Dr Sim: Health research sector attracts RM1.8 billion funding since 2012

KUCHING, May 6 2026:  The health research sector has successfully attracted research funding totaling RM1.8 billion from 2012 to 2025, with much of the funds concentrated in Kuching.

Caption: Deputy Premier Dr Sim Kui Hian affixing his signature on the plaque to officially open the Affin Bank Batu Kawa branch  

Deputy Premier Dr Sim Kui Hian said the achievement was based on the annual report on Malaysian Clinical Research launched in Kuching last month, creating more than 3,500 high-income job opportunities.

“Malaysian Clinical Research last month launched its annual report in Kuching which showed that during the period 2012 to 2025, the organisation successfully brought in research funds amounting to RM1.8 billion, with the majority of the funds remaining in Kuching.

“During the same period, more than 3,500 highly skilled and well-paid job opportunities were also successfully created,” he said during his speech at the opening of the Affin Bank Batu Kawa Branch, here, today.

Touching on the opening of the Affin Bank branch, Dr Sim who is also the State Legislative Member (SLM) for Batu Kawa, welcomed the opening of the branch in his constituency which is not just a normal banking operation, but rather part of the grand agenda of building Sarawak.

It is understood that the opening of the Affin Bank Batu Kawah Branch is part of AFFIN’s wider network which includes 13 branches throughout the state, thus bringing its services closer to the people.

Also present were Affin Islamic Bank Berhad Chairman Musa Abdul Malek, Affin Hwang Investment Bank Berhad Chairman Hasli Hashim, Affin Bank Berhad Board of Directors Members  Abang Iskandar Abang Hashim,  Sharkawi Alis and Elean Masa'at.

Wooden house in Bekenu collapses at dawn today

BEKENU, May 6 2026: An unoccupied wooden house at Kampung Subak, Bekenu, collapsed at dawn today.

Caption: The collapsed house at Kampung Subak, Bekenu 

Batu Niah Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) spokesman said, the incident which happened at 5.50am, could injuries if there were people inside.

“After inspecting and finding that the collapsed house was not safe to enter, the department advised anyone not to enter the house for safety reasons,” a spokesman said.

The incident involved  wooden structure house with pillars collapsed in its entire structure.

It was reported that the occupants of the house were not in the  house at the time of the incident. The firefighters' actions were only to check for safety and obtain information about the incident.

 After finding the situation under control, the firemen returned to the station.

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.