Edna Jessica Majimbun, Sabah's first female Native Court District Chief, joined Parti Warisan. The daughter of former MP Datuk Eric Majimbun, she emphasized the need for Sabahans to unite under a single platform. Warisan President Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal welcomed her, highlighting the party's commitment to youth and gender inclusivity. While her potential candidacy in Inanam is speculated, Shafie stated announcements will be made strategically. Edna's joining follows Remy Martin Gunsalam's recent entry into Warisan.
Warisan Vice President Junz Wong criticized Sabah Chief Minister Hajiji Noor and Sabah DAP leaders for re-announcing the recognition of the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC), claiming it's a political maneuver for the upcoming state election. Wong emphasized that the UEC was already recognized in 2019 under the previous Warisan government led by Shafie Apdal. He accused Hajiji of attempting to take credit and slammed Sabah DAP leaders for their apparent hypocrisy in applauding the re-announcement despite previously supporting Shafie's initial recognition. Wong urged against politicizing education and stressed the importance of acknowledging past contributions.
Sabah's Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) welcomes Chief Minister Hajiji Noor's recognition of the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC), urging the government to establish a RM5 million scholarship fund for UEC holders this year to demonstrate commitment beyond political rhetoric. The LDP criticized the previous Warisan government for not implementing concrete measures after recognizing the UEC in 2019. With the upcoming state election, the LDP proposed establishing the scholarship fund, forming a task force to integrate UEC into the state's education system, and incorporating the policy into the Sabah Education Blueprint to avoid perceptions of election tactics.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, during his visit to Timor-Leste, stressed the importance of ASEAN unity and cohesion in the face of growing geopolitical rivalry and regional challenges. He urged ASEAN to actively work towards maintaining its centrality and avoid division, highlighting the need to address transnational crime, economic inequalities, and the inconsistent application of international laws. Anwar's visit aims to strengthen bilateral ties and support Timor-Leste's upcoming membership in ASEAN.
Sarawak Education Minister Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn emphasized the urgent need for reskilling and upskilling Sarawakians to drive the state's economic transformation amidst rapid technological advancements. He highlighted talent development as crucial for adapting to digitalization and AI, aligning with the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 goals of creating 500,000 skilled jobs and establishing Sarawak as a leading AI hub. Inclusivity in workforce development, encompassing youth, women, veterans, and others, was also stressed. TalentCorp announced a RM1 million grant for SME internship placements to address skill gaps in key sectors like semiconductors, renewable energy, and ICT.
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.
