Friday, 25 September 2026

Religious communities are key partners in state's development, particularly in fostering an inclusive society, says premier

KUCHING, Sept 26 2026:  Religious communities in Sarawak are regarded as key partners in realising the state's development, particularly in fostering a society that is inclusive and resilient, and grounded in strong communal values, said Premier Abang Johari Openg tonight.

Caption: Deputy Premier Dr Sim Kui Hian representing Premier Abang Johari Openg at the Sarawak Bahai'i Community's 75th anniversary dinner

He added the state's development under the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030) focuses not only on economic growth, modern infrastructure, and technological advancement but also emphasizes human development and the active participation of every community in shaping the state's future. 

“Our vision is not only to create an advanced economy but also to build an inclusive society that offers every community the opportunity to thrive and contribute to a shared future.

“To achieve this vision, we must all work together—including the government, civil society, religious organizations, and every citizen,” he said in his speech read by Deputy Premier Dr Sim Kui Hian at the Sarawak Bahá’í Community’s 75th Anniversary Dinner held here.

Abang Johari said the Sarawak Bahá’í Community has made significant contributions to society throughout its 75 years of existence, particularly through its emphasis on education, moral development, community building, and service to the community.

He noted that this role demonstrates that the contributions of religious communities are not limited to religious matters alone but are directly linked to efforts to build a more caring and responsible society.

“Through your emphasis on education, moral development, community building, and service to humanity, you have made meaningful contributions toward building a stronger and more caring community across our state,” he added.

The premier stated that every religious community plays a distinct role in shaping a society that is compassionate, resilient, and united, in line with Sarawak’s development aspirations that prioritize the holistic well-being of the people. 

The dinner was graced with the presence of  Governor Tun Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, and his wife, Toh Puan Fauziah Mohd Sanusi.

Their presence reflects their high regard and appreciation for the contributions of various communities in strengthening the harmony, mutual understanding, and spirit of coexistence that serve as key strengths of Sarawakian society.

The anniversary celebration also provided an opportunity to reflect on the Sarawak Bahá’í community's journey over the past 75 years, including its members' contributions to society and their efforts to foster unity and harmony among the state's diverse ethnic and religious groups.

13 locations across Sarawak turning "green" as air quality in Kanowit remains very unhealthy

KUCHING, Sept 25 2026: The air quality across Sarawak has improved significantly as the weather monitoring stations show 13 locations turning “green” as at 3pm this afternoon.

Caption: The hazy condition along the Balai Ringin stretch of the Pan Borneo Highway

The air quality in the green zone is being categorised as moderate, meaning the API readings are 100 and less.

Kanowit, however, is still having very unhealthy air quality.

The Air Pollutant Index (API) reading in Kanowit was at 216 level.

The monitoring stations show that seven locations were under the yellow or unhealthy category.

They include Serian (171), Lubok Antu (167). Samarahan (159) Kuching (157), Simanggang (153), Belaga (139) and Tebedu (129). 

25 September 2026, Friday 3:00 P.M. 

 

 

 

 

 

STATION

INDEX

STATUS

 

KUCHING

158

Unhealthy

 

SAMARAHAN

159

Unhealthy

 

SERIAN (MCAQM)

171

Unhealthy

 

SIMANGGANG

153

Unhealthy

 

SARIKEI

85

Moderate

 

SIBU

78

Moderate

 

MUKAH

72

Moderate

 

KAPIT

83

Moderate

 

BINTULU

84

Moderate

 

SAMALAJU

73

Moderate

 

MIRI

66

Moderate

 

ILP MIRI

65

Moderate

 

LIMBANG

57

Moderate

 

LUNDU

83

Moderate

 

TEBEDU

129

Unhealthy

 

LUBOK ANTU

167

Unhealthy

 

KANOWIT

216

Very Unhealthy

 

BELAGA

139

Unhealthy

 

LAWAS

61

Moderate

 

BARIO

55

Moderate

 

BETONG (MCAQM)

99

Moderate

Early childhood care and education is strategic investment in human capital, says deputy premier

KUCHING, Sept 25 2026: Early childhood care and education is a strategic investment in human capital development to shape a quality generation capable of driving Sarawak's future, in line with the aspirations of the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030), said Deputy Premier Awang Tengah Ali Hasan.

Caption: Deputy Premier Awang Tengah Ali Hasan says that development should not be measured solely on physical progress

He said the state's development should not be measured solely on physical progress, but must also take into account the opportunities provided to the people from the earliest stages of life.

"Development cannot be measured only by the roads, bridges, buildings and industries we build," he said at the opening of the Sarawak Preschool International Convention (SPIC) 2026 today

"Instead, it must also be measured by the opportunities we provide to the people, starting from the early stages of life," he stressed.

Awang Tengah added that early education plays an important role in shaping a generation capable of thinking critically, communicating confidently, collaborating and continuing to learn throughout life.

He said the foundation for these abilities is built from an early age through secure relationships, meaningful interaction, play, curiosity and creativity.

"In strengthening early childhood education, Sarawak must continue to pay attention to educational equity regardless of geography and family background, besides preparing children to face technological change.

"At the same time, this effort needs to place emphasis on strengthening identity, global confidence and the development of a more integrated early childhood education system," he further explained.

The deputy premier said SPIC 2026 serves as an important platform for Sarawak to gain experience and knowledge from around the world, while also sharing the state's approach on access, inclusivity and innovation in early childhood education," he said.