Government's proposal to increase minimum wage can have negative impact on quality of life of workers, says PBK president

KUCHING, Oct 11 2026: Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK) president Voon Lee Shan has said the federal government's proposal to increase the minimum wage from RM1,700 to RM2,000 can have negative impact on the quality of life of the workers.

Caption: PBK president Voon Lee Shan says it is remembered that not every business is a large corporation with strong profits

He said it will lead to small traders, family businesses, hawkers, contractors, and small manufacturers to operate on thin margins.

He said a sudden increase in labour costs may push some of them to close, reduce employment, or avoid hiring new workers, hurting the very people the policy is meant to help.

"We must remember that not every business is a large corporation with strong profits," he said when reacting to an announcement by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim his the federal 2027 Budget speech in Parliament last Friday.

He said he does not mean that the workers should remain poor, adding that Sarawakians deserve fair wages, decent work, and a better standard of living. 

"But wage policy must be balanced. It must consider productivity, business capacity, regional differences, and the real cost of living," Voon said.

He stressed the way forward is not simply to force wages upward, saying: "We must help businesses grow, improve workers’ skills, raise productivity, reduce unnecessary costs, and ensure that economic growth reaches ordinary families. 

"When businesses grow, they can pay better wages without cutting jobs or passing every cost to consumers.

"A strong economy is not built by making it harder for businesses to survive. It is built by creating jobs, supporting enterprise, and ensuring that both workers and employers can move forward together," Voon said.

When tabling the federal 2027 Budget, Anwar said the increase in the minimum wage from RM1,700 to RM2,000 will take effect June 2027.

He said micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with annual revenues of less than RM50 million would be exempted from the increase to give them time to adapt their business models.

He added the gap between workers’ productivity and wages must be narrowed, as the cost-of-living burden stems from incomes failing to keep pace with rising prices.

Anwar said more than four million workers will be covered by the new minimum wage rate.

He said the government will also introduce a minimum monthly salary of RM2,500 for semi-skilled workers and graduates as a starting point, as part of reforms to the country’s wage framework.

Sarawak State Legislative Assembly likely to be dissolved soon after PBB Southern Zone Convention on November 15?

It is a certainty that Sarawak will hold its 13th state election by the end of this year to elect a new members of the State Legislative Assembly (SLA). It goes without saying.

Caption: Sarawak State Legislative Assembly building.  The dissolution of SLA likely comes after PBB Southern Zone special convention has taken place on November 15, 2026 in Kuching

The current term of the SLA expires in February next year.

If it is not dissolved earlier, the SLA will automatically dissolve itself upon the expiry date and after which election must be called within 60 years to elect a new set of SLMs. This is what is mandated under the State Constitution.

The October 12-21 sitting of the current term of the SLA may be its last before the state election is called.

In the last state election, polling day took place on Dec 18 2021. The previous assembly was dissolved on Nov 3, 2021.

If it is not due to the expiry, the ruling Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) has no major reasons to call for the election. The coalition is fundamentally strong and stable. Sarawak's economy is robust.
Generally speaking, the business community has no reason to be unhappy and so are the ordinary rakyat. In other words, GPS has done its best for Sarawak and its people.

Some political pundits have analyzed that it would not be surprising if the ruling GPS sweeps almost the 82 state seats up for grabs.

So there is no cause for concern for them.

The opposition parties, on the other hand, are weak, except for the state DAP whose presence is only felt in the urban areas, like Kuching and Sibu. Parti Bumi Kenyalang, Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak and even PKR are not likely to pose a strong challenge to the GPS.

December is a good time to hold the state election. It is forecast to be a dry month, unlike in the previous years.

According to a forecast by the MetMalaysia and quoted by Sarawak Disaster Management Committee, El Nino phenomenon is expected to persist until February 2027, causing hot and dry conditions in Satawak and other parts of Southeast Asia.

If the forecast is accurate, then November right to January next year will be "dry" months.

After studying all the factors into consideration, it is possible that Premier Abang Johari Openg may then advise the Sarawak Governor to dissolve SLA in the third quarter of November.

The dissolution likely comes after PBB Southern Zone special convention has taken place on November 15, 2026 in Kuching.

The southern zone convention is the last to be organised by PBB after the ones held in central region, Betong and northern region this year. These special conventions were directed to be organised by the party convention held on Feb 14-16 this year.

Allowing all parties to prepare themselves, the Election Commission (EC) is likely to fix one of the days in the third quarter of December as a polling day.

Holding the state election in December (a month which is supposed to be the wettest month of the year) is nothing new.

The first was held on December 28 and 29, 1983 with a nomination date December 8 1983.

So, are we expecting to go to the polls in the third quarter of December?

Sarawak recorded 476 new breast cancer cases last year, says Fatimah

KUCHING:, Oct 11 2026: Sarawak recorded 476 new breast cancer cases last year, alongside 471 cases of colorectal cancer, out of 2,995 new cancer cases in the state in 2025.

 

Caption: Minister Fatimah Abdullah (second from left) says breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in Malaysia

Minister for Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Fatimah Abdullah said the figures show that both cancers remain among the most frequently recorded in Sarawak.

Citing the National Cancer Registry Report 2017–2021, she said breast cancer was the most common cancer among women in Malaysia, while colorectal cancer was also among the country's leading cancers.

"Know your risk. Get screened. Detect early. Treat early. And never lose hope," she said.

She said this while officiating at the Pink Blue Walk 2026 – Breast Cancer & Colorectal Cancer Awareness at the Sarawak State Library here on Sunday.

The programme aimed to raise public awareness of both cancers, stressing the importance of early detection, timely screening and prompt medical treatment.

Dato Sri Fatimah said cancer should not be seen solely as a medical issue, as it also affects families, communities and society as a whole.

"The Pink Blue Walk is more than just a walking event. It is a journey that carries a message, from awareness to action, from fear to courage and from late detection to early detection," she said.

She said the walk was held not only for participants' own health but also in solidarity with those undergoing treatment, cancer survivors, families who had lost loved ones and future generations.

She also conveyed her support to cancer patients and survivors, assuring them that they are not alone.

Also present were Sarawak Women and Family Department (JWKS) Director Sharifah Zakiah Tuanku Pauzi, Dr Khairul Rizzuan representing the Sarawak State Health Department (JKNS) Director, Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) Director Dr Ngian Hie Ung, Head of the Department of Surgery at SGH Dr Siow Sze Li and other guests. -UKASnews

State PKR: Increase in allocation for Sarawak must be leveraged to accelerate infrastructure development, improve basic amenities

MIRI, Oct 10 2026: State PKR information chief Senator Abun Sui Anyit said that the increase in allocation for Sarawak from RM15.1 billion this year to RM16.2 billion next year announced by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim yesterday is a positive development that must be leveraged to accelerate infrastructure development, improve basic amenities, and raise the standard of living for the people, particularly those in the state's rural and interior areas.

Caption: Senator Abun Sui Anyit says  the measure of a budget's success lies not merely in the announced figures, but in the tangible results experienced by the people.

He said for the residents of Hulu Rajang, Belaga, and other remote areas which still face challenges regarding roads, clean water supply, electricity, educational facilities, and access to healthcare services, the planned development must truly reach the people.

"I hope this allocation translates into effective project implementation that aligns with local priorities and addresses the needs of communities that have long awaited basic infrastructure development," he said when reacting to the federal 2027 budget tabled in Parliament.

While the increased allocation for Sarawak is highly welcome, he said the measure of a budget's success lies not merely in the announced figures, but in the tangible results experienced by the people.

"For Sarawak, special attention must be directed towards rural areas such as Hulu Rajang and Belaga. We require better roads, reliable clean water and electricity supplies, adequate healthcare facilities, comfortable schools, and dependable communication and internet connectivity," he said.

Abun suggested that development should not be concentrated solely in major cities, saying that citizens living far from urban centers also have the right to access basic amenities, educational opportunities, employment, and quality public services.

"I hope that federal agencies and the Sarawak government can strengthen coordination so that planned projects are implemented efficiently, transparently, and in alignment with the people's priorities," he added.

Abun said the state PKR views the federal 2027 budget as a positive step toward improving the people's welfare and strengthening national development.

"We hope that every allocation and announcement concerning Sarawak is implemented effectively, with special attention paid to Sarawak's rights, rural development, and the needs of remote communities.

"We envision a fairer Malaysia, where Sarawak continues to progress as a respected partner in the formation of the Federation, and where no citizen—including those in the most remote areas—is left behind in the nation's development.

"A good budget is one that not only offers hope but also brings tangible change to the lives of the people," he said.

Abun said he welcomes the federal government's commitment to continue negotiations with Sarawak and Sabah to finalise a fair and sustainable annual Special Grant formula.

He said the increase in the interim Special Grant rate to RM1.5 billion, following three previous increases, is a positive development. 

"However, these efforts must continue until a formula is finalized that is fair, reasonable, and takes into account Sarawak's rights and development needs.

"The implementation of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) should not stop merely at announcements or the devolution of certain jurisdictions," he said, adding that it must continue to be implemented in stages, in a spirit of equitable partnership between the federal and Sarawak governments.

He also welcomed the commitment to initiate formal negotiations regarding the development of the Sibu Special Economic Zone, including the incentive framework, a one-stop investment facilitation center, and strategic infrastructure requirements, saying that this initiative has the potential to open up investment avenues, expand job opportunities, and stimulate economic growth in central Sarawak.

He said the decision to double the Public Service Department (JPA) sponsorship offers for natives of Sabah and Sarawak is also a highly welcome move.

Higher education opportunities must be expanded so that Sarawakian youth—including those from low-income families and rural communities—have greater opportunities to pursue their studies and build a better future.

At the same time, the allocation of nearly RM1.3 billion to upgrade 682 dilapidated schools, particularly in Sabah and Sarawak, must be utilized effectively by paying serious attention to schools that still lack basic facilities and adequate learning infrastructure.

Dayak think tank hopes the increase in allocation to Sarawak will address the development gap between urban and rural areas

KUCHING, Oct 10 2026: Think tank Dayak Native Initiative (DANI) has expressed its hope that the increase in allocation for Sarawak will accelerate efforts to narrow the development gap between urban areas and rural and interior communities. 

Caption: Prime Minister and Finance Minister Anwar Ibrahim tabled the federal 2027 budget in Parliament

It said priority should be given to communities that continue to face inadequate basic amenities and limited access to education, healthcare and economic opportunities.

"For us, the success of the budget must be measured by tangible improvements in people’s lives, such as roads that remain accessible throughout the year, clean water, reliable electricity, good internet connectivity, and adequately equipped schools and clinics are basic necessities that require urgent attention," it said in a reaction to the federal 2027 budget tabled by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in Parliament yesterday.

Under the federal budget, Sarawak will receive RM16.2 billion next year.

DANI said it is concerned that uneven development and limited employment opportunities are among the factors driving young people to migrate from villages and longhouses to urban areas. 

"When young people have to seek livelihoods far from home, their communities lose the productive workforce needed to sustain agriculture, drive local economic activity and care for ageing family members," it said.

"This can leave more longhouse units without permanent occupants, while community life increasingly depends on older residents," it added, stressing that the consequences also affect the continuity of the customs, culture and communal life that define longhouse identity.

DANI also said that development in the interior must therefore go hand in hand with opportunities to earn an income, and it calls for greater attention to strengthening agriculture, small businesses, community cooperatives and cultural tourism, supported by training, access to financing and marketing assistance.

"Young people need viable options to build their future in their own communities. They should be able to remain in or return to their villages with confidence that adequate amenities and opportunities to earn a decent income are available.

"We also urge that projects be implemented transparently, on schedule and according to communities’ actual needs," it said, suggesting that the involvement of longhouse chiefs, village heads and local residents is essential to ensure that projects effectively address their concerns. 

"Project progress and maintenance after completion must also be monitored consistently," it said, hoping that the federal and Sarawak governments will continue to strengthen their cooperation so that the benefits of the federal budget reach even the most remote communities in the interior.

“Successful development reaches the people, revitalises rural economies and ensures that longhouses continue to have a future," DANI added.