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Sharing The Flavours Of Sarawak With The World

BINTULU: Visitors in search of “A Taste of Sarawak” can now take home a unique culinary treasure with CRAUNERA gluten-free sago cookies, the latest premium offering from CRAUN Research. Inspired by generations of sago tradition and refined through years of dedicated development, CRAUNERA transforms Sarawak’s humble staple into a modern delicacy that reflects both innovation and cultural pride. At the heart of CRAUNERA lies Sarawak’s own sago starch, naturally gluten-free and neutral in flavour. Through a carefully perfected recipe, this local ingredient is given new life as a delicate, crisp cookie that is both travel-friendly and elegant. The result is a contemporary snack with deep cultural roots—an authentic expression of Sarawak’s food heritage that can be enjoyed as a thoughtful gift, a souvenir of travel, or simply as an everyday indulgence. “CRAUNERA shows what happens when science, quality, and culture meet,” said CRAUNERA brand spokesperson in a statement. “We’ve taken a humble local crop and reimagined it as a world-class product that travellers can proudly share with family and friends. When tourists bring home CRAUNERA, they are sharing Sarawak’s ingenuity and warmth.” The cookies also highlight Sarawak’s identity as a land where tradition and modernity meet. Sago, long a symbol of Melanau food culture and a staple of local cuisine, is now presented in flavours that appeal to contemporary tastes, Original in an oatmeal style, Matcha, and Chocolate. Each variety offers a distinctive take on the versatility of sago, proving that an age-old ingredient can be enjoyed in new and delightful ways. Beyond flavour, CRAUNERA carries with it the story of Sarawak’s people and place. Its elegant, suitcase-friendly packaging and shelf-stable format were designed with travellers in mind, ensuring that the spirit of Sarawak can be shared far beyond its borders. Every jar captures the gentle character of sago—subtle, versatile, and unmistakably Sarawakian. With CRAUNERA, Sarawak’s culinary identity finds a place on the world stage. -UKASnews

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Sarawak Berati Chara Baru Mutar Isu Pengerai Runding enggau Gian Digital

KUCHING: Perintah Sarawak benung ngelangkar polisi baru ti komprehensif agi dikena mutar isu pengerai runding, gian digital sereta pemar rama ba rayat moden. Pekara tu disebut Sapit Premier Sarawak, Datuk Amar Prof. Dr. Sim Kui Hian berindik ari kes tusut runding ke majak mayuh ti ngirau ke ati ketegal gaya pengidup maya hari tu. ”Pengerai Runding sigi pedis diperagam, sema jaku, semua orang ba dunya bisi tusut runding, tang ti mida sida nya, baka ni kitai napi sereta mutar.” ”Ari peneras ubah jeman digital, pengawa bekenaka ’smart phone’, sukung ke majak kurang nyentuk bisi diri sebilik enda entu bejaku enggau pangan diri,” ku iya nerang. Kelimpah ari nya, isu pengerai runding diatu ngelui ari pekara perubat, lalu patut diputar semua agensi ke bekaul mungkur polisi rama, pelajar enggau saup komuniti. “Pengerai runding ukai semina isu perubat. Sebaka pelajar, nya ukai semina pasal belajar aja, nya siti langkar transformasyen ekonomi. Baka nya mega pengerai runding, iya ukai semina bekaul pengerai, tang mega isu rama enggau gian.” Iya nyemetak madah ke semua ke bekaul patut besaup ngelangkar polisi enggau intervensyen ti engkeman, nyengkaum mutar isu baka bejudi ’online’, salah guna media rama enggau gian digital. “Semua ke bisi kuasa patut duduk semija berandauka baka ni deka mutar, intervensyen ti patut dipejalai sereta polisi ti engkeman diletak. Pekara tu patut dipejalaika bemacham agensi.” Dr. Sim nyemetak madah, pemesai reti pengeleda enggau sukung psikologi ba mutar isu tu laban tiap iku mensia patut bisi chara kediri mutar isu pengerai runding lalu nadai siti chara ti engkeman ungkup semua. Inisiatif tu disadang deka dirandau begulai enggau Premier Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Abang Openg sereta raban pemesai nengeri enda lama agi, nyadi singkang tumu nempa polisi pengerai runding ti holisitk agi sereta besepadu.-EDISI UKAS

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445 Peserta Jayakan Bung Sadung Climbathon 2025

SERIAN: Seramai 445 peserta dari dalam dan luar negara telah menyertai Bung Sadung Climbathon Trail Challenge 2025 edisi ke-6. Acara tahunan anjuran bersama Majlis Daerah Serian (MDS) dan Jawatankuasa Kemajuan dan Keselamatan Kampung (JKKK) Kampung Bunga itu menampilkan cabaran mendaki ke puncak Gunung Sadung setinggi 753 meter dari paras laut, melalui trek hutan sejauh 7 kilometer yang penuh dengan cabaran fizikal dan mental. Bagi peserta yang mahu sekadar menikmati pengalaman santai, kategori Fun Hike 3KM turut dibuka kepada semua peringkat umur. Edisi kali ini mencatat peningkatan penyertaan berbanding tahun lalu, sekali gus menandakan minat masyarakat terhadap sukan rekreasi semakin berkembang. Lebih mengujakan, hadiah wang tunai keseluruhan berjumlah RM20,500 beserta medal dan piala menanti para pemenang. Menteri Pendidikan, Inovasi dan Pembangunan Bakat Sarawak, Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn menyifatkan Climbathon ini membentuk generasi muda yang lebih berdisiplin dan sihat. “Pendakian ini mendidik generasi muda supaya lebih berdisiplin, optimistik dan berani mendepani cabaran hidup. Pada masa sama, ia memperkukuh silaturahim serta membentuk gaya hidup sihat dalam kalangan masyarakat kita,” katanya semasa berucap dalam majlis perasmian acara berkenaan, di sini, pada Ahad. Beliau yang juga Ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri (ADUN) Tarat turut mengiktiraf usaha penganjur yang menyediakan gerai jualan hasil kampung dan produk tempatan sepanjang program, yang secara langsung membantu meningkatkan pendapatan penduduk serta mempromosikan Serian sebagai destinasi ekopelancongan. Selain itu, cabaran mendaki ini turut menyerlahkan bakat-bakat baharu dalam sukan lasak. Antara yang mencuri tumpuan ialah Arikchely Ariyl Arikah dari Sabah yang menjuarai kategori Open Men, manakala Lim Siet Fah dari Sarawak muncul juara kategori Open Women. Kategori Junior Boy pula dikuasai oleh anak tempatan, Fedderick Awal Saga dari Sarawak, manakala Sharifah Rizqah Humaira Wan Hossin menjuarai kategori Junior Girl. Kemenangan lain termasuklah Samson Karega dari Kenya (naib juara Open Men, Joyce Ho Hie Knew (juara Veteran Women), serta Jasuel Lukim dari Sarawak yang dinobatkan juara Senior Men. Hadir sama, Ahli Parlimen Puncak Borneo Datuk Willie Mongin, Pengerusi MDS Dato Peter Minos, Ketua Penolong Setiausaha Tetap Kementerian Pelancongan, Industri Kreatif dan Seni Persembahan Sarawak (MTCP) Tracy Evon, Pegawai Daerah Siburan Ranum Bari, Pegawai Daerah Serian Inting Nyami dan Setiausaha MDS Tay Guan Huat. -EDISI UKAS

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Siol International Mountain Bike Challenge 2025 Elevates Sarawak As A World-Class MTB Destination

KUCHING: The Siol International Mountain Bike Challenge (SIMBC) 2025 concluded on a high note after three days of adrenaline-pumping action at the iconic Bukit Siol MTB Track, marking the 10th edition of the prestigious event. This year’s challenge drew 162 riders from seven countries, which are Japan, Singapore, the Philippines, Brunei, Indonesia, Chinese Taipei, and Malaysia, solidifying its reputation as one of the region’s most competitive mountain bike races. The event also achieved a new milestone when the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) awarded it Class 1 (C1) status, placing Sarawak alongside international MTB destinations such as Switzerland, Spain, and Austria. Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, said SIMBC 2025 reflects Sarawak’s ability to host world-class sports in the heart of Kuching. “We are fortunate to have Bukit Siol as a natural terrain suitable for international MTB championships. With UCI Class 1 status, we will continue to make this event bigger and welcome more countries in the future,” he said. Dato Sri Abdul Karim also noted that Bukit Siol, managed by Kuching North City Hall (DBKU) and Sarawak Forestry Corporation, would remain open to the public while continuing to host major tournaments. “This park is a nature park. It cannot be disturbed, but for events like this, it can be used. The track will likely be re-arranged and improved in the coming years, God willing,” he explained. Meanwhile, DBKU Mayor Dato Hilmy Othman assured that DBKU would continue enhancing the track’s infrastructure to maintain its international standards. “With the Ministry’s support, DBKU will improve this event so it can reach the next level. We aim to maintain its UCI Class 1 status,” he said. The challenge featured five main categories — Cross Country Olympic (XCO), Downhill Individual (DHI), Cross Country Short Course (XCC), Cross Country Eliminator (XCE), and Cross Country Relay (XCR). Among the highlights was the relay race, first introduced at Bukit Siol, which Abdul Karim said could one day be adopted into larger international tournaments. Dato Sri Abdul Karim confirmed that SIMBC is now part of the official sports calendar, further boosting Sarawak’s visibility on the international stage. “The name Siol International Mountain Bike has become famous among MTB racers worldwide,” he added. SIMBC 2025 once again demonstrated Sarawak’s capability as a world-class sports destination while strengthening talent development and fostering international friendship through extreme sports. -UKASnews

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Hari Pahlawan Kapit 2025 Kenang Jasa Pewira Negara, Semai Semangat Patriotisme

KAPIT: Sambutan Hari Pahlawan Peringkat Bahagian Kapit 2025 yang berlangsung di Tugu Bujang Berani, Waterfront Baru Kapit hari ini menjadi wadah memperingati jasa serta pengorbanan perwira negara yang telah mengorbankan nyawa demi keamanan tanah air. Majlis anjuran Persatuan Veteran Tentera Malaysia (PVATM) Cawangan Kapit itu menghimpunkan kira-kira 250 peserta termasuk 180 veteran Angkatan Tentera Malaysia (ATM) dan Polis Diraja Malaysia (PDRM) dari seluruh Sarawak. Acara penuh makna itu disempurnakan oleh Timbalan Menteri di Jabatan Premier Sarawak (Undang-Undang dan Adat Bumiputera) merangkap Ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri (ADUN) Bukit Goram, Datuk Jefferson Jamit Unyat. Turut hadir ialah Pegawai Tugas Khas Kementerian Sumber Asli dan Pembangunan Bandar, Leftenan Jeneral (B) Datuk Stephen Mundaw, Residen Bahagian Kapit Tuan Elvis Didit, selain pimpinan masyarakat, balu dan keluarga veteran. Dalam ucapannya, Datuk Jefferson menegaskan bahawa Hari Pahlawan bukan sekadar acara tahunan, sebaliknya satu platform penting untuk menyemai semangat patriotisme dalam kalangan rakyat, khususnya generasi muda. “Keamanan dan pembangunan yang dinikmati hari ini tidak mungkin dicapai tanpa pengorbanan pahlawan negara. “Kita perlu menghargai jasa mereka dengan menanamkan nilai patriotik dalam diri setiap warga Malaysia,” katanya. Beliau turut mengimbau keberanian PW II Lenggu Cina dari Kapit yang gugur dalam pertempuran di Batu Babi, Song, ketika menentang pengganas komunis sebagai contoh teladan wira yang wajar dikenang. Sebagai tanda penghargaan terhadap jasa veteran, Datuk Jefferson mengumumkan peruntukan RM30,000 melalui Projek Kecil Luar Bandar (MRP) bagi membantu pengurusan serta baik pulih Wisma Veteran PVATM Cawangan Kapit. Majlis berakhir dengan sesi bergambar bersama para veteran ATM, PDRM, balu serta keluarga pahlawan sebagai simbol penghargaan terhadap bakti dan pengorbanan mereka kepada negara. Sambutan penuh makna ini bukan sahaja memperingati sejarah perjuangan perwira negara, malah menjadi pengikat semangat patriotisme yang terus segar dalam jiwa rakyat Malaysia. — EDISI UKAS

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Lawas Bridge Project Records Steady Progress, Completion Targeted For 2026

LAWAS: The proposed new Lawas bridge project has reached 62.6 per cent completion and remains on schedule for delivery by the fourth quarter of 2026. Sarawak Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, who also serves as Chairman of the Northern Region Development Agency (NRDA), visited the project site on Sunday. Once completed, the bridge is expected to significantly improve connectivity in the Northern Region, providing smoother accessibility while facilitating trade and economic activities. The project is also anticipated to serve as a catalyst for socio-economic development, benefiting the people of Lawas and neighbouring areas. Also present were Chief Executive Officer of RECODA, Datuk Ismawi Ismuni, Regional Director of NRDA, Datu Ubaidillah Abdul Latip as well as representatives from the Limbang Resident Office, Lawas District Office, Lawas District Council, Land and Survey Department, and the project’s lead consultant. -UKASnews

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CPR Training & Mental Health Awareness Key To Tackling Modern Lifestyle Challenges

KUCHING: The need for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training and the use of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) is becoming increasingly urgent amid rising cases of heart disease and mounting mental health challenges in today’s modern society. Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Prof. Dr. Sim Kui Hian stressed that awareness and education on CPR and AED use are vital, as these skills can save lives in critical situations. “Mental wellbeing is extremely important and will become even more significant as lifestyles continue to accelerate. In the rush of modern life, many people do not know who they can talk to. As a result, they feel increasingly lonely and isolated because they have no outlet to share their struggles,” he said. Datuk Amar Dr. Sim, who is also the Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government, said this when officiating the Mental Health and Lifesaving Skills Training Programme themed ‘Mind, Heart & Hands: Empowering Wellness, Saving Lives’ here on Sunday. The programme, which gathered more than 120 participants, focused on raising mental health awareness through a special talk, as well as intensive CPR and AED training conducted by certified trainers from the Malaysian Red Crescent. In his speech, Datuk Amar Dr. Sim also highlighted that holistic wellbeing must encompass both mental and physical health, while commending the spirit of volunteerism among youths who play an important role in fostering a more caring and emergency-ready society. “There are many things that involve both the mind and the heart, and they must go hand in hand. More importantly, we are gathered here because of our love and care for Sarawak. This is why you are all here, and it is also part of our effort to build the Sarawak nation,” he said. The programme is regarded as a vital platform to empower Sarawakian youths with knowledge and practical skills that contribute positively to the wellbeing of society. -UKASnews

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Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Tinjau Kemajuan Projek Jambatan Lawas Baharu

LAWAS: Timbalan Premier Sarawak merangkap Pengerusi Agensi Pembangunan Wilayah Utara (NRDA), Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan mengadakan lawatan kerja ke tapak Projek Jambatan Lawas yang baharu, pada Sabtu. Lawatan itu bertujuan meninjau perkembangan projek strategik yang kini telah mencapai 62.6 peratus kemajuan fizikal dan dijangka siap sepenuhnya pada suku keempat tahun 2026. Turut serta ialah Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Lembaga Pembangunan Koridor Wilayah (RECODA), Datuk Ismawi Ismuni, Pengarah Wilayah NRDA, Datu Ubaidillah Abdul Latip, wakil dari Pejabat Residen Limbang, Pejabat Daerah Lawas, Jabatan Tanah dan Survei serta perunding utama projek. Projek Jambatan Lawas baharu merupakan antara inisiatif pembangunan utama di bawah NRDA dengan seliaan RECODA bagi memperkukuh rangkaian infrastruktur asas di wilayah utara. Apabila siap kelak, jambatan tersebut akan memperkukuh sistem jalan raya di kawasan berkenaan, melancarkan perhubungan, serta meningkatkan aksesibiliti penduduk. Selain itu, projek berimpak tinggi ini turut dijangka menjadi pemangkin utama dalam merancakkan perdagangan, mempercepat pembangunan setempat dan merangsang pertumbuhan sosioekonomi di daerah Lawas serta kawasan sekitarnya.-EDISI UKAS Foto: NRDA

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Sarawak Plans New Approach To Address Mental Health & Digital Addiction

KUCHING: The Sarawak Government is formulating a new and more comprehensive policy framework to address mental health concerns, digital addiction, and increasingly complex social challenges in today’s society. This was highlighted by Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Prof. Dr. Sim Kui Hian, following growing concern over the rising number of mental health cases linked to fast-paced lifestyles and shifting patterns of family communication. “Mental health is very difficult to measure. Almost everyone in the world has some form of mental health issue, but what makes the difference is how we cope with it. “With the rapid changes of the digital era, smartphones and other devices have reduced support networks, to the extent that some families are interacting less with each other,” he explained. He further noted that family interaction is becoming increasingly limited, often confined to short text messages on mobile phones, reflecting the decline in meaningful face-to-face conversations within households today. Datuk Amar Dr. Sim emphasised that mental health is no longer merely a medical issue but must be addressed through cross-agency collaboration involving social policy, education, and community support. “Mental health is not just about medicine. Just like education, it is not only about knowledge, but also a form of economic transformation. Similarly, mental health is not just about health, but also about social issues and addiction,” he said. He stressed the need for stakeholders to come together to design appropriate policies and interventions, particularly in tackling online gambling, cyberbullying, and digital dependency. “All stakeholders must sit together to discuss the kind of support to be provided, the interventions to be implemented, and the policies to be formulated. This must be carried out across multiple agencies,” he added. Datuk Amar Dr. Sim also underlined the importance of awareness and psychological support in managing mental health issues, noting that every individual must find their own way of coping with stress, as there is no single solution that fits all. The initiative is expected to be discussed soon with Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Abang Openg, and the state leadership as an initial step towards establishing a more holistic and integrated mental health policy. -UKASnews

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STEM Asas Kemajuan dan Inovasi

MUKAH: Ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri (ADUN) Tellian, Royston Valentine menegaskan penguasaan dalam bidang Sains, Teknologi, Kejuruteraan dan Matematik (STEM) bukan lagi pilihan, sebaliknya asas kepada kemajuan dan inovasi negara. “Negara yang menguasai STEM bukan sekadar menjadi pengguna teknologi, tetapi juga pencipta serta peneraju inovasi di peringkat antarabangsa,” katanya. Beliau berkata demikian ketika merasmikan Majlis Penutupan Karnival STEM @ Mukah 2025 yang berlangsung di Dewan Serbaguna, Politeknik Mukah, pada Sabtu. Royston menambah, inisiatif memperkukuh penguasaan STEM selaras dengan agenda kerajaan negeri menerusi Sarawak Digital Economy Blueprint dan Strategi Pembangunan Pasca COVID-19 (PCDS 2030) yang menekankan pembangunan tenaga kerja berkemahiran tinggi. “Kedua-dua agenda ini menjadi landasan bagi menjadikan Sarawak hab industri berteknologi tinggi di rantau ini,” jelas beliau. Karnival tersebut menghimpunkan pelajar, pendidik dan institusi pendidikan dengan pelbagai pertandingan serta pameran berasaskan STEM termasuk robotik, inovasi dan cabaran penyelesaian masalah. Royston turut berbangga dengan kreativiti pelajar yang disifatkan berpotensi memimpin masa depan Sarawak. “Kegagalan adalah sebahagian daripada perjalanan, malah setiap cabaran merupakan batu loncatan kepada kejayaan inovasi,” ujarnya sambil menggesa pelajar terus berani mengejar minat dalam bidang STEM. Majlis penutupan itu sekali gus menandakan kejayaan penganjuran Karnival STEM @ Mukah 2025 yang dilihat mampu melahirkan bakat muda berdaya saing ke arah merealisasikan Sarawak sebagai negeri maju dan berteknologi tinggi menjelang 2030.-EDISI UKAS