Sarawak State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki urged civil servants to intensify their commitment and embrace innovation to achieve the state's 2030 development goals. With the deadline just over four years away, he stressed the need for focus, efficiency, and responsiveness in project delivery. He emphasized embedding innovation in all aspects of the civil service, from streamlining processes to improving delivery effectiveness. He also highlighted the importance of 'Revisit, Rethink, Recharge' to ensure relevance and urged leaders to actively engage with staff and understand ground realities.
Sarawak's Head of State, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, and his wife bid farewell to outgoing Sarawak Police Commissioner Dato Mancha Ata and his wife during a courtesy call at the Astana Negeri. Mancha's retirement is effective September 29th, concluding over 30 years of service with the Royal Malaysia Police. The Head of State expressed gratitude for Mancha's dedication to maintaining peace and security in Sarawak. Mancha previously served in Perak and Sabah before returning to Sarawak as Deputy Commissioner in 2021 and being appointed Commissioner in November 2023.
The 21st Asian Battery Conference and Exhibition (ABC) concluded successfully in Kota Kinabalu, attracting over 1,000 participants. The event, held from September 2-5, featured discussions on market trends, technological advancements, and sustainable energy storage within the lead battery industry. Mark Stevenson, Technical Director of Global Lead Technologies, emphasized the industry's resilience and the importance of focusing on innovation and knowledge transfer to future generations.
Water supply disruptions continue to plague Tabuan Tranquility and The Northbank in Kuching, Malaysia, following damage to a pipeline during construction work for the Kuching Urban Transportation System (KUTS). Although repairs were completed on September 23rd, residents and businesses are still struggling. Businesses have reduced services, and residents are rationing water. One café has reduced its menu drastically and can only serve canned drinks due to the lack of clean water. Residents are relying on stored water and bottled water purchases.
Sabah Chief Minister Hajiji Noor emphasized the state's commitment to wetland conservation for both environmental and economic benefits. He highlighted eco-tourism, sustainable fisheries, and carbon trading as potential economic drivers while protecting these vital ecosystems. Hajiji noted Sabah's proactive measures, including designating protected areas and supporting mangrove and peatland conservation, aligning with the Sabah Maju Jaya Roadmap's focus on sustainable development.
The Sabah Deputy Police Commissioner urged the public to report fraud cases immediately to the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC). Quick reporting enables the NSRC to freeze suspect accounts during the crucial "golden hour" after an incident, preventing further transfer of stolen funds. The NSRC, now managed by the police, coordinates with banks and enforcement agencies to facilitate this process. While fund recovery depends on investigations, swift action significantly increases the chances of minimizing losses. Common scams include phone, love, e-commerce fraud, and non-existent loans. Preventive measures like protecting personal information and avoiding suspicious links are also crucial.
Sabah experienced a surge in commercial crime, with 7,264 cases reported between January 2023 and August 2025, resulting in losses exceeding RM576.7 million. Deputy Police Commissioner Datuk Abd Rani Alias highlighted the significant increase, attributing it to sophisticated online fraud tactics like non-existent investments, phone scams, and digital banking crimes. He emphasized the need for integrated teamwork, continuous upskilling in digital investigation, and strengthened collaboration with community stakeholders to combat these evolving criminal activities.
The Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) received the JCI Malaysia Sustainable Development Award 2025 for its climate action initiatives. The award recognizes SMC's efforts in combating climate change and promoting environmental sustainability through programs like recycling, composting, e-waste collection, and energy-efficient lighting. SMC's deputy chairman, Mohammed Abdullah, dedicated the award to the Sibu community and emphasized the council's commitment to collaboration for a greener Sibu. SMC will also participate in World Clean-Up Day 2025 on September 27th.
Sabah Chief Minister Hajiji Noor urged Jetama Sdn Bhd to expand its solar-powered nano-filtration water system to more remote areas. He praised the system's ability to provide clean water from tube wells to previously underserved villages like Kampung Baru-Baru, which lacked access to mains water supply. The RM1.2 million system, with a 30,000-litre daily capacity, is considered ideal for rural areas and islands due to its self-powered mobile nature and use of solar energy.
Sabah Chief Minister Hajiji Noor expressed satisfaction with the progress of the Serusop-Pinturu section of the Pan Borneo Highway project, noting it is ahead of schedule. The 20.8km road, costing RM465 million, began construction in January 2025 and is slated for completion by July 2028. The project includes a 682-meter bridge and connects Tuaran and Kota Belud. Hajiji received a briefing from the State Public Works Director during a site visit.
Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian emphasized the vital role of media, especially social media, in achieving the state's PCDS 2030 goals. He highlighted the need for Sarawak to leverage digital platforms to promote local products and culture globally, emphasizing the importance of talent development and innovation. Dr Sim noted the vast reach of social media and Sarawak's upcoming events that will boost tourism, education, and talent development, creating opportunities for social media engagement. He also encouraged the development of local dramas and cultural products, recognizing the rich cultural values and untapped creative potential within Sarawak. He welcomed Mango Media Borneo's entry into the state, praising its integration of media and education and its alignment with Sarawak's digital aspirations.
