MIRI (Jan 29): Outstanding student Theodora Pei Em Huei from SMK Merbau was among 30 exceptional Malaysian students who were granted a prestigious royal audience with Raja Permaisuri Agong Raja Zarith Sofiah at Istana Negara. Her Majesty graciously received the specially selected delegation of students from across the country in recognition of their remarkable achievements at the international level. During the ceremony, Theodora was presented with a certificate bearing the royal seal and Her Majesty’s signature, which read: “Congratulations on your distinguished achievement at international level. May you continue to strive for excellence in all your future endeavours.” The Form 5 student earned this honour after placing in the top five at the 13th Hippo International English Language Olympiad 2025, a prestigious global competition for students aged 6-19 that tests mastery in reading, writing, listening and speaking. The World Finals were held in Assisi, Italy, from Sept 29 to Oct 2, 2025. Her impressive track record also includes winning the school’s Role Model Student 2025 Award and Co-curricular Star 2025 Award last year. The science stream student is currently awaiting her SPM results. “Meeting the Queen was genuinely so surreal and unforgettable! I feel truly honoured and blessed to experience this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Theodora told The Borneo Post. Meanwhile, SMK Merbau principal Amanda Chong expressed overwhelming joy at the royal privilege bestowed upon her student, describing it as unprecedented recognition for the school. “This is a first for the school and an off-the-chart recognition that will serve to inspire both the school and students to excel,” she said. The school’s Facebook page echoed the excitement, stating: “With great gratitude and pride, our Merbau student Theodora Pui has been summoned to appear before Her Majesty the Queen for her international excellence. “This is no ordinary ceremony. This is a special invitation from the Palace—the first time it has been held — and only 30 selected students from all over Malaysia have received this high honour.” Chong emphasised the rarity of such an opportunity, calling it a historic milestone for SMK Merbau. “It is national recognition and a historic moment for SMK Merbau. We are very proud of you, Theodora. “Your success not only brings glory to the school but also serves as an inspiration to all Merbau students that consistent effort, high discipline and the courage to dream big can bring someone to the highest stage of the country,” she said, thanking the dedicated teachers whose commitment, patience and passion contributed to the achievement. “This success is the result of a joint effort. Keep moving forward with confidence, and to the other Merbau children — believe that every dream may come true if you never stop trying.”

This news in Bahasa Melayu is from Utusan Borneo Online MIRI: Pihak berkuasa tempatan (PBT) perlu meneruskan tugas-tugas susulan mereka dengan memantau semua kerja membaik pulih dan pembersihan yang dilakukan oleh kontraktor yang dilantik bagi memastikan infrastuktur yang disediakan untuk rakyat kekal berfungsi dengan baik. Menteri Pengangkutan Sarawak Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin berkata, semua kerja membaik pulih dan pembersihan di longkang-longkang utama dan sistem perparitan di sekitar bandar raya ini yang sudah dilaksanakan perlu diawasi sentiasa bagi memudahkan penyelenggaraan seterusnya. Beliau berkata, ketika ini pihak kontraktor yang dilantik Majlis Bandaraya Miri (MBM) sudah melakukan kerja dengan baik terutama di kawasan yang dilanda banjir sebelum ini. “Rumput dan semak tebal sudah ditebas dan dibersihkan di beberapa kawasan. "Longkang-longkang besar dan saliran parit di beberapa kediaman juga, ada yang sudah dan sedang dibersihkan. “Kini menjadi tugas MBM pula untuk meneruskan kerja-kerja susulan dan memantau situasi ini. "Pastikan kontraktor melakukan kerja mereka hingga siap (di beberapa kawasan yang sedang dan belum dibersihkan). “Kekalkan kebersihan di parit-parit, pastikan tiada lagi yang tersumbat semula dan sebagainya,” kata Lee. Beliau memberitahu demikian kepada pemberita selepas melawat dan memantau kerja-kerja pembersihan longkang utama dan kawasan sekitarnya termasuk parit-parit di kawasan Senadin, semalam. Kawasan Senadin antara yang teruk dilanda banjir awal tahun ini. Beliau berharap, tidak ada lagi aduan daripada orang awam yang mengatakan parit atau longkang sekitar kawasan kediaman mereka tersumbat semula selepas tiga atau enam bulan akan datang kerana tidak ada kerja-kerja susulan dan penyelenggaraan dilaksanakan. Lee juga memberitahu, jika pihak MBM terus melakukan pemantauan dan memastikan kontraktor membuat kerja dengan betul, maka kerja penyelenggaraan seterusnya akan menjadi lebih mudah. Dalam pada itu, Lee melahirkan rasa puas hati dengan kerja-kerja pembersihan yang sudah dan sedang dilaksanakan ketika ini di kawasan tersebut dan berharap ia dapat menyelesaikan sedikit sebanyak masalah banjir di kawasan Senadin.   Beliau berkata, akan terus memantau kerja-kerja pembersihan dan sistem perparitan di kawasan Senadin bagi mencari penyelesaian jangka panjang untuk memperbaiki sistem saliran di kawasan kediaman yang memiliki kepadatan penduduk tertinggi di Miri. Dalam pada itu, pihak MBM yang turut mengiringi Lee melawat kawasan-kawasan yang sedang dibersihkan, turut memohon kerjasama penduduk setempat untuk menjaga kebersihan di kawasan persekitaran mereka dengan tidak membuang sampah sesuka hati.

  AT an age when many begin to slow down, Wong Su Chung has pushed human endurance to one of its furthest limits. The 61-year-old Sarawakian became the first Malaysian to complete a rare dual expedition in Antarctica, combining a climb to the summit of Mount Vinson Massif and a ski journey to the South Pole in a single trip. The Miri-born adventurer achieved the milestone during an expedition that ran from November 26 to December 18 last year. The expedition began in Punta Arenas, Chile, before heading deep into the frozen interior of Antarctica which is one of the most remote and unforgiving environments on Earth. Wong began his ascent of Mount Vinson Massif (4,892 metres) on November 27. Battling extreme cold, high winds and the thin air of Antarctica’s highest peak, he spent six days navigating steep ice slopes and glacier systems before successfully reaching the summit on December 1 at 6.13 pm. For many mountaineers, standing atop Vinson would have marked the end of a once-in-a-lifetime expedition. For Wong, it was only the beginning. After a short recovery period, he transitioned into the second and more punishing phase of the mission. From December 9, Wong set off on skis to complete the “last degree” – a 111-kilometre journey from latitude 89° to 90° South, entirely across featureless polar terrain, hauling supplies in sub-zero temperatures with no natural shelter along the way. Seven days later, on December 15 at 11:55 am, he reached the South Pole, completing the rare Antarctic combo expedition in a single continuous journey. The achievement places Wong in an exceptionally small global group – and makes him the only Malaysian to have accomplished both the Vinson summit and the South Pole ski in one trip. Wong stressed that such an expedition was never driven by impulse or bravado, but by meticulous planning and years of targeted training. “Understand the expedition in detail first. Then, train according to what is required for that specific expedition. Each challenge demands a different physical and mental approach,” he said. Wong’s journey into extreme mountaineering did not begin with polar ambitions. He initially took up hiking, but his trajectory changed after a serious injury to his left knee that later required surgery, resulting in the removal of one-third of his meniscus. “I normally hike. After I injured my left knee, I switched to mountaineering and went to higher altitude,” he said. That decision reshaped his life. In May 2024, Wong became the only Sarawakian to have summited Everest, reaching the world’s highest peak. That achievement, he said, was not an endpoint, but a foundation. “I spent three years to prepare and finally summited Mount Everest in 2024,” he added. Despite Everest’s reputation as the ultimate mountaineering challenge, Wong described the Antarctica expedition as even more demanding. “To me, the combo expeditions to Vinson and the South Pole this time were more difficult than Everest,” he said. Unlike Everest, where climbers can rely on fixed ropes, established camps and teams moving in waves, Antarctica demands sustained self-sufficiency. Prolonged exposure to extreme cold, heavy load bearing, isolation and the cumulative fatigue of back-to-back expeditions had placed constant strain on both body and mind. “Weight loading and the coldness were a big challenge for me,” he said. Beyond the physical challenge, Wong described the expedition as a deeply personal and spiritual journey, undertaken during a difficult chapter in his life. “God led me through my difficult time in life and brought me close to Him,” he said, adding that years of struggle strengthened his resolve and sense of purpose. In a quiet but meaningful moment, Wong celebrated his 61st birthday at Union Glacier, the main base for Antarctic expeditions, surrounded by climbers from around the world. He said this served as a reminder of how far his journey had taken him, both geographically and personally. While the achievement places his name in the record books, Wong hopes its impact reaches far beyond mountaineering circles. “No matter what difficult situation you are in and no matter how bad the scenario, there is always a way out. Trust in God and believe in His words. Do your part and submit the rest to God in prayers,” he added.

MIRI: The Miri City Council has launched a citywide festival cleaning programme ahead of the Chinese New Year celebration, deploying dozens of large waste containers to manage an expected spike in domestic and bulky refuse. The programme, which runs from Feb 2 to 15, will see 44 roll-on, roll-off bins placed at 46 strategic locations across housing estates throughout the city. The initiative is aimed at preventing illegal dumping and safeguarding public health during one of the busiest festive periods of the year. Speaking at the council’s meeting on Monday (Jan 26), Mayor Adam Yii Siew Sang said the council was taking a proactive stance to ensure cleanliness and environmental protection as households prepare for the celebration. The bins are distributed across key residential zones, including Taman Tunku, Lambir, Luak, Jalan Luak Bakam, Jalan Riam Lopeng, Krokop, Piasau, Pujut, Piasau Utara, Tudan, Desa Senadin, Permyjaya, Desa Murni, Vista Perdana, Lutong and Kuala Baram. Yii said the temporary placement of the bins was designed to make responsible waste disposal easier for residents, particularly for bulky items often discarded during festive spring cleaning. He warned that illegal dumping continued to be a serious concern for the city, undermining cleanliness standards and posing real risks to public health and safety. Improperly discarded waste, he said, could block drainage systems, worsen flooding and create breeding grounds for mosquitoes and other disease carrying pests. The council is using the programme not only as a service delivery exercise but also as a public education effort to reinforce civic responsibility and environmental awareness. Residents have been urged to make full use of the provided facilities and to avoid dumping rubbish along road verges, drains, road reserves and open spaces. Yii reminded the public that illegal dumping is an offence under existing local by-laws and that enforcement action may be taken against offenders. For bulky waste that cannot be accommodated in the temporary bins, the public are advised to dispose of such items directly at the Kuala Baram Landfill, in line with operating hours and disposal guidelines. The council said the success of the programme would depend heavily on public cooperation, stressing that cleanliness during the festive season is a shared responsibility.

MIRI: The staging of the concert “Imran Ajmain – Malam Seribu Tahun – Live in Miri” on February 13 is expected to revitalise Sarawak’s tourism appeal, particularly in the city of Miri, in line with the targets of Visit Malaysia Year 2026. The concert, to be held at Eastwood Valley Golf and Country Club, will feature popular Malaysian singer and songwriter, Imran Ajmain and serve as a strategic platform to promote Miri as a preferred tourism destination. This is in line with the Sarawak Government’s initiatives through the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts to further strengthen the state’s tourism sector and creative economy. To date, about 35 per cent of total ticket sales have been purchased by fans from Brunei Darussalam, reflecting the event’s strong potential to stimulate cross-border tourism movement. The concert not only meets the demand of local and regional fans but also supports Sarawak’s efforts to strengthen its position as an international-standard events and entertainment destination.

This news in Bahasa Melayu is from Utusan Borneo Online. MIRI: Cubaan menyeludup rokok putih dan minuman keras tidak bercukai gagal apabila Agensi Penguatkuasaan Maritim Malaysia (Maritim Malaysia) Zon Maritim Miri merampas sebuah bot gentian kaca di perairan Kuala Lawas, awal pagi 22 Januari lalu. Pengarah Zon Maritim Miri Kepten Maritim Mohd Khairol Anuar Saad berkata, rampasan itu dilakukan sekitar jam 1.40 pagi hasil rondaan rutin bot Maritim Malaysia yang sedang melaksanakan Ops Permai dan Ops Tiris 3.0 di kawasan berkenaan. Menurut beliau, bot gentian kaca berwarna biru tanpa nombor pendaftaran dan kru itu dikesan pada kedudukan kira-kira 0.6 batu nautika tenggara Kuala Lawas, sebelum pasukan penguat kuasa menjalankan pemeriksaan dan tindakan rampasan. “Hasil pemeriksaan mendapati bot berkenaan membawa muatan disyaki seludup melibatkan 100 karton minuman keras pelbagai jenama serta 475 karton rokok putih pelbagai jenama yang dipercayai tidak bercukai,” katanya dalam satu kenyataan hari ini. Kes disiasat di bawah Akta Kastam 1967 kerana disyaki melakukan kesalahan menyeludup masuk barang larangan tanpa cukai. Kesemua bot dan barangan rampasan yang dianggarkan bernilai hampir RM250,000 telah dibawa ke Kompleks Zon Maritim Miri untuk diserahkan kepada pegawai penyiasat bagi tujuan siasatan dan tindakan lanjut. Dalam pada itu, Khairol menegaskan Maritim Malaysia akan terus mempertingkatkan rondaan, pemantauan serta penguatkuasaan secara berterusan bagi membanteras aktiviti penyeludupan dan jenayah maritim demi memastikan keselamatan serta kedaulatan perairan negara sentiasa terpelihara.

MIRI (Jan 28): Any attempt to interpret the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) selectively or literally undermines its historical intent, said Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) Youth Central. It said that Sarawak’s oil and gas rights could not be casually dismissed simply because MA63 did not spell them out word for word. “Sarawak’s jurisdiction over its natural resources is anchored in constitutional principles, pre-Malaysia laws and the Inter-Governmental Committee (IGC) Report. “MA63 is a founding covenant, not an ordinary document, and Sarawak was formed as an equal partner in Malaysia, thus its inherent rights over land and natural resources must be respected,” it said in a statement responding to Minister of Law and Institutional Reform Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said’s recent remarks. SUPP Youth Central also pointed to the Oil Mining Ordinance 1958, noting that it was enacted before the formation of Malaysia and affirmed that Sarawak constitutionally retains jurisdiction over oil and gas within its territory. It also questioned the federal government’s consistency in recognising Sarawak’s oil and gas rights, citing continued legal challenges by Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas) despite Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s acknowledgement of Petroleum Sarawak Berhad’s (Petros) role as the state’s gas aggregator. “Such actions risk undermining the prime minister’s commitment and create doubts among Sarawakians,” it said. It urged disputes to be resolved through negotiation rather than litigation. “Sarawakians seek fair resource distribution, constructive cooperation, and long-term stability, not prolonged litigation.”

MIRI (Jan 19): Miri City Council (MCC) has long had plans to develop the old Pujut Corner bus station into a seasonal fruit centre to accommodate fruit traders, including casual sellers who operate only during the fruit season. Mayor Adam Yii Siew Sang said the council is currently not imposing any charges on traders selling fruits at the site. “We encourage genuine fruit sellers to set up their stalls there. Our aim is to establish the area as a recognised Seasonal Fruit Centre so that both locals and visitors know where to go when they are looking for fruits,” he said at a press conference here on Monday. He said centralising fruit trading at the site would allow the council to better manage cleanliness, environmental concerns and waste disposal. Yii, who is also Pujut assemblyman, stressed that the council had no intention of causing hardship to traders, particularly those who rely on seasonal fruit sales for their livelihood. “Our objective is to create a fair environment where everyone has an opportunity to earn a living. “When new policies are introduced, there may be initial misunderstandings or teething issues, and that is understandable,” he said. Commenting on the impounding of durians by the MCC enforcement team between Jan 13 and 15, Yii said the operation, carried out at several locations here, had attracted public attention on social media. He said that prior to the enforcement action, officers had issued 28 warning notices and five compounds to traders. “Despite these warnings and compounds, some traders continued to operate in breach of regulations,” he said. Yii explained that enforcement officers had acted in accordance with standard operating procedures and that traders whose items were seized were informed that the impounded goods could be reclaimed upon payment of a penalty. Out of 13 traders whose durians and other items, including weighing scales, were seized, only one had come forward to reclaim the items, he said. Meanwhile, Yii said unclaimed items would be disposed of at the Kuala Baram disposal site. Addressing allegations circulating online, Yii said the council has documentation and video recordings of the disposal process to ensure transparency. “If the public wishes to view the evidence, the council can arrange it. We want to be transparent in our enforcement actions,” he said.

MIRI: Upgrading work on the Sungai Tujoh Immigration, Customs and Quarantine (ICQ) Complex has now reached 88 per cent completion. The project is targeted to be fully completed and operational a week before the Chinese New Year celebration. Minister of Transport, Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin, said the RM4-million project, approved by the Sarawak Government, includes the construction of four additional lanes, increased immigration and customs counters, as well as the construction of 12 public toilets, including facilities for Persons with Disabilities (OKU). According to him, traffic congestion at the border checkpoint has long been a major complaint among users, especially on weekends and festive seasons such as Chinese New Year and Hari Raya, with waiting times reaching between three and five hours. “The congestion becomes more apparent when the number of vehicles increases, involving users from Brunei, Miri, Lawas, Limbang and even Sabah who pass through Brunei to get to Miri. “Therefore, this project is crucial to ensure smooth cross-border movement,” he said during a working visit to monitor the project’s progress today. In relation to this, Lee has requested the Public Works Department (PWD) to enhance monitoring and ensure the project is completed according to schedule. The project was originally scheduled for completion in December last year but was granted an extension due to several minor design amendments. Once completed, traffic flow will be separated according to vehicle type, where Malaysian and Bruneian-registered vehicles will use separate lanes and counters. Four new counters will be dedicated to Malaysian vehicles to speed up the clearance process. Lee also suggested the addition of immigration and customs personnel to ensure all the extra counters can operate fully, particularly during festive seasons. At the same time, he emphasised that this upgrading project is a short-term solution, while a comprehensive upgrading proposal for the Sungai Tujoh ICQ will be submitted to the federal government for consideration under the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13). For the long term, he also proposed the use of modern technology such as electronic clearance, facial or vehicle recognition to speed up entry and exit processes, in line with international border checkpoint practices.

This news in Bahasa Melayu is from Utusan Borneo Online MIRI: Prihatin terhadap seruan kecemasan Tabung Darah Hospital Miri,  Pergerakan Belia Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Cawangan N.73 Piasau dan Persatuan Belia Miri tampil mengambil inisiatif menganjurkan Program Derma Darah 2.0 pada Sabtu ini. Program yang bermula jam 10 pagi di Ground Floor West Court, Bintang Megamall Miri (berhampiran Uniqlo) itu diadakan bagi membantu mendapatkan bekalan darah yang mencukupi untuk menampung keperluan bekalan darah di hospital berkenaan.Menurut pihak penganjur, program itu diadakan susulan laporan media yang mendedahkan kekurangan stok darah di Hospital Miri, sekali gus menuntut sokongan segera masyarakat setempat. “Usaha itu bukan sahaja bertujuan meningkatkan paras simpanan darah hospital, malah berperanan mendidik orang ramai tentang kepentingan menderma darah sebagai satu amalan kemanusiaan dan tanggungjawab sosial. “Setiap sumbangan darah amat penting bagi menyokong rawatan kecemasan, pembedahan serta keperluan pesakit yang bergantung kepada bekalan darah secara berterusan,” kata pihak penganjur. Program Derma Darah 2.0 turut dimeriahkan dengan pameran dan reruai maklumat melibatkan pelbagai aktiviti kesedaran, selain majlis perasmian yang melambangkan semangat kebersamaan dan keprihatinan masyarakat terhadap keperluan kesihatan awam. Sehubungan itu, orang ramai khususnya warga Miri dan kawasan sekitar diseru hadir dan menyertai program berkenaan bagi membantu memastikan bekalan darah di Hospital Miri berada pada tahap mencukupi.

This news in Bahasa Melayu is from Utusan Borneo Online MIRI: Dewan masyarakat terbuka di Kampung Pulau Melayu bakal dinaik taraf kepada dewan tertutup yang dilengkapi kemudahan penghawa dingin bagi menyediakan persekitaran lebih selamat dan kondusif untuk penduduk kampung menganjurkan pelbagai acara. Timbalan Menteri Pelancongan, Industri Kreatif dan Seni Persembahan Datuk Sebastian Ting berkata, kerja-kerja naik taraf dan penambahbaikan itu dilaksanakan susulan beberapa cabaran yang dihadapi penduduk setempat. Menurutnya, disebabkan keadaan dewan yang terbuka, penduduk yang menghadiri program pada waktu malam sering terdedah kepada gangguan nyamuk, sekali gus menjejaskan keselesaan serta tahap penyertaan. “Dengan menaik taraf dewan berkenaan dan memasang pendingin hawa, penduduk dapat menganjurkan perhimpunan, acara dan sambutan pada waktu malam dengan lebih selesa tanpa kebimbangan terhadap gangguan nyamuk. “Faktor kedua yang mendorong pelaksanaan projek itu ialah masalah kecurian kabel elektrik yang kerap berlaku sehingga menjejaskan penggunaan kemudahan tersebut,” katanya ketika ditemui semasa melawat ke tapak projek berkenaan hari ini. Beliau memberitahu, projek bernilai RM200,000 itu melibatkan kerja-kerja menaik taraf asas dewan, pembinaan struktur keluli utama dan bumbung, selain pembinaan dinding bata yang mengelilingi dewan. Ting turut memaklumkan, projek yang bermula baru-baru ini dijangka siap dalam tempoh enam bulan iaitu sekitar awal Julai depan. Sehubungan itu, beliau yang juga Ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri (ADUN) Piasau berharap dengan siapnya dewan berkenaan kelak, insiden kecurian dapat dikurangkan dan penduduk kampung dapat kembali mengadakan perhimpunan serta pelbagai acara, sekali gus mengeratkan hubungan silaturahim dan mengukuhkan perpaduan komuniti. Semasa lawatan tapak tersebut, Ting turut menyaksikan penyerahan kontrak kerja daripada Jabatan Kerja Raya (JKR) kepada kontraktor yang dilantik, dengan JKR bertindak sebagai agensi pemantau bagi projek berkenaan. Turut hadir ialah Pemanca Ujut Rahman, Pemanca Leonard Fong dan Kaunselor Kelvin Chia.

This news in Bahasa Melayu is from Utusan Borneo Online MIRI: Agenda menjadikan Miri sebagai sebuah bandar raya lestari, hijau dan berdaya saing memerlukan penglibatan aktif golongan belia serta kerjasama strategik berterusan semua pihak, bukan sekadar dasar di atas kertas. Datuk Bandar Miri Adam Yii Siew Sang menegaskan, belia, institusi pendidikan, pertubuhan bukan kerajaan, sektor swasta dan komuniti setempat merupakan tonggak utama dalam memacu inovasi hijau serta amalan mampan di bandar raya ini, menerusi konsep Matlamat Pembangunan Mampan (SDG). “Golongan ini adalah pemimpin masa hadapan dan pemacu kepada perubahan. Inisiatif seperti Karnival SDG ini perlu diteruskan dan diperluaskan agar memberi impak jangka panjang kepada pembangunan bandaraya,” katanya. Yii yang merupakan ADUN Pujut berkata demikian ketika berucap merasmikan Karnival SDG Bandaraya Miri, Edisi 1/2026 yang berlangsung di Aras 3, Boulevard Hypermarket, Pujut di sini, semalam. Menurut Yii, pembangunan sebuah bandar raya lestari menuntut komitmen berterusan serta kerjasama strategik semua pihak berkepentingan. Beliau yakin di bawah kepimpinan Majlis Bandaraya Miri (MBM), dengan sokongan padu rakan strategik SDG dan masyarakat setempat, Miri berpotensi muncul sebagai bandar raya contoh yang progresif dan kompetitif di peringkat negeri serta nasional. Dalam pada itu, beliau menyeru rakyat Miri agar terus memperkukuh komitmen dalam menyokong usaha kelestarian bandar raya ini demi merealisasikan visi Miri sebagai sebuah Bandar Raya Hijau, Bandar Raya Pintar serta antara bandar raya peranginan antarabangsa yang paling selesa untuk didiami. Sementara itu, Karnival SDG Bandaraya Miri, Edisi 1/2026, adalah anjuran bersama Pembangunan Komuniti SDG MBM, bersama rakan strategik SDG serta Jawatankuasa Penduduk Miri. Terdahulu, Pengerusi Jawatankuasa SDG, Kaunselor Jamil Bujang dalam ucapan alu-aluannya berkata, karnival itu dianjurkan sebagai platform inklusif untuk mendekatkan SDG kepada masyarakat umum melalui pendekatan yang bersifat mendidik, interaktif dan berteraskan komuniti. “Penganjuran edisi pertama ini menumpukan kepada pemerkasaan kesedaran awam dalam aspek kelestarian alam sekitar, ekonomi hijau, kesejahteraan sosial serta tadbir urus bandar yang mampan, selari dengan aspirasi Pelan Pembangunan Strategik Sarawak (PCDS) 2030 dan agenda bandar rendah karbon,” katanya.

This news in Bahasa Melayu is from Utusan Borneo Online MIRI: Usaha berterusan Ibu Pejabat Polis (IPD) Miri dalam membanteras jenayah membuahkan hasil apabila statistik jenayah indeks menunjukkan penurunan ketara sepanjang tahun 2025, sekali gus meningkatkan tahap keselamatan awam di daerah ini. Ketua Polis Daerah Miri ACP Mohd Farhan Lee Abdullah berkata, jumlah jenayah indeks menurun daripada 395 kes pada 2024 kepada 373 kes pada 2025, iaitu pengurangan sebanyak 22 kes atau enam peratus, hasil komitmen berterusan warga IPD Miri dalam pelaksanaan tugas. Menurutnya, kadar penyelesaian kes kekal pada tahap membanggakan apabila 297 kes (75 peratus) berjaya diselesaikan pada 2024, manakala 275 kes (74 peratus) diselesaikan pada 2025. Manakala dari segi keseluruhan jenayah melibatkan kes indeks dan bukan indeks, IPD Miri mencatatkan 1,134 kes pada 2024 dengan 869 kes berjaya dituduh di mahkamah, bersamaan 76 peratus kadar pertuduhan. “Pada tahun 2025 pula, jumlah kes menurun kepada 928 kes, dengan 746 kes berjaya dituduh di mahkamah, sekali gus meningkatkan kadar pertuduhan kepada 84 peratus,” katanya. Beliau berkata demikian ketika berucap pada Perhimpunan Bulanan IPD Miri di sini hari ini. Hadir sama timbalannya, Superintenden Nur Asyikhin Abdullah, Ketua Bahagian Pencegahan Jenayah dan Keselamatan Komuniti IPD Miri DSP Sila Kadung serta pegawai kanan yang lain. Penghargaan turut diberikan kepada tujuh wartawan di Miri atas kerjasama erat dalam usaha menyampaikan maklumat kepada masyarakat khasnya di daerah Miri dengan berkesan. Dalam pada itu, beliau berkata Bahagian Siasatan Jenayah Narkotik IPD Miri turut mencatatkan peningkatan ketara apabila 1,313 kes dibuka dengan 1,385 tangkapan pada 2025, berbanding 1,001 kes dan 1,045 tangkapan pada tahun sebelumnya. “Peningkatan tersebut melibatkan pertambahan 312 kes atau 31.16 peratus serta 340 tangkapan atau 32.53 peratus, dengan nilai rampasan dadah bagi 2025 mencecah RM67.19 juta. “Bagi kes jenayah komersial turut menunjukkan peningkatan ketara apabila 727 kes dilaporkan pada 2025, berbanding 337 kes pada 2024, peningkatan sebanyak 390 kes atau 115.73 peratus,” katanya. Beliau berkata, peningkatan itu mencerminkan tahap kesedaran awam yang semakin tinggi untuk tampil membuat laporan selepas pelbagai program pencegahan dan ceramah kesedaran dijalankan. Bagi Bahagian Siasatan dan Penguatkuasaan Trafik IPD Miri, statistik menunjukkan penurunan kes kemalangan jalan raya daripada 3,516 kes pada 2024 kepada 3,442 kes pada 2025, iaitu pengurangan sebanyak 74 kes. “Lebih membanggakan, kes kemalangan maut menurun daripada 62 kes pada 2024 kepada 47 kes pada 2025, sekali gus mencatatkan pengurangan sebanyak 15 kes,” katanya sambil menyifatkan keseluruhan pencapaian ini satu peningkatan yang cemerlang untuk IPD Miri. Dalam pada itu, beliau turut menegaskan pendirian tiada kompromi terhadap penyalahgunaan dan pengedaran dadah, termasuk dalam kalangan warga PDRM sendiri, selain mengarahkan tindakan tegas dan bersepadu diteruskan. Beliau berkata, kualiti penyampaian perkhidmatan yang cepat, mesra dan profesional perlu sentiasa diperkasakan kerana ia mencerminkan imej PDRM, di samping menyeru kerjasama berterusan masyarakat demi keselamatan dan kesejahteraan bersama. Pada majlis sama, Farhan turut menyampaikan sijil penghargaan kepada 14 orang anggota dan dua kakitangan awam atas pencapaian cemerlang mereka di dalam tugasan masing-masing.  Penghargaan turut diberikan kepada tujuh orang wartawan atas kerjasama erat dalam usaha menyampaikan maklumat kepada masyarakat khasnya di daerah Miri dengan berkesan.

This news in Bahasa Melayu is from Utusan Borneo Online MIRI: Kempen Kesedaran Trafik 2026 yang berlangsung di Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Chung Hua Miri, semalam merupakan salah satu usaha meningkatkan kesedaran keselamatan jalan raya khususnya dalam kalangan ibu bapa dan keluarga pelajar. Program pelancaran yang bermula jam 2 petang itu dianjurkan oleh pihak sekolah dengan kerjasama Polis Diraja Malaysia (PDRM) Trafik Miri, bertujuan menangani isu kesesakan serta keselamatan lalu lintas di persekitaran sekolah, terutama ketika waktu puncak penghantaran dan pengambilan pelajar. Hadir mewakili PDRM Trafik Miri ialah Inspektor G. Visvanathan Guna Cekeren dan Sarjan Mejar Mohd Khairul Annuar Ahmad Kassim. Turut hadir ialah wakil pihak sekolah dan agensi berkaitan termasuk Penolong Kanan Hal Ehwal Murid Yong Hong Then, Ketua Bidang Teknik dan Vokasional Ng Voon Kong, Setiausaha Disiplin Chua Chiang Hoong, wakil Jawatankuasa Keselamatan Wan Saiful Azuari Mohamed, wakil Jawatankuasa Disiplin Ahmad Nizam Ismail, Setiausaha Lembaga Pengelola Sekolah Rita Ting Lee Tai serta Pengerusi Persatuan Ibu Bapa dan Guru (PIBG) Voon Cheng Thong. Antara pengisian utama program adalah edaran risalah panduan dan garis panduan meletakkan kenderaan kepada ibu bapa serta keluarga pelajar, selain sesi taklimat keselamatan secara santai menerusi pendekatan bersemuka. Menerusi sesi tersebut, pihak polis dan sekolah memberi penerangan mengenai kepentingan sikap bertanggungjawab pengguna jalan raya, khususnya larangan meletakkan kenderaan di kawasan tidak dibenarkan sehingga menghalang aliran trafik atau menyebabkan kesesakan. Pihak sekolah berharap pelaksanaan kempen itu dapat meningkatkan tahap kesedaran komuniti sekolah serta mewujudkan persekitaran yang lebih selamat dan teratur demi kesejahteraan pelajar dan pengguna jalan raya di kawasan sekitar SMK Chung Hua (CF) Miri.

MIRI (Jan 20): A tow truck and a decontrolled lorry were among vehicles seized during Road Transport Department (JPJ) operations here on Monday. JPJ Sarawak said in a statement that the Ops Khas Back to School (BTS) and Ops Gempur for commercial vehicles were conducted around the city by the JPJ Miri Operations Unit. During the operations, 217 commercial and private vehicles were inspected. “Inspection on these vehicles revealed various offences including drivers without valid driving licences, failure to wear seat belts, expired driving licences, as well as other offences involving vehicle technical aspects. “The vehicles seized were due to offences involving expired road tax and lack of insurance coverage,” JPJ said. JPJ Sarawak added it remains committed to continuously and comprehensively carrying out enforcement operations as a proactive measure to enhance compliance with road traffic laws and to ensure the safety of all road users.

This news in Bahasa Melayu is from Utusan Borneo Online MIRI: Sepasukan anggota dari Balai Bomba dan Penyelamat (BBP) Lutong dikerahkan ke kawasan sebuah rumah di Lorong Perdana 2B, Tudan Desaras di sini susulan laporan kehadiran seekor buaya di dalam longkang, tengah hari Rabu. Menurut Ketua BBP Lutong, Henry Jugah, pihaknya menerima panggilan kecemasan berhubung kejadian itu pada jam 11.53 pagi, sebelum sebuah jentera bersama beberapa anggota segera digerakkan ke lokasi yang terletak kira-kira 11 kilometer dari balai. "Sebaik tiba di lokasi pada jam 12.05 tengah hari, pasukan keluaran operasi terus menjalankan menjalankan pemeriksaan di kawasan terbabit. "Namun hasil pemeriksaan mendapati tiada kelibat buaya ditemui di dalam longkang seperti yang dilaporkan oleh orang awam," katanya dalam satu kenyataan. Berikutan itu katanya, PKO  seterusnya mengambil langkah pemantauan keselamatan di sekitar kawasan kejadian bagi memastikan tiada ancaman kepada penduduk setempat. "Kami turut menghubungi Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) untuk tindakan lanjut sekiranya," katanya. Setelah memastikan keadaan selamat dan terkawal, operasi ditamatkan pada jam 12.25 tengah hari sebelum PKO bertolak pulang ke balai  

MIRI (Jan 21): Several parts of the suspension bridge at the Pavilion in Taman Awam will be temporarily closed pending further inspection by the Miri City Council (MCC) following an incident on Sunday that left a visitor injured after a wooden plank broke. Miri Mayor Adam Yii Siew Sang told a press conference here on Wednesday that a detailed safety inspection would be carried out at the Pavilion area as well as other parts of Taman Awam to prevent a recurrence. “MCC will be engaging professional bodies to conduct further inspections. Following this, repair works will be carried out in the affected area,” he said adding that MCC team had went to ground immediately after they learnt about the incident on Monday. Yii, who is also Pujut assemblyman, said the council viewed the incident seriously and was already in contact with the injured individual. “Public facilities are covered by public liability insurance. We will assist the individual in making an official claim,” he said. On the issue of durian sales, Yii said MCC was reviewing all arrangements for seasonal fruit sales in the city. He added that the council would also look into ways to better manage Ramadan stalls this year. “The council’s position is to ensure that stall fees remain reasonable, so that those celebrating the occasion are not burdened financially,” he said. Similarly, for the upcoming Chinese New Year celebrations, the Market Traders and Hawkers Standing Committee will review arrangements for the sale of mandarins and other festive goods and food. He said the council’s aim was to serve the community in a way that benefits everyone. On drainage maintenance, Yii said MCC would continue efforts to clear clogged drains throughout the city to help reduce the risk of flooding. “Flooding can be caused by many factors. However, for those within the council’s control, we will do our best to minimise flooding,” he said.

MIRI (Jan 5): Nearly 1,500 visitors thronged the compound of the Miri Indoor Stadium last Saturday to enjoy a free durian feast organised by the Sarawak Bumiputera Entrepreneurs Chamber (DUBS) Miri branch. Its chairman Mohammad Hafidz Rohani said about one tonne of fruits, including ‘langsat’, rambutans and ‘bambangan’, was prepared for the event. “The fruits were specially sourced from several areas around Miri, including Niah and Marudi. This initiative is also part of our effort at DUBS Miri to support local farmers and small-scale entrepreneurs,” he said. Hafidz added that the organisers were pleasantly surprised by the turnout, especially since the event was planned just a day prior to its implementation. He added DUBS would continue to play an active role in strengthening community unity through initiatives centred around food, arts, dance, culture and entrepreneurship, which can help stimulate the local economy.      

MIRI (Jan 4): Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Lawas is urging the relevant authorities to immediately raise the road level in Kampung Sualai, Lawas, and construct additional culverts in the village to address the frequent flooding. PKR Lawas branch chief Zahid Matserudin, in a statement today, said he had received numerous complaints about the recurring floods, particularly during high tides. “Whenever a high tide occurs, the village’s main road becomes submerged, making movement difficult for residents, including schoolchildren, the elderly, and those requiring emergency medical attention. “This situation poses a clear safety risk and should not be allowed to continue,” he said. He added that residents reported the problem is caused not only by the road being too low but also by an inadequate drainage system, especially at the junction near the Kampung Sualai Hall. At this location, Zahid said, water tends to stagnate for prolonged periods as the flow into the river is slow. “The villagers have raised this concern and are requesting that an additional culvert be constructed at the hall junction to expedite water discharge into the river, thereby reducing the risk of the road being submerged during high tides and heavy rainfall,” he added. Zahid also said that, as a long-term solution, residents are calling for the road to be raised concurrently with improvements to the drainage system to provide a more effective and lasting solution.