SDMC reviews entry procedure into Sarawak
KUCHING: The Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) is reviewing the entry procedure into the state following amendments made by the Ministry of Health (MoH) to the Covid-19 screening guidelines for arrivals at the country’s international entry points. “SDMC took note of the amendment and is now reviewing the entry procedure into Sarawak together with the […]
Time to break mental health taboo
The impact of Covid-19on society has broughtthe importance ofmental healthto the forefront. BY DATUK MOHAMMAD MEDAN ABDULLAH An important aspect that is often neglected or overlooked is the psychological stress and state of the overall mental health of the people going through the current pandemic. Coupled with the general reluctance to confront mental health as […]
More party leaders granted audience by Agong
KUALA LUMPUR: Several more leaders of political parties were granted separate audiences by Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah at Istana Negara here today. PAS deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man, who is also Environment and Water Minister, was the first leader to have an audience with His Majesty, spending about 75 […]
Pandemic, MCO hit businesses in Mukah hard
MUKAH: A coffee shop here, which used to earn a reasonable income during the good times, now makes a mere RM30 a day during the ongoing statewide movement control order (MCO). A kampua mee seller, who used to sell about 9kg of noodles daily, now only manages to sell half of the usual quantity. A […]
It’s news to me, says Abang Jo
KUCHING: Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg says he has no knowledge of the planned purported audience with Yang Di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah by leaders of political parties. The news caught him by surprise as he had not heard anything about it. “Where did you (reporters) hear it from, […]
Legislature to function until emergency lifted
KUCHING: The Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) will continue to function until the emergency is lifted although its tenure ends on June 6. Veteran lawyer Datuk Seri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said that when the Yang di-Pertuan Agong proclaimed the emergency on January 11, 2021, the term of the State Assembly was also suspended as […]
Businesses take hit from SOP travel change
KUCHING: Movement between zones was changed to districts effective May 31, and the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) said the decision was made after taking into account the current Covid-19 situation. Following this latest development, businesses have been severely impacted. Nurul Ain Aman Umar, 22, who sells satay, said her business had taken a hit […]
Lo appreciates telcos’ free internet access for needy students
KUCHING: Batu Kitang assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang welcomes the decision of telecommunication companies to provide free internet dongles and free internet access via SIM cards for disadvantaged students. “I would be happy to hear from the donors if they think they can be of help to the students in our community,” he said, noting that the Covid-19 pandemic had posed many challenges, not least the closure of schools causing students to adapt to online learning. He said based on feedback from people who had been in contact with them, he was fully aware that there were disadvantaged students who do not had access to computers or internet access at home. “We are exploring avenues of donations of computers or tablets for disadvantaged students in our community,” he said when contacted by New Sarawak Tribune. He also said he had designated a specific helpdesk in his constituency to deal with problems his constituents might have with regard to this matter. “The people have been going to them, via phone or in person. Most of the time, they are questions about internet access and some about technological devices,” he said. He said his staff members tried to help by providing links to online educational tools. “Fortunately, most of my staff are familiar with various videoconferencing and online collaboration tools and are able to point anyone who is a bit lost in the right direction. “We may not be able to help everyone, but we do what we can,” said Lo, who is also Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) chairman. He said it was a blessing that Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg had been advocating and pushing for Sarawak to go digital years prior to this pandemic. “That is why you have probably seen me praising the rapid rise of the use of broadband provided by Unifi around Padawan. I hope this positive attitude and push towards digitalisation will continue,” he said.
Gawai celebrated moderately at own homes
KUCHING: Gawai Day celebrations among the Dayak community statewide began today (June 1) in moderation for the second consecutive year following the current Covid-19 situation in the state. Jeremy Jamaludin, 38, is one of the many Dayaks in the state who are complying with the order not to return to his home village in Bintulu, […]
Hard times for express boat industry
SIBU: The completion of the Sibu-Kapit Road project last year has badly affected the express boat industry in the central region. This was acknowledged by the chairman of the Express Boat Owners Association of the Third, Sixth and Seventh Divisions of Sarawak Lau Hieng Choon when contacted today (May 29). “The situation is even worse […]
