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New Straits Times
02-08-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Sarawak premier pays tribute to late wife on Women's Day
KUCHING: Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg today paid tribute to his late wife, Puan Sri Datuk Amar Juma'ani Tuanku Bujang, during the state's 2025 Women's Day celebration. He said her quiet wisdom and graceful presence had left a lasting impact on his life and leadership. Abang Johari shared that Juma'ani played a key role behind the scenes, often offering subtle but meaningful advice that shaped him over the years. "She was never one to correct me in public. If she had something to say, she would wait until we were alone—usually in the car on the way home," he said. He recalled a moment after a formal dinner when she gently reminded him about proper etiquette. "In the car, she told me, 'Bang (referring to Abang Johari), next time don't stand up so quickly. "Look to your left and right first. We've already had our dessert, but others are just being served. "When we get up, everyone else follows, and they might miss their dessert." He said they were frequently invited to official functions, particularly dinners, and on that occasion, his early departure had unintentionally triggered others to follow suit. The celebration, held at the new state assembly complex, recognised the vital role of women in Sarawak's development. Abang Johari said women play a significant part across all sectors—including government administration, the economy and society. "They are not only mothers but are also raising children who will one day take on important roles," he said. He said that many senior positions in state departments and agencies are now held by women and expressed his appreciation for their readiness to embrace technological change. Also present at the event was Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah, who said Women's Day is a recognition of the important contributions women have made in shaping culture, society and the future. "It reminds us of the powerful role of women in nation-building and the creation of lasting legacies for future generations," she said. She added that this year's theme—"Diversity, Equality, Equity and Inclusivity"—was chosen to reflect Sarawak's human development agenda, which emphasises equality in diversity, regardless of geography, gender, race, religion or ability. Later, the premier presented the Premier Appreciation Awards to outstanding women and organisations for their achievements. Among the recipients were: -Nur Aleesya Dayana Mohamad Salim, who received the Young Women Leadership Award -The Sarawak Breast Cancer Support Group, which received the Excellence NGO Award -Sarawak Energy Bhd, which received the Responsive Diversity, Equality, Equity and Inclusivity Award Businesswoman Mastika Jamali and Datin Catherine Kelo, who were also honoured for their leadership contributions Also in attendance were Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah and Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, State Assembly Speaker Tan Sri Asfia Awang Nasar, and Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
Borneo Post
09-07-2025
- General
- Borneo Post
Sarawak achieves over 98 pct preschool enrollment rate, aims for full inclusivity, says Fatimah
Fatimah says this achievement was the result of the cooperation and collaboration of all parties involved. – The Borneo Post photo KUCHING (July 9): The percentage of children in Sarawak with preschool education prior to entering Primary 1 has reached 98.46 per cent as of June 30 this year, said Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah. The State Minister of Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development said this achievement was the result of the cooperation and collaboration of all parties involved. 'In ensuring that every Sarawakian child gets the best start in life, we emphasise three main focuses in the Sarawak Early Childhood Development agenda, namely access, equity and quality,' she said when chairing the Sarawak Early Childhood Development Council meeting today. She said the Sarawak government was embarking on inclusivity, whereby children with disabilities would also be given early childhood education. Fatimah said based on data collected from 506 cases as of May this year, it was found that 143 cases of children not being enrolled in early childhood education was due to their parents' choice. She said some cases were due to transportation problems or financial difficulties, while some choose to teach their young children at home. Meanwhile, she announced that the Sarawak Preschool International Conference 2025 will be held from Sept 26-28. Themed 'Building the Nation Through Quality Early Childhood Education', it aims to attract physical participation of 300 people and virtual attendance by 1,000. early childhood fatimah abdullah preschool
New Straits Times
22-06-2025
- Health
- New Straits Times
Malaysia records 751,000 registered PWDs, with awareness issues behind registration gap
KUCHING: A lack of public awareness has been blamed for the gap between the number of registered persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Malaysia and actual estimates, with only 751,421 people officially recorded as of last year. Sarawak's Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said the registration gap reflects both a lack of awareness about the benefits available to PWDs and lingering stigma within communities and families. "The actual number is believed to exceed one million, based on World Health Organisation estimates that roughly 12 per cent of a given population is likely to be disabled," she said at the launch of a PWD registration drive here today. In Sarawak, a total of 56,184 PWDs have been registered via the PWD Information System (SMOKU) as of May 31 this year. Fatimah said many families remain unaware of the importance of registering children or relatives with disabilities, particularly when it comes to early intervention and access to services. Learning disabilities accounted for the highest number of cases in Sarawak at 22,511, followed by physical (16,195), mental (5,943), vision (5,918), hearing (3,167), and others, including speech impairments and miscellaneous categories. She said societal attitudes also played a role in the under-registration, saying some families were reluctant to come forward due to shame or fear of being seen as burdensome. "The view that PWDs cannot be independent discourages families from registering them. "But registration is essential — it's the gateway to assistance, services, and policies designed to support them." Fatimah said accurate statistics would enable the government to better tailor programmes to meet specific needs. She also highlighted the importance of early childhood screening and intervention, particularly for learning disabilities. As of April 2025, 1,245 children under the age of six had been registered as PWDs in Sarawak, 77 per cent of whom were diagnosed with learning difficulties. She said that while limited access to specialists remained a challenge, efforts were underway to train more personnel through collaborations with both local and international agencies. "The lack of expertise has not stopped us from continuing to provide services to children with special needs," she said. The ministry will continue to prioritise early intervention, public outreach and education to close the registration gap nationwide.
Borneo Post
23-05-2025
- Health
- Borneo Post
Sarawak requests two new narcotics rehab centres amid rising drug cases
Razi says currently operates only one Puspen facility located in Puncak Borneo which has a limited capacity of 350 clients – 250 under court orders and 100 voluntary participants. – Photo by Roystein Emmor KUCHING (May 23): The Sarawak Ministry of Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development (KPWK) has submitted a formal request to the federal Home Affairs Ministry (KDN) for the establishment of two new Narcotics Addiction Rehabilitation Centres (Puspen) in the state. KPWK deputy minister Datuk Razi Sitam said the application was filed on March 11 this year in response to a growing need for expanded rehabilitation capacity across Sarawak. 'The number of arrests for drug-related offences remains high, with 33,115 recorded between 2022 to 2024,' said Razi during the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today in response to a question from Royston Valentine (GPS – Tellian). Sarawak, he added, currently operates only one Puspen facility located in Puncak Borneo which has a limited capacity of 350 clients – 250 under court orders and 100 voluntary participants. 'This is insufficient to meet the increasing demand for institutional treatment and rehabilitation,' he pointed out. In addition, he said the proposed Puspen centres could significantly enhance Sarawak's capacity to address drug addiction and support long-term recovery outcomes. To complement institutional efforts, he said the Sarawak government has also established Community Development and Intervention Centres (CDIC), which function as referral centres for prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of individuals and families affected by substance abuse. These centres support community-based rehabilitation initiatives coordinated by agencies such as the National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK), the Sarawak State Health Department (JKNS), and various non-governmental organisations (NGOs). drug rehab centres DUN puspen razi sitam
Borneo Post
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
32 Malaysian teachers to serve in UK under global immersion programme
Zahid (seated centre) speaks to reporters during the press conference. Flanking him are Fadhlina and Nanta. – Photo by Mohd Faisal Ahmad KUCHING (May 16): A total of 32 teachers from across the country will soon gain valuable experience serving at international schools in the United Kingdom under the Global Immersion For Future-Ready Teachers (GIFT) programme. In disclosing this, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said the teachers were recipients of the IKON Award, Innovative Teacher Award, Special Education Award, and Distinguished Teacher Award, which were awarded in conjunction with this year's national-level Teachers' Day celebration in Kuching. 'To honour and empower these educators so they can continue excelling and becoming exemplary figures in the profession, the Ministry of Education will sponsor their placement in the UK, where they will participate in upskilling programmes and engage in professional exchange with educators there. 'Congratulations to all 32 teachers who will be going on this fully sponsored journey,' she said during the 54th national-level Teachers' Day celebration at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here today. She also revealed that the ministry has allocated RM4 million to support the programme, which also covers short-term overseas training for selected teachers and officers in specialised fields. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Patinggi Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who officiated at the event, proposed that the number of teachers sent abroad for global exposure be increased tenfold – from 32 to 320 – to better prepare Malaysian educators for the future of education. 'I think sending 32 teachers to the UK to broaden their mindset is a good starting point, and we welcome it if the number could be increased,' he told a press conference after the event. 'This is about motivation and recognition for our teachers. I will support the Ministry of Education's efforts to seek additional funding for this cause,' he added. Also present at the event were Works Minister Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi; State Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Datuk Seri Roland Sagah Wee Inn; State Minister for Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah; Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development Datuk Rubiah Wang; and Education director-general Datuk Azman Adnan. Fadhlina Sidek gift Global Immersion For Future-Ready Teachers programme UK
