Al-Fatihah and Deepest Condolence

Karim gives kudos to 2014 Batang Samarahan Mini-Regatta

PROUD MOMENT: Karim and Aidel having a group photo with the winners.

KOTA SAMARAHAN: Youth Assistant Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah was impressed with the success to hold the 2014 Batang Samarahan Mini-Regatta in a short period of time.

He said this success clearly showed that there was a very high level of commitment and cooperation among all who were involved in the event.

Karim, who was officiating the mini-regatta yesterday, said he was very happy to see such remarkable attitude was prevailing in the organising committee.

He expressed his hope that the mini-regatta could be a greater success in the future.

The assistant minister, who is also the Asajaya assemblyman, subsequently announced that a sum of RM15,000 would be given to the organising committee to hold the event next year.

Also present were Sadong Jaya assemblyman and Samarahan District Officer Mohd Aini Wahab.

Meanwhile Sinaran Sejijak Club was crowned as the King of Samarahan River when they won the 30 paddlers category.

#staystrong @AirAsia

#staystrong @AirAsia 

KRT plays effective role in uniting the people, says Karim

December 28, 2014

ASAJAYA: The National Integration and Unity Department plays an effective role in uniting the various communities in the state, says Social Development (Youth) Assistant Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

“The setting up of Kawasan Rukun Tetangga (KRT) in the rural areas is a vital means of enhancing relationship and cooperation among the various ethnicities. 

“From what I observe, the department, through the KRT, has taken a positive step towards creating communties that are united in all aspects,” he said.

Karim said this while officiating at the Kampung Bangka Semong KRT Carnival yesterday, held in conjunction with its third anniversary celebration. 

KRTs established by village committees, he said, would always strive towards building viable and safe villages through its various actitivities. 

“We hope this effort of the KRT can continue inorder to strengthen solidairty among the people,” he said. 

The state assemblyman for Asajaya also wanted the 11 KRT in his constituency to remain active by organising suitable programmes and activities for all ages. 

KRT provides security and unity, says Karim

TUG-OF-WAR: Abdul Karim watching preparation for the sporting event.

ASAJAYA: Youth Assistant Minister Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah praised  Kampung Bangka Semong Neighbourhood Watch Committee (KRT) for promoting unity among the villagers.

He was in the village to officiate 3rd anniversary celebration of Kampung Bang Semong's neighbourhood watch committee yesterday.

He said although many regarded  KRT as merely a vehicle to provide security in a community, such perception was incomplete because it also provided a platform for all members of a community to promote unity.

He pointed out that since security could only be existed if all members of a community work together regardless of their races, the neighbourhood watch commitee was actually a very good platform to establish security and unity simultaneously.

He subsequently expressed his hope that more activities would be organised by the KRT. -Admin

Don’t be an ‘empty drum’ and a traitor, Karim tells Aziz

December 22, 2014

SIBU: All Barisan Nasional (BN) welfare programmes are generally well accepted and appreciated by the people, said Assistant Minister of Youth Development Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

He was reacting to a statement by special assistant to DAP state chairman Chong Chieng Jen, Abdul Aziz Isa, that there was growing discontent in some Malay-majority areas especially pertaining to welfare, ‘sick’ projects, complications in acquiring low-cost housing, village safety and problems with community leaders.

“This is reflected in the support BN gets in every election in Bumiputera areas.

“I would urge Aziz Isa to open his eyes and ears wider. Don’t be an ‘empty drum’ and a traitor. He won’t go far that way,” added Abdul Karim, who is Asajaya assemblyman.

Aziz Isa had said based on the issues, DAP would win in several predominantly-Malay constituencies in the next state election.

He further claimed that the complaints were mostly received from their service centres in Tupong, Satok, Samariang, Pantai Damai, Asajaya and Simunjan, which also touched on unapproved e-Kasih (government programme to aid the poor) applications, issues with Baitulmal aid and welfare.

To this, Abdul Karim, who is PBB Supreme Council member said: “Well, any constituency be it BN or opposition-held definitely has issues and disgruntled voters. That’s a reality he has to accept.”

Samarahan Municipal Council by next year?

December 21, 2014

KUCHING: Samarahan District Council (SDC) could be upgraded to Samarahan Municipal Council buy next year in line with its status as the faster growing township in Sarawak.

Assistant Minister of Housing, Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah revealed this during the 30th Anniversary Appreciation Dinner of Samarahan District Council at Imperial Hotel here on Friday night.

"The State Government has already approved the upgrading of SDC. SDC is supposed to change to Samarahan Municipal Council this year," he added.

Karim, who is also the Assistant Minister of Youth Development and Asajaya State Assemblyman, said the District Council needed to be upgraded as Samarahan developing fast.

However, money was needed from the Federal government for the upgrading./

"I hope and believe that by next year, SDC will be able to change its name to Samarahan Municipal Council."

Karim said that currently, SDC had 60 Councillors.

BN components to register eligible members as voters

December 8, 2014

PBB has never stopped registering more members for the party as well as assist in registering eligible voters. -Tuan Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah

SIBU: All Barisan Nasional (BN) component parties in Sarawak will be shifting to top gear in their recruitment drive for registering eligible members as voters.

State BN secretary-general Datuk Dr Stephen Rundi told The Borneo Post yesterday that all the component parties had been briefed on the situation and their reports would be monitored.

He was asked if the state BN would ensure its component parties would go all out to register new voters, following a call by BN deputy chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin on Saturday for BN component parties to be more aggressive in getting people to register as voters and to set targets for themselves in every constituency.

Karim praises Lan Berambeh Nakong Family Day 2014

Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah delivering his speech.

ASAJAYA: Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah lauded villagers of Kampung Nakong for organising a family day on last Sunday.

In his speech when officiating the event, he said such effort was very commendable as it could help to further enhance the relationship among the villagers.

The Assistant Minister also pointed out that a good relationship among community members will contribute significantly towards a peaceful and harmonious environment in the community.

Weekend retreat for Pemuda PBB Kampung Tanjung Tuang in Sematan

THUMB UP: Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah and PBB Youth Kampung Tanjung Tuang members giving their approval to the one-day event

PBB Youth Kampung Tanjung Tuang had organised a one-day event in Sematan yesterday for its members.

Pesta Ambal dianjur pada skala lebih besar tahun depan

November 30, 2014

ASAJAYA: Pesta Ambal yang merupakan acara ikonik di daerah ini dirancang untuk dianjurkan pada skala yang lebih besar tahun depan.

Menteri Muda Pembangunan Belia (Bandar) yang juga Ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri (ADUN) Asajaya Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah berkata, pesta itu mampu mempertingkatkan ekonomi penduduk setempat.

“Pesta Ambal ini sudah menjadi sinonim bagi daerah Asajaya, justeru kita merancang menganjurkannya dengan skala yang lebih besar bagi menarik lebih ramai pengunjung khususnya orang luar datang ke sini,” katanya.

Beliau berkata demikian ketika berucap pada merasmikan Pesta Ambal 2014 di pekarangan tempat letak kereta Bandar Baharu Asajaya di sini semalam.

Pesta yang berlangsung dua hari itu turut menyediakan ruang pameran produk berasaskan ambal, gerai jualan, demontrasi masakan ambal dan banyak lagi aktiviti menarik lain diadakan.

Malah, pesta itu turut disertai Angkatan Tentera Malaysia (ATM) yang menyediakan perkhidmatan pemeriksaan kesihatan dan pergigian percuma kepada penduduk setempat.

Karim yang juga Menteri Muda Perumahan berkata, makanan laut popular yang bermusim itu juga dapat menjana pendapatan pencari ambal kerana permintaan yang tinggi.

A welfare assistance for Bechik Gapar

FOR THE ALBUM: Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah posing with Puan Bechik Gapar after handing over a welfare assistance from the Samarahan Welfare Department which took place at the latter's residence in Kampung Moyan Laut yesterday.

Bigger Ambal fest on map for Asajaya – Abdul Karim

November 30, 2014

Abdul Karim (fourth left) bursting balloons as a symbolic launch for the Ambal Festival yesterday.

ASAJAYA: The annual Ambal Festival 2014 kicked off at the Asajaya new township, launched by its assemblyman Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah yesterday.

With the inclusion of the festival in the Sarawak Tourism Calendar, Asajaya is now on the map as the premier destination for ambal (bamboo clams) activities.

“Next year, this festival will be organised on a bigger scale to attract more visitors and tourists to this town,” said Abdul Karim, who is also Assistant Minister of Housing, during the launching assemblyman ceremony yesterday.

Being synonymous with ambal, he added, the seafood has since become the root of the two-day festival which in turn stimulates economic growth for the locals.

Home to more than 1,000 fishermen, ambal season in Asajaya also provides opportunities for them to diversify market profits.

He noted that Asajaya is the main supplier for ambal in Kuching as well as other parts of the state.

He said this will be spurred on with the completion of a new bridge across Sungai Samarahan linking the area with Kota Samarahan.

Galeri: Taman Mesra Bako's Appreciation Ceremony

November 24, 2014

Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg (third right) handing over an agreement letter to a recipient at the ceremony in Taman Mesra Bako, witnessed by (from right) HDC chairman Datuk Dr Abang Rauf Abang Zen, Assistant Minister of Housing Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Demak Laut assemblyman Dr Hazland Abang Hipni and Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) Datuk Bandar Datuk Abang Abdul Wahap Abang Julai (left).

DAP resorts to claiming credit for what BN has done

November 22, 2014
 

“How could the DAP claim credit for the electricity tariff reduction?" Tuan Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hmzah

KUCHING: State Democratic Action Party (DAP) is bankrupt of issues and has to resort to claiming credit for what the Barisan Nasional (BN) has done for the people’s wellbeing, particularly on the electricity tariff issue.

State BN Backbenchers Club (BNBBC) chairman Abdullah Saidol, described state DAP chief Chong Chieng Jen as a ‘noisy spectator at the football stadium -making expert comments more anxiously than the actual team coach.’

The bone of contention is that Chong had recently attributed the state BN’s resolution to reduce electricity tariff to his party’s (DAP) signature campaign, which he claimed to contain 110,000 signatories.

“Have you been to the stadium to see a football match? The guy next to you will never stop commenting and give his expert opinion on football theory and how the players should play the game and score. He is more anxious than the actual coach. For all you know, this guy has never made it to his school team,” Abdullah said of Chong’s claim that the DAP signature campaign had prompted Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem to announce the tariff reduction at Wednesday.

“They are noisy spectators and you have seen that during the DUN (State Legislative Assembly) sitting. That is all they are good at. All the pleasant announcements made by the Adenan during the DUN sitting are all geared towards people’s wellbeing. Obviously this time around DAP is out of political ideas. If you scrutinise closely the things DAP said during DUN sitting or outside it, all they were saying and doing was about promoting suspicions, ill feeling, vexatious and frivolous claims.
I bet more is to come from them,” said Abdullah, who is also chief political secretary to the Chief Minister.

“But having said all these, the DAP must be given ‘credit’ for claiming credit for BN good deeds,” he said in jest.

When contacted yesterday, Assistant Minister of Youth Development (Urban) Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah described DAP’s claim, attributing the tariff reduction to its signature campaign as laughable.

Reduction of electricity tariffs receives positive response

November 21, 2014

KUCHING: The state government’s decision to reduce electricity tariffs for all domestic customers in the state effective January next year has been met with positive response from elected representatives especially those who represent the rural constituencies.

Assistant Minister of Housing Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said that the move would no doubt benefit the people especially those in the low income group.

“This is very good news for the people of Sarawak particularly those who do not consume a lot of electricity such as people in the villages who may now be exempted from paying the electricity bill.

“This will benefit around 130,000 households. It is also a timely and appropriate move because we have been informed that the profits of Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) and Sesco are channeled back to the people,” he said when met at the BN Backbenchers Club Nite at Sarawak Club on Wednesday.

The Asajaya assemblyman also expressed his optimism that the people under his constituency would no doubt be very happy with the decision, which was announced by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem during the final day of the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting on Wednesday.

Engkilili assemblyman Johnical Rayong Nyipa, meanwhile said the state government’s decision proved that the chief minister was serious in helping and solving problems faced by ordinary Sarawakians.

“This is a very good and timely decision and we are all for it,” he added.

Langkah terbaik, manfaat seluruh rakyat

November 21, 2014

Penurunan tarif elektrik berita gembira, khasnya buat penduduk kawasan luar bandar

KUCHING: Langkah kerajaan negeri menurunkan tarif elektrik kepada pengguna di negeri ini adalah langkah terbaik dan diyakini akan memberi manfaat kepada seluruh rakyat.

Malahan, pengumuman itu amat disambut baik oleh wakil rakyat negeri ini khasnya mereka yang mewakili kawasan luar bandar kerana ia merupakan satu berita gembira yang amat bermakna.

Menteri Muda Belia dan Sukan (Bandar) juga Ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri (ADUN) Asajaya Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah berkata, pengumuman penurunan tarif itu juga merangkumi lebih banyak isi rumah di negeri ini.

“Ini merupakan satu be-rita gembira kepada ramai penduduk Sarawak terutama kepada mereka yang tidak menggunakan elektrik yang banyak khasnya kepada orang kampung dan dikecualikan membayar.

“Ia melibatkan 130,000 isi rumah yang akan mendapat manfaat daripada berita gembira ini dan ia adalah langkah wajar kerana kita dimaklumkan Sarawak Enegery Berhad (SEB) dan SESCo mendapat keuntungan yang disalur balik kepada rakyat,” katanya ketika ditemui pada majlis makan malam anjuran Kelab Penyokong Barisan Nasional (BNBCC) di sini, malam kelmarin.

Beliau berkata, misalnya penduduk di Asajaya, ia merupakan berita gembira dan amat baik kepada mereka.

Sementara itu, seorang lagi wakil rakyat, ADUN Balai Ringin Snowdan Lawan ketika ditemui memberitahu ia adalah langkah kerajaan BN yang prihatin kepada rakyat Sarawak.

Opposition draws flak over remarks on Adenan

November 20, 2014

KUCHING: Assistant Minister of Housing Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah has chided the opposition for labelling Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem as a populist.

This, he said, was deeply inaccurate as Adenan is a leader who walks the talk.

“If a person says something and follows through with what he said, he or she should not be called a populist.

“In this case, he (Adenan) is doing something good for the people,” he told The Borneo Post when met yesterday.

Abdul Karim went on to explain that a populist is a person who promises all the good things in order to gain popularity but all those sweet talks are merely hot air.

“In this case, our chief minister is not like that.

He meant it when he said that his family cannot apply for the timber concession.

Returning Bibles the right move

November 17, 2014

Why those religious books were seized in the first place. - Tuan Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah

KUCHING: The recent return of 351 Bibles to the rightful owner has been described as a wise and correct decision by two BN Muslim leaders.

Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s Office (Bumiputera Entrepreneur Development) Datuk Mohd Naroden Majais, when commenting on the issue yesterday, said the episode should not have happened.

“The seizure should not have happened in the first place; hence, the decision by the authority to return them is a wise decision. They should also apologise to the body who owns the Bibles,” he said.

Naroden, also Assistant Minister of Resource Planning, said the people were followers of different religious figures, but all have faith that there is one creator.

“So why make a big fuss over a name or its use if the word refers to God?”

He echoed Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem’s statement that the people were free to believe in any established religion and that the term Allah to refer to God Almighty was not an issue in the state.

Assistant Minister of Youth Development Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah also said returning the Bibles was a correct move.

Bantu bangun rumah mampu milik

November 15, 2014

INTERAKTIF: Abdul Karim (kanan) mendengar penerangan daripada Sim (dua kanan) berhubung salah satu projek yang dipamerkan pada jerayawara itu semalam sambil disaksikan ahli-ahli SHEDA lain.

KUCHING: Lebih ramai pemaju perumahan perlu tampil membantu kerajaan membangunkan rumah mampu milik di negeri ini.

Menteri Muda Perumahan Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah berkata, tanggungjawab menyediakan rumah mampu milik tidak harus diletakkan sepenuhnya di bahu kerajaan, sebaliknya wajar dibantu oleh pemaju-pemaju swasta.

“Tanggungjawab membina rumah mampu milik ini bukan sahaja digalas oleh kerajaan, namun pemaju-pemaju swasta yang juga terdiri daripada ahli-ahli SHEDA (Persatuan Perumahan dan Pemaju Hartanah Sarawak),” ujarnya pada sidang media selepas merasmikan Jerayawara Perumahan dan Hartanah di Plaza Merdeka di sini, semalam.

Abdul Karim berkata, antara kawasan dibangunkan oleh kerajaan bagi tujuan membina rumah mampu milik adalah seperti di Batu Gong, Kuching, Lambir (Miri), Kemena (Bintulu) dan Rantau Panjang (Sibu).

Hanya apabila lebih banyak rumah mampu milik diwujudkan kelak, katanya, masalah rumah setinggan yang berpunca daripada migrasi luar bandar ke bandar dapat diselesaikan, sekali gus mencapai sasaran sifar setinggan di Sarawak.

“Kerajaan turut menyewa-kan rumah kepada penduduk setinggan pada kadar RM150 sebulan dan bercadang untuk menjual rumah itu kepada mereka pada harga sangat rendah,” katanya.

Mengulas mengenai pertanyaan Ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri (ADUN) Padungan Wong King Wei mengenai nisbah kerajaan dan swasta dalam membangunkan rumah mampu milik pada persidangan Dewan Undangan Negeri (DUN) kelmarin, beliau memberitahu, angka sebenar belum dapat dikenal pasti.

Sheda property expo sees 23 developers showcase offerings

November 15, 2014

KUCHING: The three-day Sarawak Housing and Real Estate Developers Association (Sheda) Home and Property Roadshow kicked off yesterday, hosting 23 developers with their offerings.

Abdul Karim (third right) and Sim (third left) with other guests visiting one of the booths at the Sheda roadshow.

Following the series’ launch in April, the programme had earlier stopped at Parkcity Everly Bintulu and Bintang Megamall Miri, before taking part in Sheda Property Expo at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching in August. 

The final leg will be at Wisma Sanyan in Sibu on Dec 12-14.

In his address at the event yesterday, Assistant Minister of Housing Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the Housing Developers (Control and Licensing) regulations effective Nov 1 must be adhered to by developers.

“Although meant to protect consumers, the government also understands that it may take developers some time to adapt to the new ruling,” he said, believing that with the new regulation, it would push developers to build more quality homes for consumers.

He pointed out that the government would give those in the industry the room to adapt to the new system. Abdul Karim, who is also Asajaya assemblyman, had addressed an issue brought forth by his Padungan counterpart Wong King Wei during a session at the ongoing State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting, which was on the ratio of affordable homes built by government and private sector in the state.

“As he (Wong) was talking about Singapore – which saw 81 per cent of houses built by the government – he must also understand that Singapore is a small country that is able to deal with its housing issues quite well.”

Abdul Karim added that the state government had come up with several measures to solve the issue of squatters – among them would be the building of low-cost houses with a monthly rent of only RM150 per unit in several locations across the state such as Lambir in Miri, as well as Kemena and Rantau Panjang, both in Sibu.

Various measures to solve rising prices of houses

November 14, 2014

KUCHING: The state government is taking numerous steps to help solve the issue of high housing prices in the state.

Assistant Minister of Housing Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said among others the government had implemented a policy to control the prices of low and medium cost houses developed by the private sector.

“This is to ensure that the low and medium income group can afford to own houses. The ceiling price fixed by the government for low cost is RM50,400 (intermediate) and RM59,220 (corner houses) while for medium cost the ceiling price fixed by the government is RM80,000 per unit for intermediate and RM100,000 for corners,” he said.

He said to prevent the prices of houses from increasing due to demand and supply the government, together with the private sector, was also trying to build more houses through various housing programmes in the state.

“Among the housing programmes are Rumah Mesra Rakyat (RMR), Program Perumahan Rakyat (PPR), Skim Rumah Mampu Milik (RMM), Skim PRIMA, Skim Rumah Pertamaku, Skim Perumahan Penjawat Awam 1Malaysia, Skim Rumah Idamanku (under Syarikat Perumahan Negara Berhad – SPNB) and MyHome Scheme.”

Abdul Karim (BN-Asajaya) disclosed this when answering questions by Ripin Lamat (BN-Lambir) and David Wong Kee Woan (DAP-Pelawan) during question-and-answer session at the Legislative Assembly (DUN) here yesterday.

Abdul Karim, in giving the replies on behalf of the Housing Ministry, informed the august house that apart from the programmes that had already been implemented the government was also planning to introduce a new housing scheme mainly to help youths to have a house.

Christina Chiew wasn't listening in the last DUN sitting

November 14, 2014

Christina Chiew’s (DAP - Batu Kawa) speech was the only one that got interjected by another member of the house.

She was interrupted by Assistant Housing Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah when talking about Rumah Mesra Rakyat at Sungai Midin.

When contacted after the proceeding yesterday, Abdul Karim said Chiew was probably not listening when the Housing Ministry explained the issue in the last DUN sitting.

He said: “What I clarified in DUN earlier on was that YB Christina has brought up this issue of Rumah Mesra at Sungai Midin which I said had been clarified and answered by our Housing Minister last DUN sitting.”

“The minister then had informed that the project would definitely take off and presently is just waiting for the land dump on site to subside. The area is low lying, on peat and needs filling.

Christina Chiew lupa jawapan yang telah diberikan

November 14, 2014

KUCHING: Menteri Muda Perumahan Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah menyifatkan Christina Chiew (DAP-Batu Kawah) ketandusan isu.

Beliau menerusi sistem pesanan ringkas (SMS) berkata, isu Rumah Mesra Rakyat di Sungai Midin yang dibangkitkan oleh Christina di kawasan itu sudah dijelaskan pada Persidangan DUN yang lepas.

Karim berkata projek berkenaan memerlukan kerja-kerja penembokan dan pemendapan ta-nah ekoran kawasan itu merupakan kawasan yang rendah.

“Kawasan terbabit adalah kawasan rendah yang memerlukan kerja-kerja penembokan tanah dan pemendapan.

“YB Cristina mesti sudah kehabisan isu untuk dibawa sehingga beliau terlupa perkara ini sudah dijawab oleh menteri bertanggung-jawab pada persidangan yang lepas,” katanya.

Beliau berkata demikian ketika diminta mengulas mengenai isu berkenaan yang dibangkitkan semula oleh Christina ketika membahaskan Bajet Negeri 2015 pada Persidangan Dewan Undangan Negeri di sini, semalam.

Terdahulu, Christina membahaskan Bajet Ne-geri 2015 mengenai projek berkenaan sebelum Karim bangun memperjelaskan perkara tersebut.

Violet's hatred of BN caused her to politise petty issues

November 14, 2014

SIBU: Asajaya assemblyman Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah on Wednesday blasted the Pending assemblywoman for politicising the proposal to increase state constituencies as a move to accommodate Barisan Nasional (BN) parties.

Abdul Karim, who is assistant minister of youth development, described her criticism as cheap excuse and mere allegation.

When debating the Dewan Undangan Negeri (Composition of Membership) Bill, 2014 at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting on Tuesday, Violet Yong said internal conflicts within BN should be dealt with internally instead of abusing the system by creating more state seats to accommodate unhappy component parties.

To Yong, the tabling of the Bill to have 11 more seats was a way for BN to solve the impasse over seat allocation in state BN caused by the registration of Parti Tenaga Rakyat Sarawak (Teras) and United People’s Party (UPP).

She claimed an increase in seats would likely allow BN to win the next state election with a simple majority despite capturing lower percentage of votes.

To this, Abdul Karim said: “Violet seems to not know when, why and how new constituencies are being created.

“She is too engrossed with petty politics and hatred of BN that even proposal to increase state constituencies are being politicised as to accommodate BN components’ allocation”.

Harga rumah tidak semestinya dipengaruhi cukai

November 14, 2014

Kenaikan harga lebih ditentukan penawaran dalam pasaran, lagipun jualan rumah dikecuali GST

KUCHING: Kenaikan harga rumah tidak semata-mata dipengaruhi cukai tetapi ia lebih ditentukan oleh penawaran dalam pasaran.

Menteri Muda Perumahan Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah berkata, apa yang berlaku sekarang juga ialah jumlah penawaran lebih tinggi daripada jumlah stok rumah yang dapat dibekalkan.

Selain itu, katanya dengan pelaksanaan Cukai Barangan dan Perkhidmatan (GST) pada April 2015, ia dilihat tidak akan membebankan pembeli rumah kerana jualan rumah kediaman adalah dikecualikan GST.

“Begitu juga dengan pinjaman ke atas pembelian rumah kediaman juga dikecualikan daripada dikenakan GST kerana semua jenis kewangan yang disediakan oleh institusi kewangan adalah perkhidmatan yang dikecualikan GST,” katanya.

Beliau berkata demikian bagi menjawab pertanyaan David Wong (DAP-Pelawan) yang bertanyakan bagaimana kerajaan memastikan pelaksanaan GST tidak akan memberi bebanan kepada pembeli rumah pada Persidangan DUN di sini, semalam.

Abdul Karim mengakui mungkin dari segi pinjaman dan jualan kediaman adalah dikecualikan GST tetapi sebahagian daripada bahan mentah untuk membina rumah mungkin dikenakan cukai.

Namun katanya, GST yang dikenakan hanya enam peratus dan pemaju perumahan boleh menebus balik cukai dikenakan itu daripada agensi bertanggungjawab.

Proposed new village in Sibu to have about 860 lots

November 13, 2014

AN estimated 860 housing lots will be provided in the proposed village Silviculture Batu 11, Oya Road in Sibu.

However, Assistant Minister of Housing Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the project is still at an early planning stage and the criteria to select applicants for the lots has yet to be decided.

“But priorities will be given to Kampung Datu villagers depending on guidelines that we will frame it later on,” he said in responding to questions raised by Annuar Rapaee (BN-Nangka).

Sarawak govt controlling prices of low and low-medium cost houses

November 13, 2014

KUCHING: The Sarawak government has implemented a policy of controlling the prices of low-cost and low-medium cost houses built by private developers.

State Assistant Housing Minister, Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the measure was one of five concerted efforts in tackling the issue of rising price of houses so as to enable the low-income and middle-income groups to own a house.

He said the ceiling price of a low-cost house had been fixed at RM50,400 for an intermediate unit and RM59,220 for a corner unit.

860 lot rumah akan disediakan di Silviculture Batu 11 Jln Oya

November 13, 2014

KUCHING: Dianggarkan 860 lot rumah akan disediakan di Silviculture Batu 11 Jalan Oya Sibu, kata Menteri Muda Perumahan Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

Bagaimanapun, jelas beliau memandangkan projek tersebut masih dalam peringkat perancangan awal, kriteria khusus untuk pemilihan penduduk yang akan mendapat lot di kawasan itu belum diputus-kan lagi.

“Namun, keutamaan akan diberi kepada penduduk Kampung Datu dan juga keluarga tambahan tertakluk kepada garis panduan yang akan kami rangka nanti,” katanya pada Persidangan Dewan Undangan Negeri di sini, semalam.

Beliau menyatakan demikian bagi menjawab soalan daripada Dr Annuar Rapa’ee (BN-Nangka) mengenai bila perkampungan moden yang akan diwujudkan di Silviculture Batu 11 Jalan Oya Sibu akan mula dibina serta kriteria pemilihan untuk penduduk mendapat lot.

Terdahulu, Karim yang juga ADUN Asajaya menjelaskan bahawa pihak LCDA sedang menyediakan pelan susun atur untuk dikemukakan kepada Majlis Perancangan Negeri untuk kelulusan.

Tambah beliau, projek tersebut akan mula dilaksanakan dalam RMK-11 (2016-2020) iaitu tertakluk kepada peruntukan yang diluluskan.

Sementara berhubung status Rumah Mesra Rakyat (RMR) di daerah Mukah dan daerah kecil Balingian, Karim berkata sebanyak 75 unit RMR telah siap dibina di daerah Mukah iaitu 27 unit di Skim Pembesaran Kampung Petanak dan 48 unit di Skim Pembesaran Kampung Nelayan.

68 additional PPR houses in Saratok

November 12, 2014

AN additional 68 affordable homes under the People’s Housing Programme (PPR) will be built in Saratok next year.

These units are in addition to the 621 units of affordable homes built in the district.

“The Housing Ministry has also directed Housing Development Corporation (HDC) to conduct studies to see if there is a need to build more houses in Saratok,” Assistant Minister of Housing Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said in response to a supplementary question from Ali Biju (PKR-Krian) during the Q&A session yesterday.

He explained the criteria to apply for PPR and Rumah Mesra Rakyat (RMR) houses.

For houses under PPR scheme, an individual earning between RM650 and RM2,999 and aged between 18 and 65 years old is eligible to apply. He must also be a first-time house buyer without a land under his name.

For Rumah Mesra Rakyat (RMR) one had to have a second joint applicant for applicants who were between 45 and 65 years old.

This will enable payment to be continued by the second person in the joint application if something happens to the first applicant.

621 rumah kos rendah di Saratok

November 12, 2014

KUCHING: Menteri Muda Perumahan Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah memberitahu Dewan Undangan Negeri semalam, sehingga kini kerajaan telah membina 621 rumah kos rendah di Sarawak.

“Kerajaan akan membina 68 unit lagi Rumah Mampu Milik (RMM) di bawah Program Perumahan Rakyat (PPR) pada tahun depan,” jelasnya.

Tambahnya, kementerian juga mengarahkan Perbadanan Perumahan Sarawak (HDC) untuk membuat kajian lanjut tentang permintaan perumahan di kawasan Saratok untuk perancangan perumahan baharu pada masa depan.

Karim berkata demikian ketika menjawab soalan Ali Biju (PKR-Krian) mengenai rancangan kerajaan untuk membina lebih banyak rumah kos rendah di Saratok. 

621 buah rumah ungkus murah udah digaga

November 12, 2014

Kelimpah ari nya perintah BN deka ngaga 68 unit RMM di baruh program PPR di Saratok

KUCHING: Perintah Barisan Nasional (BN) udah ngaga 621 unit Rumah Ungkus Murah di Saratok sereta penyampau nya deka nambah jemah ila.

Menteri Muda Pengawa Berumah Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah madah, opis menteri udah minta piak HDC bejalaika pansik bekaul enggau perambu pemansang pengawa berumah baru jemah ila.

“Naka ke diatu perintah BN udah ngaga 621 unit Rumah Ungkus Murah di Saratok.

“Perintah deka ngaga 68 unit agi Rumah Mampu Milik (RMM) di baruh Program Perumahan Rakyat (PPR) taun baru.

“Opis Menteri udah ngasuh HDC ngaga pansik silik pasal peminta bekaul enggau rumah di kandang menua Saratok, ke perambu pengawa berumah baru jemah ila,” ku iya.

Karim mansutka pekara nya lebuh ti nyaut tanya ari Ali Biju (PKR – Krian) maya sesi saut tanya nyerumba Aum Kunsil Negeri ditu, kemari, pasal perambu pemansang pengawa berumah di kandang menua Saratok.

Kelimpah ari Karim madahka orang ti ulih meli Rumah Ungkus Murah enggau RMM nengah PPR patut peranak Malaysia ti diau di Sarawak, penatai pemisi kasar ruang bilik RM650 ngagai RM3,000, umur 18 ngagai 65 taun enggau kebukai.

Galeri: 2014 Sheda’s Annual Dinner cum Excellence Awards

November 10, 2014

Yaw Chee Weng shows his SHEDA Property Man of the Year after receiving it from Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg. Also seen are (from second right) Datuk Abdul Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, SHEDA president Zaidi Ahmad, the annual dinner organising chairman Tony Su and SHEDA Secretary-General Sim Kiang Chiok.

DAP no-show indicates breakup within PR

November 8, 2014

KUCHING: The scrambling for seats even before the state election has put a strain on Pakatan Rakyat (PR).

Assistant Minister of Youth Development Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said this following a no-show by DAP during the third round of state PR’s negotiation on state seats on Thursday.

“I need not say more – even before facing the state election, they (PR) are already showing the strained relationship among the members. As such, we just wait,” said Abdul Karim, who is also PBB supreme council member.

The Asajaya assemblyman believed that said the absence of DAP during the meeting was a clear indication that PR members would be heading separate ways.

‘Fare hike should not burden rural folk’

November 5, 2014

Express boat fares must be regulated. -Tuan Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah

SIBU: The increase in express boat fares, while inevitable and necessary, should be implemented in such a way that it would not burden the people.

This is a shared sentiment among several state leaders, in response to reports stating that costs of travelling between Kapit, Song and Sibu by express boats had gone up by RM2 to RM10.

Sarawak Rivers Board (SRB) controller William Jinep disclosed that his side was carrying out investigation on the matter.

Galeri: A study visit to Hungary

November 5, 2014

Tourism Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg  receiving a memento from the Budapest vice mayor Dr Gabor Bagdy. From left are Malaysian ambassador to Hungary Mohamad Sadik Gany, Assistant Minister of Tourism (Local Events and Products) Datuk Gramong Juna, Assistant Minister of Youth Development Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah and Assistant Minister of Culture and Heritage Liwan Lagang.

Galeri: Working visit to Hungray

November 05, 2014

Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg receiving a memento from the Budapest vice mayor Dr Gabor Bagdy in Hungray. From left are the Malaysian ambassador to Hungary Mohamad Sadik Gany, Datuk  Gramong Juna, Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah and Liwan Lagang.

Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg exchanges opinions with the Minister of State for Economic Regulation of Hungary, Bela Glattfelder, as others look on.

‘Ex-reps best channel to gauge people’s sentiments’

November 3, 2014

SIBU: Members of the Malaysian Council of Former Elected Representatives (Mubarak) could be of great help in giving input on how to strengthen the Barisan Nasional (BN) machinery as well as address problems faced by the people.

PBB Supreme Council member Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said as former elected representatives, they would be the best group to go to when it came to gauging people’s sentiments.

His remark came following a Bernama report stating that the council was setting up a ‘think-tank’ to assist BN in the 14th general election (GE14).

Mubarak president Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Abdul Rahman was quoted as having said that it would also submit to the government the outcome of its study and survey on the people’s support for BN, which could assist the ruling coalition in its preparation for the next general election.

Abdul Karim, who is also Assistant Minister of Youth Development and Asajaya assemblyman, said: “Any move by anybody – especially the ex-Ybs (people’s representatives) to assist BN in the GE14 is very much welcome.

“Being YBs before, they would be in a better position to gauge the sentiments and feeling of the people on the ground.”

In the Bernama report, Abdul Aziz also said the challenge facing BN in the next general election would be in getting the support from new voters, adding that there would be between 40 and 50 per cent increase of them come GE14.

Galeri: Press Conference on new housing law, regulations

October 30, 2014

Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg shows reporters the new housing ordinance

Pembelajaran bahasa seiring dengan perkembangan ekonomi dunia: Karim

October 29, 2014

KUCHING: Dalam konteks perkembangan ilmu secara global, pembelajaran bahasa bukan sahaja terhad untuk pengajaran bahasa kebangsaan dan bahasa Inggeris semata-mata sebaliknya seiring dengan perkembangan ekonomi dunia.

Menteri Muda Pembangunan Belia (Bandar) Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah berkata, pembelajaran bahasa asing seperti Korea, Jepun, Arab, Perancis, Mandarin dan Sepanyol turut mengambil peranan penting dalam pembelajaran bahasa di sekolah dan institusi pengajian tinggi.

Justeru, bagi mencapai matlamat itu guru bahasa, penyelidik serta ahli akademik perlu menjadi tunjang dalam memastikan generasi muda hari ini sentiasa mencintai bahasa.

“Tugas seorang pendidik bahasa tidak terkecuali daripada cabaran dan selaras dengan perkembangan global serta dunia tanpa sempadan mereka juga perlu bergerak seiring dengan perkembangan teknologi dan ICT,” katanya.

Beliau berkata demikian semasa berucap pada Majlis Perasmian Persidangan Antarabangsa Pengajian Bahasa (iCLS) 2014 di Hotel Riverside Majestic di sini, semalam.

Tambahnya, walaupun bahasa Melayu dan Inggeris sangat penting, seperti tempat lain di dunia ini, kerajaan tidak pernah mengabaikan dialek lain kerana ia adalah sama penting dan perlu dipelihara.

Oleh itu dalam konteks Sarawak jelasnya, kerajaan sedar masih terdapat sekolah-sekolah yang terletak di kawasan pedalaman, mempunyai cabaran daripada aspek kemudahan.

Find ways to ensure enjoyment, love of learning — Abd Karim

October 29, 2014

KUCHING: Educators, researchers and academics need to be innovators and engineers of best practices to ensure that the younger generation love and enjoy their journey of learning.

Abdul Karim (centre) receives a gift from Unimas board of directors chairman Datu Dr Hatta Solhi. Also seen is Kadim.

Assistant Minister of Youth Development Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah pointed out that teaching should not only be learning-centred but also learner-centred.

“As educators in challenging times, you need to acknowledge that students are becoming meaning-makers who possess different personal experiences, backgrounds and expectations. When they are acknowledged as such and realise that their experiences matter, learning will be fun and meaningful,” he said prior to launching the International Conference on Language Studies 2014: Best Practices in Teaching and Learning yesterday.

“Malaysia prides itself in being multilingual. While Malay and English languages are very important, our government firmly believes that other languages and dialects are equally important and need to be taught in schools.”

Abdul Karim said the government is aware of the challenges face by schools in the interior.

“However, given the importance of literacy and language to every child, we need strong willpower from all concerned practitioners to pull together existing resources and knowledge to meet this challenge.

“I hope papers presented at this conference will inspire all to nurture new ideas into actionable outcomes with results to benefit learners worldwide.

Proposed fuel subsidy scheme requires more review – Abd Karim

October 29, 2014

KUCHING: The implementation of full fuel subsidy for those earning under RM5,000 monthly needs to be studied further.

Abdul Karim speaking to reporters after opening the event at a hotel in Kuching.

Assistant Housing Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said although such move was directed at alleviating financial burden of the people, its implementation must be evident.

According to him, the very definition of high income earners remains unclear.

“There must be a mechanism in categorising (those) who are eligible to receive the subsidy and who are not. The main intention is to assist the people, but if there are loopholes that some can take advantage of, then it will defeat the purpose,” he told reporters after officiating at a conference here yesterday.

The assistant minister was asked for his comment regarding the recent announcement made by Second Finance Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Husni Hanadzlah, proposing for the subsidy rationalisation scheme to be carried out next year.

Husni said those earning below RM5,000 per month would receive full subsidy while those with monthly pay between RM5,000 and RM10,000 would get partial subsidy.

On the other hand, those earning more than RM10,000 per month would not be eligible.

Chong is making joke of the week - Karim

October 28, 2014

SIBU: PBB Supreme Council member Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah laughed off DAP’s claim of being able to deliver minor rural projects (MRP) like what BN does.

Calling it the biggest joke of the week, he said the opposition just wanted to get some publicity and hoodwink the people with the state polls nearing.

“When they (DAP) say they can do a road in Sri Aman for RM7,000 instead of RM70,000 if the BN government was to do it, I can’t help laughing.

“Well, DAP can make their claim sky high or try to match BN in every aspect, the rakyat and public are our judge and jury,” Abdul Karim, who is Assistant Minister of Youth Development and Asajaya assemblyman, told The Borneo Post yesterday.

He was reacting to state DAP chairman Chong Chieng Jen’s statement that the party’s Impian Sarawak had proven it could deliver minor rural projects like BN did.

Chong, also Bandar Kuching MP and Kota Sentosa assemblyman, claimed that their Impian Sarawak Ubah brand had struck fear in BN, that on several occasions projects requested by some villages and longhouses neglected by the government for years were immediately carried out after the Impian Sarawak team visited them.

Chong also mentioned that the Impian Sarawak team had helped uplift the earning capacity of the rural community.

Pilih chara ke betul sereta padah silik dulu sebedau formula nya dipejalaika

October 25, 2014

KUCHING: Opis Menteri Pekara Wang patut nerangka silik dulu chara ti deka dipejalaika tauka ngena formula ke benung dikena diatu ke deka pulaika pengelantang rayat.

Menteri Muda Pemansang Nembiak Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah madah (gambar), Opis Menteri Pekara Wang patut madahka bagi tikas gaji orang bepenatai pemisi tinggi sebedau dipejalaika.

Iya bepenemu opis menteri pekara wang patut milih bagi chara ke betul sekalika narit semua sabsidi RON95 tauka mengkang enggau formula ti benung dipejalaika diatu.

“Kitai semina begunaka penerang ti silik agi pasal pekara tu. Aku enda nemu sapa ti dikategorika sida raban orang ti bepenatai pemisi tinggi tauka begaji besai lalu baka ni chara nyual minyak tu ngagai raban nya.

“Semina ba penemu aku, laban kitai udah bisi RON75 ti bisi sabsidi nya alai enti deka nyual RON95 nadai sabsidi tau jual aja ngena rega nadai sabsidi, enda ibuh meh dibagi ngagai kategori begaji besai tauka enda begaji besai.

“Tauka tetapka aja penyampau rega RON95 nitih formula ke diatu, enda ibuh diubah,” ku iya lebuh ditanya Utusan Borneo bekaul enggau raban ke bepenatai pemisi tinggi tauka meli RON95 nitihka rega makit.

Ba riput surat kabar kemari, dalam aum pengarang berita ke diatur nyerumba licha Chukai Barang enggau Servis (GST) di Bangi ungkup pemesai kanan Opis Menteri Pemansang Menua Pesisir enggau Kandang Menua (KKLW) sereta ejensi ari baruh opis menteri nya ensanus, Sapit Menteri Wang Datuk Ahmad Maslan madah, berengkah ari bulan Jun 2015 orang ti bepenatai pemisi tinggi tauka begaji besai deka meli petrol RON95 nitihka rega markit.

High number of young smokers worrisome

October 25, 2014

SIBU: Assistant Minister of Youth Development Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah has expressed sadness that Sarawak has the highest number of teenage smokers.

Abdul Karim, also Asajaya assemblyman, called for concerted effort to curb the bad habit, saying smoking was hazardous to health, affecting the wellbeing of future leaders.

“As one can see, if one is aged 13 to 17, one is still considered to be schooling. Cigarettes are an expensive item and very high likelihood these teenagers are using their parents’ money or their daily allowances to buy this stuff when it should be used for more beneficial items,” he told The Borneo Post yesterday.

He was reacting to a survey carried out in 2012 had listed Sarawak among the states in the country with the highest number of teenage smokers aged between 13 and 17 years old.

The National Health and Morbidity Survey was carried out on 1,633 Form 1 to Form 5 students in the state who were selected randomly with other students around the country.

Abdul Karim said: “Smoking is also not a good habit as it is hazardous to health…parents, guardians, teachers and the public should ensure our youths do not smoke or start smoking at an early age…they our hope for the future and we do not want to see this future leaders picking up this habit at such an early age.”

Sarawak Teachers’ Union (STU) president Jisin Nyud too expressed sadness to note that Sarawak is among the states in the country with the highest number of teenage smokers aged between 13 and 17.

BN masih guna pakai kempen ortodoks

October 24, 2014

SIBU: Sistem penyampaian secara peribadi terutama terhadap pengundi luar bandar menjadikan Barisan Nasional (BN) Negeri semakin kuat.

Beberapa pemimpin BN Negeri percaya penggunaan kaedah ortodoks seperti berkempen dari rumah ke rumah bertemu dengan peng-undi, perhimpunan, banting, poster, radio dan iklan TV masih lagi diperlukan.

Setiausaha Agung BN Ne-geri Datuk Dr Stephen Rundi berkata, sentuhan peribadi dengan rakyat di luar bandar masih lagi relevan.

Ahli SABERKAS harus pertingkat tahap efisien diri dalam berpersatuan

October 22, 2014

TERIMA KASIH: Datuk Abdul Karim Rshman Hamzah menerima cenderamata daripada Abdullah Saidol sambil disaksikan yang lain di Miri semalam.

MIRI: Ahli Pertubuhan Kebangsaan Belia Bersatu Sarawak (SABERKAS) dituntut mempertingkat tahap efisien diri dalam berpersatuan.

Naib Presiden SABERKAS Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah berkata ia adalah untuk memartabatkan persatuan berkenaan ke tahap lebih tinggi.

“Setiap ahli SABERKAS harus ada tanggungjawab untuk mengangkat martabat organisasi ke tahap lebih tinggi,” katanya pada Bengkel Pengurusan SABERKAS Cawangan Zon Utara di sini semalam.

Beliau berkata ini kerana sesebuah organisasi akan dinilai melalui kelebihan dan kecekapan ahli-ahlinya serta jawatankuasa yang dilantik memikul tanggungjawab.

Oleh itu, kepekaan ahli-ahli terhadap aktiviti persatuan harus tinggi demi memastikan organisasi berkenaan sentiasa bergerak aktif dan berjaya.

“Kita tidak mahu ada ahli-ahli yang tidak tahu langsung tentang apa-apa program mahupun laporan tahunan ketika dibentangkan pada mesyuarat tahunan,” jelasnya.

Bagi mengelakkan perkara tersebut, harus disemai rasa sebagai sebahagian daripada ahli persatuan yang bakal menjayakan persatuan.