4,694 students have registered for FTES as of March 31, says deputy education minister

KUCHING, May 12 2026: A total of 4,694 students have registered for the Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES) scheme as of March 31 this year, Deputy Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister Dr Annuar Rapa'ee has said. 

Caption: Deputy Minister Dr Annuar Rapa'ee says that 1,433 existing students declined to accept the Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES)  

 
He said 172 students have registered with  I-CATS University College, 543  with Curtin University Malaysia, Sarawak campus, 1,959 with Swinburne University of Technology, Sarawak campus, and 2020 with University of Technology Sarawak. 

"The total number includes those existing students,"  he said when replying to questions from Shafiee Ahmad (GPS - Daro) during Question and Answer session at Sarawak State Legislative Assembly today.

Dr Annuar said total number of students receiving FTES is expected to increase to about 10,000 with the June and September intakes. 

He said 1,433 existing student, who are in their year, declined to accept the offer of FTES. 

"They have valid reasons, including tying to contracts with other bodies,"  he said. 

Dr Annuar assured the state government will continue with FTES as it is in a strong financial position. 
He added this is shown in the continued yearly  surplus budget. 

Moreover, he said, the state's gross domestic products (GDP) per capita have grown over the years. 

He added Sarawak is now recognised as a high income state by the World Bank.

Shafiee has wanted to know of students who have registered for FTES and the number of students who declined to accept the off

YB Yakub Arbi moans over the gradual loss of padi lands to oil palm plantations

KUCHING, May 12 2026: Balingian State Legislative Member (SLM) Abdul Yakub Arbi has expressed concern over the gradual loss of padi lands being converted into oil palm plantations.

 

Balingian  SLM Abdul Yakub Arbi expresses concern over the loss of padi lands to oil palm plantations

“Such issue deserves serious attention,” he said during the debate on the Sarawak and Padi Board Bill,2026 at the Sarawak State Legislative Member (SLM) today. 

“Today, many traditional padi cultivation areas are being converted into oil palm plantations and other developments,” he said. 

“While oil palm has undoubtedly contributed significantly to Sarawak’s economy,  must also recognise that food-producing land is a strategic asset that cannot simply be replaced once lost. 

“If we fail to protect our padi lands today, future generations may inherit economic growth, but face greater food insecurity. 

“That is why the provision under the Bill allowing the declaration of “Padi Development Areas” is extremely important. 

“It allows the state government to identify, preserve, and develop suitable areas specifically for padi cultivation in a more organised and sustainable manner. 

“This is not only about agriculture. This is about safeguarding Sarawak’s long-term food security,” Abdul Yakub said. 

He noted that the Bill recognises the importance of research, innovation, and technology.

However, he said climate change is already affecting rainfall patterns, water supply, and crop productivity.

He also noted that the board is empowered under the Bill to conduct, assist, and promote research and development activities, as well as commercialise research findings for the benefit of the industry.

“This is the direction we must move towards. Digital agriculture, precision farming, drone technology, smart irrigation systems, and climate-resilient rice varieties should become part of Sarawak’s agricultural transformation agenda.

“Agriculture today cannot remain dependent solely on traditional methods. If we want our younger generation to return to agriculture, we must show them that modern farming can be profitable, technology-driven, and full of future potential,” he said.

Batang Lupar area posseses enormous potential as food security hub, but infrastructure remains one of critical weaknesses. says Lingga SLM

KUCHING, May 12 2026: Lingga State Legislative Member (SLM) Dayang Noorazah Awang Sohor stressed that Batang Lupar area possesses enormous strategic potential to become one of the state’s important food security hubs. 

Lingga SLM Dayang Noorazah Awang Sohor says IADA report stated that parts of Bijat/Stumbin Phase 2  project remain under design review and expected to be completed by 2030 

“However, we must also honestly acknowledge that the current production of performance of Integrated Agriculture Development Authority (IADA) Batang Lupar still remains lower at 3.43 mt/ha in 2023/2024 for for the first season while outside the season, production reached 4.47 mt/ha. compared to more established rice-producing areas such as Lubok Punggur andTanjung Purun,” she said during the debate on the Sarawak Padi and Rice Board Bill, 2026 at the State Legislative Assembly (SLA).

 According to the IADA Batang Lupar Development Plan 2021–2030, she said one of the major focuses identified is “Pembangunan Infrastruktur Pengairan dan Saliran yang lengkap secara berfasa.”

“This itself proves that infrastructure remains one of the critical weaknesses affecting the success of the project,” Dayang Noorazah said.

She said the report also clearly shows that several major infrastructure projects remain under phased implementation across 12 Malaysia Plan (12MP) and 13 Malaysia Plan (13MP), involving irrigation systems, tertiary drainage, farm roads, pumping systems and water management infrastructure.  

“Even more concerning, according to the development plan for Bijat/Stumbin Phase 2 involving Seduku, the report stated that parts of the project remain under design review with expected completion only by 2030.   

“This is exactly the concern of the rakyat who have waited too long. The land exists. The farmers are ready. The potential is proven. The productivity data is improving.

“But delays in infrastructure implementation continue slowing down the full realization of the project. And when infrastructure is delayed planting schedules are disrupted,water management becomes inconsistent, drainage problems occur and mechanization becomes difficult, operational costs increase, and investor confidence weakens.

”Eventually, public confidence may also be affected. Therefore, the people of Batang Lupar place great hope that this initiative will continue progressing successfully and ultimately emerge as one of Sarawak’s proud food security success stories,” she said.

Explain, DAP man tells MBKS on the delay on completing the flood mitigation project

KUCHING, May 11 2026: Kuching City South Council (MBKS) has been asked to explain on the delay on the completion of the flood mitigation project at Jalan Mendu.

Caption: Michael Kong pointing to the billboard of the flood mitigation project 

Sarawak DAP Chong Chieng Jen’s special assistant Michael Kong said the construction of the project commenced on Oct 10, 2025 and was originally scheduled for completion by Feb 2, 2026.

“However, we are now already more than three months past the completion date, yet there are still no signs that the project will be completed anytime soon,” he said in a statement.

“What is even more disappointing is that on many occasions, the project site appears to be left idle with no contractors carrying out any visible works.

“This raises serious concerns about the level of monitoring and enforcement by MBKS over the progress of the project.” Kong said.

He added the prolonged delay has caused tremendous inconvenience to members of the public, particularly motorists who use this stretch of road daily.

He said traffic flow has been affected for months and road users continue to endure unnecessary congestion and disruption because of the slow pace of works.

“More alarmingly, the project site is poorly lighted at night, with insufficient warning signs and unclear traffic management.

“Multiple motor vehicle accidents have already occurred along this stretch due to the dangerous condition of the area. This is unacceptable because public safety should never be compromised.

“MBKS must take full responsibility for this delayed project and immediately ensure that the contractor expedites the works without further excuses,” he said, adding that the public should not be forced to suffer endlessly because of inefficiency and lack of urgency.

“At the same time, the contractor must also be held accountable for the delays as well as any loss, damage, or accidents suffered by road users arising from the poor maintenance of the site, inadequate lighting, and unclear signages.

“Flood mitigation projects are meant to improve the lives of the people, not create prolonged hardship and safety risks for the public,” Kong said, stating that immediate action must be taken to resolve this issue once and for all.

Expanding use of renewable energy is an important step to ensure energy security for Sarawak, says governor

KUCHING, May 11 2026: Governor Tun Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar has described the efforts to expand the use of renewable energy such as hydro, diesel, bioenergy and low-carbon fuel technologies are an important step in ensuring sustainable and competitive energy security for Sarawak.  

Caption: Governor Tun Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar addressing the Sarawak State Assembly 

 He said this approach not only helps preserve the environment, but also opens up new economic opportunities and attracts more quality investment to Sarawak.  

"As we know, the use of green renewable energy and low carbon development also have the potential to make Sarawak a strategic destination for investment, technological cooperation and clean energy industry development in the future, " he said at the opening of the State Assembly sitting today.

He added Sarawak needs to continue to strengthen and enhance the momentum of its strength and recognition to emerge as a renewable clean energy hub to attract more interest and investment from investors in the regional and international rankings.  

 The Governor also  said the move by the the state government to explore the aerospace sector, high technology and its entire eco-system is one future strategic approach that is also capable of opening a new leaf to Sarawak’s economic development. 

 He added the industry has the potential to realize more employment opportunities especially the professionals as well as highly skilled and decent earning workforce.  

He said aerospace encompasses the areas of spare parts expenditure, aircraft maintenance, satellite technology, drone technology and the digital economy.