Tuesday, 17 March 2026

Author: Rasheeqa Bahida

Over RM29.2 million allocated to develop Sarawak’s rubber smallholders

KOTA SAMARAHAN: The federal government, through the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW), has entrusted the Rubber Industry Smallholders Development Authority (RISDA) with the mandate to channel RM29,257,190 for development programmes in Sarawak for 2026. According to its Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, this allocation is intended

Mosques urged to evolve into youth development, community unity hubs

KOTA SAMARAHAN: The mosque institution must evolve beyond its role as a place of worship to become a vibrant hub for youth development and community unity. Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development, who is Kota Samarahan MP, Datuk Rubiah Wang, highlighted that mosques serve as essential platforms for fostering

Call to review bus routes to get more people to use public transport

KUCHING: Sarawak Transport Minister Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin has called for a review of existing BAS.MY bus routes in Kuching after observing relatively low passenger numbers on several routes. Lee said improving route planning and service efficiency is essential to encourage more people to shift from private vehicles to

Stakan assemblyman distributes aid to 68 asnaf

KOTA SAMARAHAN: Stakan assemblyman, Datuk Hamzah Brahim, distributed aid to 68 asnaf during the annual Ziarah Ramadan programme at Masjid Al-Malik Uni Garden, while also contributing RM2,000 to support mosque activities and administration. The beneficiaries included 44 residents from Taman Uni Garden, eight from Kampung Merdang Gayam, and 16 from

Give safety priority: Stakan rep

KOTA SAMARAHAN: The public has been advised to prioritise safety while preparing for the upcoming Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations. The advice came from Stakan assemblyman Datuk Hamzah Brahim who said safety should remain the top priority, especially for those travelling back to their hometowns during the festive season. “In every

14,818 Asajaya residents to receive SKAS aid

ASAJAYA: A total of 14,818 residents in the district are eligible to receive assistance under the Sarawak Basic Needs Contribution (SKAS) initiative introduced by the state government. Asajaya assemblyman Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the government, through the initiative, remains committed to strengthening the social safety net to

Community leaders urged not to leave the less fortunate behind

ASAJAYA: Community leaders have been urged to remain attentive to the needs of the asnaf and less fortunate residents to ensure no one is left behind during the Ramadan and upcoming Aidilfitri celebrations. Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said village leaders, particularly

Free dog licensing offered during anti-rabies programme

KOTA SAMARAHAN: Free dog licensing for 2026 was offered to pet owners during the Anti-Rabies Vaccination, Licensing, Microchipping and Rabies Disease Awareness programme held at Taman Rekreasi Uni Central here today (March 7). The initiative, which provides licences valid for up to three years, aims to encourage responsible pet ownership

Kuching’s Ramadan desserts go viral

AS dusk slowly settles over Kuching and the golden light reflects across the calm waters of the Sarawak River, the city prepares for one of the most anticipated moments of the day during Ramadan – the breaking of fast. Traditionally, the air would be filled with the familiar aromas of

180 individuals from targeted groups receive Ramadan contributions

KUCHING: A total of 180 individuals from various welfare institutions and target groups received contributions during the ‘Majlis Ramah Mesra Ramadan Bersama Kumpulan Sasar’ event by the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development (KPWKM) at Pullman Kuching on Friday (Mar 6). Its Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri presented the