3,000 tengadak fry released into Debpur River under Tagang system project

BARIO, Sept 30 2026:  A total of 3,000 ikan tengadak  fry were released into the Debpur River at Kampung Pa Umor here under the Tagang System Project, aimed at boosting fish populations and conserving the river ecosystem.

Caption: Deputy Minister Gerawat Gala (third from right) and others are ready to release the fish fry into the river

Deputy Minister in the Premier's Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring) Gerawat Gala said the project is a fisheries resource conservation effort that actively involves the community in maintaining the river's sustainability.

"The Tagang System fosters a sense of shared responsibility among the community to ensure that fisheries resources remain preserved for the benefit of future generations," he said at the launchof the Tagang System Project at the Debpur River, Kampung Pa Umor, Bario, yesterday.

He expressed hope that the Kampung Pa Umor community and residents living along the Debpur River would remain committed to safeguarding the *Tagang* area, ensuring the continuity of these conservation efforts.

He also extended his appreciation to all parties involved—particularly the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) and the Sarawak Department of Agriculture—for making the initiative a success.

Earlier, in his welcoming address, Sarawak Forestry Corporarion (SFC) general manager Abang Arabi Abang Aimran said Debpur River was selected due to its strategic location and the presence of deep pools suitable for fish breeding and the natural maintenance of aquatic population.

He added that the implementation of the Tagang System aligns with SFC projects under the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030), specifically Focus 35.1: Implementation of Community-Based Economy Programmes.

The 17,584-seater Taha Ariffin Stadium given approval by AFC and FAM to become venue oi Kuching City FC

KUCHING, Sept 30 2026:  Taha Ariffin Stadium is now on track to become the official venue of Kuching City FC (KCFC) for the ASEAN Club Championship Shopee Cup and AFC Champions League Two competitions after receiving conditional approval from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM).

Caption: KCFC executive chairman Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman expresses confidence that Taha Ariffin Stadium can be used before Oct 7

KCFC executive chairman Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman said the approval was given after a site inspection by the AFC and FAM on September 23, with several requirements still needing to be resolved by the relevant parties.

According to him, the two main things that are still in process are the installation of stadium lights and the preparation of a broadcast room, while several other minor needs can be completed in the near future.

"The lighting work is 90 percent complete and we are confident that it can be used before October 7, while for the broadcast room we will discuss with the Sarawak Sports Corporation (SSC) to ensure it can be provided," he said at a press conference today.

He said the approval was the result of collaboration between the Sarawak Ministry of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development, SSC and KCFC through the implementation of part of the RM7 million allocation for stadium improvement works.

Fazzrudin said that among the improvements that had been implemented were the installation of numbered seats, the provision of dressing rooms for the home and visiting teams, referee rooms and match officials' rooms, as well as improvements to the surau, toilets, lighting and spectator safety aspects.

"With all the seats completed, this stadium can accommodate 17,584 spectators.

"These numbered seats are something new to our supporters who were previously used to the free seating system. That's why we are using the friendly match with Sabah to familiarize them with the sector system and designated seating," he said.

Meanwhile, he said, KCFC has also streamlined security aspects by increasing the number of marshals and security personnel to cope with the larger number of spectators and the high-intensity match atmosphere.

He explained that the KCFC security team has also been sent to several matches outside Kuching to learn about stadium security management from more experienced parties.

In the same development, he explained that KCFC also pays attention to the management of hawkers around the stadium to ensure that economic activities on match days can run in an orderly manner and comply with AFC requirements.

He said this approach was important given that organising international matches not only involved teams and supporters, but also competition officials, sponsors, visiting teams and other delegations.

"We not only want Kuching City to move forward, but we want to bring together the entire ecosystem on match days, including the hawkers outside the stadium."

"We want them to be placed in an area that is comfortable, orderly and meets the conditions set by the AFC," he said.

He said the Taha Ariffin Stadium will see the presence of teams from several countries including South Korea, Hong Kong, Singapore and Cambodia when KCFC competes in international competitions.

Fazzrudin also called on supporters to cooperate in complying with the entry and seating system as well as maintaining the cleanliness and facilities of the stadium to ensure that the court can continue to be used as KCFC's home court.

Lo criticises Guan Eng for calling upon the federal government to exclude foreign workers from increase in minimum wage scheme

KUCHING, Sept 30 2030: Labour Solidarity and Learning Resources Association (LLRC) deputy president Andrew Lo has criticised national DAP adviser Lim Guan Eng for calling upon the federal government to exclude foreign workers from increase in minimum wage scheme,

Caption: LLRC deputy president Andrew Lo says that higher wages will lead to increase in domestic consumption and more business for employer

He said the exclusion will mean that employers will stop employing locals and employ lower pay foreigners.

"If Lim really wants to help business he should push for higher wages so that it will in turn push investments in technology and higher productions instead of forever addicted to low wage economic model. 

"Higher wages will lead to increase in domestic consumption and more business for employer," Lo said in a statement.

Lo also said Sarawak  United People's Party (SUPP) call for the government to boost business before increase wages has no justifiable basis. 

"The fact is that productively has been boosted, yet wages has fallen behind," he claimed.

Lo, who is also the Sarawak Bank Employees Union (SBEU) chief executive officer, said increase wages will boost the economy and that is because workers spend 100 per cent on what they earn, pointing out that profits of business are not fully taxable with all sorts of exemptions and they may be invested in not productive and speculative sectors or may even be invested overseas.

He also called on employers to stop being cry babies every time minimum wages are reviewed.

In a statement posted on Facebook, Guan Eng called upon the government to exclude foreign workers from any increase in the minimum wage.

He said the proposed revision, expected to be announced when Budget 2027 is tabled on Oct 9, should take into account the pressures faced by micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had said the current RM1,700 minimum wage was expected to be raised, with details to be announced when 2027 Budget is tabled.

Lim said any increase should not apply to foreign workers, arguing that local employers had hired them based on previously agreed employment contracts.


SUPP Batu Kitang secretary Amy Tnay said the government should strengthen the economy and ensure businesses are capable of raising wages sustainably before imposing further pressures on wages.

She said sustainable wage growth must be underpinned by economic growth, business expansion, and improvements to productivity.

Tnay said businesses should be pushed to raise wages, but for them to have the capacity to raise wages.

Sejingkat Bridge to be opened to road users on October 5

KUCHING, Sept 30 2026: Sejingkat Bridge will be opened to road users after a soft opening at 10am on Oct 5, a statement from the state Public Works Department (JKR)announced today.

It said the opening of this bridge marks another important milestone in efforts to strengthen the communication network and improve the smoothness of mobility between Kuching and its surrounding areas.

"The state Public Works Department would like to express its appreciation to all parties involved in the implementation of this project and for their cooperation throughout the construction period," the statement said.

The statement advised road users to always obey signs, speed limits and safety instructions when using this new route. 

The RM365.7 million Sejingkat Bridge is part of a wider road infrastructure network being developed to help improve connectivity. transformation.

The bridge, located in Kuching is the world's longest-span harp-type double-cable-plane double-pylon concrete cable-stayed bridge, with a total length of 1,281.2 meters and a tower height of 119.06 meters, according to the state JKR on its Facebook's post.

It is constructed by China Harbour Engineering Co., Ltd. and built by the Second Highway Engineering Bureau. 

The main pylons of the bridge adopt an innovative longitudinal diamond-shaped separated structure, paired with a dedicated steel tie beam system.

The construction of the main bridge of the Sejingkat Bridge commenced in 2023. 

The bridge will shorten travel distances between Kuching and destinations such as Sibu and Sri Aman, contributing to enhancing the operational efficiency of Sarawak's overall road network.

Sahabat Alam Malaysia president banned from entering Sarawak, no reasons given

KUCHING, Sept 30 2026: Environmental organisation Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM) president Meenakshi Raman was barred from entering Sarawak when she arrived at Miri Airport yesterday afternoon.

Caption: SAM president Meenakshi Raman  was prohibited from entering Sarawak when she arrived in Miri yesterday afternoon

In video posted on Tik Tok, she said the denial of her entry was totally unacceptable.

She said she was not given any reason when she was told that her entry into Sarawak was denied by the Immigration officer manning the counter.

"If I have known that I would be barred, I would not come to Sarawak," she said.

She arrived at Miri Airport on a 2.40pm flight and was stopped by a state Immigration officer  after landing about 4.50pm.

In a statement posted on its Facebook, SAM secretary Mageswari Sangaralingam strongly condemns the denial of entry into Miri of Meenakshi.

She said at the immigration counter, Meena’s identity card was taken and she was asked whether she was involved in any case. 

"Approximately 15 minutes later, immigration officers informed her that a report had been lodged against her on May 21 2025. She was then asked whether she had received any letter from the Sarawak authorities. 

"Meena had received no such letter, notice, explanation or prior indication that she had been prohibited from entering Sarawak. 

"Had she been informed of any such restriction, she would not have boarded the flight," she said.

Mageswari added that this is an unacceptable and profoundly disturbing exercise of state power, saying that as a Malaysian citizen and president of one of the country’s oldest environmental organisations, Meena was denied entry without being informed of the reasons for the decision or afforded an opportunity to respond, raising serious concerns regarding procedural fairness. 

"This is particularly alarming when Meena was permitted to enter Sarawak as recently as 2024," she noted,

She added that SAM has worked in Sarawak for decades and maintains an office in Marudi, saying that its work is rooted in supporting grassroots communities, particularly indigenous peoples, farmers and fishers to defend their territories, livelihoods and environment from destructive development. SAM’s Marudi office is responsible for the organisation’s work on indigenous community issues in Sarawak.

"Every citizen has a right to freedom of movement. While Sarawak has powers relating to entry from other parts of Malaysia, such power is not a licence for arbitrary exclusion," she moaned. 

She said SAM demanded that the Sarawak government and the relevant immigration authorities immediately state the precise legal basis for barring Meena from Sarawak; disclose the nature, source and basis of the barring; explain why she was not notified in advance about this ban; and immediately revoke any restriction imposed against her.

Mageswari urged he federal government not to remain silent, stating that the arbitrary exclusion of environmental and human-rights defenders from a part of their own country strikes at democratic accountability, civic space and the public’s right to speak out on environmental destruction and the rights of affected communities. 

"Activists must be able to undertake legitimate public interest work without any intimidation and harassment," she said.

Mageswari Sangaralingam

FWTA system strengthens Sarawak's autonomy in determining entry of foreign workers into the state

MIRI, Sept 29 2026: The implementation of the Foreign Workers Transformation Approach (FWTA) system strengthens Sarawak's autonomy in determining the entry of foreign workers into the state.

Caption: Advisor to Premier's Department Ken Leben says that through a more structured and data-driven approach, the state government can obtain more accurate information to analyze and identify workforce and industry needs.

An advisor at the Sarawak Premier's Department, Ken Leben stressed that this approach grants Sarawak greater flexibility to control, manage, and monitor the influx of the workforce in accordance with industry needs. 

He said the system developed by the Immigration and Labour Management Unit (ILMU) aligns with the state government's aspirations to strengthen governance and enhance service delivery efficiency through digitalization and the use of technology—including artificial intelligence (AI)— under the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030).

“Through a more structured and data-driven approach, we can obtain more accurate information to analyze and identify workforce and industry needs.

“Such data is also crucial for policy planning, economic development, workforce planning, and government decision-making,” he said in his welcoming remarks at the SCSIMon Industry Update programme today.

At the same time, he emphasized that the people of Sarawak must benefit from industrial growth through job opportunities, increased income, and career development.

He noted that the Sarawak government is currently in the process of integrating the Foreign Worker Tracking and Monitoring System (FWTMS) with the systems of the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM), the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB), and the National Integrated Immigration System (NIISe).

“This integration aims to enable data exchange and sharing between systems, thereby improving the efficiency of officers processing applications,” he added.

Ken, a former deputy director-general of Malaysian Immigration Department, said that Sarawak Labour Department, Sarawak Immigration Department, Sarawak State Health Department and Social Security Organisation (PERKESO) are strategic partners of ILMU that have been involved from the outset in the development of the FWTA system and related process reforms.

The two-day programne, held in conjunction with the Sarawak Civil Service Innovation Month 2026 celebration, brought together government agencies and industry players to receive briefings on the management of non-resident workers in Sarawak.

If bird's nest harvesting at the Niah National Park were to cease, it will lose its value as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, says SFC general manager

NIAH, Sept 29 2026: The state government will continue to allow bird's nest harvesting at the Niah National Park under a monitored licensing system, as stipulated in the Wildlife Protection Ordinance and the Bird's Nest Rules.

Caption: SFC general manager Abang Arabi Abang Aimran (centre) says  if bird's nest harvesting were to cease, a value of Niah Caves as World Heritage Site would be lost, as it is a practice passed down through generations among the local Niah community.


Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) general manager and controller of Sarawak National Parks and Nature Reserves Abang Arabi Abang Aimran said bird's nest harvesting is a heritage feature of Niah Caves that contributed to the national park's recognition as a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site.

“If bird's nest harvesting were to cease, a value of this World Heritage Site would be lost, as it is a practice passed down through generations among the local Niah community.

“For this reason, the Sarawak government will continue to allow bird's nest harvesting to be carried out under a monitored licensing system, as stipulated in the Wildlife Protection Ordinance and the Bird's Nest Rules,” he 
said in a statement.

He added there are currently only 11 bird's nest harvesting licenses remain active, compared to the 89 licenses previously recorded.

“Active license holders comply with the Niah Caves bird's nest harvesting management system introduced in the 1990s through the Danida Project," he said in a statement today.

“Harvesting activities are permitted during two seasons annually: the first quarter and the last quarter of the year,” Abang Arabi added.

Regarding the issuance of new licenses, Abang Arabi said that opportunities are limited because no new areas within the Niah Caves or Gunung Subis blocks have been identified as productive for bird's nests.

He said SFC is also collaborating with the Sarawak Museum Department to address environmental issues within the caves, such as moss growth on the walls, which could affect the quality of the bird's nests. 

“Bird's nests from Niah Cave were once renowned for being among the highest quality; therefore, the cave environment must be preserved to ensure the harvesting tradition continues,” he said.

He said a total of 1,010.78 kilograms of bird's nests were recorded as harvested at Niah Cave between August 12, 2025, and March 31 of this year.

Names of Malay villages in vicinity of Kuching City may be linked to settlements with similar names in Java, Indonesia, suggests Karim

 KUCHING, Sept 29 2026: Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah has suggested that the names of  Malay villages in the vicinity of Kuching City  may be linked to the settlements  with similar names in Java  due to emigration of Indonesians to Sarawak before the Brooke era.

Caption: Minister Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah says no comprehensive published research explaining the origins of the villages

He suggested deeper research be conducted into the similarities and early history of Sarawak.

He said that to date there has been no comprehensive, published research explaining the origins of village names such as Kampung Gersik, Kampung Boyan, Kampung Surabaya and Kampung Semarang.

"These names likely did not emerge by coincidence; rather, they are believed to hold historical significance, potentially linked to the migration of people from Java to Sarawak in the past.

“If we look at it, these villages already existed before the arrival of the Brookes, indicating the presence of earlier settlement systems and civilizations in Sarawak,” he told reporters after the opening of the International Conference on Sarawak History at Wisma Melayu here today.

He added that the discovery of historical sites—such as the temple ruins in Santubong, which share architectural similarities with Borobudur—further reinforces the possibility of early civilizational influences, such as that of the Srivijaya era, in the region.

He emphasized that Sarawak’s history should not be viewed as beginning solely with the Brooke era; instead, it must encompass earlier periods that demonstrate the existence of governance systems and a multi-ethnic society living in harmony.

He also highlighted other points of interest, such as the Chinese community in Bau that engaged in gold mining prior to the Brookes' arrival, as well as areas like Jalan India and Masjid India in Kuching, which are believed to have long-standing origins.

In light of this, he urged higher learning institutions and local researchers to conduct more research to document this history comprehensively. 

“Documenting this history is crucial so that future generations can understand the community's origins and how inter-racial harmony was established long ago,” he stressed.

At the same time, he emphasized the need for cooperation among various agencies—such as the National Archives, museums, the Sarawak State Library, RTM, and the Information Department—to coordinate existing historical materials.

He explained that although each agency possesses its own comprehensive and well-preserved collection, constraints regarding resource sharing force researchers to visit multiple locations separately.
“Coordination and collaboration among agencies are vital to facilitate access to historical materials and ensure that research efforts can be conducted more comprehensively,” he stated.

Sarawak tightening control over movements of animals from neighbouring territories to de-ecalate the spread of rabies

KUCHING. Sept 29 2026: Sarawak is strengthening its surveillance, enforcement and control of animal movements across its borders in the efforts to de-escalate the spread of rabies from neighbouring territories.

Caption: Deputy Premier Dr Sim Kui Hian, representing Premier Abang Johari Openg, at the launch of Rabies in Asia 2026 conference

Premier Abang Johari Openg said Sarawak's geographical position in Borneo and its ties with neighbouring territories make cross-border cooperation vital in efforts to control and ultimately eradicate rabies.

He said the disease knows no district, state or national boundaries, and therefore prevention and control efforts cannot rely solely on administrative borders.

"Rabies knows no boundaries. This disease does not distinguish between districts, states or countries. Therefore, our efforts to address it cannot be limited to administrative boundaries alone," he said in his text of speech read by Deputy Premier Dr Sim Kui Hian at the launch of Rabies in Asia (RIA) 2026 conference at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here today.

THe premier said the role of the Immune Belt Enforcement Team (IBET) must continue to be strengthened as an important part of rabies control efforts, particularly in areas at risk of cross-border animal movement.

A total of 113 IBET members are participating in the conference and play a role in strengthening surveillance, enforcement and preventive efforts on the ground.

The premier added that Sarawak is taking various prevention and control measures, including vaccination, surveillance, enforcement, public awareness and cooperation with various agencies and strategic partners.

Among the approaches implemented is Oral Rabies Vaccination (ORV), which aims to reach stray dogs that are difficult to catch and vaccinate conventionally.

The latest field programme involved the distribution of 2,281 oral vaccine baits, alongside the vaccination of 3,579 dogs.

The premier stressed that eradicating rabies cannot be shouldered by the government alone, but requires the involvement of technical expertise, field experience, communities and various organisations that share the same goal.

In this regard, the One Health approach will continue to be emphasised, with cooperation between the veterinary health and public health sectors, supported by enforcement agencies, local authorities, researchers, animal welfare organisations and communities.

He said expanding the Rabies in Borneo platform into Rabies in Asia also opens opportunities to strengthen collaboration with more countries and organisations, particularly in surveillance, vaccination, animal movement control, capacity building and knowledge sharing.

"The goal of eradicating rabies cannot be achieved by one country, one agency or one profession alone. It requires sustained commitment and, most importantly, cooperation," he said.

He said continued cooperation is essential to ensure that every step in prevention, detection, monitoring of animal movements and community engagement is further strengthened until the target of eradicating rabies is achieved.

Also present were Tebedu Assemblyman and Malaysian Veterinary Council member Dr Simon Sinang Bada, Ministry of Public Health, Housing and Local Government (MPHLG) Permanent Secretary Elizabeth Loh, state Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) director Dr Adrian Susin Ambud, Sarawak Security and Enforcement Unit (UKPS) director Abdul Wahab Rahim and Sarawak Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA) president Dona Wee.

Sarawak records RM11.2 billion in approved invesments in first half of this year, says Awang Tengah

KUCHING, Sept 29 2026:  Sarawak recorded RM11.2 billion in approved investments across the primary, manufacturing, and services sectors in the first half of 2026. Deputy Premier  Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said, stressing that the achievement continues Sarawak’s investment momentum after successfully securing RM116 billion in approved investments between 2021 and 2025.

Caption: Deputy Premier Awang Tengah Ali Hasan says that major investments are located in Kuching, Bintulu, and Miri.

He said Sarawak must ensure that received investments not only generate economic growth, but also forge stronger linkages with local economies and domestic players.

“We want investments, whether Domestic Direct Investments (DDI) or Foreign Direct Investments (FDI), to generate quality employment opportunities, technology and knowledge transfer, stronger local enterprises, and broader market access,” he said at the opening of the Sarawak Global Supply Chain & Sourcing 2026 today.

He added that Sarawak's economic transformation is currently opening up opportunities in advanced manufacturing and semiconductors, green energy, downstream oil, gas and petrochemicals, green metals, hydrogen and clean technology, digital economy, artificial intelligence (AI), aerospace, precision engineering, agriculture, and food manufacturing.

He noted that major investments at strategic industrial locations such as Kuching, Bintulu, and Miri must be linked more effectively with Sarawakian businesses in engineering, maintenance, logistics, technology, professional services, manufacturing, digital solutions, and specialised services.

In the meantime, Awang Tengah emphasised that participating in global supply chains requires innovation, discipline, and continuous improvement to meet global clients' demand for quality, reliability, competitiveness and innovation, as well as Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards.

He suggested that capable Sarawakian companies must be identified and systematically prepared to fulfill the procurement needs of major investors.

"This means strengthening certification, quality standards, management systems, production capacity, financial readiness, technology adoption, and delivery reliability," he explained.

Also present were Deputy Minister for International Trade, Industry and Investment Sarawak  Malcolm Mussen Lamoh and Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of International Trade, Industry and Investment Sarawak (MINTRED) Lester Matthew.

French envoy says his country is ready to support and collaborate with AirBorneo airlines in its expansion

KUCHIN3G, Sept 29 2026: France has expressed its readiness to support and collaborate with Sarawak-owned AirBorneo airlines in its expansion, including through the expertise and experience of Airbus, its Ambassador to Malaysia Marc Abensour said today.

Caption: French envoy to Malaysia says his country is ready to support AirBorneo in its expansion

He said Airbus possesses extensive experience across various aeronautical fields in Malaysia, while also seeing other areas of collaboration with AirBorneo.

"Of course, in aeronautics, we discussed how France can support the development of AirBorneo, including leveraging Airbus's presence in Malaysia.

"Airbus has a history of cooperation spanning over 50 years in Malaysia, covering various fields such as Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO), training, as well as the development of sustainable aviation fuels.

"We also discussed potential other collaborations with AirBorneo," he said when met by reporters after paying a courtesy call on Deputy Premier  Awang Tengah Ali Hasan after the opening of Sarawak Global Supply Chain & Sourcing 2026 at a leading hotel here today.

Marc Abensour noted that discussions also touched on possible cooperation between the French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development (CIRAD) and UPM Sarawak to conduct forest mapping in Sarawak.

According to him, accurate and reliable assessment outcomes could serve as a foundation for developing activities within the timber and construction industries, including efforts to establish international references for low-carbon tropical building construction.

In addition, he mentioned that discussions encompassed renewable energy development through the involvement of French companies such as EDF, which is interested in exploring hydroelectric power projects and grid management aspects.

He added that other potential collaborations include partnerships with companies like Air Liquide and Axens to develop Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production projects. 

(UPDATED) 42km long road, costing RM265.5 million, is being constructed to connect four longhouses in interior Pantu

PANTU, Sept 29 2026: A RM265.5 million  42-km long road in the interior of  Pantu, is now being constructed and when it is completed, it will connect Muding, Tuba, Ipoh and Mentu to Pan Borneo Highway.

Caption: Balai Ringin SLM Snowdan Lawan being welcomed on arrival at Rumah Achang Mumin Muding

Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industries and Performing Arts Snowdan Lawan said the project was being implemented by the Rural and Regional Development Ministry (KKDW) together with the state Public Works Department (JKR) to facilitate the daily movement of residents.

"This project will be able to shorten travel time and thus facilitate the residents' daily affairs to go to the market, clinic and government office faster, safer and more comfortably when it is completed," he said at Berandau Ruai at Rumah Achang Mumin, Muding yesterday.

Snowdan, who is also the State Legislative Member (SLM) for Balai Ringin, said the better connectivity network would enable the agricultural produce of residents from the four villages to be marketed to nearby towns and the city centre more efficiently.

He hoped that the project could be implemented according to schedule to support the development of Pantu District and improve the living standards of the local residents.

At the same ceremony, Snowdan announced an allocation of RM15,000 for the Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK) of Rumah Achang, Muding, as well as RM5,000 for the organization's women's bureau.

Also present were Pantu District Officer, Racha Mulong, Sri Aman Divisional Land and Survey Department Superintendent Michaelson Nyisin, Public Works Department officers, government agency staff, and representatives of the contractor. 

The smog from Kalimantan re-enters Sarawak

 KUCHING, Sept 29 2026: The haze has re-entered  Sarawak.

Capital: The hazy condition along the Pan Borneo Highway

According to the Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) monitoring station, six locations showed a dip in the air quality level as at 12noon today, mainly due to smog blown from the epicentre of forest fires in Kalimantan.

Serian leads in the unhealthy air quality with an air pollutant index (API) reading recorded at 175 level, and this is followed by Lundu 162, Samarahan 160, Kuching 159, Simanggang 140 and Kanowit 102.

An air quality is categorised as unhealthy when the API reading is registered at between 101 and 200 levels.

According to the monitoring station, eight locations registered with a moderate air quality range.

The locations are Tebedu (99), Sarikei (77), Sibu (75), Belaga (68), Mukah (67), Bintulu (65) and Kapit (62).

The locations with good air quality range are Lawas (41), Miri (37), ILP Miri (32), Bario (29) and Limbang (28).

	STATION	INDEX	STATUS
	KUCHING	159	Unhealthy
	SAMARAHAN	160	Unhealthy
	SERIAN (MCAQM)	175	Unhealthy
	SRI AMAN	140	Unhealthy
	SARIKEI	77	Moderate
	SIBU	75	Moderate
	MUKAH	67	Moderate
	KAPIT	62	Moderate
	BINTULU	65	Moderate
	SAMALAJU	73	Moderate
	MIRI	37	Good
	ILP MIRI	32	Good
	LIMBANG	28	Good
	LUNDU	162	Unhealthy
	TEBEDU	99	Moderate
	LUBOK ANTU	119	Unhealthy
	KANOWIT	102	Unhealthy
	BELAGA	68	Moderate
	LAWAS	41	Good
	BARIO	29	Good
	BETONG (MCAQM)	151

Sarawak submits investment and industrial development proposals for consideration in 2027 federal budget

 KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 29 2026:  The Sarawak government has submitted several proposals regarding investment and industrial development for consideration in the 2027 Federal Budget, specifically concerning investment incentives, strategic industries, and industrial infrastructure.

Caption: Deputy Premier Awang Tengah Ali Hasan (third from right) in discussions with federal minister Johari Abdul Ghani (fourth from  left)

These matters were among the key topics discussed by Deputy Premier and Minister for International Trade, Industry and Investment, Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, during a courtesy call on federal Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Johari Abdul Ghani yesterday.

According to a media statement issued by the deputy premier's office, the discussions also focused on strengthening cooperation between the Sarawak government and the federal government to attract high-quality, high-value investments, enhance industrial competitiveness, and support Sarawak's long-term economic development.

The statement said both parties also discussed opportunities to expand high-value and emerging industries, including advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, the digital economy, clean energy, as well as downstream and technology-driven activities.

Furthermore, emphasis was placed on the importance of providing appropriate incentives, infrastructure, talent, and investment ecosystems to support the entry of new investments and the expansion of existing industries.

The statement added that the Sarawak government prioritizes these matters in alignment with the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030) and Malaysia’s investment and industrial agenda—particularly regarding the creation of quality jobs, local talent development, the strengthening of local businesses, and the promotion of technology and innovation. 

Both governments also reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in facilitating strategic investments, boosting industrial development, and creating more economic opportunities for Sarawak and Malaysia.

Awang Tengah was accompanied by the Advisor to the Ministry of International Trade, Industry and Investment Sarawak (MINTRED) Naroden Majais; Permanent Secretary of MINTRED Lester Matthew; and senior officials from the ministry.

Sarawak is facing a shortage of about 1,000 teachers, says education minister

 KUCHING, Sept 28 2026: Sarawak is facing a shortage of about 1,000 teachers to meet the needs of teaching workforce, especially in Science subjects, said Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister Roland Sagah Wee Inn.

Caption: Minister Roland Sagah Wee Inn says that the shortages in specific subject specialisations remain the main challenge, as not all subjects have sufficient teachers, particularly in Science.

He said the recruitment of new teachers for Sarawak is yet to be announced and his ministry is still awaiting further information on the matter from the Education Service Commission (SPP).

“It has not been announced yet, so we will have to wait and see. Teacher recruitment is handled by the SPP, which will make offers to all successful candidates,” he told reporters after officiating at the Sarawak Informal Education (IFE) Recognition - Community Skills and Productivity Opening Ceremony at LCDA Tower here today.

Sagah added that Sarawak is not facing a particularly severe teacher shortage, with the shortfall estimated at around 1,000.

However, he said shortages in specific subject specialisations remain the main challenge, as not all subjects have sufficient teachers, particularly in Science.

He said some of the teachers needed are also those capable of teaching more than one subject, based on information presented to him.

During the ceremony, a total of 105 participants received the Sarawak IFE Recognition certificates after successfully completing the skills recognition process through the Sarawak IFE - Community Skills and Productivity initiative.

The initiative marks an effort to recognise the skills and competencies acquired by individuals outside the formal education system.

Sagah expressed hope that the recognition could serve as a stepping stone for participants to explore new opportunities, continue skill development and contribute to their families, communities and the wider economy.