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LAKMNS Komited Tingkatkan Kualiti Pendidikan Di TATTARY

KUCHING: Lembaga Amanah Kebajikan Masjid Negeri Sarawak (LAKMNS) sentiasa komited untuk menyediakan kemudahan pendidikan yang kondusif kepada murid-murid Tadika Tahfiz Tun Abdul-Rahman Ya'kub (TATTARY), agar mereka dapat menjalani proses pembelajaran dengan lebih efektif dan berkualiti. Setiausaha Kehormat LAKMNS, Tan Sri Datuk Amar (Dr.) Abdul Aziz Husain berkata, setiap tahun, pihaknya terus memperuntukkan sejumlah besar subsidi untuk memastikan mutu perkhidmatan pendidikan yang ditawarkan di TATTARY adalah pada tahap yang optimum serta bergerak selari dengan keperluan semasa. "Kelas-kelas di TATTARY bukan setakat dilengkapi komputer dan televisyen sahaja, malah kemudahan internet juga boleh diakses di setiap kelas. "Kepesatan perkembangan teknologi memerlukan TATTARY bersedia untuk menyatupadukan platform pembelajaran digital ke dalam persekitaran pembelajaran sedia ada,"katanya. Beliau berkata demikian ketika berucap di Majlis Sambutan 15 Tahun TATTARY yang disempurnakan oleh Timbalan Presiden Badan Amal Tenaga Isteri-Isteri (SABATI), Dato Dayang Morliah Datuk Awang Daud yang mewakili Presiden SABATI, Puan Sri Datuk Amar Juma'ani Tun Tuanku Bujang. Dalam pada itu, tambah Tan Sri Datuk Amar (Dr.) Abdul Aziz lagi, salah satu elemen yang dititikberatkan oleh pihaknya adalah berhubung pembangunan guru. Menurutnya, LAKMNS telah membiayai 15 orang kakitangan TATTARY terdiri daripada pengurusan dan guru untuk mengikuti pengajian di peringkat ijazah sarjana muda dan diploma dalam pendidikan awal kanak-kanak di Open University Malaysia (OUM) bermula 2022. "Sejajar dengan saranan kerajaan yang mensasarkan guru tadika memiliki sekurang-kurangnya Diploma Pendidikan Awal Kanan-Kanak, makan LAKMNS telah menyahut saranan ini. "Kami yakin latihan profesional dalam bidang pendidikan awal kanak-kanak akan lebih memantapkan proses pengajaran dan pembelajaran sekali gus meningkatkan kualiti pendidikan di TATTARY,"jelas beliau. Pada majlis tersebut, Dato Dayang Morliah turut melancarkan buku 'TATTARY 15 Tahun Melakar Kenangan, Mengukir Masa Depan' terbitan LAKMNS, disusuli penyampaian sumbangan amal daripada SABATI kepada TATTARY berjumlah RM5,000. Turut hadir ialah Pengerusi Jawatankuasa Kerja SABATI Puan Sri Datin Amar Fatimah Mohamad Iskandar, Timbalan Menteri di Jabatan Premier Sarawak (Undang-Undang, MA63 dan Hubungan Negeri-Persekutuan) Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali, Pengerusi Majlis Kebajikan Dan Sukan Anggota-anggota Kerajaan (MAKSAK) Wanita Sarawak Datin Amar Baduyah Bujang, Ahli-ahli Lembaga LAKMNS, Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif LAKMNS Datuk Abang Abdul Wahap Abang Julai serta pengurusan kanan LAKMNS.-Edisi UKAS

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Miri Hosts 2024 Taste Of Borneo Carnival 3.0, Celebrating Unity In Diversity

MIRI: The 2024 Taste of Borneo Carnival 3.0 is in full swing at the Boulevard Shopping Mall parking area in Miri, running from 30 October to 10 November. This annual event, themed - Unity in Diversity, brings together Sarawak’s rich cultural mosaic, showcasing the harmonious coexistence of its many ethnic communities. Co-organised by the Sarawak Chinese Association and 19 other ethnic groups, the carnival aims to celebrate Sarawak's multicultural spirit and promote unity through cultural exchange. Sarawak Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts, Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew, hailed the event as a powerful symbol of Sarawak’s peace and unity, especially against the backdrop of global tensions. “In a world facing increasing regional tensions, Sarawak shines as a beacon of harmony, peace, and mutual respect, where people from all walks of life live and thrive together,” he remarked during his speech at the Taste of Borneo Parade on Wednesday at Boulevard Miri. He further highlighted that the state's strength lies in its diverse communities, whose positive contributions help build a model of tolerance and unity for others to follow. The 'Taste of Borneo Carnival' was first launched in 2017 and, after a brief hiatus, made its return in 2023. This year’s event has expanded its scope by inviting tourism boards from Sabah, Brunei, and Kalimantan, providing visitors with a truly authentic Bornean experience. “The Taste of Borneo is a showcase not just for Sarawak, but for Malaysia and Borneo as a whole, demonstrating the peaceful co-existence we aspire to pass on to future generations,” Datuk Sebastian added. Throughout the 12-day carnival, attendees can immerse themselves in traditional performances, savour local delicacies at food stalls, and experience cultural village tours. The event is also striving to achieve two milestones in the Malaysia Book of Records: Most Handicrafts Displayed in a Single Event, with over 400 crafts on show, and the Unity Bridge Greeting Display, featuring the phrase “How are you?” in 71 different languages and dialects. Among those present at the opening ceremony were Miri City Mayor and Pujut Assemblyman, Adam Yii Siew Sang, Presiding Officer for the Taste of Borneo Carnival 3.0 and President of the Sarawak Chinese Association, Ting Pang Soon, and other distinguished guests.-UKASnews

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Call For Unified Efforts To Achieve Sustainability Goals

KUCHING: Deputy Sarawak Secretary, Dato Sri Muhammad Abdullah Zaidel, has highlighted the crucial role of collective efforts among citizens, civil servants, and the private sector in realising Sarawak’s sustainability ambitions. He stressed that Sarawak’s sustainability vision transcends individual interests, noting that it is not just the aspiration of the Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, but a shared aspiration of all Sarawakians. “As a region, we must place a strong emphasis on sustainability within our economic strategies,” Dato Sri Muhammad Abdullah said, reiterating the importance of cooperation across all sectors to propel Sarawak towards its goal of achieving developed state status by 2030. He further recalled the Premier’s vision of a thriving society in Sarawak, "driven by data and innovation, where economic prosperity, social inclusivity, and environmental sustainability form the foundation of our growth." Dato Sri Muhammad Abdullah was speaking at the Seminar on Environmental Management for Sustainability, held at the Imperial Hotel Kuching on Thursday. The seminar brought together key stakeholders to discuss strategies for advancing Sarawak’s sustainability agenda. He also underscored the need for a clean economy, urging stakeholders to prioritise innovation and digitalisation over traditional resource-based industries, aligning with the state’s long-term objectives. In his concluding remarks, Dato Sri Muhammad Abdullah called for unity among all parties, urging the public, government officials, and private sector players to collaborate in synergy to achieve Sarawak’s shared sustainability aspirations. Also present at the event were Sarawak Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) Controller of Environmental Quality, Datu Jack Liam, Advisor for Climate Change and Sustainable Development, Department of the Premier of Sarawak, Ir Dr Angelia Liew San Chuin and other distinguished guests. -UKASnews

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Sarawak Governor & Wife Honour Literary Figures At 11th Sarawak Literary Awards

KUCHING: The 11th Sarawak Literary Awards was a grand affair graced by the Sarawak Governor, Tun Pehin Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, and his wife, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohamad Sanusi. Held at the Banquet Hall of the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly, the event was attended by prominent leaders, literary figures, and cultural enthusiasts to celebrate the outstanding achievements of Sarawakian writers. The gathering brought together the state’s literary community, language enthusiasts, and state leaders, reflecting their collective support for the development of Sarawak’s literary and artistic heritage, rich in cultural traditions. Tun Pehin Dr Wan Junaidi presented various awards during the ceremony, including the Special Language and Literature Award, Genre-based Writer Awards, Language Category Writer Awards, and the Aspiring Writer Award. The highlight of the evening was the announcement of Dr Abang Patdeli Abang Muhi as the recipient of the prestigious Sarawak Literary Laureate Award, marking him as the sixth to receive this honour. This recognition underscores his significant contributions to the literary world in Sarawak and his efforts to raise the state’s profile on the national stage. Also in attendance were Speaker of the Sarawak Legislative Assembly, Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar, Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation, and Talent Development, Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee, and Director-General of Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka Malaysia, Dr Hazami Jahari.-UKASnews

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Charity Work Enriches Lives & Builds Empathy

MIRI: Sarawak Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts, Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew, has underscored the transformative impact of charity work, both for those in need and for the individuals who give their time and effort to help. He emphasised that engaging in charitable activities goes beyond aiding others; it nurtures empathy and strengthens a sense of responsibility within the community. “Charity is a journey that not only supports those in need but also shapes our own lives. Through helping others, we uncover the deeper meaning of life and cultivate a sense of empathy. When we offer genuine support, we not only transform others' lives but also enhance our own personal growth,” he said during his speech at the Rural Community Service Appreciation Ceremony 2024 on Wednesday. Datuk Sebastian further highlighted the challenges faced by many individuals within the community, stressing that charitable activities serve as an essential means to extend warmth, love, and support to those who are struggling. He added that charity work provides an opportunity to bridge the gap between the more privileged members of society and those less fortunate, raising awareness of the disparities and fostering a spirit of compassion. Encouraging youth involvement in volunteerism, Datuk Sebastian remarked on the collective power of individuals to drive meaningful change. “Even small acts of kindness can have a significant impact on the community,” he noted. Also in attendance were Miri City Mayor and Pujut Assemblyman, Adam Yii Siew Sang, and other distinguished guests. -UKASnews

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Writing As A Catalyst For Nation-Building

KUCHING: Writing is no longer merely about documenting events but has evolved into a powerful catalyst in the development of a nation's civilisation. Sarawak Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation, and Talent Development, Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee, emphasised that the field of writing should be optimised to reflect the growth and transformation within society. He pointed out that every piece of writing must capture deep thoughts and the dynamic spirit of society in line with the changing times and the emergence of the highly technological Generation Alpha. "Changes bring us to the existence of Generation Alpha, or what is referred to as Gen 8. This generation is expected to become more materialistic, with their focus heavily influenced by a high-tech lifestyle," he said. He made these remarks during his speech at the 11th Sarawak Literary Awards, held at the State Legislative Assembly Banquet Hall on Wednesday. Datuk Dr Annuar also stressed that literary excellence should be a strategic principle in shaping the ideology of writing, producing works that not only raise awareness of the future but also have the potential to establish new paradigms. “Writers must incorporate dynamic and progressive methodologies in their works to support social justice and human capital development, striving towards building a knowledge-based society and a respected nation,” he added. The event was attended by Sarawak Governor, Tun Pehin Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, and his wife, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohamad Sanusi, as well as the Speaker of the Sarawak Legislative Assembly, Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar, and the Director-General of Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka Malaysia, Dr Hazami Jahari.-UKASnews

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Rundingan PETROS Sebagai Agregator Tunggal Pengagihan Gas Bersama PETRONAS Selesai

KUCHING: Rundingan Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (PETROS) sebagai agregator tunggal dalam pengagihan gas di negeri ini bersama Petroliam National Berhad (PETRONAS) kini sudah selesai. Premier Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg berkata, tempoh tiga bulan yang diberikan oleh Kerajaan Sarawak kepada PETRONAS telahpun genap pada hari ini, 31 Oktober 2024 di mana menurut beliau pihak PETRONAS telah memaklumkan secara tidak rasmi perkara tersebut kepada Menteri Utiliti dan Telekomunikasi Sarawak, Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi. Jelas beliau, PETROS akan meneruskan usaha sebagai agregator dengan formula dan prinsip-prinsip yang lebih terperinci akan dibincangkan kemudian. “Perkara itu telahpun selesai dan kita akan meneruskan usaha kita sebagai agregator di mana formula dan prinsip yang lebih lanjut akan dibincangkan kemudian. “Mereka (PETRONAS) telah memaklumkan pekara ini kepada Dato Sri Julaihi secara tidak rasmi tetapi surat rasmi akan kita terima kemudian,” jelas beliau. Beliau berkata demikian semasa ditemui pemberita selepas mengadakan kunjungan rumah terbuka Deepavali di kediaman Presiden Persatuan Tokong Sikh Sarawak Dato Dr Kalwinder Singh Khaira di sini pada Khamis. Mengulas mengenai Penangkapan, Penggunaan dan Penyimpanan Karbon (CCUS) di Sarawak, beliau memberitahu Kerajaan Persekutuan akan membentangkan undang-undang baharu di Parlimen pada Disember ini agar selaras dengan undang-undang yang telah dibentangkan Sarawak. “Apa yang kita perlukan ialah mengharmonikan undang-undang kita dengan pihak persekutuan dengan melihat kepada kepentingan mereka. “Kepentingan yang saya maksudkan di sini adalah apabila karbon itu hendak dihantar ke Sarawak, ianya memerlukan penghantaran rentas negara yang memerlu pengawasan mereka tetapi kalau sumbernya sudah sampai ke Sarawak, ianya akan menjadi milik kita,” jelas beliau lagi. Sempena sambutan perayaan Deepavali pada tahun ini, Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari meneruskan kunjungan dengan menghadiri majlis makan tengah hari sempena Deepavali bersama keluarga Shankar R.P Asnani bertempat di The King’s Curry. Turut hadir, Timbalan Premier Sarawak Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas dan Datuk Amar Profesor Dr Sim Kui Hian, Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi, Ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri (ADUN) Satok merangkap Pengerusi Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) Dato Ibrahim Baki, Datuk Bandar Dewan Bandaraya Kuching Selatan (MBKS) Dato Wee Hong Seng serta dif kenamaan yang lain. -EDISI UKAS

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40 Years Of Literary Dedication Earns Dr Abang Patdeli Abang Muhi Sarawak’s Highest Literary Honour

KUCHING: Dr Abang Patdeli Abang Muhi, a pivotal figure in Sarawak's literary landscape, has been named the sixth Sarawak Literary Laureate, marking the culmination of 40 years of deep dedication and passion for literature. This prestigious accolade, awarded by the Sarawak Government, recognises his significant contributions to elevating the status of poetry, short stories, and literary criticism, solidifying his place as a prominent literary icon in the Land of the Hornbills. “I am deeply moved and grateful. After more than four decades in the field of writing, this recognition is an immensely meaningful achievement for me,” Dr Abang Patdeli said when met after the 11th Sarawak Literary Awards ceremony on Wednesday. The event was officiated by the Sarawak Governor, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar. Dr Abang Patdeli, a former Director of the Language and Literature Development Department at Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) Kuala Lumpur, is widely respected for his critical approach to the advancement of language and literature.  Since being recognised as a Munsyi Bahasa (language expert) in 1995, he has consistently produced high-quality works that provoke thought and stir emotions, inspiring a new generation of local writers. The ceremony also honoured several other outstanding Sarawakian literary figures.  Jantan Umbat received both the Special Language and Literary Award and the Sarawak Writer’s Award for the Iban Language Category.  Abang Median Abang Said was recognised in the Poetry Genre category, while Jaya Ramba excelled in the Short Story and Novel category. Dr Dilah Tuah was honoured in the Literary Criticism category, while Lokman Hakim Abdul Wahid and Frankie Latit were each awarded the Sarawak Promising Writer Award. The presence of young writers at the event offered a glimmer of hope for Sarawak's literary future, signalling the continuation of the legacy left by great figures like Dr Abang Patdeli. Among those in attendance were Tun Pehin Dr Wan Junaidi’s wife, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohamad Sanusi, Speaker of the Sarawak Legislative Assembly, Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar, Sarawak Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development, Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee, and the Director-General of Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka Malaysia, Dr Hazami Jahari.-UKASnews

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Negotiations For PETROS As Sole Gas Distribution Aggregator With PETRONAS Concluded

KUCHING: Negotiations between Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (PETROS) and Petroliam National Berhad (PETRONAS) regarding PETROS becoming the sole aggregator for gas distribution in Sarawak have successfully concluded. Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, announced that the three-month period granted by the Sarawak Government to PETRONAS officially ended on 31 October 2024.  He revealed that PETRONAS had unofficially informed Sarawak Minister for Utility and Telecommunications, Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi, of the conclusion. He added that PETROS would now proceed with its role as the aggregator, with more detailed discussions on the formula and principles to follow. “The matter has been resolved, and we will continue with our efforts as the aggregator, where more detailed formulas and principles will be discussed later. PETRONAS has informed Dato Sri Julaihi unofficially, but we will receive the official letter soon,” he explained. The Premier made the remarks when speaking to reporters after attending a Deepavali open house at the residence of the President of the Sarawak Sikh Temple Association, Dato Dr Kalwinder Singh Khaira, on Thursday. Regarding Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage (CCUS) in Sarawak, the Premier mentioned that the Federal Government is expected to table new legislation in Parliament in December to align with Sarawak’s laws on the matter. “What we need is to harmonise our laws with the Federal Government, taking into consideration their interests. The interests here refer to the cross-border transportation of carbon to Sarawak, which requires their oversight. However, once the carbon reaches Sarawak, it will belong to us,” he added. In conjunction with this year’s Deepavali celebrations, Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari continued his visits by attending a Deepavali luncheon with the family of Shankar R.P Asnani at The King’s Curry. Also present were Sarawak Deputy Premiers, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Datuk Amar Professor Dr Sim Kui Hian, Sarawak Minister for Utility and Telecommunication, Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi, Satok Assemblyman and Chairman of Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB), Dato Ibrahim Baki, Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng, and other distinguished guests.-UKASnews

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Regatta Subis, Sungai Sibuti @ Bekenu 2024 Diadakan November Ini

BEKENU: Regatta Subis Sungai Sibuti @ Bekenu 2024 akan diadakan pada 29 November hingga 1 Disember ini di Grandstand, Esplanade Bekenu. Pegawai Daerah Subis merangkap Pengerusi Jawatankuasa Regatta Subis, Sungai Sibuti @ Bekenu 2024, Norlila Ulis berkata, majlis perasmian regatta akan dirasmikan Timbalan Menteri Pembangunan Wanita, Kanak-Kanak dan Kesejahteraan Komuniti (Pembangunan Wanita dan Kanak-Kanak), Datuk Rosey Yunus pada 30 November 2024. "Manakala bagi majlis penangguhan akan disempurnakan Timbalan Menteri Kesihatan, Dato Lukanisman Awang Sauni pada 1 Disember 2024," ujarnya. Beliau berkata demikian sidang media di sini, pada Selasa. Antara acara yang akan dipertandingkan seperti acara berkayuh yang akan melibatkan 13 kategori acara kayuh iaitu 30, 25, 20,15 dan 10 untuk pekayuh Lelaki dan Terbuka, 10 pekayuh wanita terbuka serta sambai Lelaki Terbuka dan lapan pekayuh 500m lelaki dan wanita terbuka. Selain itu, 500m lelaki veteran serta lapan pekayuh 500m 30 ke bawah lelaki dan wanita dan acara kayuh adalah 30 pekayuh marathon 5km turut dipertandingkan. Regatta pada kali ini turut dimeriahkan dengan pertandingan Pam Bot 7.5HP dan 3HP Open, 18 dan 15 Kuasa Kuda Bot Laju, 18 dan 15 Kuasa Kuda Bot Panjang, Tunnel Bot 30 Kuasa Kuda (2 Piston) serta gelaran Raja Sungai yang pastinya dinanti-nantikan oleh pengunjung khususnya di daerah Subis. Sementara itu, acara sampingan seperti Pentas Rakyat akan diadakan bermula 29 hingga 30 November 2024 di Arena Sibuti, Bekenu. Pelbagai aktiviti,jualan dan persembahan khususnya daripada penyanyi jemputan bakal memeriahkan lagi program ini sekali gus menarik ramai pengunjung baik dalam mahupun luar daerah Subis.  Turut hadir Penolong Setiausaha Majlis Daerah Subis Nur Farisha Ibrahim, Timbalan Pengerusi Majlis Daerah Subis Kaunselor Samli Tinggal serta yang lain. – EISI UKAS