‘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.