Woman,71, killed when car crashes into road-divider

KUCHING, Jan 24 2026: A 71-year old woman died while two other family members were injured when a car they were travelling in, crashed into a road-divider at Batu 6, Kuching-Serian Road here late this afternoon.

Caption: The car crashes into the road-divider, killing a woman and injuring two others
 

The woman, a front seat passenger, died on the spot, according a statement issued by Kota Sentosa Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) station.

The 71-year old driver and his 35-year old daughter escaped with injuries.

The statement said the elderly woman was confirmed dead by personnel from Ministry of Health.

“The deceased victim was handed over to the police and two other injured victims were taken to the hospital by ambulance for further treatment.

“After the cleaning work of the accident area was completed and the situation was under control, firemen from Kota Sentosa station returned to the station,” the statement.

It said Kota Sentosa station received a call about 3.32pm from a member of the public, informing that a car, with three persons inside, has crashed into the road divider.

A team of firemen from Kota Sentosa was then despatched to the scene.

Proposal to increase number of parliamentary seats for Sarawak, Sabah not finalised yet, says DPM Fadillah

KUCHING, Jan 24 2026: A proposal to increase the number of parliamentary seats for Sabah and Sarawak under the implementation of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) has not yet been finalised, Deputy PrimeMinister Fadillah Yusof has said.

Fadillah Yusof: The proposal is still at the discussion stage

He said the finalisation will depend on the outcome of negotiations between the federal government and the state governments of the two Borneo regions, with the need for the support of two-thirds of Members of Parliament being the main determinant.

He said the proposal is still at the discussion stage because it involves major implications from the point of view of the constitution, legislation and national administration.

“The increase in parliamentary seats is still under discussion because it involves many matters including administration and legislation. If agreed, it needs to be brought to Parliament and requires two-thirds support,” he said when met by the media at the Shell LiveWIRE Malaysia 2025 Awards Ceremony, here, today.

According to him, although in terms of policy and principle, the proposal to increase the number of parliamentary seats for Sabah and Sarawak does exist, its implementation is still subject to ongoing negotiations.

“What is being demanded still depends on the ongoing negotiations,” he explained.

Commenting on further developments, Fadillah said the discussions were currently still at the officer level and had not yet entered the technical phase following the recent changes in the composition of the Federal Cabinet, including the appointment of the Minister of Sabah and Sarawak Affairs.

“This matter will be detailed in the upcoming technical meeting before being brought to the committee level and then to the Consultative Council at the highest level,” he said.

In the meantime, he informed that the decision at the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN) level had been approved and the next process was to obtain the approval of Parliament.

However, he explained that the main challenge was to obtain the approval of two-thirds of the Members of Parliament if the increase in Parliament seats exceeded 25 percent as provided for under the constitutional provisions.

Another step towards the Borneo power grid realised with the operational of Sarawak-Sabah interconnection line

KOTA KINABALU, Jan 24 2026: Another step towards the establishment of the Borneo power grid has been realised with the successful delivery of the 275kV Sarawak-Sabah paralle interconnection line that was operationalised on Dec 13 last year. 

Premier Abang Johari Openg:  Reliable electricity is the backbone of economic  development and social wellbeing

Premier Abang Johari Openg said it is a significant milestone in the regional energy landscape.

“This event reflects a long-term strategic investment to enhance energy resilience, strengthen inter-state cooperation and support the sustainable growth of Sarawak, Sabah and the Borneo region as a whole,” he said.

He said the successful delivery is the result of close  coordination and shared commitment between Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) and Sabah Electricity, with strong support from both state  governments, the federal government, regulators,  technical teams and project partners throughout the  development and implementation of the  interconnection.

“With this interconnection, we take another important  step forward together towards sustainable growth  and prosperity for the region,” the premier said.

Abang Johari emphasised that  reliable electricity is the backbone of economic  development and social wellbeing, adding it powers  industries, enables businesses to grow, supports  public essential services, and sustains the daily lives  of the communities.

“Sarawak is blessed with abundant, predominantly  renewable energy resources, particularly  hydropower.

“With its strength in renewable energy,  Sarawak is well-positioned to its share power  resources with our Borneo neighbours – Sabah,  Brunei and Kalimantan, for our common benefits,” he said.

He said the shared milestone with Sabah builds on  Sarawak’s experience in cross-border power  cooperation.

The premier said since 2016, Sarawak has been exporting electricity  to West Kalimantan, marking our first cross-border  power interconnection.

“This decade-long partnership  has demonstrated the tangible benefits of regional  energy cooperation, including improved system  reliability, more efficient resource utilisation,  stronger cross-border relationships and enhanced  sustainability outcomes through reduced reliance on  carbon-intensive generation,” he added.