Tuesday, 17 February 2026

Author: Nick Fletcher

Sarawak clear, Kalimantan hotspots spike

KUCHING: No hotspots were detected in Sarawak as of today, but 148 hotspots were detected in Kalimantan. Sarawak Department of Environment director John Rampai said that based on the report from the ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC) in Singapore, the number of hotspots in Kalimantan increased from 67 detected on

Serian Rafting Challenge Festival offers thrills and beauty pageant

KUCHING: The 11th edition of the Serian Rafting Challenge Festival promises exciting experiences for visitors, with a variety of activities beyond the rafting competition and the ‘Ratu Bilanting’ beauty pageant scheduled for Friday and Saturday (Sept 8-9).Serian MP Datuk Seri Richard Riot Jaem announced that the rafting challenge, the main

Efforts underway to speed up NCR titles

KOTA PADAWAN: Many residents in the Mambong constituency are still waiting for their title deeds years after their Native Customary Rights (NCR) land had been surveyed. Mambong assemblyman Datuk Dr Jerip Susil who is aware of the problem said the relevant authorities were now paying attention to the matter and

Need for cooperation to plan students’ education

KUCHING: Associations in the Mambong area need to work together with parents and students to plan the path that students want to take after completing their Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examinations. Mambong assemblyman Datuk Dr Jerip Susil said that in such a way, the fields that students are interested in

RM200 mil in grants via UNIFOR

KUCHING: The Sarawak government has distributed more than RM200 million in grants to non-Muslim organisations and houses of worship through the Unit for Other Religions (UNIFOR). Deputy Premier Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian said since the establishment of UNIFOR, giving assistance to recipients has been consistent as part of

Wheelchairs donated to disabled, elderly in conjunction with Aidiladha

KUCHING: Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Kampung Paya Mebi Social and Welfare Bureau donated wheelchairs to the disabled and the elderly during the Aidiladha celebration “A total of five wheelchairs were donated. This is an activity that we do from time to time to help those in need,” chairman Shamsudin

Jetty area to get tourist destination makeover

KUCHING: The Lubok Buaya inland fishermen’s jetty area at Kampung Paya Mebi will be developed into a new tourist destination here. Batu Kitang assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang said the project had been approved by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg with an allocation of RM 7 million

Celebrating Aidilfitri with a Dayak touch

KUCHING: All Muslims are looking forward to celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri like how they used to before the COVID-19 pandemic struck two years ago. With standard operating procedures (SOPs) still in place, many are hoping to continue the practice of visiting each other during the occasion. Dayak Muslims are no

‘Premier’ title will strengthen state govt’s influence: Analyst

KUCHING: The redesignation of ‘Chief Minister’ to ‘Premier’ puts another benchmark for the Sarawak government in strengthening its influence, says political analyst Dr Ammar Redza Ahmad Rizal (pic). “Sarawak is therefore seen to be at the forefront in determining the political narrative. “By using the new title, Sarawak is wise

26,175 students to benefit from aid

SERIAN: A total of 26,175 students throughout Sarawak will benefit from the School Uniform Assistance Programme (BPSS). Agriculture, Native Land and Regional Development Assistant Minister Datuk Roland Sagah Wee Inn said for this programme alone, the government has contributed RM4 million a year whereby each student received a voucher worth