Latest news with #AbdulKarimRahmanHamzah
Borneo Post
6 hours ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Pontianak-Kuching flights to resume Sept 12, boosting tourism and connectivity
Abdul Karim (centre) speaks to reporters. – Photo by Henrietta Liza KUCHING (July 25): The long-awaited resumption of the direct Pontianak-Kuching flight route is set for this Sept 12, a move expected to significantly enhance regional connectivity while boosting Sarawak's medical tourism and live entertainment sectors. Sarawak Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, has confirmed that although the final official confirmation is pending, initial indications suggest the route will operate two flights daily. 'It's about RM180 for a one-way trip, if I'm not mistaken,' he told reporters at the launch of Air Supply's 50th anniversary concert, here today. Abdul Karim highlighted the strategic timing of the flight resumption, coinciding with the concert scheduled for Sept 24. 'The event is expected to attract a sizeable number of fans from Indonesia, particularly from Pontianak. 'There are a lot of rich people down there (in Pontianak). Every time we host a concert, many of them come by road. 'During last year's countdown event, the Tebedu CIQS (Customs, Immigration and Quarantine Complex) was jammed for three hours,' he said. The minister also cited encouraging performance of the Jakarta-Kuching direct flight, which had maintained a passenger load factor consistently above 80 per cent, driven by demand from Indonesian travellers. According to Abdul Karim, the Singapore tourist arrivals are showing an upward trend, while Brunei remains a significant market for Sarawak's tourism industry. 'More than 100,000 Bruneians enter Sarawak every year, whether for entertainment, marathons, extreme sports, or 4×4 rallies. 'Brunei has always been a strong supporter of our tourism,' he said. Abdul Karim also reaffirmed Indonesia's position as the primary source of foreign medical tourists to Sarawak, especially from Pontianak and Jakarta. According to him, many of these patients travel overland for up to five hours, while others opt to fly via Jakarta before arriving in Kuching. 'With direct flights now available from both Pontianak and Jakarta, we anticipate a significant increase in medical tourist arrivals from Indonesia,' he said. Additionally, Abdul Karim hinted at the potential for a future direct flight route between Balikpapan and Kuching. 'Probably in the future, we never know – Balikpapan might be… (having direct flights from Balikpapan to Kuching),' he said with optimism. Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah flights Kuching Pontianak
Borneo Post
9 hours ago
- Sport
- Borneo Post
Haze unlikely to affect Borneo Games 2025, says Abd Karim
Abdul Karim speaking to reporters after the launch of the Air Supply 50th Anniversary Celebration concert. – Photo by Henrietta Liza KUCHING (July 25): The current haze situation affecting Kuching is expected to be temporary and unlikely to disrupt the upcoming Borneo Games 2025 set for September, said State Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah. He said the haze was mainly caused by fires in Indonesia's Riau Archipelago, with the smoke drifting into Sarawak due to the shifting wind directions, particularly affecting the Kuching area. 'Now, because of the change in the wind, the direct flight is moving to Kuching, but the Riau Archipelago is not that big. 'Once they manage to control the fires, I believe we won't be seeing this kind of smoke or the effects that we are seeing today. 'So by the time the Borneo Games are going to be held, which is in September, same time as the Air Supply (concert), I think by that time it should be okay,' he told reporters after officiating the launch of the 'Air Supply 50th Anniversary Concert' at The Spring Mall here today. When asked whether there are contingency plans to postpone the event should the haze persist, Abdul Karim said the organisers had been monitoring the situation closely but no postponement had been planned at this time. 'If the situation remains moderate and manageable, we certainly hope the championship can proceed without issue. 'As I mentioned earlier, it's very likely that when the students arrive during that period, the API (Air Pollutant Index) will still be within an acceptable range,' he said. On preparations for the Games, the state minister gave assurance that Sarawak was fully ready, noting that the state successfully hosted the Malaysia Games (Sukma) in August last year, and had the experience and capability to manage such events. 'With only five core sports and two traditional events in the Borneo Games, compared to over 30 in Sukma, this is relatively easy for us,' he said. He added that the organising committee, Sarawak Sports Corporation (SSC), volunteer teams, and officials from his ministry were already mobilised and committed to ensuring a successful event. As for the state's athletes, Abdul Karim said preparations are going well. He stressed that while medals are important, the true objective of the Borneo Games is to foster stronger ties and camaraderie among the provinces and states across Borneo. 'That's why we don't just focus on podium finishes – we look at how to create meaningful bonds through the games,' he added. Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah Borneo Games 2025 haze
Barnama
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Barnama
Sarongs On The Run: MSMR 2025 Kicks Off Sarawak Day Festivities
KUCHING, July 19 (Bernama) -- The Malaysia Sarong Music Run 2025 (MSMR 2025) made its Sarawak debut today, drawing some 2,500 participants nationwide in conjunction with Sarawak Day celebrations on July 22. State Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, who officiated the event on behalf of Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, hailed the run as a platform for unity and cultural appreciation. 'This is a meaningful unity run that strengthens ties among Malaysians, especially here in Sarawak. Congratulations to the organisers,' he said at the flag-off at Metrocity Matang here today. Billed as a 'cultural fun run', MSMR 2025 promotes healthy living while celebrating Malaysia's heritage. Participants ran 3-kilometre (km) and 5km routes clad in sarongs, with the course featuring cultural elements from across the country. The event was jointly organised by Malaysia Marathon and the Sarawak Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, in partnership with LOCCO, the organisers of the 'Keretapi Sarong' initiative, with support from the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC). Performances along the route included lion and dragon dances, traditional drumming, and cultural showcases from Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia. LOCCO, in a statement, said the event emphasised inclusivity and heritage appreciation, aligning with preparations for Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VM2026). 'MSMR 2025 is more than a run, it fosters community spirit and champions culture as a living, active force. It invites Malaysians of all ages and backgrounds to be part of a vibrant, meaningful movement rooted in national identity,' it said. -- BERNAMA
Borneo Post
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Malaysia Sarong Music Run 2025 lights up MetroCity Matang with 2,500 participants
Malaysia Sarong Music Run 2025 participants run to the finish line in their sarongs. – Photo by Chimon Upon KUCHING (July 19): The Malaysia Sarong Music Run 2025 (MSMR 2025) made a vibrant debut in Sarawak today at MetroCity Matang, blending culture, music, and fitness in celebration of Sarawak Day. The event drew 2,500 participants across three categories — 10km, 5km, and 3km — all proudly donning sarongs, turning the traditional attire into a symbol of unity, identity, and Malaysian pride. Along the route, runners were treated to cultural checkpoints featuring Dragon and Lion Dance, Gendang Fusion, and traditional performances representing diverse ethnic groups from Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia. State Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, flagged off the run on behalf of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. In a brief speech, Abdul Karim said the event celebrated Sarawak's rich heritage while promoting community engagement and healthy living. 'This event showcases how our traditions can be celebrated in dynamic ways, uniting people of all backgrounds,' he said. In a statement, the organisers described MSMR 2025 as a cultural fun run — a collaboration between Malaysia Marathon, the federal Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, the Sarawak Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, and cultural movement organiser Locco. Locco, known for the iconic Keretapi Sarong movement, brought its signature festive atmosphere, creating an immersive experience enjoyed by participants of all ages. Beyond the run, the event featured a mini carnival with Sarawakian art, creative vendors, family zones, and performances by local talents — turning the day into a full-fledged community celebration. MSMR 2025 was supported by various partners including Tourism Malaysia in conjunction with Visit Malaysia 2026, corporate sponsors, and a range of official and technical partners. Kuching Malaysia Sarong Music Run 2025 MetroCity Matang
Free Malaysia Today
17-07-2025
- Health
- Free Malaysia Today
Sarawak set to ban vape sales
Sarawak is the latest state to move towards completely banning the sale of vapes, joining Perlis, Terengganu, Kedah and Pahang. PETALING JAYA : Sarawak is set to enforce a state-wide ban on the sale of vape products following growing concerns over their misuse for drug abuse. State youth, sports and entrepreneur development minister Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the decision was reached during a recent meeting of the national drug eradication action council, Komso reported. 'Previously, vape was seen as just a substitute for smoking. But now, it's being widely misused to consume drugs and other harmful substances,' Karim was quoted as saying. 'That is why the government must look into this matter seriously, and at the state level, we have agreed unanimously to ban vapes.' The announcement comes as other states ramp up enforcement on vape advertising and sales. In Selangor, vape traders were warned to remove advertisements or face action. Unlike Sarawak, however, Selangor has yet to decide on a full ban on vape sales, with proposed guidelines still under review. Several state governments have moved towards completely banning the sale of vapes, including Perlis, Terengganu, Kedah and Pahang, while Johor and Kelantan have banned the sale of these products since 2016 and 2015, respectively.
