Former rep urges Sarawak govt to simplify BKK aid process for students

Irene Chang has urged the Sarawak government to simplify the Special Financial Assistance (BKK) application process for tertiary students. The current requirement of submitting parents' payslips via the Yayasan Sarawak portal excludes students from rural areas, those with parents in the informal sector, and from single-parent or estranged families who often lack formal income documentation. Chang suggests only requiring proof of Sarawakian identity and tertiary enrollment to ensure all eligible students receive the RM1,200 aid.

Dari dulu, saya teringin ada satu gambar keluarga lengkap – Emma Maembong

427 pelarian Rohingya dikhuatiri lemas di perairan Myanmar

Pertukaran strategi Man-Tee buat ‘DinFei’ hilang arah

Seek legal advice over tax exemption cancellations, SUPP Dudong man tells charitable bodies

Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP) Dudong chairman Wong Ching Yong urged charitable organizations facing tax exemption cancellation to consult tax professionals and pursue legal action, citing the National Kidney Foundation's successful appeal. Several Sarawakian charities have lost their tax-exempt status without appealing, a concerning trend given the importance of such status for attracting donations. Wong emphasized the high standards of Malaysian charities and highlighted the negative impact of cancellations, suggesting it reflects government financial strain.

Sidang Kemuncak ASEAN beri sinar tamatkan konflik di Myanmar

The 2021 military coup in Myanmar has led to ongoing turmoil, including widespread protests and armed resistance. The conflict has crippled the economy and displaced over 3.5 million people. ASEAN's five-point consensus plan to address the crisis has seen slow progress. Malaysia's chairmanship of ASEAN offers hope for de-escalation, with its success in engaging the junta. While the upcoming ASEAN Summit may not immediately resolve the conflict, it's seen as a positive step forward.

Gaza alami fasa paling kejam, trak bantuan dirompak

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‘Man-Tee’ berpeluang tebus kekecewaan 2023

Malaysia’s ESG imperative: Local implementation, global transformation

Local communities are key to achieving sustainable development and Malaysia's net-zero emissions goal by 2050. The Future-Ready ESG 2025 Conference will highlight how grassroots action can drive global change. ESG principles are shifting from compliance burdens to growth strategies for businesses. Publicly listed companies in Malaysia already report on sustainability, and while not yet mandatory for SMEs, ESG adoption offers benefits like improved operational efficiency, access to green financing, and stronger supply chain positioning. Data shows that companies integrating ESG outperform their peers, demonstrating that sustainability and profitability go hand in hand.

KPWKM urges collective action against child abuse cases

The Malaysian Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development (KPWKM) is urging greater community involvement in child protection. Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri emphasized the shared responsibility of parents, educators, and communities in creating safe environments. The Kasih Kanak-Kanak programme, launched nationwide in 2024, aims to raise awareness about child abuse and neglect. KPWKM expressed concern over the rising number of cases, with 1,181 reported in Sabah alone in 2024.

Sibu school to modernise facilities, embrace STEM, TVET

SK Bandaran Sibu No 2's management board is dedicated to improving school facilities and fostering a positive learning environment. Chairman Temenggong Dato Vincent Lau emphasized aligning with education reforms, including strengthening teacher professionalism, integrating STEM and TVET, and utilizing technology. While committed, the board faces financial constraints and relies on Education Department allocations. Lau highlighted the 2025 Teacher's Day theme, 'Teachers Driving Educational Reform,' recognizing teachers' crucial role in navigating the changing educational landscape. He expressed confidence in the school's continued growth and contribution to education reform, despite challenges. Lau also acknowledged the school's limitations compared to others but encouraged leveraging strengths and striving for achievements.

75 TAHUN GULA-GULA HACKS

JCI Batu Kawa members gain better understanding in legislative process in DUN visit

JCI Batu Kawa members visited the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN) to learn about lawmaking. The visit included briefings on DUN's functions and the legislative process. Kho Teck Wan, a political secretary, facilitated the tour and emphasized youth involvement in governance. JCI Batu Kawa president Elvis Chong found the experience invaluable and inspiring for greater community contribution. The visit is seen as a step towards promoting youth engagement in governance and nurturing future leaders. The delegation also met with Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.

Love not allowed: Auteur Koji Fukada shines light on Japan’s idol purity culture at Cannes

Koji Fukada's new film, Love on Trial, premiering in Cannes, explores exploitative contracts in the Japanese idol industry. Inspired by a real-life lawsuit, the film follows a young pop star sued for breaking a "no dating" clause. Fukada highlights the power imbalance between agencies and idols, often teenagers, who are pressured to remain chaste to fuel male fans' fantasies. The film examines the industry's commodification of artificial love and the impact of romantic relationships on an idol's popularity.

Space spat: Webb hints at life — but not everyone’s buying it

Initial excitement over potential alien life signs on exoplanet K2-18b, based on dimethyl sulfide (DMS) detection by the James Webb Space Telescope, has been tempered by subsequent analyses. Led by Cambridge University's Nikku Madhusudhan, the initial findings suggested the presence of DMS, a potential biosignature. However, re-analysis by other researchers, including Madhusudhan's former students, using different statistical models, found insufficient evidence to support the claim, suggesting the initial detection may have been a statistical fluke.

Deadliest Rohingya sea tragedy this year tied to aid shortfall, UN says

Dire conditions in Myanmar and Bangladesh are forcing more Rohingya to undertake perilous sea voyages, resulting in tragedies like the recent sinking with an estimated 427 deaths. Aid funding cuts have worsened the situation, driving refugees to risk monsoon season travel. The UNHCR calls for increased financial support and international cooperation to address the crisis and provide safe, dignified options for Rohingya refugees.

‘Harvard refugee’: Chinese students hunker down as US blocks foreign enrolment

Following the Trump administration's block on Harvard enrolling foreign students, citing alleged coordination with the Chinese Communist Party, Chinese students at the university are scrambling to secure their legal status in the US. The order, temporarily frozen by a judge, has prompted students to cancel flights home, seek legal counsel, and consider transferring to other institutions. While some students fear for their visas and internships, others remain optimistic about Harvard's legal prospects. This action follows a decline in Chinese students in the US amid rising tensions between the two countries.

Creaking US air traffic system braces for summer crush

US travelers are bracing for potential flight delays during the Memorial Day weekend due to heavy summer travel and strain on the air traffic control system. Newark Liberty International Airport, facing scrutiny after a recent equipment outage, is a particular area of concern. While some air traffic controllers have taken leave due to stress from recent incidents, travelers remain cautiously optimistic. Experts acknowledge potential delays but praise ongoing modernization efforts, while also highlighting staffing challenges within the FAA.