news

Sarawak – Asia’s Renewable Powerhouse, Elevates The State On The Global Stage

KUCHING: The tagline 'Sarawak – Asia’s Renewable Powerhouse' is a branding that will raise the name of this Land of the Hornbills on the global stage. Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg said the initiative is an effort towards sustainability from various angles in line with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by the United Nations. He is confident that the branding can position Sarawak on the regional and global stage as a hub for renewable energy sources besides a hub for the transition to carbon-free energy use and carbon reduction as the world moves towards 'net-zero' by 2050. "We also have a potential of 20 Gigawatts (GW) from hydro sources with a generation capacity of 5.4 GW at this point which has enabled Sarawak to provide low carbon energy with competitive tariffs to investors. "Sarawak's next goal is to export energy to Brunei and Sabah and provide 1 GW to Singapore by 2032 through a 700-kilometre submarine cable in addition to channelling the existing 190 Megawatt (MW) to West Kalimantan. "Currently, Sarawak Energy (SEB) is implementing an energy supply policy of up to 10 GW or 10,000 MW by 2030 through hydro generation and gas turbines," he said in his Hari Raya Aidilfitri 2024 message on Tuesday. The Sarawak Minister for Energy and Environmental Sustainability added that the state will continue to develop its hydropower resource potential with methods that have minimal impact on the environment and human life. "I have given instructions to relevant agencies to study power generation with the concept of energy sources from cascading dams that have been used in other countries such as Norway and Canada. With the consent of the local population, the project will start in Sungai Gat, Baleh, Kapit. "Other low-carbon energy sources that are also being developed or explored to meet regional needs include the production of green hydrogen and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) produced from algae, floating solar and biomass in the form of pellets from our forest resources," he explained while saying that Sarawak is also ready to provide services and resources to help the region achieve the goal of 'net-zero' by 2050. In another development, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Zohari also said that Sarawak, as a trading economy with a strategic location in the Asian region, has a bright future to build an economy based on world-class port development. He said, the handover of Bintulu Port to Sarawak should be seen in terms of integrating ports development in the state as a new strategy to transform its economy. "The existence of abundant energy resources is not sufficient as a factor to attract the interest of investors without infrastructure facilities, especially ports. "So far, ports development as a whole has never been seen as an important initiative to drive Sarawak's economy,” he explained. -UKASnews

news

砂州元首：庆祝开斋节时也不应忘记弱势群体和巴勒斯坦人民

古晋：砂拉越人民受促在庆祝今年的开斋节时，也不要忘了关怀弱势群体。 砂州元首敦丕显斯里旺朱乃迪博士强调，在欢庆节日的同时，大家也不应忘记关怀孤儿、老人、残疾人，以及正在面临考验的巴勒斯坦人民。 他呼吁本州所有人民共同祈祷他们恢复安宁，骚乱能够立即结束。 “在庆祝开斋节来临之际，我想提醒大家，我们不应忘记弱势群体、孤儿、老人、残疾人以及在加沙正经受人道主义问题考验的巴勒斯坦人民。让我们一起祈祷并希望他们现在所面临的危机很快就会结束。”  砂州元首今日发表2024年开斋节献词时，如是说。  同时，敦丕显斯里旺朱乃迪博士也支持砂总理拿督巴丁宜丹斯里阿邦佐哈里博士的领导，以致力在所有砂拉越国立大学中提供免费教育。 “我也无任欢迎砂拉越总理的领导，以在2026年在所有州国立高等教育机构提供免费教育。砂拉越政府重点加强教育领域的举措是正确的。” 砂州元首与州元首后杜潘弗兹雅以及家人也在此祝愿砂拉越穆斯林“开斋节快乐”。-UKAS刊

news

砂拉越的和谐与和平乃恩泽

古晋：砂拉越虽由多元种族组成，但本州的和谐与和平氛围却是无价的恩泽。 砂拉越副总理拿督阿玛阿旺登雅表示，犀鸟之乡的居民们必须继续维持任何有助于多元种族社会和谐的习俗和传统。 “在回历10月里，我们必须维持互相拜访和互相宽恕的传统，以加强我们之间的关系。虽然我们由不同宗教及种族组成，但砂拉越却仍享有和谐与和平氛围，所以我们应心存感激。” 拿督阿玛阿旺登雅今日发表2024年开斋节献词时，如是说。 他强调，社会各阶层不应轻易受到外界极端文化和思想所影响，从而破坏和威胁砂现在所享有的和平。 此外，拿督阿玛阿旺登雅也将在位于老越的私邸（Lot 1937, Taman Klasik, 98850 Lawas）开放门户，并邀请公众于开斋节第2和第3天早上9时30分至下午5时前往共庆开斋节。-UKAS刊

news

Remember Palestinians & The Less Fortunate During Aidilfitri 

KUCHING: Sarawakians are urged to remember the less fortunate in the joy of celebrating Aidilfitri this year. The Governor of Sarawak, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar emphasised on the importance of not forgetting the orphans, the elderly, the disabled (OKU) as well as the Palestinians in Gaza who are facing hardships at this time. Therefore, he invited Sarawakians to unite and pray for their wellbeing to be restored and for the unrest to end soon. "In the joy of celebrating this glorious Aidilfitri, I would like to remind everyone not to forget the less fortunate, the orphans, the elderly, the disabled and the Palestinians in Gaza who are being tested with humanitarian issues. "Let's pray together and hope that the crisis they are facing now will soon end,” he said in his Hari Raya Aidilfitri 2024 message on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi also supported the leadership of Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg who is focused on providing free tertiary education in all state-owned education institutes. "I very much welcome the leadership of our Sarawak Premier to provide free education in all higher education institutes owned by the state by 2026. "The move by the Sarawak government to focus on empowering the education sector is the right thing to do," he said. On that occasion, the Head of State and his wife, Toh Puan Fauziah Mohd Sanusi as well as the whole family convey their Aidilfitri wishes to all Muslims in Sarawak who are celebrating. -UKASnews

news

Sarawak Making Strides In Its Transition To A Low-Carbon Economy 

KUCHING: As the global community reflects on the outcomes of COP28, Sarawak and Southeast Asia remain dedicated to advancing climate policies and speeding up the shift towards a low-carbon economy.  Sarawak Deputy Minister for Energy and Environmental Sustainability Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni said he is confident that with strong leadership, strategic investments and collaboration among stakeholders, the region can serve as a shining example of green growth and sustainable development. "Last year, Sarawak achieved a milestone by being the first state in Malaysia to enact groundbreaking legislation addressing climate change through the Environment (Reduction of Greenhouse Gases Emission) Bill.  "This pioneering law aims to control greenhouse gas emissions, promote carbon capture and storage technologies and achieve zero emissions by 2050.  "It mandates businesses to submit reports on carbon emissions and sets emission limits with penalties for non-compliance,” he said in a statement on Tuesday.  Building on this progress, the Sarawak government intends to establish, among others, carbon pricing mechanisms, energy transition strategies, digital carbon management platform, carbon levy, hydrogen economy, methanation, biofuels, offshore wind and energy efficiency technologies. These actions align with Malaysia’s commitments under the Paris Agreement to reduce carbon intensity as much as 45 per cent by 2030.  Given its energy resources, Datuk Dr Hazland, who is also the Demak Laut assemblyman, said Sarawak is well positioned to take a leading role in driving decarbonisation efforts across the country. "Being a state rich in biodiversity, Sarawak recognises the urgent need to balance economic development with forest conservation.  "Our state boasts the largest forest cover in Malaysia, acting as critical carbon sinks. To protect these precious ecosystems, we are investing in nature-based solutions like reforestation, while strictly regulating industries like palm oil,” he added.  Meanwhile, he said Sarawak is also pioneering innovations in algae-based biofuels, as a green alternative to fossil fuels.  The state's vast continental shelf offers immense carbon storage capacity, with projects like the Kasawari offshore CCS development poised to capture millions of tonnes of carbon dioxide per year.  Datuk Dr Hazland explained, by protecting and enhancing its natural capital, the state aims to become a net carbon sink. "The road from COP28 to a net-zero future is long and winding, but Sarawak and Southeast Asia remain undaunted. With our abundant natural resources, dynamic economies and youthful populations, we have the potential to leapfrog development pathways and build a cleaner, greener, more resilient region.  "Success will require unwavering political will, sustained investment flows, tech transfer support and a just transition for communities.  "We call upon the global community, especially developed nations most responsible for the climate crisis, to partner with us through robust climate finance, capacity-building and knowledge-sharing. Together, we can turn the tide and secure a thriving planet for generations to come,” he said. -UKASnews

news

65 Ibu Tunggal Dari Kampung Melayu Di Spaoh Terima Sumbangan

SPAOH: Seramai 65 orang ibu tunggal daripada Kampung Melayu dan saudara-saudara baru dari kawasan Spaoh menerima sumbangan daripada Timbalan Premier Sarawak merangkap Ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri (ADUN) Bukit Saban Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.   Sumbangan tersebut telah disampaikan oleh Ahli Parlimen Betong yang mewakili  Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah dalam Majlis Berbuka Puasa Bersama Pemimpin dengan tema 'Menyantuni Saudara Baru dan Ibu Tunggal Spaoh' bertempat di Masjid Darul Syifa, Spaoh baru-baru ini.   Majlis tersebut merupakan anjuran Lembaga Amanah Khirat Islam Spaoh (LAKIS) dengan kerjasama Jawatankuasa Pengurusan Masjid Darul Syifa Spaoh.   Kehadiran Dr Richard Rapu juga adalah bagi menyempurnakan upacara penyampaian sumbangan dan seterusnya menghadiri majlis berbuka puasa bersama para hadirin.   Turut hadir adalah Pengerusi LAKIS Dr. Abang Ismail Abang Julaihi, Pengerusi Jawatankuasa Pengurusan Masjid Darul Syifa Spaoh Ali Baba Narani dan Kaunselor Abang Suhordie Abang Zaini. -EDISI UKAS

news

ADUN Meradong Adakan Perjumpaan Khas Bersama Agensi Pelaksana Projek RTP

BINTANGOR: Ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri (ADUN) Meradong telah mengadakan perjumpaan khas bersama agensi-agensi pelaksana projek Program Transformasi Luar Bandar (RTP) DUN Meradong di Pusat Khidmat DUN Meradong pada Isnin.   Antara agensi yang hadir ialah Majlis Daerah Meradong dan Julau (MDMJ), Jabatan Kerja Raya (JKR) Bahagian Sarikei, Jabatan Bekalan Air Luar Bandar (JBALB) Bahagian Sarikei dan Jabatan Pengairan Dan Saliran (JPS) Bahagian Sarikei.   Dalam perjumpaan tersebut, Datuk Ding dimaklumkan perkembangan mengenai skop kerja projek itu sebelum proses cabutan undi projek RTP dilaksanakan melalui agensi pelaksana berkenaan.   Selain itu, beliau juga mendapatkan status kemajuan terkini projek pembangunan yang telah dicadangkan dan diluluskan untuk dilaksanakan oleh agensi pelaksana projek yang telah ditetapkan.   Datuk Ding juga mengingatkan agensi pelaksana supaya komited dalam melaksanakan projek demi manfaat rakyat secara keseluruhannya. -EDISI UKAS

news

107 KMKK Sertai Seminar Pembinaan Kapasiti Pemimpin Akar Umbi

PANTU: Seramai 107 Ketua Masyarakat dan Ketua Kaum (KMKK) telah hadir menyertai Seminar Pembinaan Kapasiti Pemimpin Akar Umbi anjuran Pejabat Daerah Pantu.  Seminar yang berlangsung di Dewan Sri Pantu pada Selasa itu bertujuan untuk meningkatkan kefahaman urus tadbir dalam kalangan KMKK khususnya di kawasan Pantu.  Antara intipati seminar termasuklah ceramah mengenai bantuan bulanan kebajikan dan Kenyalang Gold Card (KGC), ceramah mengenai depresi serta ceramah fahami tadbir urus KMKK.  Selain meningkatkan kefahaman tadbir urus, seminar pada kali ini juga bertujuan untuk memberi kesedaran mengenai integriti, profesionalism dan semangat kerjasama.  Hadir sama, Pegawai Daerah Pantu Langgong Wasam. -EDISI UKAS 

news

KMKK Perlu Bijak Tangani Masalah Penduduk

PANTU: Ketua Masyarakat dan Ketua Kaum (KMKK) yang telah dilantik perlu bijak menangani masalah penduduk di bawah kawasan seliaan masing-masing.  Ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri (ADUN) Bukit Begunan, Datuk Mong Dagang memberitahu, KMKK pada masa ini tidak boleh hanya bijak menguruskan pentadbiran tetapi perlu bijak menyelesaikan masalah rakyat di bawah jagaan mereka.  Beliau berkata demikian semasa berucap dalam Majlis Perasmian Seminar Pembinaan Kapasiti Pemimpin Akar Umbi di sini pada Selasa.  Tambah beliau lagi, KMKK perlu mengekalkan etika tadbir urus yang tinggi dengan tidak melantik orang yang tidak berkredibiliti memegang jawatan penting.  Turut hadir, Timbalan Residen Bahagian Sri Aman Charlie Keling dan Pegawai Daerah Pantu Langgong Wasam. -EDISI UKAS

news

Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi & Premier Sarawak Tunaikan Solat Sunat Aidilfitri

KUCHING: Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar hadir menunaikan solat sunat Aidilfitri di Masjid Jamek Negeri Sarawak di sini hari ini. Mengiringi beliau yang tiba pada jam 7.52 pagi ialah Premier Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg.  Solat sunat Aidilfitri itu telah dipimpin Imam Besar Negeri Sarawak Sahibul Fadhilah Dato Mustapha Kamal Ahmad Fauzi bersama lebih 5,000 umat Islam. Usai menunaikan solat Aidilfitri, Tun Pehin Sri Wan Junaidi dijadual mengadakan Majlis Rumah Terbuka Aidilfitri 2024 di Astana Negeri Sarawak bermula 9 pagi hingga 4.30 petang pada 1 Syawal.  Manakala, Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari pula mengadakan Majlis Rumah Terbuka Aidilfitri 2024 di Pusat Konvensyen Borneo Kuching (BCCK) pada Hari Raya pertama jam 10.30 pagi hingga 3 petang dan Hari Raya kedua pada jam 10 pagi hingga 2 petang.  Turut hadir mengimarahkan lagi pagi Syawal itu ialah Speaker Dewan Undangan Negeri (DUN) Sarawak Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nasar, Menteri Pelancongan, Industri Kreatif dan Seni Persembahan Sarawak Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Setiausaha Kerajaan Sarawak Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki serta tetamu kenamaan yang lain. -EDISI UKAS