Organisers threaten to stage larger peaceful assembly if MPKS and other relevant agencies fail to attend anti-Bandar Riyal peaceful assembly this Sunday

KOTA SAMARAHAN, Aug 28 2026: Rights activist Peter John Jaban threatened to organise a larger peaceful assembly if Kota Samarahan Municipal Council (MPKS) and other relevant agencies fail to send their representatives to the anti-Bandar Riyal peaceful assembly this coming Sunday.

Caption: Activist Peter John Jaban expresses regret that Kota Samarahan Municipal Council has turned down the official invitation to attend the anti-Bandar Riyal peaceful assembly on Aug 30 2026

He said he wants them to be present so the organisers of the assembly could hand over copies of a memorandum to them.

 “If the relevant authorities and invited representatives refuse to attend and receive the memorandum, we will seriously consider organising a larger peaceful assembly to ensure that the concerns of the people receive the attention they deserve,” Peter, who is also the chairman of the peaceful assembly, said in a statement.

He said the organisers have officially invited MPKS chairman or representative to attend the peaceful assembly and receive their memorandum.

He said the organisers have also sent official invitation to the Resident of Kota Samarahan, Stakan State Legislative Member Hamzah Brahim and Kota Samarahan Member of Parliament Rubiah Wang to attend the assembly.

Peter, however, expressed regret that MPKS has turned down the invitation “stating that the council does not have the capacity to attend the peaceful assembly and receive our memorandum.”

He said the first protest against the name Bandar Riyal was ignored by the relevant authorities.

“This time, the people will continue to speak until their concerns are properly heard and acknowledged,” he said.

The organisers have given approval by the Kota Samarahan police to hold the  peaceful assembly on Aug 30, 2026, from 10.30am to 12noon, at Bandar Riyal market.

Peter said when the name Bandar Riyal was introduced in 2025, members of the local community objected and organised a protest under the leadership of the late Cobold John.

He added the  people protested on the street and submitted a memorandum to MPKS, which unfortunately rejected it.

“More than a decade later (10 years), the people are once again compelled to organise a peaceful assembly to defend their history, identity and heritage.

“This second peaceful protest has been further triggered by the proposed name of the new state constituency, N23 Samarindah.

“The people are now asking whether the authorities have learned anything from the past. Will the voices of the people once again be ignored?” Peter asked.

Use electricity prudently in light of reduced rainfall in catchment areas of three HEPs, SEB advises

KUCHING, Aug 28 2026: State-owned sole power supplier Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) has advised consumers to use electricity prudently, particularly air-conditioning and other cooling appliances in the light of the reduced rainfall in the catchment areas of the three hydro-electric powers (HEPs) due to the current dry weather conditions in the state.

Caption: Sarawak Energy Behad says that during prolonged dry periods, hydropower output may be reduced to conserve reservoir levels, while thermal generation is increased as needed to maintain reliable electricity supply.

It said this includes turning off the appliances that are not in use and spacing out the use of high-powered appliances rather than running them together.

SEB explained that reduced rainfall in the catchments since April 2025 has resulted in lower inflows into the reservoirs at Bakun, Murum and Batang Ai dams.

It said hydropower typically accounts for around 65 per cent of electricity supplied to the grid, with thermal generation making up roughly 34 per cent and other sources the remaining 1 per cent.

SEB explained that during prolonged dry periods, hydropower output may be reduced to conserve reservoir levels, while thermal generation is increased as needed to maintain reliable electricity supply.

“When reservoir conditions improve, the balance can be adjusted accordingly,” SEB said in a statement, adding that it continues to closely monitor hydrological and reservoir conditions at the three dams.

SEB also assured that, despite the prolonged dry weather, the state’s overall electricity supply remains reliable and Sufficient.

It said it is being supported by established planning and operational measures for managing hydrological conditions at its hydropower plants.

It said it is also working closely with key agencies including the Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication (MUT), Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC), National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA), Malaysian Meteorological Department (MET Malaysia) and Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB) to coordinate the ongoing response.

SEB recalled that in May and June 2026, two cloud-seeding operations were carried out by the Sarawak government under the coordination of SDMC to encourage rainfall over major dam and water catchment areas.

It said a third series of cloud-seeding operations is tentatively scheduled to take place from 3 to 5 September 2026.

For enquiries or assistance, customers may contact Sarawak Energy’s Customer Care Centre at 1300-88-3111, email customercare@sarawakenergy.com, access the SEB cares mobile appor web portal, or engage with its virtual agent, CARINA

 

Man killed after lorry he was driving collided with another lorry

SERIAN, Aug 28 2026: A lorry driver was killed when the vehicle he was driving over-turned after colliding head-on with a cargo lorry at Jalan Sungai Menyan, near here this afternoon.

Caption: The driver was trapped under the over-turned lorry after colliding with a cargo lorry

Serian Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba),in a statement, said the deceased was trapped under the five-ton lorry that had over-turned.

He was confirmed dead by the paramedics from the Ministry of Health.

The department said the three persons travelling in the cargo lorry were injured and were later sent to the Serian Hospital.

It said it received a call from a member of the public at 2.50pm regarding the collision and immediately sent a team of firemen to the scene.

Blessed Sacrament Church BDC receives funds from UNIFOR

KUCHING, Aug 28 2026: Kota Sentosa State Legislative Member (SLM) Wilfred Yap handed over a cheque from the Unit for Other Religions (UNIFOR) to the Parish Council of the Blessed Sacrament Church today to support the upgrading works of the church building.

Caption: SLM Wilfred Yap (third from left), on behalf of UNIFOR,  handing over a cheque to a representative of the Parish Council of the Blessed Sacrament Church

The grant was made possible following the church’s application for funding assistance, which Yap had earlier supported and advocated for.

He said he was pleased to see the application successfully receive the Sarawak government’s support, reflecting its commitment to ensuring that places of worship across communities are properly supported and maintained.

“I am pleased to be able to hand over this UNIFOR grant to the Parish Council of Blessed Sacrament Church BDC. I had earlier supported the church’s application because I believe that our places of worship play an important role not only in spiritual life, but also in bringing communities together.”

He stressed that the upgrading of places of worship is part of Sarawak’s broader commitment to strengthening community infrastructure and ensuring that no community is left behind.

“This is what a Sarawak First approach is about — listening to the needs of our communities and working together to find practical solutions. Regardless of race or religion, every community deserves the opportunity to have safe, functional and conducive facilities.”

State government to carry out comprehensive study on flood mitigation system in Bintulu

BINTULU, Aug 28 2026: The Sarawak government plans to carry out a comprehensive study on the flood mitigation system in Bintulu as a long-term measure to address flood issues in the town.

Caption: Deputy Premier Dr Sim Kui Hian says Premier Abang Johari Openg has approved the Bintulu comprehensive plan

Deputy Premier Dr Sim Kui Hian said that the study is proposed to involve an international consulting firm alongside local expertise to ensure that Bintulu's flood mitigation planning is executed in a more comprehensive and effective manner.

He said this approach allows the entire flood mitigation system in Bintulu to be evaluated in terms of planning, existing system capacity, and improvement needs.

He said the major international consulting firm will  bring along local expertise while meeting international standards.

“The Bukit Assek urban renewal project in Sibu is being implemented by the international firm.  Premier Abang Johari Openg has reviewed the plan and is satisfied with it.

“Therefore, he wanted Bintulu to also engage the services of the same international consulting firm to conduct the flood mitigation study,” he said.

He said this when met by the media while inspecting Gem Park after attending a meeting with the Bintulu Division Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) at the Bintulu DID Office yesterday.

Dr Sim, who is also the Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government, said the international consulting firm will not only bring external expertise, but will also collaborate with local experts, including surveyors and relevant technical parties.

He added that the experience of implementing flood mitigation projects involving international consulting firms in other areas can serve as a reference in drafting plans for Bintulu.

He noted that the proposed appointment of the consulting firm for Bintulu is still in the process of being finalized, including matters related to cost and scope of services.

According to him, the Bintulu Development Authority (BDA) is expected to hold a meeting to finalize the matter.

Also present were Tanjong Batu Assemblyman Johnny Pang Leong Ming and Political Secretary to the Sarawak Premier Angeline Stephen Raja.