Have your children learn many languages, Julau MP Larry Sng tells Iban parents

PAKAN, March 2 2026: Julau Member of Parliament Larry Sng has encouraged Iban parents, if possible, to have their children learn more than two or more languages, besides their mother tongue such as Iban.

Caption: Julau MP Larry Sng speaking at Rumah Mary Rose longhouse in Pakan - Photo from Larry Sng Facebook 

“If you look at our people, some go to government schools and learn Malay, and some also study in Chinese schools to learn Chinese,” he said at a function at Rumah Mary Rose longhouse, Sungai Rusa, yesterday.

He said learning English is an advantage for the children in the future.

“Let us look now, the government especially in Sarawak emphasises dual language programmes or programmes to learn many different languages, including learning English.

“If students know a variety of languages, it will be easier for them to find a job and this can be a source of inspiration for them,” Larry, who is also Parti Bangsa Malaysia (PBM) president, said in his Facebook post.

He added the advantage of knowing multiple languages can also give them the opportunity to communicate to their bosses at work.

“So learning multiple languages is not a disadvantage, especially now that new technology from America and China is very sophisticated compared to the past.

“Because things are so sophisticated, like phones, iPads, applications and other technology, every year things change.

He said every year there is only smart technology that shows the development of technology that is increasingly developing.

He said students must now know what is happening.

“If they don't understand all this, then they will be left behind other people because it is very important to learn many languages because technology is spreading fast,” Larry said.

At the function, he allocated funds to the Village Development and Security Committees of Rumah Mary Rose, Rumah Munan, Rumah Geruda, Rumah Luing /Rumah Linsa Wati, Rumah Jengayang, Rumah Admand Ribong and Rumah Patrick Jingan.

 

New water treatment plant in Ulu Sebuyau to ensure a more water supply in Sebuyau and Samarahan Division, says Julaihi

SEBUYAU, March 2 2026: The new water treatment plant in Ulu Sebangan is expected to be completed in July next year to ensure a more stable water supply for the residents of Sebuyau and  Samarahan Division.

Caption: Minister of Utility and Telecommunications Julaihi Narawi presenting assistance in the form of cash and food packet to a villager- Photo by Ukas 

Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Julaihi Narawi said the five million litre per day (MLD) project will serve as a backup source for the Batu Kitang water treatment plant, Kuching, which currently acts as the main supplier in the area.

“The construction work of the Ulu Sebangan plant started last November and is expected to be completed in July 2027.

“When completed, we will have an alternative source other than in Kuching,” he said, quoted by Saawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas).

He said this while speaking at the ‘Ziarah Ramadan’ and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme organised by the Ministry for Utility and Telecommunication (MUT) together with the Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC) at the Darul Aman Sebangan Mosque, here, today.

The Sebuyau Assemblyman also shared that the proposal to build a larger-scale water treatment plant with a capacity of 40 MLD in Sebuyau is being refined as a long-term solution to address the constraints of raw water resources in Samarahan.

During the ceremony, MUT and SDEC welcomed 60 asnaf from Kampung Menek, Kampung Lutong and Kampung Arus Melayu who received assistance in the form of cash and food baskets.

In addition, 30 children also received contributions in conjunction with the upcoming Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

MUT's annual programme in collaboration with agencies under or related to the ministry not only celebrates Ramadan, but also strengthens relationships between leaders and the local community.

Also present during the programme were Samarahan Division Resident Mohamad Irwan Bahari Bujang, MUT Gas Distribution Supply Director Kasvenda Kassim, Sebuyau District Officer Ayuradiman Bujang, SDEC Corporate Communications & Public Relations Head Agnes Nyelang, Integrated Regional Samarahan Development Agency (IRSDA) Special Administrative Officer Anuar Daan and Chairman of the Darul Aman Mosque Management Committee Sebangan Yaman Madian.

Awang Tengah chairs meeting with Sarawak govt officials ahead of the MA63 technical committee meeting

KUALA LUMPUR, March 2 2026: Deputy Premier Awang Tengah Ali Hasan yesterday chaired a meeting with Sarawak  officials ahead of  the Technical Committee meeting of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 Implementation Action Council (MTPMA63) No. 1 of 2026 here.

Caption: Deputy Premier Awang Tengah Ali Hasan chairing the pre-council meeting of MA63 technical committee meeting

Accordibn to Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas), the meeting served as an initial coordination and consolidation step ahead of the MTPMA63 meeting scheduled to take place at Parliament today, which will be chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Fadillah Yusof.

Among those in attendance were Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts  Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Roland Sagah Wee Inn, Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Law, MA63 and State-Federal Relations)  Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali, Sarawak Attorney-General Saferi Ali and Deputy Sarawak Secretary (Economic Planning and Development)  Dr Muhammad Abdullah Zaidel.

The meeting serves as a vital platform to ensure that every technical and legal issue regarding the implementation of MA63 is thoroughly scrutinised, thereby strengthening Sarawak's unified stance in fighting for the state's rights and interests at the Federal level.

This early coordination step reflects the Sarawak government's ongoing commitment to ensuring that every negotiation and decision discussed at the MTPMA63 level is implemented in an organised, factual manner, based on a clear legal framework.

Former Law Minister Zaid continues to have oblique views on Sarawak and Sabah

KUCHING, March 2 2026: Former Law Minister Zaid Ibrahim (picture)  has an oblique views on Sarawak and Sabah, as far as the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) is concerned.

Sarcastically saying that he has always admired Sarawak and Sabah, he said: “Their latest political plan, called the Borneo Bloc, is an example of how smart they are to continue to outwit and control Malaya.”

Writing on X (formerly Twitter) today,he said:” Seventy years ago, they asked their British masters to let them join Malaya on terms favourable to them; hence, MA 63.

“They tell the world that, together with Malaya, they formed Malaysia as partners when in truth they were merely British colonies.

“Whitehall (the British government) and Lee Kuan Yew (then Prime Minister of Singapore) negotiated for them very good terms.

“That's why they can decide whether to allow us to visit them, but we can't work there. Even when doing business, you must venture with them,” he claimed.

“Then they now challenge our laws: the Law of the Sea, PDA (Petroleum Development Act), Petronas and whatever else.

“There are still 30 items, they say still outstanding from MA63. They get 40 per cent of the revenue. It is endless,” Zaid wrote.

“With the Borneo Bloc and the demand for more parliamentary seats, they are in a good position for years to come.

“They said the Borneo Bloc is to give them balance and a negotiating position. No, they already have that; now they want control.

“What do Malaya have? The Malay leaders who want to be PM,” Zaid suggested.