Sarawak govt imposes RM120 million penalties on eight O&G companies for carrying out activities in the state without licence

 By Mohd Abdullah Lee

KUCHING, May 18 2026: Utilities  and Telecommunications Minister Julaihi Narawi said five large companies in the oil and gas industry that have carried out gas-related activities without a licence issued by the state government.

Caption: Minister Julaihi Narawi says that Sarawak government remains committed to working with Petronas 

He said eight  non-compliance notices were issued by his  ministry on July 28 2025 and a financial penalty of RM120 million was imposed in accordance with Section 21A, Distribution of Gas Ordinance (DGO 2016).

“Although this matter is still in the legislative process, enforcement is still being carried out based on valid laws and applicable to all parties operating in Sarawak.

“At the same time, the Sarawak government remains committed to working with Petronas in the energy transition and low-carbon economy agenda, to ensure that the implementation of the Sarawak Gas Roadmap (SGR) can continue to be strengthened in an orderly and lawful manner,” Julaihi said in his winding speech in the state legislative assembly (SLA) today.

He reminded that Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros) is Sarawak's sole gas aggregator with the main function of carrying out the procurement, supply, distribution and sale of natural gas in Sarawak.

He said the gas aggregator is also responsible for planning, developing, operating and maintaining the natural gas distribution network system in Sarawak.

“By regulating the activities of the gas industry in Sarawak, it wil. provide opportunities for the people and local companies to participate in the gas industry; and improve the welfare of the people through the results of the gas industry,” he said.

Julaihi recalled that a Joint Declaration was signed on May 21, 2025 between the federal government and the Sarawak Government where all laws relating to gas distribution must exist together and must be respected by all parties, including Petros and Petronas.

SIDC allocated RM33 million this year for TB, cervical cancer elimination

 By SW Claire

KUCHING, May 18 2026:  Sarawak Infectious Disease Centre (SIDC) in Kota Samarahan has been allocated RM33 million this year for Tuberculosis (TB), cervical cancer elimination, and vaccine development programmes.  Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister Roland Sagah Wee Inn said  

Caption:  Education Minister Roland Sagah Wee Inn says his ministry has conducted a comprehensive review of the Ujian Penilaian Dual Language assessment outcomes

He said it is also conducting active surveillance for TB, malaria, dengue, Human Papillomavirus (HPV), rabies, filariasis, and other infectious diseases.  

“This is a significant achievement that strengthens the continuity of the DLI Sarawak pathway and supports the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) learning,”  Sagah said in his winding up speech.

He added his ministry is currently working closely with the Sarawak Education Department (JPNS) and MoE to ensure full readiness for implementation, including preparedness and supporting delivery mechanism.

On the Ujian Penilaian Dual Language Programme Sarawak (UP-DLPS) Year 6, Sagah said his ministry has conducted a comprehensive review of the assessment outcomes

“While encouraging progress has been recorded in several areas, targeted improvements are still required.

“My ministry, together with the state Education Department, is strengthening customised intervention programmes for schools and students requiring additional support, alongside continuous professional development (CPD) for teachers under DLP Sarawak.  

“In addition, this year’s UP-DLPS Year 6 will adopt an online marking system to improve efficiency, consistency and integrity in assessment management,” he said.

Computer Science and Design subjects to be taught in English under DLP beginning 2029

 By CW Claire

KUCHING, May 18 2026: Computer Science and Design subjects will be taught in English in primary schools under the Dual Language Programme (DLP)  beginning 2029, Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister Roland Sagah Wee Inn said in the state legislative assembl8 (SLA) today.

 Caption: Education Minister Roland Sagah Wee Inn says his ministry is working with the state Eduication Department and MoE to ensure full readiness for the full implementation 

 He said the federal Ministry of Education (MoE) has given the greenlight to the state government through sustained  engagement under the spirit of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).

“This is a significant achievement that strengthens the continuity of the DLI Sarawak pathway and supports the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) learning,”  Sagah said in his winding up speech.

He added his ministry is currently working closely with the Sarawak Education Department (JPNS) and MoE to ensure full readiness for implementation, including preparedness and supporting delivery mechanism.

On the Ujian Penilaian Dual Language Programme Sarawak (UP-DLPS) Year 6, Sagah said his mnistry has conducted a comprehensive review of the assessment outcomes

“While encouraging progress has been recorded in several areas, targeted improvements are still required.

“My ministry, together with the state Education Department, is strengthening customised intervention programmes for schools and students requiring additional support, alongside continuous professional development (CPD) for teachers under DLP Sarawak.  

“In addition, this year’s UP-DLPS Year 6 will adopt an online marking system to improve efficiency, consistency and integrity in assessment management,” he said