Nanta (third right) speaks during the press conference.     KUCHING: July 22, or Sarawak Day, has been set as the date for Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) to be formally launched as an official entity. Its taskforce chairman Datuk Alexander Nanta Linggi said the coalition’s Constitution is now being drafted, and its logo will be unveiled next month. Speaking to reporters after chairing the taskforce’ first meeting today, he said today’s taskforce meeting involved secretary-generals, women chiefs and youth chiefs  from the four component parties, namely Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP), Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) and Progressive Democratic Party (PDP). According to him, the taskforce had been tasked as the technical committee to register GPS. The taskforce, in its meeting, also decided for the setting up of a protem committee to facilitate GPS’ registration to the Registrar of Societies (ROS). “We are targeting July 22 to launch our Gabungan Parti Sarawak. So, we have to work within this time frame. “The Constitution is being worked out, so as to reflect the specific peculiarities of Sarawak. It will  have Sarawak flavour, so to speak. “We are also going to write letters to the Dewan Rakyat to inform that we are no longer with the Barisan Nasional. At the same time, we are also writing to the acting chairman of Barisan Nasional to inform and also to officially thank them for the association that we have had in the past,” he told a press conference after the meeting at PBB headquarters. GPS logo will be selected from the best of a logo design competition, which will start tomorrow until July 10. The competition  form, together with terms and conditions, will be published in the media starting tomorrow. This competition is open only to Sarawakians, and offer cash prizes of RM10,000 to the first place winner, RM5,000 to the second place winner, RM3,000 for third place and RM1,000 each to five consolation winners. Details of the logo will also be posted on GPS’ official Facebook page, Gabungan Parti Sarawak – GPS (@gpsarawakofficial), which was set up today following the meeting. “What we prefer basically is for the logo to have Sarawak flag colours, and very much identifies Sarawak. “We leave it to the imagination of the entrants,” he said. It was also informed to the media that the logo will most probably be unveiled most on July 12.

SIBU: Every members of the Malaysian Muslim Welfare Organisation (Perkim) plays a crucial role when it comes to addressing and preventing the spread of social ills in the state. Minister of Welfare, Community Wellbeing, Women, Family and Childhood Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah said the fight against social ills would need cooperation from all parties. “Among the worrying social issues are teenage pregnancy, rape, domestic violence, high divorce rate, extramarital affairs, baby dumping and drug abuse,” she stated in her address at the annual general meeting (AGM) for the Dalat-Oya branch of Perkim Sarawak in Stadium Perpaduan Dalat on Saturday. Fatimah, who is Dalat assemblywoman, said the increase in cases involving various social issues is a cause of grave concern, especially in view of its impact on the future generation. “The future generation must be guided and educated properly – they must not shoulder the implications deriving from social problems.” She said the goal could be achieved through participation and support in religious activities, which could strengthen the good values in the family institution and the community. “Follow what our religions teach us – to do good things for our future generation.” Family members especially parents and public members, she pointed out, should complement the government’s effort and those of other institutions in preventing social ills from becoming spreading further and becoming worse. A total of 203 members of Perkim Oya-Dalat attended the AGM. In conjunction with the meeting, a motivation talk was also held for 170 students of SMK Oya. Dalat District Officer Kueh Lei Poh and Perkim Sarawak chairperson Datuk Hanifah Taib Alsree were among those attending.

Taib, Ragad, Fatimah (fifth right) and other guests cutting the Azam 32nd anniversary cake. — Photo by Chimon Upon KUCHING: The state government is investing significantly in education and training especially for the younger generation as part of its efforts to equip the state to achieve its main development goals. Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem said this was also to fulfil the need for a massive skilled workforce for the state’s latest development agenda. “In addition to this, the state is also actively investing in its information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure which is an important enabler and driver in today’s economies and education,” he said in his speech read by Welfare, Women and Family Development Minister Datuk Fatimah Abdullah at Angkatan Zaman Mansang Sarawak’s (Azam) 32nd anniversary dinner held at a leading hotel here on Monday. Guests of honour were Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud and wife Toh Puan Dato’ Sri Ragad Kurdi Taib. With Sarawak’s potential to be a key industrial player in the region, the state which is rich in resources was currently developing value added industries. “We are working on strong inflows of investment into our economy as well as building our infrastructure to be a major energy supplier both nationally and regionally,” Adenan said. He added that the state government also placed emphasis on the need to nurture socially and culturally vibrant cities and towns for quality living in the state’s urban centres. “Under the Government Transformation Programme, rural development was one of the key areas identified to improve the socio-economic welfare of people in rural areas as well as to offer them the same opportunities as those in urban areas.” In order to advance the state’s development agenda, Adenan, who is also Azam advisor, said the state government required the constant support of all other sectors of society. “The government supports the non-governmental sector in their efforts to play their part in building the capacities of our people so they could participate actively and meaningfully in mainstream development.” In view of this, he commended the efforts undertaken by various non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in the state such as Azam, which had sought to advance the wellbeing of communities in various areas such as education, women development, youth development, social welfare, rural community development, environmental conservation, preservation and promotion of cultural heritage, promoting social harmony and more. “The state government also encourages volunteerism in Sarawak that could contribute significantly to positive change and social transformation in our state.” Meanwhile, Taib, who is also Azam patron, expressed his gratitude to those who had contributed to Azam’s success. “Many of you have helped Azam in many ways and I’m very happy to have this opportunity to say thank you to all of you who have helped me in making Azam the success it is today,” he said. Among those present at the dinner were State Secretary Tan Sri Datuk Amar Morshidi Abdul Ghani and Azam chief executive officer Datu Aloysius Dris.  

e this 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)   Children participate in the ‘Book Hunting’ session at Bunan Gega village library. KUCHING: The recent ‘Juh Neroka Ilmu’ programme held at Bunan Gega village, Serian received overwhelming response. Organised by Pustaka Negeri Sarawak, this inaugural ICT and information literacy programme attracted 90 people from the community – from children, teenagers to adults and senior citizens. A variety of interesting activities were held during this two-day event including ‘Dunia Di Hujung Jari’, ‘My Favourite Read’ session, ‘Do-It-Yourself’ (DIY) activities, children’s activities and ‘3D Printing’ session. The objective of the programme to provide knowledge and information about ICT, besides instilling the importance of reading in the Bunan villagers, had been achieved as planned. Hopefully this programme had benefited the participants by enhancing their knowledge and self-confidence in digital literacy through the usage of Internet, emails, social media and electronic devices such as tablets and computers. The participants, especially the senior citizens, acquired practical basic reading skills on minutes of meetings, story books, newspapers and signboards. In line with Pustaka Negeri Sarawak’s effort in supporting lifelong learning, the programme also highlighted the role that the state library could play in assisting the development of a community.

  Penguang (fourth left) unveils the Hari Raya banner to mark the start of festivities. From second left are Belayong and Monica.  MARUDI: The Malay community of Beluru near here will soon be able to run more activities – thanks to the allocations under the Rural Transformation Programme (RTP) announced by Assistant Minister of Local Government Datu Dr Penguang Manggil, who is Marudi assemblyman. According to him, RM150,000 would be set aside for repair works on Kampung Melayu Beluru multi-purpose Hall; RM104,000 for housing assistance programme in the village; RM10,000 for its security and development committee (JKKK); RM15,000 for the committee of Masjid Beluru; RM5,000 for the Beluru Malay Women’s Association; and another RM5,000 for the Beluru Malay Youth Association. In his remarks, Penguang also called upon the neighbourhood committees (KRTs) and the local People’s Volunteer Corps (Rela) to focus on running more activities for the Malay community in Beluru. “I urge the people to uphold unity, regardless of your race, religion or social background. Unity is a very critical aspect of our society – without it, it’s very hard for us to live in peace and harmony. “As a Barisan Nasional (BN) representative, I am the assemblyman for all my constituents; I strive to do my very best to serve all members of the local communities,” he said at the opening of the district-level ‘Ramah Tamah Aidilfitri’ gathering at Kampung Melayu Beluru multi-purpose hall recently. On another subject, Penguang – who came to the event with his wife Datin Monica Ukong – said he was looking forward to the establishment of a Category B Fire and Rescue station in Beluru planned for next year. “I understand that the district already has its own Fire and Rescue Volunteers Unit, but to have its own fire station would be even better,” he said. Meanwhile, Kampung Melayu Beluru headman Abdullah Samat handed over to Penguang some 130 application forms filled by villagers who wanted to become members of the Progressive Democratic Party (PDP). Acting Beluru District Officer Belayong Pok, Marudi District Council chairman Edward Mendai and Pemanca Enggah Nuga were also present at the Hari Raya gathering.

Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail SIBU: Members of the public need not worry about consuming chickens and chicken products as they are sourced locally, says Assistant Minister of Agriculture Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail. “In Lawas, for instance, since the Sarawak government enforced the ban on the import of chicken products from Sabah on Aug 1 following the bird flu epidemic in Tuaran, all chickens and chicken products there (Lawas) are sourced locally,” he said when contacted via whatsapp yesterday. He said the ban would only be lifted once Sarawak is satisfied that the bird flu threat in Sabah is over. The Bukit Kota assemblyman was asked on the concern posed by some members of the public on the consumption of chicken following the bird flu epidemic in Sabah. Sarawak Veterinary Services Department has imposed a ban on the import of chicken products from Sabah since Aug 1 following the bird flu epidemic in Tuaran. The department has cancelled all import permits for chicken products from Sabah. Meanwhile, Sabah’s Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry, through the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS), has advised the public not to panic as the matter is well under control. DVS has been conducting researches on poultry farms in Sabah since July 12, following viral messages circulating on social media that bird flu was spreading in the state. Its Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry Junz Wong has ordered the DVS to conduct regular checks on chickens and eggs. A test conducted on July 31 revealed that a farm in the Tuaran-Tamparuli area came back positive for the virus and the ministry ordered several farms within the one-kilometre vicinity of the farm to be sealed off and cleansed. A chicken vendor here when met as his stall yesterday, revealed of usual (big) sales. He said the happening in Sabah did not affect his sales.

  Fadillah (front row, fourth left) poses for a photo with participants of the fish farming project at Kampung Paroh in Matang yesterday. With him on his left is Tupong assemblyman Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman.    KUCHING: The presence of traffic controllers along stretches of the Pan Borneo Highway where there is movement of heavy vehicles is a must. Works Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said standard operating procedures dictate that traffic controllers need to be present at such areas to ensure smooth traffic flow. “Based on SOP (standard operating procedures), they (contractors) must have traffic controllers to let the heavy vehicles move in and out. “If there are complaints, we (ministry) can investigate and take action,” he said when asked to comment on road works along the Pan Borneo Highway, where traffic cones are put up in areas with heavy vehicles movement, but with no traffic controller present. Fadillah said there is a taskforce as well as a WhatsApp group comprising all work package contractors involved in the construction of the Pan Borneo Highway. “All complaints will be directed there (taskforce and WhatsApp group). If there are complaints and it happens repeatedly after warning, a third party will be appointed to handle the traffic control and signages, and the cost of hiring the third party will be deducted from the contract price.” Fadillah was met after launching the Datuk Daud Abdul Rahman Hall at Kampung Paroh in Matang, along with an ‘In-Kind Grand Contribution’ presentation yesterday. The RM300,000 grant from the Ministry of Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry via the Malaysia Fisheries Development Authority (LKIM) is for the village’s red tilapia fish farming project. For this project, 20 youths aged between 18 to 40 years old were selected and trained for fish farming. The project is monitored and the fish are marketed by LKIM business partners. “I hope the young entrepreneurs can really master it (fish farming) and become successful agropreneurs. It can increase the social economy of the local community,” said Fadillah.

Nyabong (front, centre) leads the ‘ngiling bidai’ ceremony. He is joined by (front, from left) local community leader Temenggong Tan Kian Hoo, longhouse chieftain Emak Libau, Kapit District Officer Elvis Didit, political secretary to chief minister Nicholas Kudi Jantai, Bukit Mabong District Officer Douglas Pungga and Kapit Resident’s Office administrative officer Minggu Jampong. KAPIT: The road that links Sut with this town facilitates the growth of the rural area, especially the household economy of the people there. Pelagus assemblyman Wilson Nyabong Ijang, in saying this, also assured the residents there that the works on Jalan Antaroh, including tar-sealing, would be an ongoing project. “It is an ongoing project, so is the 24-hour power supply project under the Rural Electricity Scheme (RES). “I remember that last time, it took several hours to travel between Kapit and Sut by river but now, only it is only about 50 minutes on board a four-wheel drive vehicle. I also can see that the owners of land on both sides of the road have utilised them for agriculture – every day, they can be seen at the Terasang Market to sell their produce,” he said at ‘Sarawak Celebrates — Ngiling Bidai 2017’ at Rumah Emak Lebau in Sungau Antaroh, Sut in Baleh recently. The gathering, jointly hosted by Kapit District Office and the longhouse security and development committee (JKKK), was part of the ‘Sarawak Celebrates’ – a statewide programme slated for four major festive occasions — Chinese New Year, Gawai Dayak, Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Christmas. Adding on, Nyabong also noted that the trading centre at the junction between Jalan Antaroh and the logging road in Sut was very active. The centre, which could accommodate up to 20 local traders, was completed late last year and was built using his Minor Rural Project (MRP) fund. “Now the centre is a vibrant trading site, especially for those looking for jungle produce. During the last fruit season, those from Kapit drove all the way here from town to buy vegetables and fruits, especially durians,” he said. Moreover, Nyabong said as an elected people’s representative, it was his responsibility and priority to focus on providing decent infrastructure to his constituency, which covers many rural villages and longhouses. In this regard, he said the people must continue to support the present ruling government. “We can’t run away from the government, in that it provides all services especially assistance to the needy covering healthcare, social-welfare schemes, affordable housing, the 1Azam project for the farmers, MRP and other aid,” he said. Meanwhile, Nyabong said the Barisan Nasional (BN) Pelagus Service Centre is collecting the data of all those in dire need of government assistance. On this, he pledged that he would do his best in assisting them apply for various assistance schemes. Later at the function, Nyabong announced RM5,000 under his MRP grant for the Rumah Emak Lebau Women’s Bureau.

Ramzah (centre) receives a memento from CGCM chairman Prof Tommy Yung-Chin Cheng as Abdul Rahman applauds. KUCHING: Sarawak’s biodiversity holds huge potential for the herbal industry to grow endogenously and increase economic activities both in the upstream and downstream and across the whole value chain. In stating this, Ministry of Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change (Mestecc) deputy secretary-general Assoc Prof Dr Ramzah Dambul said that the industry is also able to contribute to higher share in the economic pie within the agriculture sector and the GDP of the country. “The herbal and spices industry is indeed a long-established industry in the world. The future of this industry is very promising and is projected to generate new sources of wealth for the nation,” he said at the opening of the Consortium for Globalisation of Chinese Medicine (CGCM) 2018 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) yesterday. He added that Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has become an essential part of health protection and disease control for thousands of years, and the best thing is most ingredients used is natural. The increasing awareness among people about organic plants and traditional medicines is a good starting point to further expand and improve the productivity and development of the herbal industry not just in Malaysia but in China and other Asian countries as well, he said. “Thus, our ministry realised the efforts of National Institutes of Biotechnology Malaysia (NIBM) that supports the Mestecc mission and vision through one of its institutes, Malaysian Institute of Pharmaceuticals and Nutraceuticals (IPharm).” The three-day event organised by IPharm and NIBM attracted over 250 participants, who are mostly from China. Meanwhile, Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Research permanent secretary Datu Sudarsono Osman said the Sarawak government was proud to be chosen as the host for the consortium meeting. He said it not only marks the sharing of knowledge between researchers and scientists in Chinese medicine but it also celebrates the milestone for CGCM and Malaysia. “It is a testament that Sarawak offers the right mix of strategic value propositions as a suitable place and become one-stop centre among research agencies, higher learning institutes and corporate agencies to share ideas, knowledge and experiences for benefit of humankind,” he said in a text of speech read by his deputy Dr Abdul Rahman Deen.

    The 4th Edition Kuching Marathon will be held on Sunday, 13 August. Maksak Sarawak through its Kuching Division affiiliate, is sending 700 of its members to join the 5KM Fun Run. They will be part of the 10k runners in the 42KM, 21KM, 10KM categories. The biggest is the 5KM category. Invitations had been sent to all Maksak clubs around Kuching. Join and be healthy in this Health Run of 2017.@##@Kuching Marathon@##@PADANG MERDEKA@##@2017-08-13@##@2017-08-13

Dr Penguang (seated fourth left) with the faithful from BEM Beluru and several other churches around Marudi in a photo call.     MARUDI: Assistant Minister of Local Government Datu Dr Penguang Manggil wants the Iban community especially the younger generation here to play active role in preservation, promotion and sustainability of their traditions and cultures. Dr Penguang, who is Marudi assemblyman, said the Ibans must continue to preserve and safeguard their rich cultural heritage and traditions which are seemingly at risk of being extinct in the age of globalisation and technology, not to mention the spread of western influences. “The cultural identity crisis today continues to be an increasingly worrying and prevalent issue facing the Iban community here as many especially among the younger generation have practised foreign customs and traditions and making those of our own eroded over time. “Hence, it is vital for us to preserve our traditions and cultures as these are our identity,” he said when officiating at the 21st anniversary of Borneo Evangelical Mission (BEM) Beluru Church here yesterday. Taking tattoo culture as an example, Dr Penguang said tattooing – once regarded as a taboo – have now evolved into something mainstream due to the influence of Western practices. “Tattooing for them (westerners) is more of a form of art and regarded as forms of individual expression and creativity. “Most of them just love to have these body arts drawn simply on any part of their body,” he emphasised. Dr Penguang pointed out that the morals and values of today’s society have really changed. He also urged the older generation to teach their children and instil better morals in them. “The lack of moral values has led to various social problems including drug abuse. It is very important for us to eradicate drug abuse at an early stage to ensure a better future for our younger generation,” he added. Dr Penguang said the best way for the rural community to change for their betterment is to ‘go back to basic’. “If we feel that in our own personal lives that we have lost our way, it is important for us to go back to basics, to reassess what really matters in the life of the church and in our life as Christians,” he added. At the ceremony, Dr Penguang handed over minor rural project (MRP) grants worth RM20, 000 to the church. He also presented government funds for houses of worship for other religions totalling   RM460,000 from Unit for Other Religions (Unifor) to seven recipients including Sg Entulang All Saints Church, The Bishop of Miri, RC Pekan Lapok Church, Sg Laong (Rh Ngumbang Tia) Church, Rh John Marikan Sg Buti Church, BEM Lepong Ajai Sg Liam Church and BEM Tanjung Rian Church. Also present were BEM Beluru chairman Paran Gan and advisor Pastor Alan Lutu, and Marudi District Council chairman Edward Mendai.

Fatimah (second right) in a group photo with Bibco directors (from right) Heidi, Rosemary Wong and Lyn Alhady. KUCHING: The 4th Borneo International Beads Conference (Bibco) promises to be even more exciting and vibrant this time around. Taking place from Oct 9 to 11 at one of the city’s most venerable heritage buildings, the Tourism Complex (Old Court House), the three-day event themed ‘Stringing Past to Present’ is set to attract a global community of artisans and craftsmen to the state capital. According to Welfare, Women and Family Development Minister Datuk Fatimah Abdullah, the event will be run in conjunction with state-level Women’s Day 2015, which falls on Oct 17. “Bibco will return next month as a significant event that will allow the public and enthusiasts to explore how crafts and arts have shaped and enriched the lives of women, as well as the influence of culture and history on art,” she said during a press conference after receiving a courtesy call from the directors of event organiser Crafthub Sdn Bhd at her office in Bangunan Bailtulmakmur, Petra Jaya here yesterday. “One of the most exciting events at the conference will be the great beads bazaar called ‘Beads Abuzz’ where both local and international artisans will be showcasing, selling and displaying their works of arts,” she said. Fatimah pointed out that there would be a space showcasing the art of making Kek Lapis Sarawak, noting that cake-baking was among the skills that required creativity and attention to details. “Visitors can also see a giant handbag produced by local artisans.” Visitors can hunt for various beads, jewellery pieces and trinkets from all over the world at the bazaar. Heidi Munan, who is one of Bibco’s directors, revealed that this year’s conference would feature more hands-on workshops, with 10 speakers having confirmed their participation. “The speakers will conduct workshops based on their respective expertise and interests, in addition to presenting working papers. “They come from many parts of the world, including the US, India, Australia and the Philippines, as well as Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak.” Topics discussed will range from archaeology to ethnography, along with the practical aspects of professional bead design and the use of modern art media to make beads. Visitors can look forward to a range of workshops including lampwork beadmaking, polymer clay beadmaking, paper beadrolling, natural fibre bead plaiting, head barrel stringing, eco-bead painting and Borneo indigenous beadworks. The invited speakers are Daryl Wesley and Mirani Litster from Australia, Dr Jun Cayron from the Phillipines, jewellery designer Elaine Robnett Moore, beads researcher Jamey Allen and textile expert Khatijah Sanusi from the US, Akwele Suma Glory from Ghana, Ashvin Rajagopalan from India, polymer clay beadmaker Lara Lareveur from Australia and Sarawak’s very own experts on indigenous beads Wendy Terang and Datin Garnet Ridu. Heidi, who is also the honorary curator of beads at Sarawak Museum, said the conference would be open to everyone – locals and foreigners alike. Participation fee for the conference is RM650 per Malaysian, with an early bird special rate of RM590. For foreigners, it is US$650 per person, with an early bird’s rate of US$590. The organiser of Bibco 2015 will also host a gala dinner on Oct 10, with local dignitaries expected to attend. The conference aims to provide a networking platform for all artisans, scholars, researchers and producers of beads. It is hoped that through this platform, participants could share and exchange ideas as well as expertise with one another and at the same time, promote and showcase beads from Sarawak. For details and entry forms for Bibco 2015, visit www.crafthub.com.my, while bead students, collectors and craftspeople may send emails to crafthub@gmail.com for specific enquiries.

Fatimah (fourth right) in a group photo with Jasni (fourth left) and other NRD officers together with the awards received this year. Fatimah (fourth right) in a group photo with Jasni (fourth left) and other NRD officers together with the awards received this year.KUCHING: The special taskforce set up by the state National Registration Department (NRD) in collaboration with the Education Department will focus on helping ‘stateless’ school-going children get identification documents next year. In addition, the taskforce will also deal with new applications of stateless individuals above 21 years of age under Article 19 of the Federal Constitution. Minister of Welfare, Community, Wellbeing, Women, Family and Childhood Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah revealed this yesterday when clarifying that the special taskforce would be working more aggressively to eliminate the problem by next year before the expiry of the term of the taskforce. “We are very concerned about students with unknown citizenship status, especially in rural and remote areas because their future is at stake,” she told a press conference held together with NRD director Jasni Jubli at her office in Bangunan Baitulmakmur here. “The taskforce will go down to the schools besides holding monthly meetings. In helping them, we want to solve as many cases as possible,” she said. The Education Department, she added, will need to identify these children from primary to secondary schools and community leaders have been urged to bring up the cases to district offices. “Thus, parents and guardians must come forward to help their children apply for citizenship once they have been identified,” she advised. Noting that most of the stateless children had parents who themselves were without proper identification documents, Fatimah pointed out that their citizenship status must be resolved before their children could be legally recognised citizens of Malaysia. “In this aspect, I really want to advise couples to be legally married according to the state’s law and follow the procedures required by foreign embassies as well as getting their marriage registered in the state even if you have done it elsewhere,” she reminded. She revealed that up until Nov 28 this year, the taskforce had carried out 158 operations throughout Sarawak during which 6,784 applications for late registration of births were received. Out of that figure, 4,586 applications were approved while 2,198 were rejected for various reasons. “We have seen many such cases whereby Sarawak-born children have no citizenship status because they are born outside marriage, meaning the marriage between a local and foreigner is not legally binding. In law, the citizenship of the child will follow the mother’s, unless the parents are legally married,” she elaborated. “We have to be very very careful when going through all the applications, else will have serious implications. While we want to help them get their IDs, we must also make sure they are genuine,” she emphasised. On developing an online children adoption system, Fatimah assured that it will be done latest by March next year to enable all NRD offices in Sarawak to process and issue birth certificates for adopted children through the system within one day. “A Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for child adoption has been done and it will be the guideline for child adoption to be used at all district offices,” she said. “We have already put forward indicators to ensure NRD continue to achieve excellent performance next year with focus on IT management, customer management, optimising human resources, among others,” she added.

Manyin (second left) looks on as Kadim (left) exchanges agreement documents with a representative from University of Kracheh, Cambodia. KUCHING: Education, Science and Technological Research Minister Dato Sri Michael Manyin Jawong believes achievements in the field of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) in Sarawak and other states in Malaysia can be higher if such subjects are introduced early to the students. He said that based on his study visits to other countries with high STEM achievement, the children there are exposed to such subjects during their formative years. “STEM cannot start at Form One. It has to start at formative years, from Primary One to Primary Six. Other subjects such as history, geography and economics can start later,” he said when officiating the welcoming dinner for the International Unimas STEM Engineering Conference (EnCon 2018) at a leading hotel here on Wednesday night. Manyin nonetheless acknowledged that STEM achievement in Sarawak had increased to 23.3 per cent from 19.7 per cent last year. Despite this, he said Sarawak still needs to work very hard to increase STEM achievement as the state needs to leapfrog from Industrial 2.0 to Industrial 4.0. He therefore suggested the task of promoting STEM should not be left alone to the teachers and policy makers, but must also involve the parents. “Based on a study, 80 per cent of jobs available will be science and technological-based in the next five to 10 years. However, we cannot fill the jobs if majority of our younger generation graduate in social sciences. “Therefore, parents must also be involved in promoting STEM. What I found when I visited Finland last May, the country has one of the best education models in the world but what was unique was they have total engagement with the parents. “If we want to promote STEM, parents must be told and be engaged and create certain amount of interest among their children,” he emphasised. Meanwhile, EnCon 2018 chairman Prof Dr Andrew Ragai Henry Rigit said three workshops were organised concurrently to promote STEM in Sarawak schools. The workshops were on smart building, waste management and STEM education. Also held were an innovative school-based science, technological and engineering exhibition and competition (iSTEEX 2018). “We have a record 38 teams participating in the competition, and six exhibitors promoting their products,” he said. On EnCon 2018, he said it was the 11th one so far. This time, it was co-organised by Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) with the Institution of Engineers Malaysia (IEM) Sarawak branch and the Royal Institution of Surveyors Malaysia (RISM) Sarawak branch. There were more than 90 papers presented from United Kingdom, Czech Republic, Bangladesh, Brunei and Malaysia. The dinner also saw six agreements between Faculty of Engineering, Unimas and its counterparts being exchanged, in addition to the six exchanged during the opening ceremony officiated by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg on Wednesday. Also present were Unimas vice chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Mohamad Kadim Suaidi, National STEM Movement chairman Prof Datuk Dr Noraini Idris and Malaysian Research and Innovation Society (MyRIS) president Prof Emeritus Datuk Dr Kamarudin Hussin.

Dr Abdul Rahman (centre) presents a memento to a local resident, as Asman looks on.   KUCHING: The first phase of the Darul Hana Housing project has commenced and should reach completion by December next year. The first phase, which involves the relocation of Kampung Panglima Seman Lama, Kampung Semarang and Kampung Pulo Ulu, consists of the construction of Block 1A and 2A which should take about two to three years, says Assistant Minister of Rural Electricity Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi. “Under Phase I, we will build four demo units on a site near the Petronas petrol station, located across the Darul Hana Mosque. The villagers can visit the demo units (once they are ready),” he spoke during a thanksgiving ceremony for the project at Masjid Darul Hana here on Friday night. The Darul Hana mega development was the brainchild of Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud, back when he was still the chief minister in 2011. According to Dr Abdul Rahman, who is Pantai Damai assemblyman, the development covers 721 acres of resettlement areas for 12 villages – affecting 2,525 houses, 4,278 families and a total f 16,655 residents. “A project by the Housing Development Corporation (HDC), it also involves the Land Custody Development Authority (LCDA) and Daya Builder Sdn Bhd. “Upon completion, the Darul Hana development will be the most modern and best-planned village in Sarawak, with the latest infrastructure and it being digitally connected with the latest Internet facility,” he said, adding that 16 designs for single-storey terraced and double-storey terraced units would be available. HDC chief executive officer Mohamad Asman Ahmad was also present at the Friday night event.

April 18, 2020 - April 19, 2020 Kaul is a traditional festival celebrated by the Melanau community living along the coast area in Sarawak.  In the past, Kaul was held as a religious ceremony to appease the spirits of the sea, land, forest and farm making it the most important festival in the Melanau traditional calendar. The festival is a ritual of purification and thanksgiving as well as one of the propitiation for good fortune. Today, it is more of keeping a heritage alive. Its marks the beginning of the Melanau calender which begins at the end of the Northeast monsoon.  Kaul takes place in third week of the month of April every year. The festival site is on the right bank of the Mukah river estuary. During the week-long festival, activities include  stalls selling traditional foods, entertainment programs, traditional games. The highlight will be the ‘Serahang’ (decorated flat round basket made from sago leaf which raise on a bamboo pole) procession lead by local Melanau community elders. Some of the activities  not to be missed include playing the giant swing (Tibau) and enjoying Melanau traditional food served on the log (Keman Baw Bateng also known as ‘Makan Beradat’ in Malay). Learn more about the festival here. Photo credit: Noel Lau @##@Persatuan Melanau Mukah, Mukah Resident Office@##@Taman Kala Dana Mukah, Sarawak Malaysia@##@2020-04-18@##@2020-04-19

A man-made lake of gold mining origin and located within Bau town, Blue Lake is an ideal venue for water-based sports event such as rafting, kayak, tug-of-war and other traditional water games.  The festival also highlights other interesting activities such as aerobics exercise, exhibition and food fairs. This festival also aims to strengthen unity in Bau’s multiracial community. Showcasing the local cuisines, cultural performances, water sport event known locally as “Jong”, handicraft and exhibitions. The event also aims to promote Bau town as one of the tourist destination. Pesta Tasik Biru Bau, Sarawak Tourism Events established in 1951, marked its 60th birthday this year 2019. An authentic heritage tourism festivals aim for unity and unique water-sports. A festival one must not missed should they visit Kuching during the last weekend in September.  This year the festival scheduled from 29th Nov – 1st Dec 2019. Guest shall received a well treats from the communities and organisers. Events includes Jong Regatta, Futsal Competition, e-Sport Games, Miss Tasik Biru, Sales & Exhibition Booth, Bau Kitchen, The Cultural Night Show, Live Bands, the folk games, Bau Bikers gathering and many more. Booked your calender and you shall enjoy these communities-goverment collaborations with aim to tranformed our rural socio-economic, unity and harmony. Pesta Tasik Biru… “Unique watersports bring togetherness”. Related Reading: http://www.theborneopost.com @##@Bau District Office@##@Blue Lake (Tasik Biru), Bau@##@2019-11-29@##@2019-12-01

The highlight activity of this event is regatta, funfair, food fair and cultural show.   For more info, please call: Homestay Rumah Benjamin Angki Tuan Rumah Benjamin Angki Hp: 013-8823076 Tel: 084-753578 Fax: 084-752122 Email: ben_8845@yahoo.com @##@Homestay Rumah Benjamin Angki@##@Rantau Kemiding@##@2014-08-29@##@2014-08-31

Uggah (centre) poses with the course participants and their trainers. KUCHING: Sarawak is taking the first step to become a major force in durian production by training 10 officers of Department of Agriculture to become durian experts. “We have no durian expert at the moment, this is our first step by training our officers from throughout Sarawak to learn from the experts,” said Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Agriculture Modernisation, Native Land and Regional Development Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah yesterday. Uggah said the trainers were specially flown in from Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), namely, Associate Professor Dr Yahya Awang, Associate Professor Dr Siti Hajar Ahmad, Associate Professor Dr Khairulazmi Ahmad and Mohd Ghazali Mohd Satar. Apart from the 10 officers, the ministry is also sending five specialists, 22 extension staff and seven teaching staff to attend the training, which will cover, among others, introduction of durian clone, durian biology, propagation and nursery management, land preparation and planting, fertilisation and watering, pruning, pest management and post harvesting handling. “This is the first programme; how to groom them to become durian experts for our durian industry,” Uggah said. After the five-day introduction course, the programme would be followed up with training of the trainers. Uggah said these officers would be directly involved with Sarawak durian rehabilitation programme, using a budget of RM9 million. “The rehabilitation programme is conducted together with Top Fruits Sdn Bhd of Johor that has 30 years’ experience in durian farming,” he added. Uggah said the rehabilitation pilot project would involve some 300,000 durian trees throughout Sarawak, focusing on Serian, Betong, Limbang and Baram. “That (300,000 trees) is our rough estimate, and if we can increase the productivity and quality of the durian fruits, Sarawak will be a major force in the durian industry,” he said. When asked how long it would take for the plan to materialise, Uggah said it would depend very much on the progress of rehabilitation of the durian trees, which is about five years.

Datu Dr Penguang Manggil SIBU: Operators of eateries in the state with cleanliness rating below B grade risk facing tough actions if they fail to buck up and improve. Assistant Minister of Local Government Datu Dr Penguang Manggil said among the actions that may be taken against them is not renewing their licences. Recently, Local Government and Housing Public Health Division head Dr Cheong Yaw Liang said registered food premises in the state must achieve at least a Grade B cleanliness rating by December next year. He said the move was part of action plans in 2018 for Local Key Result Areas on clean food outlets for which a simple teaching kit on food handling is being considered for eatery owners upon renewal of their licences. He was reported to have said this during the recent Focal Person (Public Health) meeting at Sibu Rural District Council office which was attended by 24 environmental health officers and assistant environmental health officers from across the state. Meanwhile, Penguang said his ministry was also implementing star rating for public toilets. “What we can do is to expand the scope or coverage to include all eateries,” he added. Sibu Rural District Council (SRDC) chairman Sempurai Petrus Ngelai, on the other hand, said they encouraged food premises with C Grade to improve. “My council has already assigned councillor Kong Chek King to head a committee to lay out programmes for next year to improve the rating.” According to him, there are around 80 eateries under SRDC’s jurisdiction which encompasses Sibu Jaya township, Selangau bazaar, Kemunyang and small shop houses in Rantau Panjang area. “Currently, we are focusing on the food eateries. As for the night market, we’re working with the Health Department on food sampling and hygienic handling of food,” he said.