Motorist, 49, killed when his car suddenly bursts into fire

SELANGAU, July 12 2026: A 49-year man was killed when the car he was driving suddenly burst into fire at the Selangau flyover, Sibu-Bintulu, Pan Borneo Highway, this evening.

Caption: Firemen extinguishing the fire from the engine of the car

Selangau Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) spokesman said the incident happened at about 7.15pm with the man still trapped inside his car.

His death was confirmed by paramedics from the Ministry of Health (MoH).

His badly burnt body was later handed over to the police for further action.

Rescue team from Selangau Bomba arrived at the scene soon after it received a call from a member of the public.

“Upon arrival, it was found that there was an incident involving a sedan car whose engine had caught fire,” Bomba spokesman said.

He said  after being informed that the driver was still inside, firemen immediately carried out extinguishing work using one first aid line (SBM) until the fire was completely extinguished.

He said the firemen then removed the victim from the driver's seat.

King Sing: Every policy and development project must meet the needs of the people

SIBU, July 12 2026: The government will continue to strengthen its grassroots approach to ensure that every policy and development project truly meets the needs of the people, Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Tiong King Sing said.

Caption: Tiong King Sing (third from right) says grassroots approach must continue so that the government can implement development policies

He said Sarawakku Sayang Programme is not just a platform for delivering information on government policies and initiatives, but also an important medium to directly hear the views, suggestions and feedback of the community at the grassroots level.

"Bilateral relations are very important because effective development does not only come from leaders, but needs to be guided by the real needs of the people," he said when closing the Sibu Division Sarawakku Sayang Programme 2026 at Dataran Tun Tuanku Bujang today.

The Bintulu Member of Parliament who is also the Dudong State Legislative Member  (SLM) said the grassroots approach must continue so that the government can implement development policies and projects more effectively, in addition to ensuring that the people's voices are always given attention.

He also stressed that Sarawak's development in the future can no longer depend solely on natural resources, but instead requires human capital that is knowledgeable, skilled and able to adapt to technological and economic changes.

He encouraged young people to take advantage of education, training and skills development opportunities to increase their competitiveness and be ready to seize future opportunities.

"Young people need to be prepared to be drivers of Sarawak's development by equipping themselves with relevant knowledge and skills," he said.

Tiong said that the unity, harmony and mutual respect that have been Sarawak's strengths over the years must continue to be preserved because they are the foundation for stability, economic development and the well-being of the people.

According to him, the success of the Sarawakku Sayang Programme agenda can only be realised when the government and the people move in tandem, as the success of a policy depends on the support and cooperation of all parties.

Also present were Sarawak Deputy Secretary (Operations) and chairman of the Divisional SKS Committee (Sibu, Sarikei, Mukah and Betong)  Hii Chang Kee, State Legislative Member f(SLM) for Ngemah Anyi Jana, Sibu Division Resident Superi Awang Said and heads of government departments,.

Social activist warns PH that its loss in Johore state election is a wake-up call, should not be dismissed as an isolated results

KUCHING, July 12 2026: The outcome of the just-concluded Johore state election has sent a clear warning to the Pakatan Harapan (PH) in the  federal government that Malaysians are no longer easily persuaded by election slogans and political rhetoric. 

Caption: Activist Voon Shiak Ni says after three years PH in office, many Malaysians feel that their financial burdens have become heavier

Social activist Voon Shiak Ni reminded that today's voters are increasingly judging governments based on their performance, policies, and their ability to improve the lives of ordinary citizens.

“The people gave PH-led federal government the mandate to form the federal government with the hope of better governance, economic stability, and relief from the rising cost of living.

“However, after three years in office, many Malaysians feel that their financial burdens have become heavier rather than lighter,” she said in a statement when commenting on the election results that show Barisan Nasional won 48 seats compared to eight that PH secured.

Voon believed that the  withdrawal and rationalisation of subsidies, particularly fuel subsidies, together with the introduction of additional taxes and rising living costs, have placed tremendous pressure on households and businesses.

She said small and medium-sized enterprises are also facing increasing operating costs, while many families continue to struggle to make ends meet.

“The loss of more seats by PH in Johore should not be dismissed as an isolated state election results.

“It represents, in the view of many voters, a strong message of dissatisfaction with the direction of the federal government.

“It is a reminder that public confidence cannot be sustained through promises alone but must be earned through policies that deliver tangible benefits to the people,” she stressed.

She added that the federal government should regard this election outcome as a wake-up call, saying that PH must listen to the concerns of the people, review policies that have increased the financial burden on Malaysians, and prioritise measures that stimulate economic growth, create quality jobs, support businesses, and ease the cost of living.

“In a democracy, every election is an opportunity for the people to express their views,” she said, adding that the Johore state election has delivered a message that should not be ignored.

“If the concerns of the people remain unaddressed, future elections may produce similar outcomes elsewhere,” Voon warned.

Results of Johore state election should inspire GPS parties to work harder, improve their delivery, says PRS Youth chief

KUCHING, July 12 2026: Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) Youth chief Christopher Gira Sambang said the outcome of the just-concluded Johore state election should inspire component parties of Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) to work harder, listen more closely to the people and improve their delivery. 

Caption: PRS Youth chief Christopher Gira Sambang says the results of the Johore state election reflect the confidence placed by the people in the BN's leadership and governance

“Ultimately, elections are won not only through campaigns but through years of dedicated service, credible leadership and the confidence that tomorrow will be better than today,” he said in a statement.

He said the results of the state election, in which the Barisan Nasional (BN) won 48  while Pakatan Harapan (PH) won eight seats, reflected  the confidence placed by the people in the BN’s leadership and governance.

“While Johore and Sarawak have different political landscapes, cultures and demographics, the underlying message is universal that the people will continue to support governments that deliver results, provide political stability and remain close to the rakyat,” he said.

He added for Sarawak, it reinforces the importance of maintaining the strengths that have enabled the GPS government to earn the trust of the people.

He said PRS Youth stands ready to work together with the entire PRS leadership and the GPS partners to strengthen public confidence, empower the younger generation and ensure that Sarawak continues on its path towards becoming a developed, prosperous and united state.

He said political stability, strong leadership and effective governance have created a conducive environment for economic growth, investment and rural development.

“However, we must never become complacent. Public trust is earned continuously through performance, integrity and an efficient delivery system.

“Development projects must be implemented on schedule, public services must continue to improve, and the benefits of development must reach every corner of Sarawak, especially the rural and interior areas.

“As PRS Youth chief, I firmly believe that the role of PRS Youth is more important than ever,” he said, explaining that young people are no longer satisfied with political rhetoric alone, that they  want opportunities, quality education, good jobs, entrepreneurship support, digital connectivity and meaningful participation in shaping Sarawak's future.

“Therefore, PRS Youth will continue to strengthen our grassroots machinery, engage directly with young people, develop future leaders and become an effective bridge between the aspirations of the youth and the government's policies.

“Our responsibility is not only to prepare for elections but also to serve the people consistently between elections,” Gira stressed.

“Within GPS, PRS will continue to play a constructive and responsible role in safeguarding the interests of rural communities, strengthening Dayak representation and supporting the vision of a progressive, inclusive and prosperous Sarawak.

“We remain fully committed to working closely with all GPS component parties under the leadership of the Premier of Sarawak to ensure continued political stability and sustainable development,” Tamin state legislative member (SLM) said.