Wednesday 29 October 2014

Pembelajaran bahasa seiring dengan perkembangan ekonomi dunia: Karim


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.

Tuesday 28 October 2014

Chong is making joke of the week - Karim


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.

Saturday 25 October 2014

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


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


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.

Friday 24 October 2014

BN masih guna pakai kempen ortodoks


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.


Wednesday 22 October 2014

Ahli SABERKAS harus pertingkat tahap efisien diri dalam berpersatuan


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.

Sektor pertanian mampu jana pendapatan lumayan


MIRI: Peserta Taman Kekal Pengeluaran Makanan (TKPM) Kabuloh SABERKAS mampu menjana pendapatan bulanan menjangkau lima angka jika pengeluaran hasil konsisten.

Naib Presiden Pertubuhan Kebangsaan Belia Bersatu Sarawak (SABERKAS) Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah berkata pendapatan sedemikian mampu diraih jika petani rajin berusaha.

“Kerajaan telah menyediakan tanah, kemudahan baja dan sebagainya kepada petani dan jika mereka konsisten mengeluarkan hasil tanaman makanan maka tidak mustahil mereka meraih pendapatan lumayan,” katanya di sini semalam.

Abdul Karim memberitahu, kerajaan persekutuan menyediakan peruntukan pembangunan infrastruktur dan kemudahan asas yang bersesuaian bagi keselesaan petani. 

“Sebab itu, kita percaya bahawa sektor pertanian mampu menjana pendapatan lumayan namun bergantung kepada tahap pengeluaran petani setiap bulan.

“Jika mereka rajin berusaha dan sentiasa konsisten dalam pengeluaran tanaman makanan komersil maka, ia akan menarik orang lain turut sama menceburi bidang pertanian,” katanya.

Tambahnya, TKPM juga sebenarnya mampu membantu meningkatkan pendapatan bersih usahawan tani melebihi RM54,000 setahun (RM4,500 sebulan).

BN to maintain traditional campaigning in next election


SIBU: Several state BN leaders believe the use of traditional methods of campaigning like going house to house to meet voters, rallies, posters and banners, radio and TV adverts are still needed to reach a wider segment of society and voters.

State BN secretary-general Datuk Dr Stephen Rundi said personal touch with the people in particular rural folk remained their pillar of strength.

“It is not about changing or shifting our strategy, but a matter of adapting to the needs of the new aspirants, and, of course, we are looking at every angle holistically in order to win people’s support,” he said yesterday.


Tuesday 21 October 2014

Food production park in Kabuloh a success story

October 21, 2014

MIRI: Sarawak National Youth Organisation (Saberkas) will use the successful agriculture project at Permanent Food Production Park (TKPM) Kabuloh to inspire more youths to participate in its agropreneurship programme.

Abang Johari (seated fourth right), Karim (seated third right), and others pose for a photo.
Saberkas deputy president Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the programme was a success and promised guaranteed returns to its participants.

“Most of the assistance, such as seedling and infrastructure, are provided by the government. The participants would have to pay only a small amount on land rental fee annually.

“They would, however, have to work hard to develop the land, which can generate income of up to RM10,000 a month,” he told a press conference after attending a briefing on the project at TKPM Kabuloh.

Also at the briefing were Saberkas president Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Abang Openg, also Minister of Housing, Saberkas secretary general Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi, also Pantai Damai Assemblyman, Lambir assemblyman Ripin Lamat, and senior agriculture officer Othman Hamdan.

Abdul Karim, also Assistant Minister of Housing, said the programme was opened only to Saberkas members.

Approved proposals would receive funding from Agro bank or SME bank, he added.

Saturday 18 October 2014

Spekulasi harga rumah naik, orang ramai diseru bijak buat keputusan


KUCHING: Kementerian Perumahan Sarawak mengambil kira kebimbangan mengenai pelaksanaan Cukai Barangan dan Perkhidmatan (GST) pada 1 April 2015, selepas pihak tertentu dalam sektor perumahan tempatan membuat spekulasi bahawa harga rumah akan naik dan menasihatkan orang ramai untuk membeli rumah sekarang sebelum GST dilaksanakan.

Sehubungan itu, Menteri Muda Perumahan Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah menasihatkan orang ramai yang ingin membeli rumah agar berhati-hati dalam membuat keputusan ekoran kenyataan sedemikian.

Ini kerana, katanya, peningkatan permintaan yang mendadak bagi rumah sebelum pelaksanaan GST boleh juga menyebabkan harga rumah terus naik sedangkan impak GST ke atas harga rumah masih belum diketahui.

“Orang ramai perlu memahami bagaimana GST berfungsi sebelum membuat keputusan membeli rumah sebelum 1 April atau selepas GST dilaksanakan,” katanya menerusi satu kenyataan, kelmarin.

Menurut Karim, orang ramai harus faham bahawa rumah adalah dikecualikan daripada GST tetapi input, bahan dan perkhidmatan untuk membina rumah tertakluk kepada GST sebanyak enam peratus.

Beliau menambah, orang ramai juga harus maklum tanah untuk perumahan dan kos pembiayaan dikecualikan daripada cukai.

Selain itu, katanya, beberapa bahan binaan seperti jubin, perkakasan sanitari dan pemasangan pada waktu ini tertakluk kepada cukai jualan 10 peratus.

Friday 17 October 2014

PKR Nangka chief blasted for remark on BR1M 4.0


SIBU: Assistant Minister of Youth Development Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah blasted PKR Nangka chief for his unfounded remark on BR1M 4.0, calling it a move to gain popularity.

Abdul Karim, who is also Asajaya assemblyman, was reacting to Abdul Raafidin Majidi’s claim that the government’s move to increase BR1M 4.0 for all recipients was to pacify the people in the wake of the reduction in fuel subsidy by 20 sen.

Abdul Raafidin further likened the government’s approach under Budget 2015 as administering ‘paracetamol to cancer patients’, while calling it a populist approach.


Dont Panic! Understand GST, potential house buyers urged — Karim


KUCHING: The public should understand how the Goods and Services Tax (GST) works before making a decision to buy houses before April 1 next year or after its implementation.

This advice came from Assistant Housing Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, who urged house buyers to exercise caution and not to panic as that might cause property prices to increase.

The Asajaya assemblyman also urged housing developers to play their part by not taking advantage of the situation but try to mitigate the impact.

“Take the case of the Australian situation when GST was introduced in the year 2000. People rushed to buy properties and developers rushed to complete their projects as they expected prices to increase post GST.

“As a result of this sudden increase in demand, developers ended up paying higher prices for materials and services and this was passed on to purchasers in the form of higher property prices.”

“However six to nine months after GST, prices of properties dropped due to soft property market,” he said yesterday.

First of all, he added, it should be understood that residential properties are exempted from GST even though the inputs, materials and services for their construction are subject to six per cent GST.

Thursday 16 October 2014

Manfaat cuti sekolah dengan aktiviti berfaedah


Ia bertujuan mengelakkan sebarang aktiviti tidak sihat berlaku di kalangan murid, kata Karim

KREATIF: Karim (tengah) mendengar taklimat daripada Azran (dua kanan) mengenai ciptaan kraf tangan daripada murid sekolah rendah yang menyertai Program Kraf-Mega RIMUP-Pasca UPSR 2014, di Kota Samarahan, semalam.

KOTA SAMARAHAN: Menteri Muda Pembangunan Belia (Bandar) Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah mahu ibu bapa memanfaatkan cuti persekolahan hujung tahun anak-anak dengan pelbagai aktiviti berfaedah.

Menurutnya, penganjuran aktiviti seumpama itu seharusnya dijadikan sebagai aktiviti yang ditunggu-tunggu oleh murid.

“Saya yakin aktiviti dan program yang dianjurkan pada musim cuti sekolah adalah sesuatu yang amat baik selain menjadi ruang untuk murid sekolah berkumpul bersama rakan sebaya.

“Pada masa sama, ia bertujuan mengelakkan sebarang aktiviti tidak sihat berlaku di kalangan murid lebih-lebih lagi pada waktu cuti sekolah.

“Justeru, saya mahu menyeru ibu bapa di luar sana untuk menghantar anak-anak menyertai program dan aktiviti yang mendatangkan manfaat semasa cuti persekolahan,” katanya.

Bagi merealisasikan hasrat itu, beliau yang juga Ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri (ADUN) Asajaya menyarankan Persatuan Ibu Bapa dan Guru (PIBG), jawatankuasa kampung mahupun pertubuhan bukan kerajaan (NGO) berganding bahu dalam merencana program untuk anak-anak.

Beliau berkata demikian ketika berucap pada Majlis Penutupan Program Kraf-Mega Rancangan Integrasi Murid Untuk Perpaduan (RIMUP)-Pasca Ujian Pencapaian Sekolah Rendah (UPSR) di Dewan Suarah Kota Samarahan di sini, semalam.

Take up arts, craftsmanship, those weak in academic urged

October 16, 2014

Abdul Karim (seated centre) with all the teachers and students involved in the ‘Program Pendidikan Kraf Mega Rimup-Pasca UPSR 2014’. 
KOTA SAMARAHAN: Assistant Minister of Youth Development (Urban) Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said young people who may not be good in academics should try their best to excel in arts and craftsmanship.

Speaking at the closing of ‘Program Pendidikan Kraf Mega Rimup-Pasca UPSR 2014’ at the civic centre here yesterday, he said the programme was an excellent avenue for them to pick up new talents.

“Teachers, parents and the community at large including NGOs should be involved in this type of programme so that they can keep students and/or children busy during school holidays,” he pointed out.

Tuesday 14 October 2014

Bantuan kepada Allahyarham Bujang Taha akan dibincang, kata Karim


KUCHING: Menteri Muda Belia, Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah akan berbincang dengan kabinet negeri mengenai bentuk bantuan yang bakal diberikan kepada keluarga pemenang gelaran Mr Asia sebanyak empat kali Allahyarham Bujang Taha.

Beliau secara peribadi melihat sukar untuk mencari individu seperti Allahyarham Bujang Taha yang sangat berjaya dalam arena bina badan sehingga mengharumkan nama Sarawak dan Malaysia.

“Semua sedia maklum, Allahyarham (Bujang Taha) merupakan seorang yang sangat berjaya dalam bidangnya dan sukar untuk mencari penggantinya.

“Secara peribadi dan bagi pihak kerajaan negeri… saya merakamkan ucapan tahziah buat keluarga Allahyarham.

“Kabinet negeri akan berbincang bentuk bantuan yang akan diberikan kepada keluarga Allahyarham,” katanya kepada pemberita ditemui di rumah Allahyarham Bujang Taha di Kampung Tanjong, di sini pagi semalam.

Allahyarham Bujang Taha menghembuskan nafas terakhir di Hospital Umum Sarawak (HUS) pada jam 10.47 malam kelmarin akibat komplikasi kanser mulut, paru-paru dan asma.

Abdul Karim menyifatkan pemergian Allahyarham Bujang Taha sebagai kehilangan besar buat Sarawak dan Malaysia.

‘Support your children in getting a balanced education’


KUCHING: Parents need to support their children in balancing studies with co-curricular activities

Youth Development Assistant Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said this when officiating at the opening of the Ibnu Khaldun Religious School held its annual school sports day at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) Sports Complex recently.

“Children with balanced growth have supportive parents who care about their development. Hence I call all parents to start as early as possible,” said the Asajaya asemblyman.

Abdul Karim pledged a sum of RM7,000 in government grant for the school’s Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) to hold more activities.

He advised parents to be active in PTA work.

‘A great loss to sports, the state and country’ - Karim


KUCHING: The state cabinet will discuss the type of aid and contributions to be given to the family of the late body-building great Bujang Taha.
Malek presenting a RM11,000 cheque to the late Bujang’s wife Norsanah Harun. 
Assistant Youth Development Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the state will not forget the contribution of state athletes such as Bujang who had put Sarawak and Malaysia on the global sporting map.

“Personally, it is difficult to find an individual like the late Bujang who had excelled tremendously in the bodybuilding arena to the extent that he had done the state and country proud. His success in his field, it’s difficult to find a replacement.

“On behalf of myself and the state government, we extend our condolences to his family. The state cabinet will discuss on the types of aid to be given to the family,” Karim who is also Assistant Housing Minister told reporters when met at the late bodybuilder’s residence at Kampung Tanjong, Petra Jaya near here yesterday.

Those who paid their last respects included Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s Department (Islamic Affairs) Datuk Daud Abdul Rahman, Assistant Tourism Minister Datuk Talib Zulpilip, Sarawak Bodybuilding Association president Dato Wee Hong Seng and national bodybuilder George Awi William.

Meanwhile, Daud mentioned that Bujang was the type of individual who would not ask for anything.

“It saddened me because he never asked for anything from the state government including allowance. I was thinking of requesting from the chief minister for Bujang to be given a monthly allowance and I hope that the state government could consider this,” he continued.

Monday 13 October 2014

Al-Fatihah untuk Allahyarham Bujang Taha

October 13, 2014


10.12am: Asajaya assemblyman and Assistant Minister of Housing Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah and Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s Office (Islamic Affairs) Datuk Daud Abdul Rahman arrive to pay their respects

Datuk Daud Abdul Rahman and Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah paying their respects to the late Bujang.

Bentuk generasi yang sihat, cergas


Ibu bapa berperanan penting membudayakan amalan bersukan: Karim

KOTA SAMARAHAN: Dorongan ibu bapa dalam membudayakan amalan bersukan dalam kalangan kanak-kanak amat diperlukan bagi membentuk generasi baharu yang sihat dan cergas.

Menteri Muda Pembangunan Belia (Bandar) Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah berkata, kecemerlangan kanak-kanak bukan sahaja dalam akademik sahaja tetapi juga kokurikulum.

“Sebagai ibu bapa sokongan dan dorongan amat diperlukan oleh anak-anak kita kerana setiap kejayaan mereka dalam akademik mahupun kokurikulum merupakan peranan kita untuk membentuk mereka,” ujarnya.

Beliau berkata demikian ketika berucap pada majlis perasmian pembukaan Kejohanan Sukan Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Agama Ibnu Khaldun Ketujuh di Kompleks Sukan Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) di sini semalam.

“Walaupun sekolah ini beraliran agama, namun kemampuan dan kebolehan untuk melahirkan pelajar yang cemerlang dalam kedua-dua bidang amat memberangsangkan,” tambahnya.

Malah, menurutnya lagi, sukan juga mampu memberi manfaat yang besar terhadap individu dan organisasi.

Pada masa sama, Karim yang juga Menteri Muda Perumahan menyarankan agar ibu bapa terlibat aktif dalam Persatuan Ibu Bapa dan Guru (PIBG) bagi membolehkan pembangunan modal insan dapat dilaksanakan dengan lebih berkesan.

Saturday 11 October 2014

Miri to be most livable resort city – Karim


MIRI: It is the people’s right to expect the standard of their city is maintained at all times, if not improved further.

Assistant Minister of Housing Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said Miri had to remain dynamic in every aspect of its development as a city in order to, among others, create more employment and other opportunities for its people.

“Miri is the centre of oil and gas industry in Sarawak and it will continue to play prominent role in its (Miri) progress and advancement,” he said at the opening of Sheda Home & Property Road Show at Bintang Megamall here yesterday.

The assistant minister went on to say that apart from being an oil and gas hub Miri had attained a resort city status and was still growing to help transform the economy of Sarawak into a high income state.

“To further enhance its resort city status, the state government and Miri City Council had launched a five-year vision to make Miri the most livable resort city. It is hoped that this new corporate plan will continue to be built with current foundation and create holistic environment for resident as well as tourists alike,” he added.

According to Abdul Karim, there was also a need to upgrade amenities and infrastructure to mitigate the tide of rural-urban migration and balance the demographic pattern in urban and rural areas.

“Thus, there is a need for the government, Miri City Council, private developers and other relevant authorities to find ways to work together to execute the plan to propel Miri to the next level.

Budget helps cushion impact of GST — Abdul Karim


KUCHING: The emphasis of Budget 2015 is on reducing the burden of the people to mitigate the impact of the implementation of Goods and Services Tax (GST) next April.

Assistant Housing Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the exemption of more than 500 essential goods from GST should lower the price of these items.

“The issue that was most obvious in the tabling of the Budget was to ease the people’s anxiety over the rise of essential goods in light to the introduction of GST from April next year.

“Exemption on items such as cooking oil, meat, eggs, flour, which are basic daily needs is good news and very encouraging. Budget 2015 is people oriented, focusing on their needs,” he told reporters at his home at Jalan Astana near here, when commenting on Budget 2015 tabled by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak yesterday.

Abdul Karim, also Assistant Youth Development (Urban) Minister, was happy the bulk of allocations were to be channelled to developing public infrastructure such as roads, health facilities, water and electric supply.

He also highlighted the Youth Housing Scheme which will see household income eligibility of applicants increased to RM10,000. The programme is open to 20,000 units of houses on a first-come first-serve basis.

On top of this, successful applicants would also be provided with a monthly repayment subsidy of RM200 for the first two years.

Thursday 9 October 2014

‘Learn a lesson from the football riot’

October 9, 2014

KOTA SAMARAHAN: The riot that broke out after the Sarawak-Perak football match in August should be a lesson for everyone to learn from.

Abdul Karim (fourth right) hands over sacrificial meat to a recipient. — Photo by Muhammad Rais Sanusi
Assistant Youth Development Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the Football Association of Sarawak (FAS), stadium authority and other agencies responsible for security such as the police would have learned something from the incident, which saw seven police cars damaged, including one that was set on fire.

“It’s not that we want to point fingers at anyone but I believe the riot would not have occurred if FAS, the police and stadium authority had taken pre-emptive action prior to the match.

“To me the incident actually has something to do with the match between Perak and Sarawak in Ipoh before that and those unhappy were just waiting for the right timing to express their unhappiness,” he told reporters after distributing sacrificial meat to Muslims from neighbouring villages at Samarahan Federal Complex yesterday.

He said some Sarawak fans and supporters had even posted on social media that they would create trouble.

“I was not around when the incident happened because I was in the peninsula but from the way I look at it, it was something pre planned.

“So if the authorities had been able to pre-empt or anticipate what was likely going to happen instead of ignoring the fiery comments by some people in social media,” he stated.

PBB is always ready for election - Karim

October 9, 2014

"For PBB, state election can be held anytime.” Tuan Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah

KUCHING: There are no lazy elected representatives in Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) as those who do not perform know they will be replaced.

PBB Youth chief Datuk Fadillah Yusof, who made this affirmation recently, said the party was always ready for any election, including the next state election, because the elected representatives were always on the ground serving the people.

“There is no such thing as election time or no election time. We are always working hard on the ground, and so we are always prepared.

“It has been the expectation of the people as well as BN top leaders that PBB’s representatives must serve the people all year round. Because we serve the people all year round, we are ready for election anytime.

“PBB has no place for lazy representatives. Those who are lazy can stay only for one term. It has been the culture of PBB to work hard to serve the people so that our chief minister can call for election anytime and PBB representatives will win all the seats for him,” the Petra Jaya MP told The Borneo Post recently.

On the recent speculation that Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem might be calling for state election second half of next year, Fadillah said calling for state election was Adenan’s prerogative.

He affirmed that when Adenan finally decided to call for state election, PBB would back him up just as it had been doing since Adenan took over from former Chief Minister Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud early this year.

Karim gesa PDRM dan FAS peka perkembangan penyokong di laman sosial


KOTA SAMARAHAN: Pihak yang bertanggungjawab terhadap perlawanan bola sepak skuad negeri tidak boleh lalai lagi dalam menguruskan kawalan keselamatan di stadium agar tidak berulangnya kejadian rusuhan penyokong.

Menegaskan perkara tersebut, Menteri Muda Pembangunan Belia (Bandar) Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah berkata polis dan Persatuan Bola Sepak Sarawak (FAS) amnya harus melakukan persiapan yang lebih rapi di dalam aspek keselamatan pada masa akan datang.

“Saya tidak mahu menuding jari kepada sesiapa tetapi saya rasa berlaku kelonggaran terhadap cara mengawal serta mengawasi keadaan keselamatan ketika itu,” katanya berhubung kejadian rusuhan penyokong di stadium yang lepas sehingga memusnahkan harta benda stadium dan juga kenderaan polis.

Beliau ditemui selepas menyempurnakan majlis pengagihan daging korban di Wisma Persekutuan Samarahan di sini, semalam.

Selain itu, Karim berkata FAS dan polis khususnya juga harus peka terhadap perkembangan penyokong bola sepak menerusi laman sosial seperti facebook dan juga blog.

Jelas beliau, kejadian rusuhan penyokong yang lepas merupakan susulan daripada ketegangan penyokong Sarawak di Ipoh semasa menyaksikan perlawanan pasukan negeri menentang tuan rumah, Perak dan ia sudah pun tersebar di laman facebook.

Tanpa disedari, katanya disebabkan momentum balas demdam yang membara di kalangan penyokong Sarawak, ia telah menjadi faktor utama bagi rusuhan tersebut.

Karim - Tanggungjawab semua jaga alam sekitar


Sasar 500 pokok - Usaha MDS pelihara habitat, mewujudkan persekitaran yang kondusif

KOTA SAMARAHAN: Majlis Daerah Samarahan (MDS) menyasarkan menanam 500 pokok setahun, kata Pengerusi Jawatankuasa Tetap Alam Sekitar, Kesihatan Awam dan Pelancongan MDS Dr Chew Kian Peng.

Menurut beliau, inisiatif tersebut merupakan salah satu usaha MDS untuk memelihara habitat dan mewujudkan persekitaran yang kondusif.

“Kami di MDS tidak ketinggalan dalam melaksanakan inisiatif menjaga habitat dengan menyasarkan untuk menanam sebanyak 500 pokok setahun selaras dengan slogan majlis ‘Cantik, Hijau dan Bersih’,” katanya ketika berucap pada sambutan Hari Habitat Sedunia sempena 30 Tahun Gemilang MDS di sini, semalam.

Justeru sempena sambutan tersebut, MDS telah menanam pokok di sekitar jalan berhampiran bangunan baharu Mahkamah Bumiputera dan Majlis Adat Istiadat di Lot Fasa II dan III di sini.

Usaha tersebut turut dijayakan dengan penglibatan agensi kerajaan, pemimpin masyarakat, para pelajar IPTA dan komuniti setempat.

Mengulas mengenai sambutan Hari Habitat Sedunia, Chew berkata ia adalah satu sambutan peringkat global yang dianjurkan oleh semua negara ahli Pertubuhan Bangsa-Bangsa Bersatu (PBB) bagi meningkatkan kesedaran akan kepentingan membangunkan penempatan manusia yang selesa dan kondusif.

“Tujuan Hari Habitat disambut di seluruh dunia adalah untuk memperingati dan menyedarkan kita semua bahawa semua berhak mempunyai tempat tinggal yang selesa dan selamat untuk didiami serta kemudahan asas dan persekitaran yang segar,” katanya.

500 trees to be planted annually for a ‘green’ Samarahan


KOTA SAMARAHAN: Samarahan District Council (SDC) plans to plant 500 trees annually to preserve the habitat and to create a conducive environment for the people.

Abdul Karim holds the sapling he planted in conjunction with World Habitat Day 2014.
Its Environment, Public Health and Tourism Committee chairman Dr Chew Kian Peng said, “We, in SDC, is left behind in implementing an initiative to maintain the habitat by targeting to plant 500 trees per year in line with this event’s slogan of ‘Beautiful, Green and Clean’.”

He said this at the World Habitat Day 2014, held here yesterday in conjunction with SDC’s 30th anniversary. It was officiated at by Assistant Housing Minister cum Asajaya assemblyman Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

In conjunction with the celebration, SDC, government agencies, community leaders, students from public institutions of higher learning, and several locals planted trees along the road near Sarawak Bumiputera Court and Majlis Adat Istiadat’s new building.

On World Habitat Day, Dr Chew said it was a global celebration organised by all United Nations member countries to increase awareness on the importance of providing comfortable and conducive human settlements.

“The objective of Habitat Day is to make all of us realise that everyone has the right to have a comfortable and safe house to live in, as well as access to basic facilities and fresh environment.”

In his speech, Abdul Karim urged the people to help protect the environment.

“The human population is increasing every year and this is also the case in Sarawak, but the natural habitat is decreasing. Therefore, it is the responsibility of all communities to protect the environment.”

Belanjawan 2015 diharap utamakan pembangunan belia: Karim


KOTA SAMARAHAN: Menteri Muda Pembangunan Belia (Bandar) Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah berharap Belanjawan 2015 turut menitikberatkan terhadap pembangunan belia.

“Saya berharap akan melihat lebih banyak dana diperuntukkan bagi aktiviti belia kerana belia adalah harapan kita pada masa depan.

“Untuk itu, kita perlu mengatur aktiviti yang baik kepada mereka agar masa depan negara dan masyarakat menjadi lebih bagus,” katanya kepada pemberita di sini, semalam.


Squatters taken to task for declining flat rental offers


KUCHING: Squatters in and around the city who turned down flat rental offers only have themselves to blame if they received eviction orders from the authority.

Assistant Housing Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the government, through Housing Development Corporation (HDC), had numerous housing projects to resettle those squatting on state and private lands.

One of such projects was RPR Batu Gong Park, along Mile 18 Kuching-Serian Road, but until today only a few of the 500 units available had been occupied.

Abdul Karim, also Asajaya assemblyman, told reporters in Asajaya on Tuesday that the flats were meant for squatters around the city.

“Unfortunately, many of them turned down the offer by giving all kinds of excuses. Since they declined the offer, we now open the flats to those eligible to rent.

Abdul Karim hopes Budget 2015 will be good for Sarawak


KOTA SAMARAHAN: Sarawak needs funds to build affordable houses, basic infrastructure facilities, and for youth activities; thus, it hoped the prime minister will allocate money for all these in Budget 2015.

Assistant Minister of Housing Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, also Asajaya assemblyman, said the state needed to build affordable houses because everyone wanted to own a house.

“The price of houses keeps increasing, and many people will not be able to buy houses if they are to follow the market price. They must be helped, and this requires careful planning by the government,” he told reporters when met at World Habitat Day 2014, held in conjunction with the 30th anniversary of Samarahan District Council, here yesterday.

Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak is slated to table Budget 2015 in Parliament tomorrow.

Abdul Karim said the state also hoped to get more allocations from the federal government for various infrastructure facilities, including buildings and roads, to be built or upgraded.

As the assistant minister of youth development, he also hoped to get money for youth activities.

Wednesday 8 October 2014

500 unit rumah teres di Taman Gong belum diduduki


ASAJAYA: Terletak jauh dari pusat bandar menyebabkan sejumlah 500 unit rumah teres di Taman Gong, Kilometer 30 Jalan Kuching-Serian masih belum diduduki.

Menteri Muda Perumahan Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah berkata, taman perumahan di bawah Skim Rancangan Perumahan Rakyat (RPR) itu tidak mempunyai masalah struktur atau sewa tinggi.

Permasalahan yang timbul menurutnya adalah sikap pemohon yang ditawarkan enggan berpindah ke kawasan pinggir bandar menyebabkan rumah-rumah terbabit kosong walaupun telah siap dua tahun lepas.

“Di bawah skim ini (RPR), pemohon dari kawasan setinggan diberi keutamaan untuk mendapatkan rumah.

“Namun setelah ditawarkan, mereka menolak atas alasan kediaman jauh dari tempat kerja,” katanya.

Beliau berkata demikian kepada pemberita selepas pengagihan daging korban kepada 423 orang di sini, semalam.

Menurut Karim, pemohon hanya dikehendaki membayar sewa sebanyak RM150 sebulan.

‘U Are The 1 Youth Carnival’ promises to be exciting event


KUCHING: The ‘U Are The 1 Youth Carnival 2014’ promises to be an exciting event for the public specifically youths from now until October 12.

SLITHERY DISPLAY: Assistant Minister of Youth Development Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah (right) touches a stuffed python on display at the ‘U Are The 1 Youth Carnival 2014’ in Kuching yesterday. The carnival features a line-up of interesting and fun-filled youth activities and programmes at Padang Merdeka until Sunday (Oct 12). Samariang assemblywoman Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali is at fourth left, while Demak Laut assemblyman Dr Hazland Hipni is at second right.
Abdul Karim (centre) cutting the ribbon to officiate the ‘U Are The 1 Youth Carnival 2014’, witnessed by Dr Hazland (second right), Snowdan (fourth right) and others. — Photos by Chimon Upon

‘PR parties set to fight over seats’

October 8, 2014


SIBU: Pakatan Rakyat (PR) will have its hands full come the next state election, with so many parties in the pact scrambling for the same seats.

With Sarawak Workers’ Party (SWP) now knocking on its door and eyeing Pelagus, Engkilili, Tamin, Kakus, Katibas and Padungan seats, it is inevitable that component parties of PR will cross swords with each other.

PBB Supreme Council member Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah observed: “With the many parties scrambling for the same seats, it’s going to be interesting watching them (DAP, PKR, PAS and now SWP) fighting it out on who to represent PR.”


Monday 6 October 2014

Program Lumba enggau Main KDJA-MLNG mulaika pengeregas raban pemberita gawa


KUCHING: Raban pemberita ari media chelak enggau elektronik sempat mulaika pengeregas ngereja pengawa seraya ke belelak, ngelengkaka komputer, pen enggau ‘tablet’, lalu sama-sama belelak nengah program lumba enggau main ti bisi di atur Gerempung Pemberita Pelilih Menua Kuching (KDJA) begulai enggau Malaysia LNG Sdn Bhd (MLNG).

Program ke diatur Hari Enam tu tadi dipenyadi Menteri Muda Pemansang Nembiak (Nengeri) Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah sereta digulu Chairman KDJA Sulok Tawie, Presiden Gerempung Sarawak Lawn Tennis ti mega pemesai opis ke nyaga Le Park Dato Patrick Liew, Ketuai Corporate Affairs MLNG Norazibah Mohd Rabu enggau Ketuai Nembiak PBB Satok Iskandar Sharkawi.

Abdul Karim dalam jaku iya madah program raban pemberita begulai enggau sebengkah industri minyak enggau gis, sigi dikelaluka laban pengawa lumba enggau main bansa tu ukai semina pengawa CSR (Tanggung Pengawa Rama Korporat) MLNG aja tang seiti pengawa pengerai ke manah ungkup raban pemberita ke endang ditemu seruran gawa enda ngira jam tang patut bisi awak endur betatika pengerai diri empu.

“Pengawa pengerai baka tu ukai pengawa ke sekali setaun digaga tang patut dikemeratka ninting maya, enti ulih ninting hari kitai eksasais.

“Kelimpah ari nya mega, pengawa lumba enggau main bansa tu mai raban pemberita begempung enggau pangan diri bemain,” ku Abdul Karim.

Ba atur pengawa nya mega, Abdul Karim meri geran RM7,000 ngagai KDJA kena gerempung nya bejalaika aktiviti udah tu.

Pengudah bejaku ba atur pengawa nya, Abdul Karim ti mega nyadi Menteri Muda Pengawa Berumah dibai begulai enggau bala temuai ke bukai nguluka bala pesereta program betanda ‘Zumba’ diuluka raban Amber Studio, MJC Batu Kawa.

Sunday 5 October 2014

Karim reminds journalists to practise active lifestyle


Heave-ho as KDJA members pull with all their might in the tug-of-war tussle.
Media go nuts in sunshine on Sports Day at Le’Park

KUCHING: Journalists dumped laptops and tablets to let their feet do the talking at their annual Sports Day at Le’Park, behind civic centre here yesterday.

The outdoor event was organised by Kuching Division Journalist Association (KDJA) in collaboration with Malaysia LNG Sdn Bhd.

Assistant Youth Development (Urban) minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah was delighted to officiate at the event where local print and broadcast media had no issues to raise for a change.

“This is a great activity that brings journalists together to strengthen ties and at the same time exercise and work out to keep healthy and rejuvenate the body and mind,” he said.

“It is very important for all of us to practise an active lifestyle despite our busy schedules to maintain a healthy body and mind,” Abdul Karim advised.

He also announced a RM7,000 fund to support KDJA in carrying out more activities to benefit its members.

Later, Abdul Karim together with Sarawak Lawn Tennis Association (SLTA) president Dato Patrick Liew and KDJA president Sulok Tawie joined a Zumba workout with journalists under the guidance of several instructors.

Salam Aidil Adha


Saturday 4 October 2014

Syabas pasukan Samarahan

October 4, 2014

GEMBIRA: Aidel (barisan belakang tiga kanan), Abdullah, Abdul Karim dan Haidel meraikan kejayaan pasukan Samarahan menjuarai Piala Sarawak 2014 bersama jurulatih dan pemain-pemain.
KUCHING: Penaung Per-satuan Bola Sepak Samara-han (PBBS), Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah melahirkan rasa bangga dengan kejayaan pasukan Samarahan menjuarai Piala Sarawak 2014.

Beliau yang juga Menteri Muda Pembangunan Belia (Bandar) berkata, penan-tian selama enam tahun untuk mengecapi semula trofi berprestij itu menjadi realiti berkat kegigihan serta komitmen persatuan, juru-latih dan pemain-pemain sendiri.

“Saya berharap kejuaraan Piala Sarawak terus kekal di Samarahan pada kejohanan akan datang,” katanya pada majlis meraikan kejayaan pasukan itu di sini malam kelmarin.

“Jika kita fokus, tiada apa yang dapat menghalang kita untuk terus mencapai ke-jayaan,” tambahnya.

Abdul Karim yang juga Ahli Dewan Undangan Neg-eri (ADUN) Asajaya berkata, kejayaan itu turut dikongsi semua warga Samarahan yang amat mengharapkan pasukan itu dapat mengem-balikan zaman kegemilangan seperti yang pernah mereka kecapi dahulu.

Tambahnya, pemain-pe-main harus mengekalkan keyakinan dan semangat perjuangan tinggi agar ke-juaraan terus berada dalam genggaman mereka sampai bila-bila.

Pada majlis sama, jurulatih dan pemain-pemain meneri-ma habuan insentif keme-nangan yang disampaikan oleh Abdul Karim.

Keselamatan Karnival Belia dijamin


KUCHING: Anggota polis akan ditempatkan di sekitar Padang Merdeka sepanjang Program Karnival Belia ‘You Are The 1’ 2014 sebagai jaminan keselamatan kepada para pengunjung khasnya golongan belia.

Perkara itu ditegaskan Menteri Muda Pembangunan Belia, Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah yang meminta agar anggota pasukan keselamatan itu tidak mengenakan pakaian seragam sewaktu menjalankan tugas mereka pada program itu kelak.

“Saya sendiri telah memberitahu mereka (pihak polis) bahawa saya tidak mahu melihat ramai dalam kala-ngannya mereka memakai baju seragam polis kerana ia akan menimbulkan rasa kurang senang kepada para pelawat.

“Lebih baik sekiranya mereka bergaul dengan orang ramai dan tidak perlu risau dengan keselamatan sewaktu berada di sana.

“Apatah lagi, sekiranya terdapat muzik, kita tidak boleh menghentikan golo-ngan belia daripada menjadi diri mereka sendiri. Mereka boleh menari,” ujarnya pada sidang media program berkenaan di pejabatnya, semalam.

Beliau berkata, tiada sebarang sekatan jalan raya dilakukan pada hari ber-kenaan, namun kemungkinan beberapa jalan akan ditutup sementara untuk memberi laluan bagi kedatangan tetamu kehormat negeri.

Majlis pembukaan program itu akan dirasmikan oleh Abdul Karim yang akan diiringi konvoi 100 kereta dan motosikal berkuasa besar dan persembahan daripada pemuzik Kementerian Pembangunan Sosial (KPS) dan ‘buskers.’

Sarawak ready to shatter world retro walk record


KUCHING: Sarawak is confident of smashing the Guinness World Record for the largest number of retro walk participants, which is currently held by Germany with 1,507 participants.

Assistant Minister of Youth Development (Urban Areas) Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the response to the retro walk to be held in conjunction with the Youth Carnival 2014 has been overwhelming.

“Thus far, we have over 2,000 on record for the retro walk on Oct 11 and we hope to see the record being broken by Malaysia, particularly by Sarawakians,” he told a news conference yesterday.

The Guinness World Record was previously held by China with 1,039 participants.

On Oct 11, more than 2,000 youths and individuals of all ages are expected to gather at Grand Margherita Hotel at 7.30am for the 1km retro walk.

Assistant Minister of Tourism Datuk Talib Zulpilip is scheduled to launch the event.

Karim said the retro walk would be one of the major events for the week-long carnival themed ‘You Are The 1’ to take place at Padang Merdeka from Monday to the following Sunday (Oct 6-12).
S

Friday 3 October 2014

‘BN can make inroads into opposition-held constituencies’


SIBU: Barisan Nasional (BN) can make inroads into constituencies held by the opposition if the contesting BN component is focused and united in their desire to win.

A PBB supreme council member Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said this in response to whether BN would likely recapture several urban seats come the next election.

“No constituency is too strongly held by any party that it could not be ‘captured’. This applies to existing opposition-held seats or BN seats,” said Abdul Karim, who is Assistant Minister of Youth Development and Asajaya assemblyman.

He added that no party could claim a certain constituency was already theirs until the people had cast their votes.

“Winning or losing a seat depends on many things, among others, the people’s mood, performance of the party, the choice of candidate, the party machinery manning the election campaign, and so on.”

SUPP Kota Sentosa chairman Lo Khere Chiang reportedly said wresting back Kota Sentosa seat from the opposition was not an impossible task for them (SUPP).

However, Lo admitted it would be an uphill battle, saying the decision laid with the electorate and hoped the people would return to support SUPP and BN so that they would no longer lose out in terms of government grants.