Teku-Pasai Siong to Kemuyang elevated road protect set to become longest in Southeast Asia upon completion

SIBU, Oct 7 2026: The Teku–Pasai Siong to Kemuyang elevated road project is set to mark another engineering milestone for Sarawak through the construction of a 700-meter-long segmental arch, which aims to become the longest of its kind in Southeast Asia upon completion.

Caption: State JKR director Dr Cassidy Morris says the project implementation is currently proceeding on schedule, with completion expected in September 2027. 

Public Works Department (JKR) director Dr Cassidy anak Morris visited the site to inspect the progress of the works.

The elevated section is part of the project titled "Proposed Upgrading of Jalan Teku / Jalan Teku Pasai Siong / Jalan Kemuyang, Sibu Division – Package 1: New Road from Teku Pasai Siong to Kemuyang, Sibu.

"The project scope includes the construction of a new road spanning approximately 6.172 kilometers in accordance with JKR R3 road standards, featuring a 700-meter elevated section extending from CH2+570 to CH3+270," Cassidy said today.

He said the project implementation is currently proceeding on schedule, with completion expected in September 2027. 

"The construction of this segmental arch highlights engineering innovation in Sarawak's infrastructure development," he said.

He added the structure will serve as a key feature of the project, reflecting JKR Sarawak's capability to realize complex infrastructure designs for public use.

The site visit by the director also focused on construction progress to ensure that project execution meets established quality standards and completion timelines. 

Upon completion, this new road will strengthen connectivity between Teku Pasai Siong and Kemuyang, facilitating resident mobility and supporting local development.

KUCHING, Oct 7 2026: The Sarawak government is strengthening its preparedness to face the El Nino phenomenon which is expected to persist until February 2027, with a focus on water supply management as well as fire and haze risks.

Caption: Assistant director Sahamran Ibrahim (left) being interviewed by Ukas reporter 

Assistant director of operations and disaster management at the Sarawak Security and Enforcement Unit (UKPS) Sahamran Ibrahim said prolonged hot and dry conditions could cause depletion of water resources, besides increasing the risk of forest and peatland fires as well as open burning.

He said Sarawak State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) is monitoring the situation based on reports from technical agencies to enable early action to be taken.

He said disaster command centres at the district, divisional and state levels have also been activated, including the Sarawak Disaster Command Centre which operates around the clock to monitor conditions on the ground and coordinate the response of relevant agencies.

“SDMC has also stepped up awareness at the district level.

"We have activated the disaster command centres at the district level, followed by the divisional level, and subsequently at the state level through the Sarawak Disaster Command Centre which operates 24 hours a day,” he said when appearing as a guest on the Juh Randau talk show produced by Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS) at the UKAS Studio today.

Sahamran added that monitoring is also being carried out to identify areas facing water shortages, with assistance coordinated with relevant agencies including the deployment of water tankers and the distribution of bottled water.

He said the Sarawak Government together with the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) is also conducting cloud-seeding operations to help increase water levels at water treatment plants and major dams.

"SDMC in collaboration with NADMA is conducting cloud-seeding operations. The main focus is to ensure sufficient water levels at our water treatment plants and major dams,” he explained.

He reminded the public to avoid open burning especially during the hot and dry weather to reduce the risk of fires and haze.

Kuching South citizens bid poignant farewell to the late mayor Song Swee Guan

KUCHING, Oct 7 2026: Kuching South citizens bade a poignant farewell to the late mayor Song Swee Guan who died last Sunday. He was 84 years old.

Members of the public and staff of Kuching South City Council (MBKS) paid their last respects to the late Song at MBKS building before proceeding to the crematorium at Kuching Buddhist Village.

Kuching South City Council (MBKS) mayor Wee Hong Seng summed it up: Today is a very sad day for all of us at Kuching South.

Caption: "Your journey with us may have ended, but your place in the history and heart of Kuching South will remain forever," said the sobbing Mayor Wee.Hong Seng

"We are gathered here not only to bid farewell to the first Mayor of Kuching South, but to say goodbye to a man who meant so much to this city, to Sarawak, and personally, to me," he said between sobs when delivering his speech before the hearse carrying Song's remains proceeded to the village.

In an emotional speech, Wee said the late Song devoted a large part of his life to public service, serving as chairman of the Kuching Municipal Council, and later became the first Mayor of Kuching South when Kuching was elevated to city status in 1988. 

"He also served as a State Assemblyman, Member of Parliament and Speaker of the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly.

"He carried many titles and held many important responsibilities throughout his life," Wee said, wiping the tears from his eyes.

Caption: MBKS Mayor Wee Hong Seng becomes emotional when he delivers a speech before the hearse carrying Song's remains proceed to the Kuching Buddhist Village

He said the late Song and his team had to lay the foundation and establish the direction for the new administration of Kuching South city.

"Today, when we walk into MBKS, when we serve the people of Kuching South, and when we continue to develop this city, we are walking on a path that pioneers like Song helped to create.

"For that, every mayor who came after him owes him a debt of gratitude. I certainly do," he added.

"Even after his retirement, we continued to invite him back to MBKS because, to us, he remained part of the MBKS family.

"His presence always reminded us of where Kuching South started and of the people who built this council before us.

"In 2021, we had the privilege of renaming the Tabuan Jaya Neighbourhood Park as Mayor Song Swee Guan Park," Wee said, adding that it was a way to express gratitude to the late Song.

"Your journey with us may have ended, but your place in the history and heart of Kuching South will remain forever," said the sobbing Wee.

Governor recounts his experiences during his 13-month tenure as a de facto law minister

KUCHING, Oct 7 2026: – Governor Tun Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafr shared his experiences from his time in the federal government administration, including his tenure as Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Parliament and Law).

Caption: Governor Tun Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar (right) having a conversation with Institute of Contemporary Leadership chairman Emeritus Professor Abang Abdullah Abang Ali at the Astana Negeri Sarawak.

"I recounted how, during the approximately 13 months I held that portfolio, efforts were undertaken to amend the Federal Constitution regarding the status of Sabah and Sarawak and the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) — issues that had remained unresolved for 58 years," he wrote on his Facebook after receiving a courtesy call from a delegation representing the Institute of Contemporary Leadership (ICL), led by its chairman Emeritus Professor Abang Abdullah Abang Ali, at the Astana Negeri Sarawak.

He also shared his experience regarding the implementation of the 'Undi18' amendment, a crucial reform aimed at expanding youth participation in the nation's democratic process.

"Additionally, I reflected on my time leading the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives, including the initiative to establish the Cooperative Entrepreneurship University of Malaysia (UKKM) in 2022, a period when the country was grappling with post-COVID-19 pandemic challenges," the governor said.

He added the establishment of UKKM is seen as crucial for strengthening leadership education and training within the cooperative movement, ensuring that those leading the sector possess the knowledge, management skills, and professionalism required to develop their respective organizations.

"These experiences demonstrate that leadership requires more than just theoretical knowledge; it demands the courage to drive change, the ability to identify current needs, and the determination to translate ideas into actions that benefit the public," Wan Junaidi recalled.

During the visit, ICL  shared updates on its flagship programme, the Professional Certificate in Contemporary Leadership (PCCL), which was developed for senior leaders from the government, industry, academia, and civil society sectors.

The programme's third cohort, PCCL-3, concluded their studies on September 19, 2026, in Markfield, United Kingdom, and also participated in a strategic collaboration session with the Oxford Character Project at the Department of Politics and International Relations, University of Oxford.

The programme also garnered participation and support from the Sabah State Public Service Department (JPAN Sabah) and the Sabah State Public Sector Training Institute (INSAN Sabah), alongside participants from Peninsular Malaysia and the Philippines.

"I wish to express my appreciation for ICL’s efforts in strengthening leadership development and hope the institute will produce more Sarawakian leaders who are not only competent and professional but also possess integrity, extensive knowledge, and vision, while understanding the aspirations and needs of the people.

"I believe that well-trained, knowledgeable leaders of integrity are among the most crucial factors in determining an organisation's success and ensuring that Sarawak possesses a leadership team capable of facing future challenges with full confidence," he said.

THe governor said he welcomes the establishment of the ICL—launched last August as a platform for contemporary leadership development, and he held the view that the development of a leader, including elected representatives, should not focus solely on academic achievements.

"Instead, a leader must possess broad knowledge and understanding, practical experience in administration and community service, as well as the ability to navigate challenges and make decisions across various situations,"  he stressed.

Other ICL delegation paying the courtesy call included ICL Trustee Professor Dayang Affizah Awang Marikan; Chief Executive Officer of the Leadership Institute of Sarawak Civil Service (LISCS), Dr Mohd Azhar bin Haji Ahmad; Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Morshidi Fredrick; ICL Manager Syuaib bin Supani; and Project Executive Dr Nur Rasyiqah binti Adam.

Don't be afraid to go for screening to detect early symptoms of breast cancer, Fatimah advises women

KUCHING, Oct 7 2026: Women, Early Childhood and Community Well-being Development Minister Fatimah Abdullah advised every woman to go for screening to detect early symptoms of breast cancer.

Caption: Minister Fatimah Abdullah says breast cancer remains one of the major health challenges facing women in Malaysia.

She said the message is simple that they do not be afraid to get screened. 

"Do not wait for severe symptoms to appear. And do not delay seeking treatment," she said at the launch of the breast awareness programme organised by the Sarawak General Hospital.

Fatimah said breast cancer remains one of the major health challenges facing women in Malaysia.

Quoting the Roadmap Towards Downstaging of Breast Cancer in Malaysia 2025–2035 published by the Ministry of Health Malaysia (MoH), Fatimah said breast cancer accounts for 17.6% of all cancer cases in the country.

"Even more concerning is that 50.5% of breast cancer cases are detected at a late stage—specifically Stages III and IV, based on MoH data. This figure should serve as a wake-up call for us all," she said.

She added behind every statistic lies a woman — a mother, a wife, a daughter, or a sister, and behind every patient is a family that shares the impact, anxieties, hopes, and struggle in facing the challenges ahead.

Fatimah commended MoH’s efforts through the Roadmap Towards Downstaging of Breast Cancer 2025–2035, which emphasises early detection, timely diagnosis, comprehensive treatment, and patient support.

"The targets set include ensuring that at least 60% of invasive breast cancer cases are detected at an early stage, diagnosis is achieved within 60 days, and at least 80% of patients receive complete multimodality treatment.

"These are not merely healthcare system targets; they are goals aimed at saving the lives of more Malaysian women," she said, adding that in Sarawak, the message must reach all women, not only those in urban areas but also women in rural and remote regions.

"We do not want location, distance, or fear to become barriers to accessing screening and treatment," she stressed.