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Borneo Post
7 hours ago
- General
- Borneo Post
Gawai Dayak: A celebration of unity, hope and cultural pride
Ang expresses pride in the Dayak community's achievements and their significant contributions to Malaysia's development and prosperity. — Photo by Chimon Upon KUCHING (May 31): Gawai Dayak has grown to become a powerful symbol of unity, hope, and aspiration for the Dayak community – the majority ethnic group in Sarawak. Datuk Seri Ang Lai Soon, founder of St John Ambulance Sarawak, noted that Gawai was originally celebrated at different times across various longhouses and villages, marking the end of a successful harvest. 'The ethnic Dayak community then decided to celebrate the event on one day; thus, it's celebrated by all as the most important day by all different Dayak groups. 'It is now one of Sarawak's important gazetted holidays,' he said in his Gawai Dayak message. Ang expressed pride in the Dayak community's achievements and their significant contributions to Malaysia's development and prosperity. However, he also reminded the public that the Covid-19 pandemic is 'still far from over.' 'Some global communities have decided 'to live with the virus' after the majority of the people have been fully vaccinated. 'Still, while we are reopening, I am sure that we will still continue to be careful and vigilant,' he said. Ang went on to lament the continued existence of wars, conflicts, and unrest in many parts of what he described as 'an uncertain and unpredictable world'. 'The people suffer untold miseries and sufferings, especially the most vulnerable: the poor, the sick, the children, the seniors and underprivileged. 'All countries should ideally consider devoting their funds, time and energy to make life safer, happier and more bearable for everyone in this rather difficult, troubled and tumultuous world, instead of production of lethal weapons, especially nuclear weapons with the capacity to destroy the human kind,' he said. He added that universal peace and happiness could be achieved if all nations committed to total disarmament. Trillions of dollars currently spent on arms could instead be used to improve living standards across the globe, he added. 'That will be the day to celebrate.' The Universal day of peace Ang also highlighted global inflation and threatening famine caused by geopolitical tensions should be addressed immediately. The much feared climate change and its ill effects on humankind, flora and fauna and the Environment is a monumental issue, he said. 'We see such ill-effects already even within our own country as torrential rains and serious floods seem to be occurring with greater frequency,' he said. Intense forest fires caused by prolonged droughts are affecting nations like the United States, Canada, Japan, and Australia, and in the Philippines, typhoons continue to grow in intensity year after year, he said. 'As we celebrate another Gawai festival, let us be reminded again to celebrate in moderation. 'Both humans and Planet Earth must stay healthy for their own sake and that of future generations. 'God bless our people, God bless our country. 'Selamat Ari Gawai, Gayu Guru, Gerai Nyamai! Selamat hari Kaamatan.' culture Gawai Dayak pride unity
Borneo Post
a day ago
- Climate
- Borneo Post
Sarawak braces for hot, dry weather as southwest monsoon hits; authorities on high alert for bushfires
Uggah says all divisional and district disaster management committees have been instructed to prepare for the ongoing southwest monsoon phase. – Photo by Chimon Upon KUCHING (May 30): The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) has forecast hot and dry weather conditions for Sarawak starting from the second week of June, said State Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas. The State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) chairman said all divisional and district disaster management committees have been instructed to prepare for the ongoing southwest monsoon phase. 'Bushfires could break out due to the situation,' he cautioned when chairing an SDMC meeting here on Thursday. He added that the Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB), Miri Municipal Council, and other relevant agencies have been placed on high alert, especially in fire-prone areas such as Kuala Baram. He emphasised the importance of maximising the use of lookout towers and ensuring all tube wells are fully operational. 'The NREB should fly their drones when any signs of smoke are detected there,' he said, while issuing a stern warning to landowners against open burning. 'We will take action against them (landowners) if this happens. In a nutshell, all must be fast and effective in responding to any bushfire occurrences to minimise the impacts and damages,' he said. On a related note, he revealed that the state cabinet is set to decide whether individuals who refuse to evacuate to flood relief centres will remain eligible for the government's compassionate assistance fund, known as Wang Ihsan. 'They may have their reasons, but we need to establish clear criteria,' he explained. 'For instance, a longhouse may be inaccessible due to flooding and the victims are given food ration – but are they still entitled to receive the financial aid?' He also disclosed that some 21,000 victims were identified during the last flood event. bushfires douglas uggah embas dry hot weather lead SDMC
Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Borneo Post
Father jailed 12 years, caned for trafficking 10-year-old daughter in Kuching
Based on the facts of the case, the victim was sent by his father to his friend's house in Matang and left her there. – Photo by Chimon Upon KUCHING (May 29): The Sessions Court here today sentenced a 48-year-old man to 12 years in prison and four strokes of the cane for allowing his 10-year-old daughter to be sexually abused by his friend in exchange for RM160. Judge Iris Awen Jon handed down the sentence after finding the accused guilty at the end of the defence case. He was charged under Section 31(1)(b) of the Child Act 2001, punishable under Section 31 of the same Act, read together with Section 16 of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017. In addition to the jail term and caning, the court also ordered the accused to undergo rehabilitation counselling and to be placed under police supervision for two years after completing his sentence. He committed the offence at a house in Matang in 2021. Based on the facts of the case, the victim was sent by his father to his friend's house in Matang and left her there. The accused's friend raped her inside the bathroom before the father returned to pick her up. The victim also saw his father receive RM160 in cash from the friend. At school, the victim told a teacher about the unfortunate incident before a police report was lodged. The accused was subsequently arrested, and investigations revealed that he had sent his child to his friend's house for sex trafficking. The trial saw eight prosecution witnesses and two defence witnesses. The case was prosecuted by Deputy Public Prosecutors Ruvinasini Pandian and Aiman Mutallib Mohammad Shariff, while the accused was represented by a council. daighter father jail Kuching sex-trafficking
Borneo Post
4 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sarawak plans aerotropolis with new Kuching International Airport to boost aerospace hub aspirations
Photo of the current Kuching International Airport. – Photo by Chimon Upon KUCHING (May 28): Sarawak is moving forward with plans to develop an aerotropolis anchored by the proposed new Kuching International Airport, as part of the state's broader vision to establish itself as a regional aerospace hub, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. He said the new airport will be a central component of the proposed aerotropolis and will be designed with modern and green architectural principles. 'We also discussed the development of an aerotropolis in Sarawak, which will include the new Kuching International Airport. 'The new airport will embody modern, green architectural principles and be equipped with cutting-edge systems to ensure a seamless passenger journey, from check-in to boarding,' he said during his winding-up speech at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly sitting here today. The new airport is expected to accommodate more than 15 million passengers annually and will feature an integrated terminal layout to optimise efficiency and collaboration across the aviation industry. 'This facility will serve as an integrated aviation hub, where all terminals and support buildings are seamlessly interconnected. This cohesive layout will enhance operational efficiency and foster stronger synergies across the entire aviation industry ecosystem,' he added. Abang Johari said the state government will establish a Sarawak-Airbus Joint Task Force to draw up a roadmap for the development of Sarawak's aerospace industry. He disclosed that during a recent working visit to Toulouse, France, he met with Airbus officials and visited the company's headquarters along with ATR as part of the preparation to position Sarawak as an aerospace hub. 'Airbus expressed strong support for Sarawak's ambitions, as they proposed the Airbus-Sarawak Kenyalang Strategic Partnership Avenues, covering six key areas,' he said. These include pathways towards Sustainable Aviation Fuel production, human capital development, industrial ecosystem development, the Digital Airline Journey, an Airbus consulting project for AirBorneo, and airspace operations. In addition, Abang Johari said infrastructure planning in Sarawak will also benefit from international benchmarking, citing a visit to Abu Dhabi where he observed the integration of sea and air ports. 'By learning from global models like Abu Dhabi, whose ports connect seamlessly with international locations across the Middle East, Europe, Africa, and Asia, we can better design Sarawak's global linkages and domestic connectivity,' he said. He also announced that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Abu Dhabi Ports Group and Bintulu Port Holdings Berhad was signed during the visit to foster long-term cooperation in port infrastructure and maritime logistics development. Abang Johari gave assurance that the development of the new international airport and deep seaport in Kuching would involve private sector investments. 'There has been expression of interest by the private sector, local multi-national and international corporations to spearhead the projects,' he said. The Premier also reiterated the government's commitment to strengthening Sarawak's multi-modal transport network across air, land, river and sea, adding that this would support the state's goal of becoming an Asean hub for renewable energy and the New Economy. abang johari aerotropolis DUN Kuching International Airport lead
Borneo Post
4 days ago
- Health
- Borneo Post
Dr Sim: Sarawak's healthcare system receives over RM3 bln boost from Health Ministry as of April 30
Dr Sim speaking with reporters in this file photo. – Photo by Chimon Upon KUCHING (May 27): Sarawak has received a boost to its healthcare system this year with RM2.81 billion in operating funds and RM500.59 million in development funds from the federal Health Ministry as of April 30, said Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian. He said these allocations are being used to strengthen service delivery across the state's healthcare network, including funding for personnel, facility repairs, minor upgrades and medical equipment procurement. The Deputy Premier said Sarawak currently has 26,978 government healthcare personnel, including 1,907 on contract, out of 30,410 approved positions. 'This underscores the state's commitment to ensuring adequate human resources for its hospitals and clinics,' he said in his ministerial winding-up speech at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today. In terms of infrastructure, he said two key hospital projects were nearing completion, namely the Petra Jaya Hospital at 87.97 per cent completion as of April 25, and the new Lawas Hospital (91.12 per cent). Meanwhile, the Serian and Siburan health clinics, both Type 3 facilities, began operations in April, expanding access to primary healthcare services in their respective areas. Dr Sim also revealed that RM17.26 billion was required to comprehensively upgrade and redevelop health facilities across Sarawak. 'Of this, RM9.25 billion is earmarked for hospital facilities and RM8.01 billion for health clinics. However, 76 per cent or 206 out of 271 of health clinics in Sarawak are considered to be in poor physical condition. An assessment by the State Health Department in 2023 estimated that RM3.1 billion would be needed to redevelop these dilapidated clinics.' To address this pressing need, Dr Sim said the federal government has approved RM50 million for six critical repair and redevelopment projects. All six are currently in the pre-implementation phase, with tender processes for four of the facilities expected to begin once JKR Sarawak completes their design work. 'Under the Rintis project initiative, two new clinics — the Nanga Atoi and Nanga Ngungun health clinics — have been approved at a total cost of RM12.8 million. 'The Nanga Atoi health clinic is currently under construction and is expected to be completed by the end of the year, while the tender for the Nanga Ngungun health clinic is now under evaluation,' he said. For the year 2025, he said a total of RM48.8 million has been allocated for the upgrading, renovation, and repair of clinics across Sarawak. This includes RM40 million under the Bitara Madani initiative, RM7.5 million under the BP201 budget for rural clinics, and RM1.3 million under the BP09 budget for staff quarters. He also said that to further enhance specialist care in the state, the Health Ministry has approved RM14.5 million each for the establishment of Invasive Cardiac Laboratories (ICLs) at Miri and Sibu Hospitals. 'An additional RM12.5 million has also been allocated to replace the existing ICL at the Sarawak Heart Centre, enabling continued excellence in cardiac care,' he said. On cancer care, Dr Sim updated that the Sarawak Cancer Centre project remains in the pre-implementation stage. 'JKR Malaysia, the appointed implementing agency, is currently finalising the cost estimation for the planned 310-bed facility, which is expected to serve as a regional hub for cancer treatment and care once completed,' he said. development Dr Sim Kui Hian DUN sitting healthcare
