Sarawak sports minister hopes Malaysia Games to proceed as scheduled after Sultan of Selangor suggests it be postponed

KUCHING, April 23 2026: Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister Abduk Karim Rahman Hamzah has expressed his hope that the Malaysia Games (Sukma) can proceed as scheduled, as comprehensive preparations have been made, including a large financial commitment and the sacrifices of the athletes.

Caption: Youth and Sports Minister Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah says that comprehensive preparations have been made for the Malaysia Games 

He said various preparations including logistics, accommodation bookings, and athlete training, had been carried out in advance.

“Some Sarawak athletes have also been sent to undergo training locally and abroad in preparation for the games.”

“When it comes to Sarawak, I hope that Sukma will continue. A lot has been spent on preparations including logistics, hotel bookings, homestays and deposit payments.

“In fact, our athletes have been sent everywhere including abroad for training. If postponed, some of them may not be able to participate because the Sukma age limit is 21 years,” he said in a press conference here today.

He was asked to respond to the Sultan of Selangor’s suggestion that the biennial games be postponed due to the Middle East crisis.

Selangor are host of this year’s Malaysia Games.

Karim said any decision on whether Sukma will continue or be postponed depends on the decision of the federal  Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Selangor state government as the host.

He said he expects the Sukma issue is expected to raise when the federal Minister of Youth and Sports Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari visits Sarawak soon.

He said Dr Taufiq will visit several sports facilities including the Sarawak Stadium and the Petra Jaya Perpaduan Stadium, in addition to a field trip to Kampung Semeba to meet the local community.

French global energy company expresses interest in large-scale solar projects in Sarawak

SINGAPORE, April 22 2026:  TotalEnergies, a  global energy company from France, has expressed  interest in expanding its involvement in large-scale solar projects, including onshore and floating installations, as well as sharing its experience in renewable energy development  in Sarawak region.

 Caption: Deputy Premier Awang Tengah Ali Hasan (seated, third from left) in discussions with representatives of the Fraench energy company

In a media statement issued by Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas), the French company shows its interest during a discussion with Deputy Premier Awang Tengah Ali Hasan and members of the Sarawak delegation here.

The discussions focused on efforts to harness Sarawak's natural resources as well as the company's global expertise, with both parties sharing aspirations towards a more sustainable energy future, particularly in the solar, hydro and biomass sectors.

Sarawak expressed its commitment to expanding its green energy capacity.

In the oil and gas sector, both parties also assessed opportunities for continued cooperation, taking into account Sarawak's position as a state rich in gas resources and plans to meet domestic and international needs.

Discussions also covered emerging areas such as Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) technologies, which are seen as capable of supporting carbon emission reduction efforts.

In addition, the strategic collaboration through the TotalEnergies joint venture with Masdar is seen as having the potential to accelerate the development of renewable energy in the Asia Pacific region, with Malaysia among the markets being focused on.

This move reflects Sarawak’s readiness to move more aggressively in strengthening the future energy sector, while also attracting high-quality investments from global companies.

Also participating in the meeting was Deputy Minister of International Trade, Industry and Investment  Malcom Mussen Lamoh.

The meeting  was held while Awang Tengah was here to open the Sarawak Pavilion at the Food & Hospitality Asia (FHA) 2026

14yo boy dies of drowning at Kampung Segubang

BAU, April 22 2026: A 14-year old boy died of drowning in a river near Kampung Segubang here this afternoon.

Caption: The search team found the body of the 14-year old boy 

His body was found about 90 minutes after he was reported to have disappeared under water while he and his five friends were swimming.

Bau Fire and Rescue Department, in a statement, said it received an emergency call at 4pm from the headman of Kampung Segubang, informing of an  incident.

It said the victim was reported to be a 14-year-old boy who was bathing with four of his friends before the incident occurred.

Upon arrival at the scene of the incident, the victim was found to have drowned in the river as reported.

A rescue team was  initiated in the area where the victim was last seen using the Water Surface Searching technique and free diving by personnel on duty.

At about 5.35pm, the victim was found at a depth of approximately 10 meters and a distance of approximately 15 meters from the last location where the victim was reported to have drowned.

The victim was confirmed dead at the location by  the personnel from the Ministry of Health.

The victim's body was handed over to the police for further action.