Felicia Tan creates history by being the first Chinese woman to be appointed as Deputy Sarawak Secretary (Administration)

KUCHING, Jan 6 2026: Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Felicia Tan Ya Hua has officially assumed duties as the new Deputy Sarawak Secretary (Administration). 

Caption: Felicia Tan takes over from Buckland Bangik as the new Sarawak Deputy Secretary (Administration) at a handing over ceremony - Picture by Ukas 

She created a record of sorts by becoming the first Chinese woman to hold the post. 

She took over from Buckland Bangik who has retired after 37 years of service with the Sarawak Civil Service.  

The handover ceremony was witnessed by Sarawak Government Secretary  Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki at Wisma Bapa Malaysia this morning.

In his address, Abu Bakar commended Buckland for his long-standing service and contributions to the Sarawak Civil Service, describing him as a steady and experienced leader throughout his tenure.

He said the handover reflects leadership continuity within the state administration, adding that Buckland’s extensive experience and institutional knowledge remain valuable in supporting the collective work of the Sarawak Civil Service.

He also recalled the long public service journey of Felicia, who began her career as an Administrative Officer in Sibu in 1993 before serving in several districts including Sarikei and Sri Aman, and later holding key leadership roles at both divisional and state departmental levels.

Abu Bakar said merit, performance and teamwork remain the core principles guiding career advancement within the Sarawak Civil Service, adding that the increasing presence of women in senior administrative positions reflects an inclusive and equitable system free from gender bias.

“Good performance will always be recognised. If you perform well, there will be opportunities regardless of whether you are a man or a woman,” he said, while urging senior officers to continue working together in unity and mutual respect.

In his remarks, Buckland expressed his appreciation to the Sarawak government and his colleagues for their cooperation and trust throughout his service.

He emphasised the importance of teamwork in the civil service, noting that while individuals may move fast on their own, collective effort enables an organisation to progress further and more sustainably.

“I truly believe teamwork is very important. Whatever challenges we face, we manage them together,” he said.

In her maiden remarks, Felicia described her appointment as a meaningful milestone, particularly for women in Sarawak, and expressed her gratitude to the Sarawak Government for the trust placed in her.

She said her extensive experience working at the grassroots level for over two decades, including roles as Assistant District Officer, District Officer, Divisional Resident and Director, has shaped her leadership approach, which she will now bring to her new role at the state level.

Acknowledging the responsibilities that come with the position, she called for guidance and cooperation from senior officers, heads of departments and colleagues to ensure the effective implementation of state policies and programmes.

Also present were Sarawak Financial Secretary Dr Wan Lizozman Wan Omar, Sarawak Attorney General Saferi Ali, Deputy Sarawak Secretary (Operation)  Hii Chang Kee and heads of departments.

A mysterious circumstances surrounding the car found stuck at the bank of Batang Lupar

SRI AMAN, Jan 5 2026: A car, found stuck at the bank of Batang Lupar, has become a topic of conversation among the villagers of Kampung Melayu Skait, here today.

Caption: The car that was stuck at the riverbank of Batang Lupar. Why was it there or who owned it has remained a mystery. 

The car was spotted by a villager who immediately informed the Sri Aman Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) and the police.

A statement from the Sri Aman Bomba said the call was received about 10.48am from an anxious caller.

“Upon arrival at the scene, it was true that the car had fallen into the river.

“After checking, there were no victims in the car,” the statement said, adding that the operation commander also conducted an inspection around the cliff near the location where the car fell.

The police were also at the scene.

The results of monitoring and inspection showed that no victims were found.

The case was handed over to the police for further action.

It was not known who owned the car, and whether someone had deliberately pushed the car into the river.

The police are investigating the mystery.

Three road projects in Gedong, with a combined allocations of RM2.8b, expected to be completed by 2028

GEDONG, Jan 5 2026: The construction of three new road projects in the Gedong area, with a combined allocations  of approximately RM2.8 billion, are expected to be completed in 2027 and 2028, Deputy Premier Douglas Uggah said, adding that he is monitoring these projects to ensure they are completed according to schedule.

Caption: Deputy Premier Douglas Uggah speaking to reporters after visiting second bridge of Gedong-Simunjan-Samarahan project 

The projects are the Serian-Gedong-Samarahan Highway comprising five packages, upgrading of the Gedong-Simunjan Road involving two packages, and Gedong-Semalatong Road which comprises three packages.

“We received a very detailed briefing on the progress of the projects. There are several issues, particularly those related to land matters, and we hope these can be resolved as soon as possible to allow contractors to proceed smoothly with the construction works.

“Contractors have begun taking over the project sites and, in several areas, construction works are already under way,” he told reporters after a visit to the second bridge at the Serian-Gedong-Samarahan project site today.

Uggah, who is also the Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development, said the Serian-Gedong-Samarahan Highway project spans 45.65 kilometres (km) while the Gedong-Simunjan Road project covers 20.6 km, both are scheduled for completion in 2028.

He added  the 57.45 km Gedong-Semalatong Road project is slated for completion in 2027.

He said a special task force committee would be established to hold daily and monthly meetings to oversee the development of these projects.

He added that the committee would report to him every two months to ensure the projects remain on track.

“This is our work philosophy, where all parties including ministers, deputy ministers, permanent secretaries and directors together with their respective teams are consistently on the ground to identify solutions to any issues encountered.

“Problems are inevitable, but there is no problem that cannot be resolved,” he stressed.

Also present were Deputy Minister  Aidel Lariwoo, state Public Works Department Director Cassidy Morris, as well as senior officers from the state Public Works Department and Ministry of Infrastructure and Port Development.