Premier assures that every religion will be given fair and equitable treatment

BETONG, June 13 2026: Premier Abang Johari Openg has given his assurance that the state government remains committed to ensuring that every religion is given fair and equitable treatment.

Minister in the Premier's Department John Sikie Tayai (8th from right) with religious leaders and invited guests at the thanks giving ceremony

Cited an example, he said the setting up of  the Unit for Other Religions (UNIFOR) reflects the state government’s commitment to strengthening inter-religious harmony and safeguarding the welfare of houses of worship of other religions

“Since its establishment, UNIFOR has played an important role through the distribution of financial assistance, infrastructure development and various community initiatives to houses of worship of other religions and missionary schools throughout Sarawak,” he said  in his speech at the thanks giving ceremony organised by UNIFOR in conjunction with the state-level Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s official birthday today.

His speech was read by Minister in the Premier's Department John Sikie Tayai.

The premier said the state government has approved an allocation of RM120 million this year through the Special Development Assistance Fund (SDAF) to support the development of houses of worship of other religions and missionary schools.

“Of this amount, RM90 million is allocated for the development and improvement of houses of worship of other religions, while another RM30 million  has been channelled to missionary schools to strengthen educational facilities and support efforts to produce quality human capital for the state. “This addition involves special allocations for the implementation of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) initiatives in line with Sarawak's development aspirations under the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.

“This reflects the Sarawak government's recognition of the important role of missionary schools which continue to contribute significantly in strengthening Sarawak's education landscape as well as producing highly skilled, resilient human capital ready to face future challenges,” he said.

The premier also said that the King’s aspiration for national unity is very close to the hearts of the people of Sarawak.

He said Sarawak has long been known as a land that celebrates diversity and upholds the spirit of respect between races and religions.

“In Sarawak, we do not just live in an atmosphere of tolerance, but truly live as one big family.

“Places of worship are built next to each other, festivals are celebrated together, and the spirit of mutual respect continues to be the foundation of our people's lives.

“This harmony does not happen by chance, but is the result of continuous efforts by all parties to maintain understanding and togetherness.

“A gathering like this morning is not just an official event, but symbolizes the true strength of Sarawak as a model of unity for the country — a society that lives peacefully and united despite different backgrounds, cultures and beliefs,” he said.

Abang Johari said thee selection of Betong as the host of the official celebration this year also reflects the true face of Sarawak that lives in an atmosphere of harmony and full of consensus.

“Here, mosques, churches and temples stand majestically, reflecting a society that supports each other without prejudice,”  he stressed.

 

 

Internet coverage across Sarawak surges to 94.5 per cent, driven by RM2.3 billion infrastructure investment

KUALA LUMPUR, June 13 2026:  Internet coverage across Sarawak has surged to 94.5 per cent from 54.3 per cent in 2022, marking a major milestone in the state's digital transformation agenda driven by a RM2.3 billion telecommunications infrastructure investment.

Caption: Minister Julaihi Narawi says that  digital connectivity has been positioned as a key enabler under the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030) and the Sarawak Digital Economy Blueprint 2030. 

Minister for Utility and Telecommunication Julaihi Narawi said the achievement was made possible through the state's SALURAN (Sarawak Linking Urban, Rural and Nation) initiative, which complements federal efforts to expand connectivity throughout the state.

"These achievements would not have been possible without strong collaboration among government agencies, regulators, telecommunication service providers, infrastructure partners, technology companies and industry stakeholders,” he said at the SACOFA Sdn Bhd client networking hi-tea 2026 at a hotel here yesterday.

Julaihi added that digital connectivity has been positioned as a key enabler under the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030) and the Sarawak Digital Economy Blueprint 2030.

He said the SMART (Sarawak Multimedia Authority Rural Telecommunication) Project, a cornerstone of the SALURAN initiative, involves the construction of 618 telecommunications towers, including 17 relay towers, in rural and remote areas across Sarawak.

The project complements the federal government's JENDELA programme, under which 636 towers have been completed under Phase 1, while another 337 sites have been identified for Phase 2 beginning in the fourth quarter of this year.

He said SALURAN also includes service-based initiatives such as the Sarawak Rural Broadband Network (MySRBN), which now connects almost 50,000 households through fixed wireless broadband and fibre services.

In addition, WiFi SALURAN has provided interim satellite internet access at approximately 250 rural locations while permanent telecommunications infrastructure is being developed.

He said SACOFA will continue strengthening its role as the backbone of Sarawak's digital infrastructure ecosystem, supported by its network of approximately 12,000km of fibre optic infrastructure and management of 1,680 telecommunications towers statewide.

"Sarawak, through SACOFA, will continue to expand fibre optic infrastructure, enhance internet speed and improve connectivity coverage, particularly in rural and underserved areas," he said.

 Julaihi added that the state is also broadening its technological ambitions beyond telecommunications, including plans to develop aerospace and satellite-related capabilities through the establishment of a dedicated space agency and the Sarawak Aerospace Advisory Council.

Twenty river traffic signs have been installed along Melinau River, says Transport Minister

MULU, June 12 2026: Transport Minister Lee Kim Shin said that his ministry has installed 20 river traffic signs along Melinau River from Mulu Marriott Resort to Clearwater caves.

Caption: Minister Lee Kim Shin says the number of boat operators holding River Transport Permits has increased from 40 to 70 

He said the installation, which began in July 2024, was completed on March 11 last year.

“The installation of the signs aims to facilitate river navigation, increase compliance with regulations, control the flow of river traffic and reduce the risk of accidents.

“The installation of these signs also helps river users make more accurate and safe decisions when using the river path,” he said when officiating the River Safety and Cleanliness Awareness Programme at the Kampung Sungai Melinau Multipurpose Hall today.

He recalled that Mulu Boat Operators Association submitted a proposal to him during his visit to the area in 2022.

Lee said the Sarawak government's continuous efforts to strengthen river transport safety compliance in Mulu have borne fruit when the number of boat operators holding River Transport Permits has increased from 40 to 70 operators so far.

He added the increase reflects the increasing level of awareness among boat operators on the importance of permit compliance, passenger safety and insurance protection.

According to him, the achievement proves the effectiveness of various initiatives implemented by the Sarawak Rivers Authority (LSSS) through information programmes, advisory services and assistance to the boat operator community in the area.

"This success shows that the government's continuous efforts through the Sarawak Rivers Authority in providing information, advisory services and facilities to boat operators have borne fruit," he said.

He said the programme is in line with the aspirations of the Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030) which emphasises sustainable development, public safety and environmental protection.

According to him, the Sarawak government is committed to strengthening river safety through law enforcement, safety infrastructure development and the implementation of continuous training and education for communities and boat operators.

“The Sarawak government is always committed to strengthening river safety through law enforcement, safety infrastructure development and the implementation of continuous training and education for communities and boat operators,” he said.

He said the government also provided various forms of assistance including life jackets, boat licence renewals and technical support to ensure that communities that depend on river transport can enjoy safer and more orderly journeys.

In an effort to facilitate the affairs of boat operators, LSSS opened a mobile counter in Mulu on May 19 to assist in the process of renewing River Transport Permits more easily and systematically.

At the function, Lee handed over 30 safety jackets to students of Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Batu Bungan, while another 30 were distributed to the Village Development and Security Committees (JKKK) of Kampung Sungai Melinau, Kampung Batu Bungan and Kampung Long Iman to increase community preparedness for river safety aspects.

Present were Deputy Minister in the Premier's Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring) and Mulu State Legislative Member (SLM) Gerawat Gala, Controller of the Sarawak Rivers Authority Ding Tiew Wong, Mulu Sub-District Office Administrative Officer Rebetta Jangi and Sungai Melinau Village Chief Johnny Ipoi.