Wujud konsortium untuk rangsang pelancongan Sarawak

July 28, 2018

RASMI: (Dari dua kanan) Chiam, Abdul Karim, Lee serta yang lain melakukan simbolik perasmian MATTA Fair Miri Ke-3 2018 di Emart Riam, semalam.

MIRI: Pengusaha pelancongan perlu melihat usaha mewujudkan sebuah konsortium untuk meneroka pelancongan dan memanfaatkan poten-si industri pelancongan Sarawak.

Menteri Pelancongan, Ke-senian, Kebudayaan, Belia dan Sukan Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah berkata, beliau setuju de-ngan idea tersebut yang akan memberi rangsangan kepada pelancongan Sarawak.

“Bagi saya, konsortium ini sama seperti konsep penggabungan bank di mana penggabungannya menjadikan institusi bank menjadi lebih kuat dari segi pengurusan kewangan.

Proposed: Consortium to harness Sarawak’s vast tourism potential

July 28, 2018

(From right) Abdul Karim and Lee chat with Chiam about Matta Fair Miri 2018.

MIRI: Tourism operators should look into setting up a consortium to fully harness the huge potential in Sarawak slated for the international market.

Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Hamzah believes that such idea would not only boost Sarawak tourism, but would also serve as its new engine of economic growth.

“My personal view on consortium is just like the concept of a bank merger – ideally, this concept is to make the banking institution stronger.

Big no to ‘cincai’ contractors of tourism projects in Sarawak, says Abdul Karim

July 28, 2018

MIRI: The Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports will strictly not tolerate any haphazard and lackadaisical element as far as providing first-class tourism facilities and products in Sarawak is concerned.

Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah assured everyone of such commitment during a press conference held after the launch of the third Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) Miri Fair 2018 at Emart Riam yesterday.

Citing ‘Wireless Walk’ – the tourism corridor development that spans along North Yu Seng Road here – as an example, he said the RM3.36-million project should help beautify the area and thus, provide the economic boost to shop-owners in the area, upon the its expected completion this October.

TEDxKenyalang making a comeback Nov 17-18

July 27, 2018

Abdul Karim (third left) with Zaiwin on his right and others at the launching of the event.

KUCHING: The TEDxKenyalang is making a comeback this Nov 17 and 18 with some 800 delegates from around the world expected to take part.

The event, to be held at the old State Legislative Assembly (DUN) building, will feature many grand and interesting activities, mainly for the youths in Sarawak.

With the theme ‘TedxKenyalang: Outreach The World’, the event will also see the participation of well known speakers in various fields who will share ideas, inspirations and succcess stories with the participants.

Abd Karim: Why beat around the bush on oil, gas royalty?

July 26, 2018

KUCHING: Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) vice president Datuk Abd Karim Rahman Hamzah says the federal Pakatan Harapan (PH) government is beating around the bush, and back-peddling from one of the election manifestos – giving 20 per cent oil royalty to Sarawak.

Abd Karim, who is Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports said he wanted the PH government to be specific on its promise to give Sarawak 20 per cent oil royalty.

He said if the regulatory laws on the oil royalty is defective then it should be amended.

Government to strengthen Sibu’s air connectivity, says Abdul Karim

July 24, 2018

SIBU: The government is looking into strengthening Sibu’s air connectivity to allow more flights into Sarawak’s central region, said Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youths and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

However, he added, that there are many matters that need to be taken into consideration.

Abdul Karim was responding to Sibu MP Oscar Ling’s call for Sibu to open its sky for more flights if it was serious about promoting tourism.

Ling had said without more flights, the dream of attracting more visitors to the town could not be realised, while adding Lanang MP Alice Lau and himself had raised the issue of Sibu air fares in Parliament.

Youths told to acquire skills in various fields

July 24, 2018

Dialogue participants point to Abdul Karim as they pose for a photo.

SERIAN: Youths in Sarawak need to equip and strengthen themselves with the power of knowledge and skills in various fields such as digital economy if they want to excel in life.

Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, who gave this advice, reminded that youths today face various challenges from the economic, social, political and technological point of view in an increasingly competitive global environment.

He said the challenges that they face today are expected to double in the future if they are not managed properly.

Kerajaan PH bertanggungjawab teruskan projek dalam pelaksanaan di Sarawak

July 24, 2018

SERIAN: Kerajaan baharu persekutuan pimpinan Pakatan Harapan (PH) bertanggungjawab untuk memastikan projek-projek yang sedang dalam pelaksanaan di Sarawak diteruskan dan dipenuhi seperti yang telah dijanjikan.

Menteri Pelancongan, Keseniaan, Kebudayaan, Belia dan Sukan Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah berkata banyak perkara yang telah dijanjikan oleh kerajaan terdahulu iaitu Barisan Nasional (BN) sebelum Pilihan Raya Umum Ke-14 (PRU14).

Antaranya, Lebuh Raya Pan Borneo, pembinaan hospital, jambatan dan banyak lagi projek lain yang dijanjikan kepada rakyat negeri ini.

SABERKAS sokong penuh perjuangan KM dalam kembalikan hak Sarawak

July 22, 2018

KENANGAN: Abdul Karim (duduk tengah) merakamkan gambar kenangan bersama jawatankuasa tertinggi dan exco SABERKAS selepas mesyuarat di Kuching semalam.

KUCHING: Persatuan Belia Kebangsaan Bersatu Sarawak (SABERKAS) sebulat suara menyokong penuh perjuangan Presidennya Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg yang juga Ketua Menteri dalam mengembalikan hak Sarawak.

Timbalan Presiden SABERKAS Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah berkata, walaupun perjuangan itu mempunyai unsur politik, tetapi ia amat penting demi kesejahteraan Sarawak.

“Kita amat memerlukan pemulangan hak minyak dan gas ini kerana dengan cara ini sahaja negeri kita Sarawak dapat setara dengan pembangunan negeri lain dalam Malaysia.

Mahathir got it all wrong on 20% royalty, says Sarawak minister

July 21, 2018

PBB vice-president Karim Abdul Rahman Hamzah says there is a big difference between the existing deal Sabah and Sarawak have been receiving, which is 5% of gross sales, and the one Mahathir proposed to give. 

Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) veep Karim Abdul Rahman Hamzah says the prime minister is only trying to pacify oil-producing states by saying royalty is increased to 20% of profit.

KUCHING: A Sarawak politician is unimpressed by the recent announcement made by Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad that Sabah and Sarawak will definitely be given a 20% oil royalty but the calculation will be based on profits instead of gross sales.

Speaking to FMT, Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) vice-president Karim Abdul Rahman Hamzah said Mahathir had got it all wrong and his announcement of 20% royalties from profit will not go down well with the people in both the Bornean states.

“Royalty is a payment made to a legal owner of properties while profit is a financial benefit realised when revenue from a business activity exceeds the expenses, production cost and tax.

Dr M salah tentang royalti 20%, kata menteri Sarawak

July 21, 2018

Karim Abdul Rahman berkata ada perbezaan besar antara perjanjian sedia ada dengan tawaran Dr Mahathir. 

Karim Abdul Rahman berkata perdana menteri hanya cuba meredakan negeri-negeri pengeluar minyak apabila mengatakan royalti akan dinaikkan kepada 20% berdasarkan keuntungan.

KUCHING: Seorang ahli politik Sarawak tidak gembira dengan pengumuman Perdana Menteri Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad baru-baru ini mengatakan Sabah dan Sarawak akan diberi royalti minyak 20% tetapi kiraan berdasarkan keuntungan dan bukan jualan kasar.

Naib Presiden Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), Datuk Karim Abdul Rahman Hamzah berkata Dr Mahathir sama sekali salah dan kiraan royalti 20% berdasarkan keuntungan itu tidak akan diterima oleh rakyat di kedua-dua negeri itu.

“Royalti adalah bayaran yang dibuat kepada pemilik yang sah manakala keuntungan ialah manfaat kewangan apabila hasil aktiviti perniagaan mengatasi perbelanjaan, kos pengeluaran dan cukai.

20 per cent royalty or profit, Abd Karim asks

July 20, 2018

KUCHING: A leader of Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) is seeking clarification on whether the federal Pakatan Harapan (PH) government is giving Sarawak 20 per cent oil royalty or 20 per cent of profit from the oil and gas resources derived from the state.

Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said it was still not clear as to what PH is giving to the state following a conflicting comment made by Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohammad inside and outside the Parliament.

“The Pakatan Harapan (PH) election manifesto pledges to give 20 per cent oil royalty instead of the present five per cent from the oil and gas revenue.

DUN resolves to bring reinstatement of Dr Ting to Federal Court

July 19, 2018

KUCHING: The State Legislative Assembly (DUN) yesterday resolved to turn to the Federal Court to appeal the decision of both the Court of Appeal and the High Court to reinstate Dr Ting Tiong Choon as the Pujut assemblyman.

Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah moved a motion to bring the appeal to the apex court which saw 68 members of the august house voting in favour while seven others voted against it.

Prior to the open vote, there was a heated exchange of words between Abdul Karim and Wong King Wei (DAP-Padungan) — marking the first time both honourable members lost their cool in the House.

Sarawak state Minister denies calling assemblymen 'beggars'

Jul 17, 2018

KUCHING: A state Minister in Sarawak denied on July 16 having called any state assemblyman a "beggar".

Sarawak Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah (pic) however, stressed that the phrase "beggars can't be choosers" which he uttered, referred to the opposition's action of questioning how much allocation was given out to them.

"Previously, we (the state government) did not provide any allocation to the opposition. However, this time around, we give the allocation equally. Do not question the quantum of the allocation," said Abdul Karim who is also the Asajaya assemblyman.

Abdul Karim clarifies ‘beggars can’t be choosers’ remark

July 17, 2018

Abdul Karim (second right) shaking hands with Wong after the joint press conference. 

KUCHING: Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah had to clear the air on his remark ‘beggars cannot be choosers’, which is believed to have offended some constituents in the opposition areas.

At a press conference yesterday, he said he did not refer to any particular person and clarified that “sometimes quotes are given in jest”.

“Definitely, the honourable members from DAP (Democratic Action Party) and PKR (Parti Keadilan Rakyat) are not beggars, they are elected representatives,” he said at the media centre after delivering his ministerial winding-up speech at the State Legislative Assembly.

Higher visitor arrivals in 2017, over RM8 billion earned — Minister

July 17, 2018

KUCHING: A total of 4.85 million visitors came to Sarawak last year – an increase of 4.2 per cent compared to 2016 – bringing in an estimated tourist receipt of RM8.59 billion.

Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah in his ministry’s winding-up speech yesterday revealed that the top five tourist arrivals were from Brunei Darussalam (1.73 million), Indonesia (513,442), the Philippines (68,380), Singapore (42,177) and China (38,204).

“For January to May this year, the visitor arrival figure was 1,750,640. The figures also indicate a positive increase in tourist arrivals from China and Singapore,” he said.

Chong should focus more on Sarawak’s welfare than on polls — Abdul Karim

July 17, 2018

SIBU: Deputy Minister of Domestic Trade and Consumerism Chong Chieng Jen should focus more on the welfare of Sarawak and its development, than on politics and elections, says Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youths and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

In this regard, Abdul Karim points out that there is a long way to go before the expiry of the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN)’s present term.

“The DAP (Democratic Action Party) Sarawak only has politics in mind. YB Chong should get down to work as a deputy minister, and should not bother thinking about the state election – unless he is also thinking about wanting to be the Chief Minister,” he said yesterday in response to Chong’s statement about DAP Sarawak staking its claim on 29 out of the total 82 seats in the next Sarawak state election, which might be called in the first quarter of 2021.

Minister: Comprehensive programmes a must for Sarawak’s youth development

July 17, 2018

KUCHING: Preparing Sarawak youths with the necessary disciplines, skills and knowledge in facing future challenges is not an easy task, says Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

Based on records from the Statistics Department for this year to date, the youths make up 42 per cent of Sarawak’s 2.8-million population.

“Youths are considered as a great asset to the state – if they are harnessed and utilised in the right direction,” said Abdul Karim in his ministry’s winding-up speech at the DUN sitting yesterday.

‘Maintenance of public amenities done according to procedures’

July 17, 2018

Abdul Karim (seated, second left) speaks at the news conference. Seen seated from left are Snowdan, Lee and Hii.

THE Sarawak government adheres to standard procedures when it comes to deciding how to carry out maintenance works on public amenities across the state.

Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said when a public amenity is reported to be faulty, the authorities concerned would seek professional advice before taking action.

In the case of the malfunctioning air conditioner at the Petroleum Museum in Miri, he said the problem was first referred to the Public Works Department (JKR), which advised the ministry to have it repaired.

Minister: Sarawak Museum Campus slated for completion mid-2020

July 17, 2018

THE new Sarawak Museum Campus is expected to become the second largest museum in South East Asia, after the National Museum in Singapore, once it reaches completion in mid-2020.

According to Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, the five-storey building is set to be another iconic landmark of the city.

“It (museum) will provide about 6,500 square meters of exhibition space to showcase Borneo’s rich history spanning more than 42,000 years,” he said in his ministry’s winding-up speech at the DUN yesterday.

More tourists from China and Singapore visit Sarawak

Jul 17, 2018

KUCHING: Sarawak has seen an increase in tourist arrivals from China and Singapore in the first five months of this year.

Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said 19,641 China tourists came to the state from January to May, an increase of 20.2% compared to the same period last year.

“This is attributed to the Kuching-Shenzhen direct flight which commenced in December 2017,” he told the Sarawak Legislative Assembly in his winding-up speech yesterday.

Abdul Karim apologises for saying “beggars cannot be choosers”

July 16, 2018

Abdul Karim (seated second from left), Wong (seated second from right) and other lawmakers from both sides of the political divide.

KUCHING, July 16: Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah today apologised for using the proverbial phrase “beggars cannot be choosers” yesterday.

Yesterday, he had remarked that opposition assemblypersons should be happy because the state government was giving them funds annually to manage their service centres. He then uttered that controversial phrase when arguing that it was the prerogative of the government to determine the quantum to be allocated to legislators.

At an abrupt joint press conference with opposition lawmakers at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Media Centre today, Abdul Karim clarified that he did not mean to hurt anyone’s feelings nor call anyone ‘beggars’.

‘Kota Samarahan needs own iconic event to bring visitors’

July 16, 2018

Abdul Karim (centre) in a group photo with the cyclists. On his right is Brahim.

KOTA SAMARAHAN: Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah has suggested for Kota Samarahan to come up with its own iconic event to attract more visitors to the town.

He said events related to agriculture can be considered as iconic for Kota Samarahan, since there are many commercial agriculture activities taking place in the division.

“Having an agriculture fest for example, will be a good way to attract more visitors to Kota Samarahan. I am sure it will bring life and create economic spinoffs for the people. Visitors will come and buy, and the farmers will be able to sell their crops and produce and at the same time learn about new agriculture inputs from participating agencies.

Govt may provide wifi at SCV for festival-goers

July 15, 2018

Abdul Karim (second left) gestures during the press conference.

KUCHING: Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah plans to look into providing wifi at Sarawak Cultural Village (SCV) for the Rainforest World Music Festival goers.

“Since such programmes receive many guests especially foreigners, we need good connectivity for wifi to be there.

“That is the feedback we get from festival goers,” he told a press conference held at SCV yesterday.

Poser on quantum of funds for opposition lawmakers

July 15, 2018

SIBU: Opposition lawmakers in Sarawak should be happy that Sarawak government is contemplating giving them funds to manage their service centres.

Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said: “I believe what they will get is much, much more than what opposition members in Malayan states are given and where PH is the government of the day.”

Abdul Karim, who is Asajaya assemblyman, was commenting on Sentosa assemblyman Chong Chieng Jen’s call for Sarawak government to reciprocate what the Pakatan Harapan-led federal government has done for Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) members of Parliament (MPs).

Lower voting age talk gets mixed input

July 8, 2018

SIBU: The proposal to lower the voting age in Malaysia could be one that warrants consideration, in that the youths are getting more conscious about politics and good governance as well as being more academically-qualified nowadays than ever before.

However for Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youths and Sports Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, this subject is ‘debatable’.

On Thursday, federal Youth and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman was reported to have suggested that the eligible voting age should be lowered to 18, from the current 21. 

He was also quoted to have said that this could be done ahead of the 15th general election; however, he stressed that his ministry would first have to have a ‘political exposure programme’ for young people.

Sarawak rakan ‘sparring’ Perth Glory

July 07, 2018

ACARA ANTARABANGSA: Abdul Karim (tengah) bersama (dari kanan) Zul, Razali, Posa, Lucas dan Jeffery menunjukkan risalah Perlawanan Bola Sepak Antarabangsa dan Simposium Bola Sepak Antarabangsa Sarawak pada sidang media di Kuching semalam.

KUCHING: Sarawak diberi penghormatan sebagai salah satu lokasi jelajah pramusim pasukan bola sepak ternama dari Australia, Perth Glory FC.

Ia bakal menyaksikan pasukan yang akan bersaing dalam Hyundai A-League itu mengadakan perlawanan persahabatan menentang pasukan Sarawak pada 11 Ogos depan diikuti perlawanan menentang pasukan SUKMA Sarawak pada 14 Ogos di Stadium Negeri, Petra Jaya di sini.

Menteri Pelancongan, Kesenian, Kebudayaan, Belia dan Sukan, Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah berkata ini julung kalinya pasukan bola sepak profesional dari luar negara memilih Sarawak sebagai destinasi jelajah pra-musim dan ia satu penghormatan amat besar kepada arena bola sepak Sarawak.

‘Check if tourism tax has any effect on tourist arrival’

July 5, 2018

KUCHING: The Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture should conduct a thorough study on the tourism tax to see if it does have any affect on Malaysia’s tourism industry.

Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said if indeed the tourism tax did have affect on the tourism industry in the country, it should be reviewed.

“It’s better to conduct a thorough study on whether the tourism tax on foreigners is affecting the industry or otherwise. If it does, then it’s good for it to be reviewed. But if it’s not, then it’s better not to review it as it’s good income for the government coffer and for upgrading tourism facilities,” he said when contacted yesterday.

Petronas’ statement shows smack of arrogance, insensitivity – Abdul Karim

July 3, 2018

SIBU: Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youths and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah has described Petroliam Nasional Berhad’s (Petronas) statement as showing smack of arrogance and insensitivity.

He was referring to Petronas’ statement to maintain its claim over Sarawak’s oil and gas resources, stating it has exclusive ownership of the petroleum resources in Malaysia. 

The statement on also said it is the sole regulator of the upstream sector in the country.

Abdul Karim: Why no Sarawak Malays, Dayaks in cabinet?

July 3, 2018

KUCHING: Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youths and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah has shared his disappointment with Sarawakians over the lack of local MPs in the federal cabinet.

He lamented there was also no representation from the Sarawak Malay/Muslim as well as the Iban/Bidayuh in the new cabinet.

“I am disappointed that Sarawak is given only one full minister’s post in the new cabinet. That reflects how unimportant Sarawak is to the new Pakatan Harapan (PH) leadership.

Abdul Karim disappointed over lack of S’wakians in federal cabinet

July 2, 2018

KUCHING: Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youths and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah has shared his disappointment with the rest of the people in the state over the lack of Sarawakians in the federal cabinet.

He lamented that there was also no representation from the Sarawak Malay/Muslim communities as well as the Iban/Bidayuh in the new Cabinet.

“I am disappointed that Sarawak is given only one full Minister’s post in the new Cabinet. That reflect how unimportant Sarawak is to the new Pakatan Harapan (PH) leadership.

“Sarawak being the biggest contributor in resources to the national coffer is repaid back with just one Cabinet member. This is a slap in the face for all Sarawakians,” he said.

PBB veep confident on MRP funds for opposition reps

July 1, 2018

KUCHING: A Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) vice-president is confident that Sarawak government will consider allocating minor rural project (MRP) funds for opposition assemblymen to distribute to their respective constituents.

Talks on this issue are rife considering that the state legislative assembly (DUN) sitting is just around the corner (July 9 to 19).

“I am sure the Chief Minister (CM) will give consideration after seeing development in other states where Opposition Adun (state elected representatives) and MPs are given MRP fund. Let the CM make the announcement,” said Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah when contacted on this matter.