Chee How, community leaders submit objections to EC on proposed changes affecting N.11 Batu Lintang, creation of new N.16 Tabuan Jaya

KUCHING, Oct 1 2026: Batu Lintang State Legislative Member (SLM) See Chee How and community leaders have submitted their formal objections to the Election Commission (EC) yesterday regarding the proposed changes affecting N.11 Batu Lintang and the creation of the new N.16 Tabuan Jaya.

Caption: Batu Lintang SLM See Chee How submitting objections to EC on proposed changes to Batu Lintang, creation of new constituency Tabuan Jaya

He said their objections focuse on the importance of preserving local, social, cultural and historical ties within the communities. 

"The proposed changes would separate several areas that have long shared close community connections, including the current polling districts of Tabuan Dayak, Tabuan Jaya and Tabuan Laru," he said on his Facebook post today.

He said they also raised concerns regarding the proposed Tabuan Height polling district, where a locality currently comprising 967 voters is proposed to become a much larger polling district with 6,361 voters. 

"We believe greater clarity is needed on how this change would affect the communities and voters concerned," he stressed.

See reminded that electoral boundaries are not simply lines on a map as theyy affect how communities are represented and how local interests are heard.

"We therefore respectfully submit these concerns to EC for consideration and hope that the final boundaries will take into account community ties, local history, administrative realities and effective representation," he added.

"Our communities have histories, connections and identities. These should be heard and considered in the redelineation process," she said.

Various activities to be held over four days to mark the governor's 80th birthday

KUCHING, Oct 1 2026: Various activities including official, religious, ceremonial and public events will be organised from Oct 8 to 11 to the mark the 80th birthday of Governor Tun Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar.

Caption: Minister Julaihi Narawi (centre) says that the highlight of the celebrations on October 10 will begin with a grand parade and assembly at Padang Merdeka, starting at 8am, involving 106 contingents across seven categories and an expected turnout of 5,000 spectators. 

Utility and Telecommunication Minister Julaihi Narawi, who is also the Minister-in-Charge of the celebration, said the public is welcome to attend and enliven the festivities but must ensure that discipline and public order are maintained at all times.

“We need to exercise discipline when attending such ceremonies. Let us attend in a spirit of harmony and decorum, ensuring nothing disrupts the orderly atmosphere,” he told reporters after chairing the main organising committee meeting here.

He noted that the celebration would commence with a thanksgiving ceremony at the Sarawak Jamek Mosque on October 8, an event expected to draw a crowd of 3,000 people.

On October 9, a special sermon marking the occasion will be delivered at mosques across Sarawak during Friday prayers, followed by a thanksgiving ceremony for other religions at the Unifor Complex in Kuching at 8pm, which is expected to be attended by 1,000 people.

The highlight of the celebrations on October 10 will begin with a grand parade and assembly at Padang Merdeka, starting at 8am, involving 106 contingents across seven categories and an expected turnout of 5,000 spectators. 

At midday, the Sarawak state awards investiture ceremony will take place at the ceremonial hall of the Astana Negeri Sarawak, with an expected attendance of 500 people, followed by a state banquet at the Banquet Hall of the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly at 8pm, which is also expected to draw 500 guests.

Meanwhile, the people's concert (pentas rakyat) at Padang Merdeka on the night of October 10 is expected to be a highlight of the celebrations, targeting an attendance of 10,000 visitors.

Organized by the Sarawak Arts Council, the concert will feature artists from Kuala Lumpur and Sarawak, including Awie, Aina Abdul, and Floor 88, alongside five local artists.

A fireworks display is also scheduled as part of the evening's festivities.

The celebrations will continue on October 11 with a tea Reception at a hotel from 10:30am, expected to gather 700 guests.

In the meantime, traffic control and road closures for the celebrations will begin on October 8, and the public is advised to follow the latest updates from the police via official channels. 

Present at the press conference were Deputy Minister in the Premier's Department (Law, MA63 and State-Federal Relations) Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali; Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts (Tourism) Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew; Deputy Minister of Transport (Riverine and Marine) Henry Harry Jinep; and Deputy Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development (Commodity and Regional Development) Martin Ben.

State government plans to establish trade and tourism office in Abu Dhabi, to be jointly managed by Sarawak Energy and Petros

KUCHING, Oct 1 2026: The Sarawak government plans to set up a Trade and Tourism Office (STATO) in Abu Dhabi to strengthen cooperation with the emirate in the solar energy and gas industries.

Caption: Premier Abang Johari Openg says that the office will serve as a platform for collaboration between SEB as the energy managing company in Sarawak and Petros in managing project proposals with Abu Dhabi.

Premier Abang Johari Openg said the proposal involves joint management by Sarawak Energy Berhad and Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros) to oversee proposed projects to be implemented in Sarawak.

“This is still at the planning stage. We have held discussions with the Abu Dhabi side to strengthen ties and also manage proposed projects in Sarawak.

“There will, of course, be cooperation between both sides. That is why it will be jointly managed by SEB, our company responsible for energy, and Petros,” he said when met by reporters after opening the Sarawak Corporate Leadership Summit 2026 at a leading hotel here today.

He said the office will serve as a platform for collaboration between SEB as the energy managing company in Sarawak and Petros in managing project proposals with Abu Dhabi.

He explained that its establishment would depend on the progress of the project being planned in Sarawak, which is currently undergoing feasibility studies expected to take more than a year.

Abang Johari said Sarawak also sees significant potential in developing downstream activities in the gas industry through collaboration with Sakura of Japan, Air Liquide and Indorama.

He said among the potential areas being explored are the production of fabrics from gas and the recycling of gas-based polymer products.

“We can further develop our gas resources, including for clothing, through ICAM technology involving a company called Sakura, together with ICAM and Indorama, where we will develop gas-based manufacturing activities, as I announced when I met them.

“They are now looking to establish operations in Bintulu with a total investment of USD1 billion, and this is a new industry.

“That is why I believe Sarawak has the strengths and the necessary ingredients to transform towards new and advanced industries,” he said.

Sarawak government receives accolade for its efficiency in managing public feedback and complaints

PUTRAJAYA, Oct 1 2026: The Sarawak government’s efficiency in managing over 56,000 public feedback items and complaints up to October 2026 has drawn praise, with a 96.5 per cent resolution rate—the majority of which were addressed in under four days.

Caption: It's the thumbs-up for the Sarawak government for its effieciency in managing public feedback and complaints. Deputy Sarawak State Secretary Hii Chang Kee is seen pictured in the centre

Chief Secretary to the Government  Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar said that the achievement demonstrates the Sarawak government's commitment to ensuring that every complaint and grievance from the public receives appropriate attention and action.

“While this achievement has been attained, we must maintain this momentum of excellence; if there is still room for improvement, it must be addressed immediately,” he said at the 2025 State Secretary Administration-Level Public Complaint Management Inspection Rating Appreciation today.

 Shamsul Azri noted that public complaint management should not be viewed merely as a process of receiving and resolving complaints; instead, it should be leveraged to identify trends and weaknesses in government service delivery.

According to him, frequently received complaints from specific areas or those involving recurring issues can serve as indicators that certain aspects of service delivery require improvement. “Let us use this feedback to examine trends in the issues faced by the people and subsequently devise the best and swiftest solutions.

“We must not adopt a hands-off approach by turning complainants away simply because an issue falls outside our jurisdiction,” he said.

Shamsul Azri also urged top state-level leadership to pay close attention to the functions and roles of public complaint management and to ensure that relevant meetings are held regularly.

He noted that this approach is crucial for enabling leaders to gain firsthand insight into the people's grievances on the ground, thereby ensuring that follow-up actions can be implemented more effectively.

He explained that the way a government handles complaints reflects its level of efficiency, empathy, and commitment to championing the people's interests.

In this regard, he hopes that Sarawak’s performance in public complaint management will continue to improve through swift, effective, and solution-oriented actions. 

Sarawak Sovereign Wealth Future Fund has made early progress, its value reported to have increased to RM8.6 billion, says premier

KUCHING, Oct 1 2026:  The Sarawak Sovereign Wealth Future Fund, established with an initial appropriation of RM8 billion, has recorded encouraging early progress, with its value was reported to have increased to RM8.6 billion this year, Premier Abang Johari Openg has said.

Caption: Premier Abang Johari Openg says that the  sovereign wealth future fund is a practical expression of the long-term responsibility where we transfer the value of our excess power and energy that is being exported or to be exported to countries in Asean

He said the fund has begun building a diversified portfolio that includes global fixed-income assets and domestic bonds, and it has been accepted as an Associate Member of the International Forum of Sovereign Wealth Funds.

"The achievements demonstrate how prudent financial management today can create resilience, security and opportunity for future generations of Sarawakians," he said at the Sarawak Corporate Leadership Summit 2026 here today.

"Whether the return is stronger revenues, better connectivity, a more educated population, a new industry or greater resilience, every investment should contribute to Sarawak’s future," he said, adding that the objective should therefore be clear that the use the resources and financial strength  will continue to create value tomorrow. 

He said Sarawak's ambitions require financial capacity, telling that its financial strength gives the state government greater room to invest, but financial strength itself is not the end goal. 

"The more important question is how we use it," the premier said, stressing that the state must continue to invest in infrastructure, education, technology, economic activities and the wellbeing of our people, while ensuring that its resources generate long-term value. 

"The  sovereign wealth future fund is a practical expression of this long-term responsibility where we transfer the value of our excess power and energy that is being exported or to be exported to countries in Asean and beyond Asean," the premier said.

Proficiency in Maths and Science from primary school level is crucial to Sarawak's younger generation, Dr Annuar reminds

TATAU, Oct 1 2026: Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Dr Annuar Rapaee has reminded that proficiency in Mathematics and Science from the primary school level is crucial to ensuring Sarawak's younger generation possesses a solid foundation for pursuing further education in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).

Caption: Deputy Minister Dr AQnnuar Rapaee chatting with some of the pupils of SK Sungai Bagiau

He said that early exposure to STEM is necessary to help pupils master the subject before advancing to higher levels of education.

He made the reminders at the official closing ceremony of the 'Numbers and Exploration for Understanding Science' (NEXUS Carnival) 2026 at Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Sungai Bagiau here yesterday.

He said the establishment of six Yayasan Sarawak International Secondary Schools (YSISS) is one of the Sarawak government's initiatives to provide local children—including those from rural areas—with the opportunity to receive an education based on the Cambridge international syllabus.

He noted that three YSISS campuses are currently operational—two in Kuching and one in Sibu while three more are set to be built in Miri, Bintulu, and Betong.

He added that five pioneer students from these schools are scheduled to sit for the Dual Language Programme Assessment (UP-DLP) examination on October 14 and 15.

Dr Annuar encouraged parents not to miss the opportunity to send eligible children to YSISS, particularly those from the B40 group living in remote areas and longhouses.

He said ten students from longhouses in Betong recently received offer letters to study at YSISS with full sponsorship.

Activist Peter John Jaban wants Immigration Department to clarify the SOP used in banning SAM president from entering the state

KUCHING, Oct 1 2026: Sarawak activist Peter John Jaban is calling on Sarawak immigration authorities to clarify the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) which led to Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM) president Meenakshi Raman being denied entry to the state last Tuesday.

Caption: Activist Peter John Jaban  says that the denial of entry against SAM president Meenakshi Raman has been handled very badly. 

He said the use of Sarawak’s important immigration autonomy must be carefully and meaningfully deployed as a clear statement of Sarawak’s policy and not as a strong-arm tactic against environmental defenders, which will bring the good name of Sarawak into disrepute.

“Our immigration autonomy is one of the most important safeguards that Sarawak retains under MA63. It allows us to protect our unique context within Malaysia. It should be used transparently and appropriately, and in a manner which promotes Sarawak’s aims and objectives. 

This has been handled very badly. We now look like we have something to hide," he said in response to the denial of entry against  Meenakshi  by the Immigration Department upon her arrival at the Miri Airport on Sept 29.

“Sarawak is proudly working towards a policy of social inclusivity, sustainability and environmental protections under Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030)," he said, adding that banning Meenakshi was taken with no clear explanation against the head of a recognised non-governmental organisation (NGO), working on environmental protections and supporting Indigenous communities and their rights, completely undermines this image.

Peter, who is also deputy president of Global Human Rights Federation (Malaysia) said the policies and actions in Sarawak should be firm enough to withstand scrutiny. 

"If immigration authorities have a reason of sufficient importance to deny entry, then this needs to be clearly communicated for the good of the state. 

"In this case, Meenakshi was simply told that ‘a report’ had been lodged against her on May 21, 2025. If this report exists, why has it not been progressed in the last year and a half?" he asked.

He added anyone can make a report, but it should be properly investigated and found to have a basis important enough to exercise this vital protection, otherwise, it is a serious failing and a misuse of power.

"This kind of public relations crisis should be a thing of the past. Our powers should be exercised fairly, transparently and in accordance with the law. Furthermore, if a person is denied entry, the public deserves to know the lawful basis and specific reasons for such a decision," Peter said.

He reminded that activists are not politicians as their role is to bring attention to issues, amplify the voices of communities and advocate for people's rights, particularly where communities may have limited access to political or institutional platforms. 

He stressed that peaceful advocacy, constructive criticism and legitimate civil-society activities should not automatically be interpreted as attempts to create disharmony. 

He said activists who stand with Indigenous peoples, defend Native Customary Rights (NCR) and protect the environment are not a threat simply because they raise difficult questions, challenge decisions or speak out on issues affecting local communities. 

"We recognise that Sarawak has its own immigration authority and that this is an important part of protecting the State's interests, security and social harmony,: Peter said, adding he fully supports Sarawak's right to prevent individuals who deliberately seek to create racial or religious hatred, violence, intimidation or serious social disharmony from entering the State. 

"But it should not be directed at activists, environmentalists, human-rights defenders or Indigenous-rights advocates who peacefully defend the rights, dignity and heritage of Sarawak's Indigenous Peoples and the environment. Nor should it be based on some shady and poorly explained ‘report’ from over a year ago," he reminded.

He stressed that Sarawak has always been proud of its diversity, unique identity and social harmony, saying that protecting that harmony should also mean protecting the space for peaceful advocacy, constructive criticism and legitimate civil society. 

"If we are doing the right thing, then constructive criticism should strengthen our direction, not undermine it," he pointed out, cautioning that development should never mean silencing those who speak for the people and the land. 

"We should be able to disagree without treating one another as enemies. We can defend Sarawak's autonomy while respecting the important role of civil society," he reminded.

SJK Chung Hua Betong picked as pilot project for implementaton of Articial Intelligence classroom in Sarawaki

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 1 2026: Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan (SJK) Chung Hua Betong is set to serve as a pilot school for the implementation of the first Artificial Intelligence (AI) Classroom in Sarawak, opening up opportunities for rural students to gain exposure to the latest technologies and learning methods.

Caption: Deputy Minister Gerald Rentap (4th from left) listening to a briefing by an officer of Samsung Malaysia

Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Gerald Rentap Jabu said that a room at the school is currently being renovated to serve as an AI Classroom through a corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative by Samsung Malaysia.

He said the facility marks the first AI Classroom in Sarawak and one of only three established in Malaysia.

“This provides another opportunity for rural children to learn using modern methods, technology and more.

“We hope this can serve as an example and be adopted in other locations and schools across Sarawak,” he said., quoted by Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS) during a technology benchmarking visit to Samsung Malaysia here yesterday.

Rentap added that the facility is expected to benefit students from Year Three onwards, providing early exposure to the use of technology and AI in learning.

He noted that this approach would help establish a learning foundation for students to continue their education in an increasingly technology-driven environment in the future.

He also expressed hope that the implementation of the 'AI Classroom' in Betong could serve as a pilot model that can subsequently be expanded to other schools throughout Sarawak.

Also present were Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Dzulkornain Masron, Chief Executive Officer of Sarawak Sports Corporation and Director of the Sarawak State Sports Council Mu’azamir Jili, UKAS Director Awang Putrayusrie Awang Redzuan, Samsung Malaysia Chief Operating Officer Gabzel Kim, Head of MX (Mobile eXperience) Division Jack Lim and Head of Display Solutions Division Wong Chung Hau.