Religious communities are key partners in state's development, particularly in fostering an inclusive society, says premier

KUCHING, Sept 26 2026:  Religious communities in Sarawak are regarded as key partners in realising the state's development, particularly in fostering a society that is inclusive and resilient, and grounded in strong communal values, said Premier Abang Johari Openg tonight.

Caption: Deputy Premier Dr Sim Kui Hian representing Premier Abang Johari Openg at the Sarawak Bahai'i Community's 75th anniversary dinner

He added the state's development under the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030) focuses not only on economic growth, modern infrastructure, and technological advancement but also emphasizes human development and the active participation of every community in shaping the state's future. 

“Our vision is not only to create an advanced economy but also to build an inclusive society that offers every community the opportunity to thrive and contribute to a shared future.

“To achieve this vision, we must all work together—including the government, civil society, religious organizations, and every citizen,” he said in his speech read by Deputy Premier Dr Sim Kui Hian at the Sarawak Bahá’í Community’s 75th Anniversary Dinner held here.

Abang Johari said the Sarawak Bahá’í Community has made significant contributions to society throughout its 75 years of existence, particularly through its emphasis on education, moral development, community building, and service to the community.

He noted that this role demonstrates that the contributions of religious communities are not limited to religious matters alone but are directly linked to efforts to build a more caring and responsible society.

“Through your emphasis on education, moral development, community building, and service to humanity, you have made meaningful contributions toward building a stronger and more caring community across our state,” he added.

The premier stated that every religious community plays a distinct role in shaping a society that is compassionate, resilient, and united, in line with Sarawak’s development aspirations that prioritize the holistic well-being of the people. 

The dinner was graced with the presence of  Governor Tun Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, and his wife, Toh Puan Fauziah Mohd Sanusi.

Their presence reflects their high regard and appreciation for the contributions of various communities in strengthening the harmony, mutual understanding, and spirit of coexistence that serve as key strengths of Sarawakian society.

The anniversary celebration also provided an opportunity to reflect on the Sarawak Bahá’í community's journey over the past 75 years, including its members' contributions to society and their efforts to foster unity and harmony among the state's diverse ethnic and religious groups.

13 locations across Sarawak turning "green" as air quality in Kanowit remains very unhealthy

KUCHING, Sept 25 2026: The air quality across Sarawak has improved significantly as the weather monitoring stations show 13 locations turning “green” as at 3pm this afternoon.

Caption: The hazy condition along the Balai Ringin stretch of the Pan Borneo Highway

The air quality in the green zone is being categorised as moderate, meaning the API readings are 100 and less.

Kanowit, however, is still having very unhealthy air quality.

The Air Pollutant Index (API) reading in Kanowit was at 216 level.

The monitoring stations show that seven locations were under the yellow or unhealthy category.

They include Serian (171), Lubok Antu (167). Samarahan (159) Kuching (157), Simanggang (153), Belaga (139) and Tebedu (129). 

25 September 2026, Friday 3:00 P.M. 

	STATION	INDEX	STATUS
	KUCHING	158	Unhealthy
	SAMARAHAN	159	Unhealthy
	SERIAN (MCAQM)	171	Unhealthy
	SIMANGGANG	153	Unhealthy
	SARIKEI	85	Moderate
	SIBU	78	Moderate
	MUKAH	72	Moderate
	KAPIT	83	Moderate
	BINTULU	84	Moderate
	SAMALAJU	73	Moderate
	MIRI	66	Moderate
	ILP MIRI	65	Moderate
	LIMBANG	57	Moderate
	LUNDU	83	Moderate
	TEBEDU	129	Unhealthy
	LUBOK ANTU	167	Unhealthy
	KANOWIT	216	Very Unhealthy
	BELAGA	139	Unhealthy
	LAWAS	61	Moderate
	BARIO	55	Moderate
	BETONG (MCAQM)	99	Moderate

Early childhood care and education is strategic investment in human capital, says deputy premier

KUCHING, Sept 25 2026: Early childhood care and education is a strategic investment in human capital development to shape a quality generation capable of driving Sarawak's future, in line with the aspirations of the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030), said Deputy Premier Awang Tengah Ali Hasan.

Caption: Deputy Premier Awang Tengah Ali Hasan says that development should not be measured solely on physical progress

He said the state's development should not be measured solely on physical progress, but must also take into account the opportunities provided to the people from the earliest stages of life.

"Development cannot be measured only by the roads, bridges, buildings and industries we build," he said at the opening of the Sarawak Preschool International Convention (SPIC) 2026 today

"Instead, it must also be measured by the opportunities we provide to the people, starting from the early stages of life," he stressed.

Awang Tengah added that early education plays an important role in shaping a generation capable of thinking critically, communicating confidently, collaborating and continuing to learn throughout life.

He said the foundation for these abilities is built from an early age through secure relationships, meaningful interaction, play, curiosity and creativity.

"In strengthening early childhood education, Sarawak must continue to pay attention to educational equity regardless of geography and family background, besides preparing children to face technological change.

"At the same time, this effort needs to place emphasis on strengthening identity, global confidence and the development of a more integrated early childhood education system," he further explained.

The deputy premier said SPIC 2026 serves as an important platform for Sarawak to gain experience and knowledge from around the world, while also sharing the state's approach on access, inclusivity and innovation in early childhood education," he said.

Museum Department to showcase Sarawak's rich history and cultural heritage at next month's ICOMOS in France

KUCHING, Sept 21 2026: The Sarawak Museums Department will showcase the state's rich history and cultural heritage to the international stage through participation in the 22nd General Assembly and Scientific Symposium of the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) in France next month.

Caption: Tourism Minister Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah says that the Museum Department's participation in the world-class gathering is an important platform to promote Sarawak's rich cultural heritage to the international community.

Minister of Tourism, Creative Industries and Performing Arts Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the gathering, which takes place from October 17 to 24, brings together more than 1,500 heritage experts and policymakers from 110 countries.

According to him, the department's participation in the world-class gathering is an important platform to promote Sarawak's rich cultural heritage to the international community.

"This world-class gathering, which brings together more than 1,500 heritage experts and policymakers from 110 countries, is the best platform to promote Malaysia's cultural heritage," he said at the Sarawak Museum Department's 2026 Appreciation Night last night.

He added that the department will also take the opportunity to introduce the uniqueness of Sarawak's heritage through four special programs organised in conjunction with the conference.

He said the programmes in question are the Night at the Museum: Sarawak Authentic Gastronomy, Sarawak Museum Talk, Sarawak Museum Heritage Walk as well as Tour Guide services at heritage sites.

"This initiative will highlight the uniqueness of local culinary, historical, and cultural arts to international visitors," he said.

In a related development, Karim said the department is also strengthening efforts to preserve and promote the state's heritage through various education, promotion and community engagement programmes.

Among them is the Fort Touring Programme: Exploring Heritage and History which provides historical exposure to the younger generation and local communities around Fort Alice in Sri Aman, Fort Lily in Betong, Fort Brooke in Julau and Fort Emma in Kanowit.

The programme will start at Kubu Lily, Betong in conjunction with the Sarawakku Sayang event from 25 to 27 September.

Sarawak registers 439,968 visitor arrivals last month, compared to 413,018 in August last year

KUCHING, Sept 21 2026:  Visitor arrivals to Sarawak rose by 6.53 per cent to 439,968 in August 2026, up from 413,018 during the same period last year, signaling a recovery following the decline recorded in July.

Caption: Tourism Minister Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah says visitor arrivals increased by 6.53 per cent in August this year compared to same period of last year

Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said that the increase was driven by various programmes organised throughout the period.

He noted that foreign visitor arrivals also increased to 275,800 in August this year, compared to 244,903 in the same month of 2025.

“For August 2026, the total was 439,968 visitors. When compared to the same period in August 2025, which saw 413,018 arrivals, there is an increase of 6.53 per cent,” he said when met by reporters after the Sarawak Museum Department Appreciation Night last night.

According to him, the rise in visitor arrivals also impacted Sarawak’s tourism receipts, which recorded approximately RM1.14 billion in August 2026, compared to RM1.06 billion during the same period last year.

He added that for the period from January to August 2026, Sarawak recorded 3,160,448 visitor arrivals compared to 3,205,519 in the same period of 2025, a slight decline of about 1.41 per cent.

Karim said that he still expects visitor arrival numbers to rise towards the end of the year, driven by various scheduled programmes and activities, particularly those taking place from mid-year through to the end of the year.

“I am not worried because there are usually plenty of events scheduled from mid-month through to the end of the year. I anticipate an increase,” he said.

However, he explained that the target of reaching five million visitors this year may present a challenge to achieve, with the total figure expected to remain above four million.

He noted that flight conditions and current developments in the Middle East are among the possible factors influencing the momentum of visitor arrivals to Sarawak.

He added that these circumstances could potentially lead to flight disruptions or cause tourists to alter their travel plans.

“Given the situation in the Middle East and other factors, I foresee some issues regarding flights. I am not overly optimistic,” he said.

Commenting on the haze currently affecting Sarawak, he stated that the situation has the potential to impact the tourism sector, particularly if it persists. -