Floods displace 89 in Saratok – Flooding in Saratok, Sarawak has forced 89 individuals from 21 families into the Dewan Rumah Dayak Saratok relief centre as of 8 pm on Monday. The number of evacuees increased from 85 reported earlier in the day. All are residents of Rumah Tembawai Kapok longhouse in Awik area.
Pitas and Paitan flood victims return home– Improved flood conditions allowed 1,289 victims from 437 families in Pitas and Paitan, Sabah to return home on Monday. All eight temporary relief centres have been closed. The Civil Defence Force reported earlier that 816 victims were sheltered in Pitas and 473 in Paitan. Weather in both districts remains cloudy.
Chief minister mourns assemblyman’s death – Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor expressed sorrow over the passing of Sungai Sibuga assemblyman Datuk Mohamad Hamsan Awang Supain, who died of acute kidney failure at 65. Hajiji described him as a long-time colleague and a leader deeply connected to the people. Mohamad Hamsan is survived by his wife and four daughters.
Sabah Pakatan Harapan leadership dispute ‘a Small Matter’ – Sabah DAP deputy chairman Datuk Chan Foong Hin downplayed the leadership impasse within Sabah Pakatan Harapan as “a small matter.” The dispute arose after Datuk Christina Liew lost the chairmanship to Upko president Datuk Ewon Benedick by three votes, sparking tensions within Sabah PKR. Chan assured that the issue would be resolved through proper channels.
Sandakan launches strategic plan for city status – The Sandakan Municipal Council unveiled its 2024-2028 Strategic Plan: Towards a Smart and Sustainable City. Deputy Chief Minister II Datuk Seri Joachim Gunsalam emphasized the plan’s role in making Sandakan Sabah’s second city in Sandakan, Sabah. The plan aligns with the Sabah Maju Jaya roadmap and Sustainable Development Goals.
Kiulu hosts youth workshop on Undi-18– A workshop titled “Empowering 18: Shaping Tomorrow’s Democracy” was held to engage youth in the democratic process through Undi-18. Organized by local organizations and Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, the program aimed to educate young voters in Kiulu, Sabah. Assemblyman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai highlighted the importance of youth participation despite current political challenges.
Driver negligence causes 95% of Sarawak accidents – Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin revealed that driver negligence accounted for 95% of the 21,733 traffic accidents in Sarawak last year. Speeding and loss of vehicle control were significant contributors. Lee urged motorists to be cautious, especially during festive seasons, and discouraged allowing unlicensed individuals to drive.
Replica of Rentap’s fortress to be built- Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas announced plans to construct a replica of the fortress of Rentap, the legendary Iban leader, in Bukit Sadok, Sarawak. The RM16 million tourism project is set to begin this year, pending final approvals, and aims to boost tourism in the Betong division.
Fire damages restaurant in Miri – A restaurant in a shopping mall at Jalan Manggis, Lutong, Miri, Sarawak suffered a kitchen fire, causing 30% damage. No injuries were reported. Firefighters from Lutong and Miri stations extinguished the blaze, and the cause is under investigation.
Police issue 14 Summonses in Bau Operation- Police issued 14 summonses for various traffic violations and confiscated two motorcycles during ‘Op Motosikal’ in Bau. Offenses included lack of driving licenses, illegal exhaust modifications, and not wearing helmets. Police urged motorcyclists to adhere to traffic laws for safety.
Pitas infrastructure severely damaged by floods – Sabah Assistant Rural Development Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Ruddy Awah reported that floods severely damaged infrastructure in Pitas, requiring over RM10 million for repairs. Damaged facilities include roads, bridges, and footpaths. He urged state and federal governments to provide immediate allocations for repairs.
Gagasan Rakyat highlights social media influence – Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah information chief Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan emphasized the powerful influence of social media and the dangers of unverified information. He urged users to verify news authenticity and called on party leaders to manage social media proactively to curb misinformation.
Yayasan Sabah’s all-Women team conquers Maliau Basin– A seven-member all-women team from Yayasan Sabah completed a seven-day expedition through Maliau Basin, known as Sabah’s Lost World. The team faced rugged terrain and near-vertical climbs, exploring pristine rainforests and waterfalls, showcasing the basin’s rich biodiversity.
