Commercial vehicle licensing board chairman confirms no application received for school bus licence for 12 buses for a Chinese school

KUCHING, April 23 2026: Sarawak Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (LPKP) chairman Michael Kong (picture) has confirmed that there have been no application for licence for 12 buses for Chung Hua Primary School  No. 6.

He said the initiative to provide free school bus services to the school was led by a State Legislative Member (SLM) with the state government.

“Foremost, to date, there has not been any application submitted to LPKP Sarawak for the issuance of a school bus licence for any of the 12 buses involved in this initiative,” he said in a statement.

Yesterday, Padungan SLM Chong Chieng Jen had asked if there was any application submitted to the board for the issuance of  the licence.

Kong said from his understanding the free school bus initiative was launched on Jan 12 this year.

“Since its commencement, none of these buses has been issued with the required school bus licences, and they continue to operate without proper authorisation.

“It must be emphasised that the requirement for a school bus licence is not a mere formality, but a critical safeguard for the safety of passengers.

“Before any licence is issued, the vehicle must undergo proper inspection, the driver must possess a valid public service vehicle (PSV) licence (which carries stricter requirements than an ordinary driving licence) and the vehicle must be adequately covered by insurance.

“These conditions are in place to ensure that school children are transported safely,” he stressed.

“Just this morning, there was an accident involving an unlicensed school bus at Taman Samarindah when the operator was in the midst of sending school children to their school.

“In such a situation, any insurance claims will be denied because the bus operator was operating unlawfully without the necessary licences.

“Fortunately, no children were seriously injured in this morning's incident,” he said, adding that this highlights the importance of having the necessary licences from LPKP Sarawak before operating.

He said across Sarawak, hundreds of school bus operators have successfully complied with these requirements and were only permitted to operate after obtaining the necessary licences.

“The application process is neither overly complex nor burdensome,” he added.

He said that LPKP Sarawak has since November 2023 implemented the ISPKP system, which allows operators to apply for licences directly without relying on third parties or runners.

“This system is designed to be efficient, transparent, and accessible, and our officers are always ready to assist applicants where needed,” he said.

“There is therefore no justification for any operator, including those under this initiative, to be exempted from these legal requirements,” he said, stating the fact remains that these 12 buses have been operating without licences since January 2026.

“While LPKP Sarawak acknowledges and supports efforts to provide free transportation for students, such initiatives must not come at the expense of safety or compliance with the law.

“I therefore urge the SLM concerned to take immediate steps to ensure that all operators under this programme submit their applications for the necessary licences without further delay.

“On the part of LPKP Sarawak, I promise to give full co-operation to this initiative, and once we receive the application for the School Bus Licence, we will take immediate steps to process the applications to regularise the initiative,” Kong assured.

Sarawakian Wong Su Chung, 60, receives recognition by Malaysia Book of Records for his Antarctica expedition

KUCHING, April 23 2026: Premier Abang Johari Openg witnessed the presentation of a Malaysia Book of Records (MBOR) certificate to Wong Su Chung in recognition of his achievement as the first Sarawakian and Malaysian to complete the Antarctica Dual Expedition.

Caption: Premier Abang Johari Openg (centre) witnessing the presentation of a Malaysia Book of Records certificate to Wong Su Chung (4th from right) by a representative of the Malaysia Book of Record

The ceremony took place during a courtesy call at the Satria Pertiwi Complex today, which was also attended by Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew.

Wong’s journey towards the achievement began in early 2025, when he started researching and training for the Antarctic expeditions.

Earlier in May 2024, he became the first Sarawakian to reach the summit Mount Everest, the world’s highest mountain.

Among his expedition team, Wong, aged 60, was the oldest member.

He was also the only participant to successfully complete both the ascent of Mount Vinson and a 111-kilometre ski journey to the last degree of the South Pole.

Reflecting on the experience, he expressed gratitude for the success of the polar expedition, noting that strength or willpower alone were not the deciding factors.

“After everything, I truly feel this has been a journey filled with God’s grace. In these extremely difficult challenges, I experienced repeatedly how God helped and guided me,” he said.

Following the achievement, Wong hopes his journey will inspire those facing hardship and encourage others to persevere through life’s challenges. -

MBKS mayor, councillors, community leaders donate 10 units of four-seater benches to Tanah Puteh Health Clinic

KUCHING, April 23 2026: Kuching South City Council (MBKS), led by Mayor Wee Hong Seng together with councillors, community leaders and generous donors contributed 10 units of four-seater benches to Tanah Puteh Health Clinic today, to improve the comfort and convenience of patients and visitors.

Caption: MBKS Mayor Wee Hong Seng (7th from left) posing  with councillors and Tanah Puteh Health Clinic medical personnel 

A statement issued by MBKS said the contribution aims to enhance the waiting experience at the clinic by providing adequate and comfortable seating, particularly for the elderly, families with children, and patients seeking medical care.

“The initiative reflects a shared commitment to fostering a caring and people-centred community environment,” it said today.

Wee expressed his appreciation to all parties involved, noting that such efforts demonstrate the strong spirit of collaboration between the public, private sector and community stakeholders.

“This meaningful contribution goes beyond physical infrastructure. It reflects compassion, social responsibility, and a collective effort to improve the well-being of our community.

“Comfortable and accessible public healthcare spaces are essential in ensuring dignity and care for all,” he said.

He further emphasised that small but impactful contributions such as this play a vital role in supporting public health services and enhancing the overall patient experience.

He added that this initiative builds on previous efforts, including last year’s contribution to the Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) demonstrating a continued commitment to supporting healthcare facilities in the city.

The mayor also extended his heartfelt gratitude to the generous donors who made this initiative possible, HS Wee Holdings Sdn Bhd, Ori Pastri Ori Kuching Sdn Bhd, Tay Motor, Eric Tay, Albert Tay, Alex Sim, Kelby Than, and Tai Zee Kin for their generosity and continued support towards community initiatives.

“This contribution exemplifies how collective action can bring about meaningful improvements in public facilities. MBKS welcomes more partners

Sarawak sports minister hopes Malaysia Games to proceed as scheduled after Sultan of Selangor suggests it be postponed

KUCHING, April 23 2026: Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister Abduk Karim Rahman Hamzah has expressed his hope that the Malaysia Games (Sukma) can proceed as scheduled, as comprehensive preparations have been made, including a large financial commitment and the sacrifices of the athletes.

Caption: Youth and Sports Minister Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah says that comprehensive preparations have been made for the Malaysia Games 

He said various preparations including logistics, accommodation bookings, and athlete training, had been carried out in advance.

“Some Sarawak athletes have also been sent to undergo training locally and abroad in preparation for the games.”

“When it comes to Sarawak, I hope that Sukma will continue. A lot has been spent on preparations including logistics, hotel bookings, homestays and deposit payments.

“In fact, our athletes have been sent everywhere including abroad for training. If postponed, some of them may not be able to participate because the Sukma age limit is 21 years,” he said in a press conference here today.

He was asked to respond to the Sultan of Selangor’s suggestion that the biennial games be postponed due to the Middle East crisis.

Selangor are host of this year’s Malaysia Games.

Karim said any decision on whether Sukma will continue or be postponed depends on the decision of the federal  Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Selangor state government as the host.

He said he expects the Sukma issue is expected to raise when the federal Minister of Youth and Sports Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari visits Sarawak soon.

He said Dr Taufiq will visit several sports facilities including the Sarawak Stadium and the Petra Jaya Perpaduan Stadium, in addition to a field trip to Kampung Semeba to meet the local community.