Saturday, 21 March 2026

Author: Nura V Lorna

HDC gets RM121 mln for 11 affordable housing projects

THE 2026 Sarawak Budget will continue supporting home financing, settlement planning and community redevelopment as part of broader social development priorities. Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said a total of RM121 million has been allocated to the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) to implement 11 affordable housing

RM13.1 bln state revenue projected next year

THE State’s total revenue for 2026 has been projected at RM13.1 billion, a slight decline from the 2025 forecast due to continued volatility in global commodity markets. Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said external economic pressures, particularly in the oil and gas sector, continued to influence

Sarawak projects RM13.1 bln revenue in 2026

SARAWAK is expected to record a budget surplus of RM144 million next year, supported by a projected revenue of RM13.1 billion and total Ordinary Expenditure of RM12.91 billion. Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the 2026 Sarawak Budget remained strategic and expansionary, building on the state’s

RM6.1 bln set aside to narrow urban-rural development gap

SARAWAK continues to maintain a strong rural focus in its 2026 Budget, with RM6.1 billion set aside for development initiatives aimed at narrowing the urban–rural divide. Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the rural allocation represented 66 per cent of the proposed RM9.3 billion Development Expenditure

RM6 mln for feasibility study on new Kuching international airport

SARAWAK has set aside RM6 million next year for site verification, feasibility studies and an integrated masterplan for the proposed new Kuching international airport. Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the study would shape the long-term direction of Sarawak’s aviation infrastructure as the state strengthened its

Livestream seller under fire for alleged divisive remarks against East Malaysians

MIRI: A Peninsular-based livestream seller has come under scrutiny for allegedly making inflammatory remarks targeting East Malaysians. Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) Piasau Branch Publicity Secretary and Miri City Councillor Tan Lek Jin said the remarks, made during multiple livestream sessions, contained insulting language that could provoke hostility between East

Ministry pledges strict monitoring for late Zayn Rayyan’s younger brother

KUCHING: The Women, Family and Community Development Ministry has assured that strict monitoring would continue for the younger brother of the late Zayn Rayyan Abdul Matin, following his return to his father’s custody. Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said her ministry placed the child’s welfare as its priority and had imposed

Medical teams visit villagers under CAKnA initiative

KUCHING: The Citra Akademik Untuk Komuniti Dan Alam (CAKnA) programme brought health consultations closer to Kampung Salak residents, offering screenings and medical advice without requiring long travel to the city. The initiative, carried out with Universiti Malaya, provided on-site checks for diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other common

Nancy proposes expert team on AI, NI for child digital safety

KUCHING: Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri has proposed the establishment of a national expert team on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Natural Intelligence (NI) to strengthen digital advocacy programmes for children. She said the team was necessary as current school modules lacked structured content on AI