Latest news with #Sarawakians
Borneo Post
4 hours ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sarawak charts path to statewide piped gas access, says Premier
Abang Johari cooks tapioca as a symbolic gesture for the launch. BINTULU (July 23): Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has reaffirmed the Sarawak government's strong commitment to expanding piped gas infrastructure to every household in the state – a move aimed at enhancing energy accessibility and economic equity. Speaking to reporters after launching the piped natural gas supply to homes in Sungai Plan here today, Abang Johari said the initiative is part of a long-term master plan to ensure Sarawakians benefit directly from the state's own gas resources. 'This is just the beginning of our effort to supply gas to our people so they can enjoy the benefits of the gas extracted in our own backyard,' he said. He cited a successful pilot project in the Quadruplex Taman Ceria (QTC) housing area in Miri, where residents have seen savings of up to 40 per cent or around RM40 monthly after switching from gas cylinders to piped delivery. Determined to extend these benefits across Sarawak, the Premier unveiled the Sarawak Gas Roadmap, which outlines a statewide piped gas distribution system. 'We are developing a network of gas distribution hubs throughout Sarawak in Bintulu, Kuching, Miri, and possibly Sibu from where piped gas can be channeled to surrounding areas, even reaching remote towns like Kapit,' he said. According to him, the concept of piped gas is not new to Sarawak, citing earlier systems in Lutong, Sarawak and Seria, Brunei, that predate the formation of Malaysia. Abang Johari emphasised that Sarawak's legal framework, particularly the Sarawak Gas Distribution Ordinance, remains intact and continues to empower the state to regulate and manage its own gas sector. Under this framework, Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros) has been formally appointed the sole gas aggregator for Sarawak, with full authority to manage supply from upstream to end users. He expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for endorsing this via a joint declaration between the federal and state governments, which enabled Petros to operate as the sole legal and operational aggregator. 'All companies involved in the gas business must comply with our existing laws. This is a people-centric project, and through the hub-and-spoke model, it will benefit not just urban dwellers but rural communities as well,' he said. The roadmap, he added, will offer tiered benefits across various user groups – residential homes, SMEs, and heavy industries such as methanol production – with rates based on consumption levels. 'The greatest impact will be on ordinary Sarawakians, especially B40 households and those with lower incomes, by easing their cost of living,' he said. Abang Johari also welcomed the federal government's latest cost-of-living measures announced today, including fuel price reductions and other incentives. 'PMX announced his support, and we too are helping our people. Thank you for the initiatives. It shows that the people of Sarawak benefit both from Kuala Lumpur and from Petra Jaya, Kuching,' he said. Also present at the event were deputy premiers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Datuk Amar Prof Dr Sim Kui Hian, Petros chairman Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr Hamid Bugo and other state Cabinet ministers and their deputies. Abang Johari piped gas statewide
Borneo Post
13 hours ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Premier: Free Tertiary Education Scheme's long-term sustainability to be prioritised with any expansion plans
Abang Johari listens as Gerawat makes a point during the town hall session. MIRI (July 23): Any expansion of Sarawak's Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES) must be carefully deliberated to ensure its long-term sustainability, said Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. The Premier said this in response to questions from students during the town hall in conjunction with Sarawak Day here yesterday, where FTES was enthusiastically discussed. Abang Johari explained the tertiary institutions that will offer free education to Sarawakians next year are state-owned. 'We want to send 'Anak Sarawak' to these institutions and the latter's tuition fees will be taken care of by the state government. 'If we brazenly expand the initiative to other institutions, particularly those owned by the federal government, it might not be possible because they don't offer that,' he said. He pointed out that the state government decided to introduce the programme after improving its revenue from RM6 billion to over RM12 billion as this would ensure the programme could be a long-term one. 'Now that we are able to implement it, we are doing it carefully to make sure all Sarawakians can benefit from it,' he added. On his hope for the future of Sarawak and its development, Abang Johari said the younger generation should prepare themselves to lead. 'Self-confidence, discipline, social interaction skills, and the ability to work as a team are the four essential criteria that will shape Sarawak's future leaders,' he said. Abang Johari is seen in a group photo with the town hall attendees. These qualities are important not only for individual success, but also for building a resilient society that can adapt to rapid changes in technology, economy, and global dynamics, he stated. Abang Johari stressed that Sarawak's ongoing transformation agenda, particularly in digital economy, green energy (methanol production), and the recent launch of the KETEQ AI nano chip are among the government's efforts to improve and upgrade the state's economy to attract young Sarawakian talents to return to the state. He also reminded students that while artificial intelligence (AI) is one of the most widely used technologies today and has the potential to ease many aspects of work, it must be approached with caution. 'Like deepfakes, imagine President Donald Trump speaks fluent Iban, it would be both absurd and alarming,' he said. He emphasised that using AI effectively requires not only a solid understanding of the technology, but also a strong ethical foundation and critical thinking skills as misusing AI could negatively impact society. The town hall session moderated by Deputy Minister in the Premier's Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring) Datuk Gerawat Gala was attended by over 1,500 including ministers and deputy ministers; students from 17 secondary schools and 11 public tertiary institutions; and representatives from 20 non-governmental organisations. Sarawak Day celebration minister in charge Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin presents a memento to Abang Johari. Also seen is Gerawat. Abang Johari Free Tertiary Education Scheme lead
Borneo Post
13 hours ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
SUPP leader urges deeper appreciation of Sarawak's unique status in Malaysia
Kua Jack Seng KUCHING (July 21): Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP) Engkilili branch chief Kua Jack Seng has called for a deeper appreciation of Sarawak's unique status in Malaysia, cautioning against narratives that disregard the state's constitutional rights and historical standing within the Federation. Responding to an article titled 'We Are All Malaysians' by Democratic Action Party's (DAP) Wong Lee Ting, Kua said while the message of unity is laudable, it risks downplaying Sarawak's position as a founding partner of Malaysia. 'Let us be very clear — Sarawak did not join Malaysia in 1963. We formed Malaysia together with Malaya, North Borneo (Sabah), and Singapore as equal founding partners under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63),' said Kua, who is also a political secretary to the Premier, in a statement. According to him, the safeguards enshrined in MA63, including Sarawak's control over immigration, land, education, language policy, and taxation, are rights and not privileges. 'While we proudly identify as Malaysians, that identity must be built on mutual respect and constitutional equality — not imposed uniformity or historical revisionism,' Kua said. He criticised Wong's call to 'let go of labels' and 'not divide ourselves' as idealistic and potentially harmful if used to dismiss Sarawak's legitimate aspirations. 'Portraying the assertion of a Sarawakian identity as divisive is misleading,' he said. Kua argued that Sarawak's demands are neither excessive nor unreasonable but necessary corrections to long-standing imbalances in the Federation. 'For too long, Sarawak has contributed richly to the national economy, especially through oil and gas, while receiving disproportionately little in return. Our people are rightfully asking — where is the fairness? Where is the respect?' Kua reiterated several key demands, including the full implementation of MA63 with the restored autonomy in education, healthcare, fiscal policy, and natural resources; the reinstatement of one-third parliamentary representation for Sabah and Sarawak as originally agreed; a greater share and control over oil and gas revenues; and the protection of Sarawak's multicultural and multireligious identity. He warned that West Malaysian-style extremism has no place in Sarawak's tolerant society. 'These are essential corrections to decades of centralisation and neglect. If we are truly 'all Malaysians,' then let the spirit of Malaysia be one of equality, not dominance,' he said. Kua emphasised that Sarawakians are not anti-Malaysia but want a Malaysia that respects their rights, history, and identity. 'True unity is not about erasing identities or asking Sarawakians to compromise endlessly. It is about acknowledging past wrongs and committing to fairness and federal balance,' he added. 'Yes, we are all Malaysians. But never forget — we are also Sarawakians. And that really matters to a true Sarawakian.' Kua Jack Seng lead malaysia status
The Star
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
Nest of memories and heritage
THE vast depths of the Niah Caves form a stunning backdrop to a new short film from Sarawak about a father and daughter and their community's tradition of bird's nest harvesting. Written and directed by Sarawakian filmmaker Danish Busmah, Space Between not only showcases Niah's natural beauty but explores a father's relationship with his young daughter as they navigate the weight of heritage and unspoken love between them. It's a story inspired by local culture and heritage, something that Danish hopes fellow filmmakers will explore in their work. ''Space Between is more than just a short film, it is a deeply personal story about a daughter, her father and the silent weight of memory, grief and love. 'Space Between' was shot on location in the Niah Caves. — Photo courtesy of 21 Ways Film 'But behind the fiction lies something real: our collective desire as Sarawakians to tell the stories that matter, stories that come from our heritage and lived experiences,' he said at the film's premiere screening in Kuching ahead of its release on TVS on June 15 in conjunction with Father's Day. Featuring local actors Julai Billie and Darweesha Dasuki as the father and daughter, Space Between was filmed on location at Niah National Park, a Unesco World Heritage Site. Danish said the 12-minute film is likely the first to be shot in the heart of the Niah Caves. 'The caves and the surrounding area are home to the generational tradition of bird's nest harvesting. The movie showcases the natural beauty of the Niah Caves. — Photos by ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE/The Star 'It is this world and this legacy that inspired the emotional core of this short film.' The story also has a personal connection for him, as his father comes from Kampung Lobang Batu, Serian, which has a similar tradition of collecting bird's nests. 'That's where I got the inspiration for the story. Then we expanded it to Niah, because we feel the grandeur of the location is very understated and we really wanted to emphasise the beauty that we have.' Produced by 21 Ways Film, a Sarawakian production house, Space Between was supported by the Sarawak heritage, arts and culture facilitation fund in collaboration with TVS. Danish said the film is proof that Sarawakian stories are worth telling, not only for a local audience but for global viewers. Local actors Julai (right) and Darweesha (centre) played the father and daughter in 'Space Between', directed by Danish (left). With plans to submit Space Between to international film festivals by next year, he hoped its story will go beyond Sarawak's shores while remaining rooted in local culture and traditions. 'I truly believe this is only the beginning for all of us. We look forward to seeing more of our voices and vision taking the stage,' he said.
New Straits Times
a day ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Free tertiary education in Sarawak modelled on Nordic, German models
MIRI: Sarawak's free tertiary education (SFTE) initiative is modelled after Nordic countries like Norway and Finland, said Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg. He said these countres, along with Germany, are known worldwide for their high and robust economic growth. "That is why we model our free tertiary education initiative on the free education systems of these countries," he said at a townhall during the Sarawak Day celebration here. "We want our students to have the latest knowledge for the state's future," he said. He said the goal is to replicate the economic growth seen in those countries. The SFTE initiative will begin next year at five state-owned institutions: Swinburne University of Technology in Kuching, Curtin University of Technology in Miri, University Technology Sarawak in Sibu, I-Cats College University in Kuching and Centre of Technological Excellence Sarawak in Kuching. He said the state has no plans to extend SFTE to Sarawakians at federal universities. The initiative is limited to Sarawakians enrolled at the five state-run universities. "If we want to expand to other universities, they are financed by the federal government. We don't want to interfere with what the federal government is doing," he said. Abang Johari said applications to state-owned institutions are not subject to UPU criteria set by the higher education ministry. He cited many cases where students applying for an engineering course were instead diverted to study an arts subject. He added that students with the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) from Chinese schools will be accepted if they meet entry requirements, and even those from poor families can pursue higher education in state-run institutions.
