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Sarongs On The Run: MSMR 2025 Kicks Off Sarawak Day Festivities
Sarongs On The Run: MSMR 2025 Kicks Off Sarawak Day Festivities

Barnama

timea day ago

  • Entertainment
  • Barnama

Sarongs On The Run: MSMR 2025 Kicks Off Sarawak Day Festivities

KUCHING, July 19 (Bernama) -- The Malaysia Sarong Music Run 2025 (MSMR 2025) made its Sarawak debut today, drawing some 2,500 participants nationwide in conjunction with Sarawak Day celebrations on July 22. State Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, who officiated the event on behalf of Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, hailed the run as a platform for unity and cultural appreciation. 'This is a meaningful unity run that strengthens ties among Malaysians, especially here in Sarawak. Congratulations to the organisers,' he said at the flag-off at Metrocity Matang here today. Billed as a 'cultural fun run', MSMR 2025 promotes healthy living while celebrating Malaysia's heritage. Participants ran 3-kilometre (km) and 5km routes clad in sarongs, with the course featuring cultural elements from across the country. The event was jointly organised by Malaysia Marathon and the Sarawak Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, in partnership with LOCCO, the organisers of the 'Keretapi Sarong' initiative, with support from the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC). Performances along the route included lion and dragon dances, traditional drumming, and cultural showcases from Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia. LOCCO, in a statement, said the event emphasised inclusivity and heritage appreciation, aligning with preparations for Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VM2026). 'MSMR 2025 is more than a run, it fosters community spirit and champions culture as a living, active force. It invites Malaysians of all ages and backgrounds to be part of a vibrant, meaningful movement rooted in national identity,' it said. -- BERNAMA

Malaysia Sarong Music Run 2025 lights up MetroCity Matang with 2,500 participants
Malaysia Sarong Music Run 2025 lights up MetroCity Matang with 2,500 participants

Borneo Post

timea day ago

  • Entertainment
  • Borneo Post

Malaysia Sarong Music Run 2025 lights up MetroCity Matang with 2,500 participants

Malaysia Sarong Music Run 2025 participants run to the finish line in their sarongs. – Photo by Chimon Upon KUCHING (July 19): The Malaysia Sarong Music Run 2025 (MSMR 2025) made a vibrant debut in Sarawak today at MetroCity Matang, blending culture, music, and fitness in celebration of Sarawak Day. The event drew 2,500 participants across three categories — 10km, 5km, and 3km — all proudly donning sarongs, turning the traditional attire into a symbol of unity, identity, and Malaysian pride. Along the route, runners were treated to cultural checkpoints featuring Dragon and Lion Dance, Gendang Fusion, and traditional performances representing diverse ethnic groups from Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia. State Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, flagged off the run on behalf of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. In a brief speech, Abdul Karim said the event celebrated Sarawak's rich heritage while promoting community engagement and healthy living. 'This event showcases how our traditions can be celebrated in dynamic ways, uniting people of all backgrounds,' he said. In a statement, the organisers described MSMR 2025 as a cultural fun run — a collaboration between Malaysia Marathon, the federal Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, the Sarawak Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, and cultural movement organiser Locco. Locco, known for the iconic Keretapi Sarong movement, brought its signature festive atmosphere, creating an immersive experience enjoyed by participants of all ages. Beyond the run, the event featured a mini carnival with Sarawakian art, creative vendors, family zones, and performances by local talents — turning the day into a full-fledged community celebration. MSMR 2025 was supported by various partners including Tourism Malaysia in conjunction with Visit Malaysia 2026, corporate sponsors, and a range of official and technical partners. Kuching Malaysia Sarong Music Run 2025 MetroCity Matang

Sarawak set to ban vape sales
Sarawak set to ban vape sales

Free Malaysia Today

time3 days ago

  • Health
  • Free Malaysia Today

Sarawak set to ban vape sales

Sarawak is the latest state to move towards completely banning the sale of vapes, joining Perlis, Terengganu, Kedah and Pahang. PETALING JAYA : Sarawak is set to enforce a state-wide ban on the sale of vape products following growing concerns over their misuse for drug abuse. State youth, sports and entrepreneur development minister Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the decision was reached during a recent meeting of the national drug eradication action council, Komso reported. 'Previously, vape was seen as just a substitute for smoking. But now, it's being widely misused to consume drugs and other harmful substances,' Karim was quoted as saying. 'That is why the government must look into this matter seriously, and at the state level, we have agreed unanimously to ban vapes.' The announcement comes as other states ramp up enforcement on vape advertising and sales. In Selangor, vape traders were warned to remove advertisements or face action. Unlike Sarawak, however, Selangor has yet to decide on a full ban on vape sales, with proposed guidelines still under review. Several state governments have moved towards completely banning the sale of vapes, including Perlis, Terengganu, Kedah and Pahang, while Johor and Kelantan have banned the sale of these products since 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Borneo Junior Open squash tourney records most entries, 167 players from overseas
Borneo Junior Open squash tourney records most entries, 167 players from overseas

Borneo Post

time3 days ago

  • Sport
  • Borneo Post

Borneo Junior Open squash tourney records most entries, 167 players from overseas

KUCHING (July 17): The Borneo Junior Open Squash Tournament has recorded its highest-ever turnout, said Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah. He said 346 junior players from across Malaysia and 167 international players from 16 countries are competing in this year's edition. The growing participation reflects Sarawak's potential as a host for high-profile international sporting events, he said. 'This event provides a great platform for both local and international junior squash players to come together in Kuching for competitive games,' he said during the tournament's welcoming dinner last night. The Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts said this is a proud moment for Sarawak, not just because of the numbers, but because it places Sarawak firmly on the international squash map. He thanked the Squash Racquets Association of Sarawak (SRAS), Squash Racquets Association of Malaysia, and long-time sponsor Cahya Mata Sarawak (CMS) for their commitment to developing the tournament. Abdul Karim said the state government would continue to support the organisation of both national and international sporting events in Sarawak. He also revealed that plans are in motion to upgrade squash facilities in the state to accommodate more courts and enable Sarawak to host more international-level events in future. 'We want to be ready and we want to make Sarawak a sports powerhouse,' he said. The 8th Borneo Junior Open 2025 Squash Tournament will run until July 20. Returning nations competing this year are Australia, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, India, Japan, South Korea, Macau, Pakistan, Singapore, the Philippines, and the United States, while Canada, New Zealand, Russia, and Sri Lanka are making their debut appearances at the championship.

Government urged to ban drug-laced vape products in Malaysia
Government urged to ban drug-laced vape products in Malaysia

The Sun

time4 days ago

  • Health
  • The Sun

Government urged to ban drug-laced vape products in Malaysia

KUCHING: The federal government has been urged to introduce strict laws prohibiting vape products laced with illegal substances like synthetic drugs. Sarawak Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah highlighted the growing misuse of vape, particularly among young people, as a serious public health issue. 'Vape was initially promoted as a safer alternative to smoking, but it has now been exploited for drug abuse and addiction,' he said. Abdul Karim, who also leads the Sarawak chapter of the Malaysian Drug Prevention Association (Pemadam), stressed the need for urgent legal action following a State Drug Eradication Action Council (MTMD) meeting. He suggested that authorities consider either a complete ban on vape or restrict it to nicotine-based products, similar to regulated tobacco items. 'A blanket ban may not be practical since some users consume vape responsibly. However, if it involves illegal substances like 'magic mushrooms' or synthetic drugs, strict laws must be enforced,' he added. The 2022 National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) revealed that Sarawak has the highest vape usage rate among Malaysian teens aged 13 to 17, with 20.3% prevalence, affecting an estimated 39,608 individuals. - Bernama

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