Latest news with #Ukas
Borneo Post
21 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Brarak, Bipajak Gawai Bisegu proposed for Sarawak Tourism Calendar
Dr Jerip (third left) greeting attendees at the Brarak and Bipajak Gawai Bisegu 2025 celebration held at Kampung Segu Bunuk, Padawan. – Ukas photo KUCHING (June 3): The Brarak and Bipajak Gawai Bisegu cultural event has been proposed for inclusion in the Sarawak Tourism Calendar, with the aim of elevating it into one of the state's premier cultural tourism attractions. Deputy Minister for Transport, Datuk Dr Jerip Susil, made the announcement during the event held at Kampung Segu Benuk in Padawan on Monday, highlighting the festival's strong potential as a community-driven tourism initiative. 'Last year, the parade featured only six contingents. This year, the number has increased to 21, with an estimated 2,000 to 3,000 participants, a clear indication of its growing appeal,' he said, as reported by the Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas). Dr Jerip said the event, organised by the Segu Bunuk Association, will continue to be refined and expanded based on community participation and public response. 'With the involvement of 21 contingents this year, we are confident the festival will continue to grow, offering even more vibrant and engaging activities in the years to come,' he added. The Mambong assemblyman also underscored the importance of such cultural events in promoting Sarawak's heritage to tourists, positioning them (the cultural events) as competitive cultural tourism products. 'These celebrations provide an important platform for local communities to express their identity, particularly through traditional attire and a shared sense of cultural pride,' he noted. Among those present at the event were Puncak Borneo MP Datuk Willie Mongin; Special Administrative Officer of the Greater Kuching Coordinated Development Agency (GKCDA), Datu Ik Pahon Joyik; Administrative Officer of the Padawan Sub-District Office, Julius Scott Sapong and other distinguished guests.
Borneo Post
3 days ago
- General
- Borneo Post
Orang Ulu community hosts state-level Gawai Dayak Open House 2025, drawing thousands
Wan Junaidi (fifth right) leads the toast during the state-level Gawai Dayak Open House with Abang Johari (seventh right), Uggah (sixth right), Gerawat (eighth right) and other guests. – Ukas photo KUCHING (June 1): The state-level Gawai Dayak celebration this year saw the Orang Ulu community take centre stage as hosts of the Gawai Dayak Open House, held at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) today, drawing over 3,000 attendees from all walks of life. In attendance were Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife Toh Puan Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and his wife Datin Patinggi Datuk Amar Juma'ani Tuanku Bujang, along with state and federal dignitaries. Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said the open house was not only a platform to highlight Dayak culture and traditions, but also a testament to Sarawak's racial harmony. 'Today is an opportunity for us to showcase Dayak culture, tradition and practices, and also to bring all races together. 'We are very happy to have our Head of State, the Premier, leaders as well as people of all races in attendance. This is the true picture of Sarawak,' he told reporters. One of the cultural performances during the open house. – Ukas photo He added that the open house demonstrated the state's cultural diversity and harmony to the rest of Malaysia, and the pride Sarawakians have in their traditions. Meanwhile, Deputy Minister in the Premier's Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring) Datuk Gerawat Gala, who is also chairman of the organising committee, said the Orang Ulu were proud to be given the opportunity to host this year's state-level celebration. This year, it is our turn to host the celebration, and we are showcasing the Orang Ulu culture together with other major Dayak communities like the Bidayuh and Iban,' he said. He noted that hosting responsibilities for the state-level Gawai celebration rotate among the Dayak communities, with the Iban community scheduled to host next year. He also outlined a series of events held in conjunction with this year's celebration, including the Gawai Bazaar at MJC, Batu Kawa which was held from May 15 to 25, and the upcoming Gawai Dayak 'Niti Daun' Parade on June 21, which will feature 90 cultural troupes parading from Tun Jugah building to the Kuching Waterfront. 'Our guest of honour for the 'Niti Daun' Parade will be our Premier and we welcome everyone to come and join us as the parade is one of the best showcases of our Dayak culture,' he said. More than 3,000 people from all walks of life visited the open house. – Penerangan photo He added that there will also be a Gawai Dayak Gala Dinner on June 22 at BCCK where the Head of State and his wife will serve as guests of honour. 'We have also invited the Prime Minister and Premier to attend,' he added. He said one of the highlights of the dinner will be the Kumang-Keling showcase, with participants from various divisions showcasing their traditional attire as well as other cultural performances.
Borneo Post
6 days ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Journalists as vital as educators, security forces, says S'wak deputy minister
Abdullah says that the contributions of ethical media practitioners such as those who report truthfully and with integrity, play a vital role in building an informed and progressive public. – Photo by Chimon Upon KUCHING (May 29): The work of experienced and responsible journalists is more critical than ever in shaping a knowledgeable, constructive, and competitive society, said Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department (Corporate Affairs, Information and Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas)), Datuk Abdullah Saidol. In conjunction with the National Journalists' Day, Abdullah in a statement stressed that the contributions of ethical media practitioners such as those who report truthfully and with integrity, play a vital role in building an informed and progressive public. 'As the media landscape continues to evolve alongside the digital revolution, the integrity and professionalism of journalists must be upheld to counter the spread of misinformation and misleading narratives often found on alternative platforms,' he said. He also acknowledged that the rise of social media and influencers has introduced new characters in the delivery of information, stories, and commentary, often blurring the lines between fact and opinion. 'Ethical journalists who sincerely strive to deliver verified and accurate information now face mounting challenges, especially when irresponsible use of media platforms leads to confusion and distortion of facts,' he said. Abdullah also paid tribute to the tireless efforts of media personnel who work in all conditions, from reporters on the ground braving the elements, to those behind the scenes ensuring news reaches the public in a timely manner. 'The sacrifices and dedication shown by members of the press, whether out in the field or rushing to meet deadlines in the office, deserve the utmost appreciation,' he said. Apart from that, he also likened the role of journalists to that of educators and security personnel, saying their contributions to the nation are equally essential in safeguarding the public's right to accurate information and fostering critical thinking. Abdullah Saidol journalists
Borneo Post
6 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sarawak to enhance journalists' expertise with international training initiative, says Premier
Abang Johari speaks to the media after officiating at the Asia Carbon Conference 2025 today. – Ukas photo KUCHING (May 29): The Sarawak government is set to send state journalists abroad to participate in journalism-related programmes aimed at enhancing their expertise to match international standards, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. 'I have instructed together with (Deputy Minister in Sarawak Premier's Department (Corporate Affairs and Sarawak Public Communications Unit)) Datuk Abdullah Saidol to start this programme for the future of Sarawak journalism,' he said when met by reporters after officiating at the Asia Carbon Conference 2025 today. Abang Johari explained that this programme is not just an opportunity for free education, but a long-term investment to elevate the professionalism and critical thinking skills of journalists in the state. 'We will work with the journalists' association to assess eligible candidates, including in terms of qualifications and background,' he said. He also stressed the importance of journalists who are not only skilled in reporting but also possess vision and insightful ideas to drive innovation within the media industry. 'I hope this program can improve the quality of reporting and open up more space for innovation in journalism,' he said. This initiative is a continuation of the government's commitment made last year. It was well received by the media practitioners present, and was considered as a recognition of the important role of journalists in the development of society and the country. abang johari abroad international training journalists media
Borneo Post
7 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sarawak allocates RM13.5 bln to Regional Development Agencies for 1,571 projects
Uggah says that as of April 2025, 82 projects or nine per cent had been completed and that the remaining 819 projects or 91 per cent were in various stages of implementation. – Ukas photo KUCHING (May 28): Sarawak has provided an allocation of RM13.5 billion to all nine Regional Development Agencies in the state with each agency receiving an allocation of RM1.5 billion, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas. The State Minister of Finance and New Economy II said of the RM13.5 billion, RM7.5 billion was allocated under Sarawak's annual budget to finance the implementation of 901 development projects under the supervision of the five Regional Development Agencies. 'Among them are the Sri Aman Development Agency (SADA), Betong Division Development Agency (BDDA), Rajang Delta Development Agency (RADDA), Greater Kuching Development Coordinated Agency (GKCDA), and Mid Rajang Regional Development Agency (MiRRDA). 'Of the total, 894 projects are physical projects, while seven are non-physical projects,' he added when delivering his winding-up speech for the ministry at the State Legislative Assembly sitting, today. He said that as of April 2025, 82 projects or nine per cent had been completed and that the remaining 819 projects or 91 per cent were in various stages of implementation. In addition, he also said RM6.0 billion has been allocated under Alternative Financing for projects under the supervision of regional development agencies. 'These include the Northern Regional Development Agency (NRDA), the Highland Development Agency (HDA), the Upper Rajang Development Agency (URDA), and the Integrated Samarahan Regional Development Agency (IRSDA). 'To date, a total of RM3.19 billion has been spent with 601 projects completed,' he said. Uggah said Sarawak had established various Regional Development Agencies to bridge the development gap between urban and rural areas and accelerate infrastructure development throughout Sarawak. The initiative, he said, was implemented through a bottom-up approach in project planning and implementation. Regarding the performance of project implementation under Alternative Financing, Uggah said that this year the Sarawak Government had allocated a total of RM8.12 billion for the implementation of 1,571 projects. 'As of April 2025, a total of RM1.11 billion or 14 per cent of the total allocation has been spent,' he said. He said that of the total, 1,514 projects were categorised as physical projects while 57 projects were non-physical. 'To date, 974 projects or 61 per cent have been completed, while the remaining 597 projects or 39 per cent are in various stages of implementation,' he said. Uggah said in total, a total of RM16.0 billion has been spent until April 2025 for the implementation of major development projects throughout Sarawak. douglas uggah DUN regional development agencies
