Chef Iana Akam wins gold with her Sarawak laksa dish at the MasterChef of Foodex 2026 competition in Vietnam

KUCHING, April 24 2026: The iconic laksa Sarawak dish won the tastes of the judges at the MasterChef of Foodex 2026 competition in Ho Chi Minh City recently.

 Caption: MBKS Mayor Wee Hong Seng (4th from right) with the chefs and MBKS councillors posing for the cameramen.Cef Iana Akam is third from left 

Chef Iana Akam from Fairy Tavern in Bau won the gold medal for her laksa Sarawak dish signature.

In addition, Chef Janncy Nyohim also contributed a bronze medal through her innovative nasi lemak based on local ingredients such as bunga kantan and traditional rice, reflecting the evolution of cuisine without neglecting cultural roots.

Two other chefs from Little Fairy Cafe, Chef Nicky Nelson and Chef Robbie Richard Balcarek each won a silver medal, while in the group category, the Kuching team also took home a silver medal, thus demonstrating the strength of cooperation in the local culinary community.

In other categories, Chef Benny Huang and Wilson Voon each won a silver medal, while Chef Ronald Bong recorded success with one bronze medal and one silver medal.

Kuching's success was also acknowledged at the international judging level when Chef Jordan and Chef Julian Lai were invited as judges, reflecting recognition of Sarawak's culinary expertise.

 Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Wee Hong Seng, in applauding achievements of Kuching’s chefs, said it proves Sarawak's gastronomic ability to compete globally, thus bringing glory to the state on the international stage.

He said the participation of the delegation of chefs from Kuching not only fulfilled the competition, but also managed to create a big impact by winning various awards among the 400 participants, including 300 from Vietnam and 100 international participants.

"Our chefs not only participated in this competition, but managed to create a big impact on the international stage," he said at the MasterChef of Foodex 2026 press conference today.

Dato Wee stressed that the achievement further strengthened Kuching's position as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy and opened up wider space to promote the state's diverse food and heritage to the world.

"This shows that Kuching is not only known for its delicious food, but also for its excellence in gastronomy," he added.

He also expressed his appreciation to all the chefs involved and hoped that the success would inspire the younger generation to explore the culinary field as a future career.

Countering Dr Sim's "kasi DAP telur" remarks, Bandar Kuching MP says the party has fought for many issues that have benefited Sarawak

KUCHING, April 24 2026: Bandar Kuching Member of Parliament Dr Kelvin Yii (picture) has asserted that the Sarawak DAP has fought for many issues that have benefited Sarawak,  explaining why it is necessary to have its continuous presence in Sarawak Legislative Assembly (SLA).

He cited many examples of what it has done since the national party set its foot in Sarawak 48 years ago.

He said one example is the revision of Quit Rent Rate in Sarawak in 2010.

 “Under the pressure of Sarawak DAP in the SLA and also public campaign, the state government finally decided not to force land owners to renew their land title five years prior to expiry.

“The rate has now standardised for terrace houses, semi- detached and bungalow,” Dr Yii said in a statement.

He added the Sarawak DAP was in fore front questioning the extravagantly-priced projects in Sarawak including alternative funding model, which lacks transparency and accountability, including in SLA.

“These mechanisms, which involve special purpose vehicles (SPVs) for infrastructure, hide true debt levels and constitute "left pocket to right pocket" financial manoeuvring rather than sustainable development and full disclosure in SLA,” he said.

He said the Sarawak DAP, in collaboration with local non-governmental organisations (NGOs), were the early ones in Sarawak to bring forth the conversation and the fight for the state’s rights as stated in the Malaysia Agreement 1963(MA63) through its Bintulu Declaration 2011, even before it was popularised by the then Chief Minister the late Adenan Satem when he was sworn-in only in 2014.

“These are just a few examples of the many issues raised and fought for by Sarawak DAP,, which have applied positive pressure on the government of the day to act and implement reforms.

“It is through this democratic process and accountability that the current government has shown improvements in governance, although there remain many gaps that still need to be addressed,” he said.

Dr Yii said that is why there is a need for a credible and consistent opposition like Sarawak DAP, saying that while the party  may not be perfect and some may not agree with some of the approach of some of national leaders, but its elected leaders never jumped ship, they stayed consistent, and they have continued to act as a check and balance even with all kinds of pressure from the state government.

“We all want what is best for Sarawak and what is needed is not just a good government, but equally important, is a strong and credible opposition who have stayed consistent to our roles over the years, even when things are tough,” he said.

In a recent Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) convention, Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) president Dr Sim Kui Hian had urged the delegates to “kasi DAP telur” in the coming state election.

Dr Sim, who is also the Deputy Premier, said the people of Sarawak should take the cue from Sabah by giving the Sarawak DAP “zero” seats.

Sarawak Metro awarded private frequency spectrum for KUTS by MCMC

KUCHING, April 24 2026: Sarawak Metro was recently awarded a private frequency spectrum from Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) for the communications system of the Kuching Urban Transportation System (KUTS).  

This milestone makes Sarawak Metro the first organisation in Malaysia’s railway and public transportation industry to obtain a dedicated private frequency spectrum to operate its wireless communication system—an essential component for the operations of the Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) system.

The spectrum awarded is the Future Railway Mobile Communication System (FRMCS) – the next-generation global standard for railway wireless communication that promises enhanced digital rail services, increased safety, and high-capacity data transmission.

Sarawak Metro chief executive officer  Mazli Mustaffa highlighted the importance of adopting future-ready technologies, particularly with regard to the evolution of FRMCS in the future.

“We are now closer towards implementing a highly reliable and efficient communications system for the KUTS project, and with FRMCS available for our ART system, we will also be able to ensure the system remains aligned with MCMC’s regulatory direction as well as future spectrum planning and allocation,” said Mazli in a statement.

Sarawak Metro successfully completed live trials of its Radio Telecommunication System (RTS), which is based on FRMCS architecture, in October 2024.

Meanwhile, during a recent courtesy visit to MCMC’s headquarters in Cyberjaya Mazli expressed his appreciation to the Commission for its support in advancing the digitalisation efforts in Sarawak’s public transport sector in.

“Moving forward, we look forward to continuous engagements and strengthening collaborations with all industry stakeholders, especially with MCMC.

“This will be key to ensuring alignment, knowledge sharing, and the sustainable development of the ecosystem,” Mazli said.

Australian mountain climber Balinda has been rescued after enountering problem while going down Gunung Santubong

SANTUBONG, April 24 2026: An Australian woman was rescued this morning after she failed to return to base at the foot of Gunung Santubong yesterday. 

Caption: Australian Balinda Lapier was rescued late this morning

She had ascended the mountain yesterday, but accoutered problems while descending.

Petra Jaya Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) said it received a call about 8.20pm, seeking assistance to rescue Australian Belinda Lapier.

The department said upon arrival at the scene, the Santubong Forest informed that an Australian woman was feared to have fallen in the F7 area while on her way down from the top of Mount Santubong.

The forest ranger managed to contact the victim at about 5pm and then conducted a search at the victim's last location.

However, the team could only hear the victim's voice in the F7 area but failed to find her actual position.

The forest ranger team then returned to the forest ranger base at 5.30pm

The operation commander  Syed Mohd Azreen  Wan Halami was informed that the victim's location had been identified and was able to communicate with her by calling her name.

There were obstacles on the path to the location of the fallen victim.

The SAR team was sizing up a suitable location to lower rescue personnel to the victim's location.

The slope was 90 degrees and there were many obstacles, rocks and large trees, making the rescue operation difficult.

At about 12 noon, Balinda was successfully found in a safe condition with only minor injuries.

The operation commander was in

Prominent Kayan aristocrat Tajang Laing dies at age 100 years old

KUCHING, April 24 2026: Former state minister Tajang Laing passed away last night. He was 100 years old. His daughter Lohong announced the passing her Facebook post. 

Caption: Tajang Laing celebrated his 100th birthday last February 2026

“Tonight we lost our beloved father Dato Sri  Bok Tajang Laing. Thank you for a life lived generously for your family and your people. Love you forever Daddy,” she said.

Tajang, a prominent Kayan aristocrat, celebrated his 100^th birthday on Fen 14 this year.

Family members, friends and community representatives gathered to honour his birthday, whose decades of contribution have left a lasting imprint on both his community and long-time associates.

Born in 1926, Tajang witnessed Malaysia’s transformation firsthand, from the hurdles of the pre-independence era to his contribution in matters related to the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).

Over the years, the elder statesman received numerous honours in recognition of his service. Yet those closest to him say he never measured success by accolades, but by the tangible progress of the communities and villages he supported.

He was a State Legislative Member for Belaga and a state minister under Abdul Yakob as chief minister.

Tajang was primary school teacher before entered politics