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Educators Are ‘Game Changer’ Of The Nation’s Future

SIBU: Civil servants, especially educators, need to be open and ready to accept change for better progress. Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Native Law and Customs), Datuk Jefferson Jamit Unyat said educators are catalysts and ‘game changers’ for the future of our country. He said that using conventional approaches to solve problems or formulate policies will no longer be effective in the current era of artificial intelligence (AI). “History has proven that educators are effective and undeniable agents of change in the development and advancement of national education,” he said when officiating the Outstanding Service Award (APC) ceremony here on Saturday. Datuk Jefferson, who is also the Bukit Goram Assemblyman, also invited educators to appreciate the responsibility given as a trust that must be carried out well. He said that the Ministry of Education Malaysia is in dire need of professional, progressive, creative, innovative, skilled, and holistically wise employees to jointly make all government education policies a success. “Therefore, I would like to call on all school officials and staff to continue to provide effective, accountable, integrity-based, trustworthy and progressive services in line with the rapid transformation of technological advancements and the current sustainable digital era,” he said. He also quoted the words of the famous American civil rights activist, Martin Luther King Jr, “The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education.” At the end of his speech, he wanted the APC recipients to maintain the pace of excellence and commitment that has been shown so far and support the government’s efforts towards educational excellence in Kapit District. A total of 124 APC recipients who showed excellent performance throughout the year 2024 were celebrated at the ceremony. -UKASnews  

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RM6.5 Million To Upgrade Kampung Annah Rais As Bidayuh Cultural Heritage Village

PADAWAN: The Sarawak government has allocated RM6.5 million through the Greater Kuching Coordinated Development Agency (GKCDA) to upgrade Kampung Annah Rais as a Bidayuh Cultural Heritage Village, in an effort to strengthen community-based tourism in rural areas. This was announced by Sarawak Deputy Minister of Transport (Aviation and Road) and Mambong Assemblyman, Datuk Dr. Jerip Susil, when officiating the PETRONAS Gawai 2025 Driving Life Programme in the village, on Saturday. According to him, the initiative is part of the state's integrated development agenda involving the tourism, culture and agriculture sectors in rural areas. "Kampung Annah Rais has unique historical, cultural and Bidayuh heritage values. Efforts to upgrade tourism facilities here will not only provide economic benefits to the local residents, but also enhance our cultural heritage to the outside world," he said. The allocation will focus on upgrading basic tourism facilities such as visitor trails, handicraft spaces, cultural information centres, and community training in tourism management. Kampung Annah Rais, located about 48 kilometres from Kuching, is famous for its traditional Bidayuh longhouses, hot springs, and unique customs still practiced by the residents. At the same event, 200 underprivileged families from around Padawan Subdistrict received food basket donations in conjunction with the Gawai Dayak 2025 celebration, through a welfare programme organised by Yayasan PETRONAS in collaboration with the Kuching Division Resident Office and Padawan Subdistrict Office. PETRONAS Sarawak General Manager, Norazibah Md Rabu, announced that 585 families across the state received the benefits of this programme this year. Also present were the Kuching Division Resident, Dayang Joanita Azizah Abang Morshidi, Padawan Subdistrict Administrative Officer, Julius Scott Sapong and the Annah Rais Village Chief, Joda Mamung. - UKASnews  

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DBKU Wins Rosa Sinensis Award 2025 In Conjunction With National Landscape Day

JOHOR: Kuching North City Hall (DBKU) achieved great success when it was crowned the recipient of the Rosa Sinensis Award 2025 in conjunction with National Landscape Day, held in Pasir Gudang, Johor on Saturday. DBKU's first-ever participation in the prestigious award organised by the National Landscape Department (JLN) resulted in success when the Sarawak Botanical Garden was recognised as one of the five main recipients in the public garden category. According to a statement from DBKU, two gardens were competed for, namely Taman Perpaduan, Petra Jaya and Taman Botan Sarawak, Kuching, each highlighting functional, eco-friendly landscape designs that reflect local elements. "This success not only proves DBKU's commitment in empowering quality landscape development, but also serves as a catalyst to continue expanding efforts towards a green, sustainable and harmonious city in line with the aspirations of Social Malaysia and the National Landscape Policy 2020–2030," the statement explained. From 25 entries received from various agencies and organisations nationwide, only five were selected as recipients of the 2025 Rosa Sinensis Award, namely DBKU; Pasir Gudang City Council; Maran District Council; 101 Properties Sdn. Bhd. and Setia Frontainer Sdn. Bhd. The award presentation ceremony was officiated by the Deputy Secretary of the Ministry of Housing and Local Government, Zulkeflee Sulaiman. DBKU was represented by its Director, Ramzi Abdillah, together with the Acting Deputy Director of the Development and Landscape Services Department, Maggie Tomeng; Head of the Landscape Division, Mohamad Benjamin Julaihi Khan; and Assistant Landscape Architect, Evie Izzati Bohari. The Rosa Sinensis Award is the highest recognition of the National Landscape Department to recognise outstanding achievements in the development, management and maintenance of quality landscapes in Malaysia. This award also serves as a platform to promote landscape design innovation, sustainable maintenance practices and the use of local green elements in the development of the country's landscape. The Sarawak Botanical Garden, managed by DBKU, were recognised for their landscape design that highlights local biodiversity, sustainable ecological systems and an approach based on harmony with nature, in line with the green city agenda and environmental sustainability. - UKASnews  

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Celebration & Thanksgiving In Conjunction With Reappointment Of Senator Dato Ahmad Ibrahim

BATU KAWA: The Ma’al Hijrah 1447H Celebration and Thanksgiving Prayer on Saturday at Surau Darur Rahman, RPR Phase 2 Batu Kawa was embraced with a deep sense of gratitude and reflection. The event, jointly organised by Surau Darur Rahman and Wanita PBB N14, also marked the reappointment of Senator Dato Ahmad Ibrahim for a second term in the Dewan Negara representing Sarawak. The evening also included a recitation of Al-Fatihah in remembrance of the late Puan Sri Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tuanku Bujang. The event was graced by the presence of Penghulu Sariee Mansur, community leaders of the Islamic faith, councillors from Padawan Municipal Council, officers from the Kuching District Office, local residents, surau committee members, PBB members, as well as friends and supporters of the Senator. Also in attendance was guest speaker Ustaz Wan Lukmanhakim Wan Sajali, who delivered a tazkirah (religious talk) on the spirit of Hijrah, self-reflection, and strengthening of faith in facing modern-day challenges. In a brief interview, Dato Ahmad expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the renewed trust given by the Sarawak Legislative Assembly to continue serving as Senator. “Hijrah teaches us the meaning of positive transformation. Therefore, I see this appointment as a new Hijrah phase in my journey of service and responsibility to the people of Sarawak and Malaysia as a whole,” he said. He also extended his deepest appreciation to the organisers for hosting a gathering that fosters brotherhood, strengthens unity, and nurtures religious values within the local community. The ceremony concluded with a thanksgiving prayer and light refreshments, marked by a warm sense of togetherness and a shared hope that the new Hijrah year will bring greater blessings, prosperity, and success for all.-UKASnews  

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Mangsa Kebakaran Pekan Sangan Terima Sumbangan Tunai RM9,000

TATAU: Sembilan pemilik rumah kedai di Pekan Sangan yang terjejas dalam insiden kebakaran awal pagi Jumaat lepas, menerima sumbangan tunai berjumlah RM9,000 sebagai bantuan awal bagi meringankan beban. Kebakaran yang berlaku sekitar jam 12.40 pagi pada 27 Jun itu memusnahkan sepenuhnya sembilan buah rumah kedai berstruktur kayu dan turut merosakkan 10 buah kenderaan. Sumbangan sebanyak RM1,000 bagi setiap unit kedai disampaikan oleh Menteri di Jabatan Premier Sarawak, Dato Sri John Sikie Tayai semasa lawatan beliau ke lokasi kejadian pada Sabtu. Beliau turut meluangkan masa kira-kira sejam menyantuni mangsa dan meninjau sendiri kesan kebakaran yang berlaku. Dalam ucapannya, beliau menzahirkan rasa simpati atas musibah yang menimpa dan menasihati semua mangsa agar membuat laporan lengkap kepada Pejabat Daerah Tatau, Polis, Jabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat (JKM) dan Jabatan Bomba dan Penyelamat untuk tindakan lanjut. Turut hadir, Pegawai Tadbir Pejabat Daerah Tatau, Raden Azamry Raden Perhan. Pada sebelah petang pula, Dato Sri John Sikie turut berkesempatan merasmikan Pelancaran Kempen Keselamatan Kebakaran Rumah Panjang Serta Perlancaran Bomba Komuniti Dan I-Suri di Rh Jugah Injing. Menurutnya, setiap rumah panjang disaran menubuhkan Biro Keselamatan sebagai langkah proaktif bagi mengurangkan risiko kebakaran dan meningkatkan kesedaran keselamatan dalam kalangan penghuni. Beliau turut memuji inisiatif Jabatan Bomba dan Penyelamat menganjurkan program keselamatan kebakaran, susulan beberapa insiden kebakaran yang berlaku di kawasan luar bandar termasuk di Pekan Sangan serta Rumah Radin Nyawai, Jalan Bukut, Balingian, awal tahun ini. Beliau berkata, biro tersebut boleh memainkan peranan penting dalam mengingatkan komuniti rumah panjang agar mengamalkan langkah pencegahan, antaranya memastikan api dapur dipadam sepenuhnya selepas memasak. “Setiap rumah panjang baharu yang dibina juga perlu menitikberatkan aspek keselamatan seperti penggunaan dinding bata sehingga ke bumbung bagi memperlahankan penyebaran api,” katanya. Beliau turut menekankan kepentingan penggunaan khidmat juruelektrik bertauliah serta tidak berkongsi soket elektrik secara berlebihan. Sementara itu, Pegawai Bomba Mohammad Asraf dari Jabatan Bomba dan Penyelamat memaklumkan bahawa kebakaran rumah panjang masih mencatatkan angka tertinggi di Sarawak. Justeru, pihaknya mensasarkan penubuhan Pasukan Bomba Komuniti terutamanya di kawasan rumah panjang yang jauh dari balai bomba. Program yang dianjurkan itu turut diserikan dengan demonstrasi penggunaan alat pemadam api bagi memberi pendedahan secara praktikal kepada penduduk setempat tentang langkah-langkah pencegahan awal kebakaran.-EDISI UKAS

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Ngiling Bidai Zon Merit–Batang Rajang Meriah

KAPIT: Majlis Ngiling Bidai Gawai Dayak 2025 Zon Merit – Batang Rajang telah berlangsung dengan meriah dan penuh warna warni serta adat di Rumah Gilbert Usan, di sini pada Sabtu. Majlis disempurnakan oleh Timbalan Menteri Utiliti dan Telekomunikasi Sarawak merangkap Ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri (ADUN) Belaga, Datuk Liwan Lagang, yang hadir bersama isteri, Datin Rosnie Bilang. Majlis turut dihadiri oleh Residen Bahagian Kapit, Elvis Didit; Wali Kota Kapit, Lawrance; Penolong Pegawai Daerah, Anyie Awing; Penghulu Isit Nalo; Penghulu Abu Talip Mokthar; Kaunselor Aman serta Ketua-Ketua Kaum dari kawasan Merit dan Belaga. Ketibaan tetamu kehormat disambut dengan paluan gong dan tarian tradisional, mencerminkan kekayaan budaya Dayak yang terus dipelihara. Acara ini dianjurkan oleh Jawatankuasa Kemajuan dan Keselamatan Kampung (JKKK) Rumah Gilbert Usan dengan kerjasama Merit Ulu Leaders Action Committee (MULAC), sebagai sebahagian daripada sambutan penutupan Gawai di kawasan pedalaman. Sambutan Ngiling Bidai, yang secara tradisi menandakan penutup perayaan Gawai Dayak, menjadi medan penting dalam memperkukuh warisan adat serta jalinan silaturahim antara masyarakat pelbagai latar belakang.-EDISI UKAS

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29 Pelajar Cemerlang SPM 2024 SMK Meradong Terima Insentif Galakan Pendidikan

MERADONG: Seramai 29 pelajar cemerlang Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) 2024 dari Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Meradong telah menerima insentif penghargaan dalam satu majlis khas yang berlangsung di dewan sekolah berkenaan pada Isnin. Majlis penyampaian insentif telah disempurnakan oleh Ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri (ADUN) Meradong, Datuk Ding Kuong Hiing, sebagai tanda penghargaan terhadap pencapaian pelajar yang telah mengharumkan nama sekolah dalam keputusan peperiksaan yang lalu. Dalam ucapannya, Datuk Ding menegaskan bahawa insentif tersebut bukan sahaja sebagai ganjaran, tetapi juga sebagai dorongan berterusan kepada pelajar lain untuk terus cemerlang. “Insentif ini adalah motivasi kepada pelajar Tingkatan 3, 4 dan 5 agar terus berusaha mencapai kecemerlangan dalam peperiksaan akan datang,” katanya. Beliau turut menggalakkan lebih ramai pelajar menyertai aliran Sains, Teknologi, Kejuruteraan dan Matematik (STEM), selaras dengan keperluan semasa dan fokus pembangunan modal insan negeri. Menurutnya lagi, Kerajaan Sarawak akan melaksanakan dasar pendidikan tinggi percuma mulai tahun 2026 untuk anak-anak Sarawak dalam bidang teras seperti perubatan, kewangan, perakaunan dan undang-undang. Beliau menambah, bagi keluarga berpendapatan RM1,500 ke bawah, pelajar akan menerima elaun sara hidup sebanyak RM15,000 setahun bagi menampung perbelanjaan sepanjang tempoh pengajian. Sebagai tanda komitmen terhadap pendidikan di kawasan Meradong, Datuk Ding turut mengumumkan peruntukan di bawah Program Transformasi Luar Bandar (RTP) tahun 2026 berjumlah RM150,000 untuk menaik taraf prasarana Dewan SMK Meradong termasuk pemasangan penghawa dingin baharu. Beliau juga memaklumkan bahawa jumlah insentif pelajar cemerlang SPM dan STPM akan ditambah pada tahun akan datang sebagai galakan untuk meningkatkan pencapaian akademik. Turut hadir ialah Pengetua SMK Meradong, Poh Chie Teck dan Yang Dipertua Persatuan Ibu Bapa dan Guru (PIBG) SMK Meradong, Cherida Igu.-EDISI UKAS  

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Sarawak Full Gospel Church Bintulu Receives RM250,000 From UNIFOR

BINTULU: Sarawak Full Gospel Church Bintulu Branch received a contribution of RM250,000 from the Sarawak Government through the Unit for Other Religions (UNIFOR) in a cheque presentation ceremony held at the church, here on Sunday. The cheque presentation was officiated by Tanjong Batu Assemblyman, Johnny Pang Leong Ming. In his speech, he extended his appreciation to the church for playing a key role in strengthening the unity and harmony of the local community. "This contribution reflects the Sarawak Government's continued commitment in supporting the development of non-Muslim religious institutions in the state," he said. According to him, the government acknowledges the needs of churches and other religious bodies in efforts to improve their facilities and infrastructure. Johnny also hoped that the allocation could be utilised for building upgrading works as well as strengthening the role of churches in meeting the spiritual and social needs of the community. -UKASnews  

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Alta Moda Musical Soirée 2 Elevates Local Crafts To International Level

KUCHING: The combination of art, classical music, and local fashion design highlighted the uniqueness of Alta Moda Musical Soirée 2, which took place at the Waterfront Hotel on Sunday. The event, organised by Prodigy in collaboration with the Centre of Technical Excellence Sarawak (CENTEXS), was not just an art show, but also a platform for exposure to young local talents in the couture-inspired footwear industry. Through a strategic collaboration with the CENTEXS Shoe Artisan Course and PR Fashion Traditions Sdn Bhd, this event showcased the combination of local craftsmanship elements with classical opera performances such as Puccini's Aria and couture fashion, highlighting the aesthetic and sustainability values ​​in artistic products. CENTEXS Chief Executive Officer, Dato Syeed Wohd Hussien Wan Abdul Rahman said that CENTEXS’ aspirations were not only directed towards modern technology such as artificial intelligence and robotics, but also included the empowerment of the local footwear industry. “Through a meeting with Professor Jimmy Choo in 2022, the idea of ​​establishing the first couture-inspired shoe academy of its kind in the world was born. “As a result, we have sent almost 40 students abroad including to Indonesia and Italy to gain first-hand knowledge in this industry,” he explained. According to him, real-world experience has a greater impact than mere theory, in line with CENTEXS’ holistic approach to talent development. The event was also graced with special appearances by singer and Miss World Talent 2014, Dewi Liana Seriestha and Miss World Malaysia 2018, Larissa Ping, who showcased an exclusive shoe collection designed by Zamida Khadijah Abdul Wahed under the Ida Hanicomb brand. Alta Moda Musical Soirée 2 proved that when art and skill training are creatively combined, it can produce high-value products that are capable of penetrating the international market. -UKASnews  

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Kerjasama Semua Pihak Bantu JTK Wujudkan Ekosistem Pekerjaan Inklusif

KUCHING: Semua pihak termasuk majikan, pekerja, institusi latihan serta masyarakat setempat diseru untuk terus bekerjasama erat dengan Jabatan Tenaga Kerja (JTK) Sarawak dalam usaha mewujudkan ekosistem pekerjaan yang inklusif, adil dan progresif di wilayah ini. Ahli Parlimen Puncak Borneo, Datuk Willlie Mongin berkata, kerjasama ini amat penting memandangkan JTK Sarawak menjadi badan yang bertanggungjawab dalam memastikan kebajikan pekerja sentiasa terbela dan polisi terkini kerajaan dapat disampaikan kepada pekerja di seluruh wilayah. “Setelah pindan terhadap Ordinan Buruh (Sarawak Bab 76) dikuatkuasakan pada 1 Mei 2025, JTK Sarawak sangat proaktif dengan mengadakan pelbagai program serta inisiatif bagi memastikan pekerja serta majikan di Sarawak peka dengan perubahan dan penambahbaikan peruntukan dalam Ordinan Buruh (Sarawak Bab 76). “Antaranya ialah cuti materniti, cuti paterniti, waktu kerja yang dikurangkan dan pelbagai lagi, ujar beliau. Beliau berkata demikian semasa berucap dalam Majlis Hari Bertemu Pelanggan Kementerian Sumber Manusia dan ‘Flag Off Labour Go Rural Area Programme’ (LGRAP) 6.0 di Bangunan Sultan Iskandar, di sini, pada Isnin. Selain itu, Datuk Willie menegaskan bahawa, JTK Sarawak turut bertindak sebagai perantara dalam menyelesaikan pertikaian antara pekerja dan majikan secara adil dan beretika demi memelihara keharmonian di tempat kerja. Berhubung dengan LGRAP 6.0, beliau menyifatkan usaha murni ini secara langsung akan menyediakan satu platform bagi memudahkan orang awam terutamanya majikan dan pekerja untuk mendapatkan khidmat nasihat serta perkhidmatan yang disediakan oleh semua jabatan dan agensi di bawah Kementerian Sumber Manusia (KESUMA). “Inisiatif JTK Sarawak untuk menganjurkan LGRAP 6.0 merupakan sesuatu yang boleh dibanggakan dalam usaha untuk merakyatkan perkhidmatan kerajaan dengan kaedah pendekatan secara ‘outreach’. “Saya percaya dengan adanya program sebegini yang turut diselitkan dengan aktiviti pendidikan serta ceramah perburuhan, pameran dan kaunter khidmat nasihat, sedikit sebanyak akan menyedarkan orang ramai berkenaan hak mereka sebagai pekerja yang terlindung di bawah undang-undang perburuhan negara,” ujar beliau lagi. LGRAP 6.0 menyaksikan sebanyak 32 buah kereta pacuan empat roda akan berkonvoi dari Kuching hingga ke Limbang sebagai usaha menyampaikan maklumat terkini kepada masyarakat di luar bandar. Hadir sama, Pengarah Tenaga Kerja Sarawak Awang Raduan Awang Omar dan Pengarah Jabatan Keselamatan dan Kesihatan Pekerjaan (JKKP) Sarawak Jamadi Yusup. -EDISI UKAS