Kapit MP Nanta urges state to government to intensify, accelerate efforts to survey, dermarcate and issue titles to NCR land

KUCHING, Oct 23 2026: Kapit Member of Parliament Alexander Nanta Linggi has urged the state government to intensify and accelerate its efforts to survey, demarcate and properly document Native Customary Rights (NCR) land, particularly land already being cultivated by smallholders.

Caption: Kapit MP Alexander Nanta Linggi warns that any unnecessary delay in issuance of land titles to eligible landowners could translate into real economic losses, not only for the individual NCR landowners and their families, but also for Sarawak as a whole.

He said the state government should expedite the issuance of individual land titles to eligible NCR landowners so that they have proper legal documentation to establish their rights and support compliance with international market requirements.

"Where individual land titles have yet to be issued, the relevant authorities should also explore practical interim measures, including providing legally recognised documentation of customary land rights, to assist smallholders in meeting the necessary compliance requirements," he said in his Facebook post, in response to a statement by the Dayak Oil Palm Planters Association (DOPPA) on the possibility that approximately 58,000 independent oil palm smallholders in Sarawak could lose access to international markets due to the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), particularly those cultivating Native Customary Rights (NCR) land without formal land documentation.

Nanta stressed that any unnecessary delay in issuance of land titles to eligible landowners could translate into real economic losses, not only for the individual NCR landowners and their families, but also for Sarawak as a whole.

"Land ownership documentation is no longer merely an administrative matter. In the face of increasingly stringent international trade requirements, it has become a critical factor in protecting the livelihoods and economic future of our rural communities," Nanta, who is also the federal Works Minister, said.

He urged the state government to recognise the urgency of this situation and take concrete, proactive measures to resolve outstanding NCR land survey and documentation matters.

"At the same time, assistance should be provided to help smallholders meet the mapping, geolocation and traceability requirements associated with the EUDR," Nanta said.

He called for closer coordination between the Sarawak state government, the relevant federal authorities, DOPPA and other industry stakeholders to ensure that practical solutions are developed and implemented to safeguard the interests of our smallholders.

"While we continue to seek understanding and recognition from the European Union, we must not lose sight of what can and should be done here at home," he added.

He stressed that the NCR landowners must not become victims of administrative delays and should not be denied the opportunity to earn a decent livelihood from their own land simply because they have yet to receive formal land titles.

"I therefore call upon the Sarawak State Government, particularly the relevant land authorities, to give this matter serious and immediate attention by intensifying NCR land surveys and accelerating the issuance of proper land ownership documents, including individual titles.

"The objective must be clear: to protect the rights of NCR landowners, safeguard their livelihoods and ensure that they are not left behind as international market requirements become more stringent.

"Ultimately, our rural native communities must be given every opportunity to benefit economically from the land they have inherited, worked on and developed through their own efforts," he said, adding that theyy have done their part by working hard to develop their land. 

"The government must now do its part by ensuring that their land rights are properly documented and their economic opportunities protected," he said.

Malaysian Media Council warns media organisations of specific protections for children under the age of 18

KUCHING, Oct 23 2026: Malaysian Media Council (MMC) today reminded media organisations that its Code of Conduct provides specific protections for children under the age of 18. 

It said under Clause 9.3, the interests of children must be protected and may only be overridden where there is an exceptional public benefit. 

"Information that attracts public attention does not necessarily serve the public interest. Incidents involving minors, particularly in schools, are matters of legitimate public concern. 

"The public has a right to know how institutions respond and what is being done to keep children safe. The media has an important role in reporting these facts," MMC said in a statement, referring to an incident involving a student of an international school last Wednesday.

"However, the responsibility to inform the public must be balanced against the potential harm that reporting may cause to children involved in such incidents, whether as suspects, victims or witnesses. 

"Under Clause 4.3, the names, photographs and identifiable locations of juvenile suspects or persons of interest must not be published or broadcast," it warned, saying that newsrooms must also recognise that identification can occur indirectly through the disclosure of seemingly unrelated details. 

MMC said information such as a child’s age, class, family background, social media accounts, photographs of their residence or other identifying details may, individually or collectively, reveal their identity. 

"Similar consideration must be extended to relatives under Clause 4.14, as well as other children who may have witnessed or been affected by an incident," it said.

MMC further emphasises that the need for accuracy and verification becomes even more critical when incidents attract widespread public attention, saying that materials circulating on social media and messaging platforms, including personal notes, messages, screenshots, photographs and videos allegedly involving or originating from a minor, must not be presented as established facts without appropriate verification of their source and authenticity, in accordance with Clause 1.2. 

"Even where such materials have been verified, editors must carefully consider whether their publication contributes meaningfully to public understanding or merely exposes a child’s private thoughts, circumstances or personal information. 

"The reproduction of personal writings or communications in their entirety should generally be avoided unless an exceptional public benefit can be clearly demonstrated. 

"Under Clause 1.6, unverified information may only be reported where there is a clear public benefit, reasonable attempts at verification have been made, and the information is clearly identified as unverified. 

"Such reporting must not be accompanied by speculation or misleading conclusions," MMC stressed.

In light of recent incidents, MMC urges all media organisations and newsrooms to observe the following principles:
1. Protect the identities of minors. Refrain from publishing any information that could directly or indirectly identify a child involved in an incident, whether as a suspect, victim or witness. This includes details that may reveal an identity when combined with other publicly available information. 

2. Verify materials before publication. Do not publish or reproduce notes, messages, screenshots, videos or other materials attributed to a minor without appropriate verification and a clearly established public benefit. Avoid reproducing personal communications or writings in full where doing so may cause unnecessary harm. 

3. Respect the presumption of innocence. Children suspected of involvement in criminal incidents, including those in police custody, must be treated as presumed innocent unless proven guilty, consistent with Clause 4.2. Newsrooms should avoid speculation concerning motives, mental health, family circumstances or other personal factors, in accordance with Clause 4.18. 

4. Avoid sensationalism. Headlines, photographs, thumbnails, videos and other editorial presentations must not sensationalise incidents or turn children involved into objects of public spectacle, consistent with Clause 4.17. 

5. Exercise compassion and sensitivity. Reporting must take into account the emotional well-being, privacy and dignity of children, families, teachers and others affected by an incident, in accordance with Clauses 4.8 and 4.10. Particular care should be taken when approaching children or grieving families for interviews or comments. 

6. Review and correct existing coverage. Media organisations should review previously published reports and social media content to ensure compliance with the Code. Where inaccuracies, unnecessary identifying details or other breaches are identified, appropriate corrections, amendments or removal of material should be undertaken in accordance with Clause 1.7. MMM recognises the media’s responsibility to report matters of public concern, including incidents involving children and the accountability of institutions entrusted with their care. 

However, responsible reporting does not require the disclosure of every available detail. Editorial decisions must consider not only the immediate news value of information but also its potential consequences for those involved. 

Children affected by serious incidents may continue to experience the consequences of media coverage long after public attention has subsided. 

Responsible restraint can help safeguard their privacy, dignity, prospects for rehabilitation and recovery, while avoiding unnecessary interference with ongoing investigations. MMM therefore encourages all media organisations to review their reporting practices and editorial decisions against the relevant provisions of the Code. 

Members of the public who are personally affected by media coverage that may have breached these standards may lodge a complaint through MMM’s Grievance Mechanism.

PBK remains open to working with other local opposion parties to face any election, but it must be based on mutual trust and respect, says its president

KUCHING, Oct 23 2026: Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK) said that it remains open to working with any local opposition party or non-GPS political party and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in any election, provided that they share its political aspirations for Sarawak.

Caption: PBK president Voon Lee Shan says  the fundamental question remains how can the opposition and other political parties that share PBK's aspirations work together effectively while maintaining their principles, credibility and commitment to Sarawak’s future

Its president Voon Lee Shan, however, cautioned for that to happen, it must be based on mutual trust, respect and a shared vision for Sarawak.

He said the party, throughout its struggle, has faced difficulties and disappointments, particularly when mutual trust and commitments have not been honoured, 

He noted that the presidents of five local political parties had previously reached an understanding that they would not poach one another’s members, invite members from other parties to cross over, or accept such crossovers.

"Unfortunately, these commitments have not been consistently upheld by other parties. This has made cooperation more challenging and has undermined the trust necessary to build a united political front," Voon said in a statement.

"PBK understands that Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB) had its own reasons for its dissolution and returned to GPS. Ultimately, every political party must make its own decisions and be accountable for the choices it makes," he said.

As Sarawak approaches the 13th state election, Voon said the fundamental question remains how can the opposition and other political parties that share PBK's aspirations work together effectively while maintaining their principles, credibility and commitment to Sarawak’s future/

"The decision ultimately rests with the people of Sarawak," he said, adding that the voters will judge for themselves which political parties, approaches and leadership they believe can best represent their aspirations and determine the future direction of Sarawak.

"For PBK, our commitment to Sarawak’s political aspirations remains unchanged. We believe that any meaningful cooperation must be built on mutual respect, trust, integrity and a shared vision for Sarawak," he said.

Breaking News: Premier to announce dissolution of the State Legislative Assembly this afternoon

KUCHING, Oct 23 2026: Premier Abang Johari Openg is scheduled to announce the dissolution of the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (SLA) this afternoon.

Caption: Premier Abang Johari Openg to hold a press conference scheduled at 3.30pm today

A media advisory issued by the Premier's Office said a press conference is scheduled to be held at 3.30pm at Kompleks Satria Pertiiwi, the office of the premier.

It also reminded the media representatives to wear and display their valid, registered Media Accreditation Card at all times while within the premises of Kompleks Satria Pertiwi for the purpose of identity verification and compliance with security procedures.

"To facilitate the registration process and ensure smooth entry into Kompleks Satria Pertiwi, all attending media representatives are requested to submit their full names and the names of their respective media agencies immediately not later than 12pm on Friday, 23 October 2026," the advisory said.

It also said the media representatives are welcome to arrive early, later than one hour before the press conference begins, that is, by 2:30 PM, to allow sufficient time for security checks, registration, and preparations for media coverage," the advisory said.

Various government's initiatives that improve the lives of ordinary Sarawakians, from babies to senior citizens

Feature by Ukas
Behind every aid channeled, there are lives that want to be improved, dreams that want to be realised and futures that are being built.

Caption: Premier Abang Johari Openg with some of the recipients of the various government initiatives

From a baby who has just discovered the world, a family trying to move on with their lives, children from the hinterlands pursuing their ambitions to professionals who have returned to their duties, the various initiatives of the Sarawak Government now bring their own meaning to the lives of the people.

For Premier Abang Johari Openg, the inclusive development approach implemented by the government is not just about providing aid, but opening up opportunities for every Sarawakian to build a better life regardless of background, place of residence or socio-economic status.

The story of Sylvia Jiau from Kampung Semadang, Padawan, for example, shows how attention to the well-being of the people begins at birth.

She received a Maternity Assistance (BIB) of RM450, while her son, who is now eight months old, has an initial savings of RM1,000 through the Endowment Fund Sarawak (EFS) for use when he reaches the age of 18.

Caption: Young mother Sylvia Jiau from Kampung Semadang, Padawan, with her eight-month baby, talking to Premier Abang Johari Openg

Although the amount may be seen as small by some, for a family, it is the beginning of planning for the future of a child.

For Pusspa Trozen Vera Samy from Tabuan Dayak, Kuching, the benefits received came in the form of assistance for daily needs.

As a recipient of the Sarawak Basic Needs Contribution (SKAS) in the single category, she also enjoyed a 25 percent discount on her electricity bill and a RM5 reduction on her water bill every month.

Such assistance allows recipients to reduce some of their basic expenses in the face of the rising cost of living.

In Kota Samarahan, Anuar Peli, who works as a van driver and has six children, received a housing rental assistance of RM200 per month.

For a head of family who needs to ensure that the needs of his wife and six children continue to be met, the assistance can somewhat ease his monthly responsibilities.

Meanwhile, Leong Soi Mei from Sarikei received assistance of RM10,000 through the Housing Deposit Assistance and Refund Scheme (HDRAS), which helps reduce the financial burden of owning a first home.

Opening the Door to Education, Changing the Future

If welfare assistance helps ease today's lives, education is a bridge to change the lives of future generations.

For Fathyyass Lawai Tan, a Penan from Ulu Baram, the opportunity to follow the Cambridge curriculum at the Sarawak Foundation International Secondary School (YSISS) opened the way to an international-class education.

The same opportunity was also enjoyed by Melvina Nara, an Iban girl from Rumah James, Lubuk Kelampu, Betong.

The stories of these two students show that the location of residence and family background should not be a barrier for Sarawakians to obtain quality education.

At the higher education level, opportunities to build a future continue through the Sarawak Free Higher Education Scheme (FTES).

Gloria Dau Aju from Uma Belor, Belaga, is currently studying for a Bachelor of Technology Management at the University of Technology Sarawak (UTS), while Priska Emban Kenedy from Rumah Uri, Bebuling Atas, Spaoh, is pursuing her studies in Agrotechnology at the i-CATS University College.

Another recipient, Syaza Irwani Adriana Mohd Qushairi, is studying for a Bachelor of Computing at Curtin University Malaysia.

In Miri, Terry Lin Zhen Bin, a graduate of Pei Min Secondary School, also took advantage of FTES to begin her Bachelor of Computer Science studies at Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus.

They come from different backgrounds and places, but share one thing in common, which is the opportunity to go further through higher education.

This year alone, approximately 6,246 Sarawakians are following 64 study programmes under FTES, thus demonstrating efforts to expand access to higher education for the state's younger generation.

Sarawakians Return to Sowing Their Contribution

However, the journey of building Sarawak's future does not stop when the state's children successfully complete their studies.

On the contrary, the knowledge, expertise and experience gained have also become important assets for developing their own homeland.

Among those highlighted is Siti Aisyah Mohd, currently the Governance and Compliance Manager at Sarawak Petchem, who brings experience in the environmental, social and governance (ESG) sector, including the development of an agrotechnology financing programme worth RM200 million at Agrobank.

Also contributing expertise at the same company is Abang Noor Akmal Yahya Abang Rosli, Engineering and Technology Manager, who has over 25 years of experience in the petrochemical industry and chemical manufacturing in six countries.

Aldrin Glenn Roland also contributed his expertise as a Senior Rotating Equipment Engineer at Sarawak Petchem.

The story of Randu Rangen from Kampung Stabut, Padawan, also proves that Sarawakians are capable of going far in their professional fields.

He obtained a Master of Science in Environment, Politics and Society from University College London before returning to serve as legal advisor at PETROS.

In the health sector, Jacinta Lim from Limbang received a full scholarship from the Sarawak Foundation in 2016 to pursue a Master of Clinical Physiotherapy at Curtin University, Australia.

Armed with the knowledge and experience gained, she later established Rehab Concept which now operates three physiotherapy centres in Kuching and Petaling Jaya.

Their success not only reflects the potential of local talent, but also shows how investment in human capital development can produce professionals, entrepreneurs and experts who contribute back to society.

From a baby's first savings, assistance that eases the burden of families, educational opportunities for rural children to the expertise of the country's people being put to good use, each story carries the same message.

Development is not just measured by allocation figures or projects implemented, but also through opportunities that open up, burdens that can be alleviated and a future that can be changed in the lives of the people. - UKAS FEATUR