Abd Karim: Kuching Waterfront should be managed by single entity

February 22, 2019

Abdul Karim (third right) visits a booth which showcased ideas for the Kuching Art Mural together with (from right) Dr Sim, Abdul Wahap and Wee at the Chap Goh Mei festival that was held at the India Street Pedestrian Mall on Wednesday.

KUCHING: Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah feels that the whole stretch of the Kuching Waterfront should be managed by a single entity.

Currently, he said the Kuching Waterfront is jointly managed by Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) and Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) “which does not make sense”.

“I feel that there should not be more than one entity to manage the Kuching Waterfront properly as it may affect the development and tourism plans in the area,” he suggested at the Chap Goh Mei festival at India Street Pedestrian Mall on Wednesday night.

Mandarin-speaking tour guides mulled for Chinese tourists

March 21, 2018

Abdul Karim (seated third right) addresses the press conference after the meeting. Also seen seated from left are Abang Abdul Wahap, Abdul Wahab,Hii,and Snowdan.

KUCHING: The Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports is looking at temporary tour guides with Mandarin proficiency to accommodate the growing number of visitors from China.

Its minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said this was brought about by the about 20,000 air passengers, mostly from China, who came here in the first three months since the inaugural Kuching-Shenzhen flight at end of December last year.

“The ministry is seriously looking into this issue and is hoping to address it with contingency plan or else it would have an impact on our Chinese guests,” he told a press conference after chairing the Sarawak Tourism Steering Committee meeting here yesterday.

Karim wants more arts incorporated into Kuching city

August 7, 2017

Abdul Karim (second left) presents the first prize to Wong. Also seen are Chung (second right) and Chan (right).

KUCHING: Sarawak Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports wants to see more arts incorporated into the development of Kuching to make the city livelier.

“We want Kuching to develop, not to be a concrete jungle of squarish buildings, but to have art elements in the design and architecture,” said its minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, as reported by The Borneo Post, during a prize presentation ceremony for the second 'Kuching For Me' contest.

Abdul Karim (back row, third left), Chung (back row, fourth left), Chan (back row, third right), Abang Abdul Wahap (back row, left), guests, local artists and contest winners pose for a group photo.

He added: “It is good to see developers have this kind of feeling and passion for art incorporated into their development projects. 

Sarawak to set up Tourist Court soon, says Abd Karim

June 24, 2017

Abang Wahap (left) presents a souvenir to Abdul Karim while Snowdan (third right) and Ik Pahon (second right) look on.

KUCHING: The state hopes to set up a Tourist Court to quickly solve criminal cases involving tourists in Sarawak.

Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said as of now most of cases involving tourists could not be solved quickly and were therefore thrown out of court because the tourists would not appear again in court as they had already gone home.

“I don’t want to hear of tourists being robbed and a subsequent court case not being solved quickly. 

"That is why we will set up a Tourist Court soon to quickly solve cases involving tourists,” he said at a special meeting with Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) yesterday.

He added that when a (crime) case happened, all evidence and proofs regarding the incident would be taken and used in court. The victim (tourist) need not return here.

SEA Games torch on final leg of Sarawak tour

June 14, 2017

Abdul Karim (front row, fifth right), Snowdan and Hasidah (front row, third right) with participants in a group photo. 

KUCHING: Around 500 participants took part in the 29th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games torch run which was flagged off at the old State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Complex yesterday.

They were led by Assistant Minister of Youth and Sports Snowdan Lawan, who was also the torch bearer.

From the old DUN Complex, the group made their way across the Sarawak River on boat towards Kuching Waterfront where Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah was on hand to receive the torch from Snowdan.

Stadium, stars on track for Celcom Axiata Malaysia Open — Karim

March 31, 2017

Karim (squatting at second left) with Aziz (second right) checking out the floor while (from left, standing) Wahap and Kameri and others look on at Sarawak Indoor Stadium in Petra Jaya yesterday.

KUCHING: Sarawak is all set to welcome top players in the world like Datuk Lee Chong Wei, China’s Lin Dan and Chen Long to the Celcom Axiata Malaysia Open badminton championships to be held at the Sarawak Indoor Stadium in Petra Jaya from April 4-9.

“All preparations have gone smoothly except for a few finishing touches,” Assistant Minister of Youth, Sports and Solidarity Datuk Rahman Hamzah said after inspecting the facilities and venue at Sarawak Indoor Stadium yesterday.

Accompanying him were permanent secretary to the ministry Kameri Affandi, Kuching City North Commission mayor Datuk Abdul Wahap Abang Julai and Sarawak BA president Tan Sri Datuk Amar Abdul Aziz Husain. 

According to Karim, both Lee and Lin Dan have skipped the Indian Open to prepare for the Malaysian Open so fans can expect a showdown here.

“All top 10 seeded players (men’s and women’s) are coming to this prestigious event. 

Galeri: 43rd Sarawak Age Group Swimming Championships

March 07, 2016

The best boy and best girl swimmers posing with (from left) Kuching City North Commission mayor Datuk Abang Wahab Abang Julai, Asas president Dato Wee Hong Seng, Sarawak Sports Corporation CEO Dr Ong Kong Swee, Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, organising chairman Anthony Kong (fifth right) and team managers after the awards presentation.

Galeri: Taman Mesra Bako's Appreciation Ceremony

November 24, 2014

Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg (third right) handing over an agreement letter to a recipient at the ceremony in Taman Mesra Bako, witnessed by (from right) HDC chairman Datuk Dr Abang Rauf Abang Zen, Assistant Minister of Housing Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Demak Laut assemblyman Dr Hazland Abang Hipni and Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) Datuk Bandar Datuk Abang Abdul Wahap Abang Julai (left).

About 1,000 people expected at Kayuhan Mesra Warisan 2014

February 19, 2014

Abdul Karim (fourth left) showing the T-shirt having his name printed on it at the media conference.

KUCHING: About 1,000 people of all ages and background are expected at the first ever cycling programme – Kayuhan Mesra Warisan 2014 (Heritage Friendly Paddling 2014) – to be held here on Feb 23.

Assistant Minister of Youth Development Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the activity, the First Vehicle-Free Day in the city, would cover a distance of five kilometers around the historical heritage sites and tourist attractions in the city centre and several settlements in Satok area.

Announcing the programme at a media conference here yesterday, he said the event, to kick off at 6am at the Kuching Waterfront Esplanade, was to celebrate Visit Malaysia Year and Visit Sarawak Year 2014, apart from promoting cycling as a healthy recreational activity among the local people.

The programme was also aimed at introducing Sarawak tourism mini ambassador to the local people.

The roads from Kuching Waterfront Esplanade to Jalan Ajibah Abol, Jalan Patinggan, Jalan Kulas, Jalan Haji Taha and back to the starting point will be closed to traffic during the period to allow for smoother ride for the cyclists.

Abdul Karim said Tourism Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg would flag off the participants, who would make a stop at Darul Maziah, a 300-year-old traditional Malay house at Kampung No. 6 for a briefing.

“Cycling is a recreational activity which is getting more popular among the youths in Sarawak and Kuching in particular. People of all ages and gender are seen cycling everyday not for race but as a recreational activity.

Urung 1,000 iku pengayuh basikal ngulu pengawa ‘Kayuhan Mesra Warisan 2014’ enggau ‘Hari Enda Bekerita’, 23 Feb

February 19, 2014

KUCHING: Program nepan basikal ‘Kayuhan Mesra Warisan 2014’ deka diatur begulai enggau ‘Hari Enda Bekerita’ (DBKU) kena 23 Februari tu ila deka mungkur penyauh lima kilometer ngelingi palan besejarah sereta palan ke suah dilawa temuai di bandaraya Kuching nyengkaum genturung pendiau Satok.

Menteri Muda Nembiak (Nengeri), Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah madah program nya ke keterubah iya diatur.

Program nya ku iya dipasuk urung 1,000 iku pengayuh basikal ari genap renggat umur enda ngira tuai tauka biak, diatur begulai Kelab Lumba enggau Main Komuniti (KSK) Satok, Gerempung Pemuda Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Satok, Opis Malaysia Tourism, Opis Kaunsil Bandaraya Kuching Utara (DBKU), Opis Menteri Dagang Temuai Sarawak, Opis Menteri Pemansang Nembiak, Opis Pemadah Malaysia, Opis Pengelikun Jalai Alun (JKJR), YR1M, Gerempung Bebasikal Menua Sarawak enggau Polis Diraja Malaysia (pampang Trafik).

Iya madah program ke deka bepun ari pukul 6 pagi nya ari ‘Explanade Kuching Waterfront’ betuju ngeramika Taun Nemuai Ke Malaysia enggau Taun Nemuai Ke Sarawak 2014, meransang mensia mayuh bela ngerami aktiviti bepengerai bansa nya kelimpah ari belelak sereta ngangkatka pengawa dagang temuai nengah chara bebasikal.

Kelimpah ari nya mega, iya dikena meri kelai ‘duta’ mit pengawa dagang temuai Sarawak ba komuniti ditu.

Iya madah, jalai ke ditengah bebasikal, iya nya ari Explanade Kuching Waterfront Kuching nuju Jalai Ajibah Abol, Jalai Patingan, Jalai Kulas, Jalai Haji Taha lalu mulaika diri ngagai Explanade Kuching Waterfront.

Menteri Dagang Temuai, Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg deka bejadika atur pengawa nya ila.

Abdul Karim: Vital for youths to be properly equipped

February 18, 2014

Abdul Karim (second right) accepting a memento from Ashraf (second left) during the closing of #ayckickstart2014 yesterday as (from left) Aloysius, Mohd Ariff and Sharkawi look on.

KUCHING: It is important that the youths of today are equipped to lead society when it is time for them to inherit the future.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of Angkatan Zaman Mansang (Azam) Sarawak 2014 on Sunday, Assistant MInister of Youth Development Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah pointed out that leadership is not limited to the political field alone.
   

Belia berperanan majukan negara, bakal pemimpin masa depan

February 17, 2014

SANTUBONG: Golongan belia berperanan penting dalam memajukan negara dan merupakan bakal pemimpin negara pada masa depan.

Menteri Muda Pembangunan Belia (Bandar) Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah berkata, belia cemerlang adalah aset negara paling berharga dalam meneruskan kepimpinan bagi mencapai kegemilangan sekali gus menyediakan golongan pelapis yang berdaya saing.

Justeru, bagi mencapai tujuan itu golongan belia seharusnya membabitkan diri dengan kegiatan yang berfaedah.

“Penting untuk menjaga kepentingan belia dan memahami kehendak semasa mereka, agar kita dapat membimbing mereka menjadi pemimpin yang baik pada masa depan.

“Adalah menjadi tanggungjawab semua pihak termasuk kerajaan, pertubuhan bukan kerajaan (NGO) serta ibu bapa sendiri untuk mendekati golongan ini, agar kita tahu apa yang mereka inginkan dan dapat memenuhi kehendak mereka,” katanya.

Beliau berkata demikian ketika berucap pada Majlis Penutupan Program Sukarelawan Jiwa Muda AZAM (#ayckickstart2014) di sini, semalam.

Karim yang juga Menteri Muda Perumahan menambah, pelbagai aktiviti telah dirancang oleh kerajaan untuk mendekati golongan belia.

   

1BFF Imagine Retrowalk 2014 bakal diiktiraf dalam rekod dunia

Januari 17, 2014

Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah menunjukkan isyarat bagus selepas perasmian program 1BFF Imagine Retrowalk 2014 di Kuching, semalam. Turut hadir, Talip Zulpilip (dua dari kiri), Abang Abdul Wahab Abang Julai (kiri) serta Athanasius Audie Chua (kanan).

KUCHING 16 Jan. - Acara berjalan kaki mengundur, 1BFF Imagine Retrowalk 2014 di bandar raya ini pada 16 Oktober depan bakal diiktiraf dalam rekod dunia.

Acara berjalan kaki mengundur sejauh 1 kilometer itu akan bermula di pusat membeli-belah Plaza Merdeka di sini.

Menteri Muda Pembangunan Belia (Bandar) negeri, Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah berkata, Guinness World Record bersetuju untuk mengiktiraf program itu sekiranya penganjur berjaya memecahkan rekod terdahulu dengan mengumpul lebih 1,000 peserta.

Katanya, rekod berjalan kaki mengundur kini dipegang oleh China yang dicatat beberapa tahun lalu.

"Meskipun program ini hanya acara berjalan beramai-ramai namun bukanlah mudah kerana peserta perlu berjalan dalam keadaan mengundur sejauh 1 kilometer.

"Saya juga memuji inisiatif IBFF ImagineRetrowalk kerana berani tampil dengan acara yang berpotensi memecah rekod dunia dan saya yakin rakyat Sarawak akan turun beramai-ramai menyertai program ini," katanya sewaktu majlis Pelancaran Program 1BFF Imagine Retrowalk 2014 di sini hari ini.

Yang turut hadir Menteri Muda Pelancongan negeri, Datuk Talip Zulpilip; Datuk Bandar Kuching Utara, Datuk Abang Abdul Wahab Abang Julai dan wakil Guinness World Record, Athanasius Audie Chua.

Galeri: Govt all for initiatives that benefit people

January 17, 2014

Social Development (Urban Youth) Assistant Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah (third left) signing the event form in a symbolic ceremony as (from left) Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) Datuk Bandar Datuk Abang Abdul Wahap Julai, Assistant Tourism Minister Datuk Talib Zulpilip and others look on.

Auto and biker clubs a healthy passion for youths — Karim

August 26, 2013

READY TO ROAR: Karim (centre) with Wahap (left) and Liew flagging off the MAC convoy at Le’Park yesterday.

KUCHING: Automobile and motorcycle enthusiasts in Sarawak are encouraged to form clubs which can act as a platform to promote goodwill, said Assistant Minister of Youth Development (Urban) Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah yesterday.

He explained that with the right mix of activities, such clubs can eradicate social ills among youths while at the same time letting others in on their hobby.

“Automobile and motorcycle clubs can play their role in improving harmony within society. Therefore, I hope those who have passion and great interest for such hobby form clubs because these clubs can attract youths and together you can organise healthy activities,” he said, prior to flagging off the ‘Merdeka Convoy’ at Le’Park yesterday.

The convoy was the climax of the two-day Merdeka Auto Carnival (MAC) organised by Sarawak Auto Enthusiasts Society (SAS) which saw close to 300 cars of various models ranging from Masserati, Ferarri, Lambhorgini, Mitsubishi, Mazda, Honda and K-cars displayed at Le’Park.

More than 200 cars participated in the ‘Merdeka Convoy’ led by the Kuching Supercar Club as they circled the city and back to Le’Park covering an estimated 53km to instill patriotism in conjunction with the 50th Malaysia Day celebrations.

Other exciting events during the carnival which ended yesterday included a street party, mountain biking competition and an array of other activities.

Program pembangunan belia bina generasi berkualiti

July 7, 2013

KUCHING, Sabtu — Pelaksanaan pelbagai program untuk pembangunan belia di negeri ini sangat penting dalam membina generasi berkualiti, kata Menteri Muda Pembangunan Belia, Haji Abdul Karim Hamzah. 

Beliau menambah, dengan adanya Stesen Penjiwaan Belia diharap mampu digunakan sebagai ruang untuk membangun potensi peserta.

“Kita sering mendengar pelbagai masalah sosial yang melanda belia pada masa kini. Apabila Stesen Penjiwaan Belia ditubuhkan, maka para peserta jelas dalam mencapai objektif yang telah ditetapkan untuk kepentingan bersama,” katanya.

Beliau berkata demikian semasa merasmikan Pusat Belia AZAM dan Stesen penjiwaan Belia yang dianjurkan Angkatan Zaman Mansang Sarawak (AZAM) di sini, hari ini.

Karim yang juga Menteri Muda Perumahan berharap lebih banyak aktiviti yang dilaksanakan untuk para belia lebih-lebih lagi lokasi stesen tersebut terletak di tengah bandar raya Kuching iaitu di Medan Pelita. 

Terdahulu, Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif AZAM, Datu Aloysius Dris juga berharap pusat ini terus memberi manfaat kepada para belia yang mempunyai pelbagai latar belakang.

“Ini merupakan kelebihan kepada para belia di sini apabila boleh menguatkan kesatuan dalam kalangan komuniti tersebut. 

Youth Central pusat sinergi dan interaksi sosial belia dibuka

July 7, 2013

KUCHING: Angkatan Zaman Mansang (AZAM) Sarawak kini membuka Youth Central, sebuah pusat sinergi dan interaksi sosial khas untuk belia di bandar raya ini.

Menteri Muda Pembangunan Belia (Bandar) Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah berkata, pusat sehenti khas bagi golongan muda itu mampu menjadi platform untuk menggalakkan belia khususnya di Kuching terlibat dalam aktiviti berfaedah.

“Kita amat khuatir tentang masalah belia pada masa ini kerana kebanyakan mereka terlibat dalam jenayah ragut, gaduh, minum alkohol serta aktiviti melepak di sekitar Tebingan Kuching.

“Oleh itu, saya percaya dengan tertubuhnya Youth Central ini dapat membantu menggalakkan belia di sini melakukan dan terlibat dalam aktiviti yang mampu membangunkan diri mereka ke arah yang positif,” ujarnya.

Beliau berkata demikian ketika berucap pada Majlis Pelancaran Youth Central di aras bawah Bangunan Medan Pelita di sini, semalam.

Karim memberitahu, pusat tersebut yang menyediakan pelbagai kemudahan diperlukan belia sudah pastinya mampu menarik kedatangan anak-anak muda.

Pada masa sama, beliau menggalakkan para belia terlibat dalam aktiviti sukarela bersama pihak sekolah dan polis bagi membentuk sumber manusia yang mampu memberi sumbangan kepada pembangunan negara.
 

Use Young Souls Station beneficially, says Karim

July 7, 2013

KUCHING: It is important to take action now and do something to develop the country so that the youth and future generations can benefit from it, said Assistant Minister of Youth Development Haji Abdul Karim Hamzah who is also Housing Assitant Minister.

Karim said this when launching the ‘AZAM Youth Central’ and the official opening of ‘Young Souls Station’ which was organised by Angkatan Zaman Mansang Sarawak (AZAM) and held at Medan Pelita here yesterday.

He said that with the Young Souls Station, he hoped that the young people can use the space and facilities provided for good use so that they can contribute to the development of the country.

“Nowadays we are hearing a lot about youth getting involved in crime and other social issues. Hopefully with this, youth can be drawn out and participate in activities which are positive and aimed towards building not only themselves, but the nation as well.

“Hopefully more activities for youth will be organised in this spot because it is a strategic location being right in the middle of the city,” Karim said.

AZAM CEO Datu Aloysius Dris said he hoped the centre would provide an avenue youth from different backgrounds and communities to converge in healthy activities and discussions.

“This process can strengthen the unity among the different communities and contribute to the social harmony in Sarawak,” said Aloysius.

Crocs parade trophy to thousands of cheering fans

June 30, 2013

“The Sarawak team needs your support to go to greater heights."
-Tuan Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah 

CUP OF DREAM: Sarawak captain Shahrol Shaperi lifts the cup to the main stand after their arrival. 
— Photos by Rais Sanusi

KUCHING: Thousands of Sarawak football fans jam the Padang Merdeka in the heart of the city to cheer the state team as they parade the Premier League trophy they won in an unbeaten run with one more match to play, yesterday afternoon.

The arrival of the players and coaches in an open deck tram was heralded with much fanfare by the hard-core fans, the Sarawak Ultras, who also call themselves GB13.

The supporters, some of whom gathered there in the morning, lined up the roads and streets as the tram wound its way past the Kuching Waterfront to Padang Merdeka where thousands more fans were waiting.

Sarawak Football Association (FAS) president Datu Sudarsono Osman in his speech thanked the supporters for standing by the team even when they were relegated from Super League last year.

“The fans were amazing as they continued to stay behind us. This trophy actually belongs to all the fans who stood behind us,” said Sudarsono.

He revealed that during the team motivational camp early January this year coach Robert Alberts challenged the team to win the Premier League title undefeated to move back to the Super League next season.

Galeri: Launching the Lighting Up of Tun Abdul Rahman Yaakub Bridge and Medan Niaga Satok Pontoon Jetty

January 2, 2013

ALL LIGHTED UP: Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg points to the brightly-lit Tun Abdul Rahman Yaakub Bridge.