Give priority to Sarawak, Sabah first before expanding AirBorneo operations to other regions, rights activist tells state government

KUCHING, June 6 2026: Rights activist Peter John Jaban has urged the Sarawak  government to give priority to Sarawak and Sabah first before expanding AirBorneo operations to other regions.

Caption: Rights activist Peter John Jaban says that the current surge in air travel demand is proof that the market is starved for a dedicated, localized carrier.  

He said as plans move toward operational reality, AirBorneo’s core mandate must remain crystal clear that the people of Sarawak and Sabah must come first.

He called for the urgent acceleration of AirBorneo’s operational rollout, anchored by a ”Borneo-First" policy.

“While the long-term potential for international routes such as connecting Kuching to Indonesia’s new capital, Nusantara, or expanding into wider Kalimantan makes strong economic sense for the future, AirBorneo must not lose sight of its founding purpose,” he said in a statement.

“Before looking across borders, the airline must secure domestic accessibility and social justice in air travel for Sarawakians and Sabahans,” Peter suggested.

He said the people of Sarawak deserve fair, stable, and affordable air travel throughout the year, adding that nobody should be priced out of returning home for vital cultural, religious, and family celebrations due to corporate price-gouging.

He believed that national integration and economic resilience cannot be achieved if the remain grounded by financial barriers.

“The current surge in travel demand is proof that the market is starved for a dedicated, localized carrier.

“AirBorneo must step into this gap immediately to serve the economic and social interests of its own people first.

Peter urged the government to translate this vision into reality without delay, ensuring that the wealth and progress of Sarawak directly translate into greater mobility, fairer pricing, and stronger family unity for every Sarawakian and Sabahan.

Peter noted that Sarawak is currently witnessing an unprecedented surge in demand for air connectivity across Borneo, saying that the surge is not random, but a direct result of Sarawak’s rapid, transformative economic expansion.

Peter said with massive growth in the state’s energy sectors, heavy industries in strategic hubs like Bintulu, digital economy infrastructure, and high-value foreign investments, the movement of people has reached a critical tipping point.

“Business leaders, technical experts, professionals, and families are moving within and into the region at a volume never seen before.

“Yet, under the current aviation landscape, the East Malaysians are bearing the brunt of this success,” he said, stressing “because we are geographically dependent on air travel, our people are being penalised by fluctuating, excessive airfares driven by market forces that treat our skies purely as profit centres.

“For a geographically isolated and dispersed population, air transport is not a luxury it is a critical public utility, just like our roads, bridges, and digital grids,” Peter said.

Repair works on main water supply at Mile 7, Jalan Miri-Bintulu to begin on June 10

MIRI, June 5 2026: Repair works on the main water supply pipe at Mile 7, Jalan Miri-Bintulu will be carried out on June 10 starting at 5pm, with disruption and restoration of water supply expected to take up to 24 hours.

Caption: Minister Julaihi Narawi (seated, centre) speaking to reporters after site inspection at Mile 7, Jalan Miri-Bintulu 

Minister of Utilities and Telecommunications Julaihi Narawi said the implementation of the work was a planned measure as a result of continuous technical monitoring after a small leak was detected on the main pipe line in the area.

He said the water supply disruption, low pressure and delayed restoration involved several areas around Miri involving the 750 mm MSCL and 1100 mm DICL main pipes.

“The leaking pipe area will be identified on June 10 after the investigation and technical assessment is completed.

After that, the technical team will confirm whether the leak involves a 750mm or 1100mm pipe,” he said.

He said this during a press conference after inspecting the main pipe at Mile 7, Jalan Miri-Bintulu on Friday.

Among the areas expected to be affected by the MSCL 750mm pipe repair work are Taman Jelita, Taman Tunku, Jalan Ekabang, Sungai Daing, Eastwood, Hiltop, Riam and Taman Delight areas.

Meanwhile, for the DICL 1100mm pipe repair work, they are Krokop/Jeefoh, Jalan Bulan Sabit, Piasau, Pulau Melayu/Bayshore, Pujut, Vista Perdana, Desa Bahagia, Permyjaya/Desa Pujut, Desa Indah; Southlake, Tudan, Senadin, Lutong, Kuala Baram, Kampung Masjid, Sungai Tujoh and Kampung Beraya.

He said the decision to carry out the repair work was made after the Hari Raya Aidiladha and Gawai Dayak celebrations to avoid disruption to festive preparations, as well as to ensure the stability of the water supply system in Miri and its surrounding areas.

"We have been monitoring this situation continuously as there are early signs of a small leak at the location. Therefore, the repair work needs to be carried out in a scheduled and controlled manner.

The repair work is expected to take approximately 12 hours to complete, followed by an additional 12 hours for the restoration process and stabilization of water pressure in the affected area," he said.

He added that the unstable ground conditions in the Pan Borneo Highway project area were identified as among the main factors contributing to the main pipe leak incident at the location.

He said the soft soil structure and soil movement in the area had affected the stability of the existing pipe infrastructure.

In the meantime, he asked the public not to panic following the ongoing water supply disruption, as it was a scheduled repair work.

"However, the recovery period could take longer in several rural areas including Beraya, Sibuti and Bekenu depending on the condition of the system.

The state government has provided at least 18 water tankers, with the number expected to be increased to 27 to 28 lorries according to the needs on the ground,” he said.

In addition, several temporary water intake centres have also been activated at strategic locations including the Lambir Water Treatment Plant and focus areas around Miri for the convenience of users.

An operations secretariat centre will be activated at the Lambir Water Treatment Plant to coordinate complaints, assistance and operational monitoring 24 hours a day involving Sarawak Water and related agencies.

The public in the affected areas are advised to store sufficient water supplies in advance and use water prudently throughout the disruption period.

Earlier, he chaired a coordination meeting to discuss preparations, operational coordination, public communication and actions related to the implementation of main pipe repair works at Mile 7, Jalan Miri-Bintulu.

Also present were Transport Minister Lee Kim Shin, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Member of Parliament for Sibuti  Lukanisman Awang Sauni and Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development and Lambir Assemblyman  Ripin Lamat.

 

 

DAP Serian to field young, educated professional to challenge incumbent Richard Riot in Serian

SERIAN, June 5 2026: DAP Serian branch will field a young and educated professional to contest in Serian parliamentary constituency in the next general election, its committee member Brolin Nicholsion said in a statement, today.

Caption: DAP Serian branch committee member Brolin Nicholsion says the branch will field a young, educated professional to contest in Serian
 

He said the branch is ready to provide a new leadership opportunity to the people of Serian.

“Serian indeed needs a fresh and hardworking leader who will always place the needs of the people as the top priority,” he said.

However, he said DAP Serian branch welcomes incumbent Richard Riot Jaem’s decision to defend the seat, but the DAP Serian is ready to challenge the candidacy.

“DAP Serian will always put the people’s agenda first and will fight for the many, not the few,” Brolin said when commenting  Riot’s statement that there was a possibility of him defending the Serian parliamentary seat in the coming general election.

Brolin said Riot has valid basis to defend his parliamentary seat as there is no age limit for a person to contest in a general election, and it is the right of every Malaysian citizen to do so.

“However, it is ultimately up to the people of Serian to choose whoever they want to represent their voices as their leader,” he said.

According to media reports, Riot, 75, had said he was ready to defend the seat that he had first won in 1990 as an independent candidate, if given a chance.

Yes, Sarawak will hold its election this year, confirms PBB leader

KUCHING, June 5 2026: PBB information chief Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah has further strengthened speculations that the next state election could be held within 100 days or more, in response to comments made by SUPP president Dr Sim Kui Hian yesterday.

Caption: PBB information chief Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah says it is possible that the state election will be held this year
 

He said there are indications that Sarawak will hold its election this year.

"We all know that the polls will be held this year," he told reporters today.

At the flag-raising ceremony yesterday to mark the 67th anniversary of SUPP, Dr Sim, who is also Deputy Premier, had said the state polls could be held in less than 100 days from now,

He has urged SUPP members to get themselves ready for the "war". 

Karim, meanwhile, said leaders of the four component parties of Gabungan Parti Sarawak have more or less discussed about the election, including allocation of a number of seats to each party. 

"From what have been discussed, we know that the polls will be held this year.

"Whether it is 100 days or more, we don't have to worry so much because we are now in June and we have six more months before the current term of the state legislative assembly (SLA) expires.

"In terms of politics, all the parties, including GPS, have made preparations," Karim, who is also the state Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, said.

"The only things left are the posters and names of candidates," he added, pointing out that when the SLA will be dissolved to pave the way for the state election is an open secret.

However, he explained that date of the dissolution is the prerogative of Premier Abang Johari Openg 

He said although there are various speculations including the possibility of the election being held within about 100 days, the final decision on it can only be determined by the premier.

“I can only say here that the individual who can roughly tell when the election date will be held is the premier because the prerogative and discretion to dissolve SLA is in his hands.

Karim said the current political developments in several states in Peninsular Malaysia are also among the things that can be observed in determining the election schedule in the future.

However, he stressed that any decision on the dissolution of SLA and the election date remains the prerogative of the premier.

Karim also said that the proposal to increase the number of SLA seats by 17 is still awaiting approval at the Federal level before it can be implemented.

He said he is not sure when Parliament will endorse the proposal which has been approved  by SLA last year.

“If approved even in the near future, it is most likely that the additional 17 seats can only be used in the next state election,” he said.-

The proposal aims to increase the number of state seats from 82 to 99.

Dr Sim: Next five years are crucial in deternining Sarawak's development direction

SIMANGGANG, june 4 2026: Deputy Premier Dr Sim Kui Hian has stressed that the next five years are extremely crucial in determining the direction of Sarawak's development, including efforts to empower infrastructure, people's welfare, and education.

 

Caption: SUPP president Dr Sim Kui Hian (second from left, front row) shouting "Sa'ati" at the 67th anniversary celebration of the party.

He said the Sarawak government at present is not only working to empower infrastructure within this state but is also channeling various welfare assistances, including providing free education for the people at state-owned universities.

“Therefore, I hope all the people realise how important the future of this state is, because it is not merely a matter of politics but determines the continuity of the development agenda and the future of Sarawak,” he said at the flag-raising ceremony to celebrate the 67th anniversary of the Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP) here today.

 

Dr Sim, who is also SUPP president, called upon all people to continue strengthening their commitment and spirit of togetherness in efforts to develop the state for the sake of future generations.

He said that Sarawak is currently on an important track toward achieving developed state status by the year 2030, consequently requiring the solid support of all parties to ensure the success of the development agenda.

According to him, the people should not merely reminisce about the state's development history over the past six decades, but instead must collectively renew their resolve and determination to ensure the continuity of Sarawak's progress.

“We should not just act to appreciate the history of past leadership and its contributions to the development of this state, but instead renew our commitment to the struggle for the people.

“This renewal is in line with our efforts to bring all the people together to help build the Sarawak nation-state after more than six decades in Malaysia, and subsequently build a solid foundation toward achieving developed state status by 2030,” he said.

 

Meanwhile, SUPP Simanggang branch chairman Francis Harden, in his speech, said he has proposed for the appointments of three community leaders for the Malay community in the Simanggang constituency.

 

He said the appointments are expected to further strengthen the administration and leadership system at the grassroots level.

Francis, who is also Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development and Simanggang Assemblyman, stated that the proposal involves the appointments of one Pemanca and two Penghulus to represent the Malay community in the area.

He added the step is crucial to ensuring that local community affairs can be coordinated more effectively, besides strengthening the relationship between the people and the government.

“For your information, the Simanggang constituency currently only has 11 village leaders for the Malay community from Kampung Muhibbah, Rancangan Perumahan Rakyat (RPR), Taman Harmoni, Taman Sri Jaya, and Taman Desa Indah.

“However, due to the absence of a Pemanca and Penghulu for the Malay community in Simanggang, I have already applied for the appointment of these community leaders, which is expected to be approved soon,” he said.