Schools in 12 districts reopen their classes on Sept 12

KUCHING, Sept 12 2026: Schools in 12 districts will reopen their classes on Monday, Sept 14, state Education Department said in a statement today.

The districts are Kuching, Samarahan, Bau, Lundu, Padawan, Simunjan, Sri Aman, Kanowit, Julau, Meradong, Bintulu amnd Tatau/Sebauh.

The air pollutant index (API) readings in these districts are under 200 level and are categorised as unhealthy or moderate.

The department reminded the students and teachers to wear face masks when they return to schools.

However, the department, said schools in Serian and Lubok Antu will remain close until the Air Pollutant Index (API) readings are under 200.

The department said it is monitoring the daily situation.

As at 8pm tonight, the API reading in Serian was 218 and in Lubok Antu, 208, and both categorised as very unhealthy.

The rest of the districts are either having unhealthy or moderate air quality.

Your role is not just to convey information about government's policies and achievements, premier's chief aide tells political secretaries

MIRI, Sept 12 2026: The role of the political secretary to the Premier of Sarawak is not just to convey information about the government's policies and achievements, but also to be an important liaison to ensure that the assistance and opportunities provided can be known and utilized by the people.

Caption: Chief Political Secretary Fazruddin Abdul Rahman says the role of political secretary is also to be an important liaison to ensure that the assistance and opportunities provided can be known and utilized by the people.

Chief Political Secretary to the premier Fazruddin Abdul Rahman said that the delivery of information directly to the public is important to ensure that various government initiatives do not stop at the policy level, but rather reach the groups that need them.

"Our responsibility is to ensure that the public knows about the successes of the Sarawak Government, the assistance available and the opportunities that the people can utilize," he said.

He said this when delivering a speech at the Political Secretary Outreach Programme: Briefing and Information Ceremony on Post-COVID-19 Development Initiatives and Strategies 2030 (PCDS 2030) Special for the Pujut State Assembly at the SM Pei Min Auditorium, on Saturday.

Fazruddin said Sarawak's increased income provides the government with room to expand investments in the welfare of the people, education, infrastructure and economic development.

He said that efforts to strengthen Sarawak-owned companies and create continuous sources of income are also important to ensure that the state has a strong economic foundation to finance the development and well-being of the people in the future.

He said that the delivery of information on the development agenda must be implemented comprehensively, encompassing large-scale infrastructure projects to basic facilities that directly impact the daily lives of the community.

In ensuring that these efforts are effective, cooperation between elected representatives, government agencies, community leaders and tribal leaders is very important to identify local needs and ensure that the benefits of development reach the grassroots level.

The one-day programme also provided the community with an opportunity to obtain direct information on various government initiatives, including telecommunications planning, treated water supply, electricity and gas, education, financial assistance, the Sarawak Free Higher Education Scheme (FTES), housing purchase assistance and Sarawak Irrigation and Drainage Department (DID) projects in the Pujut and Miri areas.

In addition to the briefing sessions, exhibitions and service counters were also provided to enable the community to interact directly with relevant agencies and obtain information and explanations on the facilities available.

Lee Kim Shin spends some time with the family members of the helicopter tragedy to comfort them

MIRI, Sept 12 2026: Transport Minister Lee Kim Shin spent some time with the families of those who lost their lives in the Long Lellang helicopter tragedy four days ago.

Caption: Minister Lee Kim Shin (facing camera) meeting with the family members of the victims 

He said there are no words that can truly ease the pain of losing a loved one, saying that he wanted to be there personally to listen to them, understand their concerns and make sure they are receiving the assistance they need.

“I updated the families on the latest developments and the arrangements that have been made for their transport, accommodation and other logistical needs,” Lee said in his Facebook post.

He assured the two of the families are from Peninsular Malaysia that while they are here in Sarawak, they will not be left to go through this difficult period on their own.

“We will continue to assist and support all the families as best we can,” he assured.

Lee said he also presented a condolence contribution to the families as a small gesture of sympathy.

“I have reminded the relevant agencies to continue keeping the families informed and to respond promptly to their needs.

“At a time like this, what matters most is that they feel supported and know that people are standing with them,” Lee said.

He added their loved ones were serving the people, especially communities in the rural and remote areas of Sarawak, stating that their commitment and sacrifice will always be remembered.

“My thoughts remain with all the families. May they be given strength and comfort as they go through the difficult days ahead,” Lee said.

The bodies of the five victims were found inside the burnt ill-fated helicopter that crash-landed near  the end of the Long Lellang short takeoff and landing airport (STOLport) Sept 8 2026.

The helicopter then burst into flames.

The ill-fated helicopter, a BO 105 S (CBS 5) model, was made in Germany and manufactured in 1991.

The helicopter has been used to carrying personnel of the Ministry of Health in Sarawak for 17 years since 2009.

At about 3.58pm on Sept 8 , the helicopter crash-landed at the end of Long Lellang STOLport, killing all on board.

The names of the victims were pilot Captain Zainol Afiq bin Bee Sham, 30, medical officer Dr Ainul Baraah Kamaruddin, 33, medical assistant Alexson Adit anak Henry, 31, staff nurse Debra anak Moset, 40, and staff nurse Jessie Paya Jok, 44.

MIRI, Sept 12 2026: Transport Minister Lee Kim Shin spent some time with the families of those who lost their lives in the Long Lellang helicopter tragedy four days ago.

He said there are no words that can truly ease the pain of losing a loved one, saying that he wanted to be there personally to listen to them, understand their concerns and make sure they are receiving the assistance they need.

“I updated the families on the latest developments and the arrangements that have been made for their transport, accommodation and other logistical needs,” Lee said in his Facebook post.

He assured the two of the families are from Peninsular Malaysia that while they are here in Sarawak, they will not be left to go through this difficult period on their own.

“We will continue to assist and support all the families as best we can,” he assured.

Lee said he also presented a condolence contribution to the families as a small gesture of sympathy.

“I have reminded the relevant agencies to continue keeping the families informed and to respond promptly to their needs.

“At a time like this, what matters most is that they feel supported and know that people are standing with them,” Lee said.

He added their loved ones were serving the people, especially communities in the rural and remote areas of Sarawak, stating that their commitment and sacrifice will always be remembered.

“My thoughts remain with all the families. May they be given strength and comfort as they go through the difficult days ahead,” Lee said.

The bodies of the five victims were found inside the burnt ill-fated helicopter that crash-landed near  the end of the Long Lellang short takeoff and landing airport (STOLport) Sept 8 2026.

The helicopter then burst into flames.

The ill-fated helicopter, a BO 105 S (CBS 5) model, was made in Germany and manufactured in 1991.

The helicopter has been used to carrying personnel of the Ministry of Health in Sarawak for 17 years since 2009.

At about 3.58pm on Sept 8 , the helicopter crash-landed at the end of Long Lellang STOLport, killing all on board.

The names of the victims were pilot Captain Zainol Afiq bin Bee Sham, 30, medical officer Dr Ainul Baraah Kamaruddin, 33, medical assistant Alexson Adit anak Henry, 31, staff nurse Debra anak Moset, 40, and staff nurse Jessie Paya Jok, 44.