Stay alive in the saddle, Karim reminds big bikers

September 25, 2016

FOR THE MEMOIR

KOTA SAMARAHAN: Value life and ride safe when you are on the road, Assistant Minister for Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Hamzah said in a heartfelt reminder to big bikers.

“As a big biker myself I have seen many friends and bikers perish on the road due to negligence,” he said before officiating at the 5th Samarahan Bike Fest 2016 in the vicinity of Aiman Mall in Kota Samarahan yesterday.

“It is a painful experience having to deal with your own friends when they perish on the road. I do not want you to experience the same thing like I had,” he said.

He said it was always better to ride with care rather than to show off especially when riding a big machine as one never knows when disaster would strike.

“You may have a big and expensive bike but you are still small when you are on the road. Even a collision with the smallest vehicle can be fatal,” he added.

Abdul Karim, who is also Assistant Minister for Housing, said losing an expensive machine was one thing but losing a life was a different matter altogether. The emotional impact was greater.

He was impressed that there were more people with big bikes now and once the Pan Borneo Highway was completed the number would probably soar.

KRT plays effective role in uniting the people, says Karim

December 28, 2014

ASAJAYA: The National Integration and Unity Department plays an effective role in uniting the various communities in the state, says Social Development (Youth) Assistant Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

“The setting up of Kawasan Rukun Tetangga (KRT) in the rural areas is a vital means of enhancing relationship and cooperation among the various ethnicities. 

“From what I observe, the department, through the KRT, has taken a positive step towards creating communties that are united in all aspects,” he said.

Karim said this while officiating at the Kampung Bangka Semong KRT Carnival yesterday, held in conjunction with its third anniversary celebration. 

KRTs established by village committees, he said, would always strive towards building viable and safe villages through its various actitivities. 

“We hope this effort of the KRT can continue inorder to strengthen solidairty among the people,” he said. 

The state assemblyman for Asajaya also wanted the 11 KRT in his constituency to remain active by organising suitable programmes and activities for all ages. 

Samarahan Municipal Council by next year?

December 21, 2014

KUCHING: Samarahan District Council (SDC) could be upgraded to Samarahan Municipal Council buy next year in line with its status as the faster growing township in Sarawak.

Assistant Minister of Housing, Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah revealed this during the 30th Anniversary Appreciation Dinner of Samarahan District Council at Imperial Hotel here on Friday night.

"The State Government has already approved the upgrading of SDC. SDC is supposed to change to Samarahan Municipal Council this year," he added.

Karim, who is also the Assistant Minister of Youth Development and Asajaya State Assemblyman, said the District Council needed to be upgraded as Samarahan developing fast.

However, money was needed from the Federal government for the upgrading./

"I hope and believe that by next year, SDC will be able to change its name to Samarahan Municipal Council."

Karim said that currently, SDC had 60 Councillors.

500 trees to be planted annually for a ‘green’ Samarahan

October 9, 2014

KOTA SAMARAHAN: Samarahan District Council (SDC) plans to plant 500 trees annually to preserve the habitat and to create a conducive environment for the people.

Abdul Karim holds the sapling he planted in conjunction with World Habitat Day 2014.

Its Environment, Public Health and Tourism Committee chairman Dr Chew Kian Peng said, “We, in SDC, is left behind in implementing an initiative to maintain the habitat by targeting to plant 500 trees per year in line with this event’s slogan of ‘Beautiful, Green and Clean’.”

He said this at the World Habitat Day 2014, held here yesterday in conjunction with SDC’s 30th anniversary. It was officiated at by Assistant Housing Minister cum Asajaya assemblyman Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

In conjunction with the celebration, SDC, government agencies, community leaders, students from public institutions of higher learning, and several locals planted trees along the road near Sarawak Bumiputera Court and Majlis Adat Istiadat’s new building.

On World Habitat Day, Dr Chew said it was a global celebration organised by all United Nations member countries to increase awareness on the importance of providing comfortable and conducive human settlements.

“The objective of Habitat Day is to make all of us realise that everyone has the right to have a comfortable and safe house to live in, as well as access to basic facilities and fresh environment.”

In his speech, Abdul Karim urged the people to help protect the environment.

“The human population is increasing every year and this is also the case in Sarawak, but the natural habitat is decreasing. Therefore, it is the responsibility of all communities to protect the environment.”