State government urged to discuss with federal govt, airline companies to find solutions to reduce cost of airline tickets

KUCHING, May 14 2026: Stakan state legislative member (SLM) Hamzah Brahim has requested the State Government to continue play a proactive role in negotiating with the federal government and airline companies to find a more harmonious solution for all parties on airline tickets for flights from Malaya to Sarawak.

 

Caption: Stakan SLM Hamzah Brahim proposes three initiatives for consideration by the state government

He said the costs of airline tickets during the festive season remain a matter close to the hearts of Sarawakians abroad, especially students and workers residing in Malaya.

“I would like to propose three initiatives for the state government’s consideration, firstly. stabilising Ceiling Prices,” he said during the debate on the Royal Address in the state legislative assembly (SLA) today.

He said the state government should discuss with the aviation authorities to coordinate the ceiling price mechanism in advance to avoid sudden price spikes ahead of the festive season.

He also suggested that the number of aircraft, proposing collaboration with airlines to increase the number of aircraft and frequency of flights to Sarawak during peak times to accommodate high demand and stabilize ticket prices.

He also requested that the existing subsidy initiative for students studying outside the state be expanded to the low-income Sarawakian workers abroad to ease their burden.

 

Demand for one-third of parliamentary seats is about "veto right", says Stakan YB

KUCHING, May 14 2026: Stakan state legislative member (SLM) Hamzah Brahim has urged the state government to demand for a one-third of the parliamentary seats for Sarawak and Sabah.

Caption: Stakan SLM Hamzah Ibrahim says that Sarawak must consistently push for decentralisation of education and health powers 

“This is not just about numbers, but about the "veto right" to ensure that the Federal Constitution cannot be amended alone by the peninsula without the consent of the Borneo Region,” he said in his speech during the debate on the Royal Address in the State Legislative Assembly (SLA) today.

“ It is the last bastion to guarantee that Sarawak's identity and rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) are not violated.

“In addition, we must consistently push for the decentralization of education and health powers,” Hamzah asserted.

He also said reminded that Sarawak can no longer be shackled by the Putrajaya bureaucracy in dealing with the issue of dilapidated schools and clinics.

“We also demand full power in the recruitment of teachers through the 90:10 policy as well as administrative autonomy to ensure that the service system is adapted to the unique geographical and demographic needs of our people.

“This struggle is about dignity and sovereignty,” he stressed.

(UPDATED) Sarawak government sets 2030 as a target year for zero rabies deaths

KUCHING, May 14 2026: The state government has set 2030 as a target year for zero rabies deaths in the state, Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Dr Stephen Rundie Utom told reporters today. 

Caption: Dr Stephen Rundie Utom speaking to reporters to announce that Rabies in Asia conference will be in Kuching

However, he said the target may not  be met and could be extended beyond 2030, admitting that the state government has set targets in the past, but is unable to achieve due to the incidences of bites by rabid dogs and cats.

He said it is not easy to totally eliminate rabies because it is difficult to control the movement of dogs, especially along the Sarawak=Kalimantan border areas and rural villages, but surprisingly not in Malay kampungs.

He said many of the villages that breed dogs are found along the border areas.

“If we have problems monitoring and controlling of human beings, then monitoring and controlling dogs is impossible,” Dr Rundie said.

“As we know, rabies is a global issues, affecting many countries,” he said.

“It is very important for the people of Sarawak to know that death due to rabies can be prevented.

“So long as you follow standard operating procedure (SOP), such as seeking immediate medical treatment after being bitten by dogs or cats, you can be saved,” Dr Rundie, a medical doctor by profession, said.

“We have many reported cases of people bitten by dogs or cats, but the number of fatalities now stand 87,” he said at a press conference to announce that Sarawak will hold Rabies in Asian conference on Sept 29 to Oct 1, 2026 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK).

“The reasons why people died after being bitten by rabid does are that either they are ignorant of the SOP or being stubborn by not seeking treatment or they just want to die.

“If you want to die, then go ahead, and if you want to survive, the follow the SOP,” he stressed.

Dr Rundie explained that, apart from dogs and cats, there are no known cases of rabies being spread by other animals.

 

 

Sarawak Harvest and Folklore Festival on May 23-24 at SCV, one of the highlights will be a musical drama "Belawan Burieng"

KUCHING, May 14 2026: The Sarawak Cultural Village (SCV) in Santubong will organise Sarawak Harvest and Folklore Festival 2026 on 23rd to 24^th of this month, one of the key initiatives by state Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Ministry and Tourism Malaysia.

Caption: Tourism Minister Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah speaking to reporters 

The minister Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah believed that the festival will position Sarawak as a premier destination for cultural tourism.

“Sarawak Harvest & Folklore Festival is more than just an event. It is a celebration of unity, culture, and the future,” he told a press conference to announce the staging of the festival.

“The festival will proudly involves local communities, students from local colleges, cultural enthusiasts, and creative talents from across Sarawak.

“Their participation not only adds authenticity and vibrancy to the event but also strengthens the connection between generations in preserving and celebrating Sarawak’s diverse heritage,” the minister said.

With the theme: “celebrating heritage, inspiring future”,  he said it focuses on honoring the ancestors' traditions while inspiring the youth to carry the torch of cultural identity.

“This festival will also emphasise on inclusivity whereby it is a platform for local craftspeople, ethnic cooks, and young talents to express their creativity and keep Sarawak’s heritage alive,” he said..

Karim said one of the unique features of the festival is that entrance is at flat rate which is at RM20 for adults and RM10 per child for the day entrance from 9am to 6pm and RM50 for adults and RM30 per child for the night show from 6pm to 11pm.

“The rates will encourage more visitors to join and enjoy the celebrations without any barriers,” he said, adding that the event has received a total of 3,875 ticket purchases through its

official website www.sarawakharvestfestival.com.my.

He said to streamline visitors’ access and alleviate traffic congestion, shuttle services will be available from the Sports Village parking area starting at 9am, saying that the fares are priced at RM5 for adults and RM3 for children per way.

Karim said a dedicated pick-up service is also available at the Damai Golf & Country Club checkpoint for a flat rate of RM5 per person.

Karim said this year’s festival highlights will include a drama musical entitled “Belawan Burieng ~ The Hercules of the keliman river” ~ a theatrical 90 minutes performance that brings to life the legend of Belawan Burieng, a legendary warrior of the kayan that believed to be half-human and half-deity.

He explained the musical tells a story of bravery and resistance that inspires pride in Sarawakian identity.

“The drama is based on the original script written by Livan Tajang and shall feature local talents such as Azam Pit, Lorna Walter, SCV dancers and local community.

“This drama shall be performed outdoor at the lakeside starting at 9pm,” he said, adding that there will also be a culturalvaganza show ~ a colourful cultural show that includes dance and music from Sarawak’s ethnic community.

He said this year’s performers include the Sarawak Dayak Iban Association, The Ring Ladies of Borneo from Kampung Semban, Padawan and Sarawak Tagal (Okolod) Association.

The culturalvaganza show will be held twice a day at 11am and 3.30pm inside the Theatre. Aside from this, SCV’s artists will also be performing cultural shows twice a day at 11.30am and 4pm at the Open Lawn.