Community awareness is vital in shaping a more caring, understanding needs of senior citizens, says Teck Wan

KUCHING, May 2 2026: Community awareness is vital in shaping a more caring, understanding and responsible attitude toward the needs of the elderly, Political Secretary to Sarawak’s Premier Kho Teck Wan has emphasised.

Kho Teck Wan says that rising number of senior citizens also carries financial implications as the number of taxpayers decreases while healthcare costs continue to rise. 

She said acceptance and understanding of the changes experienced by the elderly will help foster a more compassionate and inclusive society.

“We need to understand that as they age, they require more attention and support.

“When there is awareness, we do not easily feel pressured, instead, we are better prepared to help,” she said at the senior citizen health awarenss programme: Age Well With Growing Resilience and Cognitive Empowerment (GRACE) at Tropics City Kuching today.

Representing Deputy Premier Dr Sim Kui Hian, Kho said Sarawak is expected to be among the first states to reach ageing society status in Malaysia, with rural areas experiencing faster ageing rates due to the migration of youth to cities.

She added that the rising number of senior citizens also carries financial implications as the number of taxpayers decreases while healthcare costs continue to rise.

In relation to this, she noted that the Sarawak government has implemented several initiatives, including the Kenyalang Gold Card (KGC), which offers discounts on daily necessities, pharmacy services, and health screenings.

Kho added the state  government has implemented the Senior Citizens Health Benefit (SCHB) scheme, providing an annual credit of RM500 to eligible individuals aged 60 and above to obtain basic treatment at private clinics and dental services.

She emphasised that the responsibility of caring for the elderly does not rest solely on the government but requires the involvement of the entire community.

Also in attendance was Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Wee Hong Seng.

Abang Johari's tight schedule in the United Kingdom

UNITED KINGDOM,  May 2 2026:  Premier Abang Johari Openg is leading an official working visit to Manchester and Bristol, United Kingdom (UK) as well as Dublin, Ireland from  May 2 and 5.

Caption: Premier Abang Johari Openg arriving in United Kingdom for a five-day working visit 

His arrival with the delegation in Manchester at 1.15am Saturday local time is seen as a strategic mission to position Sarawak in the global value chain encompassing data centre infrastructure, artificial intelligence (AI) technology, semiconductors and world-class talent development.

In Dublin, the premier is scheduled to visit the K2 Strategic Data Centre Campus including the DUB4 and DUB5 facilities which are among the important hubs of large-scale data centre operations in Europe.

In Manchester, he will participate in the Sarawak Agenda-Townhall with the premeir’s programme as a platform to strengthen networking with the Sarawak diaspora, in addition to attending the Lan Berambeh Anak Sarawak Dinner which continues to be a symbol of community unity abroad.

He is then scheduled to hold an engagement session with representatives of the Manchester Regional Government at the British Muslim Heritage Centre involving roundtable discussions and strategic networking sessions as well as the signing of a Letter of Collaboration (LoC) and Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

In Bristol, Abang Johari is scheduled to attend an engagement session with SMD Semiconductor and the University of Bristol and deliver a keynote address at the event.

He will also witness the exchange of MoU documents between SMD Semiconductor and Bristol Research Group as well as a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) between SMD Semiconductor and the Sarawak Foundation.

The agenda continued with a visit to the National Composites Centre (NCC) and the Isambard-AI supercomputer facility which symbolises world-class research and innovation capabilities in the field of high-performance computing.

NCC is a world-class composites research and development centre in the UK with its main focus areas including composites, digital engineering and sustainability which brings together the best expertise and advanced technology to help solve the most complex engineering challenges globally.

Accompanying the premier's entourage were Sarawak State Secretary Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department (Law, MA63 and State-Federal Relations) Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali and Sarawak Finance Secretary Wan Lizozman Wan Omar.

Welcoming the premier's arrival were the Chief Political Secretary to the the premier Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman, Director of the Sarawak Foundation Mohamad Junaidi Mohidin as well as Sarawak students and Sarawak Volunteers.

MBKS acts tough against illegal hawkers in City areas

KUCHING, April 24 2026: Kuching South City Council (MBKS) acted tough against illegal hawking activities at several locations within the city. 

Caption: MBKS enforcement team carts away the seized items used by the unauthorised hawkers

The enforcement operation under Opps Gerai covered Tabuan Heights, Bulatan Setia Raja, Bus Stop near Lion Nursing Home and Tabuan Tranquility 3.

In a statement, MBKS said the enforcement officers took action against individuals found operating without valid permits or licences and those trading in unauthorised locations.

It said items used for illegal trading activities were seized.

It stressed that illegal hawking not only violates local regulations but also poses risks to public safety and health.

“Unauthorised stalls, particularly those operating at road shoulders and bus stops, may obstruct pedestrian movement and traffic flow, while unregulated food handling raises concerns over hygiene and environmental cleanliness,” MBKS said.

The operation marked the second enforcement exercise carried out by MBKS in 2026 with a continued focus on ensuring that all business activities comply with existing laws and are conducted only in designated areas.

The Council emphasised that enforcement actions are carried out based on public complaints as well as routine monitoring and patrols, and similar operations will be conducted from time to time.

MBKS urged all traders to obtain proper permits and operate responsibly, while members of the public are encouraged to cooperate by reporting illegal activities to help maintain a clean, safe, and orderly city.

Governor, wife pay their last respects to the late Kayan leader Tajang Laing

KUCHING, April 24 2026: Governor Tun Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife Toh Puani Fauziah binti Mohd Sanusi this afternoon paid their last respects to the late prominent Kayan aristocrat and former state minister Tajang Laing at the family residence on Jalan Batu Lintang.

Caption: Governor and his wife (second from right) paying their last respects to the late Kayan leader Tajang Laing - Picture by Astana Negeri 

They were received the late's children, namely Lohong, Livan, Peing, and other family members including former Belaga State Legislative Member (SLM) Stanley Ajang and Senator Pele Peter Tinggom.

“We spent time chatting and giving words of moral support and encouragement to the family members to ease the burden of sadness over the passing of this respected figure,” the governor said in his Facebook post.

He descrived the late Tajang as a Sarawakian statesman who has made great contributions.

“The late Tajang was a former Sarawak cabinet minister during the era of the leadership of the first Chief Minister Stephen Kalong Ningkan and played a significant role in shaping the early administration of the state,” Wan Junaidi said.

Apart from his contributions in the cabinet, the late Tajang was also known as one of the important figures involved in the negotiations and matters related to the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).

“May the family members of the late Tajang be strong in the face of this trial and continue to persevere in going through difficult times, while maintaining the memory and noble legacy that the  late Tajang had left for the development of Sarawak,” the governor said.

Tajang, 100, died last night, Lohong announced in her Facebook post.

Chef Iana Akam wins gold with her Sarawak laksa dish at the MasterChef of Foodex 2026 competition in Vietnam

KUCHING, April 24 2026: The iconic laksa Sarawak dish won the tastes of the judges at the MasterChef of Foodex 2026 competition in Ho Chi Minh City recently.

 Caption: MBKS Mayor Wee Hong Seng (4th from right) with the chefs and MBKS councillors posing for the cameramen.Cef Iana Akam is third from left 

Chef Iana Akam from Fairy Tavern in Bau won the gold medal for her laksa Sarawak dish signature.

In addition, Chef Janncy Nyohim also contributed a bronze medal through her innovative nasi lemak based on local ingredients such as bunga kantan and traditional rice, reflecting the evolution of cuisine without neglecting cultural roots.

Two other chefs from Little Fairy Cafe, Chef Nicky Nelson and Chef Robbie Richard Balcarek each won a silver medal, while in the group category, the Kuching team also took home a silver medal, thus demonstrating the strength of cooperation in the local culinary community.

In other categories, Chef Benny Huang and Wilson Voon each won a silver medal, while Chef Ronald Bong recorded success with one bronze medal and one silver medal.

Kuching's success was also acknowledged at the international judging level when Chef Jordan and Chef Julian Lai were invited as judges, reflecting recognition of Sarawak's culinary expertise.

 Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Wee Hong Seng, in applauding achievements of Kuching’s chefs, said it proves Sarawak's gastronomic ability to compete globally, thus bringing glory to the state on the international stage.

He said the participation of the delegation of chefs from Kuching not only fulfilled the competition, but also managed to create a big impact by winning various awards among the 400 participants, including 300 from Vietnam and 100 international participants.

"Our chefs not only participated in this competition, but managed to create a big impact on the international stage," he said at the MasterChef of Foodex 2026 press conference today.

Dato Wee stressed that the achievement further strengthened Kuching's position as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy and opened up wider space to promote the state's diverse food and heritage to the world.

"This shows that Kuching is not only known for its delicious food, but also for its excellence in gastronomy," he added.

He also expressed his appreciation to all the chefs involved and hoped that the success would inspire the younger generation to explore the culinary field as a future career.