‘More direct flights from China, South Korea, Taiwan possible’

August 29, 2017

SIBU: The Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports is studying the feasibility of direct flights connecting state with other destinations in China, along with South Korea and Taiwan, to boost tourist arrivals.

This was disclosed by its minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah yesterday when asked if there were plans to have direct flights between Kuching and other major cities in China besides Shenzhen.

“Of course, we are studying closely other destinations in China, and probably (South) Korea as well as Taiwan, which are feasible for future flights,” he said.

Galeri: 20th Malaysian Orphans Welfare Organisation (Peyatim) Tilawah Al-Quran and Nasyid competition

August 28, 2017

Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg presents a memento to a representative of one of the participating contingents. Looking on are Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Assistant Minister of Rural Electricity Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi (left), Sarawak Islamic Council president Datu Misnu Taha (third right),  Peyatim president Datuk Dr Tengku Mahmud Mansor (second right) and other guests-of-honour.

State to provide permanent space for artists

August 27, 2017

(From right) Melton introduces some of the artworks on display to Abdul Karim.

KUCHING: The state government will help to set up a permanent gallery for artists in Sarawak to showcase their work.

Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said this is in line with efforts to turn Kuching into a city with a soul.

“With the upcoming Sarawak Museum Campus soon, we will look into having an arts and crafts section from Sarawak, while at the same time considering nearby buildings to be turned into an arts centre too,” he said when opening the SS Connection 2017 art exhibition, which features artists from Sarawak and Sabah, at Galleria Wesberly House on Friday.

State govt mulls tourism as agenda in MA63 discussion

August 26, 2017

KUCHING: The state government is considering tourism as part of its agenda in the ongoing discussion with the federal government on devolution of state rights.

According to Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, when the Malaysian Agreement 1963 (MA63) was signed, tourism was not listed under the federal constitution.

“It was in 1985 that we finally set our own tourism ministry, whereas the federal government only set theirs in 1994,” he told reporters after officiating at the Pre Asia Pacific Orchid Conference here yesterday.

‘Research on rare orchid species vital’

August 26, 2017 

Abdul Karim (centre), Jumaini (on Karim’s right) and participants of Pre APOC 2017 in a photo-call.

KUCHING: The selection of Sarawak for the pre-Asia Pacific Orchid Conference (Apoc) is timely as Sarawak is rich in flora and fauna and at the same time, is blessed with rare and unique orchid species.

According to Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, the conference here serves as a prelude to the 13th Apoc in 2019 and would give an insight of what this city has to offer to the delegates.

“Many of the (orchid) species available in this region are part of our natural heritage and tourist attraction. Thus, research on these species is vital to ensure that they would remain endemic,” said Abdul Karim.