Abd Karim refutes dearth of youth in cabinet

August 25, 2019

KUCHING: The Sarawak cabinet has a ‘youth element’ as Assistant Minister of Youth and Sports Datuk Snowdan Lawan is a youth leader, says Minister of Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

Abdul Karim said there was no reason to be disappointed that there was no new youth representation in the reshuffled line-up announced by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg on Thursday.

“I think what has been said and discussed on social media is not what actually happened because when we look at the Youth and Sports Ministry, my assistant is a youth leader. It means there is a youth element in the cabinet,” he said when commenting on views posted on social media.

Sarawak Matta Fair returns with more offers

August 24, 2019

Abdul Karim (third right) joins Mohd Akil, on his right, and others in posing for a group photo at the opening ceremony.

KUCHING: The Sarawak Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) Fair is back, happening at Boulevard Shopping Mall until Aug 25, from 10am to 10pm daily.

This year’s event promises a host of exciting holiday and tourism deals to visitors.

According to Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, the fair remains the best platform for promoting attractive destinations in Sarawak.

Visit Sarawak Campaign Year a success — Minister

August 20, 2019

KUCHING: Looking at the number of people coming to Saarwak due to the many events run all year round, the Visit Sarawak Campaign Year could be considered successful, opined Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

“I would say it’s successful – it is not just numbers that is important; when people are happy and satisfied, they feel that their money is well spent… It is the feel-good feeling.

“You can see from January 2019 until today, where this year is our Visit Sarawak Campaign (launched on Dec 31 last year), we have something going on every month. There have been so many events throughout the year, including those at the international level,” he said during the press conference on ‘Best of Asean Designers 2019’ (BOAD2019) – an international fashion festival that would take place here this Sept 6-8.

‘S’wak a good destination for creative pursuits’

August 20, 2019

Abdul Karim, flamked by Hii (seated, third left) and Ng, joins (seated, from left) Lai, Sharzede, Liyu and Ling in a photo-call with the models and designers taking part in BOAD2019.

KUCHING: The state government wants to promote Sarawak as a destination for creative pursuits, says Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

He points out that while it may not be the fashion capital of Asean and neither will it be a commercial hub, Sarawak can become be a destination for creative pursuits like those related to the arts, crafts and fashion.

“We are trying to promote Sarawak as a city that has life, heritage. We are very proud of the heritage, culture and apart from that, the types of tourists who will come in are good tourists – those who are able to appreciate arts and culture.

Kuching to woo tourists as city of art and culture, says Sarawak tourism minister

August 19, 2019

Abdul Karim (seated, centre), Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Ministry Permanent Secretary Hii Chang Kee (seated third left) Sarawak Tourism Board chief executive officer Sharzede Salleh (seated second left) and AFDS members posed with some of the models who will be participating in BOAD2019.

KUCHING: The Sarawak Government wants to promote Kuching as a destination for creative pursuits in arts, crafts and fashion, said Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

The Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Minister said with the move, the state would be able to attract tourists who have an appreciation for art and culture.

“We are trying to promote Sarawak as a city that has got life, heritage.”

Sarawak to benefit from relocation of Indonesia’s capital to Kalimantan – Abdul Karim

August 18, 2019

Abdul Karim (second right), Minister of Local Government and Housing Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian (third left) and others flagging off the 2019 Kuching Marathon’s full marathon categories at Padang Merdeka, Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg here today.

KUCHING: Sarawak would benefit from the relocation of Indonesia’s capital to Kalimantan, said Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

“Definitely Sarawak is in a position to gain benefit from the relocation exercise as the new capital of Indonesia will be move to the same island as our state,” said Abdul Karim after flagging off the 2019 Kuching Marathon’s full marathon categories at Padang Merdeka, Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg here today.

On Friday, Indonesian President Joko Widodo formally proposed to the parliament to move the country’s existing capital Jakarta, which is located on the Jawa Island, to Kalimantan on the island of Borneo.

Galeri: Official launching of STATOS by Abang Johari

 August 18, 2019

Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg cuts a ribbon to officially launch Statos (Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office Singapore). He is flanked by deputy chief ministers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan (third right). -TheBoreoPost

Abdul Karim: Efforts underway to increase flight connectivity between Singapore and Sarawak

August 18, 2019

KUCHING: Efforts are underway to increase flight connectivity between Singapore and Sarawak in the future, said Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

“We are currently in negotiation to arrange for more flight connectivity to Kuching and other cities in the state (from Singapore),” said Abdul Karim after flagging off the 2019 Kuching Marathon’s full marathon categories at Padang Merdeka, Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg here today.

He said that the matter regarding increasing flight connectivity between Singapore and Sarawak was mentioned by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg during the latter’s visit to Singapore to officially launch the Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office Singapore (Statos) on Saturday.

Five AirAsia aircraft display Visit Sarawak ads

August 14, 2019

Abdul Karim shows his approval for the advertisements on the overhead compartments. Sharzede is behind him.

KUCHING: The Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) has taken out Visit Sarawak Campaign advertisements on the overhead luggage compartments of five AirAsia aircraft for a year.

A press release yesterday said through the collaborative effort with AirAsia and Laduni Services Sdn Bhd, the overhead cabin compartments will prominently display Sarawak as a destination full of life, vibrancy, and excitement by showcasing various attractions of culture, adventure, nature, food, and festivals.

Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah officiated at a signing ceremony for the collaboration at the Kuching International Airport yesterday.

WAK attracts 56 creative groups staging 99 events

August 11, 2019

Abdul Karim hits a drum to reveal WAK 2019 calendar. Also seen from left are Hii, Tan and Sharzede (fourth left).

KUCHING: Locals and visitors can look forward to many activities at What About Kuching (WAK) 2019 from Sept 28 to Oct 27.

Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the unique festival driven by the community for the community is a true partnership between the public and private sectors exemplifying our cohesiveness as Sarawakians with passionate creative talents coming together to stage exciting events for a growing local and visiting audience.

“The third edition of WAK is the largest with 56 creative groups staging 99 different events with a total of 315 daily activities.

Minister: Aquarium behind Natural History Museum to be expanded

August 10, 2019

KUCHING: The aquarium behind the Natural History Museum of the newly-completed Sarawak Museum Complex here will be expanded to showcase the fish species of Sarawak.

According to Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, the aquarium may not be above average in size or extent, but it should be able to showcase the various aquatic vertebrates of Sarawak.

“Behind the Natural History Museum, we have an aquarium which will be part of the entire Sarawak Museum Complex.

Abdul Karim: Ahmad Lai’s passing a huge loss to Sarawak, PBB

August 09, 2019

KUCHING: Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah has termed the passing of former Sibuti MP Datuk Ahmad Lai Bujang as a huge loss to Sarawak.

The Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) vice president said he could not be more shocked to learn about the news this morning.

“I knew Datuk Ahmad Lai. I was very close to him. I was shocked to learn about his passing. My deepest condolences to his family,” he said when met by journalists at the new Sarawak Museum Complex here today.

Entrance fees to be imposed on visitors to new Sarawak Museum, will be cheaper for locals

August 09, 2019

Abdul Karim with others take a tour of the new Sarawak Museum. 

KUCHING: Like other museums across the globe, the new Sarawak Museum Complex is expecting payment from visitors, both locals and international.

Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the State Cabinet had not decided on the entrance fees.

“Looking at what we are doing now, making it (Sarawak Museum) parallel with how all the other museums in the world are being done, it is very, very costly.

Abdul Karim: New Sarawak Museum Complex to be officially open to the public by end of next year

August 09, 2019

The new Sarawak Museum Complex cost RM323 million to build.

KUCHING: The new Sarawak Museum Complex, the largest in Malaysia and second largest in Southeast Asia, has been completed and handed over to the Public Works Department (JKR) Sarawak and Museum Department Sarawak.

Witnessing the handover ceremony held at the complex here today was Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

The new museum was designed and completed with 21st century facilities and amenities.

‘Majority of youths happy with state administration’

August 09, 2019

Abdul Karim right shows the the report of the Sarawak Youth Index survey at the press conference.

KUCHING: The Sarawak Youth Index survey carried out by the Institut Penyelidikan Pembangunan Belia Malaysia (IYRES) shows that the majority of youths in Sarawak are happy with the present state administration.

One of the reasons, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah claimed, was that they were very passionate about the state’s rights.

He believed that this passion went across the board, be they Chinese, the Malays or Dayaks.

Talented youth in music, arts can apply for financial aid

August 09, 2019

KUCHING: Youth in Sarawak who want to go higher in the fields of arts and music can now apply for financial assistance from the Sarawak Youth Venture Fund.

Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the Sarawak government had allocated RM5 million for the purpose.

The fund is meant for youths aged 15 to 40 years, be they individuals, teams or associations specialising in any discipline of arts and culture.

Ministry to consider Sibu-Singapore direct flight

August 05, 2019

Abdul Karim holds a saxophone during a photo-call with Hii (left), Sibu Rural District Council deputy chairman Robert Lau (right), Gracie (fourth right) and others.

SIBU: The highly-requested Sibu-Singapore direct flight will be given due consideration, says Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

He points out that with the Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office now open in Singapore, the time is right to consider the request.

“It is probably a good time to consider (the request) but then, we will need a lot of discussions on this,” he told reporters after the Kuching Waterfront Jazz Festival (KWJF) showcase at a hotel here on Saturday night.

S’wak looks to woo more China visitors in 2020

August 5, 2019

Abdul Karim is joined by tour operators from China in this photo call. Lee and Hii are at third right and second right respectively.

KUCHING: The Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports is confident of attracting more tourists and investors from China to Sarawak next year, following a recent working visit to Chengdu, China where various collaborations were discussed with Chinese counterparts.

Among the meetings held by the state delegation led by Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, was a courtesy call on China Express Air vice president Henry Ke Qiu.

Abdul Karim in a statement issued by his ministry said the meeting ended with promising results with the possible joint collaborations between the Sarawak government and China Express Air before the end of the year.

Synthetic drugs abuse on the rise, worrying, says minister

July 11, 2019

KUCHING: Abusing synthetic drugs which are produced by mixing chemical substances such as syabu and amphetamine is on the rise among Sarawakian youths.

Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said it is a worrying trend as the side effects of the drugs, besides addiction, would include aggrasiveness and mental problems.

“Social problems such as theft are also likely to occur as the drug users would need money to buy the drugs,” Abdul Karim told a press conference after chairing a meeting of Sarawak-level drug eradiction action council yesterday.

Sarawak govt doesn’t discriminate in promoting sports — Abd Karim

July 11, 2019

SIBU: The Sarawak government and its agencies do not differentiate between rural and urban areas when it comes to promoting sports, said Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

Instead, the Sarawak government has been putting sports and development of youth highly, as reflected in Sukma Games and MSSM where the Sarawak contingent is always feared by the other states, he pointed out.

“Despite our vast landmass, we have been able to organise sport events like Sukan Sarawak where all divisions in the state are able to compete and develop their athletes. Deputy Minister Steven seems unaware of all this,” he told The Borneo Post yesterday.

SCV upgrading, renovation completed, all set for RWMF

July 11, 2019

Abdul Hadi (right) shares some points with Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah and others during the minister’s recent walkabout at SCV.

KUCHING: The upgrading and renovation works at Sarawak Cultural Village (SCV) in Damai have been completed ahead of schedule in time for this year’s Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) on July 12 to 14.

Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) group general manager Abdul Hadi Abdul Kadir said the works were started last month, and most of them have been completed ahead of schedule.

“We have also included improvement works to cover the Internet connectivity and wider coverage for the nearby Damai Central, which will provide convenience for those who will be patronising the three-day festival,” he said.

Sarawak Cultural Village all set for RWMF 2019 – Abd Karim

July 09, 2019

(From fourth left) Sarawak Tourism Board chairman Datuk Abdul Wahab Aziz, Abdul Karim, Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports permanent secretary Hii Chang Kee, Sarawak Cultural Village general manager Jane Lian Labang and others in a photocall in front of the RWMF 2019 main stage.

KUCHING: Sarawak Cultural Village is all set to welcome visitors to the much-anticipated Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) 2019, said Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

“The facilities and the buildings structure of Sarawak Cultural Village are much newer this year and I would like say that we are proud of the efforts that are being put into preparing the international event to the global crowd,” said Abdul Karim during a walkabout at Sarawak Cultural Village here yesterday to inspect the preparation works for the festival.

Abdul Karim shared that about RM13 million had been allocated by the state government to carry out upgrading and renovation works at Sarawak Cultural Village in order to provide a more comfortable and conducive environment to the festival-goers.

Only DUN can decide if S’wak will adopt law on age limit for youth: Abdul Karim

July 04, 2019 

KUCHING: Minister for Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said only the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) can decide if Sarawak will adopt the law on age limit for youth.

Abdul Karim said although the the Youth Societies and Youth Development (Amendment) Bill 2019 had been passed by the Dewan Rakyat yesterday, it still needed to get through Dewan Negara.

He added that it is only after the Bill is gazetted then it will become law.

Rainforest in The City not to be missed — Abdul Karim

July 04, 2019

Abdul Karim (fourth left) and Snowdan (third left) hold up the LED Light Balls at the launch while others give the thumbs up. 

KUCHING: The public are urged not to miss Rainforest in The City (RITC) 2019 at Kuching Amphitheatre, Jalan Taman Budaya here.

Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said RITC, which offers a variety of exciting performances, is a ‘warm-up’ event before the Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF).

He said various interesting events such as cultural performances, music, nature and food of ethnic Sarawakians as well as hi-tech lighting arrangements are in store for visitors.

We’re youths till 40, says Karim

July 03, 2019

Saberkas No. 2 disagrees with proposed amendment Bill to lower age of youth to 30

KUCHING: Sarawak’s definition of ‘youth’ will maintain the age range of 15 to 40 years old, says Sarawak United National Youth Organisation (Saberkas) deputy president Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

Commenting on the proposed amendment Bill tabled in Parliament on Monday to lower the age to define ‘youths’ from 40 to 30, he told The Borneo Post yesterday that the country should not lower the age limit to mirror that of western countries.

“Personally, I am not agreeable to the proposed amendment to lower the age of ‘youths’ to 30 and below, from the present maximum age of 40.

Sibu should host more tourism events — Minister

July 03, 2019

Abdul Karim signs a plaque to launch the formation of BECos, as Lau (second left), Dr Toyad (fourth left), Amelia (fifth left) and others look on.

SIBU: More tourism events should be organised here to spur its tourism industry, says Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

He was speaking at the launching of Business Events Consortium of Sibu (BECos), Formation and also of ‘I Want Discover Sarawak’ contest at RH Hotel here yesterday.

The event was part of the Business Event Sarawak – Tribal Gathering.

‘Turn Sifma into a yearly or biennial affair’

June 30, 2019

Abdul Karim, seen here with Snowdan arrives at the concert.

KUCHING: The inaugural ‘Sarawak International Festival of Music and Arts’ (Sifma) should be made a yearly or biennial affair, says Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

“The way I see it, we should not let this festival to be a one-off festival. I would love to see it held as a yearly or biennially event.

“With proper organisation and talented musicians in Sarawak, we could make this festival into another music event like the Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF), especially when we will have a performing arts centre ready in the next two years,” he said at the opening ceremony of the ‘Sifma Gala Concert’ in the old DUN Complex here on Friday night.

Jabatan Perpaduan dipuji kerana letak kepentingan pupuk, jaga perpaduan masyarakat

KOTA SAMARAHAN: Menteri Pelancongan, Kesenian, Kebudayaan, Belia dan Sukan Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah memuji Jabatan Perpaduan Bahagian Samarahan kerana meletakkan kepentingan untuk memupuk dan menjaga perpaduan masyarakat Asajaya melebihi kepentingan politik.

Beliau berkata pendekatan seumpama itu sepatutnya diambil oleh semua jabatan atau agensi kerajaan persekutuan di Sarawak.

“Kerajaan Pusat mempunyai tanggugjawab utk menyatupadukan rakyat Malaysia.

Guan Eng naive to think Sarawak will go bankrupt in 3 years, says minister

June 23, 2019

KUCHING: A Sarawak minister has described Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng as naive for warning that the state may become bankrupt in three years’ time.

“He must have assumed that the reserves would be depleted in three years,” said Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Minister Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah in a comment on Lim’s remarks regarding the annual state budget.

“That reasoning would be correct only if there’s no revenue coming in and Sarawak spends only its reserves.

'Sarawak muflis', kenyataan bodoh daripada Menteri Kewangan - Abdul Karim

June 22, 2019

KOTA SAMARAHAN: Menteri Pelancongan, Kesenian, Kebudayaan, Belia dan Sukan Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah membidas kenyataan Menteri Kewangan Lim Guan Eng bahawa Sarawak akan bankrap jika terus ditadbir oleh GPS sebagai kenyataan yang bodoh yang tidak sepatutnya diucapkan oleh seorang Menteri Kewangan.

“Tanpa Sarawak, Malaysia boleh bankrap (kerana tiada sumber pendapatan dari Sarawak). Sebagai Menteri Kewangan, dia patut tahu. Diharapkan kita jangan terpedaya (dengan kenyataan Guan Eng),” kata beliau.

Abdul Karim berkata Guan Eng patut tahu bahawa agensi penarafan antarabangsa telah memberi penarafan kredit baik kepada Sarawak sejak 15 tahun yang lalu.

Rainforest in The City not to be missed — Abdul Karim

June 19, 2019

Abdul Karim talks about the full RFF2019 programme at the press conference, accompanied by Joe (left), Lee (second left) and others.

KUCHING: Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Mainmunah Iskandariah is expected to officiate at the launching ceremony of the Rainforest Fringe Festival 2019 (RFF2019) on July 5.

Among the highlights of the launching ceremony, which will be held at the Old State Legislative Assembly (DUN) building, is the ‘Lembaran Emas: Songket and Keringkam of Sarawak’ fashion show.

In a press conference held yesterday at Level 2, Baitulmakmur Complex, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said that the fashion show would feature designs from Malaysia’s ‘King of Fashion’ Dato Sri Bernard Chandran and Sarawak’s own ‘Queen of Bornean Fashion’ Dato Tom Abang Saufi.

Abdul Karim unperturbed by move to register S4S as political party

June 12, 2019

KUCHING: The move to register the ‘Sarawak for Sarawakians’ (S4S) movement as a political party does not worry Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah in the slightest.

The Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports said it was the right of S4S’ caretakers to venture into the political sphere as Malaysia is a democratic country.

“The more the merrier,” he quipped when contacted yesterday on the move by S4S to register itself as a political entity. “Anyone who wishes to register a political party is free to do so. But whether they are going to get support from voters remains to be seen.”

Give ‘committed’ Latheefa chance to prove herself as MACC chief’

June 7, 2019

KUCHING: Latheefa Koya should be given the opportunity to prove herself as the new Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner, says Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

He opined that based on her past involvement in Lawyers for Liberty and Bersih, she was someone very committed to a cause, and that this same level of commitment can now be applied to MACC.

“We have to give her a chance. Before this, she was a very committed activist and staunch party member of a certain party, but then it was announced that she has already quit from the party.

Kidney patient receives donation from St Joseph’s class of ’77 schoolmates

May 29, 2019

Abdul Karim alongside (from left) Goh, Ikhwan and Tai hands over the donation to Romawi

KUCHING: Fifty-nine-year-old kidney patient Awang Romawi Awang Mais received a special visit from his classmates of St Joseph’s School class of 1977, including Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

While there, they handed over a donation of RM20,000, which was collected among their former classmates, to Romawi in an effort to aid his kidney dialysis treatment at the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) Dialysis Centre.

According to Abdul Karim, Romawi is currently suffering from an acute kidney failure, requiring him to undergo dialysis treatment there.

‘RWMF is here to stay’

May 29, 2019

Abdul Karim, flanked by Sharzede (left) and Yu, during the press conference.

KUCHING: After 22 years of success, Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) has now been established as a major international world music festival and is set to continue to be staged for years to come.

This was stated by Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah who also noted that the festival has managed to sustain itself throughout the years.

“I was informed that during its first year, there were only 300 festival goers attending the festival – throughout the years the numbers kept increasing and up until last year, 22,000 people went to the festival.

Inaugural Sarawak International Festival of Music and Arts June 28, 29

May 23, 2019

Abdul Karim (centre) and other committee members give the thumbs-up to the event.

KUCHING: The inaugural Sarawak International Festival of Music and Arts (SIFMA) 2019 will be held at the old State Legislative Assembly on June 28 and 29.

It is organised by International Music House (IMH) in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports.

Its minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said among those performing would be Mandeville Stars and The Vocal Consort from Singapore, Taiwan Bamboo Orchestra from Taiwan, Kuala Lumpur Children Choir, and SIFMA Orchestra.

Abdul Karim rafak sembah takziah kepada Agong

May 22, 2019

KUCHING: Menteri Pelancongan, Kesenian, Kebudayaan, Belia dan Sukan Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah merafak sembah takziah kepada Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah atas kemangkatan ayahanda beliau, hari ini.

Paduka ayahanda Yang di-Pertuan Agong, iaitu Sultan Ahmad Shah Al-Musta’in Billah mangkat di Institut Jantung Negara (IJN), Kuala Lumpur, pada pukul 8.50 pagi.

"Ini satu berita yang menyedihkan, iaitu kemangkatan Paduka Ayahanda Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

Youths urged to join JCIM Top Outstanding Young Malaysians 2019 Awards

May 16, 2019

Abdul Karim giving a certificate of appreciation to Dato Wee Hong Seng (third, right), who is a past recipient of the award, during the press conference. Also seen is Lu (right).

KUCHING: Youth in the state are encouraged to join the Junior Chamber International Malaysia (JCIM) Top Outstanding Young Malaysians (TOYM) 2019 Awards ceremony which is still open for nomination.

Speaking to reporters at a press conference yesterday, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah informed that the closing date for the award is May 31 this year and for the first time, the ceremony will be held in Kuching. 

The awards ceremony will be held on September 24, 2019 at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK).

RFF returns to showcase Sarawak’s culture

May 15, 2019

Abdul Karim during a photo call with (from right) Sharzede; Assistant Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Lee Kim Shin, festival director Joe Sidek and others.

KUCHING: The third edition of the Rainforest Fringe Festival (RFF) on July 5-12 will showcase Sarawak’s rich culture and heritage through an all-inclusive programme for both locals and visitors of all ages.

Sarawak Tourism Board chief executive officer Sharzede Salleh Askor said the festival serves as a prelude to the annual Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) and Borneo Jazz Festival.

“We are proud to showcase that Sarawak can be a hub of music tourism, unique cultural and arts experiences, and world-class festivals that are the best in the region. Rainforest Fringe Festival will showcase music, arts, crafts, photography, food and culture, both local and foreign, throughout Kuching City.

Karim and Talib demand Dr Ting to apologise

May 10, 2019

KUCHING: The Dewan Undangan Negeri erupted into chaos after Pujut assemblyman Dr Ting Tiong Choon slammed the Amanah Saham Sarawak (Assar) booklet during the Chief Minister’s winding up speech at the DUN yesterday.

Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah and Jepak assemblyman Datuk Talib Zulpilip who thought that he slammed the Standing Order (SO) booklet demanded that he apologise.

However, Dr Ting clarified that it was not the SO booklet but the Assar booklet that he slammed .

What’s the point of coverage if CM’s face is never shown, asks Sarawak minister

May 9, 2019

Sarawak Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Minister Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah at a press conference at the state legislative assembly today.

KUCHING: Sarawak State Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Minister Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah today defended his criticism of Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) following a rebuttal of his claims by the state broadcaster.

Karim claimed RTM might have provided coverage for 181 activities involving the chief minister and other state ministers but it did not show their faces on TV.

“What I’m saying is not baseless. I have been watching. Sarawakians have been watching as well. We are not stupid. If the programmes are attended by the chief minister, you will definitely not see his face the next day.

Abdul Karim wants to meet Gobind over RTM’s lack of coverage issue

May 9, 2019

KUCHING: Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said he would love to meet Minister of Communications and Multimedia Gobind Singh Deo over Radio Televisyen Malaysia’s (RTM) lack of coverage on the events in the state.

At the same time, Abdul Karim hoped that Gobind could make his own decision pertaining to the matter.

“Yes I would love to seen him (Gobind) or the Democratic Action Party (DAP) members from Sarawak can see him, but at the same time I also hope that he can make a decision on his own,” Abdul Karim told reporters today.

Abdul Karim: S’wak records 1.1 mln visitor arrivals from Jan to March

May 07, 2019

Abdul Karim holding his winding up speech for the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports. Also seen is Assistant Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Lee Kim Shin.

VISITOR arrivals to Sarawak showed an increase of 3.93 per cent for the first quarter of the year when compared to the same corresponding period in 2018.

Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the state recorded a total of 1,117,843 arrival of visitors from January to March of which the main source of visitors came from Brunei Darussalam.

“The top five sources of visitors for Sarawak are Brunei Darussalam (304,823), Indonesia (94,303), the Philippines (14,419), China (9,983) and Singapore (9,024),” he said in his ministerial winding-up speech at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Sitting today.

We got your back, minister tells Sarawak athletes

May 1, 2019

Sim receives the incentives from Abdul Karim as Youth and Sports Assistant Minister Datuk Snowdan Lawan (left) and Sarawak Sports Corporation chief executive Dr Ong Kong Swee look on.

KUCHING: National swimmer Welson Sim has received a RM91,500 grant from the Sarawak government to cover his training expenses in Melbourne, Australia over the past four months since January.

The 21-year-old is currently training under Mack Horton – a Rio 2016 Olympic 400m freestyle champion – and has set his sights to qualify for the Tokyo Olympic next year.

“The State government will not let our athletes be left on the ledge, that’s why we have to come in,” said Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah when met by reporters accompanied by Sim at the lobby of State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Complex, Petra Jaya here yesterday.

S’wak govt grants Olympic swimmer Welson Sim RM91,500 for training

April 30, 2019,

Abdul Karim (second right) presents an incentive to Sim (second left). Also seen are Assistant Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Snowdan Lawan (left) and Sarawak State Sports Council director director Dr Ong Kong Swee.

KUCHING: The Sarawak government has granted Olympic and national swimmer Welson Sim RM91,500 for his training expenses in Melbourne, Australia over the past four months since January, this year.

The 21-year-old Sarawakian swimmer from Jalan Foochow, here, who is currently undergoing intensive training in Melbourne, is aiming to participate for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.

“The state government will not let our athletes be left on the ledge, that’s why we have to come in,” said Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youths and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah who was accompanied by Sim when met by reporters at the lobby of State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Complex, Petra Jaya here today.

‘Local handicrafts industry needs more boost’

April 29, 2019

Abdul Karim presents a memento to Miri Kedayan Association chairman Mohamad Abdullah Jamin at the ceremony.

MIRI: Greater effort is needed to develop and promote handicrafts from Sarawak, says Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

In this regard, he calls upon Sarawak Craft Council to always be proactive in charting the development of this industry in Sarawak.

“In terms of crafts, Sarawakians are proficient and this has been proven by the conferment of Kuching, as the ‘World Craft City’ by the World Crafts Council earlier this year. We are proud of that.

Cat City impresses Steven Seagal

April 28, 2019

Seagal (seated, third left) with his wife Erdenetuya (seated, second left), Abdul Karim (seated, third right), Hii (seated, right) and others pose with local and foreign media.

KUCHING: Hollywood star Steven Seagal is impressed by the capital city of Sarawak where he made a special appearance at the Asean International Film Festival and Awards (Aiffa) 2019.

“I’ve been to Malaysia many times but this is my first trip to Kuching. It’s unspoilt, simple and charming.

“And really nice people as well as beautiful culture,” he told a press conference packed with local and foreign media as well as fans at the Old Court House here yesterday.