said in a statement,  stressing that its remains steadfast in its intervention and enforcement efforts to safeguard the interest of house buyers.

Caption: A view of Taman Muhibbah housing development project, which has been delayed by seven years, in Sarikei

The ministry said 46.7 per cent of the problematic projects have been fully or partially completed or resolved, while 53.3 per cent remain under intervention in the static and resumed categories, with two projects declared abandoned.

“While almost half of the problematic projects have reached completion or resolution, the ministry remains fully committed to resolving the issues concerning the remaining problematic projects through the establishment of the Technical Committee for Housing Project Monitoring (JKTP),”the ministry said..
 

The ministry said it  has appointed  Kejora Dijaya Sdn Bhd on July 13 as the designated housing developer to revive the abandoned Taman Muhibbah housing development project in Sarikei.

The project has been delayed by more than seven years before being declared abandoned on May 16 2026 following the original developer’s inability to fulfil its obligations to complete the development and deliver vacant possession to house buyers.

“Construction has since resumed, while the relevant legal and administrative matters involving the various parties continue to be addressed,” it said.

Meanwhile, through active ground assessment,he said the ministry has identified a rising number of problematic projects in Sibu Division.

The Ministry through its JKTP, is actively examining alternative measures to resolve the prolonged delays for Kemunyang Heights and Harmony Commercial & Residence projects.

“This may include the possibility of declaring the 10-year-delayed Kemunyang Heights project abandoned should the developer remain unable or unwilling to make significant progress in fulfilling its obligations,” the ministry added.

As for the Harmony Commercial & Residence project, 61 affordable housing units remain without an Occupation Permit despite infrastructure and building works being substantially completed, as certain works were not carried out in accordance with the approved plans.

The developer is expected to resume construction by January 2027.The mo said the ministry is also investigating issues relating to the sale of affordable housing units above the approved selling price.

Additionally, another problematic project, Lot 287, Block 9 Lukut Kanowit, has made steady progress after more than seven years of delay, with the project now approaching completion and pending inspection by the relevant authorities.
 

The Ministry will continue to pursue a balanced approach by facilitating recovery, rendering necessary facilitation and intervention toward problematic projects where there is a genuine commitment to complete the project.

“Developers who continue to dishonour their contractual and statutory obligations will face firm action under the law,” the ministry explained.