Mandatory for network facility providers to get prior approval before erecting any communications structures, says Juliahi

KUCHING, Jan 30  2026: Network Facility Providers (NFPs) must get the approval from the relevant authorities before erecting any communications structures in Sarawak, said Minister of Utilities and Telecommunications Julaihi Narawi.

Julaihi Narawi: As of January 2026, a total of 4,514 communications structures had been registered in Sarawak. 

He said Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA) is tasked with regulating, monitoring, and enforcing compliance across the state’s communications and multimedia sector.

“This includes overseeing the erection, operation, and maintenance of communication structures to ensure alignment with technical, environmental, and safety standards.

“Proper compliance prevents potential operational complications and ensures sustainable and trusted infrastructure development,” he said.

Julaihi said this when officiating at the closing ceremony of the Regulatory, Compliance, and Enforcement Training Course, which involved 11 SMA staff in collaboration with the Sarawak Safety and Enforcement Unit (UKPS) at the Yayasan Sarawak Building here.

Julaihi said that as of January 2026, a total of 4,514 communications structures had been registered in Sarawak.

“I strongly encourage all NFPs to meet regulatory requirements, which is not only a legal obligation but a shared responsibility to ensure public safety, orderly development, and public confidence.

“With the legal framework in place, SMA has invested in the Regulatory, Compliance, and Enforcement Training programme to equip officers with the skills and ethical grounding needed for effective enforcement,” he said.

Julaihi also stressed that accredited SMA enforcement officers would be able to carry out their duties professionally while upholding integrity to a high standard.

Concurrent with the closing ceremony of the course, SMA also conducted an engagement session with NFPs relating to the Telecommunication Infrastructure Fees (TIF).

Julaihi said SMA has begun introducing the TIF from NFPs starting this month.

SMA general manager  Anderson Tiong Ing Heng said the primary objective of the Regulatory, Compliance, and Enforcement Training Course is to enhance participants’ understanding of proper enforcement procedures, including investigation techniques, evidence collection, and documentation processes.

Not proper for Nanta to use the word "divorce" in discussions about Sarawak within Malaysia, says former Sabah CM

KOTA KINABAU, Jan 30 2026: Former Sabah Chief Minister Salleh Said Keruak does not think it is proper for Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) secretary general Alexander Nanta Linggi to use the word “divorce” in discussions about Sarawak’s place within Malaysia.

Salleh Said Keruak: Malaysia moves forward when leaders choose dialogue, respect, and reason over emotionally charged language. 

“The use of the word “divorce” is neither necessary nor constructive,” he said in his Facebook post today.

He said conversations on rights, autonomy, and the implementation of MA63 are not about rejection, but about shared responsibility to strengthen the federation.

He added differences in views and constructive criticism should be recognised as part of a healthy democracy, not misinterpreted as threats to unity.

Salleh said Malaysia moves forward when leaders choose dialogue, respect, and reason over emotionally charged language.

He added true unity is built not by silencing differences, but by addressing them with wisdom, balance, and a common purpose — to move Malaysia forward together.

In an interview with a  private radio station, Nanta, who is also Works Minister and Kapit MP, said had suggested that the endless quarrels and bickering in Malaya have become so pervasive that perhaps Sarawak and the rest of the country were “never meant to be one nation”, separated by the South China Sea for a reason.

Nanta said has much to learn from the Sarawak Formula, an approach to governance credited to the premier that prioritises racial and religious harmony alongside development.

“Before you learn the formula, you must understand the personality of our premier. “He’s very down to earth, visionary, and he doesn’t mince his words.

“He says things sincerely and does things sincerely. He understands how to keep harmony among Sarawak’s multicultural,multi-ethnic communities,” Nanta was quoted as saying.

Despite Sarawak’s complex demographics, where Dayaks and Chinese make up about 70 per cent of the population while Malays account for roughly 30 per cent.

 

 

 

SUPP Youth backs Nanta's forthright views on divisive politics and bickering in Malaya

KUCHING, Jan 30 2026: SUPP Youth Central (SYC) said it supported the forthright views expressed by Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) secretary general Alexander Nanta Linggi in a recent interview reaffirming Sarawak’s state-first approach. 

In a statement today, it asserted that safeguarding Sarawak’s autonomy has never meant undermining the federal government.

“Rather, it reflects the long-held sentiments of Sarawakians, and we hope our counterparts in Malaya will approach this matter with greater openness and understanding,” SYC said.

It added that the pursuit of Sarawak’s rights and autonomy has always been firmly anchored in the Federal Constitution, Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), Inter-Governmental Committee (IGC) Report, and relevant state laws.

“GPS leaders, under the leadership of Premier Abang Johari Openg have consistently upheld the foundational principle that Sarawak is one of the entities that formed Malaysia in 1963 together with the Federation of Malaya, Sabah, and Singapore—and must therefore be respected as an equal partner,” he stressed.

It added beyond constitutional matters, the Sarawak government has adopted inclusive and forward-looking policies with strong emphasis on education and economic development to build local talent and a resilient, sustainable economy.

“This commitment is clearly demonstrated through the Free Tertiary Education Scheme, which benefits all Anak Sarawak pursuing higher education at Sarawak’s four state-owned universities.

“In addition, Sarawak has taken bold and strategic steps in renewable energy development,” SYC said, noting that the recent Sarawak–Sabah Power Grid Interconnection marks a significant milestone, with Sarawak officially supplying electricity to Sabah as part of the emerging Borneo Power Grid.

It said such development positions Sarawak to play a larger and more meaningful role in regional energy cooperation and economic growth.

It also said that it rejects divisive politics and remain committed to build a united and harmonious society.

“The actions and policies of our leaders speak for themselves: a stronger and more resilient Sarawak has always contributed to a stronger Malaysia.

“Our sincerity in nation-building should never be doubted and taken for granted, even as we remain steadfast in safeguarding Sarawak’s constitutional rights,” SYC said.

In an interview with a  private radio station, Nanta, who is also Works Minister and Kapit MP, said had suggested that the endless quarrels and bickering in Malaya have become so pervasive that perhaps Sarawak and the rest of the country were “never meant to be one nation”, separated by the South China Sea for a reason.

Quoted by Dayak Daily news portal, Nanta said has much to learn from the Sarawak Formula, an approach to governance credited to the premier that prioritises racial and religious harmony alongside development.

“Before you learn the formula, you must understand the personality of our premier. He’svery down to earth, visionary, and he doesn’t mince his words.

“ He says things sincerely and does things sincerely. He understands how to keep harmony among Sarawak’s multicultural,multi-ethnic communities,” Nanta was quoted as saying.

Despite Sarawak’s complex demographics, where Dayaks and Chinese make up about 70 per cent of the population while Malays account for roughly 30 per cent.