Presentation of "Pingat Jasa Pahlawan Sarawak (PJPS)" to 301 former Police and Armed Forces veterans

Over 300 recipients of our “Pingat Jasa Pahlawan #Sarawak (PJPS) were invited to attend the investiture ceremony held at Pullman #Kuching hotel. The recipients of the PJPS award consisted of retired police officers and military veterans. The ceremony was grace by our Head of State, Tuan Yang Terutama (TYT) Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Pehin Sri Dr Haji Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Hajjah Fauziah Mohd Sanusi.

Also among the recipients was former 21st Chief of the Malaysian Armed Forces General Tan Sri Affendi Buang (Rtd), along with former Deputy Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Mohd Jamil Johari, former police officer Dato Mohd Chee Kadir and retired Deputy Commissioner of Police Dato Peter Nyomek Nyeap.  

The remaining 296 recipients were also recognised for their contributions during their service with the nation’s security forces. The ceremony stands as a poignant reminder of the enduring gratitude our state holds for those who dedicated their youth to protecting our borders and maintaining societal peace.

The state government's presentation of the PJPS medals serves as a heartfelt recognition of the immense sacrifices made by the former law enforcers members and army veterans. To the recipients, they shared a collective sense of pride, reflecting on their past struggles—including historic operations against communist insurgents—to secure the safety and sovereignty enjoyed by Sarawakians today.

This memorable occasion underscores the Sarawak Government's unwavering commitment to uplifting and remembering our national heroes. By preserving their legacies and honoring their bravery, we ensure that younger generations understand the true price of the harmony we experience every day. We salute our veterans for their timeless devotion to the nation, carrying forward the brave spirit of Agi Idup Agi Ngelaban.

My comments on our approaching state election & on the news of public display of new electoral map

The news on Election Commission's (EC) present follow up actions on the proposed redelineation of 17 new state constituencies had created some kind of excitement among local folks but such efforts may not be completed in time for the coming Sarawak state election scheduled sometime at the end of the year.

Our local media friends seek my comments on this matter and I have mentioned on the time consuming procedures that included the public display of the proposed electoral map and its subsequent endorsement by Parliament.

At this time when our state election is approaching, the EC has finally issued a notice on the proposed redelineation. For me, this should have been done months ago and my question was whether the process can be done in time for the 17 new seats to be included in the forthcoming election.

Netizens had earlier on commented on the alleged leaked EC letter seeking space from local authorities to display its proposed redelineation of state constituencies. The letter had included an appendix listing 17 new state seats and 10 renamed seats.

It was a well known fact our Sarawak Legislative Assembly's current term is due to end in February 2027 unless it is dissolved earlier, after which the election must be held within 60 days.

However, the public display exercise of the proposed redelineation could take two or three months, with more time required if objections are raised, before it can be tabled in Parliament for approval. My question was...can all these statutory procedures be completed by February at the latest?

Even though it is a good effort by the EC, I have my reservations about whether the 17 new seats can be contested in the coming election. The EC should have begun the redelineation process immediately after the state assembly passed the Dewan Undangan Negeri (Composition of Membership) Bill in July last year to increase the number of elected representatives from 82 to 99.

Our government and Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg, has its own plans and timing for the state election...we should not have to wait for the EC to decide when to dissolve the state assembly.

Welcoming the organising of "Sarawak Umrah & Islamic Travel Expo Festival 2026 (SUITEX2026)" in Miri

There will be an interesting line up of programs and activities held in conjunction with the forthcoming “Sarawak Umrah & Islamic Travel Expo Festival 2026 (SUITEX2026)” to be held in Miri on August 28 to 30. The three-day event will showcase the various services and products by members of Sarawak Umrah Haji Travel Agencies Association (SUHA). 

Our thanks to the association for having invited us for the press conference and official announcement on the inaugural event which is expected to attract the general public including visitors from neighbouring Brunei Darulsalam and Sabah.

I have mentioned during the press conference on the benefits of organising such events where the public have access to pertinent information as well as guidance from the various travel agencies that are already certified to provide Umrah and Haji arrangements. Occasionally we do hear unfortunate news on pilgrims who failed to use bonafide, licensed travel agents for their Umrah and Haj arrangements. 

This is essential to prevent them from suffering costly fraud and unscrupulous parties who do not follow legal compliance with Saudi regulations, and guarantee proper logistical support. The use of verified operators will help to prevent future pilgrims from getting stranded, secure official visas, and provide authentic accommodations near the holy sites in Mekah and Madinah.  

Overwhelming response to "Karnival Jom Heboh (KJH) Segulai Sejalai Sarawak 2026" in Kota Samarahan

The organising of “Karnival Jom Heboh 2026 (KJH2026) Segulai Sejalai Sarawak” in Kota Samarahan had received overwhelming response from our local folks and the “Jom Lokal Jam” concert which started on August 1 had attracted a crowd of 20,000 attendees from all walks of life across several districts including Asajaya. Stakan, Muara Tuang, Sebuyau even right up to Sarikei division. 

The event is being organised outside Kuching City this time round and it centred at the car park area of Kota Samarahan Civic Centre where exhibition booths were also set up. Local food and drinks vendors including small and medium enterprises (SME) took part in this exciting event fully supported by our Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry & Performing Arts Sarawak together with Majlis Perbandaran Kota Samarahan (MPKS).

Previously the event was held in Kuching City particularly at Petra Jaya but the organising of this year’s edition is organised in Kota Samarahan and in Miri later on August 28 to 30. 

Kudos to Media Prima Omni and its affiliates which had dedicated the main concert stage to local talents because it celebrates the diversity of Sarawak’s music and give homegrown performers the opportunity to showcase their abilities. Business activities were commendable and good sales registered at the respective booths where our local folks were seen to have truly enjoyed the experience of patronising this year’s edition of “KJH Segulai Sejalai Sarawak”.

An exciting "Pesta Babulang & Lumba Karabau" in Batu Danau, Limbang

This morning I have left for Limbang to attend the official opening ceremony of the annual “Pesta Babulang and Buffalo Racing Festival” which is entering its 21st edition this year. I had also represented our right honorable Premier of Sarawak at this colourful festival which is on from 5 to 7 June at the Babulang Festival Grounds of Batu Danau area. Well done and congratulations to the Sarawak Bisaya Association, who have successfully attracted thousands of visitors to this iconic cultural festival which had featured the much anticipated buffalo racing and also the uniquely decorated water buffalo parade by the Bisaya community. 

For the record, Pesta Babulang is the largest traditional harvest festival celebrated by the Bisaya community which is found Limbang, the northern part of Sarawak. It is basically the celebration of the bountiful harvest and welcoming a new farming cycle. The annual festival had always served as a cultural cornerstone by preserving Bisaya identity, unifying scattered communities, and boosting the local rural economy through heritage tourism. 

There were a lot of exciting activities and are packed with unique traditions and cultural of the Bisaya that kept their heritage alive for the society to participate in the merry making. 

Among the list of activities that are included in the weekend festival are:

• The Buffalo Race which is locally known as Lumba Karabau tha is basically the thrilling main event where riders race bareback on water buffaloes.
• Ratu Babulang which is a vibrant beauty pageant where young Bisaya women showcase traditional costumes and grace to win the crown.
• Nakod Babulang is a community feast-giving ritual that highlights ancestral customs, music, and dances.
• Luangan Display of traditional banners and decorations that are highly symbolic and used in rituals, weddings, and festivals. 

The festival is highly significant to the local Bisaya community because it revolves on their identity and pride. The event acts as a living museum, keeping language, art, and heritage alive for younger generations. The event also promotes community unity and cohesiveness because it brings the Bisaya together from across Sarawak, Sabah, and Brunei, while also fostering harmony among other ethnic groups in Limbang. Apart from being the economic catalyst, the festival will normally attracts thousands of tourists, driving local entrepreneurship, handicraft sales, and culinary tourism. Last but not least, it is for cultural preservation because tt safeguards ancestral knowledge and rituals from fading into obscurity in the modern era.