news

13MP: Funding Model For Sarawak Should Be Based On Needs

KUCHING: Kota Sentosa Assemblyman, Wilfred Yap Yau Sin has welcomed the unveiling of the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), but voiced concern over what he described as a continued injustice to Sarawak in terms of federal development funding. While acknowledging the national development blueprint for 2026 to 2030 contains positive commitments to infrastructure and socio-economic growth, Yap said the 13MP structural inequities remain unaddressed, particularly for Sarawak. “The federal government’s ongoing reliance on a per capita funding formula is outdated and fundamentally unfair,” he said in a statement on Saturday. He added that Sarawak comprises 37.6 per cent of Malaysia’s landmass, but due to its low population density, allocations continue to be based on headcount instead of real development needs. He pointed out that construction costs in Sarawak, especially in rural and interior areas, are far higher than in Peninsular Malaysia due to geographical and logistical challenges, including rugged terrain and remote access. “A kilometre of road here costs exponentially more to build and maintain, yet the funding mechanism does not reflect this reality,” he added. Wilfred argued that the current one-size-fits-all approach fails to consider Sarawak’s long-standing infrastructure deficits, higher project costs, and decades of underdevelopment under federal oversight. “What Sarawak needs is a needs-based and landmass-adjusted formula—one that takes into account our geographical size, development gaps, and our significant contributions to the national economy,” he said. He further pointed out that despite contributing billions in oil and gas revenue to federal coffers, Sarawak still has communities lacking access to basic infrastructure such as clean water, electricity, healthcare and education. “This is about honouring the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and the 18-Point Agreement. These are not optional or symbolic, they are legal and constitutional guarantees of Sarawak’s rights to greater autonomy and equitable development,” he said. Wilfred also criticised what he described as continued centralised decision-making in the 13MP, with many federal projects designed in Putrajaya without meaningful Sarawakian input. “True progress requires a clear roadmap for the devolution of power particularly in education, healthcare and infrastructure. “It also requires statutory guarantees for fair, needs-based allocations and greater transparency in project implementation, with direct Sarawakian oversight. “Sarawak must continue fighting for fair funding formulas that reflect Sarawak's real needs and full MA63 implementation, not piecemeal concessions,” he said. -UKASnews

news

Projek Rintis 'Ease of Doing Business' Dilaksana di Sibu, Permudah Urusan Lesen Perniagaan

SIBU: Kerajaan Sarawak kini melaksanakan projek rintis Ease of Doing Business (EODB) di Sibu sebagai usaha memperkemas serta memudahkan proses pendaftaran dan pelesenan perniagaan. Menurut Timbalan Setiausaha Kerajaan Sarawak (Operasi) merangkap Penasihat projek EODB, Datu Hii Chang Kee, inisiatif ini bertujuan membantu orang awam dan komuniti perniagaan dengan menyatukan proses yang sebelum ini memerlukan kunjungan ke tiga lokasi berbeza, kini boleh diselesaikan hanya di satu lokasi iaitu Pusat Perkhidmatan Sarawak (Service Sarawak) atau UTC. “Sebelum ini, untuk memulakan perniagaan kecil, pemohon perlu ke Pejabat Daerah untuk pendaftaran nama perniagaan, kemudian ke Perbendaharaan untuk lesen perniagaan, dan akhir sekali ke pihak berkuasa tempatan (PBT) untuk lesen operasi. “Kini, semua urusan ini boleh dilakukan di satu tempat sahaja — di Pusat Perkhidmatan Sarawak atau UTC. “Mereka hanya perlu isi satu borang sahaja, dan hanya datang dua kali — pertama untuk memohon dan membayar, kedua untuk ambil lesen,” katanya ketika ditemui media selepas melawat ke UTC Sibu pada Jumaat. Datu Hii menambah, bagi permohonan yang hanya melibatkan pendaftaran nama dan lesen perniagaan, kelulusan dijangka dalam masa lima hari bekerja. Manakala permohonan yang turut melibatkan lesen operasi oleh pihak majlis, katanya, ia akan diproses dalam tempoh 14 hari bekerja, tertakluk kepada tahap risiko premis berkenaan. Menurut beliau lagi, bagi kategori perniagaan berisiko tinggi seperti pusat karaoke, pusat hiburan, pusat tuisyen dan stor simpanan bahan petroleum, tempoh kelulusan dijangka mengambil masa sehingga 30 hari bekerja kerana melibatkan pengesahan dan pemeriksaan daripada agensi lain seperti Polis Diraja Malaysia (PDRM), Jabatan Bomba dan Penyelamat Malaysia (JBPM) atau Jabatan Pendidikan. Beliau turut menegaskan bahawa sistem ini hanya dilaksanakan di Sibu dan Kanowit buat masa ini sebagai projek rintis selama enam bulan, sebelum sebarang pindaan undang-undang dilakukan untuk membolehkan majlis menjadi pusat sehenti penuh. Mengenai waktu operasi, Datu Hii memaklumkan urusan pelesenan diterima dari Isnin hingga Jumaat, 8 pagi hingga 3.30 petang seperti biasa. Katanya, operasi hujung minggu tidak melibatkan urusan lesen kerana sistem kutipan masih bergantung kepada waktu operasi bank. Datu Hii berharap perniagaan baharu di Sibu dapat mengambil peluang ini untuk mendaftar dengan lebih mudah dan cepat, sekali gus menyokong pertumbuhan ekonomi setempat. Turut serta dalam lawatan itu, Pengarah Unit Transformasi dan Inovasi Sarawak Superi Awang Said, Pegawai Daerah Sibu Wee Teck Min, Pengerusi Majlis Perbandaran Sibu (MPS) Kaunselor Clarence Ting Ing Horh, dan Setiausaha Majlis Daerah Luar Bandar Sibu Ng Siang Wei.-EDISI UKAS

news

Kuching Aims To Surpass International City Standards

KUCHING: Residents of Kuching have been called upon to set their aspirations beyond global benchmarks, with a firm belief that the city should not merely aim to meet international standards—but instead, exceed the levels set by some of the world’s most prominent cities. Sarawak Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Prof Dr. Sim Kui Hian, emphasised that Kuching’s status as a city is rapidly advancing thanks to its active participation in various international networks and initiatives. He added that Kuching has moved beyond its modest beginnings as a small-scale City of Gastronomy. “We are not just a city working with UNICEF through the Child Friendly Cities Initiative (CFCI), nor are we merely a member of the World Health Organization’s Global Network for Age-friendly Cities and Communities (WHO-AFCC). “Kuching is no longer seen simply as a ‘city in the Bornean jungle’. We are now on par with internationally recognised cities. “Therefore, I hope this internationally recognised city of ours will rise above and surpass the standards of other global cities,” he said when officiating the 2025 Kuching Festival Fair (KFF) at the Kuching South City Council’s (MBKS) Floating Theatre on Friday evening. Datuk Amar Dr. Sim, who is also the Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government, further noted that the festival’s organisation is part of the Sarawak Government’s continuous efforts to strengthen the cultural identity of its people. Meanwhile, MBKS Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng announced that one of this year’s festival highlights is the introduction of a Gastronomy Corner, which further cements Kuching’s recognition as a member of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network under the field of Gastronomy. The Gastronomy Corner features a variety of culinary offerings from Zhenjiang in Jiangsu Province and Quanzhou in Fujian Province, China, alongside innovative dishes created by winners of the Chef Kuching competition—particularly those who have represented Kuching on national and international platforms. The event also saw Dato Wee appointed as the Global Gastronomy Promotion Ambassador for Quanzhou by the Quanzhou Municipal People’s Congress, Fujian Province, for a two-year term. Also present at the event were the Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Kuching, Xing Weiping, Sarawak Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Datuk Snowdan Lawan, Kuching North City Mayor, Dato Hilmy Othman along with other distinguished guests. -UKASnews  

news

古晋市力争超越国际城市标杆

古晋：古晋市民受促设立更高的发展抱负，不仅要与国际标准竞争，更要超越世界领先城市所设下的标杆。 砂拉越副总理拿督阿玛沈桂贤医生强调，由于古晋积极参与各种国际级全球网络和倡议，其地位目前正在快速提升。 事实上，他说，古晋已不再是一个小型的美食之都。 “我们不仅仅是一个通过儿童友好型城市倡议 (CFCI) 与联合国儿童基金会合作的城市，我们也不仅仅是世界卫生组织全球老年友善城市和社区网络 (WHO-AFCC) 的成员。 “古晋不再局限于‘婆罗洲丛林中的城市’的形象，相反，我们现在已与国际级城市并驾齐驱。因此，我希望我们的国际化城市能够实现超越其他几个国际化城市的价值观和品质，” 他周五晚上在古晋南市市政局（MBKS）水上舞台主持2025年古晋节开幕仪式时，如是说。 也是砂拉越公共卫生、房屋及地方政府部长的拿督阿玛沈桂贤医生说，古晋节是砂拉越政府持续致力于增强人民文化认同感的努力之一。 与此同时，古晋南市市长拿督黄鸿圣表示，今年古晋节的亮点之一是美食节的开幕，这将进一步巩固古晋作为联合国教科文组织创意城市网络美食之都的认可。 美食节不仅展出来自中国江苏省镇江市和福建省泉州市的特色菜肴，还展出古晋厨师大赛获奖者，特别是那些代表古晋在国内外舞台上获奖的佳肴。 仪式上，福建省泉州市人民代表大会还任命拿督黄鸿圣为泉州美食全球推广大使，任期两年。 出席仪式的嘉宾还包括中国驻古晋总领事邢伟平、砂拉越旅游、创意产业和表演艺术部副部长拿督史诺丹拉旺、古晋北市市长拿督希尔米及其他嘉宾。 - UKAS 刊  

news

Sarawak Begunaka Autonomi Pengerai, Numbuh Palan Perubat Raya Menyana

KUCHING: Sarawak patut diberi autonomi ba sistem nyaga pengerai ngambi ulih numbuhka palan perubat raya ti menyana ba selampur nengeri tu.   Sapit Premier Sarawak, Datuk Amar Profesor Dr Sim Kui Hian madah, pengawa mutar kes raya baka penyakit untak, mati tubuh sepiak, riman enggau patah tulang belakang begunaka perengkaguna ti genap enggau raban pakar mayuh bidang, ti semina ulih dipenyadi nengah perambu enggau belanja belalauka gaya geografi, ukai penyampau tubuh peranak aja.   “Sarawak begunaka palan perubat raya ba tetiap zon besai. Takah 800 kilometer kelalu jauh endur nganjung pesakit ngagai semina siti nya aja palan perubat.   “Kitai begunaka perengkaguna baka CT scan, pakar beputung urat, ortopedik, ICU enggau raban mantu ti genap ba tetiap endur,” ku iya lebuh dirandau pemberita pengudah bejadika Konvensyen Neurosurgeri di Begunan Unit Pekara Pengarap Bukai (UNIFOR), ditu kena Hari Enam.   Iya mega muji pengawa Opis Neurosurgeri Sarawak ti ngerembai mansang kenyau ari 1998 lalu diatu bisi 19 pakar, nyengkaum 15 ti agi gawa ba sektor perintah.   Ngenang silik agi, iya madah ke pengawa Sarawak minta autonomi ba bidang pengerai nya sebagi ari hak ditagih ba Sempekat Malaysia 1963 (MA63) ngambi nengeri tu ulih nentuka empu perambu sistem nyaga pengerai.   “Kitai dekaka kuasa belidar ari Perintah Besai, nyengkaum ari sukut perambu, belanja enggau undang-undang, ngambi kitai ulih ngaduka sebarang pengawa ti diguna rayat Sarawak,” ku iya nyemetak.   Berebak enggau nya, iya madah ke diri irau ke gaya lutur lokal mindah gawa ke menua tasik, kelimpah berati ke sistem pengerai menua ti kelalu ngemeran budaya litigasi baka Amerika Syarikat, ti tau ngasuh ungkus berubat enggau insurans besai.   “Kitai meseti nentuka sistem pengerai kitai bisi ati sinu enggau enda ditating saman enggau begunaka insuran aja.   “Enti perintah ulih bejalaika pangku pengawa nyadi ‘Good Samaritan’ iya nya mantu nadai ngira dibalas, kelebih agi ba penusah ngenyit, tentu rayat deka pechaya agi enggau nerima sistem pengerai kitai,” ku iya.   Konvensyen Neurosurgeri nya ngempuruka bala pakar perubat ari menua tu enggau menua luar, lalu mandangka pengeransing Sarawak ngemansangka penau lokal sereta negapka rentayan profesional ba bidang neurosurgeri.-EDISI UKAS  

news

Tragedi Kebakaran Kampung Tengah: Ahli Parlimen Batang Lupar Seru Semangat Kebersamaan Komuniti

SRI AMAN: Keprihatinan terhadap nasib penduduk yang terjejas dalam insiden kebakaran di Kampung Tengah terus dizahirkan apabila Ahli Parlimen Batang Lupar, Shafizan Zahir turun padang menziarahi mangsa dan meninjau keadaan di Pusat Pemindahan Sementara (PPS) Dewan Sri Lemanak. Dalam kejadian yang berlaku pada lewat malam 28 Julai lalu, sebanyak lapan buah rumah telah terjejas, membabitkan seramai 32 orang penduduk daripada lapan keluarga. Shafizan hadir sejurus menyelesaikan urusan rasmi di Parlimen, menyatakan rasa dukacita atas musibah yang menimpa penduduk Kampung Tengah. “Kejadian ini amat menyayat hati. Dalam sekelip mata, kediaman dan kenangan musnah dijilat api. Namun, saya melihat cahaya harapan menerusi semangat kebersamaan dan sokongan luar biasa yang ditunjukkan oleh masyarakat setempat dan agensi-agensi penyelamat,” ujarnya pada Jumaat. Beliau turut merakamkan penghargaan kepada semua pihak yang terlibat, khususnya Jabatan Bomba dan Penyelamat Malaysia (JBPM), Jabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat (JKM), Angkatan Pertahanan Awam Malaysia (APM), serta Jawatankuasa Pengurusan Bencana Daerah (JPBD) Sri Aman yang bertindak pantas sejak malam kejadian. Ucapan terima kasih turut diberikan kepada para penyumbang dan Ketua Masyarakat serta Ketua Kaum (KMKK) yang memainkan peranan penting dalam menyelaras kebajikan mangsa, termasuk Ketua Kampung Tengah yang dikatakan sebagai antara individu terpenting dalam memastikan segala keperluan asas penduduk terjejas dapat disalurkan dengan segera. “Saya akan berusaha sebaik mungkin membantu meringankan beban yang ditanggung oleh para mangsa. Diharapkan mereka terus tabah dan cekal dalam menghadapi ujian ini,” tambah beliau. Setakat ini, bantuan awal berupa makanan, pakaian dan keperluan harian telah pun disalurkan kepada mangsa, manakala proses penilaian kerosakan serta sumbangan susulan sedang diuruskan oleh pihak berkuasa berkaitan. Orang ramai yang berhasrat untuk menghulurkan bantuan boleh berbuat demikian dengan menghubungi Jawatankuasa Kemajuan dan Keselamatan Kampung (JKKK) Kampung Tengah atau hadir terus ke PPS Dewan Sri Lemanak.-EDISI UKAS  

news

Outreach Approach Brings Social Services Directly To The People

SERIAN: The community outreach programme of the Sarawak Ministry of Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development (KPWKK) together with strategic partners is not just an annual activity, but a grassroots approach that brings social services directly to the people, especially in rural areas. Its Deputy Minister, Datuk Mohammad Razi Sitam said, this approach is implemented with empathy to ensure that the rural community not only receives material assistance, but also access to information, opportunities and direct contact with government agencies. “The main objective of this programme is to ensure that the people throughout Sarawak have access to initiatives and services provided by the government. “In addition, it also aims to improve community well-being through an inclusive and people-friendly approach,” he said when officiating the programme’s closing ceremony at the Panglima Damu/Panjang Hall, Kampung Merian Bedup here on Friday. Additionally, this Outreach Programme plays a role in directly reaching out to the community, raising awareness of social services provided by the government, strengthening cross-agency collaboration and fostering community solidarity. Datuk Mohammad Razi also announced that the value of welfare assistance channeled through the Serian Division Social Welfare Office reached more than RM4.68 million, involving various assistance schemes including Senior Citizen Assistance, Child Assistance and Disabled Workers Allowance. “This clearly shows the government’s efforts and concern for the people to ease the burden on the people,” he said. Therefore, he hoped that the residents would take advantage of all the knowledge, information and opportunities provided because the well-being of the community also depends on the active involvement of the community itself and not the government’s responsibility alone. Also present was Bukit Semuja Assemblyman John Ilus. -UKASnews  

news

MPHLG Proposes All Public Places To Be Equipped With AEDs

KUCHING: The Sarawak Ministry of Public Health, Housing and Local Government (MPHLG) proposes that all public places in Sarawak be equipped with Automated External Defibrillator (AED) devices as part of efforts to increase preparedness for emergencies related to heart attacks. Sarawak Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Prof. Dr. Sim Kui Hian, said amendments to the Building Ordinance are being worked on to include new regulations, such as the requirement to install AEDs in public locations. “We have amended the Building Ordinance and are awaiting review by the Sarawak Attorney General with the hope that it can be tabled in the next Sarawak Legislative Assembly sitting. One of the new regulations that is timely is the requirement for AEDs in public places,” he said. He said this to reporters after the AED Presentation Ceremony between UNIFOR and the Kuching District Red Crescent, here on Friday. Datuk Amar Dr. Sim, who is also the Minister of Housing and Local Government, added that heart disease is the number one killer in Sarawak and the public often witness incidents of individuals collapsing suddenly. He said, in this situation, the presence of an AED nearby can save lives. However, he stressed that installing an AED alone is not enough without the knowledge of the people to use it. “We need to ensure that the people know how to perform CPR and operate an AED. That is why training through agencies such as the Malaysian Red Crescent, UNIMAS and St. John Ambulance Malaysia is very important,” he explained. In addition, the MPHLG also took the opportunity to update various building regulations including introducing a “green index” in line with the Sarawak Premier’s vision towards sustainable development. -UKASnews  

news

UKAS Receives Courtesy Visit From Howden Insurance Brokers

KUCHING: Howden Insurance Brokers Sdn Bhd paid a courtesy call on the Director of the Sarawak Public Communications Unit (UKAS), Awang Putrayusrie Awang Redzuan, to pioneer bilateral cooperation between the two parties. The visit was held at the UKAS Main Meeting Room on Thursday with a delegation from Howden Insurance Brokers led by its Chief Executive Officer Ismam Shahrin Ismail. Also present were UKAS Deputy Director, Mohamed Faizal Shah Ali and other Principal Assistant Directors (KPP). Among other things, the visit by the Howden Insurance Brokers delegation was aimed at sharing various insurance plans that are suitable to protect UKAS staff and assets. Awang Putra meanwhile welcomed the insurance plan presented by Howden Insurance Brokers while emphasizing the importance of protecting the safety of UKAS staff, especially those who often work in the field in challenging and risky situations. At the same time, he said, the protection plan is also important to protect UKAS's high-value assets. - UKASnews  

news

ProDR Empowers Rural Youth In Line With PCDS 2030

MUKAH: Tabung Ekonomi Gagasan Anak Sarawak (TEGAS) remains committed to empowering education and employment opportunities through the organisation of the “Project of Dream Realised” (ProDR) Roadshow Programme which is now entering its 10th edition. Balingian Assemblyman and TEGAS Trustee Board Member, Abdul Yaakub Arbi stressed that ProDR is in line with the Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 and supports the state government’s efforts to produce 500,000 highly skilled workers by 2030. “Programmes like ProDR are important in empowering rural youth with early exposure to education, technical training and skills that are relevant to future needs,” he said during his speech at the program’s opening ceremony at the Dewan Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Mukah, on Friday. He also congratulated TEGAS and all strategic partners who made this high-impact programme a success, and hoped that more similar initiatives would be expanded to the Mukah area and its surrounding areas. This edition of the ProDR programme involves a series of tours to 14 locations throughout Sarawak over a period of 31 days, with the participation of more than 31 educational institutions and government agencies, opening up opportunities for students and rural youth to learn about various career paths and skill areas. Also launched in this programme was the ‘Think & Tinker’ (T&T) Mini Lab at SMK Mukah and Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Parish Balingian, which is a STEM-based digital learning space that includes modules such as ‘MicroBit for Beginner Workshop’, ‘Arduino Basics 101’, ‘Drone Programming’, ‘Exploring mBot Robotics’ and many more. Also present were Mukah Division Deputy Resident, Shafrie Saili, Mukah District Officer, Peleadzman Ahip and TEGAS Chief Executive Officer, Udin Bujang. -UKASnews