Continuity of the GPS government is vital, Lee Kim Shin tells Sarawakians

KUCHING, Oct 19 2026: Transport Minister Lee Kim Shin has urged Sarawakians to unite under Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government, saying that they must recognise the importance of continuity in leadership, consistency in policy and stability in government to sustain Sarawak's growth and progress.

Caption: Minister Lee Kim Shin says equally important, Sarawak's continued progress rests on the unity and harmony of its people

He said the transformation that the GPS government is pursuing requires long-term commitment, adding developing infrastructure, nurturing skilled talent, strengthening connectivity and building new industries demand sustained investment, coordinated implementation and a clear direction.

"Continuity of the GPS government is therefore vital to carry these commitments through to completion and ensure that their benefits reach our people," he said in his winding up speech in the State Legislative Assembly (SLA) today.

He added the GPS government shall continue to turn the state's development plans into lasting improvements in employment, household incomes, public services and quality of life.

"Continuity also carries a responsibility: to remain responsive to the rakyat, uphold sound governance and be accountable for delivery. We must earn the people's confidence through our
service, our decisions and the results we achieve.

"Equally important, Sarawak's continued progress rests on the unity and harmony of its people," he said.

He said political stability gives the state government the confidence to plan, adding that policy continuity enables the state government to deliver. 

"Unity and harmony give us the strength to move forward together.

"At the same time, we must remain vigilant against opposition tactics that seek to sow doubt, create suspicion, divide our communities or misrepresent the Government's plans and initiatives. 

"Our people deserve accurate information and constructive proposals, not distorted facts, unfounded allegations or political manipulation. Those who seek to hold the government accountable must also be accountable for their own words and actions.

"Let us therefore sustain the continuity of our GPS government, strengthen effective delivery and preserve the unity that binds us as Sarawakians," he said.

Chong's call for state government to abandon development of new Kuching International Airport as short-sighted, glaring example of political double standards, says Lee

KUCHING, Oct 19 2026: Transport Minister Lee Kim Shin has described Padungan State Legislative Member (SLM) Chong Chieng Jen's argument to abandon the proposed new Kuching International Airport (KIA) not only short-sighted, but a glaring example of political double standards.

Caption: Minister Lee Kim Shin reminds Chong that the DAP-controlled Penang government has championed the Penang South Islands reclamation development, involving billions of ringgit, while the Mutiara Line Light Rail Transit project carries a budget ceiling of RM16.8 billion. 

"Talking about being short-sighted, this reminds me of a strikingly similar argument made by his own party's veteran leader Lim Kit Siang, nearly three decades ago during the development of the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), when he labelled it as a financial burden for our country. 

"Can you imagine what will happen today if KLIA was not developed and we stick to Subang Airport like what he proposed? KLIA that the DAP veteran once called a 'white elephant' is today handling 63.3 million passengers annually," Lee said in his winding up speech in the State Legislative Assembly (SLA) today.

Lee reminds Chong that the DAP-controlled Penang government has championed the Penang South Islands reclamation development, involving billions of ringgit, while the Mutiara Line Light Rail Transit project carries a budget ceiling of RM16.8 billion. 

"These projects are defended on the grounds of improving connectivity, attracting investments and preparing Penang for future growth," he said.

"Has the Honourable Member for Padungan ever demanded that the Penang government led by DAP abandon its multi-billion-ringgit reclamation project? Has he called for the cancellation of the Mutiara Line project because of its enormous
cost? 

"If these projects can be justified as long-term investments for Penang, why should the new KIA not be regarded as a long-term investment for Sarawak?" he asked.

Lee said Sarawak must not be denied the same right to develop, modernise and prosper as other states in Malaysia, saying:" We are almost the same size as the whole of Peninsular Malaysia with vast geographical distances, growing economic activities and communities that depend heavily on air connectivity that is still lagging behind. 

"Our airport is not merely a building to accommodate passengers. It is a strategic gateway for tourism, international trade, investments, air cargo, aviation services and Sarawak's future economic growth. Instead of asking the
Sarawak government to cancel this project, Chong should use his position as a Member of Parliament to advocate federal support for major infrastructure projects in Sarawak," Lee said.

He asked with Chong's five terms of tenure until now as an elected Member of Parliament, has he ever succeeded in securing any funding from the federal government for major infrastructure projects in Sarawak?

Lee described Chong's suggestion that the state government spent a few hundred million ringgit to upgrade the existing Kuching International Airport may sound attractive in the short term, but it fails to address the fundamental need for long-term aviation infrastructure planning. 

"Simply expanding the existing terminal does not automatically resolve limitations involving runway capacity, aircraft movements, airside infrastructure, cargo facilities, maintenance, repair and overhaul
(MRO) facilities and future expansion due to the existing Kuching International Airport having limited land size.

"Besides, having an airport in the middle of the city limits the development of high rise buildings within the surrounding areas," Lee stressed.

He explained that the proposal to build the new KIA is supported by a feasibility study undertaken by Netherlands Airport Consultants (NACO), a global airport consultant and engineering firm with 75 years of
experience in airport planning and development, involvement in more than 750 airports worldwide, which collaborate with the state's local consultant, Jurutera Jasa Sdn Bhd.

He said NACO's extensive international experience also includes major aviation hubs such as Amsterdam Schiphol, Singapore Changi, Incheon and Hamad International Airport. 

He added the completed study has concluded that Tanjung Embang is technically and operationally feasible for the proposed airport development.

He said the feasibility study projects that NKIA could contribute approximately RM1.8 billion annually to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2050 under the high-growth scenario, while supporting approximately 37,919 full-time equivalent jobs across the wider economy.

"During construction, Phase 1 could also support around 9,393 jobs annually over the projected six-year construction period," he said.

He said the study also projects that increased passenger traffic could generate RM3.99 billion in tourism receipts by 2050, adding that these benefits could attract new investments, strengthen local businesses, create employment opportunities and stimulate economic growth across Sarawak.

"We must plan not merely for the needs of today or just the next few years, but for the Sarawak of the next 25 to 50 years. The proposed the new KIA at Tanjung Embang is envisioned as a strategic catalyst for aviation-related
industries, logistics, tourism, investment and economic development. 

"Building on the completed feasibility study, the project's scope and implementation structure will be assessed against market demand, technical and regulatory requirements and financial viability," he said,

Kim Shin rejects Chieng Jen's proposal to halt development of ART system, saying Kuching needs dependable, high-capacity transport system

KUCHING, Oct 19 2026: Transport Minister Lee Kim Shin has flatly rejected Padungan State Legislative Member (SLM) Chong Chieng Jen's proposal for the state government to halt further development of the Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) system and convert its dedicated infrastructure into lanes for private cars and buses.

Caption: Minister Lee Kim Shin says  Kuching Urban Transportation System is planned to transform the way people move around Kuching.

He said such a proposal may appear to offer a convenient solution to today's traffic congestion. 

"However, it does not address the fundamental question before us: How do we move more people efficiently, rather than simply accommodate more vehicles on our roads?" he asked in his winding up speech in the State Legislative Assembly (SLA) today.

Lee reminded Chong that Kuching needs a dependable, high-capacity public transport system that provides a genuine alternative to private vehicles, saying that converting dedicated public transport corridors into general
traffic lanes would undermine the very purpose for which this infrastructure is being developed.

"The Kuching Urban Transportation System is planned to transform the way people move around Kuching. It is designed to encourage public transport use, reduce dependence on private vehicles, reduce road accidents and improve urban
mobility through an integrated transport network.

"The ART system will operate on dedicated lanes, allowing it to avoid much of the congestion affecting general traffic and providing a stronger foundation for reliable journey times.

"Complementing this backbone, feeder buses will connect residential neighbourhoods and surrounding communities to the ART network, making public transport more accessible and practical for everyday commuters," Lee said.

He said for the working population, this means having an alternative to the daily stress of driving, unpredictable journey times and hours lost in traffic. For students, senior citizens and families without access to private vehicles, it means improved access to employment, education, healthcare and other essential services.

He said the ART vehicles including buses being powered by hydrogen will further promote green mobility which contributes to environmental sustainability.

"We must therefore judge KUTS by its ability to deliver long-term public benefits, not simply by the construction activities or traffic inconvenience experienced during its implementation," he said.

Lee said other states are pursuing their own public transport initiatives to address the mobility challenges faced by their respective urban centres. 

"Penang is advancing its Mutiara Line Light Rail Transit (LRT) project, while Johor is pursuing the Elevated Autonomous Rapid Transit (E-ART) system. 

"Does the Honourable Member for Padungan want Sarawak to be left behind?"  he asked.

He said other state governments have come to Sarawak to learn about the KUTS initiative, saying that they are very impressed with Sarawak's project implementation and are considering to implement similar projects in their respective states.

He said Singapore provides another example of the role of long-term public transport planning. Its development of the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system, beginning in the 1980s, formed part of a broader strategy to support urban mobility and accommodate the needs of a growing population. 

"Today, the MRT is a backbone of Singapore's public transport network," he said.

497 foreign workers identified with Hepatitis B, 119 others tested positive for TB under SAFHIS, says Sikie

KUCHING, Oct 19 2026: Minister in the Premier's Department John Sikie Tayai said stringent health screening conducted under Sarawak Foreign Health Information System (SAFHIS) has identified 497 foreign workers with Hepatitis B and 119 were tested positive for tuberculosis (TB).

Caption: Minister John Sikie Tayai says the 30-day post-arrival medical examination mandate is not merely an administrative formality. It is the frontline biosecurity defence to protect the people of Sarawak from imported infectious and communicable diseases. 

He said the detection has prevented them from proceeding through the work authorisation process in the state.

"Early detection prevents disease transmission, shields Sarawak's public healthcare system from avoidable strain and treatment costs, and reinforces public confidence in key economic sectors such as hospitality, tourism, and food services," he said in his winding up speech in the State Legislative Assembly (SLA).

He said the state government has observed, however, that some employers delay sending newly arrived workers for screening until the final days of the 30-day grace period, which compromises early medical intervention. 

"Our 30-day post-arrival medical examination mandate is not merely an administrative formality. It is our frontline biosecurity defence to protect the people of Sarawak from imported infectious and communicable diseases. 

"The necessity of this strict time frame is proven by data from SAFHIS," Sikie said.

He said under the Foreign Workers Transformation Approach (FWTA) framework, a dedicated replacement mechanism allows any worker who fails the medical screening to be replaced within 60 days at no additional cost.  

"Supported by our improved 40-to-43-day average application turnaround time, the 60-day cost-free replacement window is carefully calibrated to shield compliant employers from financial loss while preventing the misuse or indefinite dragging out of replacement quotas, ensuring statutory and public health obligations are upheld promptly," he said.

Drafts of reviewed Adats of four Dayak communities submitted to the State Attorney-General's Chambers for review, says Sikie

KUCHING, Oct 19 2026: Minister in the Premier's Department John Sikie Tayai told the State Legislative Assembly (SLA) that the drafts of the reviewed Adat Iban, Adat Bidayuh, Adet Kayan and Adet Kenyah have submitted in June 2026 to the State Attorney-General’s Chambers (SAGC) for review.

Caption: Minister John Sikie Tayai says Majlis Adat Istiadat Sarawak (MAIS) is currently preparing the explanatory notes to accompany the text under review

He said that the drafts of Adet Melanau, Adet Bagatan, Adet Berawan and Adet Kiput are also under the review of State Attorney-General’s Chambers (SAGC). 

"While awaiting clearance from the State Attorney-General’s Chambers (SAGC) on the drafts of the reviewed text of all the Adat, Majlis Adat Istiadat Sarawak (MAIS) is currently preparing the explanatory notes to accompany the text under review," he said.

He added the explanatory notes are intended to provide clearer understanding and practical guidance on Adat to all parties involved in its administration, as well as members of the public who have an interest in understanding Adat.

"Additionally, efforts are also ongoing to review four  existing Adat codes specifically, Adat Bisaya, Adat Lun Bawang, Adet Penan and Adet Kelabit," he added.

He said MAIS is also preparing to commence preliminary work for the codification of three Adat, namely, Adet Tagal, Adet Punan and Adat Iban Remun