Don't miss the opportunity to come for the Mukah Sarawakku Sayang programme this Saturday, SS tells the public

MUKAH, Oct 2 2026: The opportunities to interact directly with department heads, obtain information on government services, and enjoy unique local delicacies are among the main attractions of the Sarawakku Sayang (SKS) programme for the Mukah Division.

Caption: State Secretary Abu Bakar Marzuki, flanked by his deputies Hii Chang Kee and Felicia Tan, says officials and departments heads will resolve immediately whatever can be resolved on the spot

State Secretary Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki said that the programme serves not only as a platform to bring the government closer to the people but also provides an avenue for the community to voice their concerns and seek direct solutions from relevant agencies.

He added the presence of senior officials and department heads allows visitors to obtain explanations regarding government services and enables specific issues to be addressed immediately within the respective agencies' jurisdictions.

“What is important to us is conveying information to the people. They can meet face-to-face with our officers, senior officials, and department heads if they have any issue.

“We resolve immediately whatever can be resolved on the spot," he said when met by reporters after officiating the ‘Soft Launching of Sarawak Kitchen’ here today.

He noted that the local dishes and recipes showcased also serve as a unique attraction of SKS Mukah, highlighting the distinctive heritage cuisine of the local community that is rarely found elsewhere.

In addition to allowing the public to gain a better understanding of government services, the programme offers various attractions for visitors, including a lucky draw featuring a Proton Saga as the grand prize.

Regarding preparations leading up to the main event on Saturday, Abu Bakar added that the organising process has proceeded smoothly, thanks to the cooperation of the organizing committee and the strong support of the Mukah community.

Also present were Deputies State Secretary (Operations) Hii Chang Kee and Felicia Tan (administration) and Mukah Division Resident Bujang Rahman Seli. 

Give attention to welfare of participants, Billy tells management of FELCRA Berhad Tamang Sembawang 1 project

LUNDU, Oct 2 2026: The management of FELCRA Berhad Tamang Sembawang 1 project has been asked to give attention to the welfare of its 560 participants, especially involving land grant issues, dividend payments and oil palm replanting plans to ensure their economic survival.

Caption: Opar SLM Billy Sujang being welcomed on arrival for the FELCRA Berhad Tamang Sembawang 1 general meeting

The project, which involves an area of ​​547.44 hectares, began operating in 1999 before planting activities began in 2000, involving participants from several villages including Sebigo, Sebandi Hulu, Sebandi Hilir, Stunggang Melayu, Stunggang Melayu Baru, Seketi, Sileng Dayak, Sileng Melayu and Pandan.

This was among the matters raised at the 10th FELCRA Berhad Tamang Sembawang 1 general Meeting for the 2026-2028 session that Billy Sujang officiated at the Mahligai Gading Lundu Hall two days ago.
 

According to Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas), Billy reminded that payments and the welfare of participants must always be given attention by the management, in addition to ensuring that every matter relating to the interests of the participants is carried out transparently, with integrity and in an orderly manner.

He also touched on the participants' concerns regarding the land grant issue which has not been resolved after more than two decades, and suggested that the matter be managed jointly by the Participants' Development and Security Committee (AJKKP), participants and related agencies.

According to him, efforts to find a solution regarding the land grant issue should continue through negotiations with the relevant authorities, while elected representatives are ready to help bring the matter to further attention.

Following this, a meeting with FELCRA is planned for October 6, 2026 in Kuching to discuss several matters relating to the interests of participants including land grant claims, levies and dividend payments.

FELCRA Berhad Sarawak state director Zulkifli Sulong said that oil palm plantations in the area concerned have reached the appropriate period to undergo the replanting process following declining yield performance.

He said that replanting planning has also been given attention through the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), in addition to there being a grant assistance of RM11,000 per hectare.

In addition, several forms of support are also provided including financial assistance and grants for business activities, disaster-related assistance and assistance in entering public universities for children of participants who meet the requirements.

In an effort to ensure that the plantation sector continues to be relevant to the new generation, FELCRA also wants to attract the children of participants to get involved in the industry through the use of more modern machinery and technology as well as increasing the involvement of local residents.

Present at the general meeting were Lundu District Officer Zulkarnain Ismail, Tamang Sembawang 1 Plantation Manager Azlan Hazmy Muzakir and FELCRA scheme participants. 

About 365,000 people out of Sarawak's population of about 2.54 million are aged 60 years and above, says Dr Sim

 KUCHING, Oct 2026: Sarawak has about 365,000 people aged 60 years and above or just over 14 per cent out of a total population of 2.54 million this year, said Deputy Premier Dr Sim Kui Hian.

Caption: Deputy Premier Dr Sim Kui Hian says some districts in Sarawak have already reached an ageing society

He said Sarawak will be the first state in Malaysia to be classified as aging population by next year or in 2028 when more than 15 per cent of the population are above 60 years old.

Dr Sim, quoting the Department of Statistics, said some of the districts in Sarawak have already reached an ageing society last year with a population of 60 years and above.

Citing an example, he said  Lubok Antu has 22.6 per cent of its population aged 60 years and above.

He added Saratok has 19.7 per cent of population 60 years and above, Simanggang 19.2 per cent, Kabong 18.8 per cent and Song, 18.3 per cent.

He also said 40 per cent of the stranded cases in the Sarawak General Hospital are aged 60 years and above.

"Sarawak needs to address the ageing society with healthy ageing and preventative health, long-term care and integrated health services," he wrote on his Facebook.

He said the state also needs age-friendly communities and housing, financial security and productive ageing, family social connection and mental well-being and digital, transport and rural inclusion.

Dr Sim Sarawak currently has four geriatric medical specialists in government services and two in private practice.

"There is an urgent need for more multidiscipline, such as doctors, nurses, pharmacists and rehabilitation professionals, geriatric structured training and continuing mentorship for hospital and community care as well as a new transitional care service," he said.