Processes for increasing the state and parliamentary seats not the same, Tellian SLM reminds Sarawak DAP Youth

MUKAH, Sept 11 2026:  The increase in Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (SLA) seats from 82 to 99 does not automatically translate to an increase in Parliamentary seats; rather, it is a measure to strengthen public representation in line with the state's current needs.

Caption: Tellian SLM Royston Valentine says any increase in parliamentary seats is a separate process requiring an amendment to the Federal Constitution and majority support in the Dewan Rakyat.

Tellian State Legislative Member (SLM) Royston Valentine, who is also the information chief of the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Sarawak Youth Movement, stated that this matter must be clearly understood because the processes for increasing state and parliamentary seats are subject to different mechanisms and jurisdictions.

“State seats are not created by a photocopier. Adding one state seat does not automatically result in the creation of a parliamentary seat. If it were that simple, every state would have long since increased its parliamentary seats according to its own wishes,” he said.

According to him, the increase in Sarawak state seats takes into account the needs of vast, rapidly developing areas and unique geographical challenges, ensuring that public representation and service delivery are strengthened.

He explained that any increase in parliamentary seats is a separate process requiring an amendment to the Federal Constitution and majority support in the Dewan Rakyat.

Commenting on the statement by the Democratic Action Party Socialist Youth (DAPSY) Sarawak regarding this matter, Royston said the distinction between the two processes must be understood so that debates on constituency delineation do not cause confusion among the public.

At the same time, he emphasized that Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) remains committed to championing Sarawak's interests and rights through constitutional channels, legal avenues, and negotiations at the federal level, including efforts to restore one-third of the parliamentary seats to Sarawak.

Only a small percentage of about 830,000 account holders complaining of high bills, says Sesco CEO

KUCHING, Sept 11 2026:  Chief executive officer of Syarikat Sesco Berhad Yusri Safri explained that the company received complaints of high bills from “only” a small percentage of its approximately 830,000 account holders.

Caption: Seco CEO Yusri Safri reiterates the company’s commitment to helping those who require clarification or assistance with their electricity bills.

He said Sesco, nevertheless, understands that each case can have a significant impact on the affected customer and family, explaining why every concern is important to the company and will be given the attention and assistance it deserves..

“A higher bill may result from factors such as changes in electricity consumption, accumulated arrears, adjustments following estimated billing or other circumstances specific to an individual account.

“Every customer case is considered based on its individual circumstances. We have always reviewed complaints and appeals fairly, and where appropriate, adjustments or waivers have been made following review,” he said in a statement. today.

He reiterated the company’s commitment to helping those who require clarification or assistance with their electricity bills.

He added that dedicated billing counters have also been set up across Sarawak throughout September to provide face-to-face assistance and review individual billing concerns.

He said customers involved in 24 cases brought to its attention through recent social media posts have been contacted, with each case being reviewed based on its individual circumstances.

Yusri also reiterated that replacing an existing meter with a smart meter does not, in itself, increase electricity consumption or change the applicable tariff.

He added that Sarawak Energy Berhad, the parent’s company of Sesco, has also received positive feedback from smart meter customers, particularly on the ability to monitor daily electricity consumption and better manage their usage.

“To date, 270,748 smart meters have been installed across Sarawak,” he said, adding that the special billing counters will remain open from 9.00am to 4.00pm, Monday to Friday, until the end of September at Wisma SESCO in Kuching, the Sibu Regional Office at Jalan Deshon, Bandar Baru Permyjaya in Miri and Bintulu Town Square.

He said customers may also seek assistance through the Customer Care Centre at 1300-88-3111, customercare@sarawakenergy.com, the SEB cares mobile app or any Sarawak Energy customer service counter.