Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian       KUCHING: The Ministry of Local Government and Housing had a Joint Technical Consultative Committee (JTCC) meeting yesterday to discuss the standardisation of requirements and process to expedite building plan approval. The meeting was chaired by Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian and was attended by the ministry’s permanent secretary Bakrie Zaini and representatives from Pertubuhan Arkitek Malaysia Sarawak Chapter (PAMSC), Association of Consulting Engineers Malaysia (ACEM), Fire and Rescue Department, Land and Survey Department, and several major local councils. According to a press release, a few issues were resolved during the meeting. Among others, the meeting discussed preparedness of each agency and practitioners on the implementation of e-submission of building plans as well as standardisation of facilities for disabled people such as ramp, toilets, vertical access, stairs, parking space and signage at hospitals, clinics, restaurants and other public areas.

(From left) Jagdish, Reaburn, Chang, Len Talif, Awangku Merali and Amirin during a photocall.  KUCHING: The Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) says the digital economy would require more than one million digital workers such as coders, application developers and software engineers by 2025. The Malaysian government launched various initiatives in preparing today’s students for the future and a key priority of the Ministry of Education is to ensure these students are equipped with the necessary skills to thrive in the future workforce. For this end, ‘The Future in Tech: Sarawak’ workshop was held here on Wednesday. It sought to highlight the key skills and knowledge needed for the future of our students and children. The workshop was jointly organised by Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) and Tegas Digital Innovation Hub, and is supported by Malaysian Global Innovation and Creativity Centre (MaGIC) and the University of Melbourne. “In the 21st century, a recent US report from the Department of Labour suggested that up to 65 per cent of today’s students will be employed in jobs that do not yet exist. “The workshop seeks to explore key skills and areas of study which may be important in preparing them for an uncertain technology-driven future,” said a press statement received here on Wednesday. Austrade has been essential to this programme in providing the linkage and access to the University of Melbourne, which will feature Assoc Prof Dr Shanton Chang from the university’s Department of Computing and Information Systems. Further to this initiative, Australia is currently working closely with local government bodies and universities to develop digital learning opportunities. The quarterly workshop, targeted at students, teachers and parents, creates an opportunity for Australia to share knowledge, expertise and experience with Malaysia. Held at Tegas Digital Innovation Hub in Icom Square here, which boasts 5,100 square feet of space comprising co-working spaces, event spaces, maker’s corner, sky booth, sound and video production room. The hub offers start-ups ready- access to funding and facilitation opportunities, entrepreneur-friendly eco-system and talent development programmes, which would encourage talented individuals to innovate and produce creative ideas. To further strengthen and enrich the eco-system, Tabung Ekonomi Gagasan Anak Sarawak (Tegas) has signed 11 MoUs with strategic partners to promote creativity and innovation as well as provide growth opportunities for start-ups. These companies include Sarawak Shell Bhd, MaGIC, Austrade, SME Corporation Malaysia, Swinburne University of Technology and IME Group of Companies. Tegas chairman Datu Len Talif Salleh, who is also Assistant Minister of Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment, attended the event yesterday. He was quoted as saying that the digital innovation hub was a precursor to the proposed digital village at Samajaya, which is currently in the design stage and would be fully operational by the first quarter of 2020. Austrade senior trade and investment commissioner for Malaysia and Brunei, Daniel Havas said: “Public-private academia collaboration will be vital to encourage youths from just being users of digital innovation to becoming producers or digital innovators.” With the announcement in Budget 2018 by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, RM4.9 billion has been allocated for the Technical and Vocational, Education and Training (TVET) sector with the aim to produce highly skilled talent for the future workforce. Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus director of Marketing and Recruitment Jagdish Singh, Austrade Singapore Trade Commissioner Teliessin Reaburn, Tegas COO Awangku Merali Pengiran Mohmed and community coordinator of MaGIC Sarawak Amirin Arsyan also attended the event. For further information, members of the public can contact education manager at Austrade Melissa Tan via Melissa.Tan@austrade.gov.au or 012-6859272.

  Dr Penguang signing an event banner when officiating at the gathering.  MIRI: Ethnic organisations such as Persatuan Masyarakat Ideah Bakong Miri are not just platforms to unite and bring the community together to bring socio-economic development to their respective community and area. Assistant Minister of Local Government Datu Dr Penguang Manggil yesterday said these bodies could also serve as a platform to revive, preserve and conserve their culture and heritage such as their mother tongue which may become extinct due to modern living and technology advancement. Speaking at Suduun Rayak Aidilfitri — a Hari Raya Aidilfitri gathering organised by the Ideah Bakong Community at SK Anchi here yesterday, he commended the effort made by the association to publish a dictionary to preserve and conserve the mother tongue of the Ideah Bakong community. “Although you are encouraged to have the ability to speak and understand other languages apart from Bahasa Malaysia and English, you should not neglect or forget your mother tongue which is part of your culture, heritage and identity. I fully support your effort and it is a noble effort,” he said. He noted that there is a tendency for ethnic communities, especially among the younger generation, to lose fluency in their mother tongue as they transform and embrace modern society through urban rural migration. Pengguang also encouraged the community through the association to come up with a profile of the community living in Miri, Beluru, and Kuala Baram including Bekenu. In other developments, the assistant minister disclosed that a District Office Complex has been proposed to be built next to SMK Bakong in the district. Pengguang was confident that the complex and RM66 million to develop treated water supply will be catalysts for socio-economic change in the community in Bakong and nearby areas. At the function, he announced a grant of RM10,000 for the association to run its activities and programme. Also present were Bakong community leader Abdullah Samad and organising chairman Isa Sahar.

Gerawat (third right) joins (from left) Peter, Ahmad Denney, Paulus, Mary, Hasbi, Antonio and other guests in a traditional ceremony held to mark the celebration.     Limbang MP Hasbi Habibollah, Batu Danau assemblyman Paulus Palu Gumbang and his wife Mary Sindang, Limbang Resident Ahmad Denney Ahmad Fauzi, Sarawak Bisaya Association (PBS) president Antonio Kahti Galis and his deputy Peter Sawal, as well as local community leader Temenggong Nicholas Boyok Pura were also present at the event. Meanwhile in his remarks, Gerawat said one of the objectives behind the grand organisation of Babulang Festival was for other communities to know about, learn and appreciate the culture and traditions of the Bisayas. “Knowledge about other communities is essential to foster racial harmony. “The Babulang Festival also helps us preserve traditions and at the same time, enrich the national heritage.” Gerawat suggested that the festival be documented using the latest technology so that it could be made one of the tourist attractions in the division. “The festival could also be used as a platform for all communities to interact and this, in turn, could strengthen racial unity and harmony in Sarawak,” he said, adding that the festival could also promote buffalo-racing as a unique local folk sport. Later, Gerawat announced government grants of RM50,000 from Uggah, as well as RM15,000 from himself, for the organisation of the annual festival.

Wan Lizozman (left) and Walls exchange the signed MoU documents, witnessed by (from right) Buchert, Len, Abang Johari, Tengah, Manyin and Hamden. KUCHING: The state will collaborate with Natural Resources Institute Finland (LUKE) in carrying out joint research and development activities or consultancy work on sustainable forestry in Sarawak. The collaboration will also see both parties examining possibilities for research and innovation funding in sustainable forestry, integrated land management, forest carbon management and climate change. It will foster innovations and sustainable management of natural resources to meet the challenges such as climate change, preservation of biodiversity, food, water, and energy security. The collaboration is also expected to enhance effectiveness in sustainable forest and resources management in the state which will help to enhance the state’s reputation at the international level. The signing of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the two parties took place at Wisma Bapa Malaysia here yesterday. The ceremony was witnessed by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg, Deputy Chief Minister II Tan Sri Dr James Masing, Deputy Chief Minister III Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, Minister of Education, Science and Technological Research Dato Sri Michael Manyin, and Assistant Minister of Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Datu Len Talif Salleh. Permanent secretary to the Ministry of Urban Development and Natural Resources Dr Lizozman Wan Omar, and Natural Resources Institute Finland president and chief executive officer Mari Walls signed the MoU on the behalf of the state government and LUKE respectively. Signing as witnesses on behalf of the state government and LUKE were acting director of Forest Department Sarawak Hamden Mohamad and LUKE executive vice president Johanna Buchert. The MoU is a follow-up to the visit by Sarawak delegation led by the chief minister to Finland in Sept 2017. LUKE has strong background in sustainable forestry, with special emphasis in forest inventory methodologies, greenhouse gas accounting and global climate change issues. Speaking to reporters after the MoU signing ceremony, Abang Johari believed the collaboration would benefit both sides in forest management. He said Sarawak has got a lot of tropical timber species in its forest, and rich in biodiversity, which is good for further study, both for timber and pharmaceutical products. He said Finland has a very good forest policy, which Sarawak wanted to study, and also was very strong in research in terms of forestry sustainable management and forest products. “What we are going to do now is to have a joint research between experts in Finland and Sarawak in order to enrich our forestry resources. “What is important is the sustainability of our forest that will contribute towards a fairly balanced environment,” he said. Abang Johari believed that through the collaboration, both parties would be able to learn from each other in managing sustainable forest management on a different climate  environment. He reiterated that the state government was committed to maintain the state’s environment, and going into a sustainable forestry management to preserve its natural and protected forest. “As we move forward, we want to see our timber industry depending on feedstock from our planted forest. “By doing so, we will sustain our economy in terms of timber industry. At the same time we don’t disturb our natural habitat which is very important,” he said. Abang Johari, who is also Minister of Urban Development and Natural Resources, said after the signing ceremony scientists from LUKE and Sarawak would begin to work together to fulfill the terms of the MoU.

Ali Apong (third left) presenting a souvenir to Abang Johari as (from second right) Uggah and Awang Tengah and others look on after the conclusion of the bilateral meeting. BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN:  Sarawak will set up an office in Brunei to boost trade and tourism activities under its bilateral cooperation with Brunei. Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan revealed this at the end of the two-day working visit and bilateral cooperation committee meeting between ministers of the Sarawak government led by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg and ministers from the Brunei government. “We hope to set up the trade and tourism office in Brunei soon as this was resolved in the bilateral committee meeting,” said Awang Tengah when interviewed. Besides Awang Tengah, Abang Johari was joined by Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Modernisation of Agriculture, Native Land and Regional Development Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and State Secretary Tan Sri Mohd Morshidi Abdul Gani. Minister of Primary Industries of Brunei Dato Seri Ali Apong chaired the meeting at Empire Hotel on Wednesday with Second Foreign and Trade Minister Erywan Yusof and Minister of Energy Dr Mat Suny Mohd Hussein on behalf of the Brunei government. The meeting also resolved that the bilateral cooperation committee and the working committee would continue to meet for the mutual benefit of Sarawak and Brunei. Awang Tengah said the meeting was to update the committee on the progress and further discussion on cooperation in agriculture, tourism, energy, telecommunication, border trade and development issues. He said the chief minister stressed that there is a need to continue the good collaboration between both sides through bilateral cooperation which was initiated by Sarawak Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud during his tenure as Chief Minister of Sarawak. Abang Johari stressed that the bilateral ties extended beyond economic cooperation to strengthening friendship between the people of Sarawak and Brunei. According to Awang Tengah, in the energy sector, negotiation is ongoing between both parties on interconnection between Tudan in Miri and Lumut in Brunei while the state is also open to the idea of more than 10 per cent equity stake in the Trusan Dam project offered to Brunei previously if Brunei is interested. He said the meeting also touched on joint tourism efforts, leveraging Brunei’s international air linkages with tourism events and products in Brunei and Sarawak. On agriculture, Sarawak is also keen to pursue the proposed comparative advantages of cooperation between Brunei and Sarawak on livestock production hub, paddy plantation and aquaculture involving Limbang, Temburong and Lawas, he added. He also said the synergy between Sarawak’s halal food production and Brunei’s halal branding should be actively pursued with an eye on the huge halal food market, particularly in the Middle East countries. After the meeting, Abang Johari and the ministerial delegation were granted an audience with the Sultan and Prime Minister of Brunei, HRH Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, at Istana Nurul Iman in the afternoon. The group later visited the Sungai Kebun site of the nearly completed longest bridge in Asean linking Brunei mainland with its physically separated Temburong district, bypassing Limbang, which would slash travelling time from Bandar Seri Begawan to the district by almost half an hour. Queen Saleha anak Pengiran granted an audience to Abang Johari’s wife Datin Patinggi Juma’ani Tun Tuanku Bujang and her group prior to a  visit to Brunei’s arts and handicrafts training centre before leaving for home.

From right: Chan, Asai Barat, Robert, Hamden, Jeffrey Moyong and Chery Gadung look at the contents of the newly launched coffee table book.       KUCHING: A new coffee table book entitled ‘Kuba’an-Puak Story: Journey Towards A Green Corridor’ was launched here yesterday. The 159-page book features stories from Kuba’an-Puak, home to indigenous people, focusing on Penans and their close relationship with nature and contribution in Sustainable Forest Management (SFM). Forest Department Sarawak (FDS) and WWF-Malaysia jointly published the book with the support of the German Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture. The director of Forest Department Sarawak, Hamden Mohammad, unveiled the book on the sidelines of the 18th Malaysian Forestry Conference at a leading hotel. Speaking at the book launch, Hamden said the stories in the book convey Penans’ special relationship with the forests, mountains, rivers, plants and animals. He said the book contains images from the field and excerpts from the communities themselves, documenting their traditional knowledge, wisdom and oral history; concerns and hopes; and their journey in sustainable forest management alongside other stakeholders towards a green corridor in the Heart of Borneo. He noted that FDS along with WWF-Malaysia, Sarawak Forestry Corporation and Community Information and Communications Centre, among others, had taken on Kuba’an-Puak Forest Management Unit (FMU) as a pilot project site to explore and develop a model SFM in the state. According to him, the journey first began in 2011 when Sarawak identified a forest management unit located in between Kuba’an River and Puak River, hereafter called Kuba’an-Puak FMU, to field test against the High Conservation Values Forest (HCVF) Toolkit that had been developed for Malaysian conditions. The area, he said, also forms an important linkage between three major protected areas in Sarawak; namely Gunung Mulu, Gunung Buda and Pulong Tau national parks. “The department would like to take this opportunity to thank the German Federal Ministry for Food and Agriculture for funding this project that promotes the concept of SFM. This project is based on research, capacity building and empowerment on SFM to stakeholders including the community. “We hope that through this coffee table book, people can see the importance of our forests and how we can and should be managing them sustainably. The forests in Kuba’an-Puak are not only for the Penans and people of Sarawak, but what we do will benefit and create positive influence for the international communities,” he said. The Kuba’an-Puak project area spans about 360,000 hectares, covering multiple FMUs between Mulu National Park and Pulong Tau National Park. This project is part of the Heart of Borneo Corridor Initiative. The book is sold at RM150 per copy at WWF-Malaysia’s Kuching Office at 7th floor of Bangunan Binamas, Padungan Road and its headquarters at 1, Jalan PJS 5/28A, Petaling Jaya Commercial Centre (PJ CC), Petaling Jaya, during office hours from Monday to Friday. Also present at the launch were Robert Basiuk from WWF-Malaysia Board of Trustees, conservation director Dr Henry Chan and representatives from the Penan community Asai Barat, Cherry Gadung, Usun Malin and Jeffrey Moyong.

SIBU: A suggestion has been raised on upgrading works to be conducted on the 30-year-old Kampung Nyabor Malay Club (MUC) hall next year. Assistant Minister of Housing and Public Health Dr Annuar Rapaee spoke about this during the MUC’s ‘Majlis Ramah Tamah Aidilfitri 2017’ here on Saturday night, adding that there was a need to also look at the old wiring and other needs at that facility. “The hall is about 30 years old – I suggest that next year, improvement works could be carried out on the wiring and the walls of the hall, apart from enhancing the sound system there,” he said. In his remarks, Dr Annuar – also Assistant Minister of Education and Technological Research – commended MUC for extending their invitation to the Chinese and Dayak communities to come to the open house and join them in Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration. “Such gesture goes a long way in strengthening racial unity and harmony.” On the club, Dr Annuar who is Nangka assemblyman acknowledged the 83-year-old MUC as among the oldest clubs in the state. “MUC has always been standing on its two feet and does not depend on others for resources to run its day-to-day operations. “The club has contributed much to the Malay community, especially in Sibu, through the use of its hall.” Turning to MUC members, the assistant minister reminded them to focus on the administration of the club for it to thrive. Meanwhile MUC chairman Anuar Taha, in his speech, told members to always uphold the good name of the club. The Hari Raya gathering hosted many activities including lucky draws and singing. There was also a giveaway of goodies to MUC members aged 70 years and above, as well as the presentation of excellence awards to members’ children who excelled in public examinations. Local Malay community leader Temenggong Datuk Wan Hamid Edruce was among the guests.

  Datu Len Talif Salleh   KUCHING: The cost of RM35 million is the total cost for overall Diamond aircraft project which consists of aircraft, mission equipment, spare parts, warranty, technical support, training and implementation for a period of five years, said Assistant Minister of Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Datu Len Talif Salleh. According to him, the cost of RM35 million was not borne by the Sarawak Government but by the Federal Government through the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE). “Proposal for acquiring the technology was submitted by the Forest Department Sarawak (FDS) to the MNRE under the 11th Malaysia Plan. The process of procurement was approved by the Ministry of Finance (MoF) and Federal Cabinet in 2017,” Len Talif said in a press statement today. He was responding to a statement by Batu Lintang assemblyman See Chee How who wanted the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to probe FDS purchase of a Diamond special mission aircraft for aerial surveillance and mapping for RM35 million. Besides lodging a police report yesterday to call for an immediate investigation into the matter, See said said he would go to MACC tomorrow (June 11) to find out if a probe has been carried out on the purchase of the DA42M-NG Diamond plane and lodge a complaint if necessary. Len Talif emphasised that Sarawak is the largest region in Malaysia covering a total area of 12.4 million hectares (ha), of which 63.7 per cent or 7.9 million ha are under forest cover as compared to Peninsular Malaysia (5.8 million ha). “Due to the vast and undulating landscape as well as difficult accessibility, the FDS has no choice but to leverage on the latest technology to manage and monitor Sarawak’s forest resources through the use of advance sensing technology such as satellite imaging and reconnaissance, airborne hyperspectral sensing, Radar and drone. This technology has been declassified for civilian use for the past decades and is not limited to the use of military and aviation,” he explained. Len Talif said the FDS will be the implementing agency of the project as they have the expertise and skill to operate the system. “Under this project, FDS will share its expertise and service with other Government agencies that require such knowledge throughout the country.” He also clarified that registration of the aircraft is currently being vetted by Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) and not Malaysian Aviation Commission as reported by DayakDaily. “This project is not intended for any economic gain but mainly for research, management and monitoring of foresy and natural resources.” Len Talif said: “Since YB See Chee How had indicated to lodge with the police and MACC, we will leave ut to the competent authorities to investigate the matter. We will be transparent and give full cooperation to the authorities’ concern.”

  Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Google+ (Opens in new window) Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) Click to print (Opens in new window)   Bakun Hydroelectric Plant (HEP) -File Photo KUCHING: Sarawak Energy Bhd (SEB) yesterday assured residents along Sungai Rajang downstream that the controlled release of water from the Bakun Hydroelectric Plant (HEP) reservoir that began yesterday is a regulated release, and a standard practice undertaken periodically during heavy rainfall. According to Sarawak Energy’s media release, its subsidiary and the operator of the HEP, Sarawak Hidro Sdn Bhd (SHSB), regulates the water level upstream through this procedure since the completion of the dam seven years ago, ensuring that the discharged volumes have minimal impact on downstream water flow. “Following heavy rainfall in the past weeks, SHSB commenced controlled spilling on Dec 12 (Tuesday) and this is expected to last for an estimated duration of three weeks. “Bakun HEP will cease spilling once the water level at the reservoir normalises. “Since the completion of the Bakun HEP, it is to be noted that the incidence of flooding downstream has been reduced and the impact mitigated as the dam holds back a large volume of rainwater all year round, although downstream rainfall into catchments and tributaries of the Rajang can still result in floods,” it added. On Tuesday, SHSB in a statement informed that it started releasing water from the Bakun Dam at 9am to lower the water level, and further advised residents along Sungai Rajang downstream to be alert to rising water levels and strong currents during the release of the water. — Bernama

@##@Lembaga Sumber Asli dan Alam Sekitar Sarawak (NREB)@##@SMK Semerah Padi, Petra Jaya Kuching.@##@2017-05-29@##@2017-07-16

Nogeh (standing centre) with recipients of the special grants. BAU: Young Sarawakians are encouraged to become agropreneurs to meet the increasing demand for food in the country. Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry Dato Anthony Nogeh said Malaysians including Sarawakians should venture into the agriculture business to reduce the country’s dependence on imported food. He said the country spends billions of ringgit each year to import agricultural products to meet the demand of the domestic market. “Therefore I encourage our young people to become agropreneurs because there is great potential in the food industry. “The more youths become agropreneur, the better it is for our country because we need to produce our own food so that we can reduce our food import bills,” he said at the launch of the Kelulut Agropreneur Worskhop at the Civic Centre here yesterday. About 200 participants from Mas Gading parliamentary constituency attended the workshop organised by the Malaysian Agriculture Research and Development Institute (Mardi). Nogeh, who is Mas Gading MP, said in the past people did agriculture for self-consumption but today the entire network of agriculture is not just about rearing and planting anymore, but it is also about producing, processing, packaging and marketing. He pointed out that agriculture today is a sector that promises high income. Aside from stingless bee rearing for honey, young Sarawakians should also venture in other food production and processing derived from local fruits. “If you want, you can also plant papaya because we have found a solution to treat papaya diseases, which also enable the papaya to continue bearing good and healthy fruits. “In Sarawak, for instance, we already have an icon product containing dabai fruit called ‘Dabai Ice Cream.’ “There are many more iconic products produced in Sarawak and I encourage our young agropreneurs to produce products the world has not produced. “Imagine there are millions or billions of people who will look at your products and buy them as they are one of a kind in the world,” he said. Nogeh said the Kelulut Agroprenuer Workshop was just one of the ongoing programmes organised by his Ministry in Mas Gading to encourage and create awareness on the potential of agro-business. He said before this he had brought representatives from Tekun to inform the people about the Tekun loan and gave away fish fries and feedstock to fish farmers. “These are among the programmes initiated by the government to get closer to the rakyat,” he said. At the event, Nogeh presented grants to selected young agropreneurs for them to upgrade their existing projects or businesses.

Manyin (third left) makes a toast at the anniversary dinner on Saturday. With him are (from left) Empiang, Evelyn and Danald. KUCHING: The Sarawak government will continue to support the progress and development of mission schools in the state which now caters to students of various racial and religious backgrounds. Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said maintaining such harmony and unity is key to preserving the state’s stability and socio-economic strength. “As Sarawak treads into the future, it needs to maintain its religious and racial harmony. Harmony and unity are the foundation of stability and socio-economic strength for Sarawak,” said Abang Johari, whose text-of-speech was read by Minister of Education, Science and Technological Research Dato Sri Michael Manyin Jawong at the 170th anniversary celebration of St Mary’s School here on Saturday. The chief minister added that a person’s character is developed in school – their likes and dislikes, habits, behaviour, perspective, respect for each other, as well as tolerance and acceptance of cultural differences. He said apart from continuing to support mission schools, the Sarawak government has shown its commitment in ensuring that the spiritual needs and development of non-Muslims through the setting-up of the Unit for Other Religions (Unifor). “Every faith deserves to have decent and safe places of worship. That is the stand of the government now and the state will continue to provide annual grants for such purpose,” he said, adding that RM15 million was allocated to Unifor last year which will be increased to RM20 million this year. “This is only happening in Sarawak as other states do not have such commitment (to assist other religions to build or upgrade houses of worship),” he said. Meanwhile, organising chairperson Datin Evelyn Ritikos Jaul said for the past 170 years, St Mary’s School has always been an institution associated with academic and non-academic excellence, and an institution that all Marians have fond memories of. The anniversary dinner was organised by the Old Marians Association on behalf of St Mary’s Board of Management. Among those present at the dinner were former St Mary’s teacher Tan Sri Dato Sri Empiang Jabu and Bishop of the Anglican Church in Sarawak and Brunei, the Right Reverend Danald Jute.

Dennis greets pupils upon arriving at the fundraising carnival in SK Long Miri. MIRI: The federal government must ensure that it carries out its promise to repair or upgrade dilapidated schools in Sarawak  within the next five years, especially those in rural areas. Telang Usan assemblyman Dennis Ngau said matters concerning education should not be politicised but instead implemented immediately. “Education being a federal matter shouldn’t be politicised.  This was the case under the previous administration, where works to repair dilapidated schools were carried out whenever needed. “The current government needs to continue the path set by the previous administration to repair, upgrade or build schools especially in rural areas such as Baram. “Any review will only cause unnecessary delays,” he said when officiating at a fundraising carnival at SK Long Miri, Baram recently. Dennis was commenting on Education Minister Dr Maszlee Malik who, during his recent working visit to Kuching, assured that dilapidated schools in Sarawak would be repaired within the next five years. He also invited the minister to visit schools in his constituency to see for himself the urgency of the situation there. Dennis also called on schools to work closely with parent-teacher associations and the local community in taking their own initiative through gotong-royong (work party) to carry out minor repair works to provide a conducive teaching and learning environment. “For minor repair works, they should not wait or depend on the ministry or the government but take the initiative themselves.”

Taib and Ragad (centre) with Adenan (fourth left), Jamilah (right), Abang Johari (second left) and others pose with a lucky draw winner Mohamad Suhaimi Awang Md Daud (fourth right). — Photo by Muhammad Rais Sanusi KUCHING: Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem has vowed to support bike-related activities under one condition – that bikers promise to put Sarawak on the international map. “I am with you all the way. I will support you all the way if you promise to put us on the world biking map,” he said at Kuching International Bike Week 2015 Gala Dinner at Imperial Hotel here on Saturday. Adenan said he was proud to be associated with local and international bikers at the gathering, where laughter echoed whenever he cracked jokes. Before making his way to the stage, Adenan received thunderous applause from the crowd. “I have never seen so many enthusiastic motorcyclists in my life. You vroom, vroom, vroom to Kuching and this makes (Tourism Minister Datuk Amar) Abang Johari (Tun Abang Openg) happy because you put Kuching on the world map, making it known to more tourists. “The government is prepared to sponsor (future similar events), so do not worry. And thank you for putting us on the world map.”Adenan was pleased to note that more than 200 bikers had rumbled all the way from Brunei for the four-day event. Earlier, Abang Johari said the bike week was the first of its kind hosted by the state, while the Sarawak government pledged RM100,000 for it. He said the participation from bikers from nearby countries indicated their interests to promote social activities, especially the sport. “I feel very, very young seeing these bikers. Under the leadership of our chief minister, Sarawak will continue to promote this sport.”  Abang Johari added his ministry would include the Kuching International Bike Week in its calendar of events for the year. He believed the bikers would enjoy a smooth ride once the Pan Borneo Highway was completed in the coming years.         “When we have the quality highway, you all will have an enjoyable journey, covering Sabah, Brunei, Sarawak and Kalimantan, all the places in Borneo. We can enjoy when we have the first class Pan Borneo Highway.”      Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud and wife Toh Puan Dato Sri Ragad Kurdi Taib were the guests of honour at the dinner. Among those present were Adenan’s wife Datin Patinggi Datuk Jamilah Anu and Assistant Minister for Youth Development (Urban Areas) Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

Awang Tengah (front, second left), with Dayang Morliah on his right, presents Hari Raya goodies to a local elderly citizen.   LAWAS: The Awat-Awat area and the larger Sundar Sub-District here have the potential to be developed as aquaculture zones. According to Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, these two areas are well-known as the major producers of marine and agriculture-based products in this district. “Planning has been made to turn the two areas into agricultural zones,” he spoke at the presentation of Hari Raya donations to 181 senior citizens and single mothers from Awat-Awat and Sundar here yesterday. The event, organised by the Malaysian Muslim Welfare Organisation (Perkim) Lawas, was also attended by Awang Tengah’s wife Datuk Dayang Morliah Awang Daud who is also Perkim Lawas chairperson, Lawas MP Datuk Henry Sum Agong, Limbang Resident Ahmad Denny Ahmad Fauzi and Lawas District Officer Hussaini Hakim. Awang Tengah, who is also Industrial and Entrepreneur Development Minister, said agriculture and fisheries would be responsible for the plan to make Awat-Awat and Sundar the aquaculture hub of northern Sarawak. “The government will engage the relevant agencies to sit together for a discussion. “If such goal could not be realised, we would seek other means including identifying other agencies to make this become a reality,” he said. On another matter, Awang Tengah said Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg had allocated RM169 million for improvement works on the water distribution system in Awat-Awat and Sundar to replace small water pipes. “The water supply problem faced by residents in these areas is expected to be resolved within the next two years,” he said. Awang Tengah also wanted the community in Sundar to undertake survey on their native land, which could be developed to improve their living standards. Back on agriculture, he said the fertigation system could also be used and practised for cultivation without the need to use extensive land, under the ‘Rimbunan Kasih’ project that uses the same system and technology. “The important thing is Rimbunan Kasih would be the centre in ensuring that the people would get the outcome of development.” For Awat-Awat, Awang Tengah said the concept of caring society would still be applied. “The government has been providing various welfare assistance to the poor, and agriculture assistance, livestock breeding, education and other aid to reduce the people’s burden.” Meanwhile, Dayang Morliah said the activities run by Perkim Lawas throughout the year including Al-Quran reading class, had been receiving tremendous response from the younger generation. “In conjunction with Ramadan, religious talks and other similar activities have also been held.” Dayang Morliah also said Perkim Lawas as the organisation’s third most active branch in the country. “This is the result of the support from all parties, including members of the Lawas community themselves,” she added.

Sarikei is known as the fruit basket of Sarawak, and is one of the main suppliers of vegetables and fruits for Central Region. One of the famous fruits is the Sarikei Pineapple; for this this reason, the Pineapple Festival is held annually in Sarikei Town. During the festival, there are various activities taking place such as pineapple display competition, pineapple cooking competition, pineapple fashion show and many more.  This will be an ideal time to visit Sarikei where you can experiences and sample the sweet and juicy pineapple fruits. NANAS SARIKEI In  1970s, farmers planted the first pineapples in Sarikei, particularly in the Sungai Sawang, Parit Tengah, Parit Bugis, Sungai Salah, Sungai Sageng and Bukit Kinyau area, as well as some peatlands around Sarikei.  The fruits were sold at the Sarikei jetty to express boats and ships stopping over on the Kuching-Sibu-Sarikei route.  Express boat and ship passengers who transit or had a final stop in Sarikei jetty bought the pineapples, and soon gifts of “NANAS Sarikei” become favorites because its unique taste. At that time, the pineapple’s most popular cultivated species was “Moris,” now known as Nanas Sarikei In addition, there are also species like “Paun” or “Madu” Pineapple. PESTA NANAS SARIKEI The Sarikei Pineapple Festival is an event that has been manifested in the establishment of the Sarikei Division Tourism Task Group on February 12, 1998 and in the same time also has been appointed as the Pineapple Fruit Icon Sarikei. However, the first edition of the “Pesta Nanas Sarikei” was held in 2003. The Pineapple Festival has since been held by motivated “Agrofest” in accordance with the Sarikei Division, famous for the diversity of agricultural products, especially tropical fruits. AGROPRENEUR IN SARIKEI The Sarikei Division is famous for its agricultural products and has become one of hubs of agricultural products, especially in the central region of Sarawak. Their most notable products, aside from their pineapples, consist of a variety of local fruits, especially durian, dabai, lime, cavendish banana, pepper and livestock.@##@Sarikei Resident Office@##@Sarikei@##@2019-11-23@##@2019-12-01

Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Research Sarawak

File photo of DBKU building. KUCHING: Discounts of up to 50 percent are now offered by Kuching City North Commission (DBKU) to anyone who pay up their outstanding parking compounds from this local authority. This month-long offer starts today and ends on February 25. Discount rates differ on three different periods and are as follows – 50 percent off for compounds paid off from Jan 26 to Feb 11, 30 percent off for compounds paid off from Feb 12 to Feb 18 and 20 percent off for compounds paid off from Feb 19 to 25. Payments can be made at the DBKU counter set up during the Majlis Agenda DBKU from today until Sunday at the Square Tower, Kuching Waterfront. The outstanding parking compounds can also be paid at the DBKU counter in Satok or DBKU mobile every weekend. DBKU public affairs division, which issued this notice, urged members of the public not to miss this opportunity to settle their outstanding DBKU parking compounds. For more information,  contact Ainel Ramelan or Terese Punjab from DBKU business development division at 082-416975.

(From back row) An-Nur Mosque management committee chairman Latiff Coupon, Temenggong Datuk Wan Hamid Edruce, Sibu Resident Hii Chang Kee, Dr Su Chii Ann, Dr Annuar, Sarawak Islamic Council president Datu Misnu Taha, and others giving a 1Malaysia sign in this file photo. SIBU: The An-Nur Mosque will be holding its third Hari Raya gathering that hosts people from various races and religious background on a bigger scale this year. According to Assistant Minister of Education and Technological Research Dr Annuar Rapaee, the gathering is tentatively slated on July 22. “But whatever it is, An-Nur Mosque will uphold its tradition to invite all races and religious bodies to be with them for this Hari Raya open house. “It will definitely be bigger (scale) this time around as the renovation to the mosque has been fully completed and is better equipped,” he told reporters after officiating at ‘Majlis Ramah Tamah Aidilfitri’ 2017 organised by Kampung Nyabor Malay Club (MUC) here on Saturday night. The Nangka assemblyman said the unique event was pivotal towards strengthening of harmony among those of different racial, religious and social backgrounds. Last year – the representatives were from the Association of Churches Sarawak (ACS) Sibu branch, Buddhist associations, Tua Pek Kong Temple and Sikh as well as Hindu temples. The inaugural event in 2015 received wide media coverage including national papers as no such gathering had been held here before that.