Over 40 Million Worshippers Visit Prophet's Mosque During Hajj Season 1446h
Accroding to Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the number of worshippers was recorded from Dhu Al-Qi'dah 1 to Dhu Al-Hijjah 29, reflecting achieving in the kingdom's ongoing efforts to facilitate visitor reception, enabling them to perform their rituals in a secure and tranquil environment.
The authority emphasised its commitment to enhancing services within the Prophet's Mosque and its courtyards to meet the needs of worshippers and improve the overall religious experience for all visitors.
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Borneo Post
16 minutes ago
- Borneo Post
Milestones: Sarawak's bold ascent by air, sea and financial power
Abang Johari (fourth left) witnessing the signing of the SPA between the Sarawak government and MAG on Feb 12, 2025, in Kuching. — Photo by Roystein Emmor KUCHING (July 22): Under Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg's leadership as Premier, Sarawak has made exceptional strides to steadily ascend as a key player in the economic, transport, and financial landscape not just in Malaysia but also globally. Here, we take a look at a few of Sarawak's major achievements since the anniversary of the state's independence last year. AirBorneo The high-profile launch of AirBorneo on February 12, following the acquisition of MASwings from the Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), has made Sarawak the first state in Malaysia to own an airline. AirBorneo is expected to launch full operations by next year, with services targeting domestic and regional routes across Southeast Asia, including Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Singapore, Jakarta, Hong Kong, and Japan. 'AirBorneo is poised to create a balance between connectivity, affordable fares and economic benefits. 'Operating as a full-service carrier (FSC), AirBorneo can significantly enhance the passengers' experiences through superior in-flight services. 'This will emphasise the regional prestige of Sarawak as a premium travel destination,' said Abang Johari said at the Sale and Purchase Agreement signing ceremony on Feb 12. According to media reports, some of the international destinations that AirBorneo is eyeing include Bangkok, Hong Kong, Jakarta, Seoul and Frankfurt as the airline aims to operate as a full-service carrier. The full acquisition of MASwings Sdn Bhd by AirBorneo Holdings Sdn Bhd is expected to be finalised by Dec 31 this year, with no changes to the current Rural Air Services (RAS) operations. During the transition period, AirBorneo is working closely with MAG to ensure a seamless handover and to obtain necessary regulatory approvals from the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM), the Malaysian Aviation Commission (Mavcom), the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The airline has established its headquarters in Kuching and begun recruiting key personnel. A public logo and livery design competition was launched to engage Sarawakians in shaping the airline's identity, The airline's development is closely tied to Sarawak's broader infrastructure ambitions. A new Kuching International Airport and a deep-sea port in Tanjung Embang are in the pipeline, and aimed at transforming Sarawak into a regional aviation and marine hub. Sarawak is now the largest shareholder of Affin Bank. Becoming biggest shareholder in Affin Bank On September 27, 2024, Sarawak became the largest shareholder in Affin Bank Berhad, acquiring a 31.25 per cent stake through its wholly owned subsidiary, SG Assetfin Holdings Sdn Bhd. This landmark move marked a pivotal shift in the state's financial landscape, positioning Sarawak not just as a stakeholder but as a strategic force in Malaysia's banking sector. Prior to the acquisition, Sarawak held a modest 4.81 percent stake in Affin Bank. The purchase of shares from Lembaga Tabung Angkatan Tentera (LTAT) and Boustead Holdings Berhad elevated the state's influence, enabling it to shape the bank's direction in alignment with Sarawak's Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030). The acquisition was not merely financial—it was deeply symbolic of Sarawak's growing autonomy and ambition. Abang Johari had emphasised that the decision was driven by the need to create a robust financial platform to support Sarawak's economic transformation. With Affin's extensive network and expertise, the state aims to unlock new opportunities, facilitate access to capital, and ignite entrepreneurial growth across sectors. Affin Bank's role in supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) is central to Sarawak's strategy. SMEs form the backbone of the state's economy, and Affin's suite of banking products, including trade finance and commercial lending, is expected to empower local businesses to scale and innovate. The acquisition also aligns with Sarawak's broader goal of diversifying its economy beyond natural resources. Strategic industries such as agro-based ventures, tourism, manufacturing, and green technology are poised to benefit from improved access to financing and tailored banking solutions. Affin Bank's expansion in Sarawak is already underway. As of early 2025, the bank operates eight branches across Kuching, Sibu, Bintulu, and Miri, with plans to open six more by July, bringing the total to 14. The Premier has also called for greater decentralization in banking operations, urging Affin to empower its Sarawak-based managers with loan approval authority. This move is intended to accelerate decision-making and ensure that local needs are addressed swiftly and effectively. On June 23, it was reported Affin Bank Berhad has been officially appointed to manage the Endowment Fund Sarawak (EFS) 2.0, a long-term savings initiative for newborns in the state. Affin Bank had also introduced the Kenyalang savings account for Sarawakians last in April. Account holders were given a special debit card bearing the hornbill graphic. Bintulu Port is a vital gateway for Sarawak's liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports and industrial cargo. Reclaiming Bintulu Port In a historic move to assert greater control over its maritime infrastructure, the Sarawak government initiated the acquisition of Bintulu Port from federal jurisdiction in early 2024. It marked a turning point in Sarawak's pursuit of economic autonomy and infrastructure governance under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). The port, long managed by the federal Bintulu Port Authority (BPA), is a vital gateway for Sarawak's liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports and industrial cargo. The acquisition of Bintulu Port was deemed as a necessary step to streamline port operations and align them with Sarawak's development goals. Momentum accelerated in February 2024 when a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the federal Ministry of Transport and Sarawak's Ministry of Infrastructure and Port Development (MIPD). The MoU outlined the framework for transferring regulatory control and assets, including the repeal of the Bintulu Port Authority Act 1981 and the establishment of a new state-level authority. In July 2024, Parliament passed the Bintulu Port Authority (Dissolution) Bill and the Declaration of an Area in the Bintulu District to be a Federal Port (Repeal) Bill. These legislative milestones officially reclassified Bintulu Port as a state port, enabling Sarawak to govern it under the Port Authorities Ordinance 1961. Premier Abang Johari highlighted the economic significance of the acquisition, noting that Bintulu Port would play a central role in boosting Sarawak's commodities trade and export capacity. The launch of the Borneo Supply Base, designed to serve the petroleum industry, is expected to increase shipping activity and support the state's energy ambitions. The acquisition also includes a compensation agreement, with Sarawak set to pay the federal government for the transfer of port assets. This financial arrangement underscores the seriousness of the state's commitment to managing its infrastructure independently and responsibly. Looking ahead, Bintulu Port is poised to benefit from infrastructure upgrades and expanded services. The port will support bunkering for green fuels and serve as a terminal for LNG exports, aligning with Sarawak's push for sustainability and regional competitiveness. The port's transformation is part of a broader vision that includes the development of the Kuching Deep Water Port at Tanjung Embang, which will complement Bintulu's operations and position Sarawak as a maritime hub in Southeast Asia. The Sarawak government has ramped up staffing and budget allocations to ensure the port's successful integration into state systems. Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said in May this year the takeover of Bintulu Port from federal jurisdiction to Sarawak is currently in the final stages of negotiations and the transfer is expected to take place in 2025. He said, with the approval of the Sarawak Port Authority Ordinance in May 2024, the Sarawak government is now moving towards the operation of a single port authority, the Sarawak Port Authority, which will have regulatory jurisdiction over all port activities in Sarawak. The opening ceremony of SUKMA XXI in Kuching was a spectacular and memorable event. — Photo by Chimon Upon Sporting success, bigger aspirations Sarawakians also have much to celebrate in sports. The successful hosting of Malaysia Games (SUKMA XXI) in August 2024 showcased the state's sporting infrastructure and organizational capacity. This on-field triumph paved the way for Sarawak's upcoming role as host of the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in 2027. Sarawak clinched the overall championship for the first time in 30 years. With 76 gold, 55 silver, and 70 bronze medals, the host state edged out Federal Territory by a single gold, in a nail-biting finish that kept fans on edge until the final event. The Games were a showcase of rising stars. Swimmer Kelly Teo, just 18, won six golds and three other medals, earning RM94,250 in incentives from the state government. Shot putter Jonah Chang Rigan smashed the national record with a throw of 17.66 metres, while javelin thrower Ng Jing Xuan rewrote national record with a 45.12-metre launch. Beyond medals, SUKMA XXI was a triumph of technology and inclusivity. A dedicated mobile app provided real-time updates, athlete profiles, and live broadcasts—20 sports were streamed online, a first for SUKMA. State Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneur Development Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah had said Sarawak is set to host the highest number of sporting events at the SEA Games 2027, with 18 sports currently agreed upon He had also said the official opening ceremony of the SEA Games will take place in Kuching. Abang Johari Tun Openg Affin Bank AirBorneo lead sarawak day
Barnama
15 hours ago
- Barnama
Over 10,000 Visitors Expected To Enliven National Month 2025 Launch In Muar
PUTRAJAYA, July 21 (Bernama) -- Over 10,000 visitors are expected to enliven the launch of the 2025 National Month and Fly the Jalur Gemilang Campaign and related events, which will be held over three days starting July 25 at Dataran Tanjung Emas in Muar, Johor. Information Department (JaPen) director-general Julina Johan said free shuttle bus services and parking will be provided to facilitate visitor movement to the event venue. 'Four buses will operate from the Bentayan Terminal and around Muar area, with intervals of 10 to 15 minutes,' she said during a media briefing here today. The highlight of the celebration will be the official launch ceremony on Sunday, July 27, to be officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, accompanied by members of the Cabinet. A key attraction will be the flag-off of the 2025 Jalur Gemilang Convoy, which for the first time will include a maritime contingent comprising 59 fishing boats, two Marine Department vessels, three Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency boats and two Marine Police boats. Julina said the pre-launch programme starting July 25 will feature various community-centred activities such as patriotic film screenings, community engagement sessions and the Kita MADANI Carnival, which will run until July 27. The carnival will bring together various government service booths, including Royal Malaysia Police summons discount counters offering up to 30 per cent off, free health screenings, RAHMAH and Kasih Johor sales and business advisory services for youths. 'The Kita MADANI Carnival is a JaPen initiative held in conjunction with the National Month launch. We are going to the ground to engage directly with the people, especially in Bandar Maharani Muar,' she said. On July 26, July said the Bakti Komuniti MADANI Programme will take place at Taman Tun Sulaiman Ninam Shah from 8 am, featuring activities such as gotong-royong, kenduri rakyat, mosque maintenance and free services including haircuts and engine oil changes.
Barnama
15 hours ago
- Barnama
Kampung Air Bah Presents The Culture And Traditions Of The Lanoh Tribe To The UNESCO Global Geopark Delegates
LENGGONG, July 21 (Bernama) -- Lanoh, an indigenous tribe of Peninsular Malaysia which have settled around the Lenggong region of Hulu Perak since before the 1920s is rich with unique culture and traditions. This Semang-Negrito subgroup is concentrated in Kampung Air Bah where the largest number of recorded residents being around 300 people. This village falls within the UNESCO World Heritage Site designated in 2012. As such, their role of this indigenous community is invaluable in preserving this global heritage.
