Strategic investment in Affin Bank a bold step to build long-term financial synergy, says Premier Abang Johari

 KUALA LUMPUR:, Fen 8 2026: The Sarawak government's strategic investment in Affin Bank Berhad is a bold step to build long-term financial synergy, thus strengthening a sustainable financing ecosystem in support of the state's development agenda and economic growth.

Abang Johari Openg: The state's development agenda does not rely on just one form of financing, but rather requires a comprehensive spectrum. 

Premier Abang Johari Openg said Sarawak has taken a strategic step in 2024 by becoming the single largest shareholder of the bank, which is the first initiative of its kind in Malaysia and was not done on a symbolic basis.

He added that the move is aimed at building a stronger financial platform and creating synergy with established and capable banking institutions, in line with Sarawak's efforts to increase its economic potential.

"This step was taken because development does not just require aspirations, but demands reliable financing capabilities, access to timely capital, clear decisions, and resilient implementation in any situation," he said at the bank’s 50th anniversary dinner at the Malaysian International and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) here last night.

He stressed that the state's development agenda does not rely on just one form of financing, but rather requires a comprehensive spectrum.

He explained that as Sarawak progresses under the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030), Affin Bank is strategically positioned to engage in financing that strengthens real economic capacity and supports long-term sustainable growth.

"The market has also recognised its increasing strength when Moody's affirmed the Group's strong international credit rating at A3 and raised its self-rating to Baa2.

"This recognition reflects high confidence in the bank and paves the way for more competitive financing, thus strengthening its role in supporting the economy and driving future growth," he added.

The premier said that the bank’s regional position is also gaining recognition when it is listed in the Fortune Southeast Asia 500 for the second consecutive year, proving that it  is an increasingly relevant Malaysian institution in a competitive regional environment.

"This recognition is important because a stronger position will enhance its ability to better serve customers, support productive sectors, and expand access to responsible financing.

 

State govt to wait for technical study recommendations before making any decision on the gas emission at SK Tudan construction site, says Lee Kim Shin

MIRI, Feb 7 2026: The Sarawak government will not make any decision regarding the gas emission at the construction site of Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Tudan, but will instead fully wait for the results of technical studies and official recommendations from all relevant agencies.

Lee Kim Shin says that Petros has sent a technical team to the scene and confirmed that the gas was not caused by a gas pipe leak.- Photo by Ukas

Transport Minister and State Legislative Member for Senadin Lee Kim Shin said that the cautious approach was necessary to ensure that any decision taken were accurate and based on safety factors.

He said gas emissions were reported yesterday morning during piling work for the construction of SK Tudan's new canteen.

"The contractor then contacted Sarawak Gas and the Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba). Firemen arrived at the location, took samples and based on the video recording, the gas came out with strong pressure," he said when met by the media after the 64th JCI Miri 2026 Inauguration and Awards Luncheon at a hotel here this afternoon.

He explained that while the piling work was being carried out, two pile holes measuring approximately 33.6 metres and 33.9 metres deep suddenly released gas.

He said several agencies were at the scene, including the Department of Environment (DoE), Bomba, the Resident's Office and Miri District Office, and the police.

He added that on the afternoon of the incident, a special Hazmat team from Bintulu was also deployed to the location to conduct further monitoring and take gas samples, where initial results confirmed that the gas was flammable.

He also informed that Petros has sent a technical team to the scene and confirmed that the gas was not caused by a gas pipe leak.

"At the initial stage, we suspected that the gas pipe was leaking, but this was ruled out after confirmation from Petros," he said.

According to him, further investigations are currently being conducted by the Malaysian Chemistry Department and the Minerals and Geosciences Department to identify the type of gas and the geological characteristics of the area, including the possibility that the area is a natural gas storage area.

Commenting on the question of whether the school should be relocated or construction should continue, Lee stressed that no decision would be made at this time.

Regarding the school session for SK Tudan students, he said the matter would be discussed with the education office and related agencies, taking into account safety advice from JBPM.

A joint monitoring report with the Malaysian Chemical Department, Bintulu Branch, confirmed the presence of hydrocarbons, while several other substances such as toluene, acetone and hydrogen cyanide have yet to be confirmed and will be further tested in the laboratory.

Bomba in its operational report also confirmed that all construction work at the site has been temporarily halted due to safety factors, with continuous monitoring being carried out until all risks are identified and fully controlled.

Last night, the Hazmat team from Bintulu Bomba station found the presence of flammable gas, namely natural gas (methane, propane and butane) emitted from underground of the the new SK Tudan.

Accordingly, the Hazmat team recommended that the area be closed.

“Any location with a drill hole or perforation must be closed or completely filled in if the area is to be opened to the public and schools,” Lutong Bomba station advised last night.

“Local authorities are also advised to ensure that no activities are carried out in the area until the drill hole has been completely filled in to avoid any safety risks,” it said.

It also issued an advisory services and confirmation from the Department of Minerals and Geosciences, Department of Environment (DOE) and Department of Chemistry Malaysia have been contacted.

The station said readings taken near the borehole using  four Gas Detector (GFG) equipment showed LEL readings between 30 per cent and above, indicating a high fire risk level.

“Gas monitoring in the surrounding area within a radius of five metres showed the LEL reading was 0%.

“It was found that the LEL reading was at normal levels when the borehole was closed, but the LEL reading increased significantly when the borehole was opened,” the station said.

Yesterday morning, construction work of the SK Tudan’s new building was temporarily halted after an unknown type of gas was “seen” emitting out of a 33.9-metre deep pile hole.

Lutong station’s spokesman said decision to halt the construction work was made after discussions between the police, Sarawak Gas, the contractor and headmaster of SK Tudan.

 

 

Efforts are being worked out for the 17 additional state seats to be rectified by Parliament, says Nanta

KUCHING,  Feb 7 2026: Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) secretary-general Alexander Nanta Linggi today said efforts are being  worked out for the additional 17 state assembly seats to be rectified by Parliament before they can be used in the coming state election expected to be held towards the end of this year.

Caption: GPS secretary-general Alexander Nanta Linggi (seated, second from right) speaking to reporters after the GPS supreme council meeting - Photo by Ukas 

However, he said so far he has no details on the matter.

“When the exact date for it to be brought to parliament, I am not certain,” Nanta, who is also PBB secretary-general, told reporters after the GPS supreme council meeting, chaired by GPS chairman and Premier Abang Johari Openg, at PBB headquarters, Jalan Bako.

The Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (SLA) approved the additional 17 seats during its sitting in June last year.

With the additional 17, Sarawak now has 99 seats.

Nanta, who is also federal Works Minister, said GPS will hold its convention  April 19l at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK).

He said the convention, the first since GPS was established in 2019, will focus on the achievements of the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.

“Representatives from all four GPS component parties will be invited to attend the convention, although the total number of delegates has yet to be finalised,” he said.

He added that a main organising committee will be formed to ensure the smooth running of the convention, with  Deputy Premier Douglas Uggah Embas appointed as its chairman.

According to him, the deputy chairmen will be held by the presidents of the GPS component parties, namely Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS), Parti Demokratik Progresif (PDP) and Parti Rakyat Bersatu Sarawak (SUPP).

Also present at the GPS supreme council meeting were Deputy Premiers Uggah and Dr Sim Kui Hian.

 

Domestic trade ministry seized 125 packets of cooking oil, each found to be less than the specified weight of 1kg

KUCHING, Feb 7 2026: An enforcement team from the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) has seized a total of 125 packets of cooking oil from a business premises in Sejingkat two days ago.

Caption: Each packet of cooking oil is found to be less than the specified 1kg in weight 

According to the ministry director Matthew Dominic Barin, each packet of the cooking oil was found be less than the specified weight of 1kg.

He said all packets were then seized by the enforcement  team.

“Acting on complaints from the consumers, the ministry sent the enforcement team to the premises following complaints via KPDN e-complaint portal regarding allegations that  1kg packet of cooking oil was found to contain less than the specified weight of1kg,” Dominic said today.

He said the inspection was carried out with 125 samples of 1kg packet cooking oil weighed using a High Precision Weighing Instrument “Pre-Package Class II” to determine the accuracy of the weight of the 1kg packet cooking oil.

He added the inspection results found that all 125 samples of 1kg packet of cooking oil inspected were less than 1kg with an average overall weight of 0.9791kg.

He added a total of 12,410 kg of 1kg cooking oil packets worth RM31,025 were seized from both premises.

Dominic said case action was taken against both premises for suspected offences under Paragraph 7, Trade Descriptions (Marking of Quantity for Goods Available in Packages) Order 2023, namely failing to comply with the permitted difference limit.

He added prompt action has been taken by the ministry in taking action against premises that violate the regulations set so that consumer rights can be protected.