Wednesday, 1 April 2026

Author: Nura V Lorna

Premier extends New Year blessings

KUCHING: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has sent his warmest Chinese New Year wishes to the people of Sarawak, especially the Chinese community, as they prepare to celebrate the Year of the Snake. In his message, the Premier reflected on the symbolism of the Year of

MASwings takeover: Sarawak attains airline ascendancy

KUCHING: Sarawak’s ambition to establish its airline is nearing fruition, with the takeover of MASwings from the Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) expected to be finalised after the Lunar New Year and before Hari Raya Puasa.  Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg announced that the evaluation process for

Gas wealth fuels economic transformation

Sarawak is poised to leverage its abundant natural gas resources as a major downstream industry, aiming to drive economic transformation over the next five years. Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg stressed that the state is committed to developing its domestic gas industry for long-term growth. He

Education is key to Sarawak’s future

KUCHING: The Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar has stressed the importance of education in driving the state’s sustainable development, particularly in high technology and renewable energy. Wan Junaidi said Chinese and Bumiputera youth must excel in English, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). He

Betong on the cusp of major transformation

BETONG: Betong is on the brink of a major transformation, with strategic development projects poised to create a significant multiplier effect locally and beyond. Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the area’s development will drive local businesses, from fresh produce to tourism, creating a ripple effect

Betong gears up to handle more power

BETONG: Rural areas, including Betong, will receive an upgrade from single-phase to three-phase electrical circuits to address frequent power disruptions. Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg acknowledged that the single-phase circuit is no longer sufficient to meet the needs of rural residents, citing their improving living standards

MIP award validates Sarawak’s governance, says Premier

BETONG: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the Honorary Fellow recognition by the Malaysian Institute of Planners (MIP) validates Sarawak’s governance and future direction. Abang Johari who received the award from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Jan 24, said the accolade reflects the collective

State government told to step rural development efforts

BETONG: Utility and Telecommunication Minister Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi has urged the state government to intensify efforts on prioritising and implementing development in rural areas. The vice-president of Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) stressed the need for comprehensive upgrades to essential infrastructure such as water supply systems, electricity networks, gas

Petra Jaya Hospital to open doors in 2026

KUCHING: The long-delayed Petra Jaya Hospital project, which began in 2013, is now on track to open its doors by the first quarter of 2026. Deputy Health Minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni said that the project is nearly 82 per cent complete and progressing smoothly. “The construction is expected to

113 notices issued from Oct 1 to January 25

KUCHING: A total of 113 notices of offences under Section 47 of the Tobacco Products Control for Public Health Act 2024 [Act 852] have been issued in Sarawak from October 1, 2024, to January 25, 2025. Deputy Health Minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni asserted that 823 enforcement operations were conducted