A 28-year-old Chinese tourist, Liu Jinqi, was fined RM5,000 by the Tawau Magistrate’s Court for sending a fake bomb threat to AirAsia. She pleaded guilty to criminal intimidation, claiming she sent the message "human service emergency bomb dangerous" via the Ask Bo app to get the airline's attention after failing to change her seat through other channels. While her lawyer argued she had no intention of causing fear, the magistrate emphasized the seriousness of such threats and imposed the fine with a default of three months' jail.
Malaysia's Ministry of Domestic Trade and Costs of Living (KPDN) urges Sabah transport companies to register for the Subsidized Petrol Control System (SKPS) before September 30 to receive RON95 petrol subsidies. Only 11% of eligible vehicles nationwide have registered so far. This is the first time targeted petrol subsidies will apply to smaller transport operators in Sabah. Deputy Minister Fuziah Salleh emphasized the new system's transparency and warned against late registration, which could delay Fleet Card issuance and result in paying full price.
Sabah has over 50% of its students choosing STEM subjects, exceeding national targets and aligning with the 13th Malaysia Plan's focus on the Blue Economy. TalentCorp, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Sabah State Government, launched YES! Rock the School Mega Sabah 2025 to equip students with skills for high-growth sectors. The Chief Minister emphasized the importance of education, character, and resilience, highlighting the need for industry collaboration to provide relevant training and opportunities.
Sarawak's Matthias Liew won the first swimming gold medal at the 2025 Borneo Games in the men's 50m butterfly. The 20-year-old clocked 26.14 seconds, exceeding his expectations after competing in the 200m freestyle earlier. Teammate Darren Yi Chen Leong took silver, and Sabah's Samuel Ng Chong won bronze. Liew trains at Selangor's PADE Club under Coach Mark Chua and credits his success to disciplined training, including a three-month stint in the Netherlands last year with former Olympian Marianne Heemskerk.
Sabah Road Transport Department (JPJ) seized 11 luxury vehicles, including Bentley, Lexus, and Range Rover, during 'Ops Luxury' from June to September. The operation targeted owners who failed to renew road tax and insurance. Seven vehicles were seized in Kota Kinabalu, two in Tawau, one in Sandakan, and one in Beaufort. JPJ reminded owners to maintain valid documentation to avoid legal action and ensure protection in accidents.
Sarawak faces a shortage of Iban language teachers despite two Malaysian institutions offering it as a major. Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) will introduce Iban Language Studies in the 2025/2026 academic session to address this. Minister Dato Sri John Sikie Tayai highlighted the importance of preserving the Iban language for future generations and emphasized that university-level study will allow more young people, including those from other ethnic groups, to learn it.
Sarawak will celebrate the Yang di-Pertua Negeri's 79th birthday with a four-day celebration culminating in a free 'Konsert Rakyat' concert at Padang Merdeka on October 11th. The concert, expected to attract 30,000 people, will feature various Malaysian artists and conclude with a fireworks display. Other events include a state banquet, thanksgiving prayers, and a parade involving over 100 contingents.
Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) is prepared to welcome 5,123 new students for the 2025/2026 academic year. Registration is scheduled for September 27-28, followed by Orientation Week until October 1. Vice-Chancellor Dr. Kasim Hj Mansor assured a smooth registration and orientation process, with support staff and volunteers available to assist. He urged attendees to follow traffic regulations to avoid congestion. UMS emphasizes student welfare and provides various facilities and services for a positive campus experience.
US President Donald Trump acknowledged Malaysia's successful mediation in the Cambodia-Thailand ceasefire, praising it as a significant achievement showcasing Malaysia's credibility and ASEAN's strength. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, in a phone call with Trump, reaffirmed Malaysia's commitment to regional peace. Malaysia, supported by the US and China, brokered the ceasefire agreement in July. Anwar expressed appreciation for the US role in achieving the ceasefire and welcomed Trump's planned attendance at the upcoming ASEAN Summit in Malaysia.
Four Sabah women launched the 'Vote Wisely' campaign, driving across the state to encourage informed voting and reject corruption. Holding placards in various locations, they urged citizens to consider the future of Sabah and collected responses to the question, 'If you could be Chief Minister today, what three things would you do for Sabah?' The citizen-led movement aims to empower voters and promote positive change in the state.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim emphasized the importance of finalizing the Reciprocal Trade Agreement with the US during a meeting with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. Anwar highlighted the agreement's strategic value for policy and business planning in both countries. He reiterated Malaysia's commitment to open trade and strengthening ties with trading partners to support domestic economic growth. Greer also participated in the ASEAN-US Trade Ministers Negotiation Meeting.
Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) is accused of using Bung Moktar Radin's court case as a diversion from controversies surrounding its own leadership. Beluran BNCom Youth information chief Mohd Ardiawan Yakob argues that GRS's attack on Umno Sabah's integrity is a "cheap tactic." He highlights that Bung Moktar's case, involving a RM2.8 million unit trust investment, doesn't involve Sabah's assets and resulted in acquittal. Ardiawan contrasts this with alleged GRS scandals involving state land, minerals, and resources. He questions the timing of GRS's focus on Bung Moktar's case, suggesting it's a political maneuver to discredit a vocal critic.
Johainizamshah Johari, Gagasan Rakyat's Lamag Division deputy chief, criticized Umno Sabah's Strategic Communications Director, Datu Rosman, for spreading a video allegedly linking Deputy Chief Minister Jeffrey Kitingan to corruption. Johainizamshah called it a "dirty tactic" to smear GRS leadership and urged Rosman to report to authorities instead of seeking political sympathy. He questioned the video's claims, highlighting that the businessman mentioned held no position to approve mining licenses and the state government hadn't issued any. He also criticized Umno's hypocrisy in attacking others while facing corruption cases themselves, praising Hajiji's steadfast leadership amidst political pressure.
231 individuals received state awards from Sarawak's Yang di-Pertua Negeri, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar. MACC Sarawak director Hasbilah Mohamad Salleh led the list, receiving the Pegawai Bintang Kenyalang (PBK) award, among 23 other recipients. Other awards included the Pingat Perkhidmatan Bakti (PPB), Ahli Bintang Sarawak (ABS), Ahli Bintang Kenyalang (ABK), Pingat Perkhidmatan Terpuji (PPT), and Bentara Bintang Sarawak (BBS). The awards recognized contributions to public administration, education, security, industry, and community service.
Sarawak will celebrate the 79th official birthday of its Head of State, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, with seven main events from October 9th to 12th. The celebrations include thanksgiving prayers, an interfaith service, a parade, an investiture ceremony, a state banquet, and a public concert featuring various local artists. The events will be held in Kuching and are expected to draw large crowds.
