Latest news with #RamahTamahAidilfitri
Borneo Post
03-05-2025
- Borneo Post
Abdul Karim proposes establishing food festival to celebrate Subis, Sibuti's cultural and culinary heritage
Abdul Karim (centre) and guests as well as attendees of the Majlis Melanggar Meja and Ramah Tamah Aidilfitri event pose for a group photo. MIRI (May 3): State Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah has proposed a food festival to be held to showcase the unique delicacies and cultural heritage of the Subis and Sibuti areas to the world. Speaking at the 'Majlis Melanggar Meja' and 'Ramah Tamah Aidilfitri' event at Subis District here today (May 3), Abdul Karim said the celebration reflects the deep-rooted unity among the Kedayan, Malay, Dalik, Miriek, Melanau, Penan, Iban, Chinese and many other ethnics communities in the region. He highlighted the gastronomic potential of the regions, saying their unique food, culture and way of life are valuable tourism assets deserving global recognition. 'Visitors don't come to shop. They come to experience how people live, to taste their food, and to understand their customs. The gastronomy here is vibrant. This is something we must promote,' he said, adding that the gastronomy of Subis and Sibuti is one of its strongest cultural products. From Umai to indigenous herbs and traditional cooking techniques, the local fare, he said, deserves a platform that can introduce it to international audiences. That said, he encouraged the community to take pride in their own culinary heritage, pointing to Umai, which is a raw marinated fish dish, as one of Sarawak's iconic offerings, alongside Sarawak Laksa, which he often showcases abroad during official engagements. 'I have brought chefs overseas to prepare our dishes at events. Even international names like the late Anthony Bourdain recognised Sarawak Laksa as the 'breakfast of the gods', that shows how powerful food can be in promoting our state,' he said. Abdul Karim also noted that following the recognition of Niah Caves as Unesco World Heritage Site, the state government is already planning to enhance road access, develop resorts and expand rural tourism to support this influx. He also praised the Majlis Melanggar Meja held at Sibuti Arena – attended by local village development and security committees (JKKKs), government agencies, associations, mosques, and prayer halls – as a model of cultural openness and togetherness. 'The theme, 'Raya Serumpun, Tradisi Harmoni', carries a deep meaning. It symbolises how festive celebrations unite local communities regardless of background,' he said, adding that such customs should not only be preserved but elevated as living cultural elements. Also present were Deputy Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Datuk Rosey Yunus who is also the assemblywoman of Bekenu; Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneurs Development Datuk Dr Ripin Lamat; Deputy Health Minister Malaysia Dato Lukanisman Awang Sauni; Resident of Miri Galong Luang; Deputy Resident of Miri Bujang Rahman Seli; Political Secretary to Premier Sarawak Sarkawi Ulis and Pemanca Dr Ali Mudin.
Borneo Post
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
DBKU to host vibrant 2025 Kuching City Day celebration on Aug 1
Hilmy (sixth from the left) and Abang Johari (fifth eright) singing a song, joined by other distinguished guests at the event. – Photo by Sarawak Public Communications Unit KUCHING (April 22): The Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) will organise and host the 2025 Kuching City Day celebration on Aug 1, said Kuching North Datuk Bandar Dato Hilmy Othman. Hilmy noted that this year's celebration carries special significance as it aligns with many ongoing changes and transformations in the city. 'Kuching is stepping confidently into a brighter future — not just physically, but also by strengthening unity and community spirit among its residents,' he said at the DBKU Ramah Tamah Aidilfitri event held at its compound at Bukit Siol here last night. The event was graced by Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. Hilmy said a key highlight of the celebration would be the street parade themed 'Parade of Lights', which will feature participants from all walks of life, including LED-lit electric vehicles (cars and motorcycles), bicycles, and walking contingents from schools, government agencies, and non-governmental organisations — all forming a vibrant, dazzling procession, with the hope that the brilliance of these lights will illuminate Kuching's future success. Other notable events planned for the celebration include a music festival, the Kuching Lights and Floral Festival, and the popular Kuching International Cat Festival, he added. Hilmy also highlighted the DBKU complex's strategic location, emphasising that, perched atop Bukit Siol, it stands as the highest administrative building—not only in height but symbolically—among all government agencies. 'From its peak on Bukit Siol, we enjoy a breathtaking 360-degree view, encompassing Mount Santubong to the north, the Demak industrial area and BCCK (Borneo Convention Centre Kuching) to the east, the residential zones of Metrocity toward Matang in the west, and the twinkling lights and illuminated buildings of the Central Business District to the south—all visible from this very hilltop. 'This demonstrates DBKU complex's strategic position as an administrative centre and a proud symbol of our city.' He encouraged DBKU staff to embrace their 'elevated environment' and to demonstrate their commitment as 'selected civil servants' by always looking ahead, moving forward, and driving excellence for the well-being of people of Kuching and the advancement of Kuching as a City of Unity. Hilmy stated that as part of the city's transformation plan for infrastructure, environment, and aesthetics, several key projects are progressing: the Bintangor Bridge is expected to be completed this April; the Autonomous Rail Transit (ART) system under the Greater Kuching Public Transport Master Plan is underway in Kuching North; the Sejingkat-to-Tanjong Bako Bridge is under construction; and the Coastal Road connecting Bako to Buntal is being built. He also highlighted other significant development plans, including those in Santubong by the Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) featuring hotels, Marina Bay, and a new golf course, as well as the Waterfront development project from the Bintangor bridge to the Satok bridge, which is expected to be the longest waterfront in the country 'With these projects, we will not only beautify Kuching City but also improve the quality of life and attract more tourists to our state,' he affirmed. Hilmy emphasised the importance of organisational restructuring for DBKU to effectively drive the city's transformation. 'Therefore, to ensure the success of DBKU's transformation efforts and the realisation of initiatives aimed at achieving a sustainable and competitive city through the Smart City approach under the Sarawak Smart City Master Plan, I sincerely hope to receive support and consideration for the approval of DBKU's Organisational Restructuring Proposal as soon as possible. 'This will enable DBKU to act swiftly in meeting the necessary demands to further drive our transformation journey,' he said.
