Galeri: Malay Heritage Festival 2018

October 29, 2018

Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg receives a wooden ‘Perahu Tambang’ replica from Temenggong Mohd Helmi Mohd Gol after he launches the Malay Heritage Festival 2018 last night. Also seen are Ministry of Tourism, Art, Culture, Youth and Sports Sarawak Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah and former deputy chief minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu.

Sarawak Regatta 2018 kicks off with international dragon boat race

October 28, 2018

Abang Johari (wearing dark jacket), flanked by Abdul Karim on his left and Snowdan, waves to the spectators during a photo-call with the dragon-boat racers at Kuching Waterfront.

KUCHING: The whole stretch of Kuching Waterfront is filled with various activities run in conjunction with the annual Sarawak Regatta-Kuching Waterfront Festival this year, running till Nov 4.

Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg yesterday performed the eye-dotting ceremony and the handover of boat paddles to the representatives of 12 participating countries to symbolically launch the Sarawak International Dragon Boat Regatta (SIDBR).

Later, he officiated at the opening of a handicrafts festival, and also the ‘Sarawak Kitchen’.

Pertandingan tarian citrawarna membuka tirai ConFest Unimas 2018

October 28, 2018

Persembahan kumpulan yang menyertai pertandingan citrawarna sempena pembukaan ConFest Unimas 2018 di Dataran Canselori, Kampus Unimas.

KOTA SAMARAHAN, Okt 28: Festival Konvokesyen Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (ConFest Unimas) 2018 sempena majlis konvokesyen universiti itu yang ke-22 telah membuka tirainya dengan pertandingan tarian citrawarna di Dataran Canselori, Kampus Unimas, di sini, semalam.

ConFest Unimas 2018 dan pertandingan citrawarna tersebut telah dirasmikan Menteri Pelancongan, Kesenian, Kebudayaan, Belia dan Sukan, Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah dan disaksikan Naib Canselor Unimas, Professor Datuk Dr Mohamad Kadim Suaidi dan Pengerusi Lembaga Pengarah Unimas, Tan Sri Datuk Sri Panglima Sulong Matjeraie.

Sebanyak 18 kumpulan tarian menyertai pertandingan citrawarna itu iaitu kumpulan Kolej Rafflesia, Kolej Dahlia, Kolej Kenanga, Kolej Bunga Raya, Kolej Kasturi, Kolej Tun Ahmad Zaidi, Kolej Sakura, Kolej Allamanda, Kolej Cempaka, Kolej Seroja, Universiti Teknologi Mara Kota Samarahan, Universitas Tanjung Pura, SMK Kota Samarahan, SMK Tun Abdul Razak, SMK Wira Penrissen, SMK Muara Tuang, SMK Hajah Laila Taib dan Petra Dancers.

Galeri: Launching of Sarawak Regatta-Kuching Waterfront Festival 2018

October 27, 2018

Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg with Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah (partially hidden, second from right) and Assistant Minister of Youth and Sports Datuk Snowdan Lawan (left) after the eye-dotting ceremony of dragon boats at the Sarawak Regatta-Kuching Waterfront Festival 2018.

Karim: Onus on PH govt to solve financial woes, not playing blame game

October 27, 2018

KUCHING: The Pakatan Harapan (PH)-led federal government should solve the country’s financial difficulties promptly, instead of accusing the previous administration for the problem continuously.

Sarawak Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah expressed these remarks in response to Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng’s recent comment about the federal government needing more time to address the federal government’s revenue-sharing formula for Sarawak and Sabah.

Speaking in the Dewan Rakyat on Oct 24, Lim said the federal government would need more time to come up with right formula for Sarawak and Sabah, in that it ‘inherited’ financial scandals from the previous government.

Striking gold top priority in next Sukma

October 27, 2018

Karim (second right) speaks during the press conference while (from left) Hii, Snowdan and Ong look on.

KUCHING: Sarawak will be taking an amended approach in the preparations for the next Malaysia Games (Sukma) in Johor in 2020.

Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said more focus would be placed on sports that offer the most medals.

“We will be placing more focus on preparing our athletes especially on their mental strength and physical conditioning. 

New Sarawak Museum set to open its doors in 2020

October 27, 2018

Abdul Karim (third right) and his entourage inspect the project site.

KUCHING: The new Sarawak Museum Campus is set to become a must-visit attraction once it opens its doors to the public in 2020.

The RM308-million project is undertaken in two stages – the first one involves the new museum campus and its annex building, while the next involves the old Sarawak Museum and the ancillary buildings surrounding it.

Work progress rate is currently at 92 per cent towards completion – the scheduled official opening by 2020 appears to be on track.

Abd Karim: Sarawak Cultural Heritage Ordinance 1993 to be amended next year

October 26, 2018

Abdul Karim speaking to reporters during a site visit to the Sarawak Museum Campus in Kuching this morning. With him are (from left) Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Hii Chang Kee, Ipoi and Van de Bunte.

KUCHING, Oct 26: With the completion of the new state-of-the-art Sarawak Museum Campus nearing, it is high time for the state government to amend the Sarawak Cultural Heritage Ordinance 1993.

Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said he would announce the amendment to the ordinance during the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting in May 2019 to ensure that the ordinance would be able to cope with the needs of the Sarawak Museum Department.

“With this new structure, we are moving forward, so the Sarawak Museum Department management needs restructuring also. That is why it will be more progressive in outlook, I would say,” he told reporters during a site visit to the Sarawak Museum Campus here today.

Kalau nak seribu daya, kalau tak nak seribu dalih -Abdul Karim tells Guan Eng

October 26, 2018

KUCHING, Oct 26: Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah is disappointed with Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng for stating that Putrajaya would only come up with revenue sharing with Sarawak and Sabah in at least a year later, using Malaysia’s financial problems as an excuse.

Abdul Karim said Lim’s ambiguous statement was a “flip-flop” from what he said before being appointed a minister. Previously, he had pledged to go all out to defend the rights of the two Borneon states.

“Everybody knows Sabah and Sarawak are the cash cows for the Malaysian economy. If I’m not mistaken, more than half of Malaysia’s reserve comes from Sabah and Sarawak. That’s why Malaysia has got to look after Sabah and Sarawak for being the provider for Malaysia’s economy.

PH should solve, not blame – Karim

October 26, 2018

KUCHING: The Pakatan Harapan government should solve the country’s financial difficulties promptly instead of continuously accusing the previous government administration for the current financial position, said Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

He was responding to Minister of Finance Lim Guan Eng comments on the federal government needing more time to address the government revenue sharing formula for Sabah and Sarawak.

On Oct 24, Lim told the Dewan Rakyat that the federal government needed more time to come up with right revenue sharing formula for Sabah and Sarawak as the government inherited a challenging financial situation from the previous government. .

Abdul Karim menafikan khabar angin GPS gagal didaftarkan dengan ROS

October 25, 2018

Abdul Karim menyaksikan Kumpulan Lok Thian yang diwakili Hu (dua dari kiri) dan Foo (kiri) bertukar dokumen perjanjian persefahaman dengan Kumpulan Kenbest diwakili Stephen (dua dari kanan) dan Jonathan (kanan) di pusat beli belah CityOne Megamall, di Kuching.

KUCHING: Penduduk negeri ini terutama penyokong parti komponen Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) diminta tidak mempercayai khabar angin yang sedang tersebar mendakwa gabungan tersebut telah gagal didaftarkan dengan Pendaftar Pertubuhan (ROS).

Naib Presiden Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) yang juga Menteri Pelancongan, Kesenian, Kebudayaan, Belia dan Sukan, Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah berkata demikian berikutan beliau setakat ini tidak ada dimaklumkan jawatankuasa khas yang ditubuhkan bagi mendaftarkan GPS yang pemohonan gabungan tersebut telah ditolak ROS seperti khabar angin itu.

“Bukan ditolak, ROS tidak menolak, kemungkinan mereka perlu lebih banyak keperluan. Saya tidak terlibat kerana ada jawatankuasa yang mengendalikan pendaftaran GPS, tetapi saya difahamkan yang mereka pergi ke Kuala Lumpur yang mereka masih menunggu kelulusan itu daripada Perdana Menteri dan juga pihak yang bertanggungjawab dalam pendaftaran parti (politik) ,” katanya selepas menyaksikan Kumpulan Lok Thian dan Kumpulan Kenbest menandatangani memorandum persefahaman bagi melaksanakan projek Seafood Shangri-La di pusat beli belah CityOne Megamall, di sini, semalam.

Incumbent on PH govt to implement projects approved by previous govt — Abd Karim

October 24, 2018

SIBU: The Pakatan Harapan (PH) government has a fiduciary responsibility to implement whatever projects that have been approved by the previous government that are meant to improve the people’s lives.

In stating this yesterday, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah stressed that these projects were requested by the people.

“Sweeping them aside just because they were announced and approved by the previous government reflects the irresponsible way the present government addresses issues.

Masing, do soul searching before blaming others - Abdul Karim

October 22, 2018

KUCHING: Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) vice president Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah has urged Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) president Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Masing to do some soul searching before blaming others for PRS’ weaknesses.

“I believe it’s wise for him to not look for fault among component partners but to look forward on how to strengthen (relationship) and work closely with his partners,” said the Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports yesterday.

“Before James Masing takes potshots at and giving reminders to PBB, it would be better for him to do a little bit of soul searching and see for himself whether his domineering and refusal to hear dissent within his party is healthy and progressive for the party,” said Abdul Karim, referring to the upheaval in PRS following the sacking of its deputy president Datuk Joseph Entulu Belaun and a few other supreme council members before the last general election.

Galeri: ‘Lan Berambeh Anak Sarawak’ Grand Dinner

October 22, 2018

Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud, flanked by his wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Raghad Kurdi Taib (front, third right) and Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg , joins (front, from right) Batang Sadong MP Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, Abang Johari's wife Datin Patinggi Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tuanku Bujang, former deputy chief minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Sarawak Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah and Assistant Minister of Education and Technological Research Dr Annuar Rapaee in singing a patriotic song while waving Sarawak flags on stage. Behind them, from left, are Petra Jaya MP Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof  and Assistant Minister of Rural Electricity Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi.

‘Rakyat should have a say on proposed two-term limit’

October 21, 2018

KUCHING: Malaysians should have a say over whether or not the tenure of Prime Minister (PM), Menteri Besar (MB) and Chief Minister (CM) should be limited to two terms.

In pointing this out, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the Pakatan Harapan (PH)-led federal government should let the people decide.

“Let the ‘rakyat’ (citizens) decide whether the PM, the MB or the CM should be (in office for) two terms or not,” he told Utusan Borneo on Friday when asked to comment on the recent proposal by Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad of limiting the term of office of the PM, MB and CM to a maximum of two terms.

Galeri: Sarawak Authors Festival 2018’ Gala Dinner

October 20, 2018

Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah presents the Sarawak Publisher Award to Dorge Rajah, witnessed by a member of Pustaka Negeri Sarawak board of management Dr Abdul Rahman Deen (fourth right), Pustaka Negeri Sarawak chief executive officer Rashidah Bolhassan (second right) as well as other representatives of Pustaka Negeri Sarawak and Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka Sarawak. 

Five million target set for 2019

October 18, 2018

(From left) Tourism Malaysia International Promotion Division (Asia/Africa) senior director Datuk Musa Yusuf, Sarawak Tourism, Arts and Culture Assistant Minister Datuk Lee Kim Shin, Abdul Karim, Sharzede, STB chairman Datuk Abdul Wahab Aziz, STB deputy chairman Hii Chang Kee and Tourism Malaysia Domestic and Events senior director Datuk Dr Ammar Ghapar flanked by traditional dancers at the launch.

KUALA LUMPUR: Sarawak is targeting the arrival of five million tourists in 2019 following the launch of the Visit Sarawak logo.

State Tourism, Culture, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the estimate is the same as in 2017.

“Last year, we targeted five million as well but we achieved 4.85 million tourists visiting Sarawak.

Abd Karim unveils ‘Visit Sarawak Campaign’ logo

October 17, 2018

Abdul Karim (centre) holds a traditional Iban blowpipe and carved shield in a photocall. Also seen from third left are Musa, Lee, Sharzede, Abdul Wahab, Hii and Ammar giving the thumbs-up together with Sarawak cultural dancers.

KUALA LUMPUR: Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah unveiled the ‘Visit Sarawak Campaign’ logo as a precursor to its official launch in December at an industry event here yesterday.

The ‘Visit Sarawak’ logo will be the anchor emblem for the ‘Visit Sarawak’ campaign.

Designed to connote fun and friendliness, the multi-coloured logo spelling out Sarawak with the tagline, ‘more to discover’, represents the aspirations of the campaign.

Sarawak to woo Middle Eastern visitors

October 16, 2018

Sarawak Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Minister Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah wants Middle Eastern tourists to explore beyond Kuala Lumpur.

KUALA LUMPUR: Sarawak is seeking to tap the Middle Eastern market as Visit Sarawak begins in earnest in January next year.

Sarawak Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Minister Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said this will be the state’s target group as it aims to meet the target of five million tourists set for next year.

Sarawak Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Minister Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

“At present, everyone is targeting China. But we will not confine our target to just the Chinese market. It has to be wider.

What’s the big fuss over Oktoberfest, asks Sarawak minister

October 16, 2018

KUALA LUMPUR: A Sarawak state minister today expressed incredulity over how Oktoberfest has become such a heated issue in Peninsular Malaysia.

Sarawak Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Minister Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the state had no issues whatsoever with Oktoberfest, which he described as a cultural festival.

“I am just surprised it has become an issue here. In Sarawak, you can see it being organised all over in the shopping malls.

S’wak Regatta, waterfront fest to be held Oct 26-Nov 4

August 16, 2018

Sarawak Regatta in 2017

KUCHING: The Sarawak Regatta-Kuching Waterfront Festival 2018 is scheduled to take place this year from Oct 26-Nov 4.

The annual event attracted some 10,000 visitors daily last year and this year, the Kuching Waterfront is expected to see big crowds at the Sarawak Regatta and the Sarawak International Dragon Boat Race which offer RM280,000 worth of prizes.

“Roads in the area will be closed during the opening and closing ceremonies. One road will be closed during the weekday to accommodate the stalls,” said Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah in a press conference here yesterday.

Oktoberfest is acceptable, but not a beer drinking festival — Abdul Karim

October 15, 2018

KUCHING, Oct 15: Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah opined that the Miri Neon Beer Festival should have been themed as ‘Miri Oktoberfest’, to take into account the sensitivity that Muslims are forbidden from consuming alcohol.

On a personal note, he said he had no objection to the holding of Oktoberfest, which originates in Germany and is a cultural and food festival. Just like any other cultural and food festivals in the West, there is bound to be plenty of food, music and drinks.

“Germans are known for their love of beers, and drinking beers are a common sight at all Oktoberfest festivals. But that does not mean that all must drink. Those who don’t drink alcohol can always choose to drink non-alcoholic drinks.

Galeri: Courtesy Visit to TYT by Committee of the Sarawak Regatta-Kuching Waterfront Festival 2018

October 12, 2018

Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud receives the invitation from Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah to close the Sarawak Regatta-Kuching Waterfront Festival 2018.

Be bolder, more creative when competing for tourism revenue – Abdul Karim

October 11, 2018

Abdul Karim (fourth right) in a photo call with (from right) Naomi, Shannen, Larissa, Zuraini, Hii and Creative Teamlab representatives.

KUCHING: Sarawakians are urged to be more creative and bold in diversifying the state’s tourism offerings in order to compete for tourism revenue.

Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said this was needed as destinations in the region vie with each other to stage global events to draw in visitors.

“As destinations in the region compete for tourism revenue, I urge Sarawakians to be more creative and bold in diversifying the state’s tourism offerings.

Kuching to host 23rd Asian Television Awards

October 10, 2018

Abdul Karim (seventh left) together with Lee (fifth left) in a photo call together with the 23rd Asian Television Awards organising committee during a press conference today. – Photo by Marlinda Mardzuki

KUCHING: Kuching will play host to the 23rd Asian Television Awards (ATA) on Jan 11 & 12 next year at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here.

The event will be co-hosted by ATV Awards Sdn Bhd and the Sarawak Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports.

State Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said, through the event, Sarawak would play host to over 500 international delegates in the film and entertainment industry.

Kuching worthy of ‘world craft city’ status

October 10, 2018

A craftsperson concentrates at her work.

KUCHING: Sarawak crafts have been receiving huge demand from overseas market due to their uniqueness and creativity, says Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

“Kuching is also known as the gateway to Borneo, and particularly so, as the destination for foreign art collectors and antique dealers,” he said at the launch of ‘Living Legends and Young Masters of Sarawak Crafts’ exhibition in Pullman Hotel here on Monday.

The exhibition is being held in conjunction with the visit of World Craft Council City of Crafts panel of jurors to access Kuching’s bid as a world craft city.

30 teams to participate in Dragon Boat Race 2018 in Kuching

October 9, 2018

KUCHING: Thirty teams from 12 countries will participate in this year’s International Dragon Boat Race held in conjunction with the annual Kuching Waterfront Festival and Sarawak Regatta from Oct 26 to Nov 4.

Sarawak Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Minister, Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the two-week festival would feature the International Dragon Boat Race from Oct 26 to 28, followed by the Sarawak Regatta from Nov 2 to 4.

“There are 30 teams from 12 countries, including from Malaysia, Indonesia, China, Brunei and Thailand this year compared to only 10 participating countries last year,” he said at a media conference in conjunction with the Sarawak Regatta-Kuching Waterfront Festival 2018.

Sibu hosts Sarawak Youths Day 2018 celebration

November 9, 2018

Abdul Karim (centre),Snowdan (second right),Dr Ong (right) and Hii (second left) show the official logo for the Sarawak Youths Day 2018.

KUCHING: Sarawak Youths Day 2018 will be celebrated for 2 days on November 16-18 at the Sibu Indoor Stadium.

Minister for Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said various activities will be held in conjunction with the celebration.

“The objective of celebrating the Youths Day is to acknowledge the contributions of youths as part of the development agenda in the state.

‘S’wak crafts receive overwhelming demand due to their uniqueness, creativity’

October 9, 2018

Abdul Karim (centre) and other distinguished guests launch the ‘Living Legends & Young Masters of Sarawak Crafts’ exhibition at Pullman Kuching hotel yesterday.

KUCHING: Sarawak crafts have been receiving overwhelming demand from the overseas market due to their uniqueness and creativity, said Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

“Kuching has always been known as the gateway to Borneo and particularly so as the destination for foreign art collectors and antique dealers,” he said during the “Living Legends & Young Masters of Sarawak Crafts” exhibition launching ceremony at Pullman Hotel here yesterday.

The exhibition is held in conjunction with the visit of the World Craft Council City of Crafts panel of jurors for Kuching’s bid as a world craft city.

Galeri: A study visit to Canada

October 8, 2018

Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg and his delegation listen to a briefing at the Sir Adam Beck Hydro Power Station. -TheBorneoPost

Galeri: Courtesy visit to Ontario's Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport

October 3, 2018

Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg and other members of the Sarawak delegation in a discussion with Ontario’s Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport, Sylvia Jones during the courtesy call. -TheBorneoPost

Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg presenting a souvenir to Ontario’s Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport, Sylvia Jones at the end of the courtesy call. -TheBorneoPost