KUCHING: The people have been asked to understand the importance of wetlands in the ecosystem as there are still many who are unable to understand how it contributes to the ecosystem circle. According to Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, wetlands affect the surrounding areas and are home to various species of animals, plants and trees. “It is a vital ecosystem which holds carbon effectively. Once opened, it would release methane gas which is harmful to our environment,” said Awang Tengah at the state-level World Wetland Day celebration at Telaga Air yesterday. His text-of-speech was read by Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Assistant Minister Datu Len Talif Salleh. Awang Tengah explained that the selection of Telaga ...

Amer (right) checks out the new motorcycles with Sarawak Prevention and Community Safety Department head SAC Shafie Ismail. KUCHING: The Sarawak police contingent has received 69 Kawasaki Z 250s for its Motorcycle Patrol Unit (URB) and 11 four-wheel drive vehicles to boost its assets in rural areas. Sarawak police commissioner Datuk Seri Amer Awal said more such assets will be delivered to Sarawak in phases as part of efforts to strengthen and enhance services for the rural community. “For the upcoming general election, the Sarawak police contingent will be mobilising a total of 7,017 personnel to ensure security at 1,832 polling centres, 2,968 polling stations and 870 SPR (Election Commission) agent counters throughout the 31 parliamentary constituencies,” ...

KUCHING: The recent announcement that Putrajaya will set up a high-level committee to negotiate with Sarawak on outstanding issues regarding the state’s rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) should augur well for Sarawak. Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said it should serve as a platform for the state’s high-level committee headed by the three Deputy Chief Ministers to carry out negotiations with the federal government. “The Prime Minister has said that a high-level committee will be set up to negotiate with the state on our rights that were eroded over the years. It is an ongoing process,” he said at a press conference here yesterday. Abdul Karim, who is one of the newly-elected Parti Pesaka ...

Ismail Sabri gives his speech during the awards ceremony. From second left are Alexander, Borhan, and KKLW deputy secretary-general (development) Datuk Azizan Mohamad Sidin. Ismail Sabri presents an excellence award to a Sarawak zone recipient. Ismail Sabri (fifth left) is seen with (from left) KKLW deputy secretary-general (development) Datuk Azizan Mohamad Sidin, Sarawak Federal Secretary Datuk Mansor Man, Borhan, Alexander, Uggah, Dr Rundi, Deputy State Secretary Datu Jaul Samion, Assistant Minister of Native Land Development Datuk Roland Sagah Wee Inn, and Deputy Minister of Agriculture Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail.   KUCHING: The Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKLW)-Sarawak State Government Project Planning and Monitoring ...

KUCHING: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has assured Sarawakians that a lot more would be done to zero out the development gap in the state. He said as the prime minister, he would want to see every corner of the country – from Perlis to Sabah and Sarawak – to be fairly and equally developed. He said should there be any area in Sarawak that is still behind others, it would be his responsibility as prime minister to rectify so that there would no more development gap. “In this context, you don’t have to worry because I am a good friend of Sarawak,” he spoke at the opening of the 14th Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Convention here yesterday. According to Najib, also the federal Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman, Sarawak deserves big ...

Gerawat (fifth left) presents a token of appreciation to Abang Johari (seventh right), while PBB members and leaders look on. MIRI: Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Miri Zone 10 members have urged Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg to take appropriate action to ensure that the business environment remains attractive for Sarawakians in the oil and gas industry and its professionals would grow and prosper. State Legislative Assembly deputy speaker Datuk Gerawat Gala said that new investments in downstream industry and creating more employment and business opportunities would bring much hope for the future of Miri. “The economy of many people in Miri Division is largely dependent on the development of the oil and gas industry since the early ...

  ALL three Deputy Chief Ministers (DCMs) regard Pehin Sri Adenan Satem as a great statesman – one who was fearless and uncompromising, truthful and adamant, amusing and kind. Adenan, the state’s fifth chief minister, passed away on this date last year – just days before reaching his 73rd birthday. Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas describes Adenan as his mentor and hero. Like so many others, the Deputy Chief Minister 1 also called Adenan, ‘Tok Nan’. “He was a great and highly respected leader. The last state election (in 2016) result was a reflection of Tok Nan’s popularity among the people of all races and religions in Sarawak. This file photo shows Adenan (seated, centre), flanked by Uggah on his right ...

The commitment in fighting for greater autonomy from Putrajaya remains Adenan’s most enduring legacy. — Photo by Kong Jun Liung   TODAY marks one year after the passing of the state’s fifth chief minister Pehin Sri Datuk Patinggi Adenan Satem.   As chief minister, he brought a new style of leadership to the state – both fresh and intriguing not only to Sarawakians, but also to the people across the country.   Still, his greatest achievement was his firm commitment in fighting for greater autonomy from Putrajaya. He made this promise in the last state election in 2016, regarding the state’s rights under Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), which have been eroded over the years, resulting in Sarawak being downgraded as among the 13 ...

Tuai Rumah Seli Ukit (third right) shows the fire extinguisher unit presented by Aaron (left). KANOWIT: The inclusion of Kanowit District in Upper Rajang Development Agency (Urda) will help to transform the lives of the people here. Kanowit MP Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang said this is because Urda is a master plan for the development of areas stretching from Kanowit to upper Rajang. “Our inclusion means we will get benefit from funds from the government, allocated especially for the development of areas under Urda. “Areas in Kanowit District to upper Rajang will become a major economic development area. Thanks to the state government for including Kanowit in this master plan,” he said when officiating at the closing of ‘WAIfm Datai Nemuai’ (WaifFm ...

Hasbi (second left) hands over a cheque for RM350 to one of the recipients as Denny (left) and Saifuddin look on. LIMBANG: The Federal Land Consolidation and Rehabilitation Authority (Felcra) Berhad gave financial aid totalling RM122,500 to 350 students from the lower income group here yesterday. Limbang MP Hasbi Habibollah who is also on the Felcra Board of Directors, handed over RM350 to each of the students. On top of that, Hasbi gave RM120 to each of the students from his MP fund. Speaking at the presentation ceremony entitled ‘Back to School Programme’ he reminded the recipients to strictly use the financial assistance to buy stationery and other items for schooling. “Don’t abuse the financial assistance to buy cigarettes, handphones and ...