Welcoming opening of new Hotel Everly Lhesson Kuching at Vivacity Mega Mall, Jalan Wan Alwi, Kuching

We congratulate owners of the newly opened Hotel Everly Lhesson which is located at the Vivacity Mega Mall shopping complex of Jalan Was Alwi, Kuching. The official opening ceremony was graced by our right honourable Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Abang Haji Openg this morning. In his speech, our Premier had mentioned that Kuching City is still in need of more hotel rooms to meet the increasing demand for accommodation facilities even though we currently have approximately 13,000 of them. 

The demand for hotel rooms in our city is also expected to continue rising as Sarawak prepares to co-host the 2027 SEA Games and several other international events scheduled to be held locally. Hence, the current shortage of hotel rooms in our city has forced some visitors to seek alternative accommodation, such as homestays, Airbnb etc.

According to our Premier, similar situation occurred during the 2024 Malaysia Games (SUKMA) held in Sarawak when the demand for accommodation of athletes, coaches, officials as well as family members from other state had dramatically surged. Our state government is also prioritizing the comfort of athletes and officials by deciding to accommodate them all in hotels during the 2027 SEA Games.

The increasing demand for hotel rooms is also due to the high number of requests to host business events and conferences in Kuching and the opening of new hotels, such as Hotel The Everly Lhesson in Kuching will help to expand accommodation options while supporting the growth of the city's tourism and events sectors.

Thus, our accommodation capacity must also continue to be strengthened, in line with the goal of establishing Kuching as a preferred destination for hosting more large-scale events particularly to meet the demand from tourists, conference delegates, and visitors attending various events in the city. 

Commending the organisers of "23rd Padawan Raft Safari 2026"

I have suggested to the organisers of "Padawan Raft Safari" to consider introducing a rafting league or series which will attract entries from throughout the country and overseas. This is to encourage more outdoor adventure enthusiasts especially from abroad to come over to Sarawak and try rafting activities in various part of our state.

I have mentioned this during the closing and prize presentation ceremony of the "23rd Padawan Raft Safari 2026" which was held at the community hall of Kampung Git in Jalan Puncak Borneo, Padawan. This year's edition of the popular rafting event had attracted over 100 entries for the event which had attracted our young folks too.

The annual raft race is organised by the Padawan Municipal Council and has become more than a watersports event but it serves as a good platform to showcase Padawan's natural beauty, local culture and community especially to the participants. The race is divided into a five categories covering distances that ranged from 15 km to 40km and had required the participants to travel downstream along Sungai Sarawak Kiri.

I have also commended the organisers for undertaking various safety measures to ensure the participants' safety while they start from different locations with the finishing line is at Kampung Git. Among the interesting categories are the 15km raft women's category, 22km raft race for hotels, tour agencies and NGOs, 22km government agencies category, 32km raft open and 40km two-men kayak category. Congratulations to all the winners and we hope to see them again in the near future where the competition is expected to be stiff.

Preserving the history of former State Legislative Assembly (DUN) building through having a dedicated gallery

The history of Sarawak’s former State Legislative Assembly (DUN) building could be preserved for future generations through a dedicated gallery when the 53-year-old building is transformed into the Sarawak Performing Arts Centre which is located at our old State Legislative Assembly Building in Petra Jaya, Kuching. Among the functions of the proposed gallery are to document the old DUN building’s history and significance as Sarawak’s former legislative seat.

There is a possibility that we will have a small gallery to commemorate the history of this building. It does not have to be large because this building was specifically built to serve as the State Legislative Assembly at one time. The old DUN building had witnessed numerous significant events, including the enactment of laws, and continued to hold memories for us Sarawakians.

The building was officially opened in the 1970s before the current State Legislative Assembly building was constructed. There are a lot of history that had took place here, and many laws were enacted from this building. Although the former DUN building has not been gazetted as a heritage building, efforts were being made to retain its historical features, including the wood panelling and golden glass mosaic roofing.

The proposed gallery, together with a coffee-table book to be produced upon completion of the project, would provide a record of the building’s history and significance. With the gallery put in, with the coffee-table book that we’re going to produce once the building is completed, it will reflect the history, the stories about this building, and that is sufficient.

The former DUN building is being upgraded into the Sarawak Performing Arts Centre as part of a wider three-facility complex comprising the centre, the old Lapau building, which will be converted into a restaurant, and an upgraded fountain area. Once completed, the complex will serve as a recreational area and public park for families, in line with the vision of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. The proposed outdoor facility might not be inside the hall, except when there are performances, but the surroundings of the complex will be a very good park for families and others to enjoy.

Getting ready and excited with forthcoming matches at State Stadium in Petra Jaya now renamed as "Stadium Taha Ariffin"

Our State Stadium in Petra Jaya, Kuching has recently undergone substantial upgrading works to ensure the facilities there complies with prerequisite requirements for hosting regional and international sporting events especially for football in which it will be the home ground for Kuching City Football Club. I have disclosed to our media friends that the stadium has been officially renamed "Stadium Taha Ariffin" in honour of the late former Football Association of Sarawak (FAS) president and the has seen several improvement works aimed at modern comforts to spectators experience and general site amenities.

For high-level competitions at regional or international level, our stadiums must undergo standard upgrading processes. While village or division-level events may have modest requirements, higher-tier matches demand strict adherence to facility standards. I have also revealed that I had personally caught a bird’s-eye view of the venue’s physical transformation recently while flying over the venue by helicopter. I have noticed and was impressed with the newly installed individual seating. Where there used to be plain concrete steps, there are now proper individual seats throughout.

Beyond spectator seating arrangements, the ongoing refurbishments will cover crucial spectator facilities, including public toilets and improved concourse areas to accommodate larger match-day turnouts. I have also urged our home fans to turn up for the upcoming matches between Kuching City FC and other visiting teams including Sabah FC scheduled for a friendly match on October 1; the return quarterfinal FA Cup 2026 match with Kelantan FC; the Shopee Cup 2026 match on October 10. 

Our deepest condolences to our former Prime Minister, the right honourable Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and his family

Our deepest condolences to our former Prime Minister, the right honourable Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and his family on the demise of Allahyarhamah Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali. 

I had described her passing as a monumental loss for the entire country, acknowledging her quiet yet pivotal role during Malaysia’s transformative years. I have just received this sad news upon arriving from Miri this morning. On behalf of our ministry and the state, I wish to extend our deepest condolences to Tun Dr Mahathir and his family. 

I have also reflected on her legacy and had highlighted Dr Siti Hasmah’s steadfast support for Dr Mahathir during his 22-year first tenure as the nation's former prime minister. It is a immense loss, not only for Tun Mahathir, his children, and his family, but for all Malaysians. 

We know Tun Mahathir had led the nation for over two decades, and behind every great leader, the support structure is vital. Allahyarmah Tun Dr Siti Hasmah was truly the backbone of Tun Mahathir throughout his leadership. We noted that the era under Dr Mahathir’s leadership marked a golden age of development for Malaysia, made possible through the unwavering contributions of his late wife. 

It was a glorious era for Malaysia where we experienced tremendous progress and structural changes. Allahyarhamah Tun Dr Siti Hasmah had made immense contributions behind the scenes allowed Tun Mahathir to serve the nation effectively. Our thoughts and prayers remain with Tun Mahathir and his family during this difficult time.