Sarawakians go to the polls April 16

by Johnson K Saai. Posted on March 24, 2011, Thursday

IT’S HERE: Abdul Aziz showing returning officers and reporters a map of Sarawak during the press conference.

The Election Commission in a meeting in Kuching yesterday set April 6 for nomination

KUCHING: Polling for the 10th Sarawak election will be held on April 16, while nomination will be on
April 6.

Election Commission chairman Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusof announced the dates after chairing an EC meeting here yesterday.

He told a press conference that the EC received the official notification concerning the dissolution of the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) from the Yang di-Pertua Negeri on March 21.

Abdul Aziz said 71 returning officers (ROs) and 165 assistant returning officers (AROs) would be appointed to assist the EC conduct the election.

“For the purpose of monitoring all campaigning activities, the EC has decided to establish 80 Election Campaign Enforcement Teams (ECET), and each will be headed by a chief enforcement officer.”

There would be 24,379 election officers and staff, 1,749 polling centres and 2,606 polling stations (streams).

“Our budget to conduct this election is estimated at RM50 million,” said Abdul Aziz.

He added that the Principal Electoral Roll 2009 and Supplementary Roll (for the four quarters of 2010), which would be gazetted tomorrow, would be used in this election.

The electoral roll has a total of 979,796 registered voters, comprising 961,433 ordinary voters and 18,363 postal voters.

Abdul Aziz said the electoral roll would be put on sale the latest by March 28. Voters could also look up for information concerning polling centres and voting streams at http://www.spr.gov.my or through the short messaging service (SMS) by typing SPR SEMAKMy Kad No. and send to 15888 from March 28 onwards.

Information could also be obtained by calling EC headquarters in Putrajaya at 03-88856500 or the Sarawak Election Office at 082-254867.

“Political parties, candidates, staff and party supporters, as well as any individuals involved in campaign-related activities, must comply with existing laws and regulations. This also applies to the Code of Ethics as prescribed by the EC.

“The EC would like to remind all contesting candidates and parties regarding election offences under the Election Offences Act 1954 (Act 5). Part III of Act 5 lists all corruption activities, whereby if someone is convicted of such offence he may be fined and imprisoned in accordance with the law,” he pointed out.

“The offences under Part III of Act 5 are prescribed offences under the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009 (MACC) which has the power to investigate in accordance with the laws,” he pointed out.

Abdul Aziz revealed that the MACC would be monitoring the election closely to ensure that everyone toe the line.

Barisan is listening to the people, says PM

SERIAN: Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has assured the people that the Barisan Nasional government is listening to them. The Prime Minister said that through the past elections, the people’s desire to see change in the government had been acknowledged and this was what the Barisan had been working on.

“During the last (2008) election, the people gave us a message. It is not that they rejected us but they want us to change.

“The people still have confidence in Barisan but they want us to be brave to reform and transform so that whatever it is we are doing, they will benefit from it,” he said when launching the Sejiwa Senada programme for the Samarahan Division here yesterday.

Addressing some 10,000 people, mostly from the Bidayuh community, Najib said Barisan was steadfast in strengthening ties between the states in order to have 1People, 1Nation with 1Vision.

He reiterated that the Federal Government fully supported the Sarawak government and the presence of three Umno vice-presidents – Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein, Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal and Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi – at the event proves this.

Najib then approved projects worth over RM300mil for the Serian people.

These projects comprised RM105mil water supply projects to benefit 2,910 houses in Tebedu, RM116.5mil to upgrade and improve water supply in Serian as a whole, RM18.7mil rural electrification scheme to connect 408 houses, RM120,000 to air condition the community hall here, RM60mil to build the Munggu Kopi road and RM30mil for the Terbat-Mapu road.

He also approved RM12.5mil to build a clinic in Padawan.

He later presented 100 well-deserving students with an incentive of RM500 each.

SNAP snubs PKR over seat allocation

2011/03/15 By Nancy Nais nancynais@nst.com.my

KUCHING: Sarawak National Party (SNAP) has defied Parti Keadilan Rakyat by announcing it will field candidates in 40 state seats, 29 of which will be in the interior, where natives form the majority. This comes after an announcement by PKR that it would contest 52 seats, leaving SNAP with three seats in the coming state election.

SNAP president Edwin Dundang said yesterday the party would prefer a straight fight against Barisan Nasional in all the seats and as such, was willing to work with DAP and Pas. However, he said, it would not deal with PKR. "Sadly, we have been informed that PKR, without mandate, took the role of the leading opposition party by announcing that it intended to contest in 52 seats and leave SNAP with a miserable three seats to contend with."

He said a recent announcement by PKR that the opposition in the state had reached an agreement over seat allocation was inaccurate. "PKR's attempt to gloss over this major problem and riding roughshod over SNAP is unwarranted and unbecoming. "Since PKR does not agree with our stand (to contest more seats), we are now considering all options, including getting out of the opposition front."

Dundang said PKR also eyed areas where DAP and Pas would like to contest."If PKR contests 52 seats, that leaves 19 seats to be contested by SNAP, DAP and Pas. "DAP wants to contest in 16 or 17 Chinese areas, so what is there left for SNAP and Pas?" Party secretary-general Stanley Jugol said there had been no agreement nor any attempt to negotiate and PKR's lackadaisical attitude towards native political issues was obvious.

"It is worth noting that after 12 years and participating in three federal elections and two state elections, PKR has managed to win only one seat. "It is also a fact that PKR has had little impact in native-majority areas ever since it first contested in Sarawak." To underscore SNAP's commitment, Dundang named 16 of its candidates in the coming election, adding that the remaining 24 would be announced later.

The 16 are Stephen Sigar (N1 Opar), Frankie Jurem Nyumboi (N2 Tasik Biru), Richard Peter Munai (N16 Bengoh), Sylvester Belayong (N19 Kedup), Abang Othman Abang Gom (N23 Lingga), Dan Giang (N25 Balai Ringin), Joe Unggang (N31 Layar), Dayrell Walter Entrie (N32 Bukit Saban), Anthony Liman Sujang (N34 Krian), Tedong Gunda @ Jamal Abdullah (N41 Pakan), Augustine Liom (N44 Machan), George Lagong (N56 Baleh), John Bampa (N57 Belaga), Johari Bujang (N62 Lambir), Edwin Dundang Bugak (N66 Marudi) and Kebin Wan (N67 Telang Usan).

Vivianne Garside gives talk on Zulu beadworks

Posted on December 30, 2010, Thursday

KUCHING: Local crafts and culture enthusiasts had a taste of South African crafts when Vukani Zulu Cultural Museum curator Vivianne Garside gave a heritage talk at the Sarawak Museum yesterday.

INTRICATE: Garside shows a piece of Zulu beadwork during the heritage talk at Sarawak Museum yesterday.

Garside regaled an audience of around 35 people about the history of Vukani Zulu Cultural Museum, located in Eshowe, Zululand. She also talked about the works from Vukani Collection Trust, a multi-cultural group of local residents who made it their mission to rescue old traditional items and create opportunities for craft makers to market their works to a contemporary audience.“We are continuously discovering new crafters of good standards,” Garside said.

The museum’s mandate was to support the community by opening new markets for the local crafters, most of whom were single mothers.The Vukani Zulu Cultural Museum was established in 1991 with personal collections of Rev Kjell and Bertha Lofroth.Garside explained that with local market abandoning organic-based beads and crafts in favour of those made from glass and plastic, traditional crafters were left in a quandary.“Rev Kjell asked the crafters to bring their goods to the mission, who tried and helped them sell it,” she said.

Rev Kjell, Bertha and their friend Baba Elliot Dludla became the driving force behind Vukani Association which almost single-handedly created a new market for Zululand crafters.Garside added that Zulu beadwork was the most popular tourist souvenir, although they were usually very derivative of the traditional work.

Grand finale of Miss Cheongsam Charity on Feb 16

Posted on February 1, 2011, Tuesday by Borneo Post

KUCHING: This year’s Miss Cheongsam Charity will raise funds for six Chung Hua primary schools in Kuching.

The event’s main sponsor Naim Holdings Berhad got the ball rolling by donating RM50,000 to Chung Hua Primary School No. 1 as part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) in education. A press release by organiser Alaric Soh said the final on February 16 at Riverside Majestic Hotel promises to be an exciting event because of the interesting pool of 18 finalists.

“A total of 18 beautiful and talented young ladies have made it to the grand finale of Miss Cheongsam Charity 2011. They are equally adventurous and determined, and everyone is unique and beautiful in their own way, but most importantly they share a common desire to foster closer friendship between the people and are willing to contribute in charity work for a good cause,” he said. Miss Cheongsam Charity 2011 also sees an increase in cash prizes.

The winner will walk away with RM5,000, first runner-up RM3,000, second runner-up RM2,000, third runner-up RM1,000 and fourth runner-up RM800. Those winning subsidiary titles for the Best Cheongsam design, Miss Talent, Miss Charity, Miss Friendship and Miss Photogenic will get RM500 each, whereas those who fail to win any title will receive RM300 cash each.

The charity event is organised by Alaric’s Productions Company, a company certified with ISO9001:2000 in Quality Management in Beauty Pageant. This event has been held for 21 consecutive years as an annual community and Chinese New Year celebrations programme. Proceeds will also go to Hun Nam Siang Tng Benevolent Society.

For seat reservation, contact the organiser at 014-6800000.

The 18 finalists are:

Chien Joon Ching

No.1, Chien Joon Ching, aged 20 yrs, a Hakka girl from Kuching, height 157cm, born in the Year of the Horse; a university student and a part-time tutor. During her free time, she likes to surf the Internet and watch TV, and she hopes to be a successful businesswoman.

Ho Sing Fang

No.2, Ho Sing Fang, aged 20 yrs, a Hakka girl from Kuching, height 159cm, born in the Year of the Horse; a Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology) student. During her free time, she likes workouts at the gym, blogging and dancing, and she aims to be a lecturer and a model.

Hii Wee Chia

No.3, Hii Wee Chia, aged 18 yrs, a Foochow girl from Bintulu, height 160cm, born in the Year of the Monkey; a student in beauty care. During her free time, she likes shopping and online chatting, and she aspires to be a beautician.

Sim Heng Leng

No.4, Sim Heng Leng, aged 22 yrs, a Teochew girl from Kuching, height 161cm, born in the Year of the Dragon; a secretary. During her free time she likes singing, dancing, reading and playing badminton, and she hopes to be a successful businesswoman.

Wee Pek Choo

No.5, Wee Pek Choo, aged 19 yrs, a Hokkien girl from Kuching, height 161cm, born in the Year of the Goat; a part-time model. During her free time, she likes dancing, singing and making friends, and her ambition is to be a famous fashion designer.

Lai Chie Ying

No.6, Lai Chie Ying, aged 20 yrs, a Hakka girl from Kuching, height 161cm, born in the Year of the Horse; a student in Business Administration. During her free time, she likes shopping, reading and watching movies, and she aims to be a successful businesswoman.

Thye Chin Sien

No.7, Thye Chin Sien, aged 20 yrs, a Hakka girl from Kuching, height 162cm, born in the Year of the Goat; a make-up artist. During her free time, she likes shopping, travelling, reading and singing, and she aspires to own a fashion boutique.

Lee Pei Shih

No.8, Lee Pei Shih, aged 18, a Hakka girl from Kuching, height 166cm, born in the Year of the Monkey; helping in her family’s stationery business. During her free time, she likes reading magazines and shopping, and she hopes to a successful make-up artist.

Yii Mei Hong

No.9, Yii Mei Hong, aged 24, a Foochow girl from Sibu, height 170cm, born in the Year of the Tiger; a reporter. During her free time, she likes helping others, writing, cooking, reading and singing, and her ambition is to be a successful businesswoman.

Bong Choon Na

No.10, Bong Choon Na, aged 22, a Hakka girl from Kuching, height 175cm, born in the Year of the Dragon; a hair stylist. During her free time, she likes reading fashion magazines, watching movie and shopping, and she aspires to be a famous professional hairstylist and model.

Yong Zi Hui

No.11, Yong Zi Hui, aged 21 yrs, a Hakka girl from Miri, height 169cm, born in the Year of the Snake; a part-time student in Business. During her free time, she likes shopping and watching TV, and she hopes to be a successful businesswoman and a famous actress.

Sim Shy Nee

No.12, Sim Shy Nee, aged 25 yrs, a Teochew girl from Kuching, height 162cm, born in the Year of the Ox; an administrator. During her free time, she likes swimming, and she aspires to be an air stewardess.

Chan Ngiik Mei

No.13, Chan Ngiik Mei, aged 21 yrs, a Cantonese girl from Sarikei, height 164cm, born in the Year of the Snake; a college student working part-time in a bank. During her free time, she likes reading story books and socialising, and she aims to be a successful woman.

Then Ching Xian

No.14, Then Ching Xian, aged 23 yrs, a Hakka girl from Kuching, height 162cm, born in the Year of the Dragon; a general clerk. During her free time, she enjoys shopping and reading, and she aims to be a successful businesswoman.

Kong Ying Ying

No.15, Kong Ying Ying, aged 19 yrs, a Hakka girl from Limbang, height 158cm, born in the Year of the Goat; helping in her family restaurant business. During her free time, she likes shopping, online chatting and meeting new friends, and her ambition is to be a successful businesswoman.

Tay Wei Wei

No.16, Tay Wei Wei, aged 17 yrs, a Hokkien girl from Serian, height 158cm, born in the Year of the Rooster; a student in Accounting. During her free time, she enjoys listening to songs, and she aims to be an accountant.

Corina Teo

No.17, Corina Teo, aged 23 yrs, a Teochew girl from Kuching, height 157cm, born in the Year of the Dragon; an administrative clerk. During her free time, she likes shopping, singing and gym workout, and she hopes to be a writer.

Tan Chiou Yong

No.18, Tan Chiou Yong, aged 21 yrs, a Hokkien girl from Kuching, height 157cm, born in the Year of the Snake; a university student in Marketing. During her free time, she likes reading and nail art fashion, and she aspires to be a successful business woman.

Supermodel search goes to longhouse

by Jacqueline Raphael. Posted on January 24, 2011, Monday

MIRI: The Malaysian edition of the prestigious Ford Models Supermodel of the World Search 2011 surprised many in the industry by having its first nationwide audition at a longhouse here yesterday.

WHO’S THE FAIREST OF THEM ALL?: Here they are … the 18 finalists of Miss Cheongsam Charity 2011. The grand final, which will be held in Kuching on Feb 16, will see bigger cash prizes this year.

It was held at Gua Longhouse, a homestay which is a haven for travellers seeking to experience the unique lifestyle found only in the rainforest jungle.Supported by Miri division Gawai Dayak Committee (MDGDC), the collaboration undoubtedly added an exciting touch to the search.

The committee was responsible for bringing to the Ford Models audition, exotic representatives from 15 ethnics associations, comprising of amongst others the Iban, Bidayuh and Orang Ulu. Speaking at a press conference prior to the audition yesterday, the organising chairman Dato’ Nancy Yeoh said, the idea of the longhouse symbolises the culture and tradition of ethnic Sarawak, adding that the ultimate Malaysian girl to represent the country may not necessarily lives in the city. “Malaysia indeed has a small population, hence we should not leave no stone unturned if we intend to find that one true Malaysian girl to represent us to the world,” she exclaimed.

“We realised that there are undiscovered people living in the rainforest who cannot afford to come to us so we need to go to them,” said Yeoh, who is also the president and chief executive officer of STYLO International, the company appointed as organiser for Ford Model Search in Malaysia.

Meanwhile, the Orang Ulu National Association’s Gawai coodinator Margaret Nawan said the Ford Models Search will greatly encourage East Malaysian ladies as they do not have much opportunity to participate in international events such as the model search.“This is an opportunity for the Dayak community of Sarawak to show that they too are able to get involved in an event that is of international standard,” she added.The Miri audition will continue again at 2pm today, at Borneo Tropical Rainforest Resort and is open to ladies age 18 and above who are at least 5’ 7” in height.After the audition here, the organiser will proceed to Kuching on Jan 25, then to Kota Kinabalu, Penang and Johor with a finale in Kuala Lumpur after the Chinese New Year.

The audition in Kuching will be carried out in collaboration with Society Atelier Sarawak. “We would like to call all ladies who have the criteria mentioned, not to miss this opportunity and to come for our audition in Miri tomorrow (today) as well as in Kuching on Jan 25. “Sarawakian ladies who are in Kuala Lumpur can also attend our audition there by contacting us earlier. We will announce the date and time of the audition there later,” said Yeoh.nMeanwhile, interested ladies can contact the Ford Supermodel Hotline at 014-7297541 or email the organiser at fordsupermodel@stylo-international.com.

Tourism industry a revenue generator for Bario

by Justin Yap justinyap@theborneopost.com. Posted on December 31, 2010, Friday

KUCHING: Tourism in Bario has grown from its accidental beginnings to being a mainstay of the local economy evolving along the way into various niche markets including ecotourism, adventure tourism, cultural tourism, research tourism and the latest manifestation of development conferencing.

INCOME GENERATOR: Cottage industry products are one of the latest moves that will drive the tourism industry in Bario.

Bario is the traditional homeland of the Kelabit people, one of the Borneo’s smaller ethnic minorities numbering around 5,000 people with an estimated 1,000 still living in or around Bario.

The growth of tourism in Bario is closely interwoven with other aspects of the social and cultural development of the community which it has grown alongside,” said one of the homestay owners in Bario Jaman Riboh Tekapan, who has 22 years of experience in the tourism industry in the community.

“Tourism has been recognised as a small-scale and non-agricultural activity that can constitute an important source of revenue generation and thereby create new venues for economic growth in Bario,” he pointed out to The Borneo Post in a recent interview.

He further noted the recent road linkage as well as the airstrip made it possible for tourist to visit Bario and the closest house was also the home of the headman. However, guests did not feel obliged to pay for their keep until the headman’s son placed a sign on the house proclaiming it as a ‘homestay’.

“That is how the tourism industry started in Bario,” he pointed out.

According to research, the next major stimulus to tourism was the recent infrastructure development, the eBario project which introduced telecommunication services into the community.

“The latest project we have for Bario is the community radio slated to be launched in March next year,” said eBario Sdn Bhd’s (eBario) project director John Tarawe.

“eBario has been recently granted the content applications service provider (CASP) class licence by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC). With the CASP class licence, we will be the first company to deploy a community radio station in Malaysia,” added Tarawe.

By connecting the community to the outside world, the eBario project has had a profound impact on the community. The project has provided a significant boost to the tourism industry by facilitating the growth of websites for promotion and the exchange of information between potential visitors and the homestay operators in the community.

“From a slow beginning in the late 1990s, when there was only a single guest house, there are now around a dozen. Trekking tours range from a few days hiking with overnights in the scattered longhouses to more arduous expeditions of up to a week or more including jungle survival training,” Tekapan highlighted.

Adventure tourism involved exploration or travel to remote hostile areas, while cultural tourism was a genre of special interest tourism based on the search for and participation in new and deep cultural experiences.

“Cultural tourism in Bario is boosted by the ‘Bario Slow Food Festival’ which was established in 2005 and was held for its fifth year in June 2010,” he pointed out.

Research tourism in Bario, on the other hand, was a recognised concept that valued the contributions that researchers could make to the communities. The community was now adopting a more proactive approach towards any research to which they would consent that was to be conducted on their environment, he highlighted.

Accordingly, the benefits of research in Bario now far exceeded the contributions that researchers made to the local economy through their presence as it contributed knowledge that would underpin their own development objectives.

“In this regard, the eBario telecentre plays a vital role in providing communication and data processing facilities to visiting researchers. Coupled with the ready availability of research assistants who have gained experience in research in the social and natural sciences, researchers from outside could hit the ground running when they come to Bario.

“Research tourism has therefore developed into a critical component of the community’s economic development plans,” Tekapan explained. “Development conferencing is another type of tourism that is being pioneered in Bario.”

In December 2007, eBario organised the ‘eBario Knowledge Fair’, a multidisciplinary conference held in Bario. ‘The Knowledge Fair’ was held to showcase how a remote and isolated indigenous community had appropriated ICTs. It brought together more than a 100 participants from 15 countries.

Tarawe shared his view that travelling to attend a conference was a form of tourism. It was a particular type of tourism in which groups of people were brought together to share knowledge and promote their products.

“The term ‘pro-poor tourism’ has emerged as a mechanism for ensuring a larger proportion of tourism revenue. It is earned by the poor residents of popular tourism locations, something that is not an automatic outcome of the growth of global tourism,” he added.

Tourism in Bario is making contributions to the Bario community that go beyond increase in incomes and the creation of ‘income-earning’ opportunities. The combined effects of improved communications and road linkages has resulted in a further opening up of Bario and the Kelabit culture to the wider world.

In spurring an increase in the number of flights and in feeding off as well as contributing to the growth in use of ICTs, tourism had become intertwined with local development, growing from its accidental beginnings to a mainstay of life in the Highlands.

Bario is globalising on its own terms and tourism is an integral component of the process.

Borneo’s first water theme park in Miri

by Cecilia B. Sman. Posted on December 17, 2010, Friday

Preparatory works on RM7 million initiative of Miri Housing Development Realty Sdn Bhd started three months ago

RM7 MILLION PROJECT: An artist’s impression of Sarawak’s first water theme park.

MIRI: Sarawak will have its first water theme park in Miri next year.

Costing about RM7 million, it is believed to be the first of its kind in Borneo and the biggest in the country.

The project is being undertaken by one of the state’s major housing developer — Miri Housing Development Realty Sdn Bhd.

Its executive chairman Dato Lau Siu Wai said the project, which would be located at a 36 acre site in Senadin, was approved recently by the State Planning Authority (SPA).

It will be developed in three stages.

Preparatory works on the first phase of the 12 acres started about three months ago.

Construction works are expected to start after Chinese New Year next year.

“After the completion of 8,000 houses in Senadin, this project is part of my humble effort and the company’s to bring speedy development to Miri, especially to boost tourism and recreation.

“If there are no such parks in Sabah, this will be the first in East Malaysia, and probably the first in Borneo and also the biggest in Malaysia,” Lau told The Borneo Post yesterday.

The proposed Senadin Water Theme Park will boast swimming pools, wave generators, water slides and canoe tracks.

Lau added that the theme park was part of the 80 acres project to be carried out within three years time.

“The whole project will cost between RM300-RM350 million, and once completed it could further enhance recreation, business and training facilities for the benefit of both local and foreigners, including tourists,” he stressed.

Other facilities to be made available at the water theme park include shopping complex, cultural village, amphitheatre, hotel and a proposed man-made island (11-12 acres).

Currently, a safety training school, Borneo Safety Training School, has been operating since more than a year ago.

It is conducting courses specifically for personnel in the oil and gas industries.

“This is the first training school in Malaysia set up by locals and specifically for the oil and gas industries.

“It is part of our effort to achieve the government’s vision of making Miri the centre of education excellence, and also help to boost the image of Miri City which aspires to become a premiere and preferred resort city in the region,” Lau said.

As for the cultural village, a living museum showcasing various ethnic people in Miri, like the Sarawak Cultural village concept, has been proposed.

Meanwhile, the state assemblyman for Pujut, Andy Chia Chu Fatt, who recently viewed the Water Theme Park model, applauded efforts of Miri Housing Group of Companies for initiating the project.

“I truly welcomed this recreation park. It will be an added facility for Mirians and visitors. The water theme park will be something new to introduce Miri as a Resort City.

“This is a good investment for Miri Housing and its partners and I congratulate them for taking this bold step. This project would definitely benefit the people and economy,” Chia said.

Improvement for Kpg Benuk, Kpg Mongkos homestay programmes

http://www.theborneopost.com%20posted/ on November 5, 2010, Friday

TWO Bidayuh villages — Kampung Benuk and Kampung Mongkos — are set to benefit from infrastructure improvement projects worth more than RM2 million for the homestay programme. Assistant Minister of Tourism Datuk Talib Zulpilip told the assembly yesterday that his ministry was submitting two projects in the two villages for consideration under the 10th Malaysia Plan.

“Amounting to RM2,634,750, these projects are Kampung Benuk Homestay and Bangunan One Stop Centre and Gelanggang Sukan Pelbagai Guna Berbumbung for Kampung Mongkos homestay,” he said when replying to a question from Datuk Aidan Wing (BN-Lambir).

Talib said currently there were 233 registered homestay operators comprising 19 villages throughout the state. These homestay operators were located in Kuching, Samarahan, Kapit, Betong, Sibu, Mukah and Miri, he added. According to Talib, various steps are taken to improve the performance of the homestays.

“My ministry has received an allocation amounting to RM1,045,000 from the Ministry of Tourism Malaysia to upgrade homestay facilities at six homestay villages and longhouses under the second economic stimulus package for the state. “The six homestays involved are Annah Rais, Kampung Darul Islam Belimbing, Kampung Melayu Tebakang, Rumah Lulut in Kapit, Rumah Panjang Bawang Assan and Rumah Panjang Telok Melano in Sibu,” he said.

He said an additional amount of RM250,000 was allocated to put up road signages leading to all the registered homestays. “In terms of marketing and promotion, the state ministry with the assistance of the Ministry of Tourism Malaysia, has organised a special promotional event known as ‘Homestay e-Marketing Promotion’ launched in April this year. “Through this system, tourists will be provided with information, pictures and videos of the selected homestays,” he added.

He said besides that, a website on homestay (www.go2homestay.com) was introduced in December last year to create awareness of the homestay products in the state and also to promote existing packages. “Since 2006, my ministry and the Ministry of Tourism Malaysia have conducted numerous courses for the registered operators, he said.

“This is to ensure they are constantly being updated on the current tourism trends and at the same time, enhance their knowledge and competency in handling tourists, packaging and repackaging their products,” he said.

Among the courses offered are homestay awareness course, basic homestay course and other advanced courses such as Mesra Malaysia course, Tourism English, homestay website course and motivation course.

Info on Sarawak Homestay available online

Borneo Post

September 6, 2010, Monday

KUCHING: Information about Sarawak Homestay in Sarawak is now available with ‘a click of the button’.

Deputy Minister of Tourism Dato Dr James Dawos Mamit said everybody can now easily get access to whatever information needed on the sector. All they need to do is to browse through the website www.go2homestay.com. Dawos said that his ministry has initiated the Homestay e-marketing campaign since November 2009.

Sarawak Homestay campaign which was launched by the minister yesterday was the sixth on its list after Pahang, Selangor, Johor, Malacca and Negeri Sembilan. Present at the launching held at Abas Homestay in Kampung Panglima Seman Lama, Petra Jaya were Batang Sadong MP Nancy Shukri, chairman of Homestay Association Mahmud Sabli, parliamentary secretary to the Ministry of Tourism Mohd Daud Mohd Ariff, director of Ministry of Tourism of Malaysia, Sarawak Esther Douglas Udam and director of Tourism Malaysia Ahmad Johanif Mohd Ali.

He said this campaign is to increase the awareness of the public on Homestay products and to further promote Malaysia Homestay packages throughout the country by using new media which include short messaging services (SMS), multimedia messaging services (MMS), online portal, radio advertisements and prints.

He added that the campaign will feature homestay activities in Sarawak and through cooperation with tour operators, several tour packages will be offered to three segments of the market namely the Adventure Segment, the Family Tourist and the Student Tour Group.

He hoped that by carrying out the campaign, the state would expect to see more tourists experiencing ‘homestay’ environment as part of their adventure in Sarawak.

According to Dawos, since the launch of the www.go2homestay.com website in December 2009, the number of visitors has doubled.

He cited that after the first campaign which started with Pahang Homestay, the state recorded an increase in the number of visitors by 450 per cent and in the Johor campaign there was 819 per cent increase in visitors’ arrival for the same period last year. Dawos also revealed that his ministry had introduced video call on handphone to the Homestay Operator on April 18 so that they can get connected by just pressing *3307.

He added that the video call can assist them in promoting and providing more information as to what they have to offer at their homestay and this will give visitors the idea as to what they are going to experience. He said that the Sarawak Homestay is based on the concept of our state.

The concept will allow tourists to experience our way of living and also an insight of the unique culture and traditions of various races. Dawos also reminded tour operators to strongly introduce and promote homestay packages to visitors but they must ensure that the packages are full of attractive activities and that it will be value for money.

With this new campaign he hoped that the number of visitors patronising Sarawak Homestay will increase.

Currently, Sarawak has 19 homestays in the city and 21 in the rural areas involving 233 participants with 243 rooms available. From January to June this year, record showed that 1,448 local visitors and 265 foreigners visited the homestays and the industry has made an income of RM233,184.40. He said that operators of Sarawak 

Homestay should work harder and hopefully the website will be of a great help to them. Dawos encouraged local homestay operators to get together and create more lucrative products. He also advised them to learn from their West Malaysian counterparts. He disclosed that 23 per cent of visitors travelling to West Malaysia stayed at homestays while in Sarawak, only 12 per cent. He wanted tour agencies to get involved and promote homestay programmes through Matta Fair.

Gawai ‘ngabang’ Good Way To Promote Goodwill

May 24, 2010, Monday Borneo Post

KUCHING: The ‘ngabang’ (visit each other’s open houses) concept during Gawai festival should be maintained as it has proved to be an effective way to strengthen comradeship and improve understanding and tolerance of each other’s cultures. Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s Department (Islamic Affairs) Datuk Daud Abdul Rahman, who said this on Saturday night, also hoped to see more open houses in individual homes instead of just limiting it to ‘dewan’ (multi-purpose halls) only.

“It is not about eating or drinking but it is about strengthening one’s relationship and fostering closer ties among the various races in the community. I hope that the ‘ngabang’ and open house concept would be continued by all races in all celebrations,” he said. Daud, who is also Assistant Minister of Infrastructure Development, mentioned this at the ‘Pre-Gawai Celebration 2010’ at Taman Malihah here.

The dinner was jointly organised by Taman Malihah’s Dayak Social Welfare and Recreational Cub together with Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Taman Malihah II branch . According to Daud, he finds the Gawai festival as becoming more prominent as it also attracts attention from people of other ethnic groups and religions, even from outside Sarawak.

He said come June 1, it is a norm to see many different races flocking to the longhouses to witness first hand the ‘Miring’ and the ‘Ngetas Ranyai’ ceremonies to mark the opening of the Gawai celebration. “Dayaks should be proud of this appeal. Even though every race has its own celebration, this sentiment shows that each and everyone of us has a place in Sarawak. “When everybody celebrates each other’s culture, clearly that sincerity is in place and this proves that the 1Malaysia spirit has always been practised in the state way before our Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak introduced his 1Malaysia concept,” he said.

Two villages selected for Tourism Gawai venues

April 30, 2010, Friday Borneo Post

KUCHING: Kampung Annah Rais in Padawan and Kampung Bunuk in Penrissen have been selected as the venues for the inaugural Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) Tourism Gawai to be held on June 12.The Council’s Landscape and Tourism Standing Committee chairman Edward Kurik said the event was initiated by MPP in collaboration with the State Tourism and Heritage Ministry and the Tourism Promotion Board Malaysia.

Speaking to reporters at a press conference after the MPP full council meeting yesterday, he explained that the main objective of the Tourism Gawai was to promote the home-stay programme in the two destinations.

“Most importantly, since it coincides with the Gawai Dayak festival season, foreign visitors in particular, will have an opportunity to get first hand experience on how the Bidayuh community prepare for their Gawai celebration,” he said. He said for that purpose, some visitors would be staying at the two participating longhouses to experience for themselves the unique and interesting Dayak tradition and culture.

“From the feedback we have received from the Tourism Promotion Board Malaysia and Sarawak Tourism Board so far, we can expect about 150 visitors to stay overnight in Kampung Annah Rais on the night of June 11. We don’t know how many will be putting up at Kampung Benuk homestay.

“Apart from those staying in the home-stay in both places, we also expect that many will be coming for a day trip to see the Tourism Dayak celebration on June 12. On that day itself a number of cultural performances will be presented and we can promise lots of interesting and enthralling experience for that,” he said.

Sarawak’s beautiful panorama, ethnics’ wonderful hospitality a world class tourism potential

KUCHING: Sarawak also known as the Land of the Hornbills offers a beautiful panorama of its landscape and the wonderful hospitality of its 23 ethnic groups.Whoever had visited this place is bound to return with friends or family. This is what the writer himself felt after participating the Cuti-Cuti 1Malaysia programme in Sarawak organised by the Gaya Travel Magazine with the cooperation of the Tourism Ministry.

The programme from March 26-29 was participated by media, Tourism Malaysia representatives, and the tour agents from Malaysia and Indonesia. The group had the opportunity to tour many places of interest, among others the Borneo Highlands Resort, Homestay Santubong, Homestay Kampung Darul Islam Belimbing Padawa, Kampung Budaya and the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching.

The group members were tired after stopping at numerous places, and their stomachs were full after eating non-stop. The stay at Homestay Kampung Santubong located about 42 kilometres from Kuching city was a memorable experience. Here visitors can savour and feel the natural splendour at the foothill of the Santubong mountain, among others the beaches and jungles that hold the myth of the Santubong Princess.

Nestled within the fishing village with 2,000 residents, the homestay is being operated with the cooperation of the locals since 2007. It is beautiful, clean and unspoilt by development. Throughout the stay guests were entertained with songs and dances along with activities like tug-of-war and beach football.

According to Jamilah Shukri, the Homestay Santubong coordinator, the visitors there could also scale the beautiful Santubong mountain, visit the Sultan Tengah’s mausoleum and get up and close with dolphins. “Visitors can take pictures of these dolphins at sea, but the dolphins are only present between April and October only. “Even if it rains the dolphins won’t appear, visitors here can follow fishermen to see the dolphins and feed them, they like to feed on small fishes especially anchovies,” she said to Bernama.

For more information on Santubong Homestay please go to www.santubong homestay.com.my. Being the biggest state in Malaysia covering an area of 124,450 square km, Sarawak has many places of interest waiting to be explored and has the potential to emerge as a world class tourist destination.  However, due to certain reasons many of the places are yet to be promoted on a big scale overseas.

The Director of Tourism Malaysia Sarawak, Ahmad Johanif Mohd Ali provided Pulau Talang-Talang as an example where the number of visitors had to be restricted to seven only at any one time to safeguard the turtle’s habitat there.

“We conduct studies on the respective places before promoting the place, and this is why at times people get the wrong impression that the government is not helping to promote a particular area, that is not the case, it is due to factors that I have mentioned earlier and others,” he said. — Bernama

Orangutan conservation programme to be emulated for hornbills

by Geryl Ogilvy Ruekeith and Chai Shin Yi April 7, 2010, Wednesday

KUCHING: Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) will intensify its hornbill conservation efforts through restructuring the protection programmes to get them on par with those used in orangutan conservation.“Hornbill conservation has always been around but the adoption programme is much more difficult. We are now finding ways to make the conservation systematic just like the orangutan adoption programme,” SFC chief executive officer Datu Len Talif Salleh said at a press conference at Pullman Hotel, here yesterday.

Len, who is also Ministry of Planning and Resource Management deputy permanent secretary, pointed out that SFC has always been serious in wildlife protection.In fact, the programmes were restructured and governed by strong laws.

“However, the law will be useless if enforcement is weak or not carried out at all. What needs to be done is strengthening enforcement on the ground,” he said.

According to him, enforcement was even packaged together with the Endangered Wildlife Programme to enable the public to voluntarily help to enforce the law.He also mentioned that lots of things needed to be done especially cultural integration.

“When I saw hornbill feathers used to decorate native headgear, I asked if it was easy to find them. The rural folk said it was very difficult as hornbills are rarely found nowadays.

“Here, we know that there should be more awareness of the communities concerning the conservation of hornbills. We have to integrate this culture into something which is sustainable as far as wildlife conservation is concerned,” said Len. He admitted that the programme might be hard to implement as the government needed to educate the natives and disseminate the correct information to them. Not to be deterred, SFC has designated Matang Wildlife Centre as part of the hornbill conservation programme.

SFC would also step up in-depth research which lots of emphasis on hornbill productive capabilities, migration pattern and diet. The programme is currently in its initial developmental stage, and it is hoped that it could be implemented by 2010. On the current hornbill population, Len said that it has not been surveyed. He mentioned that it was very difficult to quantify because hornbill habitats have no boundaries.

Hence, trans-boundary conservation programme was very much needed because no matter what efforts were taken here, the effort would become useless if the other side (Sabah, Brunei, Kalimantan) were not doing enough.

“Our efforts must be comprehensive and integrated. For positive results, all enforcement efforts must coincide or at least be carried out by all parties,” said Len. He also reminded the public not to worry about the hornbill’s population as all eight species were not on the verge of extinction.

On Hose’s civet, many of which have been found in logging concession areas, Len said the animals were included under the protection and conservation programme as well. “Since SFC is conserving all wildlife deemed endemic in the state, all logging and conservation activities are monitored by the Forest Department. We are making sure that the animals are not harmed.

“The forest ordinance also covers conservation efforts. It is a total package, not separate issues. Even if a concession area belongs to a private company, SFC will study the area and restrict certain activities. I as the director issues logging permits. SFC is responsible for monitoring logging,” he said. He acknowledged that there have been a lot of foreign criticisms, critical articles and reports calling for more conservation efforts.

Rain Forest In Borneo

The nearest rain forest in Kuching is at Semonggok.

This National Park or a Nature Reserve is a Totally Protected Area where killing, injuring, capturing or disturbing any animal or taking or destroying any plant, egg or nest are prohibited.

Located mile 12, is about 15 minutes drive from Kuching International Airport.

Welcome to SARAWAK FORESTRY, and the unique vision we are planning to achieve - global recognition as the leader in tropical forest conservation and products.

They are entrusted to safeguard and sustainably manage the amazingbiodiversity, in Sarawak's forests - covering tens of thousands of species of animals, plants, fungi and other life forms.

http://www.sarawakforestry.com/

Rain Forest In Borneo

Vist us at Borneo Island and we will show you the love of nature

Borneo Homestay our 2010 main product: Ministry

By Geryl Ogilvy Ruekeith January 29, 2010, Friday

KUCHING: The Ministry of Tourism’s state office is targeting to make the Homestay business the main product for the Sarawak Tourism market in 2010 for its uniqueness and vastly increasing performance in revenue.The ministry’s state director Ahmad Johanif Mohd Ali said the Homestay business has the potential to complement almost all of the tourism marketing packages that the state has to offer.

“Sarawak’s main tourism strength is obviously the cultural, nature and adventure aspect. Along with the agro and eco-tourism that Tourism Malaysia is campaigning nationwide, Homestay business is definitely the front runner as a tourism marketing tool in the accommodation factor.
“The state is very rich in culture, for example, the Gawai Dayak celebration and the longhouses. These are things that only Sarawak can offer. It is our strength and now is the time for every player to step up his game in capitalising on this strength and enhance our niche product,” Ahmad added.

Speaking at the ministry’s Sarawak office’s ‘Briefing Session to Tourism Industry Players’ at the Grand Margherita Hotel yesterday, Ahmad suggested giving emphasis to promoting Homestay as the main attraction and selling point. He said the performance of the Homestay business is very encouraging as in 2009, the income of RM455,430 in revenue received is an increased of RM41,607 from the RM413,823 recorded in 2008.

Ahmad said Kampung Santubong Homestay generated the most income last year with a total of RM137,070 generated. Kampung Annah Rais came second with RM75,566. Although the volume of tourist dropped compared to the previous year, he said that the revenue increased due to the amount of tourist spending and this is what the state is promoting — Quality Tourism. On the state tourist target for 2010, he also highlighted that the ministry is seriously targeting about 3.6 million international tourist arrivals.

“3.6 million is a realistic target considering Tourism Malaysia’s forecast that Sarawak could attract at least 15 per cent of the national 24 million tourist target for 2010.
“Even though the tourist number dropped to 2.8 million last year compare to 4.5 million in 2008, the global economic recovery and the decrease threat of the Influenza A epidemic should be taken as a positive sign.

“Additionally, if we consider the hotel capacity state-wide and the increase accessibility to the state, the target is achievable. Now we need to be bold and confident in playing our role to achieve this target,” Ahmad stressed.
He also emphasised that the state also needs to tailor its industry to the sensitivity of current global issues.

Highlighting the ‘Go For Green’ campaign that the ministry has planned, he explained that it is important to take care of the environment and ensure the cleanliness of all the products.
He also advised to all the tourism industry players to try create more activities and promotions during the off peak period, saying the tour agents could create more packages and expand the tourist domestic destinations.

Among other activities in the planning, the ministry has plans to invite a total of 120 tour operators worldwide to visit the state in July. Ahmad said that the idea came about due to the success of the 2009 Megafam programme where members of the media around the world were invited to visit Sarawak.

During the time, they were accommodated at a Homestay in Santubong and the feedback was very encouraging. He said Malaysia only registered a mere 19 per cent of repeated visitors last year compared to Thailand which has a total of 54 per cent.

Ahmad stated that for this aspect to improve, the industry must improve its service quality as tourism is about hospitality. He advised every player to give their best service, be more creative and try to complement each other.

Homestay our 2010 main product: Ministry

By Geryl Ogilvy Ruekeith January 29, 2010, Friday

KUCHING: The Ministry of Tourism’s state office is targeting to make the Homestay business the main product for the Sarawak Tourism market in 2010 for its uniqueness and vastly increasing performance in revenue.The ministry’s state director Ahmad Johanif Mohd Ali said the Homestay business has the potential to complement almost all of the tourism marketing packages that the state has to offer.

“Sarawak’s main tourism strength is obviously the cultural, nature and adventure aspect. Along with the agro and eco-tourism that Tourism Malaysia is campaigning nationwide, Homestay business is definitely the front runner as a tourism marketing tool in the accommodation factor.
“The state is very rich in culture, for example, the Gawai Dayak celebration and the longhouses. These are things that only Sarawak can offer. It is our strength and now is the time for every player to step up his game in capitalising on this strength and enhance our niche product,” Ahmad added.

Speaking at the ministry’s Sarawak office’s ‘Briefing Session to Tourism Industry Players’ at the Grand Margherita Hotel yesterday, Ahmad suggested giving emphasis to promoting Homestay as the main attraction and selling point. He said the performance of the Homestay business is very encouraging as in 2009, the income of RM455,430 in revenue received is an increased of RM41,607 from the RM413,823 recorded in 2008.

Ahmad said Kampung Santubong Homestay generated the most income last year with a total of RM137,070 generated. Kampung Annah Rais came second with RM75,566. Although the volume of tourist dropped compared to the previous year, he said that the revenue increased due to the amount of tourist spending and this is what the state is promoting — Quality Tourism.
On the state tourist target for 2010, he also highlighted that the ministry is seriously targeting about 3.6 million international tourist arrivals. “3.6 million is a realistic target considering Tourism Malaysia’s forecast that Sarawak could attract at least 15 per cent of the national 24 million tourist target for 2010.

“Even though the tourist number dropped to 2.8 million last year compare to 4.5 million in 2008, the global economic recovery and the decrease threat of the Influenza A epidemic should be taken as a positive sign. “Additionally, if we consider the hotel capacity state-wide and the increase accessibility to the state, the target is achievable. Now we need to be bold and confident in playing our role to achieve this target,” Ahmad stressed. He also emphasised that the state also needs to tailor its industry to the sensitivity of current global issues.

Highlighting the ‘Go For Green’ campaign that the ministry has planned, he explained that it is important to take care of the environment and ensure the cleanliness of all the products.
He also advised to all the tourism industry players to try create more activities and promotions during the off peak period, saying the tour agents could create more packages and expand the tourist domestic destinations.

Among other activities in the planning, the ministry has plans to invite a total of 120 tour operators worldwide to visit the state in July. Ahmad said that the idea came about due to the success of the 2009 Megafam programme where members of the media around the world were invited to visit Sarawak.

During the time, they were accommodated at a Homestay in Santubong and the feedback was very encouraging. He said Malaysia only registered a mere 19 per cent of repeated visitors last year compared to Thailand which has a total of 54 per cent.
Ahmad stated that for this aspect to improve, the industry must improve its service quality as tourism is about hospitality. He advised every player to give their best service, be more creative and try to complement each other

Miri, the ‘natural’ destination for Singaporeans

SINGAPORE: Since the start of AirAsia’s direct flight from the Lion City to Miri in Sarawak last September, the former oil town in the Land of The Hornbills began to draw interest from visitors in this island state.Before this the holiday-makers from ‘Temasik’, as the republic was known in its early history, would travel to states in the Peninsula like Johor, Melaka, Pahang, Selangor and Kuala Lumpur to spend their vacation or to enjoy mother nature like going for jungle-trekking, mountain climbing and venture into the lush green forests apart having frolicks at waterfalls.
However, since the launch of the only direct flight that links the concrete jungle here to the logging town of Miri, Sarawak’s second biggest after Kuching, Singaporeans have started to switch their attention to this new tourism destination.

In truth, only the South China Sea separates Singapore from Sarawak, located to the island state’s northeast.

Despite being a mere one hour’s flight away from Changi to Kuching, Singaporeans have yet to be really familiar with the Land of The Hornbills.

The islanders only began to turn their attention to the states in Borneo when the budget airlines, AirAsia’ introduced frills-free flights from Changi to Kuching and Kota Kinabalu in Sabah in November 2008.

Since then, Singaporeans and the island’s expatriate community have started to visit Sarawak that they previously knew via books and other reading materials apart from travel brochures.
Before AirAsia flies to the republic, there are other flights from Singapore to Kuching by other airlines but the fare is not cheap and the flight schedule is not that frequent.
Due to the lack of transport and accommodation facilities in the expanse of Sarawak Singapore tourists visit only Kuching and the city’s fringe areas such as Santubong, Bau, Kota Samarahan, Lundu, Serian and Tebedu.

And, their visits were only restricted to attractions like the Sarawak cultural village in Santubong, wildlife park at Matang and Semenggoh, national park at Bako and Batang Ai apart from the Borneo Highlands, Tasik Biru, as well as the longhouses of Iban and Bidayuh located nearby.

As for those who visited Kuching, they were unable to enjoy Sarawak’s real ‘beauties’ despite the state being endowed with a rich natural environment that includes forests, hills and mountains, rivers and the enchanting caves apart from the culture of the more than 30 ethnic groups there.
Realising this situation, the Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) has initiated proactive measures and since last September promoted Miri in tandem with the move to introduce budget air travel direct from Singapore to that city.

The promotions were staged via tourism roadshows in Singapore and organised by the National Association of Travel Agents Singapore and Tourism Malaysia.

STB’s Letitia Samuel said Miri offers various attractions that are both unique and natural which their secrets have yet to be explored such as the Niah Caves and the Borneo jungles located not far from the city.

Those who fly into Miri from Kuala Lumpur or Kuching would usually miss out the Niah National Park and other places of interest located nearby as they prefer to visit the more popular Mulu National Park.

Hence, they used the Miri Airport as the transit point before proceeding to the Mulu National Park that has huge caves declared by Unesco as a World Heritage site.
Therefore they missed out the chance of viewing the caves at Niah National Park, said Letitia who is a Bidayuh from Sarawak.

Caves at the Niah National Park had been inhabited by the stone age man more than 40,000 years ago. The caves were only explored in 1957 when the then Sarawak Museum Curator Tom Harrison organised an archeological expedition to the caves that still exhibit the features left by inhabitants during the stone age.

Palaeolithic artefacts from the old stone age and the skeleton of the oldest modern man in Southeast Asia were found at these caves.The discovery showed that civilisation used to exist at these caves making the Niah National Park one of the most important archeological site in the world.

There are three caves at the Niah National Park — ‘Gua Pedagang (Trader Cave), ‘Gua Besar’ (Great Cave) and ‘Gua Lukisan’ (Painted Cave).
The Trader Cave is known as such as the cave is used by the local merchants as the trading spot for the swiftlet birdnest harvested from the caves at the park.
Visitors to this cave would find the remnants or sites of huts and sheds erected by the birdnest traders more than 50 years ago.

Even though the birdnest trading is not as brisk as it used to be in the 1950s until the late 1970s, visitors would still be able to see the activity being carried out by the locals. What fascinated these visitors was the sight of birdnest harvesters, with the torch tied to their forehead, scaling the wooden or bamboo ladder joined to each other to reach some ‘seven to eight storeys high, in order to look for the birdnest of the swiftlets in the dark cave.

As the raw form of the birdnest fetches the price of between RM3,000 and RM7,500 a kg, it is no surprise that the birdnest harvester are willing to be ‘daredevils’ and risk their life and limb in order to get this priceless commodity.

The visitors would also be able to visit the Painted Cave where one could find more than 100 sketches or Neolithic paintings from the new stone age along the some 50 metre stretch of the cave wall.

The paintings, of various shapes and sizes, are from about several centimetres to until one metre big. Some depicted the form of humans and boats apart from abstract and geometric shapes believed to have been drawn out using a red dye taken from the plants.

Therefore visitors from this region, including Singapore, would not have to travel far to places in Africa, Europe, West Asia or South Africa in order to view paintings created by the ancient man as the Niah Caves have a history of human civilisation.

Apart from that the vacationing tourists would also be able to view the breathtaking stalagtites and stalagmites and evidence of Tom Harrison’s archeological work in the Great Cave.
Besides these ‘enchanting’ caves, the holiday-makers who visited Miri would have the opportunity to explore the nature such as the lush green jungles apart from viewing the wildlife, picking local fruits and having a bath in the cool and clear water at the waterfalls.

A hotel operator, Henry Law Ing Hua, 59, built a resort named the ‘Borneo Tropical Rainforest Resort’ located next to the Bukit Lambir National Park. A mere 36 km away from Miri or 30 minutes drive from the Miri Airport, the more than 300 hectares-wide resort has some 50 rooms and chalets as well as a hostel for visitors who came in groups.

The resort, which opened in stages since June 1, 2007, offers various activities like jungle-trekking, negotiating the river on boats, viewing the livestock and night walk in the jungle.
The resort also has a campsite apart from activities such as abseiling, wall climbing and angling.
Sports such as futsal, badminton and basketball are also available.

There are also orchards that provide an array of local fruits including the jackfruit, cempedak, rambutan, dabai, longan, pineapple, mango, durian, guava, lime, ciku, papaya and banana.
The guests are allowed to pick and eat the fruits fresh from the trees. Law, who is the resort’s managing director, said he has plans to open a fenced-up safari-like area this year.

With that, Singaporeans who wish to visit mother nature would not have to go far to have this opportunity. — Bernama

2nd International Geotourism Conference

Register now for a RM 300.00 rebate The 2nd International Geotourism Conference to be held at the Royal Mulu Resort, on April 17 – 20 2010, is offering a RM 300.00 rebate to ‘Early Bird’ participants who register on or before January 31, 2010.

The regular fee for this international conference is RM 3,000.00, while the concession rate for students is RM 1,500.

The conference will highlight the status of geotourism as a conservation tool. It is intrinsically an educational process, a nature-based tourism activity uncovering a link between landscape and geology. The impact of geological landforms and activities on our lives can thus be better understood.

For conference registration, please log on to the website at www.globalgeotourism.com, and for further information please email; ggc10@aosconventions.com More Eastar Jet flights to Kuching/Miri Eastar Jet, one of South Korea’s low-cost carriers, will mount additional flights to Sarawak after April 2010; the augmented schedule will include Miri as an additional destination for the airline.

The inaugural flight to Kuching on early Christmas morning saw 114 Koreans, comprising golfers and students, escape their sub-zero winter temperatures. The subsequent flight on the early morning of December 28 saw more than 80 passengers heading for Kuching to spend their holidays in a pleasant tropical climate.

3 more charter flights will follow in January 2010. Year End Sale (YES) wraps up on January 3
Malaysia’s best shopping deal, the annual Year End Sale (YES), will end on January 3, 2010!
Business outlets including boutiques and retail centers participate in this much-awaited annual sale; special offers range up to 70% discount nation-wide. Missed this fabulous shopping opportunity? Not to worry -- the next round of Malaysia Mega Sale is scheduled to be held from July 27 to September 16 2010, organized jointly by the Ministry of Tourism and Tourism Malaysia.

Published by:Sarawak Tourism Board2nd Half of December 2009

Merdeka Celebration In Kuching

Celebrations scaled down, but spirit and flag still fly high By Georgette Tan and Lim How Pim
KUCHING: Anybody who is somebody in Sarawak was at the 52nd Independence Day celebrations that took place at the Indoor Stadium in Petra Jaya yesterday. And that was all to it, for it was a very much scaled down celebration, taking place indoors for the first time, too.
There were neat blocks of colours spread all over the audience gallery – people who were dressed in their respective agency’s uniform or designated outfit for the day.

A giant white banner with the 1Malaysia logo hung above the exact centre of the stadium, a reminder of what this year’s theme is all about. From the spectators’ point of view, things ran like clockwork. Some of the participants out on the floor even looked like clockwork, especially when members of the armed forces started marching or spacing themselves out evenly across the stadium.

Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud and members of his cabinet made up a small army in various shades of brown while Head of State Tun Datuk Patinggi Abang Muhammad Salahuddin came in a dignified dark grey suit. As Salahuddin, looking sprightly, inspected the long line of guards-of-honour, his escort slowed his pace to remain a polite distance behind.
When the guards were dismissed and the dignitaries took their place on the podium, the uniformed agencies marched in and took their places on the floor.

The representatives from various races were really walking rather than marching. There was no holding back on the colour and splendour of cultural costumes on display - feathers on head dresses standing high, brightly coloured kain sampin, flowers adorning hair buns, and tinkling bells and coins sewn to hems.

Malaysian flag and the stadium stood at attention as it was raised up the flagpole to the national song, ‘Negaraku’. For a few seconds, it hung dead on top of the pole, as if Nature also stood still in respect. And then a breeze from the air conditioner unfurled it and soon it was waving gently, like a picture from a postcard. This was followed by more singing. This time the songs ‘Jalur Gemilang, Tanggal 31’ and ‘1Malaysia’ were sung and played. Taib was invited to deliver his speech. He started softly but soon worked himself up into a fervour that had his audience clapping and sharing his sentiments.

A representative from the group on the stadium floor led everyone to reciting the Oath and Rukun Negara. He also struck an impressive figure in his full traditional Malay costume as he led the stadium in declaring, “Merdeka!”

There was a poem recital and an accompanying dance that was ‘invaded’ by the army who looked quite out of place until they threw themselves into formation and recreated a live version of the National Monument right on the stadium floor. This earned an instant cheer and lingering applause by a lot of impressed people in the gallery. When met outside, some of the state leaders happily expressed their views on the spirit of Merdeka and the 1Malaysia concept.

Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s Department (Bumiputera Entrepreneur Development) Mohd Naroden Majais extended his Merdeka wishes to all Malaysians, particularly Sarawakians, saying he hoped that they continue to stay united. “They should enjoy the progress brought by the government, which is for all irregardless of race, religion and skin colour. It is for all because it’s 1Malaysia, 1Sarawak,” he said.

Meanwhile, Balai Ringin assemblyman Snowdan Lawan said what he understood by the 1Malaysia concept was the continued stability of politics in Sarawak and Malaysia, in general.
“No single community will be left out and that means it is for everyone and all. What we want to create is one entity and this definitely will drive Sarawak to be better in all fields,” he added.

BORNEO RAINFOREST WORLD MUSIC FESTIVAL

KUCHING: The Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) still drew the crowd and met its target this year despite the economic downturn and the Influenza A (H1N1) scare, Urban Development and Tourism Minister Datuk Michael Manyin said yesterday 12 July 2009.

When I try to book a room in a good hotel in Kuching for my two auditors from Kuala Lumpur, all are fully booked accept one at Kingwood Inn at RM138.00 nett per night.

A section of more than 8,000 people who turned up for the RWMF Saturday night