What's happening around you
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Sarawak interim special grant raised to RM1.5b, says analyst
The federal government has increased Sarawak's interim special grant from RM600 million to RM1.5 billion, announced by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim during the national Malaysia Day celebration in Kuching. Political analyst Datuk Dr Lee Kuok Tiung says the increase strengthens confidence in Putrajaya's commitment to MA63 negotiations and sets a new benchmark for future financial talks.
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Kuching API hits 152, Serian 145 as unhealthy air returns to Sarawak
Kuching recorded Sarawak's highest Air Pollutant Index reading of 152 as of 10am today, placing the city in the unhealthy category after several days of clearer conditions. Serian followed at 145, also unhealthy, while Samarahan registered 91 and most other divisions recorded moderate to good readings. Residents sensitive to air pollution are advised to monitor the latest API and limit prolonged outdoor activity.
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MPOB Belaga station at Sungai Asap to stay, focus on smallholder services
The Malaysian Palm Oil Board station at the Bakun Resettlement Scheme in Sungai Asap, Belaga will be retained and restructured under a more sustainable model focused on smallholder services. Murum assemblyman Kennedy Chukpai Ugon said the proposal was discussed with Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad in Kuching, and that the ministry and MPOB leadership responded positively. Belaga has nearly 2,000 oil palm smallholders farming about 10,000 hectares.
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Worker, 57, injured after leg trapped in excavator at Batu Lintang site
A 57-year-old worker was injured after his leg became trapped in the tracked section of an excavator at a site along JKR Batu Lintang in Kuching this morning. Firefighters from BBP Batu Lintang used a crane and another excavator to free him before handing him to medical personnel. The operation ended at 8.42am and firefighters later briefed workers on safety procedures ahead of demolition work.
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Wan Junaidi wants Malaysia Day celebration rotated among states
Sarawak Governor Tun Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar has proposed that the national Malaysia Day celebration be held in a different state each year. He said this would deepen public understanding of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 and strengthen national unity. The proposal was made at the 2026 national Malaysia Day celebration at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching.
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Abang Johari: Sarawak's growth must benefit whole country
Sarawak Premier Abang Johari Tun Openg said his state government has plans to keep Sarawak advancing and prosperous within a stable Malaysia, with economic development serving as a catalyst for national strength. Speaking at the national-level Malaysia Day 2026 celebration at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching, he welcomed federal commitments to empower MA63, including one-third parliamentary representation for Sarawak and Sabah and a revenue-sharing formula.
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Abang Johari: MA63 progress lifts Sarawak's role in Malaysia, Asean
Sarawak Premier Abang Johari Tun Openg said progress under MA63 is not only about restoring state rights but about letting Sarawak contribute more to Malaysia and Asean. Speaking at the national-level Malaysia Day celebration at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching, he thanked the federal government for commitments on parliamentary representation, revenue sharing and tourism, and pointed to green energy, Bintulu's industrial cluster and the Tanjung Embang low-carbon hub.
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Communications Ministry sec-gen grateful for smooth Malaysia Day celebration at BCCK
The Malaysia Day 2026 celebration at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) ran smoothly last night. Communications Ministry secretary-general Datuk Abdul Halim Hamzah thanked all parties, especially Sarawakians who attended.
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Ibraco launches NBX and NBX Residence 1 in Kuching, roadshow at The Spring Sept 18-20
Ibraco Berhad has launched NorthBank Business Exchange (NBX) and its first residential block, NBX Residence 1, within its 123-acre NorthBank township in Kuching. A roadshow at The Spring Shopping Mall from September 18 to 20 showcases the 268-unit development, which includes mobility-friendly homes in Tower A. Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian officiated the launch, describing NBX as part of the emerging Sarawak Health Metropolis.
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PM urges Petronas, Petros to work as one team on Sarawak gas dispute
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim called on Petronas and Petros to cooperate as a team to develop the country, stressing both must respect federal and state laws. He said only some commercial agreement aspects remain to be settled in the Sarawak gas rights dispute now before the Federal Court.
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Health Ministry denies no top management attended FDS crash victims' funerals in Sarawak
Deputy Health Director-General Dr Ismuni Bohari denies claims that no senior Health Ministry management attended funerals for victims of the Air Doctor Service helicopter crash in Sarawak. He says he was personally in Miri and Kuching to comfort the victims' families, while the minister and other officials were assigned to other locations under a set arrangement.
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5,000 pack BCCK for national Malaysia Day 2026 celebration
About 5,000 people filled the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching for the national-level Malaysia Day 2026 celebration, moved indoors because of cross-border haze. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim spoke and joined Sarawak Premier Abang Johari and Sabah Chief Minister Hajiji Noor in a digital signing of the commemorative book, with performances and fireworks over the Kuching Waterfront closing the night.
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Abang Johari: Sarawak has clear plans to keep prospering within Malaysia
Sarawak premier Abang Johari Openg said his government has clear plans to keep the state advancing within a stable Malaysia, covering economic, energy, industrial and technology sectors. Speaking at the national-level Malaysia Day celebration at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching, he welcomed federal commitment to MA63, including one-third parliamentary representation for East Malaysia and a revenue-sharing formula.
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Anwar assures PETRONAS-PETROS issue can be resolved
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has given assurances that the issue between PETRONAS and PETROS can be resolved, with negotiations now focused on several commercial aspects. He said the principles agreed between the Federal Government and Sarawak remain the basis, and PETROS should be guided and strengthened as a shared company. He spoke at the 2026 Malaysia Day celebration at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK).
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Anwar: MA63 is a national responsibility, seats for Sabah and Sarawak to rise
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) is a national promise and responsibility to be upheld collectively, not a negotiation between the Peninsula and Sarawak and Sabah. Speaking at the Malaysia Day 2026 celebration at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching, he listed progress including recognition of the PWD and DID as technical departments and the return of Bintulu Port to Sarawak, and said the Cabinet agreed in principle to add parliamentary seats for Sabah and Sarawak in the next redelineation.
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Malaysia Day 2026 national celebration held at BCCK in Kuching
The national-level Malaysia Day 2026 celebration took place at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching on Wednesday night, themed 'Malaysia Madani: Kesejahteraan Dinikmati'. About 5,000 people attended, with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Sarawak Premier Abang Johari Tun Openg and Sabah Chief Minister Hajiji Noor present. The night featured cultural performances from Sarawak, Sabah and Peninsular Malaysia, a fireworks display at the Kuching Waterfront, and the eighth time Sarawak has hosted the national celebration since 2010.
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Anwar: Petronas-PETROS deal principles agreed, final details being wrapped up
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the federal and Sarawak governments have agreed on the key principles of the commercial agreement between Petronas and Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (PETROS), with only several aspects left to finalise. Speaking at the Malaysia Day 2026 celebration at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching, he said the agreement can now be expedited and concluded, recognising both the Petroleum Development Act 1974 and Sarawak's laws.
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Abang Johari: Sarawak will continue to progress within Malaysia at Malaysia Day 2026 celebration
Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg delivered a speech at the Malaysia Day 2026 celebration in Kuching. He emphasised Sarawak's commitment to continued development within Malaysia and paid tribute to former security forces. The event was attended by Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and the Prime Minister.
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Abang Johari: MA63 rights must stay on national agenda
Sarawak Premier Abang Johari Tun Openg said the rights and special provisions for Sabah and Sarawak must remain part of Malaysia's national agenda under MA63. Speaking at the Malaysia Day 2026 celebration at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching, he welcomed Putrajaya's commitments on parliamentary representation, revenue sharing and tourism.
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Abang Johari: GPS government delivers on Sarawak development
At the Malaysia Day 2026 celebration at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching, Premier Abang Johari Tun Openg said the GPS government has proven it walks the talk on Sarawak's development. He cited Bintulu's selection as a World Economic Forum Transitioning Industrial Cluster, the planned low-carbon hub at Tanjung Embang with an estimated RM100 billion investment, and cross-border electricity supply to Kalimantan, Sabah and Brunei.
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Anwar announces RM1.5b grant for Sarawak, flight aid for university students
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced an RM1.5 billion special grant for Sarawak, up from RM600 million, during the Malaysia Day celebration at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching. He also announced one-off flight ticket assistance for eligible new students at public higher education institutions and improvements to the Budi Diesel initiative. The measures are framed as upholding the spirit of MA63 and strengthening federal ties with Sabah and Sarawak.
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Abang Johari: Sarawak can be a developed state by 2030
Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Abang Openg said Sarawak can become a developed, high-income state by 2030 through close cooperation between the GPS state government and the Federal Government. Speaking at the Malaysia Day 2026 celebration in Kuching, he welcomed the Prime Minister's assurances on MA63, a revenue-sharing formula and tourism as a shared matter.
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Sarawak, federal government to set revenue-sharing formula under Article 112D
The federal government and Sarawak will determine a revenue-sharing formula as provided under Article 112D of the Federal Constitution. Sarawak Premier Abang Johari Tun Openg said he appreciated the agreement, which he raised alongside developments on Sarawak's rights and interests, in a speech at the national-level Malaysia Day 2026 celebration at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching. He also welcomed the agreement to place tourism on the Concurrent List under the Ninth Schedule.
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Hajiji: Sabah to keep pursuing MA63 rights through federal talks
Sabah Chief Minister Hajiji Noor used Malaysia Day to call for peace to be safeguarded and for state rights under MA63 to keep being pursued through negotiations with the federal government. He spoke at the national-level 63rd Malaysia Day celebration at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching, while his speech for the Sabah-level event at the Sabah International Convention Centre in Kota Kinabalu was delivered by Deputy Chief Minister Joachim Gunsalam.