Betong MP wants all public toilets under Betong District Council to achieve clean, attractive and fragrant standard

BETONG, July 19 2026: Betong Memner of Parliament Dr Richard Rapu today launched the “Clean Public Toilets Campaign” organised by the Ministry of Public Health, Housing and Local Government  in collaboration with the Betong District Council (BDC).

Caption: Betong MP Dr Richard Rapu launching the Clean Public Toilet campaign

In his speech, he said all 13 public toilets under the supervision of the BDC are targeted to achieve the CAF  (Clean, Attractive and Fragrant) standard which not only emphasises the aspect of cleanliness, but also includes elements of comfort, safety, cheerfulness and user-friendliness.

“Public toilets are among the facilities that are often used by the public and visitors, hence the level of cleanliness and maintenance can shape the perception of the image and quality of services of an area,” Richard stressed.

 He added BDC will strengthen the maintenance and monitoring of public toilets under its administration through the campaign as an effort to ensure that public facilities are always at the best level.

He  said the initiative also aims to improve the level of cleanliness, comfort and safety of public toilets as well as foster a civic culture among the community.

Richard urged council members and relevant parties to constantly monitor the condition of public toilets and take immediate action against any damage including pipe leaks, malfunctioning toilet pump systems and damage to other facilities.

He said that the success of the campaign should not be measured through cleaning work alone, but rather through the formation of a civic culture among the community to be more responsible for maintaining public facilities.

At the same time, he called on the public to use public toilets prudently, dispose of garbage in the places provided, avoid acts of vandalism and immediately report any damage to local authorities.

He added BDC will continue to strengthen the maintenance and monitoring of public facilities including drainage systems, roads, parking areas and traffic flow to ensure that Betong remains clean, safe and conducive to residents and visitors.

37-year old man, who has been suffering from seizures since the age of 17, found dead near his boat

 LUNDU, July 19 2026: A 37-year old man, who was suffering from seizures since 20 years ago, was found dead near his boat this afternoon.

Caption: Policemen and firemen in the process of stretching  the body of the 37-year old man

His death was confirmed by staff from the Ministry of Health (MoH), Lundu Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) station said in a statement.

The station said the deceased's mother found out he was not at home at 8am after she arrived home at Kampung Sebuloh Cina from the market. 

"The mother said her son had been suffering from seizures at the age of 17. 

"She said he was found by a villager lying by the side of the boat on the bank of Sungai Sebuloh.

"Following the incident, a neighbour went to the police station to file a report," the station said.

Upon arrival at the scene, the firemen found the deceased lying unconscious, with foaming at the mouth.

The firemen then stretchered and took him to a nearby family home. 

His body was then handed over to the police for further action. 

PRS Ngemah division wants incumbent Anyi Dana to defend his seat in coming state election

NGEMAH, July 18  2026 – Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS)  Ngemah division has reached a consensus to fully  support incumbent Anyi Dana to defend his Ngemah seat in the coming state election.

Caption: PRS Ngemah division committee members, with Anyi Dana (seated, centre) at the meeting - Facebook/Pusat Khidmat Masyarakat ADUN N49  Ngemah

This was decided at its committee meeting today for Anyi to defend his seat under the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) in the upcoming state election.

According to a Facebook post by Pusat Khidmat Masyarakat ADUN N.49 Ngemah, the support reflects the confidence of the leadership and grassroots in Anyi’s record of service, commitment and leadership in fighting for the welfare of the people and bringing various development initiatives in the Ngemah state legislative constituency.

The Ngemah division also expressed its strong support for Minister in the Premier's Department and Kakus Assemblyman John Sikie Tayai on his election as the new president of PRS after successfully obtaining the mandate at the party’s triennial general conference.

The meeting also affirmed the full commitment of PRS Ngemah Division to stand firmly behind the new leadership of the party in strengthening unity, stability and the struggle to ensure that the development agenda and well-being of the people continue to be strengthened.

Social activist tells PMX to probe those involved in the loss of RM200 million of retirement funds to scammers

KUCHING, July 18 2026: Social activist Voon Shiak Ni told Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to investigate individuals involved in the loss of RM200 million of retirement funds to scammers in Indonesia.

 Caption: Social activist Voon Shiak Ni says if there were failures in governance, negligence, or misconduct, the individuals involved need to  be investigated and held legally accountable. 

She also told the prime minister that the public has the right to know the extent of due diligence done by the Finance Ministry and  Board of  Retirement Fund (Incorporated) (KWAP)   on the investment loss of RM200 million to scammers .   

She noted that the prime minister had revealed in Parliament two days ago that the country had lost RM200 million of the  retirement funds to a fraudulent investment scheme in Indonesia.

“Though the prime minister has explained that due diligence has been exercised before the investment was done but this  does not answer the  question of political accountability as well as legal and administrative responsibility of the federal government and the board of KWAP  for the loss of public funds of RM200 million,” Voon said in a statement.

She noted that KWAP lost the money because the federal government invested in what is later found to be a fraudulent scheme and it is only right  that someone has to be responsible for the loss as the money belongs to the people .

“As the KWAP's board and management are primarily responsible for carrying out due diligence, assessing risks, and approving investments in accordance with the law and their fiduciary duties ,  the people has the right to know the extent of due diligence performed and whether  KWAP's investment policies and governance procedures were followed .

“If there were failures in governance, negligence, or misconduct, the individuals involved need to  be investigated and held legally accountable.

“The Minister of Finance has political responsibility to oversees the statutory framework for KWAP.  

“The  public deserved to be informed and what steps will be taken to recover the funds and  prevent similar incidents from happening .

“There is an urgency for the  matters to be scrutinized by  Parliament, auditors, enforcement agencies as part of political accountability to the public ..

“This is a worrying issue and  public confidence is at stake. A million - dollars government's investment lost to scam is one too many .

“There is no doubt that the public is concerned of the risks of any other possible losses in future to scam which may involve EPF funds ,  Amanah Saham funds and related government investments schemes   .

“The federal government, the Finance Ministry and the board of KWAP need to take responsibility for the loss of public funds of RM200 million to scammers,” she said.

Anwar had told Parliament that KWAP duped of RM200 million of its investment in Indonesian aquaculture startup eFishery.

He alleged that the company manipulated financial reports to deceive KWAP into investing RM200 million.

He said KWAP was not the only one being duped by eFishery, saying that international institutional investors and technology funds, including Temasek, SoftBank, 42XFund and Northstar, were also the victims.

Tracing the history of Rajah Brooke administration through Sri Aman Heritage Museum

SIMANGGANG, July 18 2026: The historic Fort Alice building that houses the Sri Aman Heritage Museum is among the premier heritage tourism destinations, showcasing the history of the Rajah Brooke administration and the early development of Simanggang Town in an authentic atmosphere.

Caption: The restored Fort Alice standing on a hill facing Batang Lupar in Simanggang Town

Fort Alice, located on a hill overlooking the Batang Lupar, was originally built after the Rajah Brooke administration relocated Fort James from Nanga Skrang to Simanggang in 1864, following frequent flooding at the original site.

Since then, Fort Alice served not only as a defence fort to monitor river route security and curb piracy, but also as an administrative hub housing a courtroom, treasury, dispensary, and shipping affairs during the Brooke administration and colonial eras.

Recognising its high historical value, the government allocated RM5 million under the 10th Malaysia Plan to execute conservation and upgrading works on the building.

The project, managed by architect Mike Boon from JFN Sdn. Bhd., successfully restored Fort Alice to its original form before it was reopened as the Sri Aman Heritage Museum.

Today, the museum features various historical collections, including documentation on Brooke-era forts in Sarawak, a courtroom, the bedroom of the Second White Rajah of Sarawak Charles Brooke, a dining area, and various artifacts depicting administrative life in the 19th century.

The architectural authenticity of the building, the lighting, and the layout of the exhibition spaces offer visitors an experience akin to stepping back into the era of the Rajah Brooke rule, thereby making the museum an important medium for preserving and introducing Sarawak's historical heritage to the current generation.

Caption: The two cannons still facing Batang Lupar since the Brooke-era days

Additionally, several old cannons still facing the Batang Lupar River as well as a collection of traditional boats, such as the Iban War Boat, the Chinese Hawker Boat, and the Malay Balok Boat, are also on display as symbols of the diverse history and culture of the local community.

The Sri Aman Heritage Museum is open to the public free of charge from Tuesday to Friday, from 9am to 4:45pm, and on Saturday and Sunday from 10am  to 4pm. The museum is closed every Monday.

Members of the public visiting Simanggang Town are encouraged to spend time visiting the Sri Aman Heritage Museum to retrace the history of Fort Alice and understand its pivotal role in the early development of Simanggang Town and Sarawak's history