Sultan of Brunei to grace Sarawak Regatta 2017 on Nov 19

October 31, 2017

Abdul Karim (fourth left) witnesses the presentation of a mock cheque for RM500,000 from Petronas Sarawak regional general manager Shamsur Taha (third left) to Kuching Resident Shukarmin Chasemon (fourth right). Also seen is Ik Pahon (third right).

KUCHING: Sultan of Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah will grace the Nov 19 race of the Sarawak Regatta-Kuching Waterfront Festival 2017.

This was announced by Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah after the cheque presentation from sponsors at the ministry’s office in Bangunan Baitulmakmur here yesterday

The annual event will run from Nov 10 to 19 this year, highlighting its key events – the headline regatta (Nov 17-19) and International Dragon Boat Race (Nov 10-12).

Regata Sarawak 2017 dari 10 hingga 19 November ini

October 31, 2017

TERIMA KASIH: Abdul Karim menyaksikan penyerahan tajaan daripada Petronas kepada Residen Bahagian Kuching, Shukarmin Chasemon sambil disaksikan tetamu lain di Kuching, semalam.

KUCHING: Temasya sukan air popular di negeri ini, Regata Sarawak 2017 kembali lagi dengan menawarkan hadiah wang tunai berjumlah RM10,000 untuk Raja Sungai.

Menteri Pelancongan, Kesenian, Kebudayaan, Belia dan Sukan, Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah berkata temasya sukan air itu bermula dari 10 hingga 19 November ini dengan pelbagai acara menarik disediakan.

Beliau menjelaskan, antara acara menjadi tumpuan Perlumbaan Perahu Naga Antarabangsa bermula dari 10 hingga 12 November menyaksikan 21 pasukan telah menghantar penyertaan.

Karim's ministry feels deeply honoured with Scoot's decision

October 31, 2017

Passengers and crew on Scoot’s inaugural flight to Kuching with members of Sarawak cultural troupe in traditional wear. Also seen are Datu Ik Pahon (third left), Mary Wan (second left), and Vinod (right).

KUCHING: The Sarawak Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Ministry felt deeply honoured with Scoot's - a low-cost arm of the Singapore Airlines Group - decision to choose Kuching as its first destination in East Malaysia.

Its minister, Datuk Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, in his press statement as published by The Borneo Post, said the decision would not only offer a new avenue to the state populace as well as the neigbouring state and country to fly to popular destinations, "we are also immensely pleased to welcome Scoot and its passengers from the region and beyond to visit our beautiful state that is a prime destination for culture, nature and adventure tourism."

He added his ministry was confident that "the launch of Scoot’s direct flight between Kuching and Singapore will further help us to promote Sarawak and Kuching as the preferred nature tourism destination.”

Galeri: Signing of MOU between Kuching FA and JiSung Foundation

October 31, 2017

A Seoul-based JiSung Foundation representative Park Sungjong (third right) exchanges a MOU with Kuching FA chairman Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman as Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah (centre) looks on.

Double cheer as Sarawak rugby salute Brother Columba

October 31, 2017

Inaugural Br Columba Memorial Cup champions and coach Zamzy (left) pose with Karim (sixth right) and (from fourth right) Liew, Morshidi, Song and Ong after the prize presentation.

KUCHING: The Sarawak Rugby Union’s (SRU) efforts to rejuvenate rugby in the state has received a tremendous boost with good news from the Sarawak government last Sunday.

Firstly, the Song Kheng Hai Rugby Ground will stay on as a permanent venue for rugby activities.

Secondly, the State government has also decided to build two more rugby pitches at the Sarawak Sports Complex for regional and international tournaments.

Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah conveyed the good news during the closing ceremony of the inaugural Brother Columba Memorial Cup Sevens at Song Kheng Hai Ground on Sunday.

Duty-free zone in Sarawak a viable move — Abdul Karim

October 31, 2017

SIBU: The suggestion put forth by Malaysian Association of Hotels (Sarawak Chapter) secretary-general John Teo Peng Yew on the setting-up of a duty-free zone in the state receives full support from Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youths and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

In his proposal, Teo viewed having a duty-free zone in Sarawak would further enhance state tourism in view of Visit Malaysia Year (VMY) 2020, as announced during the tabling of Budget 2018 last Friday.

Moreover, he said Miri city – specifically Senadin – could be considered as a strategic location for the proposed duty-free zone in that it is near to Brunei and Sabah.

Cukai Pelancongan tidak jejas sektor hospitaliti berskala kecil, kata Karim

October 31, 2017

KUCHING: Pelaksanaan Cukai Pelancongan tidak memberi kesan kepada sektor hospitaliti berskala kecil di negeri ini.

Menteri Pelancongan, Kesenian, Kebudayaan, Belia dan Sukan Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah berkata antaranya, pengusaha inap desa, hotel bajet dan rumah tumpa-ngan.

Malah katanya, cukai itu juga terkecuali untuk pelancong tempatan.

“Saya tidak fikir ia memberi kesan kepada hotel bajet, inap desa dan rumah tumpangan.

Galeri: State-level ‘Youth Day’ celebration in Betong

October 29, 2017

Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg (standing front, fifth right) joins (standing front, from right) Layar assemblyman Gerald Rentap Jabu and his father former deputy chief minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu, Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah and Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah in a photo-call with the youths. Assistant Minister of Youth and Sports Datuk Snowdan Lawan is standing front, at second left.

‘Nothing new in Pakatan’s alternative Budget 2018’

October 27, 2017

KUCHING: The promises made by Pakatan Harapan (PH) in its alternative Budget 2018 has been described as nothing new by Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

According to him, they are sugar-laced promises which they make before every election, which do not contain much substance.

Abdul Karim, who is Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Supreme Council member, said the promises made in the alternative budget looked sweet and juicy but it remained to be seen if the coalition could commit to what was being promised.

Galeri: Diwali Lunch

October 23, 2017

Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud in a light moment with a prominent Indian businessman Shankar Ram Asnani (third left) and others  at the King’s Curry restaurant in Kuching. Also seen are Taib's  wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Raghad Kurdi Taib (right) and Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah (second left). (third left) and others.

Sarawakians must preserve their culture, tradition, heritage as tourism assets, says Abdul Karim

October 22, 2017

Abdul Karim (sixth left) and his wife Zuraini (fifth left) given a special welcome in the Kayan tradition called ‘parap’ on stage during the dinner. Dennis is on seventh left.

KUCHING: Sarawakians must do their best to preserve their culture, tradition and heritage if the state is to welcome more visitors and tourists.

According to Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, the state’s traditional cultures and heritage are important tourism assets which could also benefit the various communities economically.

“Do your best to preserve what you have which is your culture, tradition and heritage. It is not only important for your future generation, but they also can help you earn income,” he said during a dinner organised by the Kuching branch, Sarawak Kayan Association at a local hotel here on Friday.

Sarawakians must preserve their culture, tradition, heritage as tourism assets, says Abdul Karim

October 22, 2017

Abdul Karim (sixth left) and his wife Zuraini (fifth left) given a special welcome in the Kayan tradition called ‘parap’ on stage during the dinner. Dennis is on seventh left.

KUCHING: Sarawakians must do their best to preserve their culture, tradition and heritage if the state is to welcome more visitors and tourists.

According to Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, the state’s traditional cultures and heritage are important tourism assets which could also benefit the various communities economically.

“Do your best to preserve what you have which is your culture, tradition and heritage. It is not only important for your future generation, but they also can help you earn income,” he said during a dinner organised by the Kuching branch, Sarawak Kayan Association at a local hotel here on Friday.

Abang Jo kekal presiden SABERKAS, Abdul Karim timbalan

Oktober 16, 2017

MANTAP: Abang Johari bersama barisan kepimpinan baharu Saberkas 2017-2020

KUCHING: Pertubuhan Belia Bersatu Sarawak (SABERKAS) mengekalkan Ketua Menteri Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari TUn Abang Openg sebagai presiden bagi penggal 2017-2020 menerusi Perhimpinan Tritahunan SABERKAS di sini, semalam.

Bagaimanapun, jawatan timbalan presiden diberikan kepada muka baharu iaitu Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah bagi menggantikan Datuk Roland Sagah Wee Inn yang mengundur diri kerana ingin memberi peluang kepada muka baharu.

Naib presiden juga menyaksikan tiga muka baharu iaitu Dr. Abdul Rahman Junaidi, Dennis Ngau dan Gerald Rentap Jabu termasuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali, yang menang tanpa bertanding.

Minister vows bigger KIBW in 2019

October 16, 2017

(From left) Abdul Karim, Abang Johari and others make their way to the hall for the KIBW 2017 gala dinner. 

KUCHING: The Kuching International Bike Week (KIBW) is set to return on a bigger scale in two years’ time.

Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah pledged to support the event — held every two years — for many more years to come.

“Make sure you (bikers) mark your diary. In two years’ time, come back for a bigger KIBW,” he said when addressing bikers at the KIBW 2017 gala dinner held at a leading hotel here last Saturday.

‘Slamming of Umno-PAS pact by opposition reeks of hypocrisy’

October 15, 2017

SIBU: DAP Sarawak chairman Chong Chieng Jen and state PKR chairman Baru Bian should not become the ‘stooges of unhealthy politics of the west’, and that they need to relook at themselves before questioning Sarawak Barisan Nasional (BN).

In making this statement, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youths and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the condemnation by Chong and Baru of the purported Umno-PAS alliance only showed their hypocrisy, in that PAS was once under the Pakatan pact.

He recalled that when PAS was in Pakatan, it was regarded as a loyal partner and nothing was mentioned about it being ‘an evil party’.

KIBW a roaring success

October 15, 2017

Abdul Karim on his big bike (front, second right) gets ready to lead the convoy for the ‘City Ride’. On his left is Dr Hazland. Performing the flag-off is Chan.

• Minister says the convergence of more than 4,000 bikers on the state’s capital shows it is capable of hosting international big bike events
  
  

  KUCHING: This city has what it takes to become the key destination for high-powered motorcycling event, as shown by the huge turnout for this year’s Kuching International Bike Week (KIBW) with the participation of bikers from foreign countries.

  
  

  According to Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, the KIBW is a unique platform for motorcycling and riding tours enthusiasts.

  
  

  “We see the groups come in droves for the KIBW, which was first held two years ago. We estimate that there are more than 4,000 converging here,” he told thesundaypost before flagging off KIBW 2017’s ‘City Ride’ at Kuching City South Commission (MBKS) headquarters parking lot yesterday.

  
  

Galeri: Tegas Youth Forum

October 15, 2017

Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Dr Abang Johari Tun Openg addresses the media after attending the Tegas Youth Forum. -TheBorneoPost

Sarawak to host two international sporting events in 2019

October 14, 2017

Abdul Karim (third right), Assistant Minister for Youth and Sports Datuk Snowdan Lawan (third left) and Sarawak Sports Corporation chief executive officer Dr Ong Kong Swee (second right) hold the Asia Masters Athletic Championship flag at the press conference yesterday.

KUCHING: Sarawak is preparing to host two international sporting events in 2019.

According to Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah the two events are the 21st Asia Masters Athletic Championship and the World Paralympic Swimming Championship.

“We are glad that Sarawak has been given the opportunity to organise these two prestigious sporting events. Preparation to organise these two events starts now,” he added during a press conference held at a local hotel yesterday.

Golden S Bridge to open to public by year-end — Abdul Karim

October 14, 2017

KUCHING: The Golden Anniversary Bridge – better known as the ‘Golden S Bridge’ – across the Sarawak River will open to public before the end of this year, says Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

Speaking to reporters here yesterday, he said construction works on the bridge nearly reached completion and the government was in the process of deciding when to hold a special ceremony to mark the official public opening – possibly next month or December.

“Members of the public will get to use or visit it soon. The government is also excited to see this new icon of Kuching and Sarawak unveiled,” he added.

Abdul Karim: Sarawak berjaya bida dua kejohanan besar

October 13, 2017

Abdul Karim bersama Snowdan dan Ong (kanan) mengumumkan berita gembira itu pada sidang media di sini pagi tadi.

KUCHING: Sarawak berjaya membida untuk menjadi tuan rumah bagi penganjuran dua kejohanan besar yang bakal diadakan pada 2019 nanti.

Perkara itu diumumkan Menteri Pelancongan, Kesenian, Kebudayaan, Belia dan Sukan Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah pada sidang media di Hotel Grand Margherita Kuching pagi tadi.

Beliau menjelaskan dua kejohanan besar dwi tahunan itu, Kejohanan Olahraga Asian Masters Ke-21 pada Disember dan Kejohanan Renang Dunia Paralimpik pada Julai atau Ogos.

‘Branding Sarawak beads to give it cultural identity and value’

October 13, 2017

Abdul Karim (second left) admiring the bead necklace at a booth of BIBCO 2017. With him are Heidi ( first left) his wife Zuraini Abdul Jabbar (centre), guest of BIBCO 2017 Dato Wee Hong Seng (second right) and Crafthub Sdn Bhd director Rosemarie Wong (first right) .

KUCHING: Beads from Sarawak should be branded as ‘Sarawak Bead’ in order to give the beautiful crafted ornaments a recognition especially its cultural identity and origin.

Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said that with proper branding and identity, Sarawak beads would have more value and become more precious handcrafted ornament.

“This will not only be rewarding to all bead makers and workers in the state but also recognition of their handicraft work which not many can do,” he said before officiating the 5th Borneo International Beads Conference (BIBCO) 2017 at The Waterfront Hotel Kuching yesterday.

No issue in Umno-PAS pact, says Abd Karim

October 13, 2017

State minister welcomes Umno’s overture to PAS if it brings unity, strengthens Barisan Nasional

KUCHING: Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) supreme council member Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah is all for any move that unites Malaysians.

Hence, he saw no issue in United Malays National Organisation (Umno) combining forces with Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (PAS) in Peninsular Malaysia, saying it will make Barisan Nasional (BN) stronger in the coming general election.

“Anything that can bring strength and unity to BN and Malaysia is very much welcome and if this electoral pact could serve that purpose, then why not?” he said when contacted yesterday.

Two international sporting events on the way

October 13, 2017

Abdul Karim (centre), Snowdan (left) and Ong speaking during the press conference.

KUCHING: Sarawak is preparing to organise two international sporting events in 2019.

According to Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, the two events are the 21st Asia Masters Athletic Championship and the World Paralympic Swimming Championship.

“We are glad that Sarawak has been given the opportunity to organise these two prestigious sporting events. Preparation to organise these two events starts now,” he added during a press conference held at a local hotel this morning.

About 4,000 youths to converge on Betong for Youth Day do

October 13, 2017

Abdul Karim (third right) shows the state-level Youth Day celebration logo while (from right) Rentap, Ik Pahon and Snowdan look on.

KUCHING: About 4,000 young people are expected at the state-level Youth Day 2017 to be held at Tan Sri Datuk Amar Stephen Kalong Ningkan Sports Hall in Betong from Oct 27-29.

The event themed ‘Youths catalysts of inspiration, drivers of innovation’ (Belia pencetus inspirasi, pemacu innovasi) is aimed at reaching out to youths and create stronger ties with them to understand and meet their needs as well as provide an avenue for them to interact with the community and their leaders in the spirit of solidarity.

Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg would officiate at the opening ceremony.

4,000 bikers expected at Bikers Week

October 12, 2017

Abdul Karim (seated second left) with Twite on his left and the organising team in a photocall after the conference.

KUCHING: Some 4,000 local and foreign bikers will participate in the second edition of the Kuching International Bikers Week (KIBW) happening at CityOne Megamall from Oct 13 to 15.

The event is supported by the state government and organised by Iron Tiger Bikers Club Kuching.

The first edition of KIBW was held in 2015.

No issue with Umno-PAS electoral pact – Abdul Karim

October 12, 2017

KUCHING: Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) supreme council member Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah sees no issue with Umno combining forces with PAS in Peninsular Malaysia to make BN stronger in the coming general election.

“Anything that could bring strength and unity to BN and Malaysia is very much welcome and if this electoral pact could serve that purpose, then why not?”

“What is important is that the pact must be able to unite Malaysians and not otherwise,” said the state Tourism Arts Culture Youth and Sports Minister when asked to comment on Umno giving the green light to its president Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak to negotiate with PAS leaders on the electoral pact.

The show must go on, says Karim on FAS crisis

October 12, 2017

KUCHING: Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah wants the crisis facing Football Association of Sarawak (FAS) resolved so that Sarawak remains in the Malaysian Football League.

Last Saturday, FAS announced that Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) has denied Sarawak the licence to play in next year’s league due mainly to its failure to meet financial requirements and submit an audit statement from the previous FAS management.

This was followed by a response from the former president Datu Sudarsono Osman who asked the current leadership “not to blame others for your situation.”

Karim wants a sports school for Sarawak

October 12, 2017

Abdul Karim (seated, centre), Snowdan (seated second right) and Ik Pahon (seated, second left) in a photo-call with symposium participants.

KUCHING: Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah wants to see the establishment of a sports school in the state become a reality, as he believed it will help to produce high quality athletes which in long run would catapult the state to be a sports powerhouse in the country.

“I’m a little bit envious of our friends from Sabah, they have got a sports school. We don’t have a sports school in Sarawak. 

"The so-called sports school we have here in Tabuan (Jaya) here does not meet the criteria of a sports school. It is only equivalent to a boarding school,” he said when officiating the 3rd East Malaysia Coaching Symposium and Sports Science Seminar here yesterday.

Solve problems so Sarawak can continue to play in league, FAS told

October 11, 2017

KUCHING: Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah views the problem in Football Association of Sarawak (FAS) with concern, and wants the problem solved so that Sarawak remains in the Malaysian football league.

He said it is not a healthy development to start pointing fingers between the present and past leadership of the association.

“Let there be professionalism on this. If there is a problem about money, take a look at what the problem is. If there is a problem about non-audited statement, then try to get it audited.

‘Tourism Satellite Account good for tourism industry’

October 11, 2017

Abdul Karim (third right) receives a souvenir from Mohd Usir (third left) while others look on.

KUCHING: The state government has put in place the Tourism Satellite Account (TSA), a concept that must be fully understood by industry players for good use.

According to Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Hamzah the TSA was not something new to local tourism players but a good analysis from such data would help improve their overall performance and bring the industry to greater heights.

“The important thing now is to use the account properly as its significance is not only beneficial to tourism players but also in the way we use the account to manage our country.

Ministry mulls ‘Unity Night’ to highlight racial harmony

October 8, 2017

Abdul Karim (back, sixth left) and Wee, on his left, join Fu (back, fifth right) and others in launching the Mid-Autumn Festival Cultural Night 2017 at Hokkien Park in Kuching.

KUCHING: The state Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports is mulling over the feasibility of a ‘Unity Night’ to highlight racial harmony in Sarawak.

Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said his ministry would work on identifying an appropriate date to celebrate the proposed event and bringing up the matter to the state cabinet.

“A ‘Unity Night’ is very applicable for Sarawak where various races are living in harmony and they are tolerant of one another. It’s good to have a celebration like this,” he said during the Mid-Autumn Festival Cultural Night 2017 at Hokkien Park here on Friday.

Seoul Stars to play at Stadium Sarawak on Oct 29

 October 7, 2017

Abdul Karim (centre), Snowdan (fourth, right), Fazruddin (fourth, left), Posa (right) and other officials at the press conference yesterday.

KUCHING: The Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports is asking members of the public to support a charity football carnival involving South Korean celebrities scheduled to be held at the Stadium Sarawak by the end of this month on Oct 29.

According to its minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, the carnival is organised by the Kuching Division Football Association (KDFA) and is endorsed by his ministry.

He also revealed that 19 South Korean celebrities will come to Sarawak to play as a team during the carnival and will play two matches during the carnival.

Study on impact of tourist arrivals in Sarawak vital — Minister

October 7, 2017

Abdul Karim, flanked by Snowdan on his left and Fazzrudin, speaks to reporters at the press conference.

KUCHING: The state government wants to study the impact of having many tourists visiting Sarawak before it negotiates on getting more direct international flights to the state.

According to Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, this study needs special preparations in that the government must first make sure that Sarawak is ready to accommodate a huge amount of visitors.

Speaking during a press conference at his office here yesterday, he pointed out that there is no point of inviting more tourists to Sarawak if the state could not provide the facilities for them.

Impact of tourist arrivals need to be studied before implementing more direct international flights

October 6, 2017

Abdul Karim (second, left) seen speaking to reporters during the press conference.

KUCHING: The state government wants to study the impact of having more tourists visiting Sarawak before negotiating for more direct international flights to the state.

According to State Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, inviting more tourists to the state needs special preparation and the government must first make sure that they are ready to accommodate a large number of them here.

Speaking during a press conference held at his office at the Masja complex today, he pointed out that there was no point of inviting more tourists via direct international flights if the state cannot provide the proper facilities for them.

Minister wants end to politicking in sports

October 6, 2017

KUCHING: Any athlete who wish to excel in sports will get the best support from Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports and the State government.

And it doesn’t matter which association or body he or she is from.

Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the government wants to see sports growing and not politicking in the sports associations.

Galeri: A flag presentation ceremony to State Wushu team

October 6, 2017

Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah (second right, back row), Sarawak Sports Corporation CEO Dr Ong Kong Swee (second left) and Wushu Federation of Sarawak (WFS) deputy president James Ting (right) with the state athletes and coach Lau Hui Wei (left) during the flag presentation.

Abdul Karim: Direct Sibu-Kota Kinabalu flight coming up

October 5, 2017

(From left) Rogayah, Pauline, Soon Koh, Tiong, Mee Sing, Abdul Karim, Hii, Cheng Kiong and Chang Kee at the opening ceremony.

SIBU: The state government is negotiating with AirAsia to have direct flights between Sibu and Kota Kinabalu.

Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, in revealing this, said he’s confident the direct flight would materialise.

“We are still in the process of negotiations. There are seven sectors in Sarawak being negotiated now with AirAsia and one of them is the Sibu-Kota Kinabalu sector.

Ramsay Ong has shown an excellent example of growth and progression - Karim

October 3, 2017

(From left) Marina, Ong, Abdul Karim, Donald, and Choi at the launch of ‘About Ramsay’ yesterday.

KUCHING: The life of an artist is fraught with many challenges and eking out a decent living from your passion of the arts is near impossible, except for a handful of those who managed to dedicate their entire lives to it.

Ramsay Ong is one of those artists whose name instantly evokes recognition, having spent over five decades of his life honing and demonstrating his artistic pursuits in Sarawak and abroad.

Speaking at the launch of ‘About Ramsay – Paintings on Tree Bark’ at the Pullman Hotel lobby yesterday, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said that Ong needed no introduction to the art community of Malaysia.

New reason to visit Kuching

October 2, 2017

Abdul Karim (centre) beats an electronic drum to officially launch WAK 2017. Looking on from left are Curtis, Ik Pahon, Donald and Marina

KUCHING: What About Kuching (WAK) 2017 is the new reason for visitors to book their tickets to Kuching in October – traditionally a slow month in our inbound tourism calendar – to come and meet the city folk doing what they do best.

Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg notes that it has been the spirit of collaboration that has truly marked this festival.

“It is presented by the Sarawak government, through the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports, yet driven by the communities of Kuching. It has seen public-private cooperation with funding and support from private enterprises and various government agencies, facilitating the efforts of ordinary Kuching people.