Latest news with #SarawakTourism
Free Malaysia Today
23-07-2025
- General
- Free Malaysia Today
Karim Hamzah's mother dies
Arniah Mat will be buried at the Islamic Cemetery in Semariang, Petra Jaya. (Facebook pic) PETALING JAYA : The mother of Sarawak tourism, creative industry and performing arts minister Abdul Karim Hamzah passed away yesterday at the age of 87. Arniah Mat passed away at 3.30pm, the Dayak Daily reported. She will be buried at the Islamic Cemetery in Semariang, Petra Jaya, today.
The Star
20-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Niche live events could be the way to go for Malaysia
KING of K-pop G-Dragon is back in town this weekend for a much long-awaited concert. While ticket bots and scalpels almost outpriced Malaysian fans from grabbing tickets, many were just relieved that they did not have to fork out extra to trudge over to our southern neighbour to get a glimpse of the former BigBang lead man. In fact, we even have some of our neighbours, including some Singaporeans, travelling to our shores to partake in this ubermensch (superman) gig. Of course, G-Dragon is no Taylor Swift or Beyonce (sorry oppa Ji-yong), but his concert is one of the few we are cashing in on this year. Then there were also the no-Singapore exclusive concerts such as Green Day, who performed only in Malaysia and Indonesia for their South-East Asian leg in February. Next week, we are set to host the first ever international extension of Indonesian indie music extravaganza Pestapora called Latihan Pestapora. A few Malaysian acts will be joining the selected Indonesian stars on stage of this 'training opener' for the upcoming main fest in Jakarta. Our strong sets, however, could be the niche music shows and festivals, as Sarawak's recent Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) 2025 shows. Capitalising on Sarawak's rich natural and cultural heritage, the niche world music festival has continued to boost the state's tourism profile and receipts. While it may not be everyone's cup of tea, RWMF 2025 saw a rise in family attendance with parents, children and even grandparents sharing the festival experience, from cultural workshops to co-educational spaces. Intergenerational fun. The festival's emerging multigenerational appeal reflects its evolution into a family-friendly celebration rooted in music, learning and connections said Sarawak Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah. It has boosted the state's events industry and tourism, contributing to its wider economy. 'Tourism currently contributes 8% to the state's GDP (gross domestic product). This year, the state's tourism earnings exceed RM1bil each month,' Abdul Karim told reporters during a press conference at the festival grounds in the Sarawak Cultural Village, Kuching. 'When I say tourism receipts, it involves the spillover that goes into the hotels, going into the food and hospitality industry. 'So those that come in for the RMWF, they have to stay somewhere, they have to eat our food, they have to use our transport, and a lot of them are bringing back souvenirs,' he added, highlighting that last year alone, around 294 events were held as part of its strategy to sustain visitor inflows year-round. 'We always look at it holistically. That is why the ministry is prepared to come up with so many events, whether it is music, sports, cultural or food and drink events in the whole of Sarawak.' Noting the rising competition in the regional live music scene, he said the state has been supporting event organisers through seed funding to help lower ticket prices and make local events more accessible. 'That's why you go to RWMF, you just need to pay RM200 plus. Whereas if you go to a concert in Singapore, it would cost you probably RM1,000,' he said. This does not include the more expensive accommodation, food and other expenses. Abdul Karim revealed that although it would be a dream to host big name international acts for mega-sized concerts in Sarawak, the state does not have the venues for them yet. 'Our present venue, our stadium, the most we would be able to cater for is maybe 20,000. The maximum would be 30,000. Our indoor stadium can only cater for 4,000, 5,000. But we are building our second Borneo Convention Centre, which would have a 10,000 capacity. 'It should be ready in two years' time. And I'm very happy to see that the state government is also embarking on its own airline, so that we can have certain target cities and bring in more tourists and stars.' 'So definitely, we would love to see a mega concert here but there are lots of things that we have to put into consideration first. It is also expensive, and we need to make sure we can recoup the investment, at least in the ticket sales,' he said, noting that at the moment Sarawak is focusing more on smaller and niche concerts like jazz, Indonesian music and K-pop, while promoting the state's tourism attractions, especially in nature and adventure tourism. 'But when we organise these events, we have to be responsible. Make sure that the environment, including the local culture, is looked after. 'That's how we look at it. Most of the other music festivals or events that we are organising, whether through cultural support or business events, we communicate that kind of responsible and sustainable outreach,' he stressed. Malaysia definitely has a lot to offer in niche events and local festivals, which the state tourism agencies along with Tourism Malaysia have been promoting while putting the spotlight on the tourism attractions around or near the venues, from the Kota Kinabalu Music and Dance Festival to the Dragon Boat Festival, George Town Festival and Lenggong Tapau Fest. This year, the Tapau Fest 2025 in Lenggong, Perak, will feature Asean arts and cultural performances while showcasing its Unesco listed archaeological heritage and geopark adventures. In time, we might be able to host large music festivals at the country's iconic natural spots, albeit responsibly. And who knows, we could even attract the more environmentally-conscious stars like Coldplay and Massive Attack without having to pay a bomb to secure them or their exclusive rights. It's the rainforest ambience that gives the RWMF its unique feel. — Sarawak Tourism Board As for RWMF, the Sarawak Tourism Board CEO Sharzede Datu Salleh Askor said the 2026 and 2027 editions will be marquee events in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2026 and the 30th anniversary of the fest. The STB is also looking at organising a Rainforest Cultural Festival during VMY2026. 'It will be good if we could expand RWMF to celebrate these two important milestones. 'But I don't know. 'To move this iconic event to a different venue – out of the cultural village, away from the rainforest – and put it in a stadium, for example, does not make sense to me. It will give it a different feel , a different meaning. "With RWMF, it's the ambience that makes it what it is.'
The Star
13-07-2025
- The Star
Locally sauced
PASSIONATE and adventurous, Chef James Won once dove into a river in a remote village in Sarawak for the 'best ingredients'. It was in the wee hours, when the waters were calm. Won was foraging for mussels and wanted to have them fresh for his next meal. Suddenly, splashes disturbed the calm river. Much to his surprise, several villagers stood on the riverside behind him, throwing rocks into the water a few metres away. 'They told me they were throwing rocks to deter some crocodiles away. I guess I would wade into the dangers of the unknown for food,' Won quipped to a group of reporters recently. Won's experience with the locals reflects the warmth and generosity that define Sarawakians – much like the food they serve, they're rich in flavour and full of heart. Hailing from a small Hakka new village in Jinjang, Selangor, Won has long championed food as a powerful force that brings people together. In fact, he is now leading the 'Serumpun Sarawak' campaign, which aims to highlight Sarawak's gastronomical delights to the world. Won says food can be a vessel of dignity. — Agencies 'We want to ensure that Sarawak's culinary traditions, from foraged jungle greens and smoked river fish, to the ceremonial use of bamboo and stone, are not just remembered, but respected, revitalised and reimagined. 'We believe that food can be a vessel of dignity. That in every indigenous technique, every heirloom ingredient, every community gathering, lies an opportunity to uplift, educate and empower.' The effort is also part of the state's broader push for sustainable tourism, which among others entails conserving resources, respecting local cultures and creating jobs for local residents. Food for thought Sarawak's tourism campaign to highlight its culinary wonders is a declaration of the region's powerful affirmation that indigenous heritage, culinary identity and creative spirit deserve their rightful place on the world stage. 'And not as novelties, but as benchmarks of excellence,' says Sarawak Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, who also heads the region's youth, sports and entrepreneur development portfolio. He says Serumpun Sarawak's vision will be showcased in Osaka, Japan from Aug 5 to 8, as part of the global celebration surrounding World Expo 2025. 'There, amidst innovation from across the planet, the world will get a taste of not just Sarawak's cuisine, but also its identity. Its design. Its way of life.' Traditional Sarawak snack tumpik. — Bernama Abdul Karim says Serumpun Sarawak also reflects the region's deepening commitment to sustainable tourism, which strives to balance between the needs of tourists and local communities. 'These are not just events on a calendar. They are a journey. A journey that shows Sarawak's culinary and cultural expressions are not meant to be preserved behind glass – they are living, breathing and ready to shape the global narrative. 'But journeys are never built in isolation. 'Serumpun Sarawak' is a triumph of collaboration. It brings together chefs, farmers, artisans, storytellers, designers and communities. It is a beautiful reminder that when Sarawakians come together – when we walk as one – we create something powerful, enduring and extraordinary.' Coffee and nuts A vivid example of how food and sustainability converge in Sarawak is the rearing of the empurau fish – a prized catch that also boosts local livelihoods. Gastronomical delight: The empurau fish is a prized catch in Sarawak. — ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE/THE STAR Won says the empurau's distinctive taste comes from its diet of buah engkabang, or illipe nuts. These nuts are key to its famously fatty, fragrant flavour. 'This is why the fish costs so much (it is reported that it can fetch up to more than RM1,500 per kilo).' However, engkabang trees fruit unpredictably. 'Since the empurau has become more and more popular, more farmers and horticulturists have taken up engkabang husbandry (to produce the nuts) to feed the empurau. These are among the many interesting things taking place in Sarawak.' In the highlands, coffee cultivation is also getting attention. Raven Kwok, co-founder of Earthlings Coffee Workshop, says Malaysia is one of the few countries in the world cultivating liberica, a rare coffee bean prized for its smoky, bold and sometimes fruity flavour. 'The country is often overshadowed by other coffee producers including Indonesia. But liberica can put us back on the map.' Kwok says liberica coffee bean can put Malaysia on the map. — YAP CHEE HONG/The Star —Earthlings Coffee Workshop He points to promising efforts in Long Banga in Marudi district – deep in the heart of Borneo – where locals are turning to liberica as a high-value crop. 'It's difficult for them to sell fresh produce in a (competitive) market. So growing coffee makes sense, since it's a non-threshold commodity (it doesn't spoil quickly or require refrigeration),' says Kwok. Coffee cultivation is getting attention in the Sarawak highlands. —Earthlings Coffee Workshop Balancing act Still, with Sarawak's tourism efforts gaining traction, questions arise about how to avoid the pitfalls of over-tourism. Abdul Karim admits this is a growing concern, citing the experiences of Venice and Bali – where unchecked tourism caused rental and food prices to soar, hurting locals. 'We will work to prevent (the tourism in Sarawak) from reaching to such a state. That is the reason why, when we carry out promotions, we are careful in terms of (targeting) the kind of visitors we are inviting to the country.' He says tourist education and regulation are crucial, especially in sensitive natural areas. 'We want tourists who can appreciate the beauty of Sarawak's nature. Not the ones who want to spoil our nature, culture and heritage.' Abdul Karim: 'We want tourists who can appreciate the beauty of Sarawak's nature. Not the ones who want to spoil our nature, culture and heritage.' — ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE / The Star Asked whether increased global demand for Sarawakian cuisine could lead to a rise in ingredient prices, he remains confident. 'Presently, we are not worried. Even if it affects (the prices), we will know how to make the necessary adjustments. This is so that the locals will not feel the pinch.' On Serumpun Sarawak's upcoming showcase in Osaka, the Sarawak Tourism Board says the event will be hosted at Seaside Studio Caso and introduce Japanese and international audiences to the depth and diversity of Sarawak's indigenous cuisines, ingredients and creative expressions. 'Through curated dining experiences, visual storytelling and cultural showcases, Osaka will offer a window into Sarawak's soul – a vibrant confluence of land, people and culinary heritage.' The international debut will be followed by a community-based activation at Unesco world heritage site Mulu National Park. Serumpun Sarawak will be held at the Unesco world heritage-listed Mulu National Park in October. —EDDIE CHUA/The Star 'In October 2025, the journey will host a site-specific experience within the park itself, blending indigenous culinary traditions, ecological appreciation and cultural storytelling in one of the world's most awe-inspiring environments. 'The Mulu activation reflects Serumpun Sarawak's commitment to ensuring that global recognition is always grounded in respect for local communities, biodiversity, and indigenous knowledge systems.'
The Star
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
‘Send Sarawak's cultural troupes abroad for greater exposure'
Snowdan (fifth from right) marking the launch of BCF 2025. He is flanked by (from third, left) Chieng, Ting, Mohammed Abdullah Izkandar and Tiang. SARAWAK'S vibrant traditional arts could soon captivate international audiences, as a state deputy minister has suggested sending the state's cultural troupes abroad. 'Our traditional performers have reached international standards and deserve more exposure through overseas performances,' said Sarawak Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Deputy Minister Datuk Snowdan Lawan. 'That is why we have a creative industry portfolio in our ministry – because we recognise the immense talent in Sarawak. 'Sarawak regularly receives invitations from countries such as Italy, Japan, South Korea, Spain and the Philippines to present traditional dances abroad. 'It is time to take a more proactive approach in sending cultural troupes to represent the state internationally.' Snowdan was speaking at the opening ceremony of the Borneo Cultural Festival (BCF) 2025 in Sibu, Sarawak. He said showcasing cultural dances such as those from Melanau, Iban, Bidayuh, Orang Ulu, Malay and Chinese communities would help promote Sarawak's multicultural identity to global audiences. 'People from abroad are very interested in our traditional dances; it is something they do not see every day. 'Sending our troupes to perform internationally is not just about performance, it is about telling the story of who we are as Sarawakians,' said the Balai Ringin assemblyman. BCF is an annual event that celebrates the region's cultural diversity through music, dance, food and traditional arts, drawing performers and visitors from across Sarawak and beyond. The 21st edition, themed 'Rhythm of Borneo', is ongoing until July 12 at Dataran Tun Tuanku Bujang. Snowdan, who was representing minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah at the opening ceremony, said BCF not only showcases Sarawak's rich cultural landscape, but also plays a crucial role in preserving it for future generations. 'The festival has become a vital platform where tradition meets modernity and where our younger generation can reconnect with their roots while the world gains a glimpse of Borneo's unique identity. 'It also plays a multifaceted role in promoting tourism, supporting the creative economy and positioning Sibu as a vibrant cultural hub,' said Snowdan. Highlighting the significance of BCF's 21-year legacy, he lauded the dedication of all who had made the festival a success. 'To reach this milestone is no small feat. 'It reflects the passion, teamwork and unwavering commitment of countless individuals who have nurtured this event over the decades,' said Snowdan. BCF organising chairman and Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) deputy chairman Mohammed Abdullah Izkandar Roseley said the council was promoting waste reduction and recycling throughout the festival. 'Visitors are encouraged to dispose of rubbish responsibly using clearly labelled bins for general and recyclable waste,' he said. 'BCF's official mascot 'Engkuli' a clouded leopard, serves as a powerful reminder of our shared responsibility to conserve Borneo's biodiversity and to inspire environmental awareness,' he added. Also present at the opening ceremony were Sarawak Public Health, Housing and Local Government Deputy Minister Datuk Michael Tiang, SMC chairman Clarence Ting, and Bukit Assek assemblyman Joseph Chieng.
Barnama
07-07-2025
- Politics
- Barnama
Sarawak Tables Bill To Increase State Assembly Seats From 82 To 99
KUCHING, July 7 (Bernama) -- The Sarawak government today tabled the Dewan Undangan Negeri (Composition of Membership) Bill 2025, proposing to increase the number of elected representatives in the state assembly from 82 to 99. The bill, tabled by Sarawak Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, aims to reflect demographic changes, urban expansion and the growing need for equitable representation in the state. 'Given the vast geographical expanse of Sarawak and the extensive areas that some ADUN or state representatives representing rural constituencies must cover, this proposed increase in the number of elected representatives is both reasonable and necessary. 'It will enhance accessibility to governance. It will ensure the needs and concerns of the rakyat are more efficiently and more effectively addressed and improve service delivery through leadership that is closer and more responsive to the rakyat,' he said during a special sitting at the state assembly today. Abdul Karim said the proposed amendment would repeal the current Dewan Undangan Negeri (Composition of Membership) Ordinance 2014 (Cap. 70), which fixed the number of seats at 82. He added that the new composition, once passed and gazetted, would be implemented in time for the next state election. 'Voters will elect 99 representatives to this Dewan. This change ensures that the Dewan remains responsive, relevant and ready to serve every corner of our beloved state with greater efficiency and inclusivity,' he said. Tracing the historical growth of the state legislature, he noted that the number of seats has progressively increased over the years, starting with 48 elected representatives in 1969. This rose to 56 in 1985, 62 in 1995, 71 in 2005, and then to 82 in 2014. He said the new bill is in line with Article 113(2)(ii) of the Federal Constitution, which allows for a review of electoral boundaries at intervals of not less than eight years.
