‘More direct flights from China, South Korea, Taiwan possible’

August 29, 2017

SIBU: The Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports is studying the feasibility of direct flights connecting state with other destinations in China, along with South Korea and Taiwan, to boost tourist arrivals.

This was disclosed by its minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah yesterday when asked if there were plans to have direct flights between Kuching and other major cities in China besides Shenzhen.

“Of course, we are studying closely other destinations in China, and probably (South) Korea as well as Taiwan, which are feasible for future flights,” he said.

Galeri: 20th Malaysian Orphans Welfare Organisation (Peyatim) Tilawah Al-Quran and Nasyid competition

August 28, 2017

Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg presents a memento to a representative of one of the participating contingents. Looking on are Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Assistant Minister of Rural Electricity Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi (left), Sarawak Islamic Council president Datu Misnu Taha (third right),  Peyatim president Datuk Dr Tengku Mahmud Mansor (second right) and other guests-of-honour.

State to provide permanent space for artists

August 27, 2017

(From right) Melton introduces some of the artworks on display to Abdul Karim.

KUCHING: The state government will help to set up a permanent gallery for artists in Sarawak to showcase their work.

Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said this is in line with efforts to turn Kuching into a city with a soul.

“With the upcoming Sarawak Museum Campus soon, we will look into having an arts and crafts section from Sarawak, while at the same time considering nearby buildings to be turned into an arts centre too,” he said when opening the SS Connection 2017 art exhibition, which features artists from Sarawak and Sabah, at Galleria Wesberly House on Friday.

State govt mulls tourism as agenda in MA63 discussion

August 26, 2017

KUCHING: The state government is considering tourism as part of its agenda in the ongoing discussion with the federal government on devolution of state rights.

According to Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, when the Malaysian Agreement 1963 (MA63) was signed, tourism was not listed under the federal constitution.

“It was in 1985 that we finally set our own tourism ministry, whereas the federal government only set theirs in 1994,” he told reporters after officiating at the Pre Asia Pacific Orchid Conference here yesterday.

‘Research on rare orchid species vital’

August 26, 2017 

Abdul Karim (centre), Jumaini (on Karim’s right) and participants of Pre APOC 2017 in a photo-call.

KUCHING: The selection of Sarawak for the pre-Asia Pacific Orchid Conference (Apoc) is timely as Sarawak is rich in flora and fauna and at the same time, is blessed with rare and unique orchid species.

According to Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, the conference here serves as a prelude to the 13th Apoc in 2019 and would give an insight of what this city has to offer to the delegates.

“Many of the (orchid) species available in this region are part of our natural heritage and tourist attraction. Thus, research on these species is vital to ensure that they would remain endemic,” said Abdul Karim.

Kuching to host International Summit on Peace next month

August 26, 2017

KUCHING: The International Summit on Peace, scheduled to run from Sept 6 to 8, will highlight unique pathways to empower individuals in advancing peace in their distinct communities.

Driven by Junior Chambers International (JCI) with the support from the state government, the summit will gather more than 800 JCI members and representatives of social and youth organisations around the world at the state capital as a prelude to the International Day of Peace, which falls on Sept 21.

“As Malaysia’s only ‘City of Unity’, peace is very much a part of the Kuching’s DNA.

Govt should relook drug prevention programmes – Karim

August 26, 2017

SIBU: The present drug prevention programmes and strategies ought to be relooked at, says Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

He said this is to ensure that the programmes and strategies would effectively impact the targeted groups.

Abdul Karim, who is also Malaysian Drug Prevention Association (Pemadam) Sarawak chairman, was commenting on Minister of Welfare, Community Well Being, Women, Family and Childhood Development

Over 4,000 local, international bikers for KIBW 2017

August 25, 2017

Abdul Karim (centre) with (from right) Twite, Elly, Ong and Silas giving their thumbs-up during a photo-call. 

KUCHING: Some 4,000 bikers from around Borneo, as well as Australia, New Zealand and the United States, are expected at the Kuching International Bike Week (KIBW) 2017 to be held at CityONE Megamall here from Oct 13 to 15.

Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the state government and his ministry are fully supporting the event.

“I believe this will be a grander event than the one organised in 2015 and we will have no problem bringing in the number of participants.

‘State govt to work with property owners in promoting Siniawan Night Market’

August 21, 2017

Abdul Karim rides a horse at the launch of the festival.

BAU: The state government will collaborate with property owners in promoting Siniawan Night Market as a cultural heritage tourist attraction.

Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said they could come up with plans to further promote the weekend night market.

He said the government could serve as the backbone to provide assistance to property owners at the night market with an ultimate aim of preserving the two rows of old shop houses.

No need to see Nazri over Tourism Tax issue – Abdul Karim

August 18, 2017

KUCHING: Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah says there is no need for the state government to go and see his federal counterpart to discuss the Tourism Tax issue.

Instead, he suggested that Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz come to see Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg to explain the issue.

“He should come over to Sarawak, talk to our Chief Minister. I will wait for him at the airport if he needs me to welcome him.

Youths urged to attend TEDxKenyalang

August 18, 2017

Abdul Karim (left) launches the TEDxKenyalang. Zaiwin and van Piggelen are at second left and third left respectively.

KUCHING: Sarawak youths are encouraged to attend the TEDxKenyalang programme here in November.

The programme is beneficial to the youths as they can engage among themselves in healthy activities and be inspired by those who are already successful in their respective field.

Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youths and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said several dynamic speakers, who are successful in their own field, had been invited to give talks at the event.

Belia dipelawa memeriahkan program TEDxKenyalang

August 18, 2017

UNTUK BELIA: Karim (kiri) menurunkan tandatangan dan ucapan kepada belia di atas papan yang disediakan sambil disaksikan Zaiwin selepas sidang media di Kuching, semalam.

KUCHING: Belia di negeri ini dipelawa sama-sama memeriahkan program TEDxKenyalang Ke-2 pada 25 dan 26 November akan datang di Pusat Konvensyen Borneo Kuching (BCCK).

Menurut Menteri Pelancongan, Kesenian, Kebudayaan, Belia dan Sukan Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, penganjuran program seumpama itu memberi manfaat kepada para belia khasnya, di mana ia menjadi wadah untuk berkongsi pengalaman serta buah fikiran selain mendengar inspirasi yang turut akan dikongsikan oleh golongan profesional yang dijemput selaku penceramah.

“Kita sedia maklum bahawa senarai penceramah yang telah dimaklumkan oleh penganjur, semuanya daripada barisan individu yang telah berjaya.

16 Sarawak Sports Awards to be given out on Sept 2

August 17, 2017

Karim (centre) speaking to reporters while (from second left) Ong, Snowdan, Ik Pahon and MSNS assistant director Abdul Muktalib Mohamad look on during the press conference.

KUCHING: The Sarawak State Sports Council (MSNS) have shortlisted 79 from the 160 entries received for the 2015-2016 Sarawak Sports Awards to be held at Riverside Majestic Hotel on Sept 2.

“The Sarawak Sports Awards is held every two years by the State government to recognise individuals, sports associations and related bodies who have rendered their services, contribution and leadership towards sports advancement,” said Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah yesterday.

“The awards is also to recognise the efforts of our reporters and photographers in providing coverage for local and international sports events in the country,” he added at the press conference after chairing a selection committee panel meeting at his office at Bangunan Baitul Makmur in Petra Jaya.

Karim ‘mempelawa’ Nazri ke Sarawak jelaskan pembahagian kutipan Cukai Pelancongan

August 17, 2017

KUCHING: Menteri Pelancongan, Kesenian, Kebudayaan, Belia dan Sukan Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah ‘mempelawa’ Menteri Pelancongan dan Kebudayaan Malaysia Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz datang ke Sarawak untuk menjelaskan mengenai pembahagian kutipan Cukai Pelancongan yang akan berkuat kuasa 1 September depan di seluruh negara.

Karim berkata demikian ketika diminta mengulas komen Nazri kelmarin bahawa Sabah dan Sarawak boleh menghubungi beliau daripada mengeluarkan kenyataan menerusi media sekiranya kurang jelas mengenai Cukai Pelancongan yang baharu diperkenalkan itu.

“Kita tidak memulakannya, kita hanya komen kenyataan beliau (Nazri). Dia sendiri yang mengatakan kutipan Cukai Pelancongan akan dibahagi sama rata kepada Semenanjung Malaysia, Sabah dan Sarawak.

52 Sarawakians for 29th SEA Games

August 17, 2017

KUCHING: Diving diva Pandelela Rinong Pamg and swimming sensation Welson Sim Wee Seng will spearhead Sarawak’s charge for national glory at the 29th SEA Games in Kuala Lumpur from Aug 19-30.

Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said yesterday that 52 Sarawakians are included in the finalised list provided by the National Sports Council.

“There were only 43 athletes in the name list that was announced earlier last week and now the number of 52 athletes is the final list,” he told reporters after chairing a selection committee panel meeting on the Sarawak Sports Awards for 2015-2016 at Bangunan Baitul Makmur, Petra Jaya yesterday. 

Explain tourism tax to Sarawak, Sabah, Nazri told

August 17, 2017

KUCHING: Minister of Tourism and Culture Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz has been asked to explain the mechanism of the tourism tax to the Sarawak and Sabah state governments.

Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the state governments of East Malaysia deserve an explanation from him.

“Is it so difficult for Nazri to go to Sabah and Sarawak and explain the mechanism of how this tourism tax is to be shared? He is most welcome to visit Sarawak to do it,” he told The Borneo Post yesterday.

Karim blasts Nazri over tourism tax

August 16, 2017

KUCHING: Tourism and Culture Datuk Nazri Aziz should look at Sarawak and Sabah from a different perspective and not to equate them with states in Malaya, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said today.

He made the comment when reacting to Nazri’s call for Sarawak and Sabah to come and see him on the tourism tax distribution.

Sarawak and Sabah governments have expressed their unhappiness with Nazri for saying that the two states would receive RM1 for every RM10 collected from tourism tax.

Why so difficult for Nazri to come here to explain about tax, Karim asked

August 16, 2017

KUCHING: The Sarawak and Sabah Governments deserve an explanation from Tourism and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz on the mechanism on how the tourism tax is to be shared, said Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

“Is it so difficult for Nazri to go to Sabah and Sarawak and explain the mechanism of how this tourism tax is to be shared? He is most welcome to visit Sarawak to do it,” he told The Borneo Post today.

Abdul Karim said, by right, Nazri should explain to the two state governments or at least to their chief ministers as to why they are being treated ‘on par’ with the other states when it comes to division of the proceed of the tourism tax.

Galeri: Friendly Football Match

August 16, 2017

Datuk Karim Abdul Rahman Hamzah performs the kickoff.

Ministry to consider request for hockey pitch in Dalat -Karim

August 13, 2017

Karim (centre) with Claudia on his right and guests pose with the winners and organisers after the prize presentation.

KUCHING: The Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports will look into the request from SMK Dalat for a hockey pitch to be built in Dalat.

Its minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the request by the school showed that there are many hockey enthusiasts in that district.

He also learnt from former state players in Dalat that the sport is fast gathering strength in the district.

Kuching-Hong Kong flight may be revived, says Abdul Karim

August 12, 2017

SIBU: Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports will need to look into the reasons for the termination of Kuching-Hong Kong direct flight before deciding whether to revive the route.

Flights between Kuching and Hong Kong operated by Hong Kong Airlines (HKA) were cancelled in February this year.

“We will need to see why HK direct flight was terminated. If it were low load problem, then it might not be worthwhile to pursue its revival. If the demand for this sector is big, we will definitely try to revive it…,” the Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah told The Borneo Post yesterday.

SLTA line up four major tennis events

August 12, 2017

Liew presents details of the upcoming tournaments to Karim while SLTA committee, events organising committee and Sports Unit head of the ministry Zul Usup (second right) look on.

KUCHING: The Sarawak Lawn Tennis Association (SLTA) will be organising four major tournaments from September to November this year.

They are the 12th ATF Asian 14/U Series from Sept 13-17, the 30th Sarawak Chief Minister’s Cup (II) ITF Junior Circuit (Grade 3) from Oct 10-15, the ITF Men’s Pro Circuit US$15,000 from Oct 16-22 and the Genting Tennis Malaysia National Circuit Sarawak Open from Nov 8-12.

Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, who announced this yesterday, said he was happy to see SLTA continuing to organise a series of both local, national and international tennis events every year.

Govt plan for rugby at Sarawak Sports Complex

August 12, 2017

SIBU: The state government has a plan to construct a permanent rugby field beside the Sarawak Sports Complex in Kuching, said Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah yesterday.

He disclosed this following Sarawak Rugby Union’s (SRU) appeal to the government for state land to build a rugby field so that the sport has a permanent home.

SRU president Richard Song made the request during the closing ceremony of the 3rd Brother Albinus Rugby Challenge Cup here last weekend.

Karim wants international sporting events to benefit local athletes

August 12, 2017

Liew presents details of the upcoming tournaments to Karim (fourth right) while SLTA committee, events organising committee and Sports Unit head of the ministry Zul Usup (second right) look on.

KUCHING: Sarawak is not only interested to be a hot spot for sports tourism in the region but also wants the local athletes to benefit from any sporting event organised here.

This was stressed by the Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah at a press conference at his office at Bangunan Baitul Makmur yesterday.

"By organising international sports events,  we are not only promoting sports tourism but also working towards in making Sarawak a sports powerhouse,” said the minister as quoted by The Borneo Post.

Pekit tenis diatur SLTA nyaup ngelaku dagang temuai di nengeri tu: Karim

August 12, 2017

KUCHING: Pekit tenis ke diatur Sarawak Lawn Tennis Association (SLTA) dalam timpuh betaun ke udah nyaup ngelaku dagang temuai di nengeri tu.

Menteri Dagang Temuai, Nembiak, Seni, Main Asal enggau Lumba Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah madah, SLTA udah mujur mai beratus iku pemain tenis baikka nya ari dalam enggau luar tama ke Sarawak.

“Atur tu nyadi seiti agi chara kitai ngangkatka lumba enggau main nyadi seiti agi bengkah dagang temuai.

‘National parks need to be under Ministry of Tourism’

August 11, 2017

Acea president Datuk Stanley Ling (second right) presenting Abdul Karim (centre) with a token of appreciation during the conclusion of the Malaysia-Thailand business networking and sharing forum. Also seen are the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Thailand to Malaysia Damrong Kraikruan (second left), Wee (left) and forum moderator and political secretary to the Chief Minister, Michael Tiang Ming Tee (right).

KUCHING: There is a need for the state’s national parks to be placed under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports.

Speaking at the Malaysia-Thailand business networking and sharing forum at Hilton Kuching yesterday, its minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said that he planned to promote Sarawak as far as possible in order to bring in more tourists by bringing up the standards of all tourist facilities.

“Hotels must be there, and parks must be up to standard. Unfortunately, that part (national parks) is not very satisfactory yet, and I will look very seriously into it.

Sarawak wants not less than 30%

August 11, 2017

PETALING JAYA: Sarawak minister Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah says it is unfair for the state to get only 10% of the tourism tax collected there, and that it wants at least 30%.

Speaking at an event in Kuching yesterday, the tourism, arts, culture, youth and sports minister said Sarawak had been “kind enough” to let the federal government take the lion’s share of the the tax collected.

“But don’t give us back only 10%. RM1 out of RM10 is not fair.

More tourist arrivals this year compare with last year

August 10, 2017

KUCHING: The current total number of tourist arrivals from Peninsular Malaysia and beyond to the state are already surpassing last year's figure.

According to the Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, 561,532 Peninsular Malaysians have visited Sarawak this year compared with 456,471 visitors in the whole of last year.

AirAsia Head of Commercial Spencer Lee (second right) presents a souvenir in the form of the Kuching-Langkawi flight route to Karim while Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) chairman Datuk Abdul Wahab Aziz (second left) and AirAsia staff look on.

He also disclosed that the state recorded a total of 1,146,601 visitors so far this year compared to 873,471 for the whole of last year.

‘Golden Bridge not a threat to ‘perahu tambang’ operators’

August 10, 2017

KUCHING: The ‘perahu tambang’ or river taxi business will not be affected by the soon to be completed Golden Bridge linking the State Legislature Assembly building to Kuching Waterfront.

As such, river taxi operators should not be worried about the Golden Bridge as it serves  a different purpose, assured Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

“People living in the villages at Petra Jaya will definitely still want to use the river taxi or ‘perahu tambang’ as it is a faster way to get to Kuching City and vice versa. The operator can still continue giving such services to the public,” he said when contacted by The Borneo Post yesterday.

Sarawak to resolve shortage of tourist guides

August 09, 2017

KUCHING: The Sarawak tourism, arts, culture, youth and sports ministry will try to resolve the shortage of trained and registered tourist guides in the state.

The assurance came from its minister, Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, who said Sarawak needed more trained tourist guides to handle the state’s growing tourism industry.

“I have yet to go into the details of the problem but I was made to understand that we are facing a shortage of tourist guides,” he told reporters at a press conference here today.

43 Sarawakians in SEA Games 2017

August 09, 2017

Karim reveals the list of state athletes who will represent Malaysia in the upcoming SEA Games.

KUCHING: Forty-three athletes from Sarawak will represent Malaysia in the upcoming 29th SEA Games in Kuala Lumpur from Aug 19-30.

According to Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, they will be competing in athletics, cycling, football, volleyball, wushu, diving, tennis, rugby, squash, swimming and gymnastics.

Ariana Nurminda Ariffin, the nation’s top BMX cyclist, will be among those aiming for a gold medal in Kuala Lumpur.

During a press conference at Bangunan Baitulmakmur yesterday he also highlighted several state athletes such as Olympians swimmer Welson Sim Wee Seng who competed in the 2016 Rio Games and diver Tracy Vivien Tukiet who competed in the 2012 London Games.

43 atlet Sarawak terpilih: Karim

August 09, 2017

WAKIL NEGARA: Abdul Karim menunjukkan senarai atlet-atlet Sarawak mewakili negara pada Sukan SEA 2017 di Kuala Lumpur.

KUCHING: Seramai 43 atlet Sarawak terpilih dalam senarai awal kontinjen negara yang akan bertanding pada temasya Sukan SEA 2017 (KL2017) dari 19 hingga 30 Ogos ini di Kuala Lumpur.

Menteri Pelancongan, Kesenian, Kebudayaan, Belia dan Sukan, Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah berkata mereka yang tersenarai adalah sebahagian daripada 876 atlet negara yang akan berentap dalam 38 acara sukan pada temasya itu.

Bagaimanapun, beliau menjangka jumlah atlet Sarawak bertanding pada temasya dwitahunan itu akan meningkat sebaik beberapa acara sukan mengumumkan senarai terakhir atlet mereka dalam masa terdekat.

Over 340 swimmers, 39 new records at Kotas Meet

August 8, 2017

Karim (fourth left) presents the challenge trophy to St Joseph’s Private School team manager Father Alvin Ng (fourth right) and captain Anthony Kho while (from right) Kwon, Kong, Wee, Chai and Ong look on.

KUCHING: Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah was very impressed with the increasing number of participants in the 7th Samarahan-Kuching Divisions Primary & Secondary Inter-School Swimming Championships at the Sarawak Aquatic Centre in Petra Jaya over the weekend.

More than 340 swimmers from 48 primary and secondary schools from Kuching and Samarahan competed in the annual meet organised by Kota Samarahan Amateur Swimming Association (Kotas) and 39 new meet records were created.

(From left) Darlene Aliya, Janessa Liew Jia Yi, Genevieve Liew Zhi Ni and Faustina Kow from SK Green Road upset traditional champions from the Chung Hua Primary Schools in the primary schools girls 4x50m relay with a time of 2:33.05.

“We are in the process of making Sarawak a sports powerhouse and swimming is one of the sports that we are really hoping to deliver and I am happy to see so many committed parents from Kuching, Samarahan, Sibu and Miri who are always with their children in the early morning or late at night to ensure that their children attend training,” Karim said.

Karim wants more arts incorporated into Kuching city

August 7, 2017

Abdul Karim (second left) presents the first prize to Wong. Also seen are Chung (second right) and Chan (right).

KUCHING: Sarawak Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports wants to see more arts incorporated into the development of Kuching to make the city livelier.

“We want Kuching to develop, not to be a concrete jungle of squarish buildings, but to have art elements in the design and architecture,” said its minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, as reported by The Borneo Post, during a prize presentation ceremony for the second 'Kuching For Me' contest.

Abdul Karim (back row, third left), Chung (back row, fourth left), Chan (back row, third right), Abang Abdul Wahap (back row, left), guests, local artists and contest winners pose for a group photo.

He added: “It is good to see developers have this kind of feeling and passion for art incorporated into their development projects. 

‘Sarawak needs to develop tourism industry to sustain its economy’

August 8, 2017

Abdul Karim (third right), flanked by (from left) Rentap, Rosemarie and Zuraini, looks at the souvenirs on sale at the Marian Boutique Lodging House. 

KUCHING: Sarawak has to keep moving forward in developing the tourism industry to sustain its economy because the state cannot cut its forests forever to extract timber and set up oil palm plantations to bring in revenue, Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg said.

“As tourism has been a major contributor to the economy of many countries, the state has to develop it to make it a mainstay of our state’s economy,” he said at the grand opening of the Marian Boutique Lodging House here yesterday, adding the state has to find other ways to ensure its economy is sustainable.

Abdul Karim (third right) rings the bell to officially launch the Marian Boutique Lodging House. Bolly is at fourth right, Zuraini (fifth right) and Rosemarie (sixth right).

His text of his speech was read by Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youths and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

World Scout Conference 2020 can boost country’s tourism industry

August 7, 2017

KUCHING: The Scouts Association of Malaysia wants to bid for the rights to host the 2020 World Scout Conference in Kuala Lumpur, not only for the benefit of the movement but also because it will help boost the country’s tourism industry.

Chief Scout of Malaysia Tan Sri Dr Shafie Mohd Salleh, in citing the relocation of the World Organisation of the Scout Movement (WOSM) headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, to Menara Sentral Vista in Kuala Lumpur, said they had been busy organising various activities.

Shafie (left) presents a medal and certificate to veteran Sarawak Scout member Muhammad Su’ut Amin. The 89-year-old was among over 1,500 Scouts taking part in the Mount Serapi Climbathon at Kubah National Park near Kuching yesterday.

“When we succeeded in making Malaysia the WOSM headquarters, Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz (Minister of Tourism and Culture) commended us,” he said, adding that if the Scouts from the Arab countries came to Malaysia, they would come in large numbers and would spend big.

Bone-cancer patient’s wish fulfilled with plane ride

August 6, 2017

KUCHING: It was all smiles for 11-year-old bone cancer stage 4 patient Nur Hafifa Mohd Suhaimi after her wish to visit Sarawak and board a plane came true recently.

Nur Hafifa, who was diagnosed with the condition since Jan 2016 had dreams of boarding a plane from Kuala Lumpur to visit Sarawak.

Zuraini (second left) together with Hafifa on board the Sarawak River Cruise.

She was accompanied by her family during the visit and while here she visited the Astana, State Legislative Assembly (DUN) building, Cat Museum and Sarawak Cultural Village in Santubong.

Sarawak international tenpin bowling set to attract 500 bowlers

August 5, 2017

Karim (third right), Snowdan (third left) with (from right) Zul, Ong, Lu and Ting at the press conference.

KUCHING: More than 500 bowlers from 13 countries are expected to compete in the Sarawak International Open Tenpin Bowling Championship at Megalanes Sarawak E-Mart Batu Kawa from Sept 6 to 9.

They include Malaysia, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, India, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Philippines, Indonesia, China, Thailand and Singapura.

At least 120 local bowlers are also expected to take part in the championship which was revived after a lapse of 19 years.

Kuching to host Sarawak International Bowling Championship 2017

August 4, 2017

KUCHING: The Amateur Bowling Association of Sarawak (ABBAS) jointly with the Sarawak State Sports Council (MSNS) will host the Sarawak International Open Tenpin Bowling Championship 2017 from Sept 6-9 here.

Sarawak Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said more than 500 athletes from 13 countries, including 120 from Sarawak will be participating in the championship to be held at the Megalanes Bowling Centre.

Sarawak bowler Musayyar Khalid in action. File Photo

He said the players are from Australia, Japan, South Korea, India, Hong Kong, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, the Philippines, Indonesia, China, Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia.