Sarawak govt establishes special committee for development of Rare Earth Elements

By CW Claire

KUCHING, May 20 2026: The state government has established  special committee for the development of Sarawak Rare Earth Elements (REE) Industry.

Caption: Deputy Premier Awang Tengah Ali Hasan says the  state government's efforts to develop high-impact industries based on REE, particularly in the fields of semiconductors and aerospace, explaining the reason for the establishment of the special committee.

Deputy Premier Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said the committee will be responsible for coordinating the study and assessment of the potential of REE resources in Sarawak.

“The framework for this study is expected to be finalized in July 2026,” he said in his winding up speech in the state legislative assembly (SLA) today.

He said in the state government's efforts to develop high-impact industries based on REE, particularly in the fields of semiconductors and aerospace, explaining the reason for the establishment of the special committee.

Awang Tengah also said Sarawak is leading a green economy based on sustainable forests.

He added Sarawak's forests are not just natural treasures, but are also the backbone of the state's economic prosperity, social inclusion and environmental sustainability.

“With a significant forest cover, Sarawak is in a unique position as a tropical region that still has a rich and relatively preserved forest ecosystem,” he said.

He said Sarawak has the potential to develop green energy through forest biomass waste as an environmentally friendly energy source.

“This waste-to-energy approach reduces waste and fire risk, supporting carbon neutrality in line with the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030).

He added as of 1 May 1, 2026, a total of 10 forest carbon study permits have been approved, including one forest carbon license covering an area of 257,658 hectares.

“Sarawak's carbon trading initiative not only has the potential to generate a new economy, but also strengthens the region's international commitments under the Paris Agreement through efforts to reduce global carbon emissions and sustainably manage forests,” he said.

NCR land development as a key driver to state's economic growth

KUCHING, May 19 2026: Native Customary Rights (NCR) land development continues to be strengthened as a key driver of the state’s economic growth, particularly in enhancing food security and increasing the income of rural communities in Sarawak.

 

Caption: Minister Dr Stephen Rundie Utom says that the management of NCR land development is implemented holistically by taking into account legal, economic, social, environmental and governance aspects to ensure comprehensive and long-lasting benefits 

Minister for Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Dr Stephen Rundie Utom said the government remains committed to developing idle or under-utilised NCR land in a productive and sustainable manner without compromising the rights and interests of landowners.

According to him, to date, a total of 953,373 hectares of NCR land have been developed for large-scale commercial agriculture through various approaches involving agencies such as SALCRA, LCDA, SLDB, FELCRA and RISDA, in addition to the participation of private companies and individual farmers.

“This development reflects the government’s continuous efforts to optimise the use of NCR land in generating greater economic value for the people,” he said in his winding up speech in the state legislative assembly (SLA).

He added that the management of NCR land development is implemented holistically by taking into account legal, economic, social, environmental and governance aspects to ensure comprehensive and long-lasting benefits.

To ensure orderly execution, every development application is evaluated through the One-Stop Committee (OSC) for areas under 100 hectares, while areas exceeding that size are coordinated by the State Task Force.

At the same time, private companies interested in investing in NCR land development must undergo a strict evaluation process to ensure they possess credibility, technical expertise and financial capability.

Fatimah: 380,626 senior citzens are KGC holders

KUCHING, May 19 2026: Since the Kenyalang Gold Card (KGC) initiative was introduced in 2020, a total of 380,626 senior citizens are KGC holders. 

Caption: Fatimah Abdullah says 14,517 KGC holders have activated their digital cards through the SarawakPASS application 

Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister Fatimah Abdullah said of these, 14,517 KGC holders have activated their digital cards through the SarawakPASS application.

She said with the KGC, senior citizens can now enjoy discounts, rebates and services offered by 1,290 KGC strategic business partners throughout Sarawak.

“During the same period, a total of 30,752 heirs of KGC holders have received the Beneficial Death Assistance (BIK) benefits, involving an allocation of RM79.9 million,” she said in her winding up speech in the state legislative assembly (SLA) today.

Fatimah said in line with the transition of Sarawak government services towards digitalization, from January 2026, BIK applications have been implemented online through the SarawakPASS application, facilitating the achievement and access to services, while continuing to manage applications manually.

On the Senior Citizen Health Benefit (SCHB) scheme, she said since its introduction in August 2024 to April 2026, a total of 226,801 senior citizens have registered as SCHB beneficiaries.

She added the implementation of this scheme has involved an expenditure of RM86.3 million, saying that a total of 257 out of 477 private clinics and hospitals in Sarawak have registered as SCHB panels to provide access to health services to senior citizens.

On the Senior Citizen Programme, Fatimah said it is not only a service platform, but also a space to support senior citizens through health, welfare and social well-being support towards supporting healthy, active and dignified ageing.

She said the programme, which involves various government agencies and the private sector, reflects a joint commitment in strengthening community support networks and ensuring that the welfare and needs of senior citizens continue to be given attention.

Dr Sim: Sarawak is politically stable because DAP is not in the state government

By CW Claire

KUCHING, May 19 206: Deputy Premier Dr Sim Kui Hian has claimed that the existing political stability in Sarawak is due to the absence of the DAP in the state government.

Caption: Deputy Premier Dr Sim Kui Hian says DAP is bankrupt of ideas 

He said the party is always divisive, polarising and politicking; disguise as championing for the rakyat.

“We have witnessed in this August House their behaviour in every session,” he said in his winding up speech in the state legislative assembly (SLA) today.

“DAP Sarawak is also bankrupt of ideas, disguise as championing check and balance in democracy,” he added.

He called on Sarawakians to remain united and stand together in solidarity for these few critical years till 2030.

“We must be on high alert for anai anai (termites) from both within and outside Sarawak and also anai anai inside GPS,”  he said.

“Given the political chaos in Peninsular Malaysia in the last few days, the Malaysia general election may be sooner than Sarawak election,” he said.

Dr Sim, who is also Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) president,  urged Sarawakians to “tolak” (reject) Peninsular Malaysia’s toxic cultures, chaotic politics and all  “Malayan-based parties” from Sarawak.  

“For those who are not voting in Sarawak, Jangan TengooooOK Saja but actively support and help us in our cybermedia war in which ever way you can.   

“We must have the culture, the courage to speak up with positive narrative for Sarawak.

 “Give recognition where it is Due.   Let Sarawak be different from Malayan politics which has gone from bad to worse for the last 10 years as they thrived on divisive, polarising, negative,” Dr Si,m, toxic narrative and tearing down the nation instead of nation building,” Dr Sim said.