Andy Chua
Brookline
Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Andy Chua
The Present: Built on the Rajang, sailing the world
SIBU: The Rajang River has always been Sibu’s lifeline. For generations, the river carried people, timber, goods and commerce through the heart of Sarawak. Today, its banks are also home to an industry whose reach extends far beyond the river itself. From shipyards scattered around Sibu, steel vessels emerge bound for Indonesia, Singapore, Australia, the Middle East and even West Africa.
Local authors encouraged to donate books to Sibu Library
SIBU: Local authors are encouraged to donate their books to the Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) Library if they have excess copies. “In Sibu, we have many writers and authors. If they do not have a suitable place to keep their books and other materials, we welcome them to donate these items to the Sibu Library. “This allows us to preserve them properly and maintain a record for future generations,” said SMC chairman Clarence Ting Ing Horh on Friday (Oct 16).
Two men injured as lorry overturns on Sibu-Bintulu road
SIBU: Two men were injured after the lorry they were travelling in skidded and overturned at KM114 of Jalan Sibu-Bintulu early this morning. The victims were identified as John Panggau Majang and Kenneth Chua Choon Siang. The Selangau Fire and Rescue Station received an emergency call on the accident at 4:54 am and dispatched firefighters to the scene. Upon arrival, firefighters found an Isuzu lorry which had skidded and overturned by the roadside.
Three arrested for drug offences
MERADONG: Three persons with no previous criminal or drug records were arrested for suspected drug-related activities in Bintangor during a three-day police operation. Meradong district police chief DSP Tansli Mering said the suspects, two men and a woman aged 24, 30 and 28 respectively, were detained during Ops Tapis Khas conducted from Oct 11 to 13.
PKS Sibu to unite Kayans, preserve heritage
SIBU: The establishment of the Sarawak Kayan Association (PKS) Sibu branch is aimed not merely at increasing membership but at providing a platform to unite the Kayan community, safeguard its welfare and ensure its language, culture and customs are passed down to future generations. PKS president Datuk Dennis Ngau said the strength of an association should not be measured solely by its membership or financial standing, but by its ability to serve and respond to the needs of the community.
PRS Baleh unanimously supports Nicholas Kudi to defend seat
SIBU: Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) Division N.64 Baleh unanimously supports the re-nomination of the incumbent Baleh assemblyman, Nicholas Kudi Jantai, to defend the seat in the 13th Sarawak State Election (PRN) for PRS on the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) ticket. The matter was decided through a resolution of the PRS Division N.64 Baleh 2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM) held at Hotel Meligai, Kapit today.
Zombie Run 4.0 draws 2,000 participants in Sibu
SIBU: Some 2,000 participants took part in Zombie Run 4.0 at Permai Lake Garden here last night (Oct 10). The event was organised by Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) N.54 Pelawan and Kelab Larian Jalan dan Bukit Sibu, with the aim of promoting a healthy lifestyle, encouraging youth participation and strengthening community unity through a unique recreational experience.
PRS Ngemah AGM backs Anyi Jana to remain GPS-PRS candidate
SIBU: Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) Ngemah has unanimously backed incumbent assemblyman Anyi Jana to be retained as the GPS-PRS candidate for the seat in the 13th Sarawak state election (PRN13). The decision was made at the PRS Ngemah Division 2026 annual general meeting (AGM) at a local restaurant here yesterday (Oct 6). The meeting was chaired by Anyi, who is also the chairman of the PRS Ngemah Division and assemblyman for the constituency.
RM12m allocated to Chinese primary schools this year
SIBU: The Sarawak government has allocated RM12 million to Chinese primary schools across the state this year to improve school facilities, learning environments and teaching conditions. Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said the allocation was part of the state government’s ongoing efforts to support the development of education, including Chinese primary schools and Chinese private secondary schools.
Munan urges Putrajaya to consider RM500 monthly allowance for chronic disease patients
SIBU: The federal government has been urged to consider providing a monthly allowance of RM500 to patients suffering from chronic diseases under the 2027 National Budget. Permanent chairman of the Sarawak Dayak Iban Association Munan Laja said the proposed assistance would help ease the financial burden faced by patients and their families, particularly those from rural areas who have to travel frequently for medical appointments.
Healthy lifestyle habits should start at schools
SIBU: Healthy lifestyle habits should be cultivated among young people from an early age to help them maintain their well-being into adulthood. Sarawak Health Department’s health promotion branch senior assistant director, Siti Suryani Jarmi said schools played an important role in instilling health awareness and encouraging students to adopt healthy practices.
72-year-oldman claims RM1 million missing from bank accounts
SIBU: A 72-year-old man here was shocked to discover that the RM1 million he had deposited in a bank was no longer in his accounts. In a police report lodged at the Sungai Merah Police Station on June 10 this year, the man claimed that he had deposited RM500,000 each into two accounts at a bank in Jalan Chamber on August 25, 2006. However, when he went to the bank in February this year, he was shocked to learn that the money was no longer in his accounts.
Fewer complaints over Sibu smart parking system
SIBU: Complaints over the smart parking system implemented by the Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) have decreased, with most of the current complaints involving season parking holders who were issued compounds. SMC Chairman Clarence Ting, when addressing the council’s full board meeting today, said the council would rectify technical glitches that might have resulted in season parking holders being issued RM10 compounds.
BCF a success despite haze, says SMC boss
SIBU: The recent Borneo Cultural Festival (BCF) was an overall success despite the haze situation and calls from certain quarters for the festival to be stopped, said Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) chairman Clarence Ting. The rescheduled BCF held from Sept 5 to 14 was also affected by the haze from Kalimantan. The air pollutants index for Sibu then was hovering between 100 to 250.
Sibujaya hall to become community activity centre
SIBU: The Sibu Jaya Multipurpose Hall will be strengthened as a community activity centre to provide local residents with a suitable venue for social, educational, sporting and community development programmes. Sibu Rural District Council chairman Sempurai Petrus Ngelai said the hall would serve as a central venue for various activities aimed at bringing residents together and encouraging greater community participation.
Anti-diabetes fun run to promote early action in Sibu
SIBU: Members of the public are urged to adopt an active lifestyle as an early step towards reducing the risk of diabetes through the ‘Run Against Diabetes: Early Action on Diabetes’ fun run, which will be held at Permai Lake Garden on Nov 14. The programme, organised by the Jalan Oya Health Clinic in collaboration with the Jalan Oya Health Clinic Advisory Panel, aims to raise public awareness of the importance of diabetes prevention and early action.
SUPP Dudong Women’s wing urged to spearhead grassroots efforts
SIBU: The real election battleground is not just on the stage or at the operation centre, but begins at the doorstep of voters — and this is where the Women’s Wing needs to play its role as the driving force of the grassroots machinery. Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) Dudong chairman Wong Ching Yong said the strength of the women’s wing needed to be fully mobilised to reach out to voters, listen to their concerns and build trust through door-to-door engagement.
When Longhouses Fall Silent, Communities Fade
When the Longhouse Falls Silent SIBU: Munan Laja, 63, fears that Sarawak’s traditional longhouses could one day remain standing long after the communities that gave them life have disappeared. His 22-door longhouse, Rumah Nanga Peraran in the remote Song district, is already a stark example of what that future could look like. “Zero. There is not a single soul there,” he said, his eyes widening as he described the eerie emptiness that now greets visitors.
Mid-Autumn Festival draws thousands to Tua Pek Kong Temple
SIBU: The Sibu Eng Ann Teng Tua Pek Kong Temple came alive with festive activities as devotees gathered to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival. The Mid-Autumn Festival are two important festivals which include the Lantern Festival for Chinese people. During these festivals, believers not only go to temples to burn incense but also pray for peace.
Ex-Rajang 2026 simulation tests inter-agency preparedness for port emergencies
SIBU: The Ex-Rajang 2026 simulation exercise is crucial in testing the readiness of agencies to respond to crises that could disrupt port operations and threaten public safety, said National Security Council (MKN) Sarawak Director, Mohammad Haffizie Putit. He said managing a port involved more than ensuring operational efficiency, as authorities must also be prepared to deal with crises, disasters and security threats.
Games-More teen magic in Asian Games pool as Kajima thrills Japan
Asian Games - Aichi-Nagoya 2026 - Swimming - Tokyo Aquatics Centre, Koto, Tokyo, Japan - September 22, 2026 Japan's Yumeki Kojima celebrates winning the men's 400m individual medley final REUTERS/Andy Chua NAGOYA, JAPAN, Sept 22 (Reuters) - At an Asian Games pool entranced by China's 13-year-old Yu Zidi, hosts Japan hailed their own teen prodigy on Tuesday as Yumeki Kojima powered to medley gold in a swim that made French great Leon Marchand sit up and take notice.
Sibu joins nationwide Hari Cuci Malaysia clean-up drive
SIBU: Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) is among local authorities nationwide that will organise the Gotong-Royong Hari Cuci Malaysia programme simultaneously on Saturday (Sept 26). In Sibu, the event, held in conjunction with World Cleanup Day 2026, will take place at Hui Ning Garden, Grand Heights, from 7am to 11am.
Woman detained over alleged RM1,131 job scam
BINTANGOR: Police have arrested a woman in her 20s for alleged involvement in a job scam in which a victim lost RM1,131. Meradong district police chief DSP Tansli Mering said the suspect, a local woman, was arrested by a team from the Commercial Crime Investigation Division (BSJK) at about 9.30am yesterday (Sept 21). He said initial investigations showed that the victim had responded to a part-time job advertisement on Instagram.
Sibu hosts RM15,000 esports championship
SIBU: The Sibu Esports Championship 2026 is set to bring up to 64 teams together at RH Hotel on Sept 26 and 27, with RM15,000 in cash prizes at stake. Held in conjunction with TechUnity 2026, the championship is organised by the Sibu Divisional Tourism Task Group (DTTG) in collaboration with the Sibu District E-Sports Club (SDEC).
Las imágenes más impactantes de los Juegos Asiáticos de Aichi-Nagoya 2026
Los Juegos Asiáticos de Aichi-Nagoya 2026 representan el segundo evento multideportivo más grande del mundo luego de los Juegos Olímpicos. Esta prestigiosa competición nació en 1951 en Nueva Delhi y celebra actualmente su vigésima edición, desde el 19 de septiembre hasta el 4 de octubre en Japón. Participan 45 países, con una cifra récord de más de 11.000 atletas compitiendo en 43 deportes y cerca de 70 disciplinas. 20 de septiembre 2026, 09:23hs
Sibu to leverage RM1.5-billion Economic Zone for high value growth
SIBU: The establishment of the Sibu Economic Zone (SEZ), with an initial allocation of RM1.5 billion, will provide a more coordinated platform for the city’s economic development, says Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian. He said the SEZ would focus on attracting investment, strengthening the service sector and creating more high-value employment opportunities as Sibu moves towards a more sustainable and competitive economy.
Sarawak businesses need policies that ease operating costs
SIBU: The government should pay greater attention to the operating environment faced by businesses and introduce policies that can reduce unnecessary costs and administrative burdens, says Associated Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry Sarawak’s (ACCCIS) President, Kong Chiong Ung.
Rural background no barrier to academic success
SIBU: Bumiputera students, particularly those from rural areas, should not assume they are incapable of mastering Science or Mathematics simply because of their background or where they come from. Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development, Datuk Dr Annuar Rapa’ee, said a student’s ability is not determined by race or where they were raised but by effort, practice and self-confidence.
Sarawak targets RM15,000 median household income by 2030
SIBU: The State Government is targeting an increase in the median household income to RM15,000 per household under its Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030. Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development, Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee, said the indicator was used in PCDS 2030 as it better reflected the well-being and actual standard of living of the people than the average household income.
PDP Pelawan Youth, Women distribute 500 mooncakes
SIBU: Community service should not be seasonal or confined to large-scale programmes; instead, it should be carried out through direct presence and interaction with the people. In line with this approach, the Youth and Women wings of the Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) Pelawan Division distributed 500 mooncakes to the local community here on Wednesday (Sept 16) in conjunction with the Mid-Autumn Festival.
Wong vows to improve water supply if elected Lanang MP
SIBU: SUPP Dudong chairman Wong Ching Yong has pledged to address water supply and flash flood problems in Sibu Jaya and secure assistance for underprivileged families, if elected as the Lanang Member of Parliament. Speaking at the SUPP Dudong luncheon held in conjunction with the Mooncake Festival on Wednesday (Sept 16), Wong said he was confident that a stable water supply could be provided to Sibu Jaya, similar to that enjoyed by residents in Sibu city centre.
Port development to create more maritime jobs in Sarawak
SIBU: The state government’s initiatives to develop port infrastructure in a more coordinated and integrated manner are expected to create more job opportunities in Sarawak. These developments include the proposed Tanjung Embang Deep Sea Port, which is planned to enhance cargo-handling capacity and regional trade connectivity, as well as efforts to upgrade existing ports through improvements to navigation channels, navigational aids, terminal facilities, safety and operational efficiency.
Sarawakians want Abang Johari to stay on as Premier: Munan
SIBU: Most Sarawakians would still prefer Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg to remain as Premier for a few more years, said Parti Bangsa Malaysia (PBM) secretary-general Munan Laja. He described Abang Johari as a good and exemplary leader who had successfully led Sarawak’s multiracial population while driving the state’s development. “Under his leadership, Sarawak has progressed well.
Lau: Petros-Petronas dispute fundamentally different from Tabung Haji, Felda issues
SIBU: Senator Robert Lau Hui Yew has clarified that the ongoing Petros-Petronas dispute should not be equated with controversies involving Tabung Haji and Felda, saying the issues are fundamentally different in nature and context.
Kampua makes it into Malaysia Book of Records in mass tossing challenge
SIBU: A total of 1,258 people helped create a Malaysia Book of Records (MBOR) achievement through a mass kampua mee (popular Foochow noodles) mixing challenge held in conjunction with the Borneo Cultural Festival (BCF) 2026 here on Thursday night. The participants gathered at Dataran Tun Tuanku Bujang Phase 1 for the ‘Most Participation in Kampua Noodle Tossing’ event organised by the Sibu Municipal Council (SMC), surpassing the initial target of 1,000 participants.
Catholic Church stresses need for environmental conservation
SIBU: The Catholic Church has called for greater environmental stewardship and conservation, urging communities to take responsibility for protecting creation rather than exploiting natural resources. Archbishop of Kuching Datuk Dr Simon Poh Hoon Seng said environmental conservation was among four key areas being addressed at the Malaysia Pastoral Convention 2026 (MPC2026), alongside family, the Church and society.
Others build walls but religious communities build bridges: Aaron
SIBU: Religious communities have an important role to play in strengthening national unity, as the government is unable to achieve the goal alone, said Minister of National Unity Datuk Seri Aaron Ago Dagang. He said while government policies and programmes could provide the framework for unity, its substance was built through relationships, trust and shared experiences among Malaysians in their everyday lives.
Serving up mooncakes as part of priestly mission
SIBU: For most people, mooncakes are a cherished seasonal delicacy associated with family reunions, glowing lanterns and the Mid-Autumn Festival. For Father Ivan Fang, 66, the humble mooncake carries a far more profound meaning.
Motorists advised to avoid MPC2026 procession route
SIBU: Motorists should avoid several roads in the city centre tonight as a large-scale procession for the Malaysia Pastoral Convention 2026 (MPC2026) is expected to cause temporary traffic congestion and delays. The Diocese of Sibu said the procession would take place from 9pm to about 9.45pm (Sept 9), following the opening mass at Sibu Gateway. MPC2026 delegates and participants will walk from Sibu Gateway to Kingwood Hotel, where they will continue with the convention programme.
Be the bridge between Sarawak and Australia, SAGA told
SIBU: Sarawak Australian Graduates Association (SAGA) alumni and partners have been urged to continue serving as a bridge between Sarawak and Australia, as well as between different sectors within the State. They were also encouraged to leverage their expertise and experience to contribute to Sarawak’s development. Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said that since its founding in 2005, SAGA had grown to become more than just an alumni association.
Sibu Jaya water supply expected to improve by year-end
SIBU: Residents of Sibu Jaya are expected to have a more reliable water supply by the end of this year once ongoing pipe upgrading works are completed. Sarawak Water Sdn Bhd representative Siew Kok Kiong said work was currently underway to install a larger main pipe capable of supplying sufficient water to Sibu Jaya. “We hope that by the end of this year, the water supply problem will be resolved.
Bush fire in Teku enters fifth day as firefighters battle remaining flames
SIBU: Besides having to grapple with haze from Kalimantan, locals here have to contend with smoke from a bush fire in Lorong Teku 14, which started on Sept 3. The bush fire, which has affected an area of about four hectares, entered its fifth day yesterday, with firefighters managing to extinguish about one hectare. The Sungai Merah Fire and Rescue Station (BBP Sungai Merah) deployed 11 personnel to carry out firefighting operations at the site since day one.
Sibu hosts historic Malaysia Pastoral Convention from Sept 9-13
SIBU: Over 1,000 delegates will gather in Sibu from Sept 9 to 13 for the Malaysia Pastoral Convention 2026 (MPC2026), bringing together representatives from all nine dioceses and archdioceses in Malaysia for a historic national Catholic gathering.
Motorcyclist killed, five injured in Stapang crash
SIBU: A motorcyclist was killed while five passengers in a Toyota Hilux suffered trauma following a collision at the P-Turn Stapang area on Friday evening (Sept 4). The Selangau District Operations Control Centre (PKOD) received an emergency call from a member of the public at 6.33 pm, prompting the Selangau Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM) to dispatch a team to the scene.
Association president hopes athletics will spearhead Sarawak’s SUKMA revival
SIBU: Sarawak could reclaim the overall championship title at the next SUKMA Games in Kelantan if they perform well in athletics, which offers a large number of medals. Sibu Division Amateur Athletic Association’s President, Dr Gregory Hii, said athletics could play a crucial role in spearheading Sarawak’s efforts to regain the number one position.
Donation eases dialysis patient’s burden of caring for mother
SIBU: A RM2,550 donation has provided much-needed relief to a dialysis patient who has been struggling to care for his mother with dementia while battling his own health and mobility problems. The contribution will cover a three-month shortfall in the cost of placing the elderly woman at a private care centre, allowing her son, Tiong Hung Hie, to focus on his own medical treatment.
Temporary road closures and traffic changes for Borneo Cultural Festival
SIBU: Temporary traffic flow, road closure and parking arrangements will be implemented at Dataran Fasa 1 here from Sept 5 to 14 for the Borneo Cultural Festival (BCF) 2026. The Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) in a statement said the measures were aimed at ensuring smooth traffic flow and safeguarding public safety during the festival. Under the arrangements, the road between the Dayak/Malay and Chinese pavilion canopy sections will be closed after 5pm to allow vendors to carry out preparations.
Woman among two held after RM412,000 drug seizure in Sibu
SIBU: A woman was among two persons arrested after police seized suspected ketamine weighing about 2.89 kilogrammes and 8,400 suspected Erimin 5 pills with a total estimated value of RM412,351 during a raid on a house in Jalan Gambir here on Tuesday (Sept 1). The local woman and man, both aged 21, were arrested during the operation carried out by the Narcotics Criminal Investigation Division at about 5pm.
Sayang Sayang group celebrates Merdeka with Baba Nyonya heritage
SIBU: Clad in colourful Nyonya kebayas, members of the Sayang Sayang group came together to celebrate Malaysia’s 69th Independence Day by embracing the country’s rich multicultural heritage through food, music and friendship. A total of 30 members participated in the gathering, which was held in Nonya Kitchen by Sonia in Kuching conjunction with the National Day celebration on Aug 31.
Borneo Cultural Festival rescheduled to Sept 5-14
SIBU: The Borneo Cultural Festival (BCF) 2026 has been rescheduled by two days, with the 10-day event now set to run from Sept 5 to 14 at Dataran Tun Tuanku Bujang Phases 1 and 2. The festival, themed “Echoes of Borneo”, was originally scheduled for Sept 3 to 12. The decision was made at an emergency meeting chaired by Sibu Municipal Council chairman Clarence Ting this afternoon (Sept 1).
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Andy
Contact Andy, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack