Representing our right honourable Premier of Sarawak at the ongoing State Legislative Assembly Sitting

At the ongoing Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN) session, I had also represented our right honorable Premier of Sarawak in answering several questions that were submitted by fellow elected representatives who were present in the session.

Among the matters which I have presented were on the 5,776 applications for identification documents involving undocumented individuals throughout the state that were approved through the “Program Pemutihan Warganegara” implemented by the state’s Special Task Force together with the National Registration Department (JPN).

Among the matters which I have presented were on the 5,776 applications for identification documents involving undocumented individuals throughout the state that were approved through the “Program Pemutihan Warganegara” implemented by the state’s Special Task Force together with the National Registration Department (JPN).

The approval of applications were decided at the recent taskforce’s Main Committee Meeting chaired by our Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail on 20 January this year.

A total of 13,224 applications were received including requests of various forms of identification from throughout Sarawak.For the Bukit Semuja State Legislative Assembly (DUN) area which covers the Serian and Siburan districts, a total of 339 applications were received and processed.

Of these, 84 applications have been approved and will be issued with identification documents, 242 applications were unsuccessful, while 13 more applications are still under further investigation. The information I have presented was to answer the oral question from the honourable Encik John Ilus, the State Assemblyman (ADUN) for Bukit Semuja.

Of the 13,224 applications received, 5,776 applicants (44%) have been approved, while 6,733 (51%) have been rejected and the remaining 715 (5%) require further investigation. The 4 criteria for applications that cannot be approved are birth certificate holders less than 12 years old, MyKAS holders, MyPR/Passport holders and no birth documents outside Sarawak.

Meanwhile, the categories of applications that require further investigation had involved incomplete application documents and DNA tests. Regarding the application category for residents who do not have identification documents, there are 7 categories, namely Without Identification Documents, Birth Certificate Holders Over 12 Years Old, Birth Certificate Holders Under 12 Years Old, MyKAS Holders, MyPR/Passport Holders, No Birth Documents Outside Sarawak and Others.

Welcoming the staging of 28th Sarawak Harvest & Folklore Festival 2026 at Sarawak Culture Village (DUN)

Today I have chaired the press conference on the 28th edition of Sarawak Harvest & Folklore Festival 2026 which will be held on 23 - 24 May at Sarawak Cultural Village, Pantai Damai, Santubong in Kuching

This two-day event is among the ongoing initiatives that can position Sarawak as an attractive cultural tourism destination. With the theme: “Celebrating heritage, inspiring the future”, the festival focuses on paying tribute to the traditions of our ancestors while inspiring the younger generation to continue uphold our rich cultural tradition as well as identity. 

Well done to the Sarawak Cultural Village (SCV) who had successfully organized this wonderful festival for such a long but are still able to attract the attention and interest of the public from within and outside Sarawak

The organisers have already recorded 3,875 ticket sales where the public can enjoy the event that emphasises inclusivity by providing a platform for local artisans, ethnic cuisine vendors and young talents to showcase their creativity while preserving Sarawak’s heritage. 

It is also one of the key initiatives of Sarawak Cultural Village as well as our Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts to position Sarawak as a premier destination for cultural tourism. Among this year’s highlights is a drama musical titled ‘Belawan Burieng: The Hercules of the Keliman River’, which brings to life the legend of Belawan Burieng, a legendary Kayan warrior believed to be half-human and half-deity.

It is a wonderful musical tells a story of bravery and resistance that inspires pride in Sarawakian identity with the production is based on an original script by Livan Tajang and features local talents including Azam Pit, Lorna Walter, SCV dancers and members of the local community. The outdoor performance will be staged at the lakeside beginning at 9pm.

Apart from the highly anticipated musical theatre, festival-goers can also look forward to the Culturalvaganza show featuring the Sarawak Dayak Iban Association, The Ring Ladies of Borneo from Kampung Semban in Padawan, and the Sarawak Tagal (Okolod) Association.

SCV's inhouse artists will also stage cultural performances twice daily at 11am and 3.30pm. The festival would also feature a craft bazaar and food and beverage stalls offering a variety of ethnic cuisines from 9.30am onwards. 

Sarawak Harvest & Folklore Festival is more than just an event. It is a celebration of unity, culture, heritage, and the future. It proudly involves local communities, students from local colleges, cultural enthusiasts, and creative talents from across Sarawak.

Tickets are available at www.sarawakharvest.com.my, priced at a flat rate of RM20 for adults and RM10 for children for daytime entry from 9am to 6pm. Tickets for the night show from 6pm to 11pm are priced at RM50 for adults and RM30 for children.

Making Kuching City a vibrant and thriving avenue for performing arts activities

We congratulate organisers of the second edition of the “Born To Perform” Dance Competition 2026 which had attracted overwhelming response from ballet academies from throughout Sarawak, Sabah, Labuan, West Malaysia and neighbouring Indonesia.

This year’s event is once again held at the auditorium of Borneo Cultures Museum (BCM) in Kuching and participants from 16 academies had showcased their talents at the two-day competition. We hope the organisers will continue their good job in sustaining this wonderful event that has attracted the attention of young talented people from throughout our country and even neighbouring countries.

In my brief speech, I have called on our local folks to support the organising of performing arts events and activities which will help to promote our city as it goes beyond infrastructure development and to continue providing good avenues for artistic expression and recreational activities.

It is important for all of us to play our roles in developing a vibrant city that embraces performing arts, sports and entertainment activities which can nurture well-rounded youths while creating a dynamic urban environment.

That is what we want for our young people...at least they will not be diverted into many other undesirable influences. Their active participation in arts and sports plays a key role in character-building and helps develop future leaders.

My comments on the "Rain Rave Water Mysuc Festival 2026" at Bukit Bintangin Kuala Lumpur

I have called on event organiser to first assess various aspects, including the suitability of the locations for the staging of events, the background of potential participants and the impacts on traffic flow, before organising any forms of large-scale programmes, especially involving water activities. Organising any event in the city has its advantages and disadvantages, but we must give careful consideration in having large scale events which is crucial in avoiding any inconvenience to the public and other stakeholders.

I was commenting on the recent discussions on various social media platforms regarding the “Rain Rave Water Music Festival” or “Water Festival 2026”, from April 30 to May 2, at Bukit Bintang, in Kuala Lumpur.

Personally, I see every event as having its pros and cons. However, the organisers must look at it from various perspectives, including the location, the background of the participants and the impacts on traffic congestion in that area. I have mentioned an example of the previous water festival held in Sibu Jaya where it showed positive developments as the event gained more and more popularity every year.

In Sibu Jaya, the water festival has been held several times and is growing. Last year, attendance was estimated at around 20,000 people, and I see it being able to bring the family institution closer together, from children to the elderly,” he said. However, I have stressed that choosing the right location was an important factor, especially to avoid disruption to commercial areas and road users.

If it is held in an area like in Bukit Bintang, which is densely populated with business premises, it may cause inconvenience. People may enter the premises in wet conditions, thus affecting the business and the comfort of other visitors. In this regard, he suggested that such events be held in more controlled locations, such as Taman Tasik Titiwangsa or Dataran Merdeka. If it is being held in a closed or controlled area, it is easier to manage without affecting traffic or surrounding businesses...those who want to participate can come to the location without disturbing others.

I have also reminded that safety aspects need to be given attention, including the risk of injury and property damage due to wet participants entering premises or unsuitable areas. These matters need to be considered carefully before a location is selected or being approved by the local authorities concerned.

Official opening of UNIFOR Complex at Jalan Ong Tiang Swee

The official opening of the Unit For Other Religions (UNIFOR) Complex located at Jalan One Tiang Swee Kuching was graced by our right honourable Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Abang Haji Openg. The event was attended by guests from various religious associations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) including our two deputy premiers of Sarawak namely Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas who is also chairperson of UNIFOR and Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian as well as local dignitaries.

Our esteemed premier in his address had mentioned that Sarawak Government had so far allocated a total of RM635 million to UNIFOR, with RM560 million channelled to hundreds of non-Muslim houses of worship with about RM120 million for the development of mission schools throughout the state. 

Established in 2017, UNIFOR is functioning as a dedicated government unit to coordinate and distribute state assistance for non-Muslim houses of worship in a more structured and inclusive manner. The new UNIFOR Complex will serve as the main administrative and operations centre with the approach reflects the State’s continued focus on maintaining stability and supporting development through cooperation among its diverse communities. 

According to him,  the establishment of the complex if crucial as a central point for engagement among different religious groups, where discussions can be held to address issues and seek common solutions. Modern parking solutions, including automated systems, will be introduced in the near future. At the same function, it was also announced that Petroliam Sarawak Berhad (PETROS) will contribute RM1 million to UNIFOR to support future programmes and activities.