Sarawak, in collaboration with UK partners, to design satellite-grade semiconductor chips and systems

BRISTOL, (United Kingdom), May 6 2026: Sarawak, through the state-owned SMD Semiconductor Sdn Bhd, will embark on an exploration of a partnership with United Kingdom partners to design satellite-grade semiconductor chips and systems. 

Caption: Premier Abang Johari Openg speaking at the Sarawak Semiconductor Engagement Session in Bristol 

Premier Abang Johari Openg said the collaboration will enable Sarawak to launch its own first satellite, marking a major step forward in its ambition to become a high-value player in the global semiconductor, aerospace, and space technology sectors.

“The initiative will support Sarawak’s focus on satellite utilisation, data analytics, and downstream applications with real-world impact, particularly in climate-related areas such as forestry, earth observation, disaster management, carbon tracking, and maritime monitoring,” he said yesterday.

He added it will also strengthen critical data capabilities and enhance telecommunications infrastructure, including extending high-speed, low-latency connectivity to remote and underserved areas.

The premier said this during the Sarawak Semiconductor Engagement Session, co-hosted by SMD Semiconductor and the University of Bristol, at the NCC – Innovation for Industry, Bristol and Bath Science Park.

The high-level engagement brought together over 80 policymakers, researchers, and industry experts from across the United Kingdom, reinforcing strategic collaboration in semiconductors, aerospace, space technologies, and data-driven systems.

He emphasised that the initiatives form part of Sarawak’s broader push into advanced, innovation-led industries, with semiconductors serving as a key enabler across multiple high- impact sectors.

“These technologies underpin essential data capabilities that drive connectivity and real-world applications, particularly in extending high-speed, low-latency access to remote and underserved areas,” he said.

“Today’s session reinforced that collaboration with the University of Bristol, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding earlier in Sarawak.

“Building capabilities in these advanced industries cannot be done in isolation,” the Premier stressed.

“Partnerships with institutions such as the University of Bristol allow Sarawak to accelerate capability development, strengthen technical depth, and move more efficiently into high-value segments,” he further stressed.

The Premier highlighted the integration of Sarawak’s energy transition agenda with its semiconductor ambition.

The state is investing in renewable energy, hydrogen and sustainable infrastructure, and he pointed out that compound semiconductor technologies – particularly Gallium Nitride (GaN) – are critical to energy efficiency and low-carbon solutions. Sarawak is advancing GaN technologies through its state-backed entity SMD Semiconductor, in collaboration with CSA Catapult, X-Fab, Camutronics and the University of Bristol.

The engagement also spotlighted Sarawak’s growing focus on aerospace, satellite and data-driven systems. The Premier announced that Sarawak is exploring the development and potential launch of its own Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite with international partners including the UK.

“This will enable us to develop critical data capabilities that support climate-informed decision-making, while strengthening our telecommunications infrastructure, particularly in remote and underserved areas,” he said.

Obsolete pipes blamed for the constant water supply disruptions in Sibu and Sibu Jaya areas, minister says

SIBU, May 5 2026: Obsolete and ageing pipes have been identified as the causes of constant water supply disruptions in Sibu and Sibu Jaya areas, Minister for Utility and Telecommunication Julaihi Narawi.

Minister Julaihi Narawi says the Sarawak government  has approved a total allocation of RM7 billion for water supply projects across the state. 

He said the situation is not due to current administrative failures but rather to the existing water supply system, which is obsolete and no longer capable of meeting current demands.

He noted that although the areas are often categorized as urban, in reality, they still possess rural infrastructure characteristics, including the use of old pipes, many of which are over 40 years old.

“The state government currently inherits these constraints but remains committed to taking responsibility by channeling large allocations to build new plants and upgrade existing facilities,” he said.

He said this during a dialogue session with community leaders and village chiefs and local residents at the Salim Water Treatment Plant here today.

Julaihi urged residents to understand the true challenges in addressing water supply issues, particularly in the Sibu Jaya area, which frequently faces disruptions.

He explained that solving water supply problems involves a complex process, encompassing the search for water sources, construction of treatment plants, installation of pipe distribution systems, and the construction of booster stations.

He added that every completed plant must undergo a testing and commissioning phase to ensure pressure and supply stability before being distributed to consumers.

He explained the Sarawak government under Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) has approved a total allocation of RM7 billion for water supply projects across the state.

Of that amount, RM5.9 billion is allocated for the construction of water treatment plants and upgrading the grid system, while another RM1.1 billion is for the replacement of 2,743 kilometres of pipes.

Also present were Bukit Assek Assemblyman Chieng Jin Ek, Political Secretary to the Premier Joshua Ting Fu Ying, Sibu Division Resident Abang Mohammad Porkan Abang Budiman, Sibu District Officer Tsong Chow Choon, Director of the Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB) Sarawak Ahmad Salihin Che Said, Acting Chief Executive Officer of Sarawak Water Malseni Jamal and Temenggong Vincent Lau Lee Ming.

Uggah on why Miri City is picked as centre of this year's state-level Gawai Dayak celebration

MIRI, May 4 2026:  Miri City is selected as the centre of this year’s state-level Gawai Dayak and Ethnocultural Festival as it is a place inhabited by people of various races, religions and cultures, Deputy Premier Douglas Uggah said tonight.

Caption: Deputy Premier Douglas Uggah waving to the crowd on arrival for the opening of Gawai Dayak and Ethnocultural Festival last night 

He said the selection is also in line with efforts to expand the celebration beyond Kuching so to provide opportunities for more people in the north of the state to join in celebrating the festival.

“The decision also reflects the state government's inclusive approach in ensuring that every region has the opportunity to host large-scale events,” he said when officiating the festival.

"The spirit of 'Segulai Sejalai' is clearly evident through the close cooperation of various non-governmental organisations (NGOs) who have joined hands to make this festival a success," he said.

He stressed that the festival carries great significance because it does not just feature traditional dances or clothing, but also encompasses the way of life, values, history and identity of various ethnic communities.

He said that heritage such as the Ajat Iban, Orang Ulu traditional dance, traditional weaving and ethnic food are strategic assets that can be highlighted as a catalyst for the state's economy.

"Culture is no longer just an aesthetic value, but can instead be an economic engine and pride at the global level," he explained.

He said the  festival  provides an opportunity for more than 70 local traders to generate income, in addition to being a cultural education platform for the younger generation.

He said he is optimistic that the target income of RM1.8 million can be achieved, compared to RM1.3 million recorded in Kuching previously, taking into account the encouraging response even in rainy conditions.

Among those present at the opening ceremony were Minister of Food Industry, Commodities and Regional Development Dr Stephen Rundi Utom,  Minister of Transport Lee Kim Shin and Minister in the Premier's Department  John Sikie Tayai and Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government and the Sarawak level Gawai Dayak celebration organizing Committee 2026  Dr Penguang Manggil.

Putrajaya should ensure Sarawak gets adequate operational and development allocations for healthcare and education, says SUPP Women

KUCHING, May 4 2026: Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) Women Central chief Kho Teck Wan (picture) has asked the federal government to adopt a differentiated approach to budget rationalisation announced by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim recently.

She said any budget rationalisation must take into account existing regional disparities.

“The federal government should also ensure Sarawak receives adequate operational and development allocations to close long-standing gaps in healthcare and education,” Kho said in a statement.

She also called on the federal government to provide transparent and detailed breakdowns of what constitutes “non-essential” spending.

“While the federal government has indicated that reductions will focus on “non-essential” expenditure, the definition of such spending must be handled carefully.

“What may appear non-essential at the federal level could still be critical in under-resourced regions like Sarawak.

“In addition, I strongly urge the Ministry of Health’s senior management to expedite the process of Sarawak Health Autonomy, in line with ongoing efforts to empower Sarawak in managing its own healthcare priorities more effectively.

“Sarawak’s needs are unique, and policies must reflect that reality. Fiscal discipline must not come at the cost of fairness and equitable development,” she said. 

Kho said SUPP Women acknowledges a recent statement by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim that the government’s expenditure rationalisation will not affect healthcare hiring or school capacity expansion.

However, she said it is important to highlight that concerns among the public, especially in Sarawak, are not without basis.

Kho pointed out that Sarawak is already starting from a lower baseline in healthcare, saying that the 1,000-bed hospital such as Sarawak General Hospital should, based on staffing norms comparable to similar hospitals in Peninsular Malaysia, have approximately 5,500 personnel.

“However, it currently operates with only about 4,500 staffs. This shortfall places additional strain on healthcare workers and inevitably affects service delivery,” she said.

Kho stressed that this clearly demonstrates that in both operational capacity and infrastructure provision, Sarawak has historically received less than what is required to meet national standards.

“Therefore, any across-the-board budget cuts—regardless of how they are defined—risk further widening this gap,” she added.

Recently, the Finance Ministry has proposed a RM5.4 billion reduction in operating expenditure (OE) across the health and higher education sectors as part of efforts to strengthen the country's fiscal position.

According to media reports, the cuts would affect the operating expenditure of both ministries, although the Finance Ministry has assured that essential services will not be disrupted.

The move forms part of a broader strategy to curb spending and ensure fiscal sustainability, in line with preparations for the 2026 Budget.

The proposed reductions in the health and higher education sectors contribute to a wider plan to achieve RM10 billion in OE savings this year across all ministries, departments and government agencies.

Of the RM10 billion targeted savings, the Health Ministry and Higher Education Ministry are expected to account for the largest reductions, at RM3.06 billion and RM2.39 billion respectively.