Sabah Edition
1. Elderly Driver Crashes Into Sandakan Bank
A 77-year-old man escaped unhurt after crashing his sedan into the glass facade of Maybank Bandar Prima, Sandakan. Sandakan police ruled out foul play, stating the driver lost control near the bank’s parking area.
2. MA63 Boosts Sabah Education Autonomy
Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek hailed the MA63 agreement with Sabah’s Education Department as transformative, enhancing local issue management and integrating Sabah’s cultural identity into the national curriculum.
3. Lumadan Flood Mitigation on Assemblyman’s Agenda
Lumadan Assemblyman Datuk Ruslan Muharam plans to propose gabion construction along Sungai Api-Api’s banks to address recurring floods. The initiative also aims to boost local tourism.
4. 12 Years’ Jail for Kota Marudu Teacher
A primary school teacher was sentenced to 12 years’ jail and three strokes of the cane for raping his partner’s 16-year-old daughter in 2022.
5. Filipino Cook Denies Wife’s Murder
Arip Muktar, 28, pleaded not guilty to murdering his wife at their workplace quarters in 2023. The court scheduled case management for February 24.
6. Overstaying Foreigners Jailed in Sabah
An Indonesian man and Filipino woman were sentenced to one-year imprisonment each for overstaying in Sabah for 17 years. They will be deported after serving their sentences.
7. “Geng Upik” Member Pleads Not Guilty
A 52-year-old man charged with being part of “Geng Upik” denied the accusation in court. Fourteen others, including a Datuk, face similar charges tied to organised crime.
8. Pheasant Conservation Gains Momentum in Sabah
The World Pheasant Association and Sabah Birdwatchers Association will collaborate on pheasant conservation through a study of their habitat and population, fostering eco-tourism opportunities in Sabah.
9. Education Reform in Sabah
Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek outlined 2025’s focus on tackling student dropouts, poverty, and malnutrition while preparing for the 2027 curriculum. Local education offices will play a key role in these reforms.
Sarawak Edition
1. GPS Reaffirms Commitment to Sarawak’s Rights
Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) Chairman and Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg assured unwavering efforts to defend Sarawak’s rights and drive rural development. He highlighted the state’s achievements in electricity supply, telecommunications, and rural economic growth.
2. Betong Faces Power Outages and Internet Issues
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas urged immediate upgrades to Betong’s power and internet infrastructure to address frequent blackouts and connectivity issues. He called on Premier Abang Johari to prioritize these critical improvements.
3. Incorporating MA63 Into National Education Syllabus
Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Betong Zone proposed including the Inter-Governmental Committee (IGC) Report, MA63, and the Federal Constitution in the national syllabus. The move aims to deepen students’ understanding of Sarawak’s rights and Malaysia’s formation.
4. Miri Parking Defaulters Face Legal Costs
Miri City Council clarified that RM400 legal charges will apply only after parking defaulters fail to settle their compounds despite prior notices. Mayor Adam Yii advised the public to check outstanding fines to avoid additional costs.
