Latest news with #ChimonUpon
Borneo Post
2 hours ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Over 1,000 join inaugural 722 Walk in Kuching to mark Sarawak Day
Participants during the inaugural 722 Walk in Kuching today. – Photo by Chimon Upon KUCHING (July 22): Over 1,000 proud Sarawakians participated in the inaugural 722 Walk this morning, uniting in celebration of Sarawak Day and paying tribute to the state's enduring spirit, heritage and unity. The three-kilometre walk, which began at 6am from MBKS Boulevard, concluded at the Kuching Waterfront with the hoisting of the state flag at Dataran Ibu Pertiwi. In his welcoming remarks, Kuching South Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng said the 722 Walk was more than a physical activity – it was a powerful statement of solidarity. 'This is more than just a walk. It is a statement of unity, a reflection of our shared love for this land we call home,' he said before flagging off the walk. Wee also thanked the Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) and Padawan Municipal Council (MPP), saying their collaboration showed that setting aside differences could lead to greater accomplishments for the people. 'Today, we have made that vision a reality. And while next year DBKU will take the lead as host, we must remember that it is not about positions or organisers. 'The 722 Walk belongs to every Sarawakian. It belongs to all of us,' he said. Emphasising the historical importance of the date, he said 722 is a reminder of Sarawak's journey towards self-determination and its rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). 'Let us not allow 722 to be reduced to a mere ritual or celebration. 'It must remain a call to action for all Sarawakians to stay united, to cherish our diversity, and to continue working together for a stronger and more prosperous Sarawak,' he said. Also present were Kuching North Mayor Dato Hilmy Othman and Padawan Municipal Council Chairman Tan Kai. 722 Walk Kuching MBKS sarawak day
Borneo Post
16 hours ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Premier: Miri symbolises Sarawak's progress and harmony
Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. – Photo by Chimon Upon KUCHING (July 21): Miri stands as a symbol of Sarawak's development and multicultural harmony, reflecting the state's progress and unity, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. In a statement posted on the Sarawakku Facebook page in conjunction with the Sarawak Day 2025 celebration, the Premier described Miri not only as an economic hub but also as a reflection of Sarawak's strength in diversity, built on the foundations of its oil and gas industry. 'It symbolises the progress of our state and the harmony among our multiracial communities,' he added in a statement shared via the Sarawakku Facebook page today in conjunction with the Sarawak Day 2025 celebration. He also revealed that this year's Sarawak Day celebration carries the theme 'Sarawak Maju Makmur' (Progressive and Prosperous Sarawak), underscoring the government's commitment to strengthening ties between the state and its people across all ethnic backgrounds. He thus stressed that unity among Sarawakians is the cornerstone for sustainable development as Sarawak moves toward becoming a high-income and developed region by 2030 while also praising Sarawak's long-standing racial and religious harmony, urging the people to preserve this legacy as a source of strength and identity. The Premier also reaffirmed the Sarawak government's commitment to implementing the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, aimed at achieving inclusive socio-economic growth. 'The Sarawak government will continue pushing forward the digital economy, artificial intelligence (AI), environmental sustainability, and the development of core sectors such as oil and gas, tourism, modern agriculture, and plantations,' he said. On education, he announced that beginning next year, the Sarawak government will provide free tertiary education in selected fields at state-owned universities to reduce the financial burden on families and promote equal access to higher learning. Abang Johari further reiterated Sarawak's determination to uphold its rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), calling on Sarawakians to remain united in support of this cause. 'May Sarawak continue to progress, prosper, and stand as a model of harmony in Malaysia. Happy Sarawak Day 2025,' he concluded in the Facebook post.
Borneo Post
18 hours ago
- Climate
- Borneo Post
Sarawak may experience haze in coming days, warns NREB
A hazy Kuching skyline is observed from Bukit Siol in Petra Jaya in 2023. – Photo by Chimon Upon KUCHING (July 21): Sarawak may experience haze in the coming days or weeks due to several contributing factors, said the Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) Sarawak in a media statement today. As of 8am, air quality readings across the state have shown an upward trend in the Air Pollutant Index (API) since July 19. While three areas still recorded 'Good' air quality, fifteen were categorised as 'Moderate', and no area has recorded unhealthy levels so far. According to NREB, regional developments could influence local air conditions. Data from the ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC) showed that only four hotspots were detected in Sarawak between July 14 and 20. 'In contrast, Kalimantan, Indonesia, recorded 114 hotspots during the same period, with 93 of them detected in just the last two days. 'With the ongoing Southwest Monsoon, which began on May 10 and is expected to last until September, prevailing winds from the southwest may carry smoke haze from outside the state. 'Sarawak is therefore at risk of experiencing transboundary haze, particularly if biomass burning activities increase across the border,' added the NREB statement. In response, the NREB has activated its haze operations room, suspended the issuance of open burning permits, and intensified field patrols and awareness campaigns on the prohibition of open burning. The agency has urged developers and the general public to refrain from such practices, especially during the current dry and hot weather. 'The public is advised to stay hydrated, limit outdoor activities, and wear N95 masks if necessary, particularly for vulnerable groups,' said the statement. The NREB also reminded the public that open burning is a punishable offence under the Natural Resources and Environment Ordinance (Cap. 84 – Laws of Sarawak, Ed. 1958), with penalties of up to RM100,000 or five years' imprisonment, or both. Apart from that, residents are encouraged to assist in extinguishing minor fires and to report open burning cases to the nearest NREB office or via its hotline at 082-447488 or 082-319500 and whistleblower confidentiality is protected under Section 38 of the same Ordinance. Air Pollutant Index haze Natural Resources and Environment Board
Borneo Post
3 days 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
Borneo Post
3 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
MAHB offers technical support for new Kuching International Airport project
Photo shows the exterior of the current Kuching International Airport. – Photo by Chimon Upon KUCHING (July 29): Discussions surrounding the proposed New Kuching International Airport (NKIA) are still ongoing, said Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) managing director Datuk Mohd Izani Ghani, as quoted in a report by the New Straits Times. He said the Sarawak government had requested for technical assistance, and MAHB has instructed its internal teams to render support where feasible. 'I think in terms of helping on technical matters, I've told my team: let's help, let's work together, and do as much as we can. Beyond that, we can't do more because the discussion between the state and federal is still ongoing. So, we leave it at that,' he told a media briefing on MAHB's strategic direction post-privatisation in Sepang yesterday. According to Mohd Izani, MAHB reserves the right to decline management of any new airport under the existing operating agreement, but stressed the company's commitment to supporting both federal and state aviation development policies. Earlier this month, the state Transport Ministry said Sarawak and the Netherlands are exploring broader areas of collaboration in airport design, operations and sustainable aviation practices, particularly in relation to the proposed NKIA. It said both parties engaged in meaningful discussions on the future of Sarawak's aviation sector, with a particular focus on the NKIA project. Earlier this year, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg announced Sarawak's new state-of-the-art international airport will be located in Tanjung Embang, Samarahan Division near the deep-sea port presently under development in the area. He said Tanjung Embang was selected over Matang for the airport project due to logistical challenges including airspace constraints near Indonesian territory.
