KUNMING, China: The bilateral relationship between Sarawak and Yunnan Province of China has been further strengthened with the signing of four memorandums of understanding (MoUs) yesterday. Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg representing Sarawak State Government and Yunnan Provincial governor Ruang Cheng Fa for the Province of Yunnan signed an MoU for the establishment of friendship between the state and the province. The state government represented by the relevant agencies also inked three other MoUs with the Yunnan provincial government. They were the Friendship City Agreement between Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) and Dali City; education cooperation between Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) and Yunnan University as well as ...

Salang (standing front, fourth right) surrounded by pupils of SK Sungai Sugai. JULAU: Two schools here have received teaching aid and library equipment from the iM Sarawak – a social development initiative led by 1Malaysia Sarawak Advisory Council (1MSAC). The handover to SK Sungai Sugai and SK Nanga Buku at a simple ceremony yesterday was made possible through cooperation from the state Education Department and Julau District Education Office. In his remarks, Julau MP Datuk Joseph Salang Gandum – also 1MSAC chairman – emphasised the importance of education shaping and improving one’s life. “I hope that this contribution would create an environment that is more conducive to learning and at the same time, enhance teachers’ ability ...

KUCHING: Following the preservation of Siniawan Town as the first heritage town in Bau district, many efforts have been put in to make it a tourism attraction. Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg, who is also the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, said the ministry was planning to rebuild the Brooke bungalow, which once stood in the town, and introduce horses as Brooke was said to ride horses in Siniawan. Previously, he added, Siniawan Town was a quiet town because the people did not know that it had much heritage treasures to offer. “When we preserve Siniawan as a heritage town, we will make sure that many visitors, not only from within the state but also foreigners, will come visit and witness the many cultural heritage there,” he said ...

Runners dashing off at the flag-off as some react to the camera with cheer. KUCHING: More than 1,600 runners participated in ‘Run for the Brave Heart 2016’ event held at Sarawak State Library in Petra Jaya yesterday. The run – organised by Sarawak Bumiputera Chamber of Entrepreneurs (DUBS) Dewanita in collaboration with the Sarawak Heart Foundation (SHF) aims to raise funds for low income families burdened by high medical costs to treat children with heart diseases. Runners assembled at the venue as early as 5.30am for registration. The run was then flagged-off by Minister of Welfare, Women and Community Wellbeing Datuk Fatimah Abdullah at 6.30am. “I would like to say thank you to all of you in providing a meaningful contribution ...

Capon (second right) presenting Morshidi with a token of appreciation. Looking on are Abdul Wahab (left) and Hamid. KUCHING: Developing the community, raising the level of public health and keeping good environment for the neighbourhood in and around the city is part and parcel of cultivating Kuching as a City with a Soul. However, positive changes must be brought down to the residents so that they realise it is also their responsibility to make Kuching a happy place for themselves and their children. “There is no point for a city to be rich if society is not united and happy, especially with the younger generation,” said State Secretary Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Morshidi Abdul Ghani. He was speaking at the welcoming dinner and launch of Urban Thinkers ...

DBKU staff are seen in a group photograph with Abd Wahap (centre), Saadiah (on his left) and Yeo after the press conference. KUCHING: Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) will once again be holding a ‘Majlis Agenda DBKU 2016’ from Jan 15 to 17 at the vicinity of Sukma Ria car park. Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem will officiate at the function on Jan 17. Its Datuk Bandar Datuk Abang Wahap Abang Julai said the event would foster unity and closer relationship among city folk. “Many activities will be held during the event this year. Also, visitors stand a chance walk away with a Perodua Axia car in a lucky draw through winning a quiz competition for three consequence days. The car is sponsored by Ismaco Sdn Bhd. “Also, ...

The RM5-million public library in Sibu Jaya is set to be fully operational this year. SIBU: The Sibu Rural District Council (SRDC) has constructed a new public library in Sibu Jaya near here at a cost of RM5 million. Council deputy chairman Oliver Guo said works on the double-storey facility, which is an area of about 1,000 square metres, was completed about a week ago. “It provides modern facilities such as WiFi service, computers, reading corners for children and adults, children’s playroom, reference section, meeting room as well as magazines-newspapers corner. “The newly completed facility is also OKU (people with disability)-friendly,” he told reporters on Wednesday. Guo said the library, which is near Sibu Jaya police station, should ...

Kadim hits the gong to launch the seminar. Also seen is Margaret (second right). KUCHING: The reading habit is still low among students in Malaysia with a level of literacy just over 50 per cent. While the trend of borrowing books from libraries is on a decline, visits to the library is on the rise because of the availability of electronic library and other ICT facilities, as well as open access concept practised by most libraries today. Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) Vice Chancellor Prof Dato Dr Mohamad Kadim Suaidi said libraries still play a crucial role in building human capital through lifelong learning by carrying out various outcome-based services and facilities. “Librarians also run programmes that leave the greatest impact and is outcome-based to ...

Rohani (seated, fourth right) with Yap (seated, third left) spend time with children at the newly-launched library. — Photo by Jeffrey Mostapa KUCHING: Minister of Women, Family and Community Development Datuk Seri Rohani Abdul Karim has called for further collaboration between the private sector and voluntary welfare organisations (VWOs) under the Social Welfare Department (JKM) to provide more for the less fortunate in the country. She commended Astro for its numerous corporate social responsibility (CSR) programmes in line with the government’s efforts to preserve a harmonious and caring society. As of yesterday, the ministry’s strategic alliance partners included Astro, Great Eastern, Nestle, Avon, Colgate and Tesco. “We urge more corporations ...

Participants pose with the organisers of the programme. MIRI: The third ‘Kembara Ilmu’ programme held recently at Kampung Kuala Sibuti received an encouraging response from participants and co-organisers. The informative roadshow, which reached out to the community with knowledge and information-related activities was organised by Pustaka Negeri Sarawak Miri together with seven other organisations from Oct 3 to 4. They were Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), Danawa Resources Sdn Bhd, Services Modernisation Unit (UPPN) of the Chief Minister’s Department, Miri Local Agenda 21, Sarawak Rivers Board, Natural Resources and Environment Board and Malaysian Nature Society (Miri Chapter). According to the library’s public relations ...