Abang Johari pledges as long as he is the premier the ArBorneo fares to and from Kuala Lumpur and Singapore will remain at RM375

SIBU, July 26 2026:  Abang Johari Openg has pledged that the fare rates of RM375 for AirBorneo flights to and from Kuala Lumpur and Singapore will remain as long as he is still the premier of Sarawak.

Caption: Premier Abang Johari Openg speaking at the opening of PBB Central Zone Special Convention

He emphasised that the establishment of AirBorneo not only provides more choices to the people, but also creates healthy competition capable of stabilising domestic airfares, particularly during festive seasons and school holidays.

He explained that this initiative was implemented to ensure that the people, especially families travelling between major towns in Sarawak, are no longer burdened by high airfares.

“That is why I was determined to 'fight' them (other airlines), leading to the creation of AirBorneo. At least the people have the option to choose flights at reasonable prices, RM375. And this rate will not change as long as I am premier for all,” he said when opening Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Central Zone Special Convention today.

Abang Johari, who is also Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) chairman, explained that in addition to strengthening infrastructure development, the Sarawak government is also focusing on future economic development through the hydrogen industry, digital transformation, artificial intelligence (AI), and human capital development.

He said the state's strong financial position, including through the establishment of the Sarawak Sovereign Wealth Fund, enables state revenue to be managed sustainably for the benefit of future generations.

“We have a good financial position, and we established the Sarawak Sovereign Wealth Fund for the future of Sarawakians. Today, this fund has grown. Our state will not go bankrupt,” he said.

He also stressed that political stability is a vital foundation to ensure that all development agendas under the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030) can be implemented consistently for the progress and prosperity of Sarawak.

Also present were Deputy Prime Minister Fadillah Yusof, Deputy Premier Douglas Uggah Embas, PBB Secretary-General  Alexander Nanta Linggi and PBB Supreme Council members.

RM2.9 million Kampung Merakai infrastructure project completed

SERIAN, July 26 2026: Residents of Kampung Merakai now enjoy better road networks, drainage systems and public amenities following the completion of the RM2.9 million infrastructure project under Greater Kuching Coordinating Development Agency (GKCDA).

Caption: Bukit Semuja SLM John Ilus speaking at the opening of the RM2.9 million  Kampung Merakai infrastructure project

Bukit Semuja State Legislative Member (SLM) John Ilus said the implementation of the project reflects the Sarawak g0000overnment's continued commitment to empowering rural development and ensuring that the people enjoy more comfortable, safe and quality infrastructure facilities.

“The completion of this project will not only facilitate the daily affairs of the residents, but also improve the level of safety, comfort and accessibility of the community.

“It will also open up more development opportunities in the future,” he said when speaking at the leader-meet-the-people session and the opening of the GKCDA project at Kampung Merakai Hall yesterday.

The RM2.9 million project includes the upgrading of Jalan Kampung Merakai, installation of sewers to strengthen the drainage system,  paving of internal village roads and the construction of parking spaces at Kampung Merakai Community Hall.

According to John, infrastructure development is not just about providing physical facilities, but is a strategic investment in improving the living standards of the people and stimulating local socio-economic growth.

He also stressed that the Sarawak government will continue to bring more development projects to the Bukit Semuja area to ensure that rural communities are not left out of the state’s development stream.

He also described the successful completion of the project as the result of close cooperation between the implementing agencies, community leaders and local residents throughout its implementation period.

Also present were Serian Division Resident Mackos Sibong, Serian Public Works Department (JKR) Division Engineer  Chiresly Francis Kureng, Serian District Police Chief Superintendent Freddy Bian Stanilaus Bian and Serian District Officer’s representative Jeff Currant James Engkapan. -

Decade-long wait for MyKad is finally over for several residents in the border areas of Sri Aman Division

SIMANGGANG, July 26 2026: The decade-long wait is  finally ended when several residents in the border areas of Sri Aman Division successfully obtained their MyKad in a handover ceremony held in conjunction with the UKAS 2026 Empowering Communities Outreach Programme yesterday.

Caption: Bukit Begunan SLM Mong Dagong handover documents to one of the residents 

The handover was officiated by Bukit Begunan State Legislative Member (SLM) Mong Dagang, who also joined in reaching out to the people in an effort to ensure that those in rural areas are not left out from obtaining their personal identification documents.

Kebang Bajang, 58, expressed his gratitude after waiting for so long to have his MyKad, which has become an important document in his daily affairs.

“I am very grateful to the National Registration Department (NRD) for helping to expedite my application process after many years of waiting,” he said.

For Manis Julam, 38, she also expressed her appreciation to the National Registration Department (NRD) for its commitment to helping residents through special assignments.

According to her, the MyKad application made in 2024 finally bore fruit when it was successfully obtained this year.

“Thank you to the NRD for ensuring that the process ran smoothly until I was able to obtain my MyKad,” she said.

Meanwhile, Chrismalanda Stanley, 19, described the two-year wait as worthwhile when her application, made at the age of 17, was approved.

She said that the NRD’s continued efforts in helping youth obtain identification documents are greatly appreciated.

The programme saw the cooperation of various parties in ensuring that communities in border areas have access to essential services, thus strengthening the inclusivity and well-being of the local community.

Snowdan expresses hope NGASI to play role in ensuring Ajat Iban remains sustainable

KUCHING, July 25 2026: Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Snowdan Lawan expressed hope that the  Iban Native Dance Association (NGASI) will continue to play an important role in ensuring that the  ajat Iban remains sustainable by producing young talent.

Caption: Susan Clement (second from right), a political secretary to the premier, presenting a certificate to one of the Ajat Iban students

He said that the ajat is not just a traditional dance, but also symbolizes the courage, struggle, success and unity of the Iban community.

He added his ministry greatly appreciates NGASI's commitment in preserving the identity and cultural heritage of the Iban community so that it can be inherited by the younger generation.

He said this in a speech read by Political Secretary to the Premier Susan Clement during the 11th Iban Native Dance Association (NGASI) 2026 dinner tonight.

Snowdan added that NGASI's participation in various performances abroad including in Manila and Paris proves that the heritage of the Iban community is not only appreciated in Malaysia, but has also received international recognition.

“This is a source of pride for the people of Sarawak and proves that our cultural arts can penetrate the world stage,” he said.

He also hoped that NGASI would continue to produce more young talents who are skilled in traditional dances, thus ensuring the survival of Sarawak’s cultural heritage.

At the event, Susan also announced a donation of RM10,000 from Snowdan to NGASI before officiating the event.

Meanwhile, NGASI chairman Bartholomew Sirow Chong said that 11 students successfully completed the Iban Traditional Ajat Class this year.

He hoped that more young people would participate in the program to ensure that the customs and traditions of the Iban community continue to be preserved for future generations.

Meanwhile, one of the participants, Marion Bay Mitchell, 12, from SK Saint Teresa said that her participation in the class provided her with the opportunity to learn more about Iban Traditional Ngajat.

According to her, NGASI’s initiative to organize the class was the best step in ensuring that the traditional dances of the Iban community continue to be inherited and not be swallowed up by the times.

At the ceremony Susan presented certificates of completion of the Ajat Iban Course to the students.

The first production of oil shows that Sarawakians have the capability and expertise, says premier

MARUDI:, July 25 2026: Sarawakians have the capability and expertise in leading the state to venture into oil and gas industry as exemplified by the first oil production at the Adong Kechil West (AKW) field in Marudi by Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros).

Caption: Premier Abang Johari Openg says  that Sarawakians are capable of succeeding in the oil and gas industry

Premier Abang Johari Openg said the production of 800 barrels per day from AKW meant that the local talent has the ability and expertise to manage this strategic sector.

He recalled that the establishment of Petros was previously questioned by certain parties who doubted the ability of Sarawakians to lead the oil and gas industry.

"Some even asked why was Sarawak setting up Petros? Do Petros has the expertise? Sarawakians might not be able to lead the oil and gas industry. Just leave it to Petronas,” he said.

"But today, we have proven that Sarawakians are capable of succeeding in the oil and gas industry," he said when officiating the Baram Regatta 2026 at the Marudi Waterfront today.

He said the success achieved today proves that Sarawakians are able to shoulder that responsibility and play an important role in the development of the state's energy industry.

 Abang Johari said Sarawak's new approach now places emphasis on the application of science and technology to increase the value-added potential of the state's natural resources.

He explained that the methane gas discovered at Adong Kecil is no longer merely exported as a raw material, but can instead be processed into high-value products such as ammonia and methanol.

He said the ammonia produced also has potential in downstream industries, including fertiliser production, thereby opening up new economic opportunities based on technology and innovation.

Among those present at the function were the premier's daughter, Dayang Norjihan, Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government who is also Marudi Assemblyman Dr Penguang Manggil, Deputy Minister in the Premier's Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring) who is also Mulu Assemblyman Gerawat Gala, Deputy Minister in the Premier's Department (Project Coordination for Regional Development Agencies, DBKU and Islamic Affairs) Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi, Deputy Minister of Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Rosey Yunus, Telang Usan Assemblyman Dennis Ngau, Baram Member of Parliament Anyi Ngau, and Miri Division Resident, Galong Luang.