DAP Chong's motion rejected, deputy speaker's ruling upheld

By Mohd Abdullah Lee

KUCHING, May 18 2026: Speaker Asfia Awang Nasar dismissed a motion tabled by DAP’s Padungan state legislative member (SLM) Chong Chieng Jen to reverse Deputy Speaker Idris Buang’s ruling and the expunged words be reinstated in the hansard.

Caption: Speaker Asfia Awang Nasar says Padungan SLM Chong Chieng Jen's motion more than 250 words 

He said the motion was should have been submitted at least two days in advance before it is tabled in the state legislative assembly (SLA) for debate.

Chong submitted notice to  table the motion this morning.

Asfia said it is sub-judice to touch on cases that are pending in court.

He added the individual that Chong mentioned, along with 20  others, have been charged in court.

The speaker stated that the motion cast a dark aspersion against the august house, in particular, with the allegation “that this August House is condoning and endorsing such illegal activity by attempting to cover-up the matter and forbidding the discussion thereof in this August House.”

He said no member, whether outside and inside the house, should ridicule, dispute, show contempt or deliberately refused to comply with the ruling of the chair.

He said the motion for debate should not exceed 250 words, instead Chong’s motion contained 648 words.

“Therefore, motion  be rejected and the ruling by the deputy speaker is upheld,” he said.

Chong, in his motion, has said that during the debate on the Royal Address he has mentioned the name of an individual who was among those 21 persons arrested and charged in court for involvement in gangsterism and organised criminal group and his close association with some SUPP leaders.

“On May 15, when the individual and his gang were brought to court for further remand, it was carried out under the highest police security with many of the police officers wearing bullet-proof vests and carrying semi-auto machine guns.  

“The whole process was recorded and shown in video clips of many mainstream media and widely reported nationwide,” he said.

“It is most absurd that when media across the nation are reporting the matter, the discussion of such matter that has caused wide public concerns was forbidden by the deputy speaker and disallowed to be recorded in the Hansard.

“The close association of some SUPP leaders with this individual has also been widely reported in local media and social media,” he said.

Jalan Wan Alwi pipeline burst not physically and directly caused by ART route contractor

By CW Claire

KUCHING, May 18 2026: Transport Minister Lee Kim Shin said that a recent pipeline burst along Jalan Wan Alwi was not physically and directly caused by the contractor of the Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) route based on the preliminary findings.

Caption: Minister Lee Kim Shin says the pipeline burst is believed to be due to ground vibration and fragility of an aged asbestos cement pipeline 

He added based on pipe condition assessments and preliminary investigations, the pipeline burst was believed to be due to the ground vibration and the fragility of an aged asbestos cement pipeline.

Lee said the affected pipeline was located beneath the existing carriageway and outside the designated construction work zone of the ART route.

He said it was also not part of the recorded utility information made available during pre-construction planning and verification exercises.

He explained prior to commencement of piling activities, Sarawak Metro Sdn Bhd and its contractor had undertaken all necessary due diligence measures, including utility detection surveys, trial pits, and piloting investigations within the designated work zone, to reconfirm the presence of underground utilities, with verification carried out by the respective utility asset owner.

“The affected pipeline was located approximately two metres away from the actual piling location, with no evidence of direct physical contact by construction machinery,” he said in his winding up speech in the state legislative assembly (SLA).

On  road conditions and temporary diversions along the ART routes, Lee said ministry acknowledges the inconvenience to road users.

He said the affected roads are temporary diversion routes for the KUTS project, designed to facilitate safe construction while maintaining traffic flow.

“Due to heavy construction works, frequent staging adjustments, and temporary pavement modifications, these roads are more susceptible to accelerated wear and tear, including potholes, uneven surfaces, and faded lane markings.

“Nevertheless, Sarawak Metro continuously monitors these roads through routine inspections and carries out rectification works such as pothole patching, resurfacing, repainting lane markings, and replacing traffic signages,” he said.

He said the temporary arrangements will evolve with construction progress, saying that upon completion of permanent KUTS structures, all affected roads will be fully reinstated to permanent standards and handed over to the relevant authorities.

Study recommends Tanjung Embang as site for the new Kuching International Airport, says Kim Shin

By CW Claire

KUCHING, May 18 2026: A Site Verification and Feasibility Study has recommended Tanjung Embang as the site for New Kuching International Airport (NKIA), Transport Minister Lee Kim Shin told the state legislative assembly (SLA) today.

Caption: Minister Lee Kim Shin has feasibility study also assessed key factors 

He said the study concludes that the site is operationally and technically feasible while aligning with the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030) to strengthen Sarawak’s connectivity and long-term economic growth.

“The study has assessed key factors, including airspace requirements, land use compatibility, infrastructure connectivity, environmental considerations, as well as passenger and cargo growth potential, in support of Sarawak’s aspiration to become a regional aviation and logistics hub,” he said in his winding up speech.

He said his ministry will submit the Airport Development Request (ADR) to the federal Ministry of Transport for development approval.

“The next phase will focus on land acquisition, site preparation and detailed design paving the way for the commencement of physical construction of the New Kuching International Airport,” he stressed.

Lee said his ministry has also initiated a feasibility study on a proposed rail link project in Bintulu, particularly along the key economic corridor between Kidurong and Samalaju industrial area.

He added this initiative aims to improve logistics and public connectivity, reduce reliance on road transport, ease road congestion and enhance overall road safety.

Soon - Adat marriage and divorce certificates can be accessed online

By CW Claire

KUCHING, May 18 2026: The Majlis Adat Istiadat Sarawak (MAIS) is presently undertaking two information and communications technology (ICT) enhancement of Native Marriage Electronic System Version 2 and  Cataloguing of Oral Traditions System Version 2 projects.

 

Caption: Minister John Sikie Tayai says MAIS enhancing Native Marriage Electronic System Version 2

Minister in the Premier’s Department John Sikie Tayai said these projects are aimed at strengthening MAIS's capacity in preserving the Adat, cultures, and traditions of the native communities of Sarawak.

“For the Native Marriage Electronic System Version 2, the most significant enhancement is Adat marriage and divorce certificates will be accessible online to the individuals concerned,” he said in his winding up speech in the state legislative assembly (SLA) today.

“With this initiative, the public will have convenient digital access to their Adat Marriage and Divorce record in their SarawakPass profile,” he assured.

On the Cataloguing of Oral Traditions System Version 2, Sikie said it will focus on improving the data management and documentation of Adat.

“This project is undertaken to preserve endangered oral traditions, customary knowledge and culture in digital form a to strengthen the systematic documentation and centralised management of Adat-related knowledge,” he said.

Sikie: Draft of proposed amendments to Native Courts Ordinance undergoing comprehensive review

By CW Claire

KUCHING, May 18 2026: Minister in the Premier’s Department John Sikie Tayai said draft of the proposed amendments to Native Courts Ordinance 1992  are undergoing comprehensive review. 

Caption: Minister John Sikie Tayai says the Native Courts system remains an important mechanism in safeguarding native customs 

He said the government is undertaking a thorough and careful review to ensure that the proposed changes are comprehensive, practical and responsive to the evolving needs and challenges faced by

the Native Courts system.

“The Native Courts system remains an important mechanism in safeguarding native customs, traditions and social harmony among the various native communities in Sarawak,” he said in his winding up speech in the state legislative assembly (SLA) today.
”The government remains committed towards strengthening this institution so that it continues to serve the rakyat effectively, fairly and efficiently,” he added.

Sikie assured that despite the limited number of Magistrates presiding at the District Native Courts and Resident Native Courts, the courts continue to work diligently and responsibly in addressing

the increasing number of cases registered throughout the state.

He said various proactive measures and strategies have been implemented to improve its administration and facilitate the effective management of court cases including, new approaches to capacity-building programmes for community leaders, court clerks and peons in targeted districts where outstanding court cases are relatively high.

“These programmes are aimed at strengthening the understanding of court procedures, practical exposures and guidance, improving coordination between the Chief Registrar Office, courts clerks, court peons and community leaders,” he said.

Sikie said  out of total 18,799 registered court cases involving Breaches of Adat,

Civil Cases, Application to Identified as Native of Sarawak and Appeal Cases registered since 1992 that involve all levels of courts throughout Sarawak, 14,505 cases or 77% had been settled as of April this year.

He said the Native Courts is making every effort to ensure that the remaining cases are resolved promptly and efficiently.

“This shows the effectiveness of the continuous efforts undertaken by the Native Courts and reflects the growing capability of our community leaders and court personnel in managing disputes more effectively,” he said.

Damage to utility infrastructure facilities by third parties is serious issue; losses running into millions of ringgit

 By Mohd Abdullah Lee

KUCHING, May 18 2026: Minister of Utilities and Telecommunications Julaihi Narawi has described as serious issue on damage to utility infrastructure facilities, such as electrical cables, water pipes, telecommunications cables, by third parties, especially construction contractors.

 

Caption: Minister Julaihi Narawi says damage caused to utlity infrastructure facilities has disrupted daily life of the people

He said the damage has resulted in millions of ringgit in losses and service disruptions or public nuisance to users.

“Damage to utility and telecommunications infrastructure facilities also often occurs during excavation works, such as severed underground cables, damaged utility poles and burst water pipes due to construction project work,” he said in his winding up speech in the state legislative assembly (SLA) today.

He said the damage takes a long time to repair and subsequently affects services to users.

“This will make it difficult for users to carry out their daily activities, as well as giving a bad image and perception to the government, especially the ministry and its agencies,” he said.

“For example, the incident of water pipeline damage in Jalan Wan Alwi, Kuching, in Sadong Jaya area,  Batu Kawa area, Simpang Tiga area and Batu Lintang area were caused by the negligence of a third party resulting in unplanned water supply disruptions to consumers,” he said.

He said the damage also caused losses to the relevant agencies for the cost of repairs and restoration of water supply, in addition to affecting local economic activities.

“In fact, we also went to the field to monitor and witness the repair work on the affected infrastructure,” Julaihi said.

He added a total of 862 cases of utility and telecommunications supply system disruptions caused by damage by third parties involving a total loss cost estimated at RM2.1 million.

He said out 862, a total 459 cases involved electricity supply, 214 water supply disruptions and 189 telecommunications infrastructure.

“Following this, several actions have been taken by coordinating with service providers for the purpose of service restoration, holding engagement sessions to increase public and contractor awareness, and increasing compliance with work permits to ensure the safety and continuity of utility and telecommunications infrastructure,” he said.

“ In addition, there are also situations where telecommunications cable damage is caused by rodent bites such as rats and squirrels.

“These rodents are known to like to bite fiber cables based on the experience of industry providers,” he sighed.

 

Minister says 5,427 cases of vandalism with estimated loss of RM42 million reported from 2023 to 2025

By Mohd Abdullah Lee

KUCHING, May 18 2026:  Vandalism cases involving utility and telecommunications infrastructure facilities recorded 5,427 cases with estimated loss of RM42 million from 2023 to 2025, Minister of Utilizes and Telecommunication Julaihi Narawi told the state legislative assembly (SLA) today.

Caption: Minister Julaihi Narawi says that damage to a small cable can have a major impact on utility facilities and telecommunications service networks. 

He said the total included 1,562 cases reported last year.

“Therefore, I would like to call on all parties including the honorable members to help and play a role in preventing this crime of vandalism,” he said in his winding up speech.

He urged them to report any suspicious activity near utility and telecommunications infrastructure facilities to the authorities.

He said damage to a small cable can have a major impact on utility facilities and telecommunications service networks.

He stressed that vandalism remains one of the main challenges of his ministry and its agencies.

“This crime of vandalism involves theft and damage to equipment such as cables, transformers, electricity poles, water pipes and others.

“We cannot take such cases lightly which can become critical issues in addition to hindering development and causing inconvenience to local residents.

“For example, although electricity and telecommunications cables may seem small, the irresponsible act of deliberately cutting these cables has a major impact on the supply of electricity, water and telecommunications.

“Based on records, most of the perpetrators of vandalism are from the unguarded youth group and have no direction in life,” he said.

Julaihi urged the authorities responsible for these youth need to take proactive steps in implementing various intervention programs to address this problem.

He said in some cases, the damage that occurs is very serious and takes a long time to repair. This affects the supply of utility services such as water, electricity and telecommunications facilities including the internet, making daily activities difficult for the public.

“This situation has also caused the ministry and its agencies to receive numerous complaints from the public, including from elected representatives.

“For those who do not understand this situation, they will arbitrarily blame the government through social media without any investigation,” he said.