Abang Johari cuts the ribbon to declare open i-STEEx as Mohamad Kadim (left) and others look on. KUCHING: Sarawak needs to take risks if it wants to move forward in today’s fast paced digital era, says Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg. He pointed out that if the state were to continue playing it safe, it will not be able to keep up with the changing digital world. However, he acknowledged that embracing risk-taking does not mean doing things recklessly. “When it comes to new discoveries, there is always a risk so this is where we have to keep ourselves abreast with the latest technology,” he said at the opening ceremony of the 11th International Unimas STEM Engineering Conference (EnCon) 2018 at a leading hotel here yesterday. Citing ...

Galong (third left), Jamit (fourth left), Martin (right) and others give their approval for ‘kelulut’ farming. KAPIT: Landowners are encouraged to venture into bee breeding industry to produce ‘madu kelulut’ (kelulut honey) because of its great potential in the market. Bukit Goram assemblyman Jefferson Jamit Unyat said there is great demand for ‘madu kelulut’ because of its nutritional value and wide usage, and consumers are willing to pay high price for the natural honey. “Thus, I encourage landowners here to venture into ‘kelulut’ honey culture that could generate good income for them,” he said when visiting the promotion stall of ‘Madu Kelulut Asli’ at Terasang Market here organised by Koperasi Usahawan ...

Gerawat (second left), joined by (from left) Dr Chen, Anyi, Sherrina and others, pose with longhouse chiefs for a group photo following the presentation of ownership certificates. MARUDI: The Sarawak government is working on ways to ensure all ongoing projects in the rural areas of Baram will continue despite the change in the country’s political landscape. In giving this assurance, Mulu assemblyman Datuk Gerawat Gala revealed the projects include cement roads at three longhouses in Linei Putih area – Rh Rok, Rh Lajang and Rh Asong – for which funds had been approved by the previous Barisan Nasional (BN)-led federal government. “However, when the federal government changed, the new federal government cancelled them all. “This is ...

Ngenang (fifth right) launches the association witnessed by its central committee members and others. KUCHING: Sarawak Evangelical Christian Association (Seca) comprising 34 registered member churches was officially launched by Unit for Other Religions (Unifor) director Datu Dr Ngenang Janggu at a hotel here yesterday. The association which was registered with the Registar of Societies (ROS) on March 15, 2017 aimed to offer a united voice on matters of common concern to the government. “Our history goes back about 30 years. This is only (a) legal formalisation of that relationship network,” Seca chairman Pastor Matthew Ling told reporters on Monday night during the launch. He added the association seeks to provide a platform for the promotion of the ...

Gerawat (second left) presents a certificate of ownership to Tuai Rumah Lajang Manggie, and witnessed by Anyi (back row, middle), Sherrina (on Anyi’s left) and others. MARUDI: Over 800 rural residents of 128 households in Linei Putih cluster, Tutoh near here can now enjoy round-the-clock electricity supply. The three longhouses set to benefit from this project are Rh Rok in Sungai Linei Ulu, Rh Lajang in Sungai Linei Hilir and Rh Asong in Sungai Tutoh. Mulu assemblyman Datuk Gerawat Gala said this was following the completion of solar power project costing RM7.8 million under Sarawak Alternative Rural Electrification Scheme (Sares). “A total of 128 households involving three longhouses in Linei Putih area in Baram can now enjoy 24-hour electricity supply ...

The building proposed to be used as the clinic. KUCHING: Sarawak government has agreed to support Sarawak Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA) in the plan to establish a low-cost spay and neuter clinic that could provide subsidised spay and neuter services. “We submitted our proposal last year and we had a meeting last week to establish a low-cost spay and neuter clinic that could provide subsidised spay and neuter services to companion animals belonging to (people of) lower income group and free-roaming street cats and dogs brought in by registered community animal feeders,” said SSPCA president Datin Dona Drury-Wee. Dona told The Borneo Post that the clinic will provide neutering services for pets and strays to reduce the dumping of unwanted ...

KOTA SAMARAHAN: The Faculty of Language and Communication (FLC) of Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Thaksin University, Thailand at a simple signing ceremony yesterday at Rumah Universiti here. The MoU document was signed by Unimas Vice Chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Kadim Suaidi and Thaksin University’s Vice President for Research, Academic Services and International Affairs, Dr U-Krishdh Musicpunth. In his welcoming speech Kadim said academic and research collaboration between the two universities would help to elevate the level of expertise among researchers and academicians. He added that the MoU would also benefit the students as it would give them the opportunity to enrich ...

Abang Johari (centre) speaking during the press conference. With him are (from left) Len, Uggah, Awang Tengah and Zaidi. KUCHING: Following the state government’s decision to reduce land premium for all resettlement and village extension schemes in the state by 50 per cent, a total of 7,174 land titles would be affected with refund payment amounting to RM43,447,264. This was announced by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg, who pointed out that the refund is payable only to lots belonging to the original land owner; lots transferred to beneficiaries/holder of Letter of Administration; and lots transferred by way of love and affection among immediate family members. “The refund of excess land premium shall not apply to lots transferred by sales ...

Mohd Naroden (centre) and other guests cut the anniversary cake during the dinner. KUCHING: The Sarawak government is committed to ensuring a sustainable timber industry as a high percentage of the state’s export revenue is derived from timber and timber products. Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said Sarawak registered an export value of RM6.13 billion for timber and timber products last year, while furniture exports registered RM47 million compared to RM43 million in 2016. “Realising the importance of having a more high-value timber industry for Sarawak, the government has taken steps through its implementing agency STIDC (Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation) to implement the Timber Industry Transformation Plan to ensure ...

Penguang (standing, fourth left) presents a trophy and other prizes to members of SeTech-Baram Youth A, who emerged overall champions in the men’s category of the competition. MIRI: Local youths are advised to be responsible netizens by not spreading unverified information and rumours on social media. Assistant Minister of Local Government Datu Dr Penguang Manggil said care must be taken to ensure what is shared online is genuine to avoid disseminating ‘fake’ news. “The fourth industrial revolution which is developing rapidly today has allowed more access to a vast array of gadgets and social media sites. “Hence, as the foundation and future assets of our state and country, the youths must know how to use social media wisely. Using it to ...