Tuesday, 17 March 2026

Author: Sharifah Nong Jasima

Sarawak allocates RM2.49B for rural power

THE Sarawak government has allocated RM2.49 billion under the Twelfth Malaysia Plan (RMK-12) and Alternative Funding to expand rural electricity coverage through 214 projects, benefitting 59,698 households. According to the Minister of Utility And Telecommunication (MUT) Sarawak, Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi, 179 projects have already been completed while 35 projects

Sagah clarifies on FTES coverage

The Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister, Datuk Seri Roland Sagah, has clarified that the Sarawak Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES) will apply only to selected science-related courses in the four state-owned universities. Sagah insisted the initiative must align with Sarawak’s future workforce needs rather than blanket demands for universal

Local chef shines on global stage

KUCHING: Kuching Gourmet Enthusiasts Association is proud to announce that its member, Linna Chieng, together with her teammate, achieved outstanding success at the 5th World Master Chef of Cantonese Cuisine, securing the Gold Award in the Fusion Chinese Cuisine Category. According to a statement, the international competition, which drew 300

Historic 160th anniversary for St James’ Church, Quop

KUCHING: St James’ Church, Quop, one of the oldest churches in the Diocese of Sarawak and Negara Brunei Darussalam, will celebrate a historic milestone this year as it marks its 160th anniversary. A Thanksgiving Service will be held on Dec 7 (Sunday) at 3pm at the church. The Right Reverend

Sarawak taking lead role in climate governance

BOLD allocations under the State Budget next year will thrust Sarawak to the forefront of climate governance. These allocations are bold, strategic, and essential to the state’s transition toward a green economy, said Opar assemblyman Billy Sujang. He said Sarawak is taking decisive steps to lead the nation in renewable

Opar poised for new township

Opar assemblyman, Bully Sujang, has called for the development of a new township, citing rapid population growth and rising demand for commercial, residential and community facilities in Opar. He said the proposal aligns with Budget 2026’s vision for a prosperous, connected and sustainable Sarawak, thereby positioning Opar as a strategic

Fatimah all for continued rollout of cradle-to-grave initiatives

NEXT year’s financial plans carry deep significance for families, children and vulnerable communities across Sarawak. Women, Early Childhood and Community Well-being Development Minister, Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah, who pointed this out, took time out to give her thoughts on the initiatives she is most eager to see implemented. Q: Which

A politician’s love of movies, ‘mee jawa’ and engineering

IN a candid and light-hearted interview, Datuk Lo Khere Chiang steps away from policy and politics to share personal stories behind being a public figure, from his love of movies and mee jawa to his enduring passion for civil engineering. Sarawak Tribune caught up with him on the sideline of

Jepak rep calls for urgent flood mitigation, more schools

JEPAK state assemblyman, Iskandar Turkee, has called for immediate and long-term measures to address Bintulu’s recurring floods and its rapidly growing student population, warning that both issues have reached critical levels. He said the major flood that struck Bintulu on January 29, should serve as a turning point for government

Rural UPDLP scores a wake-up call for policymakers

THE inaugural Ujian Penilaian Dual Language Programme Sarawak (UPDLP) results have brought to light persistent challenges in STEM education in rural Katibas, sparking calls for state-level intervention to address infrastructure gaps affecting student performance. Katibas assemblyman Lidam Assan described the UPDLP findings as ‘shocking’ and a wake-up call for policymakers.