It's "gostan politics" and short-sighted to call for the cancellation of ART, new Kuching International Airport and Kuching Deepsea port projects, says premier

KUCHING, Oct 21 2026: Premier Abang Johari Openg said he concurred with a view that it will be a "gostan politics" and short-sighted to call for the cancellation of Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART), new Kuching Internationl Airport amd Kuching Deepsea port projects.

Caption: Premier Abang Johari Openg says that the overall  physical development of Tanjung Embang is expected to begin early next year

"Let me reassure this august House that the GPS government under my leadership will continue to forge ahead with their implementations towards 2030," he said in his winding up speech in the State Legislative Assembly (SLA) today.

During the debate on the 2027 State Budget, DAP Padungan State Legislative Member (SLM) Chong Chieng had called on the state government to halt the construction of these projects due to their enormous costs.

"It is disheartening to note there is a call for the ART, the new Kuching international airport and Kuching deepsea port projects to be halted.

"Therefore, I agree with member for Kota Sentosa Wilfred Yap that any cancellation of these projects is “gostan politics” and shortsighted," the premier said.

"With strategic LNG infrastructure, Kuching Deepsea Port, and industrial parks, Tanjung Embang is being developed as a major economic growth area for Kuching, attracting high-value industries, such as artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, food processing and intelligent machinery. 

"The proposed New Kuching International Airport will be a strategic investment in Sarawak’s future, with an initial capacity of 15 million passengers annually. 

"Integrated with the wider Tanjung Embang ecosystem, the airport will strengthen regional and international connectivity, expand passenger and cargo movement, and position Sarawak as a regional hub for tourism, trade and investment," the premier said.

He said a dedicated task force comprising of relevant government agencies and authorities has been established to coordinate the overall development of Tanjung Embang. 

"Physical development is expected to begin early next year," he stressed.

We are committed to strengthening our ties with the federal government, assures Premier Abang Johari

KUCHING, Oct 21 2026: Premier Abang Johari Openg has assured that the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government is committed to strengthening its relationship with the federal government. 

Caption: Premier Abang Johari Openg recalls that  during the  Malaysia Agreement 1963 Implementation Action Council meeting last month in Kota Kinabalu, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim had acknowledged that the MA63 agenda was not just a discussion of issues related to Sabah and Sarawak, but a national agenda. 

He noted that in the 2027 MADANI Budget, the federal allocation for Sarawak was increased from RM15.1 billion this year to RM16.2 billion in 2027, covering development funds and the operational spending of federal ministries and agencies.

"We hope that federal agencies in Sarawak will be able to expedite the implementation of the development programmes and projects based on the approved allocation and scope.

"These are the fruits of our partnership, and the foundation of that partnership is the Malaysia Agreement 1963," Abang Johari said in his winding up speech in the State Legislative Assembly (SLA) today.

He recalled that during the  Malaysia Agreement 1963 Implementation Action Council meeting last month in Kota Kinabalu, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim had acknowledged that the MA63 agenda was not just a discussion of issues related to Sabah and Sarawak, but a national agenda. 

"It is a national narrative and responsibility. Additionally, when tabling the budget on  October 9, he called the MA63 a “National Covenant” that the whole nation must honour," Abang Johari said.

He said the prime minister acknowledged that for decades the Special Grant did not keep pace with the needs of Sabah and Sarawak, and it has been raised from RM600 million to RM1.5 billion as an interim measure, effective
this year.

"I would like to thank the federal government for this important step, while negotiations towards a fair and sustainable annual formula will continue," he said, adding that his administration remains committed to pursuing Sarawak’s outstanding rights under MA63.

PBDS wants the state government to disclose the progress of surveying NCR land under Section 18 of the Sarawak Land Code

KUCHING, Oct 21 2026: Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak (PBDS) has urged the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government to disclose a complete, transparent, and up-to-date information regarding the progress of surveying Native Customary Rights (NCR) land, as well as the issuance of individual land titles under Section 18 of the Sarawak Land Code.

It said NCR land is more than just figures and statistics, stressing that it represents ancestral heritage, a source of livelihood, security of land tenure, and the foundation for economic development opportunities for the Dayak community and other indigenous groups throughout Sarawak.

"Although the government has announced that over 1.2 million hectares of NCR land have undergone perimeter surveying, the public has the right to know how much of these areas have proceeded to individual lot surveying, culminating in the actual issuance of individual land titles under Section 18," it said in a statement.

The party also asked GPS government to name the areas that have NCR land been surveyed, if it is prepared to publish a comprehensive list of the NCR areas that have been surveyed across Sarawak, and specifying the divisions, districts, sub-districts, and villages involved.

It said such information must distinguish between areas where perimeter surveying has been completed, areas gazetted as Native Communal Reserves under Section 6 of the Sarawak Land Code, areas currently undergoing or having completed individual lot surveying, and areas where individual land titles have been issued under Section 18.

The party also asked the government to disclose the total areas of ​​NCR land that have been surveyed at each location, breakdown of the total area of ​​Native Customary Rights (NCR) land that has been surveyed, categorized by division, district, and village, with figures provided in both hectares and acres.

"Out of the approximately 1.2 million hectares of NCR land reported to have undergone perimeter surveying, what is the total areas for which individual land titles (grants) have been issued under Section 18?

"The GPS government must clarify the distinctions between land that has undergone perimeter surveying, land that has been gazetted under Section 6, land that has been surveyed into individual lots, and land that has actually received individual land titles (grants) under Section 18," PBDS said.

It said according to a report by the Sarawak Public Communications Unit (UKAS) dated October 9, 2026, as of August 31, 2026, approximately 1.246 million hectares of NCR land had undergone perimeter surveying, while 975,413 hectares had been gazetted under Section 6.

"Regarding the surveying of individual lots, a total of 112,232 lots covering an area of ​​134,615 hectares have been surveyed. Of that total, 39,973 lotscovering 59,707 hectares—have received land titles under Section 18.

PBDS requests that the government verify these figures and provide a detailed breakdown by location, including the number of pending applications, lots that have been surveyed but have yet to receive titles, and claims still awaiting the survey process.

It also asked when will the government complete the entire NCR land survey programme and the issuance of individual land titles under Section 18

PBDS said the indigenous community should not be left in a state of uncertainty, unaware of when their legitimate customary land claims will be surveyed and officially documented.

However, it said it acknowledges that the surveying of NCR land is a technical and legal process requiring the careful verification of claims and land boundaries. 

"Nevertheless, the challenges involved in this implementation make transparent reporting and the establishment of measurable targets all the more critical," PBDS said.

Premier announces state civil servants to get two months' basic salary, federal civil servants RM700, media practitioners RM700

KUCHING, Oct 21 2026: Premier Abang Johari Openg today announced a Special Financial Assistance equivalent to two months’ basic salary for members of the Sarawak State Civil Service, based on their last drawn basic salary as of November 2026, to be paid before the end of 2026. 

Caption: Premier Abang Johari Openg says the civil servants' contributions are evident in every bridge we cross, every drop of clean water flowing into our people’s homes, every household illuminated at night, and every village that no longer feels distant. 

He said this is expected to benefit approximately 19,851 Sarawak civil servants, with an estimated total expenditure of RM144 million.

He said the special financial assistance is for the tireless effort of the civil servants, exerting around the clock with unwavering dedication, reaching from the heart of the cities to the most remote corners of the rural heartlands.

"It is through their hands that the government’s mandate is transformed into reality, driving the pulse of progress for every child of Sarawak. 

"Their contributions are evident in every bridge we cross, every drop of clean water flowing into our people’s homes, every household illuminated at night, and every village that no longer feels distant. 

"Without them, the aspirations of PCDS 2030 for Sarawak would remain nothing more than a dream," the premier said in his winding up speech.

"The GPS government remains deeply mindful of their sacrifices. We are committed to safeguarding the well-being of our civil servants by constructing and upgrading government offices and quarters, ensuring that those serving in the most remote interiors enjoy more comfortable workspaces and living conditions,"  he said.

The premier also said the state government acknowledges the contributions of the federal civil servants serving in Sarawak, including teachers, healthcare personnel, and security forces. 

He said their diligent efforts and sincerity serve as the cornerstone for the success of inclusive and sustainable development programmes in Sarawak.

"As a gesture of gratitude for the service and sacrifices of our federal Civil Service colleagues serving in Sarawak, I am also announcing a one-off Special Financial Assistance of RM700 for Federal civil servants serving in the state.

"This is expected to benefit approximately 132,347 Federal civil servants, with an estimated expenditure of around RM93 million. It will be disbursed in the first quarter of 2027.

"I hope this gesture serves as a catalyst, inspiring the recipients to continue their dedicated service and to further elevate the quality of service delivery to the people and to Sarawak. As we move steadily toward the year 2030, I want every agency to accelerate the implementation of projects and the delivery of services," he added.

Abang Johari said the state government will also provide a one-off financial assistance of RM500 to each 10,141 retirees, involving an estimated expenditure of about RM5.1 million.

The premier also said the GPS government also acknowledges the contributions and sacrifices of media practitioners in disseminating information and news professionally, efforts that have had a significant impact on the socio-economic development of Sarawak.

"As a token of appreciation for their contributions, the GPS government will provide a one-off incentive of RM700 per person to private media practitioners registered with six media associations in Sarawak," he said.

Uggah: Sarawak awarded a Clean Certificate for its Public Accounts for the 24th consecutive year

KUCHING, Oct 21 2026: The Rating Agency Malaysia (RAM) has reaffirmed Sarawak's credit rating at AAA with a stable outlook while Moody's Rating and S&P Global Rating have also reaffirmed the state's commendable investment credit ratings at A3 and A-, respectively, in June this year.

Caption: Deputy Premier Douglas Uggah says RAM reaffirms Sarawak's credit rating at AAA with stable outlook

Deputy Premier Douglas Uggah said these commendable investment credit ratings are a testimony to the state's sound financial position.

"But let me emphasise that credit ratings are not an end in themselves. They are a reflection of the principles that we have consistently upheld - prudent fiscal management, disciplined expenditure, strong reserves, responsible borrowing and sound governance," he said in his winding up speech in the State Legislative Assembly (SLA) today.

He said the state has again been awarded a Clean Certificate for its Public Accounts for the financial year 2025.

"This achievement marks the 24th consecutive year in which the state has attained this esteemed recognition, reflecting the enduring strength of our governance institutions, and the prudence that continues to guide our financial stewardship. 

"Such a remarkable record, sustained over more than two decades, stands as testament to our steadfast commitment to accountability, integrity, and excellence in financial management. It is an achievement of which the state can be justly proud of," he added.

Uggah said this accomplishment would not have been possible without the dedication and professionalism of our state civil servants, saying that their unwavering commitment to upholding the highest standards of governance and financial discipline has strengthened the credibility of the state's institutions and reinforced public trust in the responsible, transparent, and effective management of state resources. 

"As we look to the future, let us remain unwavering in our commitment to sound financial governance and responsible stewardship of public resources. Fiscal discipline is the foundation upon which the State's long-term stability, prosperity, and resilience are built.

"Let us never lose sight of the solemn responsibility entrusted to us as custodians of the state's resources. The choices we make today will shape the future of Sarawak, and well-being of generations to come," Uggah said.

State government approves RM52.5 billion to finance 1,203 projects under 13th Malaysia Plan: Uggah

KUCHING, Oct 21 2026: Deputy Premier Douglas Uggah said the state has approved a total ceiling of RM52.5 billion to finance 1,203 projects, comprising 832 physical development projects and 371 non-physical initiatives, including grants, strategic investments and programmes, under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP).

Caption: Deputy Premier Douglas Uggah says that under the First Rolling Plan (2026) of the 13MP, a total of 1,146 Federal-funded projects with an allocation of RM6 billion have been approved

He said total of RM9.7 billion has been allocated, of which RM5.6 billion, or 58 percent, has been expended to date for this year.

"Thus far, 86 projects have been successfully completed, while the remaining 1,117 projects are at various stages of implementation," Uggah, who is also the Second Minister of Finance and Mew Economy, said in his winding up speech in the State Legislative Assembly (SLA) today.

"As 2026 marks the first year of the 13MP, implementation is still gaining momentum, with the pace of project delivery and expenditure expected to accelerate as more projects progress into full implementation over the remaining years of the Plan period," he said.

He said under the First Rolling Plan (2026) of the 13MP, a total of 1,146 Federal-funded projects with an allocation of RM6 billion have been approved, adding that to date, RM3.2 billion, representing 53 percent of this allocation has been expended. 

Out of these, he said 256 projects have been successfully completed, while the remaining 890 projects are progressing at various stages of implementation.

He stressed that confidence is not built on promises alone, saying that it is earned through decisions, strengthened through action and sustained through results.

He added the true test of the state's development plans lies in the discipline of implementation and the outcomes delivered to the people.

Uggah urged all controlling officers and their implementing agencies to ensure that all projects are being implemented expeditiously, with allocations utilised efficiently, and their outcomes monitored effectively.

"We remain steadfast in ensuring that development reaches every community, with the needs and aspiration of our people at the heart of our development agenda," he said.

He added Projek Rakyat will continue to play a significant role in addressing critical development priorities and delivering tangible benefits throughout Sarawak.

"As of September this year, RM169 million has been spent compared to the approved allocation of RM353 million. The expenditure performance is expected to improve further by year-end," he said.

Uggah, who is also the Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development, said Rural Transformation Programme (RTP) remains an important instrument in bringing development closer to the communities, particularly by addressing local infrastructure needs and improving access to essential facilities. 

He noted that under the previous Malaysia Plan, more than 11,000 RTP projects had been successfully delivered throughout Sarawak.

He said for this year, a total of 3,935 RTP projects with an approved allocation of RM450 million have been approved. 

"As of September this year, RM298 million or 66 percent has been expended, while 988 projects have been completed," he said.

Petros has identified nine promising onshore areas of new oil and gas reserves

KUCHING, Oct 21 2026: State oil company Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros) has identified nine promising onshore areas of new oil and gas reserves, Deputy Premier Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said in the State Legislative Assembly (SLA) today.

Caption: Deputy Premier Awang Tengah Ali Hasan says downstream development is also progressing well

He said Petros plans to drill ten exploratory wells, beginning in Balingian, Limbang-Lawas, Marudi and Niah, involving an estimated investment of RM500 million.

"Sarawak is stepping up onshore exploration using advanced technologies to identify new oil and gas reserves," he said in his winding up speech.

He added downstream development is also progressing, noting that Sarawak Petchem has exported more than 180 cargoes of methanol, strengthening Sarawak’s presence in the global petrochemical market and demonstrating the value of processing the gas resources into higher-value products.

"Looking ahead, proposed low-carbon methanol, ammonia and urea projects will further expand our downstream industries and support the transition towards lower-carbon industrial development," he added.

State ministry has completed comprehensive Investment Policy Study to provide framework to attract high-value investments

KUCHING, Oct 21 2026: The Ministry of International Trade, Industry and Investment has completed a comprehensive Sarawak Investment Policy Study that provides a strategic framework to attract high-value investments, diversify the industrial base, strengthen local participation and create skilled employment. 

Caption: Deputy Premier Awang Tengah Ali Hasan says the study identifies four priority growth clusters

Its minister Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said the study identifies four priority growth clusters, with a projected investment potential of RM275 billion to RM330 billion and 254,000 jobs by 2030.

"The first two clusters are Clean Energy Industries, leveraging renewable energy to develop green manufacturing, and Petrochemicals, expanding downstream gas, petrochemical and oleochemical industries, including sustainable aviation fuel and carbon capture activities," Awang Tengah, who is also the deputy premier, said in his winding up speech in the State Legislative Assembly (SLA) today.

He said the other two clusters are Advanced Industries, covering semiconductors, electronics, medical technology, pharmaceuticals, aerospace, bioindustries, AI data centres and high-value food manufacturing; and Tourism and Services, focusing on ecotourism, business events, higher education, medical and digital services.

Awang Tengah said to connect local businesses with these opportunities, the state government ise building commercial linkages through the Sarawak Global Supply Chain and Sourcing Programme 2026 in Kuching and engagements in Shanghai, Seoul, London and Munich.

"We will continue to intensify these efforts to expand market access, build business partnerships and strengthen the competitiveness of local businesses, next year," he said.

He added the emphasis is on practical outcomes: stronger supplier relationships, technology partnerships and access to regional and global supply chains.

State government has issued three Forest Carbon Licences so far, says Awang Tengah

KUCHING, Oct 21 2026:The Sarawak government has issued three Forest Carbon Licences covering an area of ​​56,816.20 hectares as of this month, Deputy Premier Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said. 

Caption: Deputy Premier Awang Tengah Ali Hasan (centre) having a light moment with Deputy Minister Len Talih Salleh before winding up his speech

He said eight entities have been granted Carbon Study Permits, encompassing an area of ​​178,740 hectares. 

"These permits authorize the holders to conduct studies and prepare a Sarawak Project Design Document (SPDD), a prerequisite for Forest Carbon Licence applications,"  he said in his winding up speech in the State Legislative Assembly (SLA) today.

He said to date, Sarawak’s forest carbon initiatives are implemented in alignment with Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, operating on a voluntary basis. 

"Unlike a compliance-based approach, which mandates adherence to specific laws, regulations, or carbon market mechanisms, both frameworks remain subject to the prevailing legal and governance structures.

He said the state government will continue to strengthen research and technical capabilities through the deployment of modern technology, including Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) so to ensure that forest carbon development is grounded in accurate scientific data,. 

"This approach is essential for enhancing the precision of forest carbon potential assessments, supporting data-driven planning, and ensuring that forest carbon activities are carried out responsibly—without compromising ecosystem integrity or the interests of local communities," Awamg Tengah added.

Integrated development roadmap for Rare Earth Element industry finalised, says Awang Tengah

KUCHING, Oct 21 2026: The state government has finalised an integrated development roadmap for the Rare Earth Element (REE) industry, covering the entire value chain from upstream to downstream—with the goal of establishing a "super magnet" industry, said Deputy Premier Awang Tengah Ali Hasan in the State Legislative Assembly (SLA) today.

Caption: Deputy Premier Awang Tengah Ali Hasan says the Sarawak government has approved an allocation of RM18 million to conduct a study on the potential presence of REE resources

He said the initiative is intended to support the development of the semiconductor, aerospace, and satellite sectors in Sarawak, as well as to cater to the manufacturing of electric vehicles, defense technology, medical applications, and other fields.

"As an initial step toward developing this industry, the Sarawak government has approved an allocation of RM18 million under the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13) to conduct a study on the potential presence of REE resources across an area of ​​approximately 3,134 square kilometers," he said in his winding up speech.

He said the federal government has been requested to provide a larger allocation to the Sarawak branch of the Department of Mineral and Geoscience Malaysia, enabling the assessment of these mineral resources to be expanded throughout the entire state of Sarawak.

Awang Tengah: 1.249 million hectares or 3.089 million acres of NCR land have been surveyed

KUCHING, Oct 21 2026: The Land and Survey Department has surveyed 1.249 million hectares or 3.089 acres of native customary rights (NCR) land from October 2010 to Sept 2026, Deputy Premier Awang Tengah Ali Hasan told the State Legislative Assembly (SLA) today. 

Caption: Deputy Premier Awang Tengah Ali Hasan says that 979,000 hectares of NCR land have been gazetted as Bumiputera Communal Reserves

 He said of this total, approximately 979,000 hectares (2.42 million acres) have been gazetted as Bumiputera Communal Reserves (Agriculture) under Section 6 of the Sarawak Land Code.

He said since 2017, the surveying of individual lots has been intensified to facilitate the issuance of land titles under Section 18, stating that to date, 112,711 lots have been successfully surveyed. 

"The Sarawak government consistently recognises rights over NCR land that are valid and established in accordance with land laws," he said in his winding up speech. 

"To accelerate NCR land surveying, the state government has expanded the capacity of the Land and Survey Department by recruiting 467 new officers, engaging private surveyors, and implementing surveying technologies that offer greater speed and precision. The Sarawak Government has approved RM40 million to strengthen this programme.

"The federal government, meanwhile, has approved RM15 million under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), of which RM2 million was disbursed to the Sarawak Land and Survey Department in 2026," he said.