KUCHING (Dec 2): Sarawak’s push for digitalisation is beginning to show significant results, with key strategic sectors – including education, agriculture, infrastructure development, and the economy – recording marked improvements following the implementation of the state’s digital policies. The Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) reported Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg as saying the introduction of the digital economy has opened opportunities for Sarawakians to grow, broaden access to education, and add value to the state’s resources. In the education sector, he commended Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC) for its Sarawak Rural Broadband Network (SRBN) initiative, which has enabled rural schools to access learning beyond the classroom and improve student performance. “We have seen improved academic results at SMK Datuk Temenggong Oyong Lawai Jau in Long San, and its students are now continuing their studies at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak,” he said at SDEC’s fifth anniversary celebration on Monday night. “They truly appreciate our efforts through SRBN, which has given them access to platforms such as Khan Academy, especially in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). This demonstrates the success of the initiative.” Abang Johari said digitalisation has also supported infrastructure development, including the construction of elevated roads that help reduce long-term maintenance costs. He explained that the Public Works Department (JKR) has used computer-based highway and road modelling simulations to determine the best engineering solutions for roads built on soft soil. “As a result, we are constructing elevated roads in Lingga, Kota Samarahan to Sri Aman, and in Baram, Miri, Marudi, Mulu, Long Panai, Long San, and Long Lama up to Limbang – areas with extremely soft soil. These elevated structures will lower maintenance costs in the long run. “Although initial construction costs are higher, long-term maintenance costs will be reduced, and the roads will be more stable. This is one of the achievements of using digital simulation in road development,” he said. The Premier also highlighted the role of digitalisation in transforming the agricultural sector, which has boosted yields, introduced Sarawak to the global stage through innovations such as the KETEQ.AI chip, and supported the production of renewable energy – all of which have contributed to the state’s economic growth.  

KUCHING (Dec 1): The musical theatre production ‘Melanau Legend: Tugau’ was staged from Nov 29-30 at the Balai Budaya, Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) here. The production is a creative work by Zaini Ozea and Glen Walford, directed by Mohd Zohren Sahari Che and featuring talented Sarawakian performers Anding Indrawani, Michelle Lungan, Azam Pitt, Elya Mustaghfirin, Fathullah Basri, and Khaiqal. Rooted in Melanau culture, ‘Tugau’ tells the story of a mysterious man possessing a magical spear, who arrives in the Kingdom of Kuala Pasai and is later named Tugau by the locals. The adaptation of this legendary Melanau tale on the modern stage is a testament that local artistry and cultural heritage remains relevant and must be preserved for future generations. By blending music, dance, ritual and drama, Tugau serves as a vital medium for preserving, introducing, and elevating Melanau heritage for contemporary audiences. Abdullah Saidol (standing, 13th left) accompanied by Noor Seela on his right take a group photo with the cast and production crew. — Photo by Chimon Upon It not only revitalised traditional art forms that are increasingly marginalised, but also provided a platform for education, community cohesion, and strengthening cultural identity in Sarawak. The production aimed to enrich the local performing arts scene and bring ethnic work to the mainstream stage, made possible through a collaboration between the National Department for Culture and Arts (JKKN) Sarawak and Persatuan Teater Sanggar Kreatif Kuching. “This initiative by the federal government aims to showcase various cultural works across Malaysia to preserve, maintain, and conserve our cultural and artistic heritage at the state level. “It is also part of our efforts to elevate more work from Sarawak’s diverse ethnic groups, in addition to our staging of ‘Kumang Keling’ last month,” said JKKN Sarawak director Noor Seela Noor Sulaiman when met by reporters last night. Noor Seela — Photo by Chimon Upon She noted that Tugau was once staged last year at the national level of Panggung Seni Traditional, and is being restaged this year specifically for Sarawakians. “We hope to further develop cultural arts theatre in Sarawak through collaborations with DBP and other non-governmental organisations (NGOs).” Meanwhile, Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Corporate Affairs, Information and Ukas) Datuk Abdullah Saidol emphasised the importance of bringing Sarawak’s heritage to mainstream platforms through the creative arts. “Today we witnessed a performance of a Melanau legend, but I believe there are many more legends from other ethnic groups that could be adapted. However, the efforts of JKKN, together with DBP, will further enrich and cultivate local theatre,” he said. Abdullah Saidol — Photo by Chimon Upon He believed the upcoming Performing Arts Centre would further strengthen artistic activities in Sarawak. “I hope that with the cooperation of all these agencies and the involvement of even more theatre groups — not only Malay theatre groups but also those from other ethnic communities who have their own theatre ensembles that use their own languages we can showcase them as well. It will be great to highlight Sarawak’s rich culture. “Our main agenda is to include the development of the arts to promote Sarawak,” he added. One of the dance performances during the production. — Photo by Chimon Upon  

KUCHING (Oct 9): Minister in the Premier’s Department Dato Sri John Sikie Tayai has commended the Sarawak Council for Native Customs and Traditions (Mais) for its ongoing efforts to review and codify native laws across the state, including the Adat Bidayuh 1994. Sikie was cited in a Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas) report as saying the continuous review process is essential to ensure that customary laws remain relevant and aligned with modern-day realities. He noted that apart from the Adat Bidayuh 1994, Mais is also working to review and codify other customary laws such as the Adat Iban 1993, Adet Kayan-Kenyah 1994, Lun Bawang Custom 2004, Bisaya Custom 2004, Adet Kelabit 2008, and Adet Penan 2011. “Mais plays a key role in maintaining and codifying indigenous customs throughout Sarawak. The review process is vital to ensure that native laws continue to serve as a bridge between heritage and progress,” he said at the closing of Simposium Adat Bidayuh 2025 at the Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) Multipurpose Hall yesterday evening. Sikie praised the Simposium Adat Bidayuh 2025, themed ‘Preservation and Development of Adat Bidayuh’, for contributing to this broader effort by fostering discussions that strengthen and modernise the Bidayuh community’s centuries-old customs. “Through this symposium, we see how tradition continues to guide modern governance, unity, and justice. It shows that our customs are not static, as they are living systems that can adapt and thrive in changing times,” he said. He expressed hope that continued collaboration among Mais, DBNA, and government agencies would further deepen understanding and appreciation of native customs. “With sustained unity and wisdom, we can ensure that our adat remains a pillar of peace, justice, and shared prosperity,” he added. He also underscored the importance of empowering Ketua Masyarakat and Ketua Kaum (KMKK) to administer customs with fairness, integrity, and understanding, describing them as the “frontline guardians” of cultural order and harmony. Meanwhile, Mais secretary Mackos Sibong said the symposium gathered more than 500 participants from Kuching and Serian divisions, including community leaders, government departments, and DBNA members. He said the discussions covered leadership roles, the revision of Adat Bidayuh 1994, customary land preservation, and legal perspectives within the Native Court system. Among those present were Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Native Laws and Customs) Datuk Jefferson Jamit Unyat and Adviser in the Sarawak Premier’s Office (Education) Datuk Amar Michael Manyin Jawong.  

MIRI: Pelbagai topik berkaitan adat bumiputera Sarawak termasuk Adat Iban 1993, Adat Bidayuh 1994, Adat Kayan-Kenyah 1994, Adat Bisaya 2004, Adat Penan 2011 serta adat Melanau menjadi antara pengisian utama Seminar Adat Zon Utara 2025 di sini, pada Jumaat. Seminar anjuran Majlis Adat Istiadat Sarawak (MAIS) selama dua hari itu turut memberi tumpuan kepada aspek pengurusan tanah adat berasaskan Land Code (Amendment) 2018, selain memperkenalkan konsep pembangunan adat natif Sarawak. Program berkenaan bertujuan meningkatkan kefahaman masyarakat terhadap fungsi dan peranan MAIS, di samping menekankan kerelevanan adat dalam kehidupan moden, terutama dalam menghadapi pelbagai cabaran semasa. Majlis penutupan telah disempurnakan oleh Menteri di Jabatan Premier Sarawak, Dato Sri John Sikie Tayai, dengan kehadiran ratusan peserta yang terdiri daripada pemimpin masyarakat, agensi kerajaan dan wakil komuniti setempat. Turut hadir ialah Timbalan Menteri di Jabatan Premier (Undang-Undang dan Adat Bumiputera), Datuk Jefferson Jamit Unyat, Timbalan Menteri di Jabatan Premier (Buruh, Imigresen dan Pemantauan Projek), Datuk Gerawat Gala, Ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri (ADUN) Telang Usan, Dato Dennis Ngau, Ketua MAIS, Datu Ronnie Edward, Setiausaha MAIS, Mackos Sibong serta Pegawai Daerah Miri, Siti Rohanie Yusof yang mewakili Residen Bahagian Miri.-EDISI UKAS

KUCHING: Buku Gawai Dayak Coffee Table Book 2024 telah dilancarkan secara rasmi bagi mendokumentasikan warisan budaya dan sejarah perayaan Gawai Dayak untuk tatapan generasi akan datang. Demikian kata Menteri Pendidikan, Inovasi dan Pembangunan Bakat Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn ketika mewakili Timbalan Premier Sarawak Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, malam semalam. Beliau pada masa yang sama menyifatkan buku tersebut sebagai pencapaian penting dalam memastikan semangat Gawai terus dihayati dan diwarisi. “Buku ini bukan sekadar koleksi gambar tetapi satu penghormatan kepada tradisi, dokumentasi budaya dan legasi untuk masa depan,” katanya semasa Majlis Apresiasi Gawai Dayak 2024 dan pelancaran buku berkenaan malam semalam. Beliau menekankan bahawa Gawai bukan sekadar perayaan tetapi juga melambangkan warisan, perpaduan dan kebanggaan masyarakat Dayak. Buku ini akan menjadi rujukan penting bagi generasi muda dalam memahami budaya dan sejarah Gawai, tegasnya. Turut hadir adalah Timbalan Menteri di Jabatan Premier Sarawak (Undang-Undang dan Adat Bumiputera) merangkap Ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri (ADUN) Bukit Goram Datuk Jefferson Jamit Unyat, Timbalan Menteri di Jabatan Premier Sarawak (Buruh, Imigresen dan Pemantaun Projek) Datuk Gerawat Gala. Juga Timbalan Menteri Pengangkutan Sarawak Datuk Dr Jerip Susil, Timbalan Menteri Utiliti dan Telekomunikasi Datuk Liwan Lagang, Ahli Parlimen Puncak Borneo Datuk Willie Mongin serta beberapa pemimpin tempatan yang lain.  

KUCHING: Premier Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg menekankan keyakinannya terhadap generasi muda sebagai peneraju masa depan Sarawak selepas era Strategi Pembangunan Pasca COVID-19 (PCDS) tamat pada 2030. Beliau yakin bahawa generasi pelapis negeri ini berupaya meneruskan dasar-dasar yang telah dibina, malah bersedia menyesuaikan Sarawak dengan cabaran baharu dunia yang semakin kompleks. Ini katanya, termasuk keupayaan untuk membaca perubahan global, menyesuaikan dasar tenaga dan memanfaatkan sumber negeri dengan lebih strategik. “Ada lima tahun lagi sebelum 2030, tetapi Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) dan Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) mesti ada pemimpin pelapis untuk memastikan kesinambungan dan kemajuan negeri. “Selepas PCDS 2030 juga, apa yang akan berlaku, saya serahkan kepada anda iaitu generasi muda; anda adalah pelapis yang akan mengorak langkah membawa Sarawak ke era baharu yang lebih mencabar,” katanya. Beliau berkata demikian ketika menjawab soalan daripada salah seorang mahasiswa dari Politeknik Kuching yang bertanya mengenai hala tuju negeri selepas tamatnya PCDS pada 2030, dalam sesi Townhall 8 Tahun bersama YAB Premier Sarawak di Hikmah Exchange pada malam tadi. Dalam mengakui anak muda Sarawak mempunyai berbakat besar dalam memacu pembangunan negeri, Abang Johari menegaskan bahawa bakat ini hanya akan dapat digunakan dengan sebaik mungkin sekiranya ekonomi dan pendidikan diperkasakan. Ketibaan Abang Johari disambut mesra oleh Timbalan Menteri di Jabatan Premier Sarawak (Hal Ehwal Korporat, Penerangan dan UKAS) Datuk Abdullah Saidol. – Gambar UKAS  “Banyak anak Sarawak yang pintar memilih untuk bekerja di luar negara kerana ekonomi kita tidak sesuai dengan apa yang mereka pelajari.  “Justeru, kita mesti tingkatkan ekonomi ke satu tahap sehingga membolehkan anak Sarawak yang bijak ini kembali dan berkhidmat,” katanya. Abang Johari menambah, kerajaan GPS berusaha menyediakan pendidikan percuma di universiti milik kerajaan negeri kerana beliau yakin langkah ini akan melahirkan generasi pelapis yang berkualiti, sekali gus membantu meningkatkan taraf hidup masyarakat dan mengeluarkan mereka daripada kepompong kemiskinan. Menyedari potensi anak Sarawak, beliau turut berkongsi pengalamannya memberikan dermasiswa kepada pelajar daripada keluarga kurang mampu di Universiti Teknologi Sarawak (UTS), yang akhirnya berjaya dalam jurusan strategik seperti kejuruteraan dan kewangan.  “Saya berikan bursary (dermasiswa), rupa-rupanya, mereka mengambil jurusan strategik seperti kewangan, perakaunan, dan kejuruteraan, dan mereka lulus.  “Apabila terdapat majlis konvokesyen sekitar dua tahun lepas, seorang ibu dan bapa berjumpa saya dan menzahirkan ucapan 'Terima kasih YAB, kalau tidak ada bursary, mungkin anak saya bukan seorang jurutera dari kampung’. “Rentetan itu, saya bertekad untuk memberikan pendidikan percuma kepada anak Sarawak yang melanjutkan pelajaran di universiti negeri menjelang 2026, sebagai usaha untuk memperkasa generasi muda Sarawak dan seterusnya meningkatkan peluang ekonomi,” katanya.   

KUCHING (June 12): A group of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) from Sarawak has urged the federal government to recognise Gawai Dayak on June 1 in Sarawak and Kaamatan on May 30 in Sabah as national public holidays. They say such recognition fits the ‘Malaysia Madani’ concept and gives an impression of better treatment from the federal government towards Sabah and Sarawak. “We ask that, on the basis of equality, Gawai and Kaamatan for the indigenous peoples of Sarawak and Sabah be declared as national holidays.” The statement was signed by Persatuan Intelektual Pribumi Sarawak founder and advisor Wellie Henry Majang, deputy president Ricky Sani, and legal advisor Paul Raja; Persatuan Terabai Menua Sarawak founder Wilfred Nissem; and Sarawak Salako and Rara Community Association president Robert Umping. They stressed that there is a need to recognise the two celebrations because the key principle of the Malaysian Federation, as outlined in the Federal Constitution, was to celebrate the diversity of its various races, religions, cultures and regions. “Serian MP Dato Sri Richard Riot Jaem recently emphasised the unique and crucial role of Sarawak and Sabah in the federation, asserting that without these states, there would be no Malaysia. “Echoing Riot’s sentiment, we would like to highlight the importance of safeguarding the special rights of the indigenous people of Sabah and Sarawak, as guaranteed by Article 153(1) of the Federal Constitution,” the NGOs said.