Visit Sarawak 2019 - Calendar of Tourism Events

Revival of Brunei-Kuching flight will strengthen bilateral ties – Minister

December 30, 2018

Abdul Karim (centre) leads the cake-cutting ceremony to mark the revival of RBA’s Kuching-Brunei flight. With him are (from second left) STB chief executive officer Sharzede Salleh Askor, ministry’s permanent secretary Hii Chang Kee, Aeberli and Brunei Consul General in Kuching, Mohammad Kamaluddin.

KUCHING: The ties between Brunei and Sarawak will be strengthened further with the revival of the Kuching-Brunei route by Royal Brunei Airlines (RBA).

In stating this, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said all this while, Sarawak had been looking left (to Singapore and Kuala Lumpur) for transit flights.

“Now, there is an alternative venue (Brunei) and the tourism packages being offered by RBA are very, very good,” he said at a luncheon to commemorate the flight’s arrival here yesterday.

Abd Karim on why Sarawak’s cultural heritage must be preserved

December 29, 2018

Karim (right) in a photo with Peluk Apeh, one of the last five remaining ring ladies of Kampung Semban.

KUCHING, Dec 29: Protecting and preserving Sarawak’s diverse and unique cultural heritage for the next generation is a collective responsibility of everyone, including the state government, leaders of both political divide, community leaders and people, in general.

In highlighting this, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth, and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah warned that a tradition and heritage could easily die and be lost if they were not properly preserved and protected.

“I hope to see more efforts by all quarters in this society in ensuring the cultural heritage in Sarawak will not be swallowed up as modernisation changed the way we live and the city continues to grow,” he told a press conference to introduce ‘The Last Ring Ladies’ produced by NG Picture at the Old Courthouse here today.

al-Fatihah untuk Allahyarham Awangku Omar Pengiran Jawa

December 27, 2018

Awangku Omar was ‘a very kind man, that is why his demise, we feel the loss so much’.

-Minister of Tourism, Art, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah 

Galeri: Henry Jinep's Christmas open house

December 27, 2018

Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg, flanked by Tasik Biru assemblyman Dato Henry Harry Jinep on his right and Datin Patinggi Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tun Tuanku Bujang, Minister of Tourism Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah and other guests at at Henry’s Christmas open house.

Galeri: Aloysius' Christmas open house

December 27, 2018

Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg with Sarawak Unity Foundation (SUF) chief executive Datu Aloysius J. Dris (third right), Tourism, Art, Culture, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah and  Datu Dr Adi Badiozaman Tuah (right) together with Datin Patinggi Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tun Tuanku Bujang, Datin Teresa Bateman (sixth right), Welfare, Community Well-Being,  Women, Family and Childhood Education Minister,Dato Seri Fatimah Abdullah (seventh right) and the rest of the guests at Aloysius' Christmas open house at Kasuma Resort.

Abdul Karim: Sarawak going for quality tourists

December 21, 2018

KUCHING: Sarawak prefers quality tourists to quantity, says Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

He described quality tourists as those who spend at least four days in the state. He said unlike before, Sarawak has started to see increasing number of quality arrivals, who spent four to five days in the state.

“Before, we had one million visitors from Brunei coming to Sarawak every year, but many of them were more or less weekend visitors, who came to Miri for a day trip.

Fascinating entertainment for New Year countdown

December 21, 2018

Abdul Karim speaks at a press conference. With him is Desmond Douglas Jerukan, Ministry of Tourism principal assistant secretary of planning and development section.

KUCHING: The Sarawak government is organising various interesting activities in conjunction with the New Year Countdown 2019 celebration and the launch of Visit Sarawak Campaign at Kuching Waterfront on Dec 31.

Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah when announcing the event said the entertainment segment will start at 5pm, where members of the public will be entertained throughout the evening until after midnight with captivating activities such as fireworks display, musical water fountain and stage performances by national and local artistes.

He said other fascinating elements like water show, lighting up of the Darul Hana Bridge, 3D imaging and a video show from the Sarawak Tourism Board culminating with the fireworks display at the stroke of midnight are also not to be missed.

Music, fireworks and plenty of entertainment planned for New Year Countdown at Kuching Waterfront

December 20, 2018

Abdul Karim (right) speaking at the press conference, accompanied by Tourism Ministry principal assistant secretary of planning and development Desmond Douglas Jerukan.

KUCHING: The state government is organising various interesting activities in conjunction with the New Year Countdown 2019 celebrations and the launch of Visit Sarawak Campaign Kuching Waterfront on Dec 31.

Minister for Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the entertainment segment will start at 5pm, where members of the public will be entertained throughout the evening until after midnight with captivating activities such as a fireworks display, musical water fountain showcase and stage performances by national and local artistes.

He said other fascinating elements like a water show, lighting up of the Darul Hana Bridge, 3D imaging and a video show from the Sarawak Tourism Board culminating with the fireworks display at the stroke of midnight are also not to be missed.

Think of winning seats for GPS, PDP told

December 14, 2018

KUCHING: Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (BPP) vice president Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah wished that Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) leaders think more of winning seats for Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) rather than only about themselves.

He said PDP president Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing was trying to rock the boat when indicating that PDP would not only be reclaiming three seats – Pakan, Batu Danau and Bekenu – from PBB but also aiming to stake claim on two others held by other components of GPS.

“I fully agree (that Tiong is rocking GPS boat). I hope PDP and Tiong (also Bintulu MP) could think more towards winning for GPS than just for their own (PDP) only,” he said yesterday.

Dr Xavier told not to tamper with Sarawak, Sabah laws

December 13, 2018

SIBU: Federal Minister of Water, Land and Mineral Resources Dr Xavier Jayakumar has been told not to sweep aside laws practised in Sabah and Sarawak as stated in the Malaysia Agreement 1963.

Minister for Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youths and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah yesterday pointed out that Dr Xavier’s suggestion of combining the land codes of Sarawak and Sabah with that of Malaya into a single National Land Code reflects his ignorance and lack of sensitivity to the natives of Sabah and Sarawak, whose rights over Native Customary Land are ‘recognised’ by their Land Code but not in the National Land Code.

In this regard, he added that Sarawak Deputy Chief Minister (DCM)  Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas had correctly stopped and advised Dr Xavier on his inappropriate suggestion.

New routes will boost tourist arrivals in Sibu and Bintulu

December 8, 2018

SIBU: The newly introduced AirAsia’s KK-Sibu and KK-Bintulu sectors will result in an increase in the number of visitors to the two Sarawak towns in particular and the state in general besides making it easier for locals to fly to Sabah or overseas.

Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah told reporters this when asked if the new sectors would boost tourist arrivals for Sibu and Bintulu.

He added: “This is something which Sibu/Bintulu residents as well as his ministry have been asking for a long time too.”

Abdul Karim, who is Asajaya assemblyman, hoped that with the new sectors as well as the just launched Kuching-Tawau four weekly flights, these will further boost the number of visitors either way.

PBB veep wishes UPP ‘all the best’ in name, logo rebranding exercise

December 8, 2018

KUCHING: A Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) leader wishes ‘all the best’ for United People’s Party (UPP) in whatever new name and logo that the latter wishes to choose.

Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, who is also PBB vice-president, sees UPP leaders as those being truly committed to Sarawak, even though the party is not among the founding members of Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS).

“Although they’re not in GPS as a founding member, they subscribe to the same cause which GPS is fighting for,” he said in a statement yesterday.

UPP expects to unveil its new name and new logo at the opening ceremony of its extraordinary delegates conference (EDC) today, set to take place at the Thian Court of Crown Towers at Jalan Pending here.

AirAsia’s Tawau-Kuching route launched

December 6, 2018

Christina (seventh right) and Abdul Karim (eighth right) pose with AirAsia’s Kuching-Tawau route delegation. AirAsia yesterday launched Kuching-Tawau direct flight.

TAWAU: Visit Sarawak Year 2019 receives a boost with the opening of Tawau-Kuching route starting from December 02.

Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, in his speech during the official launching of the new route yesterday said it was also a win-win situation for both Sarawak and Sabah as the destinations are under the Borneo brand.

In addition to that, he was quoted by TheBorneoPost as saying the new route would further enhance the relationship between the two Malaysian states on Borneo Island.

Over 300 international delegates expected to attend 23rd ATA

December 5, 2018

Abdul Karim and ATA chairman Lee Keen Whye (seated, second left) are seen with members of the coordination teams.

KUCHING: Over 300 international delegates from the film and entertainment industry are expected to attend the 23rd Asian Television Awards (ATA) on Jan 11-13 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK).

A press release yesterday said they include the créme de la créme of film producers, directors, performers, host talents, judges, nominees, celebrities, and key sponsors from the participating countries all over Asia.

This event, organised by Asian Television Awards Sdn Bhd and fully supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports, will be televised ‘live’ in 22 countries and is expected to be watched by two billion viewers.

Free Kuching tourist bus service soon

December 4, 2018

Abdul Karim (centre) witnesses the exchange of MoU documents between Khairuddin (second left) and Wong (second right). Also witnessing are Sabariah (right) and Haris Fadzilah. 

KUCHING: Tourists here can expect to enjoy the city’s tourist bus service next year.

This was disclosed by Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, who said the transportation provided specifically for tourists would be free.

“It should be (starting) next year and the bus would be using hydrogen fuel.

Free tourist bus for travelers visiting Kuching

December 3, 2018

Abdul Karim (centre) speaking during the press conference. Also seen are (from left) Wong, Sabariah, Khairuddin and Fadzilah. 

KUCHING: Tourists visiting Kuching may soon be able to board the city’s tourist bus starting next year.

This was revealed by Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah who said the transportation provided specifically for tourists will be free.

“It should be (starting) next year and the bus will be using hydrogen fuel.

Rakyat Sarawak sejati tidak akan khianati Sarawak - Abdul Karim

December 02, 2018

KUCHING: Menteri Pelancongan, Kesenian, Kebudayaan, Belia dan Sukan Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah berkata rakyat Sarawak sejati tidak akan mengkhianati atau menjadi pengkhianat kepada Sarawak.

Sama ada rakyat Sarawak itu pribumi, Melayu atau Cina katanya, mereka akan setia kepada negeri ini.

"Lihatlah penganjur-penganjur dan pemimpin-pemimpin Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (BERSATU) Sarawak, rata-rata adalah ahli parti komponen GPS (Gabungan Parti Sarawak) yang 'dukacita' atau 'usahawan' yang tidak peduli siapa yang mentadbir negeri Sarawak.

"Mereka berharap boleh mendapat kontrak kerajaan persekutuan daripada kerajaan yang baharu.

Govt mulls new sports complex for Miri

December 2, 2018

Abdul Karim (third left) and other guests present a mock cheque to Matassan (second left) who represents the Miri Youth Association.

MIRI: The Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports is considering building a new integrated sports complex here in view of the rising demand from Mirians, especially youths.

Its minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said his ministry will work out the best possible way to realise this as it looks for a suitable site and seeks funding.

“We will strive to make sure the dream of people in Miri to have an integrated sports complex here becomes a reality,” he said when launching the Miri City Beach Youth Festival 2018 at Luak Esplanade here on Friday.

Miri integrated sports complex soon a reality

December 1, 2018

Abdul Karim making a donation into the Tabung Pembangunan Belia box as a sign of support for the festival organiser during the launching ceremony. Also seen are Lee (left), Ting (third right) and Ripin on Ting’s right.

MIRI: The dream of youths in Miri to have an integrated sports complex in this resort city will soon become a reality.

In giving this assurance, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said his ministry will work out the best possible ways to help realise the dream, including finding a suitable site for the complex and seeking funds for it.

“We will work this out and make sure the dream of youths in Miri to have an integrated sports complex in this city becomes a reality,” said Abdul Karim in his officiating speech at the launching ceremony of Miri Beach Youth Festival at Luak Esplanade here yesterday evening.

Departure levy expect to affect tourist arrivals – Abdul Karim

November 30, 2018

SIBU: Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah believes there would definitely be some effect on the tourism industry in Malaysia with the imposition of the departure levy.

He points out that any increase in cost would be a deterrent to would be tourists coming to the country.

He, however, added that how bad it will affect tourist arrival has yet to be seen.

Abdul Karim, who is Asajaya assemblyman was today asked to comment on Institute of Malaysian and International Studies director, Prof Dr Sufian Jusoh’s statement that the implementation of the departure levy on all passengers departing Malaysian airports was expected to affect tourist arrivals to the country.

SESA to host Sarawak’s first ever Esports expo

November 30, 2018

Afiq (left) and SESA committee members with Abdul Karim (seated centre) after briefing the minister on the Sarawak Esports Expo at the latter’s office at Bangunan Baitulmakmur in Petra Jaya recently.

KUCHING: The Sarawak Esports Association (SESA) will be organising the Sarawak Esports Expo at Cityone Megamall from Dec 7 to 9.

SESA founder and president Afiq Fadhil Narawi said there will be lots of activities including PC Gaming tournaments, VR experience, PS4 (FIFA & Fighting Games), Steaming & Casting, and Esports Forum and Dialogue during the Expo.

“This is the first ever Esports expo to be held in Sarawak and it is aimed at giving awareness and educating the public especially the parents and corporate sector about the real value and opportunities in the Esports industry.

No such promise, minister says on Sukma gold incentive shortchange claim

November 29, 2018

KUCHING: Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah says he ‘cannot recall’ promising Sukma gold medalists a reward of RM5,000 for their first medal, and RM7,000 for each subsequent medal.

Refuting allegations that the athletes were ‘shortchanged’, he said the RM3,000-incentive paid to gold medal winners was only decided after the 19th Sukma in Perak had ended.

“There is no shortchange (of incentive) as there were no (such) promises in the first place.

Sukma gold medalists not shortchanged – Abdul Karim

November 28, 2018

KUCHING: Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah has clarified that the Sukma gold medalists were not shortchanged when they were paid RM3,000 as incentives instead of alleged promises of RM5,000 for first gold and RM7,000 for the subsequent golds.

“There is no shortchange as there was no promises in the first place,” he said in responding to media reports on allegation of unfairness over the distribution of of incentives to this year state Sukma gold, silver and bronze medalists.

This issue on incentive arose when a national news portal reported that six athletes from Sarawak were not happy with the alleged shortchange and failure by the State Sports Council to fulfill its promises.

Kerajaan cuba bersikap adil agih insentif kepada semua pemenang pingat SUKMA

November 28, 2018

KUCHING: Menteri Pelancongan, Kesenian, Kebudayaan, Belia dan Sukan Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah menegaskan bahawa kerajaan negeri cuba bersikap adil dalam pengagihan insentif kepada semua atlet Sarawak yang memenangi pingat pada Sukan Malaysia (SUKMA) lalu.

“Kita tidak dapat memuaskan hati semua orang tetapi perlu bersikap adil dalam pemberian insentif. Pada SUKMA lepas, Sarawak memberi RM5,000 kepada pemenang pingat emas, RM750 kepada pemenang perak dan RM500 kepada pemenang gangsa.

“Jurang insentif antara pingat emas dan perak atau gangsa terlalu besar sedangkan atlet yang memenangi perak dan gangsa juga berusaha untuk berada di atas podium.

Wushu deserves proper training facilities — Abdul Karim

November 28, 2018

KUCHING: Wushu is one of the sports that have brought fame and honour to Sarawak and it deserves better training facilities, says Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

He said efforts are being made to build a wushu stadium at the Sarawak Sports Complex in Petra Jaya here so that the state wushu athletes can train effectively and continue to excel in the martial art sport.

“I’m trying very hard to get the proposed wushu stadium be implemented so that we can provide better training centre for the athletes and for holding tournaments both at local and international level.

Appreciate what's given!

November 28, 2018

RM5,000 or RM3,000, pride in representing state that counts: Abdul Karim

KUCHING: Six Sarawak athletes who brought home gold from the Perak Sukma Games last September are unhappy that they have not been duly rewarded by the Sarawak State Sports Council (MSNS).

One of them, national hammer throw national record holder Grace Wong, claimed in a Facebook posting that the gold medal winners were given cash incentives of only RM3,000 each when initially they were promised RM5,000 for every gold medal.

Sharing her disappointment were Johnny Ling Siew (hammer). Queenie Ting Kung Ni and Abdul Rahman Lee (discus), Mohd Rizzua Haizad Muhamad (110 metres hurdles) and Quek Lee Yong (400 metres) who also received RM3,000 each.

Abdul Karim encourages sports associations to organise international events

November 27, 2018

Abdul Karim beats the gong to officiate the opening ceremony of the 2nd Sarawak Wuwang Cup International Wushu Invitation Championship held at MBKS Indoor Stadium.

KUCHING: Sports associations in Sarawak are encouraged to organise international events to help boost tourism industry in the state.

Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said sports has long been acknowledged as a form of tourism product.

He said whenever an international tournament is held, in some way the organiser is helping to develop tourism industry in Sarawak.

Karim: Exposure to music benefits autistic children

November 27, 2018

Abdul Karim presents a gift to a child from Kuching Autistic Association during the event yesterday.

KUCHING: Repeated and prolonged exposure to music can improve the social behaviour and cognitive ability of children with autism.

Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said studies have shown that music can assist children and teenagers with autism spectrum issues in improving their social behaviour, body awareness and coordination, as well as increasing focus and attention.

“Often individuals with autism respond positively to music when little else is able to get their attention, which makes music a potential therapeutic tool,” he said when officiating the Boulevard Charity Music Therapy Workshop at Boulevard Shopping Mall, here yesterday.

New ordinance to give Museum Dept more ‘bite’ — Abdul Karim

November 27, 2018

Abdul Karim (second right) views the Zul Faqar Sword replica on display at the exhibition accompanied by Ipoi (right) and Misnu (left).

KUCHING: A new ordinance to empower the Sarawak Museum Department (JMS) will be introduced next year.

This was revealed by Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah who said the ordinance to improve activities of JMS will be tabled at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Sitting next year.

He explained that the proposed ordinance will enable JMS to collaborate with private sectors including relevant field experts to increase the attraction and number of visitors to museums in the state.

Chong’s statement on hospital project in KL ‘misleading’ — Abdul Karim

November 26, 2018

KUCHING, Nov 26: Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) vice-president Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah says Sarawak Democratic Action Party (DAP) chief Chong Chieng Jen’s statement on Sarawak building a hospital in Kuala Lumpur is misleading in nature as healthcare is under the purview of the federal government.

Describing Chong as “unprofessional”, Abdul Karim said Chong should not equate the lack of healthcare in the state to the Sarawak government investing in a hospital project.

“As a deputy minister (of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs), Chong should know that healthcare in under the federal (government). The delay of hospital construction in Sarawak, such as the Sri Aman Hospital and Petra Jaya Hospital, are federal government projects. They have nothing to do with the Sarawak government.

Sarawak renew fight for overall Sukma title

November 25, 2018

KUCHING: The Sarawak Sports Corporation and sports associations have been asked to be as focused as possible as the state switches its attention to the 2020 Malaysia Games (Sukma) to be held in Johor.

Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said it remains the hope of the Sarawak government that Sarawak win the overall Sukma title.

He believed Sarawak can do better in Johor in view of the fact that there are many Sarawakians living and working in Johor.

“With about 50,000 Sarawakians based in Johor, I am very sure when Sukma is held there, we will have a lot of supporters rallying behind out athletes down there.

`First-timers’ contribute huge chunk of gold, silver medals won in Perak — Abd Karim

November 24, 2018

Abdul Karim presenting incentives to a squad for their achievements in the recent Sukma.

KUCHING, Nov 24: About 42 per cent of the gold medals and 33 per cent of silver medals that Sarawak won in the recent Sukma XIX in Perak were contributed by first-timers.

In revealing this, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah believed this new pool of athletes could deliver more gold medals to the state if given proper training as well as exposure.

“As you know, last year we have also revived Sukan Sarawak or SukSar, in short. My ministry had revived the organising of SukSar with the main aim of providing a good avenue for our young athletes to compete in a high-level sports carnival,” he said at the appreciation ceremony for the medalists and the Sarawak Contingent to Sukma Perak 2018 at a leading hotel here today.

Abd Karim questions logic for hotels to open pools to students

November 23, 2018

KUCHING: Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah is questioning the sense of direction of Education Minister Dr Maszlee Malik for proposing hotel pools be used by students for swimming lessons.

The Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) vice president said Maszlee should have just focussed on how to improve the national education system, the syllabus, proficiency in English, assistance for children from poor families and to repair of dilapidated schools instead of directing his focus on “school shoes, socks, barring opposition YBs from attending school functions and now, using hotel pools for students”.

He said hotel pools are owned by private entities and meant for hotel guests and therefore not for schools students.

Abdul Karim questions Maszlee’s sense of direction

November 22, 2018

KUCHING: Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah is questioning the sense of direction of Education Minister Dr Maszlee Malik for proposing hotel pools be used by students for swimming activities.

Abdul Karim, who is Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) vice president, said Maszlee should have just focused on how to improve on the national Education system, the syllabus, repair of dilapidated schools, proficiency in English, assistance for children from poor families instead of directing his focus on school shoes, socks, barring opposition elected representatives from attending school functions and now, using hotel pools for students.

Abdul Karim said hotel pools are owned by private entities and meant for hotel guests and therefore not for schools students.

Abdul Karim welcomes the announcement on AirAsia takes over KK-Sibu, KK-Bintulu routes

November 22, 2018

SIBU: Transport Minister Anthony Loke’s announcement that AirAsia Group Bhd is set to take over the Kota Kinabalu (KK)-Sibu and KK-Bintulu routes from MASwings Sdn Bhd starting January 2019.

Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, when contacted TheBorneoPost, said although he has yet to be informed about the matter, it is ‘very much welcomed news’ if it is true.

He added that this is the sector which Sibu and Bintulu residents have been asking for.

AirAsia taking over KK-Sibu, KK-Bintulu routes a welcome news – Abdul Karim

November 21, 2018

SIBU: Transport Minister Anthony Loke’s announcement that the low cost carrier – AirAsia is set to take over the Kota Kinabalu (KK)-Sibu and KK-Bintulu routes from MASwings Sdn Bhd starting January 2019 is indeed a welcome news to residents of both towns.

When contacted today, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said he has yet to be informed about the matter, but pointed out that if this is true, it is a positive development for this sector.

“I have not been informed of this yet but if it is true, this is very much welcome news. This is one sector which Sibu and Bintulu residents have been asking for,” Abdul Karim told The Borneo Post.

Work together with govt to develop people’s economy, Sarawakians reminded

November 21, 2018

Abdul Karim (front, fourth right) – flanked by Zuraini and Lee (front, sixth left) – joins (front row, from right) Ting, Sherrina and Abdul Aziz in a group photo before leading the Maulidur Rasul procession.

MIRI: Sarawakians should strive to seize every opportunity presented by the government, towards developing the people’s economy together.

In stating this, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah points out that the Sarawak government is always committed to developing the people’s economy and now, all possible efforts towards developing world-class information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure are being implemented actively.

“All these efforts are to ensure that our country is developing more quickly, according to the present situation. Therefore, we should support such efforts and grab any opportunity to compete towards a brighter future.

Abdul Karim ‘sad’ at how PKR S’wak leaders are treated

November 20, 2018

KUCHING: Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said he felt ‘sad’ for Sarawakian leaders in Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) over their treatment in the Peninsula-based parties.

Abdul Karim, who is also Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) vice president, was referring to outgoing PKR Sarawak chairman Baru Bian who was ticked off by his own party president and Julau MP Larry Sng being booed at the 13th PKR National Congress last weekend.

“I pity Baru Bian for being reprimanded and ticked off by the party and its president for putting the nation and his ministry’s work before that of the party. I guess by now, he would know what ‘Malayan style’ politics is. It’s always ‘Party First, Nation Second’.

Pesta Lingga goes into Sarawak’s tourism calendar

November 19, 2018

(From left) Simoi, Abdul Karim and Rohani press airhorns to launch Lingga festival.

SRI AMAN: Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture has agreed to include Pesta Lingga in the State’s tourism calendar.

Its minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said that Lingga has its own tourism attractions for Sri Aman division.

“Though Lingga is just a small town, it is famous for the most delicious Ikan Terubok locally called Ikan Terubok Lingga,” he said at the opening of the festival at Lingga Waterfront yesterday.

Sarawak govt conducting study to gauge views, needs of youths

November 19, 2018

Abang Johari poses for a wefie with youths while Abdul Karim (second left) and others look on after the launching of Sarawak Youth Day 2018 at Sibu Indoor Stadium.

SIBU: The Sarawak government through its Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports is carrying out a Youth Index Study to gauge the views and needs of Sarawak youths.

Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the study, which began August last year, involves at least 14,000 respondents from 40 districts across Sarawak.He added that the study is done together with the Institute For Youth Research Malaysia (Iyres).

Sarawak is the third state in the country to carry out such study, he noted.

Sarawak Museum Complex set to be icon for Kuching City – Abdul Karim

November 16, 2018

Ipoi (seated fifth left) dinning with the state guests at the prestigious Asemus dinner event on Wednesday.

KUCHING: The new Sarawak Museum Complex will be an icon for Kuching City, which will attract domestic and international tourists.

In stating this, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the complex which is expected to be completed by middle of next year will be open to the public by the end of 2020.

“The state government has allocated about RM308 million to construct the new Sarawak Museum Complex, which will become a new icon for Kuching City,” he said in his text of speech which was read by Sarawak Museum director Ipoi Datan at the 8th Asia-Europe Museum Network (Asemus) dinner here on Wednesday.

Royal Brunei Airlines to fly Brunei-Kuching route beginning Dec 28

November 16, 2018

Karim (third left) presents a sape memento to Awang Ali, witnessed by Sharzede (second left) and Karam (second right).

MIRI: Sarawak will have an opportunity to increase its tourists influx, in line with the Visit Sarawak Campaign next year with Royal Brunei Airlines (RB) new Brunei – Kuching route commencing on Dec 28.

Minister for Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Hamzah said Sarawak welcomes the new route which could bring in tourists and tourism money into the state.

“We are very proud of our heritage and very proud of what we have. I believe that Brunei also feels the same about their heritage and everything that we have down here, we want to showcase to the outside world,” he said yesterday.

State govt aggressively promoting Visit Sarawak

Nov 13, 2018

Visit Sarawak Campaign

THE state is targeting five million tourist arrivals next year with the launch of the Visit Sarawak campaign.

From January to September this year, Sarawak recorded 3.2 million visitor arrivals, a decrease of 13.3% from the same period last year.

“Based on the trend in the past few months, my ministry is expecting 4.5 million visitor arrivals and RM8.05bil in tourism receipts (this year),” said state Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

S’wak receives more Chinese tourists

November 13, 2018

Abdul Karim (second left) shows his winding-up speech to Assistant Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Lee Kim Shin (left), while Assistant Minister of Agriculture Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail (second right) and Assistant Minister of Women, Family and Childhood Development Rosey Yunus look on.

SARAWAK recorded a total of 34,102 tourist arrivals from China between January to September this year.

Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said this encouraging figure marked an increase of 15.78 per cent compared to the corresponding period in 2017.

“This is attributed to the Kuching-Shenzhen direct flight and marketing campaigns for China market,” he said in his ministerial winding-up speech at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Sitting yesterday.

Achieving goals through Integrated Athletes Management System — Minister

November 13, 2018

THE ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports will implement the Integrated Athletes Management System that utilises digital technology and high-performance science in order to achieve its goals and objectives.

Its minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said this would further enhance the training as well as preparedness of the state’s athletes.

“We are also looking forward to the Malaysia Games (Sukma) 2020 in Johor. The Sarawak Sports Corporation and the State Sports Council will be undertaking a number of initiatives that will further enhance the training and preparation of our athletes,” he said in his ministerial winding-up speech at the DUN sitting yesterday.

Newly set-up committee aims to boost Sarawak’s medical tourism, says Abdul Karim

November 13, 2018

THE MINISTRY of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports has established a Medical Tourism Coordination Committee set to collaborate with hospitals, the relevant authorities and also the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC).

This is in view of the expanding medical tourism sector, which has also been contributing to Sarawak’s economy, says minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

“In 2017, Sarawak recorded 44,700 foreign patients who came to Sarawak to seek medical treatments, and brought in receipts of RM60.7 million.