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Borneo Post
2 hours ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
330 stalls expected at this year's Kuching Festival Food Fair
Wee (centre) gathers the ballots prior to the draw. — Photo by Roystein Emmor KUCHING (June 9): This year's Kuching Festival Food Fair is expected to house 330 stalls, said Kuching South mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng. He said the Kuching South City Council (MBKS) had received a total of 776 applications — the highest number to date. 'This year, we have 25 double-stall units out of 26 applications; 92 premium stalls out of 225 applications; 55 single stalls out of 288 applications; and 146 half-stalls out of 224 applications. 'We also opened up the operation of stalls to associations as well as those who operate the beverage stalls or beer stalls, so the total for this year has added up to 330 out of 776 applications,' he told members of the media at the food fair's balloting session at MBKS headquarters here today. He witnessed the drawing of ballots, which was conducted by officials from MBKS. The draw was run to determine the vendors for the various stall categories. The Borneo Post photographer Roystein Emmor (left) draws the ballot for one of the food fair's stall categories while witnessed by Wee (second left) and others. Wee encouraged the fair's operators and vendors to decorate their stalls as they will be in the running to win the Best Decorated Stall category. 'Winners of the Best Decorated Stall will then be given the priority to select their stall's location for Kuching Festival Food Fair the following year. 'The same also applies to the highest donor category. During the festival, we will be collecting donations from all the vendors and the money we have collected from them will be distributed to the various non-governmental organisations (NGOs). 'Of course, it's all voluntary but whoever donates the highest amount, they will be entitled to select their preferred stall location next year as well,' he said. The Kuching Festival Food Fair will be held at the MBKS Community Hall compounds from July 25 to Aug 17.
Free Malaysia Today
4 days ago
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
Some still believe natives live on trees, laments tourism minister
Federal tourism, arts and culture minister Tiong King Sing highlighted the potential of community-based tourism in Sarawak. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA : Federal tourism, arts and culture minister Tiong King Sing has urged his ministry to step up efforts to promote Sarawak's indigenous heritage, noting the persistence of outdated stereotypes about the state's indigenous communities among foreigners. 'Some still believe our native people live in the jungle,' he was quoted as saying by the Borneo Post. Tiong, the Bintulu MP, said he had urged ministry officers to 'go all out' in showcasing Sarawak's cultural heritage to tourists and Malaysians alike. He also highlighted the potential of community-based tourism, saying longhouse residents were open to developing homestay programmes. He said such programmes would allow tourists firsthand experience of the indigenous way of life. 'We'll be exploring this idea further to see how best we can move it forward in a way that respects tradition while embracing modern tourism, developing both culture and economy together side by side,' he said. Tiong also emphasised the importance of preserving Sarawak's traditional longhouses. He said longhouses like Rumah Raymond Plen were rare examples of how traditional longhouse architecture had been preserved in its full cultural richness. 'It's absolutely beautiful and full of character. Traditional longhouses like this are becoming increasingly rare in Bintulu, so finding one so well-preserved is truly something special.'
Free Malaysia Today
25-05-2025
- Health
- Free Malaysia Today
Sarawak reports first human rabies case for the year
The Sarawak health department said the victim frequently played with and fed stray cats and had previously handled the carcass of a cat that died after being hit by a vehicle. PETALING JAYA : A 13-year old boy from Kuching became the first person to get infected with rabies in Sarawak, according to the state health department. The victim was said to have exhibited symptoms such as fever, loss of appetite, vomiting, hallucinations, and trouble swallowing water on May 21, The Borneo Post reported. He initially sought treatment at a private hospital before being referred to Sarawak General Hospital, where clinical tests confirmed the rabies infection. According to the department, the victim had been scratched by a stray cat, but did not seek medical treatment. He also frequently played with and fed stray cats and had previously handled the carcass of a cat that died after being hit by a vehicle, the department said. 'These behaviours indicate a high level of exposure to rabies,' it said. As of today, the number of rabies cases in Sarawak has dropped by two compared to the same period in 2024. Despite the 'downward trend', the department said, incidents involving animal bites remain high across the state. Between 2017 and the 20th epidemiological week of 2025 (May 11 to 17), a total of 63,301 dog bite cases, 57,210 cat bites or scratches, and 1,832 bites by other animals were reported.
The Sun
11-05-2025
- General
- The Sun
Rare 7.2kg ikan ketutu caught in Sungai Rejang surprises Kapit locals
A fisherman's extraordinary catch of a 7.2-kilogram marble goby (locally known as 'ikan ketutu') has created a sensation at Teresang Market in Kapit, Sarawak today. The fisherman, who was unidentified, caught the massive specimen using just a line and hook in the Sungai Rejang this morning, quickly sold his rare prize to local fishmonger Lawrence Bangit. The impressive fish, measuring nearly three feet in length, was offered to buyers at a whooping RM75 per kilogram. According to Borneo Post, local resident Rudy Havit said this species—also referred to as 'ikan haruan bodoh' in Bahasa Melayu—was once abundant in the region's waterways but has become increasingly scarce due to overfishing. 'This fish is now on the verge of extinction in our local waters,' Havit explained to the East Malaysian daily. 'Finding one of this size is truly remarkable—they typically weigh between one and two kilograms when caught.' The marble goby was previously common in various tributaries of the Rejang River, including Sungai Katibas, Sungai Muhjong, Sungai Ga'at, Sungai Pelagus, Sungai Metah, and Sungai Pila. However, its population has declined dramatically in recent years. The rarity of the species has caused its price to skyrocket. 'It used to cost only RM20 to RM30 per kilogram. Now the price has more than doubled due to high demand and limited supply,' said Havit. It is learnt that the fish is particularly prized in Peninsular Malaysia, where it can fetch between RM150 and RM200 per kilogram. The report further pointed out the rare species' popularity stems from its tender, sweet flesh and minimal bones—containing only a backbone, unlike many other river fish species that have numerous small bones. The marble goby's culinary appeal and growing scarcity attracted numerous onlookers to the market, with many gathered to witness the unusual specimen before it was sold. According to Borneo Post, the traditional preparation method for this delicacy is deep-frying and serving with sweet and sour sauce.
Yahoo
08-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Siti Nurhaliza to help victims of Putra Heights gas blast
8 Apr - Dato' Sri Siti Nurhaliza recently revealed that she is planning to assist the victims of the recent gas pipeline explosion in Putra Heights through her foundation, Yayasan Nurjiwa. The singer, who spoke to the media recently, said that she has yet to find time to visit victims of the tragedy, but that she and her foundation are informed of the situation. "Everybody is still on Eid break, so God willing we will begin our duty on Monday," she added. Siti said that the foundation hopes that the relief that they will provide for the victims will help ease a bit of the burden they are experiencing, seeing that they have lost a lot in terms of properties. "I didn't expect that the explosion would be as severe. But most importantly, it did not cause any death. I do believe Malaysians are very concerned people and will try to alleviate their hardship. Perhaps there will be a cooperation with other parties," she said. On 1 April, an explosion of a 500-metre-long Petronas gas pipeline in Putra Heights, Selangor caused widespread destruction, forcing some residents to be evacuated to temporary evacuation centers (PPS). (Photo Source: Siti Nurhaliza IG, Borneo Post)
