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Healthy Eating Culture & Active Lifestyle Should Be Instilled Among The Public

MIRI: A healthy eating culture and active lifestyle need to be inculcated among the people to ensure balanced physical, mental and social health. Sarawak Minister of Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development, Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah said that the theme of this year's Malaysian Nutrition Month and World Breastfeeding Week celebration, which is "Eat Healthy, Be Active - Prioritise Health and Wellbeing", is timely in efforts to educate and inculcate healthy lifestyle practices in the community. "It is a call to the entire community to pay attention to eating habits and physical activity for balanced physical, mental and social health," she said when officiating the Sarawak-level Malaysia Nutrition Month and Miri Division World Breastfeeding Week 2025, held at Bintang Megamall here on Saturday. Commenting further, Dato Sri Fatimah cited findings from the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) which is conducted periodically at the national level as the main reference in understanding the health status of the people. According to her, NHMS 2024 focuses specifically on nutrition, thus helping the Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH) identify gaps and issues related to nutrition in the country. “Based on the NHMS, the prevalence of overweight and obesity among adults in Sarawak increased from 48.5 percent in 2015 to 53.3 percent in 2023. “This means that more than half of the adult population is at high risk of developing non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease,” she said. According to her, among the main contributors to this problem is energy imbalance, especially excessive calorie intake from added sugar. “NHMS 2024 found that 63.1 percent of adolescents and 47.0 percent of adults in Malaysia consume sugar above the daily recommendation, and half of it comes from sugary drinks,” she explained. Therefore, Dato Sri Faatimah said, the government has taken progressive steps by imposing a tax on sugary drinks since 2019. Starting January 1, this year, tax rate will be increased to RM0.90 per liter, in line with the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO) to achieve a reduction of at least 20 percent in sugar intake through the price mechanism. She added that this move is supported by the implementation of the Strategic Plan to Reduce Sugar Intake Among Malaysians 2024–2030 which strengthens the cross-sectoral approach and comprehensive interventions. Dato Sri Fatimah also recommended that the community undergo free nutrition and health screenings provided at government health facilities as an early prevention effort. She stressed that the findings of the NHMS will form the basis for nutrition advocacy efforts by the Ministry of Health and the Sarawak State Health Department which will continue to be strengthened with a more practical and community-friendly approach. Also present during the ceremony were Sarawak State Health Department Director, Dr. Veronica Lugah, Miri Division Health Officer, Dr. P. Raviwharmman Packierisamy, Sarawak State Library Regional Manager Miri, Razak Rambili, and Miri Division Breastfeeding Ambassador cum Chairperson of the Miri Division Breastfeeding Support Group, Dayang Normaliza Awang Tambi.-UKASnews  

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Sarawak Continues To Champion AI Technology Development For Digital Transformation

MIRI: The Sarawak government continues to strengthen the digital transformation agenda through the implementation of various initiatives based on artificial intelligence (AI) including the establishment of the Sarawak AI Centre which will be the main driver of the development of this technology in the state. Sarawak Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts cum Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said, the Sarawak AI Centre will lead the integration of AI technology in the state's digital infrastructure through strategic collaboration with academic institutions, industry and government agencies. “One of the Centre’s key initiatives is the ‘AI for Smart Agriculture’ programme, which uses AI-powered data analytics to optimise crop yields and promote sustainability in agriculture. “The Centre is also pioneering projects in the health sector, such as predictive analytics for early detection of diseases, and improving energy efficiency through AI-powered smart grid systems,” he said. He said this in a speech read by Miri City Mayor and Pujut Assemblyman Adam Yii Siew Sang during the Postponement Ceremony of the SABERKAS North Zone AI Literacy Workshop at the Sarawak Islamic Complex, here, on Saturday. Dato Sri Abdul Karim said the AI talent development initiative was also implemented with the formation of an AI Unit in the civil service and the development of an AI data centre, in line with efforts to make Sarawak a high-tech hub in the Southeast Asia region. He also stressed the importance of AI in the administrative sector, including the automation of routine tasks, data analytics, improved user experience and stronger cybersecurity. He said the use of AI can save time, reduce operating costs and increase the accuracy of administrative processes. He also touched on Sarawak’s success in developing KETEQ AI, the world’s first AI-based power conversion device developed entirely by local talent under the Sarawak Semiconductor Roadmap 2030. “Sarawak is committed to not only achieving excellence, but also positioning itself as a globally recognised region for innovation, technological advancement and sustainable growth by not neglecting the key components of this strategy including strong data governance and the creation of a secure digital environment. This will protect the integrity and privacy of the system in Sarawak,” he said. Meanwhile, Dato Sri Abdul Karim reminded students to use AI technology responsibly and not make it a ‘shortcut’ in learning as its use is increasingly popular among school and university students. “Knowledge gained through one’s own efforts is far more meaningful than false victories that are only temporary. AI is a tool, not a replacement for human critical thinking,” he stressed. He called on participants to use AI wisely, disseminate the knowledge gained, and help the government cultivate the use of this technology for the common benefit. More than 60 participants consisting of SABERKAS members and the Northern Zone youth association attended the workshop adjournment ceremony organized by SABERKAS Sarawak in collaboration with SABERKAS Pujut Branch. The workshop included briefing sessions and presentations by various parties including CENTEXS, A.K. Resources, i-CATS, TEGAS, Maxis, and Zeitgeist Inspira Technologies Sdn. Bhd.- UKASnews  

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Cultural Heritage, Multi-Racial Identity Must Continue To Be Preserved

KUCHING: The cultural heritage and identities of the various races in Sarawak must continue to be preserved and strengthened so that they are not swallowed up by the tide of modernity. Sarawak Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Datuk Snowdan Lawan said that Sarawak has 34 tribes that have been gazetted and each brings unique history and cultural values. In this regard, he said, efforts to introduce, preserve and promote this identity, especially among the younger generation, must be given serious attention. "Sometimes these young people are too busy with technology and so on that they forget about the tribes in this state. "That is why it is our duty to ensure that these tribes continue because this is our identity, the identity of Sarawak," he said during the Ngarom Bisamah Ceremony of the Segu Bunuk Penrissen Association (PSBP) 2025 at the Multipurpose Hall of the National Dayak Bidayuh Association (DBNA), here, on Saturday. Datuk Snowdan added that cultural heritage is an important element in shaping the state's identity which is also the main attraction for tourists from home and abroad. "When tourists come to Sarawak, the first thing they want to see is our tribes because we are very unique - with traditional clothing and diverse cultures. This is what makes us special in the eyes of the world," he explained. Therefore, he called on Sarawakians who are abroad such as in Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah or abroad to always bring with them their respective tribal identities as a symbol of pride and self-respect. "If the child is Bidayuh, make sure they bring Bidayuh clothing. If you are Iban, bring Iban clothing. If you are Orang Ulu, bring what symbolizes your tribe. This is important so that they can show who they are, especially in official ceremonies," he said. Datuk Snowdan also announced an allocation of RM20,000 to PSBP in support of efforts to preserve local culture and traditions. Meanwhile, Puncak Borneo Member of Parliament and PSBP Patron, Datuk Willie Mongin, in his welcoming speech, suggested that this association could collaborate with other associations to strengthen community unity and strength. "If the other associations are on the verge of collapse, we help them. "I don't want to see our association to have the spirit of 'hangat hangat tahi ayam'. When it was established, we were enthusiastic. But over time, it faded and eventually sank. We must continue to move together and help each other," he said. He added that various programmes have been implemented by PSBP to help the local community, but he admitted that there is still much more work to be done. “We will continue to work hard, support the government, and play a role in the economic and political development of the state so that our responsibilities as a community continue to be fulfilled,” he said. Meanwhile, he also expressed his appreciation to Sarawak Deputy Minister of Transport and Mambong Assemblyman Datuk Dr Jerip Susil for approving the allocation to build the Segu Bunuk Cultural Centre, and informed that efforts are underway to identify a suitable land location. “We hope that with this allocation, in the future we will have our own cultural centre which will be a symbol of our community’s heritage and identity,” he added.-UKASnews  

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Engineers Retain Futsal Crown At IPG 2025

KUCHING: The Institution of Engineers Malaysia (IEM) Sarawak Branch has done it again and in style. The defending champions proved they are still the team to beat, retaining their futsal crown at the Inter-Professional Games (IPG) 2025 in an action-packed showdown at Arena Sukan, Kuching, on Saturday. Under the confident leadership of team captain Razmi Mohammad Omar, with Ir. Justin Yii Huong Swee steering the ship as the overall organising captain, the engineers put on a thrilling display of grit, skill, and unwavering team spirit. It wasn’t all smooth sailing, the team opened their campaign with a tense 1-1 draw against the ever-dangerous Pertubuhan Arkitek Malaysia (PAM). But that early stumble only lit a fire under the defending champions, who roared back with five consecutive wins, each more convincing than the last. By the final whistle, IEM had cemented their place at the top of the table, with PAM taking the runner-up spot and the Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA) settling for third. On the sidelines, the team had no shortage of support of IEM Sarawak Branch Chairman, Ir. Dr. Angelia Liew, IEM Young Engineers Section (YES) Director of Student Affairs, Dr. Tay Fei Siang and overall IPG 2025 Chairperson, Sr. Laura Yiin, were among the spirited crowd cheering on the players and celebrating the camaraderie the Games are known for. Now in full swing, the Inter-Professional Games continues to bring together professionals from all walks of life in the name of sport, friendship, and healthy rivalry. Beyond the trophies and bragging rights, IPG is a testament to the power of teamwork, mutual respect, and the bonds forged both on and off the court. Sports fans can look forward to more action in the coming months, with Golf teeing off on 17 August, Bowling rolling in on 24 August, and Badminton smashing into play from 20–21 September. -UKASnews  

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Larian Amal Semarakkan Sambutan Ulang Tahun Ke-97 SJK (C) Chung Hua Lingga

LINGGA: Suasana meriah dan penuh semangat menyelubungi pekarangan SJK (C) Chung Hua Lingga apabila lebih 150 peserta menyertai Program Larian Amal sejauh 4.4 kilometer bersempena sambutan ulang tahun ke-97 sekolah tersebut pada Sabtu. Program anjuran Persatuan Ibu Bapa dan Guru (PIBG) SJK (C) Chung Hua Lingga dengan kerjasama Che Chuan Khor Sri Aman itu bukan sahaja bertujuan meraikan ulang tahun sekolah, malah menjadi platform mengumpul dana pembangunan sekolah, memupuk semangat kesukanan dan mengeratkan hubungan silaturahim masyarakat pelbagai kaum di Lingga. Ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri (ADUN) Lingga, Dayang Noorazah Awang Sohor yang merasmikan program menzahirkan kebimbangan terhadap peningkatan kes buli di sekolah dan menegaskan semua pihak perlu memandang serius isu tersebut. “Ibu bapa dan pihak sekolah perlu bekerjasama rapat dalam memantau tingkah laku serta aktiviti anak-anak bagi memastikan keselamatan dan kesejahteraan mereka terpelihara,” tegas beliau. Beliau turut menyuarakan kebimbangan berhubung kadar pelajar berhenti sekolah yang semakin meningkat dan bertekad mencari jalan penyelesaian bagi memastikan masa depan generasi muda terus terjamin. Turut hadir ialah Pegawai Daerah Lingga, Frank Lani, Guru Besar SJK (C) Chung Hua Lingga, Khoo Hui Guan dan Temenggong Kueh Aik Seng.-EDISI UKAS  

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Tanjung Manis Fishing Safari To Be Included In Sarawak Tourism Calendar

TANJUNG MANIS: The Tanjung Manis Fishing Safari will be included in the Sarawak Tourism Calendar following the overwhelming response to the 18th edition of the event. Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, said that sport fishing activities are increasingly attracting the interest of international tourists and, if officially placed in the state’s tourism calendar, would further stimulate Sarawak’s tourism sector. “Just now, the General Manager of the Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (PUSAKA), Zainal Abidin Abdullah, proposed that the Tanjung Manis Fishing Safari be included in the Sarawak Tourism Calendar. “I will direct the Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, to ensure this programme is included in the tourism calendar so that we can develop it further to attract anglers from abroad,” he said. He made the remarks when delivering his speech at the closing ceremony of the Tanjung Manis Fishing Safari here on Sunday. Citing the example of Telaga Air, Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari pointed out that anglers from Singapore are willing to travel to Sarawak on weekends solely to venture out to sea for fishing. “This has the potential to become an industry, forming part of tourism that is closely linked to fishing activities,” he added. This year’s event was made more memorable when the Premier himself went out to sea to experience fishing firsthand, while also observing the effectiveness of artificial reefs that have been deployed along Sarawak’s waters. Also present were Deputy Minister of Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment, Datuk Len Talif Salleh, Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Corporate Affairs, Information and UKAS), Datuk Abdullah Saidol, Member of Parliament for Tanjung Manis, Ir Yusuf Abdul Wahab, General Manager of PUSAKA, Zainal Abidin Abdullah, Mukah Division Resident, Datu Kueh Lei Poh along with other distinguished guests. -UKASnews  

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Mesyuarat Exco PPMS Tekankan Kesatuan Demi Pembangunan Komuniti Melanau

MUKAH: Mesyuarat Exco Persekutuan Persatuan Melanau Sarawak (PPMS) sesi pertama 2025 menekankan kepentingan kesatuan dan kerjasama bagi pembangunan komuniti Melanau. Mesyuarat telah dipengerusikan oleh Presiden PPMS Tan Sri Dato Sri Dr Muhammad Leo Toyad itu yang turut dihadiri Timbalan Presiden PPMS merangkap Ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri (ADUN) Balingian, Abdul Yakub Arbi serta ADUN Tellian Royston Valentine bersama barisan kepimpinan persatuan yang bernaung di bawah PPMS. Dalam ucapannya, Tan Sri Dr Muhammad Leo menegaskan kejayaan dan kemajuan komuniti Melanau amat bergantung kepada penyertaan aktif semua pihak. "Kerjasama erat antara persatuan, kerajaan dan masyarakat merupakan kunci utama untuk mencapai pembangunan yang berkesan dan mampan," katanya. Beliau turut menggariskan beberapa inisiatif utama yang akan diberi tumpuan termasuk memperkukuh ekonomi komuniti, menyediakan pendidikan berkualiti tinggi dan meningkatkan taraf hidup masyarakat secara menyeluruh. Dalam pada itu, mesyuarat ini juga menjadi platform bagi setiap persatuan di bawah PPMS untuk berkongsi pandangan serta merancang langkah strategik demi memastikan pembangunan komuniti Melanau dapat dilaksanakan secara terancang dan berkesan. -EDISI UKAS  

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MOTAC Umum Pakej Pelancongan Istimewa Untuk Jururawat, Hargai Wira Kesihatan

SIBU: Kementerian Pelancongan, Seni Dan Budaya (MOTAC) mengumumkan pakej promosi khas untuk jururawat dengan tawaran tiket penerbangan serendah RM138 sehala bagi laluan Kuala Lumpur–Sibu dan Kuala Lumpur–Bintulu. Perkara ini diumumkan oleh Menterinya Dato Sri Tiong King Sing dalam Majlis Pelancaran Pakej Pelancongan Istimewa Jururawat & Majlis Makan Malam Penghargaan Anggota Kesihatan Bahagian Sibu 2025 di sebuah hotel terkemuka di sini pada Sabtu. Menurutnya, promosi itu sah untuk tempahan dari 1 hingga 13 September 2025 dengan tempoh perjalanan bermula 1 September hingga 31 Disember 2025 menggunakan kod promosi MALAYSIA68. “Jururawat hanya perlu mengisi nombor pendaftaran masing-masing ketika membuat tempahan. Saya juga akan berbincang dengan pihak berkaitan supaya doktor dan ahli farmasi turut menerima manfaat yang sama,” katanya. Tambahnya, Persatuan Hotel Malaysia menawarkan diskaun 10 peratus untuk penginapan hotel di Sibu, manakala usaha sedang dilakukan untuk mendapatkan potongan harga lebih tinggi bagi hotel di Kuala Lumpur. Ujarnya, taman tema utama seperti Sunway Lagoon, Genting Skywalk dan beberapa destinasi pelancongan lain turut menawarkan diskaun khas kepada petugas kesihatan dan keluarga mereka. Dalam pada itu, Dato Sri Tiong menyentuh isu kesihatan awam di Sibu yang berdepan penularan malaria, dan meminta pihak berwajib memberi perhatian serius. “Saya mohon jabatan kesihatan membantu melaksanakan aktiviti penyemburan (fogging) di kawasan terlibat. Ini penting kerana masyarakat masih bimbang akan risiko malaria,” katanya. Dalam pada itu, Ahli Parlimen Bintulu itu berkata, majlis ini bukan sahaja sebagai penghargaan kepada wira komuniti, malah sebagai platform untuk mengeratkan hubungan antara semua bahagian kesihatan. -EDISI UKAS  

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Ekspo Pendidikan Sarawak 2025 Buka Peluang Ilmu untuk Belia Belaga

BELAGA: Kehadiran lebih 350 orang, melibatkan pelajar, ibu bapa, guru dan komuniti setempat memeriahkan Ekspo Pendidikan Sarawak 2025 Peringkat Daerah Belaga yang berlangsung di Dewan Masyarakat Belaga pada Sabtu. Ekspo ini dianjurkan oleh Yayasan Sarawak dengan kerjasama Pejabat Pendidikan Daerah (PPD) Belaga, selaras dengan penganjuran serentak di 30 lokasi di seluruh negeri. Majlis penutupan ekspo tersebut disempurnakan oleh Pegawai Daerah Belaga Bidah Lujah, mewakili Timbalan Menteri Utiliti dan Telekomunikasi Sarawak, Datuk Liwan Lagang. Dalam ucapannya, beliau menegaskan, ekspo ini memberi manfaat besar kepada semua lapisan masyarakat, khususnya pelajar yang memerlukan maklumat tepat mengenai hala tuju pendidikan dan kerjaya. “Saya percaya pendedahan ini membuka minda pelajar mengenai pelbagai peluang pendidikan dan bantuan yang sesuai dengan minat mereka. “Kehadiran para pempamer yang sanggup datang jauh ke Belaga amat bermakna kepada masyarakat. Pendidikan adalah tanggungjawab bersama dan merupakan kunci masa depan yang lebih baik,” katanya. Tambahnya, ekspo ini memberi fokus kepada tiga komponen utama iaitu Ekspo Pendidikan Sarawak, Hari Kerjaya dan Program Kesedaran Pendidikan dengan para pelajar berpeluang mendapatkan maklumat terus daripada pelbagai institusi pengajian tinggi dalam dan luar negara, selain sesi bimbingan kaunseling, ceramah pemilihan kursus, serta pendedahan mengenai skim penajaan. Pada majlis itu juga, Yayasan Sarawak menyumbangkan RM73,000 untuk bantuan pakaian seragam melibatkan 375 penerima, selain RM28,000 biasiswa tempatan kepada 35 pelajar. Hadiah dan sijil turut disampaikan kepada pelajar cemerlang SPM dan STPM 2024. -EDISI UKAS  

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Kuala Balingian Semarakkan Kembara Merdeka Jalur Gemilang 2025

BALINGIAN: Suasana penuh semangat patriotisme mewarnai Dewan Masyarakat Kampung Kuala Balingian apabila Kembara Merdeka Jalur Gemilang (KMJG) 2025 Fasa 2 singgah sebagai lokasi ke-17 persinggahan program berkenaan pada Sabtu. Ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri (ADUN) Balingian, Abdul Yakub Arbi menyifatkan pemilihan Kuala Balingian sebagai salah satu lokasi konvoi sebagai penghormatan besar buat masyarakat setempat. Menurutnya, sambutan hangat masyarakat terhadap konvoi KMJG membuktikan semangat cintakan negara masih kukuh dan terus subur dalam kalangan rakyat. “Semoga KMJG di Kampung Kuala Balingian ini menjadi inspirasi untuk kita terus mempertahankan perpaduan dan keharmonian, asas kekuatan negara kita yang tercinta,” katanya. Mengulas tema sambutan tahun ini, “Malaysia MADANI: Rakyat Disantuni”, Abdul Yakub menegaskan konsep MADANI amat signifikan kerana menekankan nilai kasih sayang, keadilan sosial dan pembangunan inklusif. Katanya, ia selaras dengan aspirasi Sarawak Maju Makmur 2030 yang menitikberatkan integrasi sosial, pemikiran progresif dan pembangunan ekonomi seimbang. -EDISI UKAS