DPM Fadillah: Role of media is more than just delivering news

KUCHING, July 17 2026: Deputy Prime Minister Fadillah Yusof stressed that the role of the media in Sarawak is much greater than simply delivering news, but rather serves as a bridge that connects various races, urban and rural communities and helps the people understand the state's development agenda.

Caption: Some of the media practitioners (all seated) who receive the Premier Appreciation Awards at the SMeC last night. Deputy Prime Minister Fadillah Yusof is third from right (standing)

He said that Sarawak's position as a country rich in cultural, linguistic and ethnic diversity means that the media plays an important role in strengthening unity and delivering information in a more inclusive manner.

"The media serves as a bridge that connects races and between urban and rural communities, raising the voice of the community, introducing culture and delivering the development agenda in a more inclusive manner," he said at a dinner held in conjunction with the Sarawak Media Conference (SMeC) 2026 last night.

In the context of regional development, he said, the media also plays an important role in explaining the implementation of various development agendas including infrastructure projects, energy transition, green economy, energy security, digital transformation and efforts to improve the well-being of the people.

Fadillah explained that the delivery of accurate and easy-to-understand information will help the people understand government policies, thus encouraging their participation in realizing

the state's development agenda.

He expressed hope that the media practitioners will continue to play their role as strategic partners of the government in delivering authentic, constructive and inclusive information for the progress of Sarawak.

28-year old lorry attendant dies when lorry plunges into a ravine

KAPIT, July 16 2026: A 28-year old lorry attendant was killed while the driver was seriously injured when 10-ton plunged into a ravine from a bridge at Sungai Majau, Mujong, Baleh this afternoon.

 

Caption: The 10-lorry lying at the bank of the ravine

Kapit Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba), in a statement, said it received a call from the police at 12.25pm, informing that the lorry had plunged into the ravine.

It said initial information from the police, there was  a victim had fallen  into a ravine at the accident location.

Upon arrival at the scene, the firemen found that a single-vehicle accident involving a 10-ton lorry carrying a load of vehicle spare parts that had plunged into a ravine with an estimated depth of 40 meters.

The lorry attendant was found unconscious and lying in the ravine.

Premier wants local authorities to become trusted institutions, smart organisations

KUCHING, July 16 2026: Premier Abang Johari Openg today reminded all local authorities to become trusted institutions, smart organisations  and sustainable drivers of development. 

Caption: Premier Abang Johari says looking ahead to 2030, the Sarawak government  envisions local authorities 2030 — trusted, smart  and sustainable.

He said they build towns and cities not only for today, but  for future generations and create services that  make life easier for the people.

“Let us strengthen  governance that earns confidence and respect,” he said when opening the local authority conference today.

The premier said he is confident  that the Sarawak local authorities can become a model  for future local governance — not merely because we  want to be recognised as advanced, but because we  want our people to experience a better quality of life.

“Sarawak is not waiting for the future. Sarawak is  creating its own future. In this journey, Local  Authorities have a critical responsibility to ensure  that every policy reaches the people, every  development creates value, and every achievement  leaves a meaningful legacy,” he said.

“ Looking ahead to 2030, the Sarawak government  envisions local authorities 2030 — trusted, smart  and sustainable.

“Trusted means the local authorities that are respected  by the people, transparent in decision-making and  accountable in delivering services.  

“Smart means Local Authorities that embrace  technology, innovation and data to solve problems  and improve efficiency. Sustainable means Local  Authorities that balance economic growth,  environmental protection and community well-being  for future generations.

“The leadership and officers of local authorities must  become leaders of change,” he said, adding that they must continuously  improve systems, embrace innovation, listen to  communities and strengthen implementation.

He said transformation requires more than good ideas and  strategies, adding that it requires strong execution, collaboration  and a culture of continuous improvement.

“Local authorities cannot work alone. The future  requires a whole-of-government and whole-of society approach involving government agencies,  private sector, academia, communities, youth and  civil society,” the premier said.

Premier launches state-owned water agency's premium bottled drinking water brand "Orkid"

KUCHING, July 16 2026:  State-owned agency Sarawak Water Sdn Bhd has launched its first premium bottled drinking water brand, 'Orkid', as part of the organisation's transformation towards becoming a financially sustainable water utility, while also introducing the product as the official water brand to be used on AirBorneo flights.

Caption:  Premier Abang Johari Openg holding a bottle of Orkid brand drinking water at the launch

The brand launch was officiated by  Abang Johari Openg in conjunction with the Borneo International Water & Wastewater Exhibition & Conference (BIWWEC) 2026 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) yesterday.

According to a Sarawak Water statement, today, the launch of Orkid marks the organisation's first commercial diversification initiative, forming part of a long-term strategy to strengthen financial resilience while continuing to provide safe, reliable and sustainable water supply services to the people of Sarawak.

The initiative reflects Sarawak Water's aspiration to demonstrate that a modern public utility can innovate, diversify its revenue streams and create sustainable value without neglecting its core responsibility of serving the public.

Notably, the premier told reporters at a press conference that Orkid-branded drinking water will be used on AirBorneo flights as a distinctive identity for Sarawak's own airline.

"I was just given the honour of launching Sarawak's new water product, Orkid.

"This Orkid-branded water will be used on AirBorneo, so our airline will have its own uniqueness by using authentic water from Sarawak," he said.

The statement further noted that revenue generated through the initiative will be channelled back into investment in water infrastructure development, digital innovation, operational excellence and improved customer service.

Meanwhile, Sarawak Water Acting Chief Executive Officer, Malseni Jamal, said in the statement that the launch of Orkid marks a new chapter in the organisation's evolution.

She said Orkid is not merely a bottled drinking water brand, but reflects Sarawak Water's new approach to creating value for the people.

"Every drop of water we sell creates value beyond a bottle of water. It helps us invest in stronger infrastructure, smarter technology and better services for the people we serve," she said.

She added that the Orkid brand was inspired by the favourite flower of the late Juma'ani Tun Tuanku Bujang, symbolising elegance, resilience and beauty, in line with the values Sarawak Water seeks to embody.

She further added that Orkid is the first of several initiatives under Sarawak Water's commercial growth strategy, with the organisation set to continue exploring new opportunities that complement its core business and create long-term value.

Girl, 13, dies while boy, 14, suffers serious burns in house

KUCHING, July 16 2026: A 13-year old girl died and a 14-year old boy suffers serious burns in a house fire at Jalan Permai Jaya, Tupong Ulu early this morning.

Caption:  The two-storey terrace after the fire has been extinguished

Petra Jaya Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba), in a statement, said the boy, who suffers serious burns, was rushed to the Sarawak General Hospital while the deceased girl was handed over to the police for further action.

The department said it received a call at 2.23am, informing that a house was on fire.

The department said the fire involved a two-storey terrace house that had burned 70 per cent.

It said initial information revealed that there were two victims in the house.

It said the firemen found the two teenagers were trapped as reported by the public.

It said after both victims were successfully taken out of the building, the firemen provided initial treatment at the location while waiting for the medical personnel from the Ministry of Health for further treatment.