Latest news with #KDJA
Borneo Post
20-07-2025
- Sport
- Borneo Post
600 join inaugural Breaking News Run 2025 at MBKS grounds
Wee (centre) joins participants for a group photo ahead of the inaugural Breaking News Run 2025. – Photo by Roystein Emmor KUCHING (July 20): Around 600 participants laced up their running shoes early this morning to take part in the inaugural Breaking News Run 2025, held at the Kuching City South Council (MBKS) grounds. The event, jointly organised by the Commonwealth Journalists Association (CJA) Sarawak Branch and the Kuching Division Journalists Association (KDJA), aimed to promote fitness, unity and stronger ties between media professionals and the wider community. Flagging off the run were Kuching South Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng, CJA Sarawak president Alice Wee, KDJA president Ronnie Teo, and Hock Seng Lee (HSL) marketing communication (MarCom) lead Abraham Tiong. 'This run represents more than just fitness. It is a symbol of resilience, connection, and the power of communication. I am proud to see so many turning out in support,' said Wee, commending the organisers for successfully bringing together journalists, community members and corporate sponsors. The highlight of the event was the HSL 10km Competitive Run, sponsored by HSL. Wee and other guests flag off the inaugural Breaking News Run 2025 at the MBKS grounds. – Photo by Roystein Emmor In the men's open category, Lucas Wong Sie Hong clinched first place, followed by Mohamad Mustafa Abdul Rahman in second, and Ericko Mightgambang Lit in third. In the women's category, Lim Siet Fah took the top spot, while Sharon Chew Tze Xuan and Lin Wei Na secured second and third respectively. The event also featured 5km and 3km race categories, attracting participants from all walks of life, including families, students, media professionals and seasoned runners. Other sponsors supporting the event included Petra Energy Bhd, Sarawak Metro Sdn Bhd, DreamMaster Corporation Sdn Bhd, BosarMulu Park Management Sdn Bhd, Health Lane Pharmacy, as well as community leaders Datuk Shankar Ram and Datuk Richard Wee. Alice thanked all sponsors, participants and volunteers, stating that the run demonstrated how journalists are not only voices of society but also active contributors to its wellbeing, embodying the spirit of collaboration and energy needed in the region's media landscape. Members of the local media fraternity pose for a group photo after the event. – Photo by Roystein Emmor Meanwhile, Teo described the event as the start of a stronger partnership among media associations in the region. 'This inaugural run, connecting KDJA and CJA, signifies the commencement of a deeper collaboration among Kuching's media associations. 'Our aim is to effectively bridge the gap between the media and the community, and in doing so, we aspire to offer more comprehensive and synergistic opportunities to the wider community,' he said. Top three winners of the 10km Men's Open Category pose for a photo after receiving their prizes. – Photo by Roystein Emmor The MBKS grounds took on a festive atmosphere, with post-run activities such as lucky draws and wellness booths complementing the event. Participants also had the opportunity to engage with community leaders and network with members of the media during the two-day race pack collection and at the event site. The Breaking News Run 2025 marks a new chapter in community-media engagement in Sarawak, with organisers aiming to make it an annual affair. Breaking News Run 2025 lead
Barnama
10-07-2025
- General
- Barnama
Gua Rusa Tragedy Sparks Formation Of MOCSAR
T he tragic events of July 12, 2019, are still vividly remembered by Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) officer Mohd Sufri Alulakal, who was part of a search and rescue (SAR) operation following a flash flood at the iconic Gua Rusa (Deer Cave), located within Mulu National Park in Miri. The incident, which claimed two lives – local tour guide Roviezal Robin, 20, and Dutch tourist Peter Hans Hovenkamp, 66 – led to the formation of the Mountain Cave Search and Rescue (MOCSAR) team by Sarawak JBPM a year later to carry out SAR operations in mountains and caves. For Mohd Sufri, 30, who is now attached to the Lutong Fire and Rescue Station, the Gua Rusa mission was his first experience dealing with a fatal tragedy. He said at that time he had just completed a basic course conducted by the Special Tactical Operation and Rescue Team of Malaysia (STORM). 'Together with other STORM members, we were flown to the scene of the tragedy by a JBPM helicopter. 'At the time, I was still new to the team but when I was assigned to Mulu, I knew it wasn't just a routine operation,' he told Bernama recently during a visit to Gua Rusa in conjunction with the Gunung Api expedition in Mulu National Park, organised by the Kuching Division Journalists Association (KDJA). Mohd Sufri was assigned to accompany 10 KDJA members from various media outlets who took on the challenge of scaling Gunung Api, also known as Mulu Pinnacles. The expedition was held in conjunction with Sarawak Day on July 22. The Mulu National Park, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, contains one of the longest cave networks in the world. Gua Rusa is among the largest caves in the world in terms of main chamber size, spanning approximately two hectares and reaching a height of 122 metres. Famed for its natural beauty, including limestone formations that are millions of years old and home to millions of bats, the cave also has a complex internal structure and water system, exposing it to whirlpools and sudden strong currents, especially during heavy rain. CHALLENGES Recalling the Gua Rusa incident, Mohd Sufri said when the SAR team arrived at the scene on the morning of July 13, Hans Hovenkamp's body had already been found – floating in the Melinau George River inside the cave. 'Our task was to search for Roviezal. Although the flood had receded, the narrow passages and dark conditions of the cave, along with the danger posed by rapids and the limestone structures, made the search more hazardous. 'The challenge here was that we had to dive as the river water was deep… at our nose level,' added Mohd Sufri, who is also a member of JBPM's Water Rescue Team. He said the second victim's body was found on the third day of the SAR mission, caught on a log near the cave entrance. Now, after seven years of service with JBPM, he said the SAR mission in Gua Rusa remains his most challenging operation. The tragedy also, for safety reasons, led to the permanent closure of the Garden of Eden (involving Section A), one of the trails in Gua Rusa leading to the Melinau George waterfall, where the flash flood occurred. Incidentally, Roviezal's younger brother Gideon Robin, 20, now works as a tour guide and porter at Mulu National Park while their older sibling Willvien Robin, 31, is a member of MOCSAR. 'I was 15 when the tragedy occurred… now I want to carry on my late brother's legacy as a tour guide here,' Gideon said. CAVE RESCUE UNIQUE MOCSAR was established by JBPM Sarawak in 2020 to manage search and rescue operations in high-risk areas such as mountains, national parks and caves across the state. Sarawak JBPM director Jamri Masran said the MOCSAR team now has 18 members, including Mulu National Park staff as well as mountain guides, porters and tour guides who are familiar with the local terrain. Serving as a support unit to JBPM, MOCSAR team members must complete an intensive 100-hour course that covers rope handling, vertical rescue techniques such as hauling and lowering, and first aid. To maintain a high level of preparedness, they are also required to undergo an additional 50 hours of technical competency training. According to Jamri, it is ideal for MOCSAR members to be locals who understand the customs and culture of the surrounding communities. 'Some caves are considered sacred by local communities, especially the Berawan and Penan ethnic groups,' he told Bernama, adding that the challenge and uniqueness of cave rescues in Sarawak lie in the mountainous terrains full of caves and ravines. 'At this (Mulu) national park alone, an estimated 10,000 to 15,000 people hike annually.' Following the Gua Rusa incident, JBPM Sarawak designated MOCSAR as the first responder for cave and mountain SAR operations, enabling a much faster response to emergencies compared to before. 'The response time for fire teams to reach mountainous areas used to be long due to the distance from fire stations to the sites concerned,' Jamri said. Citing Mulu National Park as an example, he said the nearest fire station is located about 120 kilometres away in Marudi.
The Sun
29-06-2025
- The Sun
KDJA journalists explore Mulu Pinnacles for Sarawak Day
MULU: A group of 10 local journalists from various media agencies has embarked on a four-day expedition to Gunung Api in Mulu National Park, organised by the Kuching Division Journalists Association (KDJA). The event, held in conjunction with Sarawak Day on July 22, aims to showcase the state's unique tourism offerings, including the UNESCO-listed Mulu Pinnacles. KDJA president Ronnie Teo stated that the expedition continues the association's annual climbing initiative, which began in 2018 at Mount Kinabalu. He emphasised the Sarawak Premier's support in encouraging media professionals to push their limits beyond their usual roles. 'This year, we chose the Mulu Pinnacles as our challenge, exclusively for KDJA members. We also hope to maintain our collaboration with the Sarawak Government for future editions,' Teo said in a statement. Participants include representatives from The Borneo Post, Bernama, Dayak Daily, Suara Sarawak, CatsFM, See Hua, and TVS. The itinerary includes visits to Deer Cave and Lang Cave, a nine-kilometre trek to Camp 5, and the main ascent to the iconic limestone formations. The Sarawak Government backs the programme as part of Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg's efforts to promote the state's tourism ahead of Sarawak Day.
The Sun
14-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
50% airfare discount an appreciation for media practitioners' dedication
KUALA LUMPUR: The 50 per cent discount on flight tickets to 57 ASEAN destinations for local media practitioners is a major recognition of the important role played by journalists and helps foster regional understanding within the media fraternity. Media representatives from the Putrajaya Media Club (KMP), Kuching Division Journalists Association (KDJA), Northern Sarawak Journalists Association (NSJA) and Mutiara Media Club described the initiative as the result of a strategic collaboration between AirAsia and the Ministry of Communications, reflecting support for the role of media practitioners in building an informed and competitive society. KDJA president Ronnie Teo Teck Wei said the media in Sarawak, in particular, greatly appreciated AirAsia's recognition of their dedication and commitment to supporting media practitioners who help tell Malaysia's story. 'This initiative is in line with the broader goal of strengthening regional ties and promoting greater mobility in Southeast Asia by emphasising a shared vision of connectivity, cultural appreciation and media empowerment. 'On behalf of the Malaysian media community in general, and Sarawak in particular, my sincere thanks go to AirAsia and the Ministry of Communications for their unwavering support and generosity,' he told Bernama. NSJA president Chai Chon Chin described the incentive as a meaningful gesture of appreciation for the efforts and sacrifices of media practitioners, particularly in large areas such as Sarawak, which face logistical and accessibility challenges, in line with Malaysia's current role as ASEAN chair. 'This initiative opens up space for cross-border media cooperation and emphasises the importance of media freedom and regional awareness in the national development agenda,' he added. KMP president Tuan Buqhairah Tuan Muhamad Adnan said the facility not only benefited media personnel but also provided them with an opportunity to take time off and travel after working hard to fulfil their duties. 'KMP greatly appreciates this initiative and hopes to see more such collaborations in the future. It is a form of recognition for the efforts and sacrifices of journalists who are always on the front lines delivering accurate information to the people,' said the Sinar Harian journalist. Bernama TV journalist Nazahiyah Mohd Hadzir described the offer as a meaningful gesture that helped relieve the exhaustion faced by media practitioners who were constantly on standby to deliver news to the public. 'This discount means a lot. It allows media personnel the chance to visit and explore ASEAN countries,' she said, expressing her desire to travel to Vietnam. Utusan Malaysia photographer Ahmad Faiz Alif Ahmad said the initiative was particularly meaningful for media personnel who rarely had the chance to take a break due to work commitments. Echoing the same sentiment, Penang Mutiara Media Club president Mohd Iskandar Othman said the initiative also recognised the dedication of media practitioners in contributing to the country's media ecosystem. 'This initiative also allows journalists to explore interesting destinations in the region, especially since Penang now offers direct flights to six ASEAN countries, namely Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam, Myanmar and Cambodia,' he said. Earlier, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil announced a special initiative for local media practitioners holding the Department of Information (JaPen) media accreditation card during the National Journalists' Day (HAWANA) 2025 celebration at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL) here today. Booking will remain open until Dec 31, 2025, while the travel period will run from April to September 2026. Further information, including the booking mechanism, will be announced by JaPen soon. The booking window is open until Dec 31, 2025, for travel between April and September 2026. Further information, including the booking mechanism, will be released by JaPen soon. Themed 'Journalism in the New Era: Embracing AI, Safeguarding Ethics', the event was officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and attended by about 1,000 media practitioners from Malaysia and abroad.
The Sun
14-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
AirAsia offers 50% flight discount to ASEAN for journalists
KUALA LUMPUR: The 50 per cent discount on flight tickets to 57 ASEAN destinations for local media practitioners is a major recognition of the important role played by journalists and helps foster regional understanding within the media fraternity. Media representatives from the Putrajaya Media Club (KMP), Kuching Division Journalists Association (KDJA), Northern Sarawak Journalists Association (NSJA) and Mutiara Media Club described the initiative as the result of a strategic collaboration between AirAsia and the Ministry of Communications, reflecting support for the role of media practitioners in building an informed and competitive society. KDJA president Ronnie Teo Teck Wei said the media in Sarawak, in particular, greatly appreciated AirAsia's recognition of their dedication and commitment to supporting media practitioners who help tell Malaysia's story. 'This initiative is in line with the broader goal of strengthening regional ties and promoting greater mobility in Southeast Asia by emphasising a shared vision of connectivity, cultural appreciation and media empowerment. 'On behalf of the Malaysian media community in general, and Sarawak in particular, my sincere thanks go to AirAsia and the Ministry of Communications for their unwavering support and generosity,' he told Bernama. NSJA president Chai Chon Chin described the incentive as a meaningful gesture of appreciation for the efforts and sacrifices of media practitioners, particularly in large areas such as Sarawak, which face logistical and accessibility challenges, in line with Malaysia's current role as ASEAN chair. 'This initiative opens up space for cross-border media cooperation and emphasises the importance of media freedom and regional awareness in the national development agenda,' he added. KMP president Tuan Buqhairah Tuan Muhamad Adnan said the facility not only benefited media personnel but also provided them with an opportunity to take time off and travel after working hard to fulfil their duties. 'KMP greatly appreciates this initiative and hopes to see more such collaborations in the future. It is a form of recognition for the efforts and sacrifices of journalists who are always on the front lines delivering accurate information to the people,' said the Sinar Harian journalist. Bernama TV journalist Nazahiyah Mohd Hadzir described the offer as a meaningful gesture that helped relieve the exhaustion faced by media practitioners who were constantly on standby to deliver news to the public. 'This discount means a lot. It allows media personnel the chance to visit and explore ASEAN countries,' she said, expressing her desire to travel to Vietnam. Utusan Malaysia photographer Ahmad Faiz Alif Ahmad said the initiative was particularly meaningful for media personnel who rarely had the chance to take a break due to work commitments. Echoing the same sentiment, Penang Mutiara Media Club president Mohd Iskandar Othman said the initiative also recognised the dedication of media practitioners in contributing to the country's media ecosystem. 'This initiative also allows journalists to explore interesting destinations in the region, especially since Penang now offers direct flights to six ASEAN countries, namely Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam, Myanmar and Cambodia,' he said. Earlier, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil announced a special initiative for local media practitioners holding the Department of Information (JaPen) media accreditation card during the National Journalists' Day (HAWANA) 2025 celebration at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL) here today. Booking will remain open until Dec 31, 2025, while the travel period will run from April to September 2026. Further information, including the booking mechanism, will be announced by JaPen soon. The booking window is open until Dec 31, 2025, for travel between April and September 2026. Further information, including the booking mechanism, will be released by JaPen soon. Themed 'Journalism in the New Era: Embracing AI, Safeguarding Ethics', the event was officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and attended by about 1,000 media practitioners from Malaysia and abroad.
