Awang Tengah (right) discusses with Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh during the meeting in Putrajaya. KUCHING (Nov 5): The Sarawak government has established the Sarawak Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Committee as a strategic mechanism to strengthen the implementation of the United Nations SDG in the state, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan. He said the move underscores Sarawak’s commitment to integrating SDG principles into its development policies and programmes to ensure sustainable and inclusive growth across all sectors. Awang Tengah noted that the initiative aligns with the global development agenda and is also embedded in the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030. “PCDS 2030 envisions Sarawak as a developed state by 2030, anchored on three main pillars ― economic prosperity, social inclusivity, and environmental sustainability,” he said in a statement following the National SDG Meeting in Putrajaya recently. The meeting served as a high-level platform to review Malaysia’s progress in integrating SDG into national and state development frameworks. It was chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who called for stronger collaboration between the federal and state governments to accelerate the nation’s sustainable development agenda by 2030. Awang Tengah said the Sarawak SDG Committee consists of a Steering Committee, a Technical Committee, and seven Working Groups focusing on key thematic areas: economic growth; inclusivity and well-being; sustainable financing; education, innovation and human capital; environment and natural resources; SDG localisation and urban development; and SDG local action and community resilience. He added that the Sarawak SDG Roadmap for 24 local authorities was officially launched on Oct 21 this year. Its action plan will be implemented in phases, beginning with Padawan Municipal Council and Kota Samarahan Municipal Council, to support efforts in localising SDG practices and strengthening community-based sustainability initiatives. He reiterated that Sarawak remains committed to advancing sustainable development, ensuring that economic progress is balanced with environmental stewardship and social inclusivity.

Bomba personnel have been working around the clock to fight the blaze which has raged for almost a week now at a tyre factory at Mile 9 here. – Bomba photo KUCHING (Nov 3): A meeting involving the Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) and relevant local authorities will be called after Mile 9 fire situation is under control. According to Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, the meeting is meant to review existing regulations and coordination mechanisms. “The immediate priority now is to resolve the fire incident involving piles of used tyres at Mile 9, Jalan Indah Ria here, and not to assign blame,” he said when met at Borneo Medical Centre (BMC) here today, after the unveiling of the Halcyon Radiotherapy System and Gallium-68 PSMA PET/CT Scan devices. Dr Sim said sustainability and recycling efforts remained important, but they must not come at the expense of public safety. “We all talk about sustainability and recycling, and that’s important, but we must also ensure that it’s done safely. “The medical industry operates at the highest standards – so why can’t other sectors do the same?” he said. The state Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government stressed that the matter should be managed by the relevant local councils such as Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) or Kota Samarahan Municipal Council (MPKS), depending on the jurisdiction. “My role is to make sure they follow up accordingly. “The information was given to me so I could check with the local authority – if anyone asks, direct those questions to the local councils,” he said. According to Dr Sim, the affected area likely falls under the jurisdiction of MPKS, possibly in the Samarahan or Siburan area. “The issue involves a fire that caused smoke and pollution, and that’s why I’ve asked the local authority to handle it. “I only found out about the incident after seeing MPP’s social media posts, which was why I initially thought it was under their area. “Regardless, I’ve told them that whatever assistance that the Bomba (Fire and Rescue Department) needs, we will give our full support.” On possible health complaints from nearby residents, Dr Sim said the Health Department would be tasked with conducting checks. “I can’t play doctor; we need the proper authorities to assess the situation,” he said, adding that some of the affected operations might have existed before his tenure as minister. “Sometimes, unfortunate things happen. Ideally, these should have been addressed earlier before the problems occurred. “But there’s no point in blaming; instead, we focus on finding solutions. “Let the MPKS and MPP coordinate with the relevant agencies. “We’ll get MPKS officers to visit the site together with Bomba and the divisional medical officer, and brief the media once we have full information,” he said. According to Bomba Sarawak, 90 per cent of the fire had been extinguished as of today, with overhaul and cooling works still ongoing. “Sixteen firefighters from the Kota Samarahan and Kota Sentosa stations remain at the scene,” it said in a statement today.

MAJLIS PERBANDARAN PADAWAN   KENYATAAN SEBUTHARGA SEMULA   Tawaran adalah dipelawa daripada penduduk setempat yang layak dan berpengalaman serta berpendapatan rendah ataupun golongan B40 bagi melaksanakan kerja – kerja pembersihan dan penyelenggaraan Tandas Awam di bawah seliaan Majlis Perbandaran Padawan bagi tempoh satu (1) tahun dari 01 Januari 2026 hingga 31 Disember 2026.   Bil. Lokasi Tandas No. Sebut harga 1. TANDAS AWAM MEDAN SELERA TELAGA AIR MPP/HMS/Q/018/26(R) 2. TANDAS AWAM PASAR BASAH TELAGA AIR MPP/HMS/Q/019/26(R) 3. TANDAS AWAM DESA WIRA MPP/HMS/Q/020/26(R) 4. TANDAS AWAM BATU KAWAH NEW TOWNSHIP MPP/HMS/Q/021/26(R) 5. TANDAS AWAM "KONTENA" BATU KAWAH NEW TOWNSHIP MPP/HMS/Q/022/26(R)  6. TANDAS AWAM KAMPUNG BENGOH MPP/HMS/Q/023/26(R)   Borang sebut harga dan butir-butir lanjut tentang kerja kontrak ini boleh diperolehi dengan bayaran RM 20.00 dari Bahagian Kesihatan dan Perkhidmatan Bandar, Majlis Perbandaran Padawan di Kota Padawan, Batu 10, Jalan Penrissen, Kuching.   Borang sebut harga yang sudah lengkap diisi hendaklah dimasukkan ke dalam sampul surat, dicap dan ditanda nombor sebut harga dan lokasi tandas yang dipilih. Ianya hendaklah dimasukkan ke dalam Peti Tender yang terletak di Kaunter Bahagian Kesihatan dan Perkhidmatan Bandar, MPP pada atau sebelum 14 November 2025 (Jumaat) jam 11.45 pagi.   Tuan/puan digalakkan mengadakan lawatan sendiri ke tandas-tandas yang disenaraikan. Sila berhubung dengan pegawai Majlis (Seksyen PerkidmatanPembetungan dan Tandas Awam) untuk tujuan lawatan.   Majlis Perbandaran Padawan tidak terikat untuk menerima tawaran yang terendah atau mana - mana tawaran. Pihak Majlis juga tidak akan bertanggungjawab terhadap sebarang dokumen yang tidak terdapat di dalam Peti Tender setelah Peti Tender dibuka.       PEMANGKU SETIAUSAHA PERBANDARAN MAJLIS PERBANDARAN PADAWAN    

TAN Kai visiting the fire scene this afternoon. KUCHING: The Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) has lent a JCB excavator to the Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) to help extinguish smoldering embers following a fire that gutted two factories at Jalan Indah Ria, Batu 9, late Wednesday night. MPP Chairman Tan Kai, who visited the site today, said smoke was still visible as firefighters continued efforts to completely put out the blaze. BOMBA receives support from MPP with an excavator for the operation. “When Bomba approached us this morning, we immediately agreed to assist, even though Batu 9 falls under the jurisdiction of the Samarahan Council,” he said. Tan said the factory owner had complained about low water pressure at the scene, and he had contacted Sarawak Water Sdn Bhd to provide support. He added that police and Bomba are still investigating the cause of the fire. By Connie Chieng

Cars parked in numbered public parking lots in Kuching. – File photo KUCHING (Oct 27): A new digital parking system will be introduced under the jurisdictions of Kuching South City Council (MBKS) and Kuching North City Hall (DBKU) beginning January next year, following a two-month trial run. Developed in collaboration with the Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA), DBKU, MBKS, and the Padawan Municipal Council (MPP), the system aims to streamline parking management through a more efficient and transparent digital platform. Kuching South mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng said the new system will mark a significant step towards modernising the city’s parking operations while ensuring the transition remains smooth for all users. “The trial run will allow us to identify and address any issues before the official launch in January. We want to assure the public that necessary arrangements will be made to ensure a smooth transition,” he said, adding that unused parking coupons will also be refunded. “Borneo Parking App has agreed to refund those still using the coupon system,” he said. Addressing public concerns, Wee acknowledged feedback from individuals who do not own smartphones or may not be familiar with digital platforms. “We have taken note of these concerns. No one will be left behind because special arrangements will be made for those who may face difficulties using the app,” he assured. The system, which will first cover MBKS and DBKU areas, is also expected to be expanded to Samarahan in the near future. Wee emphasised that while the move towards digitalisation will change how parking is managed, it will not lead to job losses. “Although we are heading towards a digital system, personnel are still needed to operate, maintain and manage the system,” he said.