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Borneo Post
18-05-2025
- Sport
- Borneo Post
Army man clinches Mr Keling Borneo's inaugural championship's title
Ishak poses with his prizes on stage. KOTA SAMARAHAN (May 18): Royal Malaysian Army personnel Ishak Hidayat was adjudged the 'Champion of Champions' among the seven category winners at the inaugural Mr Keling Borneo International Bodybuilding Championships, staged at The Summermall here yesterday evening. The title came with the championship's trophy, custom medal and a cash prize of RM2,000. The 30-year-old corporal had earlier won the Bodybuilding Above-85kg Class, which listed Amsyar Anaqie Azahar, Mohamad Faris Basri, and Mohd Hafizul Tuah as the respective runners-up. This category earned Ishak RM5,000. 'I'm just speechless. It's my first time competing in an event in Sarawak, and it's my 'rezeki' (blessing) here. 'Certainly, my thanks go to my family and colleagues who have always been supportive of me,' said the Kedah-born muscleman when met backstage after the presentation of prizes. The competition, the first ever of its kind where sportsmanship interwove with culture, was jointly organised by Buda Gym Enterprise and the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak. In its debut, it registered nearly 100 contestants coming not only from all over Malaysia, but also from Brunei and Indonesia. Ishak, with Buda on his left, lifts the championship's trophy during a stage photo-call with the guests and the other category winners. Also seen is Malaysian Bodybuilding Federation honorary secretary Major Syed Fairus Syed Ali (standing, second right). Deputy Minister Datuk Snowdan Lawan, who officiated at the opening ceremony, hailed the event as 'a success, truly signifying the concept of sports tourism'. 'This competition goes beyond athleticism. 'It's the first to highlight and incorporate heritage through bodybuilding. 'To the leading man behind this competition, our very own bodybuilding legend Buda Anchah, congratulations for a job greatly done. 'Strive to do better in the successive editions,' said Snowdan in his opening speech. The other category winners of the inaugural heritage bodybuilding competition are Alifsahyir Ali (Athletic Physique Under-170cm), Muhaimin Yunus Hasan (Athletic Physique Above-170cm), Syed Muhammad Alhabshi Syed Taha (Sports Physique Under-170cm), Mohd Al Badrul Abu (Sports Physique Above-170cm), Abdul Aziz Ahmad (Bodybuilding Under-70kg), and Paijar Upau (Bodybuilding 70kg-85kg). The organiser also honoured Sarawak's sports icons who attended the event including boxing legend Sapok Biki and star fighter Daeloniel 'Kilat Boy' Mcdelon; footballers Ramos and Rames Sari; and bodybuilding hall-of-famers Nolan Chee and Datuk Syarul Azman Mahen Abdullah. lead Mr Keling Borneo International Bodybuilding Championships
Borneo Post
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Step up promotion of kuntau among young Ibans, association told
Snowdan (standing front, sixth left) and Basil, on his right, join other guests in a group photo with Sikar members. KUCHING (May 12): Sarawak Iban Kuntau Association (Sikar) needs to intensify the promotion of this traditional martial art to the younger members of the community. Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak Datuk Snowdan Lawan, in making this call, regards the 'kuntau' as much a part of the Iban heritage and identity as the language. The Balai Ringin assemblyman also points out that the martial art holds creative elements to justify its preservation and protection by the state government. 'The Chinese have their 'kung fu', the Malays their silat, and the Ibans, their 'kuntau'. 'I see these martial arts as tools to identity these respective races,' he said in his opening speech for Sikar's annual dinner at a hotel here last Saturday. Adding on, Snowdan noted that other Dayak groups had welcomed Iban kuntau because of its practicality across the aspects of athleticism, aesthetics and self-defence. 'In this regard, Sikar is now tasked with grouping all kuntau enthusiasts all over Sarawak, improving the training programmes and promoting it to youths.' Snowdan also encouraged all NGOs to apply for financial assistance from his ministry. 'There is the annual RM10 million allocation meant for NGOs, including Sikar, to facilitate them in holding core activities, as well as another RM50 million annual fund meant to assist any NGO planning to hold significant festivals.' Later, Snowdan pledged RM10,000 for Sikar to finance its various activities. In addition, the state deputy minister also called upon Sikar members to come and provide moral support to the ministry-endorsed Mr Keling Borneo International 2025 Championship, to be staged at the Summermall Kota Samarahan this May 17. 'Almost all well-known Dayak athletes, from the past era to the present day, are expected to attend the event,' he added. Meanwhile, Sikar president Basil Laman Amin in his welcoming remarks said for now, there are 50 'kelang' (kuntau training centres) across Sarawak under the purview of the association. 'Our Sabahan counterparts have also expressed intention to collaborate with Sikar in holding major programmes in the near future,' he added. Also present at the dinner were Akademi Sarawak Dayak Iban Association head Mabong Uggang and Sarawak Dayak National Union (SDNU) information chief Churchill E Drem – both co-founders of Sikar. kuntau lead martial arts Sarawak Iban Kuntau Association Snowdan Lawan
Borneo Post
05-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Establishment of Dayak business centre in Miri being proposed
Snowdan (right) greets those attending the 11th Miri Gawai Dayak Bazaar in Permyjaya. MIRI (May 5): Having a Dayak business centre can greatly assist entrepreneurs from this community here. This was highlighted by the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak Datuk Snowdan Lawan in his opening speech for the 11th Miri Gawai Dayak Bazaar at Permyjaya here on Saturday night, where Mayor Adam Yii was also present. 'I'd like to propose for the establishment of a Dayak business centre in Miri. 'In Sarawak, we are fortunate to have ample land and possibly, existing buildings that could be repurposed for this cause. 'This centre could cater to both small-scale and large-scale business operations run by the Dayak community,' he said. Adding on, Snowdan said such a facility could enable the Dayak entrepreneurs to develop business models and explore more opportunities, including into sectors like property development. 'More importantly, the business centre could also serve as a training ground for emerging Dayak entrepreneurs – helping them build capacity, gain market access, and refine their business strategies. 'My vision is for Miri to pioneer this initiative, and eventually, to see a Dayak business centres established in every district in Sarawak.' On a relevant note, Snowdan called upon members of the Dayak community here to venture out of their comfort zone and explore entrepreneurship. 'Today, we see many Dayaks in industries such as offshore, teaching, nursing, and other sectors. While these professions are noble, I encourage our community to look beyond the conventional; to explore entrepreneurship and other emerging industries. 'Let us challenge ourselves to grow, diversify, and innovate.' The deputy minister also advised those already in business to always support one another, so that they could grow and prosper together. 'There is much we can learn from the success of other communities, especially the Chinese. 'One critical lesson is unity – uplift one another, instead of bringing each other down. 'We must rid ourselves of the 'crab mentality' and instead, embrace a culture of encouragement and collaboration. 'The Iban community alone numbers around 900,000 in Sarawak. Though we are not a large group, our strength lies in our unity and mutual support,' he stressed. Snowdan also encouraged Dayak-based non-government organisations (NGOs) here to take advantage of the funding programmes made available by the ministry. 'We offer two main types of funding. The first one is the event's grant for the organisation of events promoting culture and the arts; the second one is Dana Mudahcara (Facilitation Fund) for NGOs to conduct workshops on skills such as traditional costume-making, 'ngajat' (Iban traditional dance) classes, and production of handicrafts. Later, Snowdan announced an allocation of RM20,0000 for Gagasan Anak Dayak Sarawak, in support of its organisation of the annual Gawai Dayak Bazaar. The 11th Miri Gawai Dayak Bazaar is currently taking place in Permyjaya until this May 24. Themed 'Berdagang, Berami, Begawai' (Trade, Gather and Celebrate), this year's edition features 54 food and beverage stalls, as well as 20 handicraft stalls. dayak businesses entrepreneurs lead Snowdan Lawan
Borneo Post
02-05-2025
- General
- Borneo Post
Restoration of Kuching old nurses' quarters as heritage site
An archive photo of the Sarawak government nurses' quarters, shortly after it was built in the 1940s. ON March 20, 2025, an official statement by Deputy Sarawak Secretary (Economic Planning and Development) Dato Sri Dr Muhammad Abdullah Zaidel had announced that after considering the historical significance of the old nurses' quarters, sited at Jalan Tun Openg in Kuching, the state government had agreed to preserve the main structure of this building. This decision was made following a community-based approach where public feedback was considered. The Sarawak Heritage Society (SHS) had championed the heritage conservation, and had also conducted a public petition which was strongly supported by many. The implementation of this restoration will be under the ambit of the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak (MTCP). The location was initially identified as a key location for the Kuching flood mitigation project due to its position on low-lying land—the proposed retention pond will now be relocated to a new site in the southeast section, subject to the approval from state planning authorities. The intention is to restore the old nurses quarters to its former condition. It will then be used and repurposed for folks from the rural areas and upcountry regions as well as from outstation—those family members for patients who are being treated at the Sarawak General Hospital (SGH), situated just across the road; a short walk via an overhead bridge. Sabati, a group comprising the wives of Sarawak politicians, are also involved by way of the 'Anjung Kasih' programme. This humane service provides facilities like accommodation and care for deserving groups while looking out for their hospitalised family members. According to a retired architect/consultant, the old nurses' quarters building is in an excellent condition structurally. It was built in the early 1940s by the British with reinforced concrete structures on very sound solid foundations. There are no cracks visible anywhere. The walls are double bricked and it keeps the building cool naturally without any air-conditioning; it is very well ventilated too. The total built-up area of the building on the two levels measures 1,989 square metres, or 21,400 square feet. An additional space measuring 2370 square feet (220 square metres) is only one storey—this formerly covered the kitchen and dining areas. As it is now structured, there are 52 guest rooms including four single rooms. There is a hall for communal use and relaxation located on each level; both face the main road junction on the north-west side. A relatively recent photo of the historical nurses' quarters at the junction of Jalan Crookshank and Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg in Kuching. The single storey part of the building on the ground floor would house the dining area, kitchen and staff accommodation. In addition to these are a self-service launderette, a prayer room, and obviously, other facilities can be planned and provided. One of the best features of such an old colonial-time building meant for residential purposes was that they were all designed for natural, cross flow-air ventilation everywhere; as such for its planned purpose, no air-conditioning is necessary but obviously would be the norm nowadays. The same retired architect friend, who had personally been onsite and viewed the old nurses' quarters himself, commented on the sound structure of the building itself and was confident that a full and complete restoration to its former glory could be successfully carried out within a period of 12 months on a budget of RM3 million based on repairs, replacements and refurbishing. Obviously if other factors are involved as to the addition of rooms and inclusion of items like lifts, air-conditioning and special equipment or furniture, all those would involve extra costs. Personally I have seen from experience that such restoration projects in the past, which had involved more than one government agency, ministry or department, would almost always get bogged down by the sheer weight of bureaucracy, paperwork and all sorts of other excuses and reasons. The favourite 'go-to' responses when queried after a certain project gets delayed or stalled would be: 'There's not enough budget'; 'We overspent the original budget'; 'Couldn't meet the fire hazard conditions'; 'The contractor / sub-con went bust'; '(Prices of) raw materials had increased so fast we could not make a profit,' and 'We had a labour shortage.' As we are all aware, such excuses are really a dime a dozen here. In my view—and definitely in my retired architect-friend's view—the old nurses' quarters' restoration project is clear-cut, straightforward with no unseen nor expected complications to arise thereof from. The budget is straightforward and definitely within the means of whichever ministry it might eventually be 'gifted' to: at the moment, it is the Ministry of Tourism. All that's needed is the will and the passion to see it through: both of which is already there with the SHS backing it all the way. A recently-taken interior shot of the front open space, with the point-of-view looking out of the communal room area at old nurses' quarters. — Photo courtesy Colin Macgillivray As the president of SHS, Datin Rosemarie Wong-Jabu said in her Facebook page on March 20, 2025: 'A first win for Sarawak Heritage Society—to conserve and preserve the Old Nurses' Quarters, Kuching!' She then thanked a long list of those in the Sarawak government, starting from the Premier himself and finishing off with all those who had helped in one way or another along the way. Most of all, she had also mentioned those who had volunteered their personal time, effort, special skill sets; as these are the people who were and will be instrumental 'behind the scenes' whom I must also place on record here too: 'Thank you also to the 2,818 of our petition supporters from near and far. 'Thank you to all the former nurses for your invaluable insights through interviews with Mr James SL Yong & Ms Priscilla Tawie. 'Special mention to Mr Colin Macgillivray, Mr Mike Cannon, members of SHS, Sarawak Photo-Art Society, friends of the media and fellow Sarawakians whose unwavering support and encouraging comments to save this significant building…without all of us coming together, this would not have been possible. THANK YOU!' Now, all that we can do is to await the fruition and completion and of course the future launching of the old nurses' quarters as a repurposed and living heritage building—hopefully next May? * The opinions expressed in this article are the columnist's own and do not reflect the view of the newspaper. conservation historical Kuching old nurses' quarters
Borneo Post
23-04-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
New Samarahan Boulevard can become alternate venue for big events
(From right) Rubiah, Abdul Karim and other dignitaries pose for the camera prior to the pre-launch of Taman Tasik Desa Ilmu in Kota Samarahan. KOTA SAMARAHAN (April 23): The upcoming Samarahan Boulevard could become an alternate venue to host major events, and relieve the congestion at Padang Merdeka in Kuching, said Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah. In stating this, the Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak revealed that Phase 1 of the project had already been awarded out to a contractor, signalling that construction would commence soon. 'Major events are often held at the Padang Central Kuching (now Padang Merdeka) since the 1960s. However, Kuching has traffic jams whenever such events take place there. 'Since Samarahan is already seen as the 'Greater Kuching', we have planned to build this boulevard on the big land that is available. 'This boulevard would be the largest in Sarawak, and possibly the largest in Borneo or Malaysia. It is about 2km and over 20m wide, and would have all the facilities to hold an assembly just like in the Putrajaya Boulevard,' he said at the pre-launch of the Taman Tasik Desa Ilmu project yesterday. On the Taman Tasik Desa Ilmu project, Abdul Karim said the RM6.8 million development would be implemented under Integrated Regional Samarahan Development Agency (IRSDA). He stated that with more people purchasing houses in Samarahan and the growing higher learning institution student population, Taman Tasik Desa Ilmu would attract many people to exercise and hold recreational activities. 'We are aware that this area is a place for residents in Desa Ilmu to jog and have fun activities. 'Hence, it would be a good move to elevate this place so that there is a parking lot, a toilet, a place for reflexology and more — a little bit of everything would elevate the way of life, the residents' well-being, and strengthen family bonding,' added Abdul Karim. Also present yesterday were Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development and Kota Samarahan MP Datuk Rubiah Wang; Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development Sarawak Datuk Rahman Lariwoo; and Batang Sadong MP Rodiyah Shapiee. Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah construction events lead Samarahan Boulevard
