Author: James Wong

Uggah to DAP chief: It’s a case of pot calling the kettle black

DEPUTY Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas took a jab at Chong Chieng Jen (DAP-Padungan) here today on his overseas trips when he was Deputy Minister of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs under the Pakatan Harapan (PH) government. Uggah displayed a photo documenting Chong’s official travels, quipping, “I saw you

Re-delineation exercise should balance electoral and admin districts: Soon Koh

THE upcoming re-delineation exercise should aim to harmonise electoral and administrative districts to reduce confusion for residents. Bawang Assan assemblyman Datuk Seri Wong Soon Koh said residents in the Mado district face challenges in determining which district council handles specific issues, prompting them to visit multiple locations for assistance. “In

Admissions based on merit, not racial quotas

ADMISSIONS to the Yayasan Sarawak International Secondary School (YSISS) will be based on merit and socio-economic background rather than racial quotas. Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation, and Talent Development Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee said students are selected based on their academic achievement where applicants are required to score at least

Bintulu-Samalaju Gas Pipeline project enters EPCC Phase

THE Bintulu-Samalaju Gas Pipeline project, which includes a 70-kilometre-long gas pipeline from Bintulu to the Samalaju Industrial Park, is currently in the Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Commissioning (EPCC) phase. Utility and Telecommunication Minister Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi said the project is scheduled to commence onshore civil works in December 2024.

Guarana cultivation ban to remain in place

THE Sarawak government, through its Department of Agriculture, will continue its ban on cultivating guarana (Paullinia cupana), a plant native to Brazil. This measure aims to protect Malaysia’s RM18 billion rubber industry, which could be jeopardised by South American Leaf Blight (SALB), a disease that has devastated rubber plantations in

Petros is sole gas aggregator, period

THE appointment of Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros) as the sole gas aggregator is non-negotiable, said Utility and Telecommunication Minister Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi. He clarified that ongoing discussions between Petros and Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas) do not involve any negotiations on the former’s role as the exclusive gas aggregator in

United in pursuit of state’s rights

Datuk Seri Wong Soon Koh (PDP- GPS Assan) has called for unity among leaders and Sarawakians to support the state government’s pursuit of greater rights over Sarawak’s oil and gas resources. He said for years, national policies have prioritised Putrajaya’s interests while heavily tapping into Sarawak’s rich natural resources. “The

Gas bill amendment empowers Sarawak to regulate hydrogen industry

THE PASSING of the Distribution of Gas (Amendment) Bill 2024 will empower the state government to regulate activities such as hydrogen generation, the use of land and premises for hydrogen facilities, and hydrogen distribution. Supporting the bill, Royston Valentine (GPS-Telian) said the amendment is an important update to existing legislation

RM300 mln to upgrade sports facilities, youth devt

UNDER the sixth strategic thrust of the Sarawak Budget 2025 to promote culture, sports, and youth empowerment, the Sarawak government has allocated nearly RM300 million to enhance youth and sports facilities and promote youth development initiatives. Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said his government is dedicated

RM452 mln alternative funding to expand treated water supply

THE Sarawak government has allocated RM452 million under alternative funding for next year to expand the supply of clean and treated water. Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the major projects to be undertaken include the main transmission pipeline across the Batang Sadong Bridge to Simunjan,