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ISSN 1823-9625 | PPK380/03/2013(031735)<br />
Sarawak • Borneo • Malaysia<br />
VOL.24 APR-JUN 2012<br />
City<br />
smiles<br />
of<br />
<strong>Highlight</strong><br />
a <strong>place</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>call</strong> <strong>home</strong>
SaveTime,<br />
SaveFuel, SafeTrip<br />
Kuching, Sarawak’s capital<br />
city, is very similar <strong>to</strong><br />
many cities in Asia; they<br />
are mostly sited near <strong>to</strong> a river for<br />
convenience and also accessibility. A<br />
number of bridges have been built<br />
for city folks <strong>to</strong> access either side of<br />
the river in Kuching and also one<br />
can take the ‘Water taxi’ or sampan<br />
across at the famed Waterfront.<br />
The city’s rapid growth necessitate<br />
another bridge for increasing traffic<br />
volume crossing the river between<br />
City South and City North and a <strong>to</strong>ll<br />
bridge completed in 2003 provided<br />
the solution <strong>to</strong> the issue.<br />
Tun Salahuddin Bridge<br />
gives Kuching commuters<br />
a timely and convenient route<br />
in crossing the river<br />
reached one million, majority of<br />
whom preferring the short distance<br />
travelled when compared <strong>to</strong> the long<br />
about way through the Sa<strong>to</strong>k side<br />
bridge. The 16-lane mo<strong>to</strong>rist access<br />
bridge with its fully computerized<br />
system makes it very convenient for<br />
mo<strong>to</strong>rist and mo<strong>to</strong>rcyclist alike. Since<br />
its commencement in 2003 it has<br />
become the best alternative route<br />
crossing the Sarawak River <strong>to</strong> one<br />
of the major crossings <strong>to</strong>day with<br />
average daily users of almost 26,000.<br />
The good news is that commuters<br />
now have even more reasons <strong>to</strong><br />
smile as the <strong>to</strong>ll opera<strong>to</strong>r has new<br />
savings plans for them.<br />
Located at Tanah Puteh, between<br />
the State Administrative enclave of<br />
Petra Jaya and the industrial areas<br />
of Pending, the Tun Salahuddin<br />
bridge has been very popular with<br />
commuters in the city, so much<br />
so that within first four months<br />
of operation, the number of users<br />
“Purchase Zecon Toll Card Today!!!<br />
The Reloadable Toll Card costs<br />
only RM3 each and start with the<br />
minimum reload of RM10. Every<br />
RM100 reload comes with FREE Add-<br />
On values of RM25 (newly launched<br />
on 1 st February 2012, valid until<br />
further notice). There is also a RM200<br />
Premium Reload Package which<br />
offers RM66 Add-On absolutely FREE<br />
(valid until 30 th April 2012) - Making<br />
each trip much CHEAPER! All<br />
reloaded values have no expiry date.<br />
In addition, there is always special<br />
offers like limited edition <strong>to</strong>ll cards <strong>to</strong><br />
celebrate major festivals.”<br />
“Join Toll @ Tun Salahuddin Bridge, Kuching on Facebook”<br />
2 | <strong>BorneoTalk</strong>Apr-Jun2012<br />
Zecon<br />
Zecon Berhad<br />
(134463-X)<br />
Corporate office:<br />
8 th Floor, Menara Zecon,<br />
No. 92 Lot 393, Section 5 KTLD, Jalan Sa<strong>to</strong>k,<br />
93400 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia,<br />
Tel: +6082 275555 Fax: +608 275500<br />
Toll Administration Office:<br />
Jalan Tun Abang Muhammad Salahuddin<br />
93050 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia<br />
Cus<strong>to</strong>mer Service:<br />
Tel: +6082 350000<br />
Email: <strong>to</strong>ll@myzecon.com<br />
www.zecon.com.my
Yang Berhormat<br />
Datuk Ir. Haji Daud bin<br />
Abdul Rahman<br />
Assistant Minister for Islamic Affairs,<br />
Assistant Minister for Infrastructure Development Sarawak.<br />
(Minister in charge of Kuching North City Council - DBKU)<br />
Greetings from<br />
Sarawak and a warm<br />
welcome!<br />
Over the years Sarawak has been<br />
experiencing increasing visi<strong>to</strong>rs and<br />
inves<strong>to</strong>rs <strong>to</strong> the state due <strong>to</strong> the warm<br />
nature of the people, safe environment,<br />
excellent weather and wide choices of<br />
business opportunities here. Of particular interest <strong>to</strong> many<br />
foreign inves<strong>to</strong>rs is naturally the SCORE (Sarawak Corridor<br />
of Renewable Energy) which makes possible all these various<br />
new industries taking advantage of the massive clean and<br />
green hydro power from our dams.<br />
Another transformation is also being pursued in our capital<br />
city, Kuching where the municipalities of Kuching City North<br />
and South are putting in <strong>place</strong> programmes that will make<br />
the city vibrant, sustainable and livable, alive with soul and<br />
vigour. Much of these initiatives are driven by the close<br />
cooperation between residents and business enterprises of<br />
the city with the municipalities and <strong>to</strong>gether striving for a<br />
clean, healthy, safe and friendly one where people from all<br />
races, ethnic origins and religions can live in harmony. It is<br />
no wonder that Kuching continue <strong>to</strong> attract repeat visi<strong>to</strong>rs<br />
as the warm and friendly nature of the residents make it a<br />
beautiful <strong>place</strong> <strong>to</strong> relax, enjoy and play.<br />
Do not forget <strong>to</strong> visit all the other interesting <strong>to</strong>wns and<br />
city of Sarawak as the attractiveness of the state should be<br />
experienced everywhere. More importantly, try out the many<br />
different cuisines of Sarawak arising from the multi ethnic<br />
diversity of people in the state in all the different <strong>place</strong>s of<br />
your visit!<br />
Apr-Jun2012<strong>BorneoTalk</strong> | 3
Soul City<br />
DBKU strive <strong>to</strong><br />
make Kuching<br />
City a vibrant and<br />
liveable city of<br />
City<br />
choice<br />
with a<br />
and understanding, sometimes <strong>to</strong><br />
the point of taking them <strong>to</strong> our own<br />
<strong>home</strong>s! This is the Kuching that<br />
people from all over the world who<br />
have been here have noticed about<br />
us and we certainly do not want<br />
<strong>to</strong> change from being a warm and<br />
friendly city <strong>to</strong> be just like any other<br />
city without a soul.”<br />
Mayor Datuk<br />
Haji Abang<br />
Abdul Wahap<br />
Cities across Asia are<br />
experiencing tremendous<br />
growth with the increasing<br />
economic wealth and influx of<br />
investments, people and infrastructures<br />
<strong>to</strong> the point of competing with<br />
each other for world records in such<br />
achievements! All <strong>to</strong>o often cities<br />
become lonely <strong>place</strong>s with such high<br />
rise buildings and complexes leading <strong>to</strong><br />
people becoming complete strangers<br />
<strong>to</strong> neighbours, indifferent and turning<br />
a cold shoulder <strong>to</strong> those living on the<br />
periphery of society. Kuching City<br />
<strong>to</strong>o has seen much development as<br />
the capital city of the state with new<br />
industries, shopping centres and<br />
residential properties sprouting all<br />
around; the difference is that it still has<br />
its soul and vitality!<br />
“We certainly don’t want our<br />
beloved city Kuching <strong>to</strong> be just like<br />
4 | <strong>BorneoTalk</strong>Apr-Jun2012<br />
any other cities where people are<br />
always hurrying along their own<br />
agendas and not caring at all about<br />
their surroundings, neighbourhoods<br />
or marginalized people like rural<br />
migrants and the handicapped,<br />
urban poor and elderly,” said DBKU<br />
Mayor Datuk Haji Abang Abdul<br />
Wahap. “While we acknowledge<br />
that the city is a natural melting pot<br />
for people from different <strong>place</strong>s,<br />
cultures, religions and age group, we<br />
nevertheless do not want them <strong>to</strong> be<br />
indifferent <strong>to</strong> one another. Kuching<br />
must strive <strong>to</strong> maintain its soul and<br />
vitality, conscience and apathy <strong>to</strong><br />
everyone, everywhere every time.<br />
After all, Kuching is often <strong>call</strong>ed<br />
the ‘City of Smiles’ and we certainly<br />
have not earned this title by being<br />
inconsiderate or indifferent; in fact,<br />
we have always welcomed strangers<br />
and showed them our sincere care<br />
“Fortunately for us, we had the<br />
foresight of our Chief Minister who<br />
long ago foresee the emptiness of cities<br />
without vitality and soul by putting<br />
in <strong>place</strong> the necessary conditions<br />
<strong>to</strong> ensure that these will not affect<br />
Kuching City with proper planning of<br />
inner and outer city limits, clean and<br />
proper maintenance of streets and<br />
buildings, preservation of his<strong>to</strong>rical<br />
buildings and encouraging greater<br />
diversity of cultures, architectural<br />
concepts and balanced developments<br />
in different parts without jeopardizing<br />
any area from being further developed<br />
in future. All these have paved the<br />
way for a balanced and structured<br />
development agenda, which ultimately<br />
brings people from all walks of life
Soul City<br />
soul<br />
frontline agency of the government in<br />
such social matters. To provide better<br />
assistance <strong>to</strong> rural farmers who flock<br />
<strong>to</strong> the city every weekend <strong>to</strong> sell their<br />
farm products, DBKU has teamed<br />
up with FAMA in the setting up of<br />
a new and conducive market <strong>place</strong>,<br />
Medan Niaga which is expected <strong>to</strong> be<br />
operational in the later part of this year<br />
in Petra Jaya. DBKU has also partner<br />
with the SSPCA (Sarawak Society for<br />
Prevention of Cruelty <strong>to</strong> Animals) in<br />
carrying out castration and controlling<br />
stray cats, dogs on the streets as an<br />
ongoing service for the community.<br />
<strong>to</strong>gether in a safe, secure and friendly<br />
environment. Naturally, our police<br />
and other governmental agencies and<br />
ministries have contributed generously<br />
<strong>to</strong> the well being of our city which<br />
<strong>to</strong>day continues <strong>to</strong> show its people side<br />
<strong>to</strong> visi<strong>to</strong>rs from all over the world,” he<br />
added.<br />
The Mayor summed it all up as<br />
‘Esprit de corps’ in our shared destiny<br />
of making Kuching City a livable and<br />
pleasant <strong>place</strong>. Even the elderly and<br />
handicap members of society here<br />
are treated with care and respect<br />
in specially built <strong>home</strong>s and centres<br />
with support from all sec<strong>to</strong>rs of the<br />
society. It is such caring attitude<br />
that has built the city over the years<br />
and continued <strong>to</strong> be pursued by the<br />
government and society at large.<br />
It was therefore not surprising that<br />
among the accolades of Kuching City<br />
include being conferred the status<br />
of ‘Cleanest City in Malaysia ’ by a<br />
United Nation agency.<br />
Additionally, DBKU puts in much effort<br />
<strong>to</strong> alleviate the urban poor in the city,<br />
working with NGOs in different areas<br />
of expertise like shelter, education,<br />
food and counseling for these groups<br />
of people. Most of the council’s<br />
activities in the area are carried out<br />
as part of its CSR (Corporate Social<br />
Responsibility) initiatives as the most<br />
“While we can talk about our past<br />
achievements, we must <strong>place</strong> more<br />
emphasis on the future as this will<br />
determine where we go from here,”<br />
he pointed out. “As an agency at the<br />
forefront of the city’s development,<br />
we have <strong>to</strong> continuously moni<strong>to</strong>r<br />
our contributions and strive <strong>to</strong><br />
improve wherever possible as new<br />
developments and changes require<br />
different approaches <strong>to</strong> doing<br />
things, which means we must also<br />
be innovative and seek residents<br />
feedbacks <strong>to</strong> carry out our work. In line<br />
with the international demand for low<br />
carbon index in our activities, DBKU<br />
has long advocate green concepts in<br />
its dealings with residences, NGOs,<br />
government agencies and industries <strong>to</strong><br />
continue <strong>to</strong> make the city a green and<br />
livable one.”<br />
In the quest <strong>to</strong> be responsive <strong>to</strong> the<br />
demands from all residents in the<br />
city, DBKU has even upgraded its<br />
service lines <strong>to</strong> be a 24-hour on-<strong>call</strong><br />
line (082-446688) for convenience,<br />
timely and responsive agency. It has<br />
also identified more areas within the<br />
city as green lungs and recreational<br />
facilities for residences and the public<br />
alike by continuously making the city<br />
more user friendly and healthy <strong>to</strong>o!<br />
www.dbku.gov.my<br />
Kuching North City Council (DBKU), Bukit Siol, Jalan Semariang, Petra Jaya,<br />
For further information, please contact<br />
93050 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. Tel: +6082 446688 Fax: +6082 446414 <strong>Website</strong>: www.dbku.gov.my<br />
Apr-Jun2012<strong>BorneoTalk</strong> | 5
Soul City<br />
DBKU sets<br />
agenda for<br />
making Kuching<br />
City a dynamic,<br />
livable and<br />
evolving society<br />
A city<br />
changing<br />
for the<br />
better<br />
Sarawak’s capital city, Kuching<br />
started out as a small riverine<br />
trading port/settlement,<br />
growing its strategic importance<br />
under the White Rajah rule as main<br />
administrative centre and continuing<br />
with the growth under the federation<br />
of Malaysia as the principal city of the<br />
largest state in the new nation. Today,<br />
the City is administered under two<br />
municipalities of Kuching North and<br />
South Councils which in effect means<br />
greater attention being paid <strong>to</strong> residents<br />
in the two areas. Kuching North<br />
council, popularly known as DBKU, is<br />
taking massive steps in bringing the<br />
area <strong>to</strong> a new era of responsiveness <strong>to</strong><br />
the expectations of its residents with its<br />
transformation programmes.<br />
Foremost <strong>to</strong> residents is the “One<br />
Citizen, One Wish” campaign where<br />
everyone can contribute ideas on<br />
what they want the city <strong>to</strong> be, their<br />
complaints on services rendered <strong>to</strong><br />
anything that DBKU is responsible<br />
6 | <strong>BorneoTalk</strong>Apr-Jun2012
Soul City<br />
incentives and active participation,<br />
DBKU hopes <strong>to</strong> be able <strong>to</strong> get<br />
residents <strong>to</strong> separate their waste in<strong>to</strong><br />
different boxes as practiced in many<br />
developed nations in order <strong>to</strong> go green<br />
and protect the environment while<br />
also becoming more sustainable. By<br />
focusing on the primary level of <strong>home</strong>s<br />
and offices, DBKU knows that over<br />
time people will resort <strong>to</strong> sorting out<br />
their own waste when disposing of<br />
them.<br />
for in carrying out their duties. The<br />
main difference <strong>to</strong> past campaigns<br />
is that all feedbacks received will be<br />
published in local dailies on a monthly<br />
basis and so residents can check on<br />
the responsiveness of the council in<br />
addressing their feedbacks. Naturally,<br />
this exercise will nurture a sense of<br />
belonging among the residents, which<br />
in turn will make the city a better <strong>place</strong><br />
<strong>to</strong> live, work and play.<br />
DBKU will be advocating a ‘Value<br />
Management’ plan for all its<br />
programmes <strong>to</strong> be more cost efficient<br />
in activities ranging from projects <strong>to</strong><br />
festivals so that the maximum impact<br />
will be generated. In return, staff of<br />
DBKU will get ‘Time Off Card’ which<br />
effectively records individual’s working<br />
hours and au<strong>to</strong>mati<strong>call</strong>y giving them<br />
off days when limits are reached so<br />
they will have more time <strong>to</strong> spend with<br />
their families. Happy families lead <strong>to</strong><br />
happy staff and residents, which in turn<br />
translates <strong>to</strong> better quality personnel<br />
with dedication and integrity.<br />
Aware that by itself it would not be<br />
able <strong>to</strong> achieve as much as a group,<br />
DBKU engages many different NGOs <strong>to</strong><br />
work at achieving the goal of a Livable<br />
City. Amongst these are SKUP (Society<br />
for Kuching Urban Poor), SSPCA<br />
(Society for Prevention of Cruelty <strong>to</strong><br />
Animals), FAMA (Federal Agriculture<br />
and Marketing Agency), KOOCH<br />
(Cycling Recreation Club Kuching),<br />
Trienekens and SLTA (Sarawak Lawn<br />
Tennis Association), Resident Office,<br />
LSS (Sarawak Rivers Board) JKR (Public<br />
Works Department), Land and Survey<br />
Department and others. By teaming<br />
with each expert in different areas<br />
of reaching out <strong>to</strong> the residents, the<br />
council is able <strong>to</strong> directly and indirectly<br />
bring its message <strong>to</strong> all levels of society,<br />
which will instill a level of belonging<br />
<strong>to</strong> all.<br />
An ambitious project that DBKU wants<br />
<strong>to</strong> make a success of is the 3R concept<br />
of Reduce, Reuse and Recycle project<br />
with Trienekens. Through education,<br />
Another partner for DBKU is the<br />
State Library, cooperating on<br />
ensuring that cultures, arts and<br />
society can come <strong>to</strong>gether for the<br />
better good of everyone <strong>to</strong> become<br />
a harmonious, multi-cultural and<br />
united society. These activities<br />
include poetry reading, s<strong>to</strong>ry telling,<br />
theater, plays and musical shows<br />
where everyone can participate and<br />
enjoy <strong>to</strong>gether. It is obvious that<br />
many cities around the world are<br />
noted for their exquisite taste when<br />
it comes <strong>to</strong> putting on shows, plays<br />
or musicals as their long traditions<br />
in doing so have earned them the<br />
distinctions and expectations of very<br />
high levels of performances. These<br />
are examples and models, which<br />
the city council is looking <strong>to</strong> in their<br />
pursuit of excellence.<br />
www.dbku.gov.my<br />
Kuching North City Council (DBKU), Bukit Siol, Jalan Semariang, Petra Jaya,<br />
For further information, please contact<br />
93050 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. Tel: +6082 446688 Fax: +6082 446414 <strong>Website</strong>: www.dbku.gov.my<br />
Apr-Jun2012<strong>BorneoTalk</strong> | 7
Soul City<br />
First Lady<br />
with a<br />
Heart of<br />
Gold<br />
The first impressions one<br />
would get upon meeting Toh<br />
Puan Datuk Patinggi Hajah<br />
Norkiah, wife of Sarawak’s Head of<br />
State Tun Datuk Patinggi Abang Haji<br />
Muhammad Salahuddin, is that she<br />
is humble, caring, has a wonderful<br />
sense of humour and a big heart for<br />
her people.<br />
Born and raised in Kuching, the<br />
62 year old mother of five, talks<br />
affectionately of her childhood<br />
growing up amongst a close knit<br />
family. She re<strong>call</strong>s days of playing<br />
freely outside, climbing trees, flying<br />
kites and yes, playing with marbles –<br />
the simple pleasures of growing up<br />
in her kampung.<br />
Those were carefree days, she<br />
says, when one would greet their<br />
neighbours by name and life was<br />
simple. She remembers days when the<br />
whole kampung would get <strong>to</strong>gether <strong>to</strong><br />
go<strong>to</strong>ng royong especially <strong>to</strong> prepare for<br />
a big event like a wedding.<br />
Now everybody caters for these<br />
occasions, she says, and the sense<br />
of belonging or helping each other<br />
rarely exists anymore.<br />
This is a subject that she hopes will<br />
be encouraged amongst the younger<br />
generation of <strong>to</strong>day.<br />
“Nowadays, things have changed.<br />
With technology our lives have<br />
been altered somewhat. The young<br />
A team from<br />
Borneo Talk<br />
recently had<br />
the honour<br />
of a private<br />
interview with<br />
the First Lady<br />
of Sarawak<br />
at her new<br />
residence at<br />
Matang in<br />
Kuching<br />
people have become very engrossed<br />
in technology. Don’t get me wrong.<br />
Technology has changed our lives<br />
for the better in ways that are <strong>to</strong>o<br />
numerous <strong>to</strong> count,” said Toh Puan.<br />
“But at the same time it has somehow<br />
impede our ability <strong>to</strong> interact with<br />
one another. For example, I see my<br />
children at the dinner table; they are<br />
all busy with their mobile phones.<br />
Nobody is talking <strong>to</strong> each other. I<br />
have <strong>to</strong> remind them that it is our<br />
family time so we must talk <strong>to</strong><br />
each other.”<br />
“In the old days, we would play<br />
outside. I remember playing<br />
with marbles or climbing trees.<br />
We were creative and more<br />
independent those days. Now,<br />
there is the computer <strong>to</strong> keep<br />
us occupied, especially social<br />
networks like Facebook. Most<br />
children are not interested in<br />
outdoor activities, as they prefer<br />
<strong>to</strong> stay in their rooms and play on<br />
their computers. I worry about our<br />
future generation sometimes.”<br />
This is why Toh Puan is very<br />
passionate about encouraging the<br />
8 | <strong>BorneoTalk</strong>Apr-Jun2012
Soul City<br />
young people <strong>to</strong> be more involved in<br />
social and charity work.<br />
“It is so important that we<br />
encourage our children <strong>to</strong> take an<br />
interest in charity or social work from<br />
an early age. It not only benefits<br />
which ever worthy cause they take<br />
on but I believe that it can also play<br />
a big role in boosting their own<br />
personal development,” she said.<br />
“These days most youngsters are<br />
reliant on things <strong>to</strong> be done for<br />
them. They are not as self sufficient<br />
as when we were their age. Many<br />
families have helpers who do many<br />
of the daily household chores and<br />
therefore, kids become dependent<br />
on them, even <strong>to</strong> do simple task<br />
like washing their school shoes for<br />
example.”<br />
“As parents we are busy with our jobs<br />
so we also depend on our helpers<br />
<strong>to</strong> manage the <strong>home</strong>. Therefore,<br />
as parents we have <strong>to</strong> teach our<br />
children <strong>to</strong> be self-sufficient. At the<br />
same time, it is crucial <strong>to</strong> moni<strong>to</strong>r<br />
their movements and <strong>to</strong> be aware of<br />
certain dangers out there.”<br />
As patron of several NGOs, Toh Puan<br />
feels that it is her duty <strong>to</strong> be involved<br />
as much as she can.<br />
Not wanting <strong>to</strong> be a ‘patron tidur’<br />
(sleeping patron) she emphasizes that<br />
she wants <strong>to</strong> be able <strong>to</strong> concentrate<br />
on the NGOs that she is involved in<br />
and makes sure that she is briefed on<br />
their calendar of events.<br />
“I want <strong>to</strong> be aware of what’s<br />
happening, big or small, I try <strong>to</strong><br />
attend as many events as I can<br />
<strong>to</strong> give moral support and at<br />
the same time share my views <strong>to</strong><br />
ensure its effectiveness in <strong>to</strong>day’s<br />
climate for the betterment of<br />
our people. I want <strong>to</strong> encourage<br />
the younger generation <strong>to</strong> join<br />
NGOs that interest them. It is<br />
good <strong>to</strong> have something <strong>to</strong> be<br />
passionate about. It gives you a<br />
sense of purpose and giving back <strong>to</strong><br />
society. It is even more satisfying <strong>to</strong><br />
see, when its implementation has<br />
worked <strong>to</strong>wards the progress and<br />
sustainability of any individuals. I get<br />
myself <strong>to</strong>tally involved in moni<strong>to</strong>ring<br />
the results, <strong>to</strong>o.“<br />
On the subject of rural women,<br />
Toh Puan believes that NGOs<br />
like the Sarawak Federation of<br />
Women’s Institute (SFWI) has done<br />
a lot <strong>to</strong> empower rural women, <strong>to</strong><br />
encourage them <strong>to</strong> progress, <strong>to</strong><br />
become leaders, entrepreneurs or<br />
simply be part of a capable work<br />
force in the community.<br />
Toh Puan, who is patron of SFWI, has<br />
been a member of the NGO since<br />
she was 14 years old. She re<strong>call</strong>s<br />
back then they did a lot of cooking<br />
but were also involved in helping<br />
during political campaigns. Although<br />
there are many NGOs nowadays,<br />
she said they are all aiming <strong>to</strong>wards<br />
the same direction which is <strong>to</strong><br />
empower not only women in the<br />
rural areas but also encouraging the<br />
young people <strong>to</strong> be more involved in<br />
community work.<br />
“Women <strong>to</strong>day are lucky. There are<br />
many opportunities out there for<br />
them <strong>to</strong> progress and I hope they<br />
grab the chance <strong>to</strong> do so. Many<br />
years ago, women were considered<br />
second-class citizens, which is still<br />
true in most countries. If you don’t<br />
go <strong>to</strong> school then you stay <strong>home</strong> and<br />
get married.”<br />
“That was the mentality back then.<br />
Women were expected <strong>to</strong> be in the<br />
<strong>home</strong>. Today things have changed.<br />
We see so many women who are<br />
highly educated and have become<br />
leaders in their field. Even so, we as<br />
society must remember <strong>to</strong> balance<br />
our family and work life.”<br />
Besides SFWI, Toh Puan is also<br />
very involved in the Girl Guides<br />
Movement of which she is also<br />
patron.<br />
“I was in the Girls Guides. I am very<br />
excited <strong>to</strong> see our new headquarters,<br />
which should be completed soon. I<br />
am also happy <strong>to</strong> see the SFWI’s new<br />
building progressing well. It should<br />
be completed soon also.”<br />
Many would know that one subject<br />
that is very close <strong>to</strong> Toh Puan’s heart<br />
is the Children’s Orphanage Home<br />
(Lembaga Pelawat Rumah Kanak<br />
Kanak Kuching) where she has been<br />
involved for many years and have<br />
given invaluable contribution.<br />
“Many of the children who are<br />
there are either abandoned or<br />
abused. I feel that they also deserve<br />
a chance <strong>to</strong> be loved and <strong>to</strong> have<br />
the same opportunities as other<br />
children.”<br />
“Some are adopted by families.<br />
However, the process of adoption is<br />
very strenuous as potential parents<br />
are screened before a decision is<br />
made. This is important as these<br />
children are vulnerable, so placing<br />
them with the right family is of<br />
utmost importance.”<br />
According <strong>to</strong> Toh Puan, the<br />
government run orphanage is <strong>home</strong><br />
<strong>to</strong> orphans until they are 18 years<br />
old.<br />
“Every child deserves a chance.<br />
As a caring society, we must work<br />
<strong>to</strong>gether <strong>to</strong> bring hope and healing<br />
<strong>to</strong> these children, many who have<br />
been through difficult times. I urge<br />
everyone <strong>to</strong> open their hearts, either<br />
as supporters or volunteers <strong>to</strong> be<br />
able <strong>to</strong> bring both physical and<br />
emotional healing <strong>to</strong> the children,”<br />
she stresses. At the same time Toh<br />
Puan also <strong>call</strong>s on young girls not <strong>to</strong><br />
be involved in pre marital sex and<br />
<strong>to</strong> understand the consequences<br />
of unwanted pregnancies. She also<br />
pointed out that it is important<br />
for children <strong>to</strong> remember their<br />
responsibilities <strong>to</strong> their parents, their<br />
aged parents.<br />
“Often, we hear of children who<br />
leave their parents at old folk’s<br />
<strong>home</strong>s. They don’t visit and they<br />
don’t care. It shouldn’t be that way.<br />
We must create a foundation of a<br />
caring heart in our children from<br />
young. Love and responsibility go<br />
hand and hand. It is something that<br />
I teach my children <strong>to</strong>o,” said Toh<br />
Puan.<br />
As the wife of the Head of state,<br />
balancing her family life and public<br />
life can be challenging. According<br />
<strong>to</strong> her, the best way is <strong>to</strong> simply be<br />
happy.<br />
“It is also my secret <strong>to</strong> staying<br />
young,” jokes Toh Puan, who enjoys<br />
gardening and planting local fruits<br />
during her spare time.<br />
Apr-Jun2012<strong>BorneoTalk</strong> | 9
Soul City<br />
Responsibility<br />
and<br />
accountability<br />
Mohammad<br />
Kamaluddin<br />
Mohammad<br />
Effendie<br />
CEO of Beras<br />
Corporation Sdn<br />
Bhd (Bernas<br />
Subsidiary in Sabah<br />
and Sarawak) walks<br />
the talk on CSR<br />
Commitment is a serious<br />
responsibility for Mohammad<br />
Kamaluddin Mohammad<br />
Effendie, CEO of Beras Corporation<br />
Sdn Bhd (Bernas Subsidiary in Sabah<br />
and Sarawak) in fulfilling pledges<br />
and other associated Corporate<br />
Social Responsibility for the national<br />
corporation. In walking the talk, the<br />
Chief Executive Officer personally<br />
attends most of the CSR events<br />
throughout East Malaysia (Sabah and<br />
Sarawak) in spite of the heavy job<br />
responsibility with the corporation.<br />
“I am very happy be able <strong>to</strong> attend<br />
these events as this is one way in<br />
which we are all reminded of how<br />
lucky we are and why it is therefore<br />
more important that we give<br />
back <strong>to</strong> society, especially for less<br />
fortunate and marginalized groups,”<br />
said Kamaluddin when presenting<br />
collective donation of rice amounting<br />
<strong>to</strong> RM48,920 <strong>to</strong> 449 orphans from<br />
six orphanages in Sarawak recently.<br />
10 | <strong>BorneoTalk</strong>Apr-Jun2012<br />
The figure represents for year 2011 last<br />
quarter sales collection in Sarawak.<br />
Our CSR “Bowls For Humanity”<br />
campaign pledged <strong>to</strong> donate 25 grams<br />
of rice <strong>to</strong>wards feeding orphanages<br />
in Malaysia with every bag of 10kg<br />
pack of BERNAS rice purchased and<br />
these will be distributed on a quarterly<br />
basis. It was estimated that there were<br />
about 7,000 orphans in the country<br />
and BERNAS contributions are its way<br />
<strong>to</strong> ensure that these children will be<br />
nourished.<br />
Apart from doing CSR activities for<br />
the farmers, BERNAS also focuses<br />
on the poor, single mothers, those<br />
unfortunate and the needy. They<br />
also work closely with NGOs, various<br />
community activities regardless of<br />
race, religion or terri<strong>to</strong>ry.<br />
Kamaluddin believes if every<br />
organization plough back some of<br />
its profits <strong>to</strong> the society, we will be<br />
having less social and economic<br />
problems, as every society will play<br />
their roles. Adding that for a start, a<br />
city like Kuching can have a caring<br />
neighborhood and society by being<br />
involved in various activities organised<br />
by BERNAS throughout the year.<br />
The CEO opined that just mere<br />
words or instructions would not do<br />
justice <strong>to</strong> the campaign if the <strong>to</strong>p<br />
management were not committed by<br />
delegating the tasks <strong>to</strong> subordinates.<br />
By taking part, he believes that not<br />
only will entire workforce of BERNAS<br />
be motivated and committed<br />
but also showed that the<br />
corporation is a team effort.<br />
To be successful, every part of the<br />
organization has <strong>to</strong> perform well in<br />
their own areas and he emphasized<br />
on accountability and responsibility<br />
when carrying out their duties.<br />
“BERNAS is a public listed company,<br />
we believe our foundation for <strong>to</strong>day’s<br />
achievement is what we portray <strong>to</strong> the<br />
public. Our journey as a responsible<br />
corporate citizen perseveres with<br />
community investments and programs<br />
which go beyond contributions of<br />
cash and kind whilst focusing on<br />
being lo<strong>call</strong>y relevant and aligned with<br />
BERNAS’s business directions,” he<br />
pointed out.<br />
“No doubt CSR has long been in our<br />
culture, yet, the current emphasis<br />
on this social involvement across all<br />
industries has further provoke us <strong>to</strong><br />
fulfill our obligations <strong>to</strong> strengthen<br />
and expand on our own CSR structure<br />
in order <strong>to</strong> perform <strong>to</strong> the highest<br />
standard and meet the challenge<br />
of sustainable development for the<br />
nation.”
SIGNED, SEALED, DELIVERED,<br />
Inside<br />
www.borneotalk.com<br />
Soul City 4 •<br />
Tourism - Product<br />
22 • Tourism -<br />
Events 34 • Map<br />
40 • Tourism<br />
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56 • Education<br />
64 • Conference<br />
68 • Furniture 70<br />
• Muslim Wear 72<br />
• Books & Movie<br />
73 • Etc 74<br />
• ST3<br />
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Apr-Jun2012<strong>BorneoTalk</strong> | 11
Soul City<br />
1<br />
Humanising<br />
of<br />
Welfare<br />
Services<br />
The Department of Welfare<br />
Sarawak headed by its new<br />
Direc<strong>to</strong>r, Puan Noriah Binti<br />
Haji Ahmad has a committed and<br />
highly esteemed team ensuring<br />
welfare services that covers a range<br />
of preventive, nurturing, supportive<br />
and remedial measures. Puan Noriah<br />
in her new approach explained on<br />
department’s strategy on introducing<br />
a vigorous Productive Welfare<br />
Programmes in helping clientele<br />
move from welfare <strong>to</strong> self-reliance<br />
for a better life.<br />
www.welfare.sarawak.gov.my<br />
12 | <strong>BorneoTalk</strong>Apr-Jun2012<br />
(1) TYT Yang Di-Pertua (2 nd right) and Toh Puan Norkiah (1 st right)<br />
in Sentuhan Kasih Chinese New Year Programme,<br />
14 th February 2012 • (2) Launching of Logo TASKA BERDAFTAR,<br />
28 th September 2011 • (3) Visiting PERKATA 21 st February 2012<br />
• (4)(7) KARISMA 1AZAM 17 th January 2012 • (5) CSR-Rakan<br />
Kongsi Kebajikan plague handing over ceremony during Flood<br />
Preparation Meeting chaired by Minister YB Datuk Hajah Fatimah<br />
Abdullah and Assistant Minister for Welfare, YB Robert Lawson<br />
Chuat, witnessed by Direc<strong>to</strong>r Puan Noriah Hj Ahmad • (6) Visiting<br />
Food S<strong>to</strong>rage Centre for the flood victim in Ng Baoh • (8) Wang<br />
Ehsan distribution by Minister YB Datuk Hajah Fatimah Abdullah<br />
23 rd February 2012<br />
2 3<br />
4<br />
The state Welfare Department<br />
will thus embark on an ambitious<br />
programme <strong>to</strong> “humanize” its<br />
services by improvising existing ones<br />
and implementing new initiatives <strong>to</strong><br />
better serve its clientele groups as<br />
well as <strong>to</strong> reach out <strong>to</strong> those who<br />
were inadvertently left out from the<br />
safety net.<br />
Under the Government<br />
Transformation Programme, the
department is tasked with the<br />
responsibility of making its services<br />
more accessible and friendly <strong>to</strong><br />
its clientele groups which consists<br />
of senior citizens, single parents,<br />
delinquent juveniles, disadvantaged<br />
children, persons with disabilities,<br />
victims of natural disasters and<br />
domestic violence, social destitute,<br />
child-care providers and voluntary<br />
welfare organizations.<br />
This has been the motivation behind<br />
the formation of the new Ministry<br />
of Welfare, Women and Family<br />
Development headed by Yang<br />
Berhormat Datuk Hajah Fatimah<br />
Abdullah who has always been<br />
a staunch advocate of a holistic<br />
transformation of the welfare system<br />
that promotes a more accessible and<br />
humane approaches <strong>to</strong> human needs<br />
and social problems.<br />
The department is also aware that<br />
welfare work is a joint responsibility<br />
of all civic-minded citizens. Hence it<br />
will forge greater partnerships with<br />
NGOS and the corporate sec<strong>to</strong>rs in<br />
the delivery of its services.<br />
For instance, recently a Chinese New<br />
Year event was held <strong>to</strong>gether with<br />
corporate entities such as PETRONAS,<br />
Mega Hotel Miri and DD Plantation<br />
Soul City<br />
the department will take stringent<br />
measures <strong>to</strong> ensure that all child-care<br />
centres, TASKA (Taman Asuhan Kanak-<br />
Kanak) are legally registered under the<br />
Child-care Centre Act, 1984 in order <strong>to</strong><br />
avoid any further un<strong>to</strong>ward incidents.<br />
Hence parents are advised <strong>to</strong> send their<br />
child <strong>to</strong> registered Taska only.<br />
Meanwhile, the process time<br />
for registration of a TASKA has<br />
Among the new programmes<br />
that have been scheduled for<br />
implementation this year include:<br />
(a) setting up of 45 satellite offices,<br />
in strategic locations in the<br />
suburban and rural areas;<br />
(b) online registration of the disabled;<br />
(c) enhancement of the registration<br />
of the child-care centres.<br />
(d) forging of multi-sec<strong>to</strong>ral<br />
collaboration with voluntary<br />
welfare organizations and<br />
corporate sec<strong>to</strong>rs.<br />
The setting up of satellite offices aims<br />
at extending the welfare services <strong>to</strong><br />
the less fortunate and the vulnerable<br />
groups at the grassroot level so that<br />
no eligible persons may be denied<br />
of government assistance. It also<br />
aims at alleviating the burden of<br />
hardships faced by the target groups<br />
through the disbursements of various<br />
social assistance and small-business<br />
launching grants.<br />
8<br />
Miri under the auspices of His<br />
Highness the Governor of Sarawak<br />
and Toh Puan. Representatives of<br />
the corporate sec<strong>to</strong>rs contributed<br />
angpows <strong>to</strong> the welfare recipients<br />
and residents of welfare institutions.<br />
Under the Persons with Disabilities<br />
Act (2008), all disabled persons are<br />
required <strong>to</strong> register with the welfare<br />
department. This is necessary for<br />
the government <strong>to</strong> plan services<br />
and allocate adequate funds for the<br />
needs of these groups. Hence an<br />
online registration system has been<br />
developed <strong>to</strong> speed up the process.<br />
The department is cognizant of recent<br />
incidences of mishandling of children<br />
in some child-care centres operated by<br />
individuals and business entities. Hence<br />
been shortened <strong>to</strong> three and half<br />
months as compared <strong>to</strong> 12 months<br />
previously. With this, the opera<strong>to</strong>rs<br />
would have no valid excuses for not<br />
registering their centres.<br />
In order for members<br />
of the public <strong>to</strong> provide<br />
feedback or reports on<br />
certain social issues of<br />
welfare concern, they<br />
may channel their querries<br />
through our national 24/7<br />
careline @ 15999 or<br />
talikhidmat @ 555999.<br />
For more information, please contact Department of Welfare Sarawak, Wisma Kebajikan, Jalan Siol Kanan, 93050 Kuching,<br />
Sarawak, Malaysia. T: +6082 444121, 448445 F: +6082 455710, 448946 E: welfare@sarawak.gov.my<br />
Apr-Jun2012<strong>BorneoTalk</strong> | 13
Soul City<br />
Tag-team of Department<br />
Of Welfare Sarawak<br />
Sarawak Welfare<br />
Department<br />
provides services<br />
essential for those<br />
in real need of<br />
care<br />
For more information, please contact<br />
Department of Welfare<br />
Sarawak<br />
Wisma Kebajikan, Jalan Siol Kanan,<br />
93050 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia.<br />
T: +6082 444121, 448445<br />
F: +6082 455710, 448946<br />
E: welfare@sarawak.gov.my<br />
www.welfare.sarawak.gov.my<br />
14 | <strong>BorneoTalk</strong>Apr-Jun2012<br />
One S<strong>to</strong>p<br />
Registration Centre<br />
TASKA, officiated<br />
on 20 th Mac 2012 at<br />
Bilik Gerakan Wisma<br />
Bapa by Minister of<br />
Ministry of Welfare,<br />
Women & Family<br />
Development, YB<br />
Datuk Hajah Fatimah<br />
Abdullah (standing<br />
front 3 rd right)<br />
In any society there will<br />
always be those who need<br />
support from the government<br />
due <strong>to</strong> their physical, mental and<br />
social disabilities or situations,<br />
especially the elderly, marginalized<br />
and abandoned children. Sarawak<br />
Welfare Department is the state’s<br />
main body <strong>to</strong> provide many<br />
different types of assistance <strong>to</strong> these<br />
disadvantaged groups of people<br />
throughout the state and it does<br />
so with other support from other<br />
governmental agencies as well as<br />
members of the public <strong>to</strong>o.<br />
To identify and <strong>to</strong> keep track of its<br />
activities, the Welfare Department<br />
maintains an up-<strong>to</strong>-date profile of all<br />
its clients through a database, aptly<br />
<strong>call</strong>ed State Community Care System<br />
Database (SCCS), which it developed<br />
with support from SAINS (Sarawak<br />
Information System). With the system<br />
the department is able <strong>to</strong> process and<br />
manage all its clients who have been<br />
approved for support services like<br />
e-Bantuan and continuously moni<strong>to</strong>r<br />
related activities under the scheme.<br />
The list is also the main reference<br />
point for all the department’s staff<br />
when dealing with these clients and<br />
more importantly, the moni<strong>to</strong>ring<br />
of their activities after they have<br />
been discharged from these services.<br />
Managed under the SWIM (State<br />
Welfare Institution Management) the<br />
staff of the department ensures that<br />
these former clients continue <strong>to</strong> chart<br />
progress in their new undertakings<br />
and also gives them the necessary<br />
support whenever necessary.<br />
In addition, the welfare personnel<br />
at all levels will be given regular<br />
training on interpersonal and<br />
effective communication skills, social<br />
work principles and ethics, conflict<br />
resolution, crisis management, and<br />
casework management. All these are<br />
aimed at helping them <strong>to</strong> be more<br />
client-centred in their approaches<br />
when dealing with different<br />
categories of clients.<br />
The latest addition <strong>to</strong> the Welfare<br />
Department’s list of duties is that of<br />
a One S<strong>to</strong>p Centre for registration<br />
of TASKA or Child-Care centres in<br />
Sarawak. Their main concern here is<br />
<strong>to</strong> ensure that such centres provide<br />
the minimum standards of child care<br />
services which are essential in the<br />
development of young children’s<br />
mind and body <strong>to</strong> become useful<br />
citizens of the world.
Soul City<br />
Rh. Jilap<br />
anak Taji<br />
in Pakan<br />
Sarikei is one<br />
A shining<br />
of Sarawak’s<br />
success<br />
prides<br />
In Sarawak, very often we<br />
hear of longhouses being left<br />
behind with just elderly people<br />
as the young migrated in search of<br />
work outside. With better education<br />
and opportunities, the young people<br />
would leave their ethnic longhouses<br />
for the bright lights of cities so it is a<br />
surprise that Rh. Jilap anak Taji, 6 th mile,<br />
Engkamop Road in Pakan, a traditional<br />
Iban longhouse, is getting bigger and<br />
prosperous at the same time! The<br />
secret <strong>to</strong> their success comes from the<br />
cooperation with the various agencies<br />
like Ministry of Social Development<br />
Sarawak, Resident’s and District Office,<br />
Sarikei, Agricultural Department, FAMA<br />
and Saberkas.<br />
When the longhouse started in 1960,<br />
there were just 80 inhabitants in the 16<br />
bilik (door) stretch whereas <strong>to</strong>day, it has<br />
doubled <strong>to</strong> 38 doors with 161 residents<br />
who are amongst the most industrious<br />
in the district. Mainly farmers who<br />
deliver fresh vegetables <strong>to</strong> the nearby<br />
<strong>to</strong>wns of Bintangor, Sarikei and Sibu,<br />
they have found a niche in the supply<br />
business and have also supplemented<br />
with fresh fish grown in their ponds.<br />
The more educated residents are also<br />
part of the civil service, staff of private<br />
companies and self-employed like<br />
canteen opera<strong>to</strong>r, car rental services<br />
and offshore workers.<br />
“With foresight and assistance from<br />
the government, the residents can each<br />
earn between RM3000 <strong>to</strong> RM7000<br />
monthly from their farming activities,”<br />
said Resident of Sarikei, Michael Dawi.<br />
“They have secured contracts <strong>to</strong> deliver<br />
fresh vegetables <strong>to</strong> wholesalers and<br />
buyers and farming using the nettings<br />
ensured that heavy rain, insects and<br />
other disturbances do not affect their<br />
crops. The various individuals also rear<br />
fish, which adds <strong>to</strong> their wealth and<br />
prosperity. We are happy for them and<br />
we hope that many others will look at<br />
them as role models <strong>to</strong> further develop<br />
their land around their longhouses for<br />
farming. I am certain that our Federal,<br />
State elected representatives and<br />
all related agencies will continue <strong>to</strong><br />
provide the necessary assistance <strong>to</strong> all<br />
those who decide <strong>to</strong> develop their own<br />
farms or estates. In this manner, they<br />
can rest assured that they will be able<br />
<strong>to</strong> participate actively in the SCORE<br />
Development, particularly in Tanjung<br />
Manis Halal Hub sec<strong>to</strong>rs,” he added.<br />
Apart from the economic success<br />
of the longhouse, the other success<br />
comes from their young students<br />
where 11 are Degree holders,<br />
7 Diploma holders and 3 others<br />
having completed Sixth Form. Other<br />
accomplishments of Rh. Jilap anak<br />
Taji are coming first in the Saberkas<br />
agricultural competition in 1996 as<br />
well as 2011 ADC winner of the Sarikei<br />
Divisional competition. Certainly, this<br />
longhouse is a shining example of the<br />
possibilities if the residents are willing<br />
<strong>to</strong> put in the effort <strong>to</strong> make farming<br />
a livelihood and industry, as there are<br />
available government agencies <strong>to</strong> assist<br />
them along the way with expertise in<br />
every area.<br />
For further information, please contact Sarikei Resident’s Office, 10 th Floor, Wisma Jubli<br />
Mutiara, Jalan Bersatu, 96100 Sarikei, Sarawak, Malaysia. Tel: +6084 651963 Fax: +6084 653204<br />
www.sarikeiro.sarawak.gov.my<br />
Apr-Jun2012<strong>BorneoTalk</strong> | 15
Soul City<br />
Corporate<br />
Social<br />
Responsibility<br />
- A commitment <strong>to</strong> service<br />
www.kcsh.kpjhealth.com.my<br />
Kuching Specialist Hospital’s major<br />
contributions <strong>to</strong>wards the local<br />
community are the setting up of two<br />
charity clinic namely Klinik Waqaf<br />
An-Nur (KWAN) at Sa<strong>to</strong>k and Bandar<br />
Baru Samariang. Klinik Waqaf An-<br />
Nur Sa<strong>to</strong>k also runs a dialysis centre<br />
with minimal charge of RM90. The<br />
clinics charge a minimum of RM5 for<br />
services rendered by medical doc<strong>to</strong>r<br />
and prescription of medication.<br />
Being part of KPJ Healthcare<br />
Berhad, Kuching Specialist<br />
Hospital strongly believes<br />
that the concept of Corporate Social<br />
Responsibility (CSR) must blend in<br />
harmony and <strong>to</strong>gether be seen as<br />
one. Since its inception in 2004,<br />
Kuching Specialist Hospital has been<br />
actively pursuing community health<br />
development programmes as a way<br />
of giving back <strong>to</strong> society.<br />
KPJ Kuching Specialist has worked<br />
alongside with both government<br />
and non-governmental organisations<br />
in promoting preventive healthcare<br />
16 | <strong>BorneoTalk</strong>Apr-Jun2012<br />
through its education programmes<br />
and community services. Health<br />
seminars, talks, exhibitions, school<br />
visits and nationwide campaigns<br />
were carried out throughout the year<br />
<strong>to</strong> increase health awareness. These<br />
programmes are intended <strong>to</strong> nurture<br />
a healthy lifestyle and healthy living<br />
from young age.<br />
In Sarawak, KWAN is the main<br />
community project extensively<br />
undertaken <strong>to</strong>gether with Waqaf<br />
An-Nur Corporation and Tabung<br />
Baitulmal Negeri Sarawak. Kuching<br />
Specialist Hospital’s direct contribution<br />
<strong>to</strong> KWAN is managing the clinic<br />
operation including provision of the<br />
doc<strong>to</strong>rs and nurses. As at December<br />
2011, a <strong>to</strong>tal of 36,600 patients of all<br />
races have seeked treatment at Klinik<br />
Waqaf An-Nur in Sarawak.<br />
Apart from setting up the charity<br />
clinics, Kuching Specialist Hospital<br />
has undertaken various community<br />
outreach projects throughout the<br />
state and in<strong>to</strong> the remote areas in
Soul City<br />
Sarawak. The major community<br />
outreach projects in collaboration<br />
with the Sarawak State Government,<br />
State Health Department, National<br />
Registration Department and<br />
other government linked agencies<br />
was held in Long Pelutan, Long<br />
Luteng at Ulu Baram, Pulau Bruit<br />
and Nanga Baoh at Dalat. The<br />
pilot project, started in 2009,<br />
received an overwhelming response<br />
and continuously supported by<br />
corporate bodies such as Naim<br />
Cendera Holdings, Ta Ann, Jaya<br />
Tiasa Holdings, Samlings, Sri Vijaya<br />
Shipping, Hornbill Skyways, Usaha<br />
Cendera and media partner. The<br />
medical team and volunteers<br />
comprises specialists of physician,<br />
pediatrician, ophthalmic surgeon,<br />
dentist, general practitioners, nurses<br />
and support team extended free<br />
medical consultation, dental services,<br />
health screenings and prescribe<br />
medication <strong>to</strong> the remote villagers.<br />
The team travels through logging<br />
roads in Ulu Baram, hop in express<br />
or long boat <strong>to</strong> areas accessible<br />
only by river transport or riding<br />
mo<strong>to</strong>rcycles from one village <strong>to</strong><br />
another, bringing hope and provide<br />
health awareness <strong>to</strong> the rural area.<br />
Kuching Specialist Hospital aims<br />
in reaching out <strong>to</strong> the local<br />
communities in promoting preventive<br />
healthcare and will continue <strong>to</strong><br />
explore the area <strong>to</strong> supplement any<br />
existing healthcare facilities or <strong>to</strong><br />
provide <strong>to</strong> areas where such facilities<br />
are not readily accessible.<br />
KUCHING SPECIALIST HOSPITAL (A Member of KPJ Healthcare Berhad Group)<br />
Lot 10420, Block 11, Tabuan Stu<strong>to</strong>ng Commercial Centre, Jalan Setia Raja, 93350 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia.<br />
Tel: +6082 365777, 365030 (Emergency Line) Fax: +6082 364666 Email: kcsh@kcsh.kpjhealth.com.my<br />
Apr-Jun2012<strong>BorneoTalk</strong> | 17
Soul City<br />
Services<br />
<strong>to</strong> all<br />
In almost every country the<br />
cost of medical and health<br />
care is rising steadily and many<br />
marginalized people living in cities<br />
are finding it more difficult <strong>to</strong> seek<br />
treatment due <strong>to</strong> the cost fac<strong>to</strong>r.<br />
Recently Malaysia’s Prime Minister,<br />
Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak launched<br />
the 1 Malaysia Clinic <strong>to</strong> specifi<strong>call</strong>y<br />
bring medical care <strong>to</strong> everyone by<br />
establishing 50 such clinics in cities<br />
and <strong>to</strong>wns throughout the nation.<br />
Easily accessible and open everyday<br />
(10:00am <strong>to</strong> 10:00pm), these clinics<br />
are there <strong>to</strong> provide basic checks and<br />
simple medications <strong>to</strong> those in need<br />
at the cost of RM1!<br />
“The clinics are not meant <strong>to</strong><br />
re<strong>place</strong> the hospitals or private<br />
clinics but <strong>to</strong> give everyone the<br />
opportunity <strong>to</strong> seek medical care<br />
when necessary. Services like checks<br />
of blood pressure, diabetes testing<br />
and hypertension are available but<br />
more detail checks on other illness<br />
have still <strong>to</strong> be referred <strong>to</strong> the<br />
hospitals,” said the Prime Minister<br />
at the launching. “Foremost, these<br />
clinics are not <strong>to</strong> compete with the<br />
private sec<strong>to</strong>r clinics and so should<br />
be seen as a win-win situation<br />
as those that need referrals are<br />
still directed <strong>to</strong> such clinics. More<br />
importantly, these are services<br />
provided by the government <strong>to</strong><br />
everyone at affordable price and can<br />
decrease the queues in hospitals for<br />
those seeking such treatments or<br />
services.” Other services available<br />
include cough medications, high<br />
fever treatments and simple stitches<br />
for minor cuts.<br />
According <strong>to</strong> the Prime Minister, if<br />
the idea of such clinics are readily<br />
acceptable <strong>to</strong> the public, there are<br />
possibilities that their number could<br />
be increased, based on areas where<br />
the demand is highest. Interestingly,<br />
the RM10 million budget for these<br />
fifty clinics are <strong>to</strong> provide equipment<br />
and medicines and are not inclusive<br />
of the buildings’ cost. Another plus<br />
point for these clinics is that services<br />
can be provided at a fast pace as<br />
they provide services that are not<br />
time consuming.<br />
“These clinics are specifi<strong>call</strong>y<br />
aimed at those who are at the<br />
lowest income group in the cities<br />
and <strong>to</strong>wns, <strong>to</strong> provide health and<br />
medical care <strong>to</strong> everyone, including<br />
foreigners,” added Datuk Seri Liow<br />
Tiong Lai, Malaysia’s Minister of<br />
Health at the launching. He informed<br />
18 | <strong>BorneoTalk</strong>Apr-Jun2012
Soul City<br />
Malaysia<br />
Clinics<br />
that foreigners seeking services at<br />
these clinics will have <strong>to</strong> pay RM15<br />
and are welcomed <strong>to</strong>o, especially<br />
those in service industries in the cities<br />
and <strong>to</strong>wns. The Minister also pointed<br />
out that he had consulted with the<br />
Malaysian Medical Association on<br />
the merits of these clinics and <strong>to</strong> ally<br />
their fear that private enterprises will<br />
not be affected by the opening of<br />
these clinics.<br />
“We want <strong>to</strong> make it clear <strong>to</strong><br />
everyone concerned that these clinics<br />
are another step in our effort <strong>to</strong><br />
provide quality health and medical<br />
care <strong>to</strong> the people in a fair and<br />
transparent way,” he added. There<br />
are no distinctions between anyone<br />
going <strong>to</strong> these clinics, which is the<br />
government’s way of providing<br />
services <strong>to</strong> all, he stated.<br />
For further information, please contact 1Malaysia Clinic • Lot 9746, Section 65, KTLD, Taman Lee Ling, Jalan Matang, Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia.<br />
Tel: +6082 649644 • Ground Floor, Shop Lot No.1, Lot 482, Block 71, 10 th Mile Bazaar, Lorong 10, Kota Padawan, Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. Tel: +6082 370061<br />
• 1921, Ground Floor, Riverview Commercial Centre, Bintawa, Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. Tel: +6082 330002<br />
Apr-Jun2012<strong>BorneoTalk</strong> | 19
Soul City<br />
Kuching<br />
City Parking<br />
Systems seek<br />
<strong>to</strong> provide<br />
best win-win<br />
solutions<br />
<strong>to</strong> parking<br />
congestions in<br />
the city<br />
Like many capital cities in<br />
Malaysia, Kuching City is<br />
facing its share of traffic woes<br />
like congestions and difficulties in<br />
finding parking bays especially during<br />
peak office hours. Fortunately,<br />
these issues are mostly confined<br />
<strong>to</strong> the older part of the city where<br />
limited land do not allow for further<br />
expansion of roads or <strong>place</strong>s <strong>to</strong> park.<br />
In other <strong>place</strong>s especially where new<br />
<strong>to</strong>wnships are coming up, these<br />
traffic problems are reduced through<br />
wider and multiple access roads and<br />
manda<strong>to</strong>ry parking spaces set aside<br />
for every development plans.<br />
Another way the city is trying <strong>to</strong> free<br />
parking spaces is the introduction<br />
of parking system fondly named as<br />
Kuching City Parking Systems (KCPS)<br />
whereby parking spaces<br />
within the city are<br />
carefully<br />
Understanding<br />
the drivers’<br />
dilemma<br />
moni<strong>to</strong>red and checked by attendants<br />
during office hours. The system<br />
incorporates the use of season parking<br />
scheme at certain designated spaces<br />
in different parts of the city, which is<br />
renewable monthly and fixed rates<br />
based on length of time the space is<br />
occupied by the vehicle. The season<br />
parking scheme is designed <strong>to</strong><br />
convenient office workers who work<br />
in nearby buildings as they only pay<br />
one rate monthly which is also cost<br />
effective. Drivers have <strong>to</strong> purchase<br />
coupons for the hourly parking in<br />
all city parking spaces where there<br />
are numbered bays. Upon expiry of<br />
parking coupon designated time will<br />
result in a fixed rate compound for<br />
each subsequent time period and<br />
amount payable <strong>to</strong> the city councils or<br />
the nearest KCPS outlet.<br />
The advantages of the system are<br />
that city councils will earn extra<br />
revenue while drivers will more likely<br />
be able <strong>to</strong> find available parking bays.<br />
Additionally, the system also creates<br />
more employment opportunities<br />
and also encourages city folks <strong>to</strong> use<br />
public transport. It also encourages<br />
drivers not <strong>to</strong> waste time while<br />
parking, as longer idle<br />
time in a designated<br />
bay will result in<br />
more compounds <strong>to</strong><br />
be paid. This user pay<br />
system has also resulted in<br />
more parking bays available as<br />
most drivers will try <strong>to</strong> avoid long period<br />
parking.<br />
Based on the results of the new system<br />
implemented since 2005, the city<br />
councils have enjoyed triple monthly<br />
guaranteed parking bays rental income<br />
as well as 52% year-end dividend<br />
from KCPS. The over 150 employees<br />
of KCPS have also enjoyed the better<br />
working conditions with medical<br />
benefits, incentives schemes and<br />
others. In their effort <strong>to</strong> better manage<br />
the parking issue in the city, KCPS<br />
has regularly listened <strong>to</strong> feedbacks<br />
from drivers and looking at providing<br />
solutions and alternatives <strong>to</strong> reduce<br />
complaints and irregularities. All these<br />
proactive steps have resulted in better<br />
management of parking bays in the<br />
city and also greater revenues for the<br />
councils <strong>to</strong> provide more facilities and<br />
better living standards for city<br />
folks in Kuching.<br />
www.dbku.gov.my<br />
Kuching North City Council (DBKU), Bukit Siol, Jalan Semariang, Petra Jaya,<br />
For further information, please contact<br />
93050 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. Tel: +6082 446688 Fax: +6082 446414<br />
20 | <strong>BorneoTalk</strong>Apr-Jun2012
Soul City<br />
Responsive<br />
and<br />
responsible<br />
council<br />
Padawan Municipal Council<br />
strives <strong>to</strong> engage with local<br />
community through Resident<br />
Councillorship System<br />
Padawan Municipal Council is<br />
one of three major councils<br />
serving Sarawak’s Capital<br />
City, Kuching. As one of the biggest<br />
municipality in area, Padawan<br />
Municipal Council (MPP) is also one<br />
of the fastest growing in terms of<br />
residential, commercial and industrial<br />
properties over the past few<br />
years. This has brought about the<br />
realization that it cannot be business<br />
as usual for MPP!<br />
“We have realised from our studies<br />
and projections of growth in MPP<br />
that we would be unable <strong>to</strong> provide<br />
the necessary municipal services<br />
and infrastructure requirements<br />
if we continued working the way<br />
we were,” said Lo Khere Chiang,<br />
Chairman MPP. “We would simply<br />
be overwhelmed by the sheer<br />
number of developments planned<br />
and approved under MPP area of<br />
jurisdiction. More developments<br />
means more people will be residing<br />
in MPP area. So, a solution had <strong>to</strong><br />
be put in <strong>place</strong> in anticipation of the<br />
demands and expectations from the<br />
ratepayers. Thus, it was collectively<br />
agreed <strong>to</strong> form the Resident<br />
Councillorship System in 2009 which<br />
focused on community participation<br />
and engagement in community<br />
activities.”<br />
“Each housing estate or village<br />
under MPP will have its Community<br />
Consultative Committee (CCC)<br />
which will be headed by a Resident<br />
Councillor who work <strong>to</strong>gether with<br />
the local community <strong>to</strong> solve issues<br />
arising in that area,” the Chairman<br />
explained.<br />
“As there are more areas than our<br />
number of councillors in MPP, some<br />
of us have <strong>to</strong> shoulder more than<br />
one area or ward,” Lo added. “To<br />
assist the Resident Councillors, we<br />
also appointed an Area Officer in<br />
each ward and whose responsibilities<br />
include collecting relevant data<br />
of the area, accompany Resident<br />
Councillor during site visits and<br />
acting as focal person in the area.<br />
PADAWAN MUNICIPAL COUNCIL<br />
Kota Padawan, Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia.<br />
Tel: +6082 615566 Fax: +6082 611832<br />
Email: mpp@tm.net.my<br />
<strong>Website</strong>: www.mpp.gov.my<br />
In this way, MPP hopes <strong>to</strong> be able<br />
<strong>to</strong> better serve each ward and has<br />
closer contact with all residents,”<br />
he said.<br />
In practice, the system has been<br />
well accepted by the residents as<br />
issues arising from each particular<br />
area can be quickly identified and<br />
brought <strong>to</strong> the attention of MPP for<br />
answers and solutions. The Chairman<br />
noted that the responsibilities of<br />
these Resident Councillors are heavy<br />
and challenging but are necessary<br />
<strong>to</strong> establish the close relationships<br />
with residents. He also noted<br />
that over time, residents <strong>to</strong>o have<br />
become more responsive <strong>to</strong> the<br />
system and are active participants<br />
in the sustainable development of<br />
their areas. These successes and<br />
continuous investments in MPP point<br />
<strong>to</strong> the conclusion that Padawan is an<br />
area much favoured by people.<br />
Apr-Jun2012<strong>BorneoTalk</strong> | 21
Tourism – Product<br />
Asian<br />
The<br />
Terubok<br />
fish is<br />
making a<br />
comeback<br />
in Sarawak<br />
What is caviar <strong>to</strong> Europe,<br />
is Terubok roe <strong>to</strong> Asia.<br />
The Terubok is a unique<br />
species of fish found in many parts of<br />
Asia and like salmons, migrate back <strong>to</strong><br />
their rivers birth <strong>place</strong>s <strong>to</strong> spawn when<br />
matured. Another fascinating feature is<br />
that when at the immature stage, they<br />
are all males and evolving <strong>to</strong> become<br />
females when mature!<br />
A number of rivers in Sarawak have<br />
long been well known for their Terubok<br />
catch in the past and fishermen in<br />
some areas were able <strong>to</strong> sustain<br />
themselves and earn a living simply by<br />
this seasonal activity. Sadly, the number<br />
of landings dwindle significantly in<br />
many areas due mainly <strong>to</strong> the over<br />
fishing activities, pollution of some<br />
rivers, disturbances of spawning<br />
grounds and trawlers upsetting<br />
22 | <strong>BorneoTalk</strong>Apr-Jun2012
Tourism – Product<br />
caviar<br />
the ecosystem. The government<br />
launched an international programme<br />
with Australian CSIRO <strong>to</strong> look in<strong>to</strong><br />
mitigating the problem and finding<br />
ways <strong>to</strong> ensure that the species will<br />
continue <strong>to</strong> flourish in the rivers in<br />
Sarawak.<br />
Amongst the many activities of the<br />
action plan were artificial breeding,<br />
cyro-preservation, genetic studies,<br />
fish trapping, diseases, pathology and<br />
<strong>to</strong>xicology studies. Another area was<br />
fry production and culture, which<br />
looked in<strong>to</strong> reseeding, pond cultivation<br />
and improvements <strong>to</strong> the existing<br />
facilities of Terubok research at Lingga<br />
fishery Station. On the human resource<br />
aspects, there were capacity building of<br />
expertise in scientific and management<br />
fields, educational activities and hosts<br />
of public awareness programs <strong>to</strong> drum<br />
up support and understanding of<br />
the issues as well as inputs <strong>to</strong> further<br />
strengthen the programs.<br />
After a number of years, the various<br />
programs began <strong>to</strong> show more<br />
positive results, especially in the<br />
awareness building among the<br />
local fishing communities. It also<br />
revealed that for any local project <strong>to</strong><br />
be successful, the local stakeholders<br />
must be active participants <strong>to</strong><br />
overcome shortcomings while<br />
providing the necessary channels <strong>to</strong><br />
solve conflicts between individuals<br />
and groups through dialogue and<br />
consensus. On the other hand,<br />
successful programs also need full<br />
support from the government and<br />
related agencies working <strong>to</strong>gether<br />
for a common good and goal.<br />
In the case of Terubok, the Ministry<br />
of Modernization of Agriculture,<br />
Department of Agriculture Sarawak,<br />
were the main members heavily<br />
involved and committed <strong>to</strong> the<br />
program which led <strong>to</strong> its success.<br />
There are still a myriad of things<br />
<strong>to</strong> do for the rehabilitation of the<br />
Terubok in Sarawak and these include<br />
working in close cooperation with<br />
other states/nations within Borneo,<br />
regular checks on landings of fish<br />
and regular dialogues between the<br />
interested parties. There have even<br />
been suggestions on the possibilities<br />
of engaging neighbours <strong>to</strong> jointly<br />
conduct research on Terubok while<br />
others believe that education should<br />
be emphasized more at all levels <strong>to</strong><br />
achieve the goal of future success in<br />
the species.<br />
For further information, kindly contact<br />
Inland Fisheries Production, Research & Training Centre,<br />
Semariang Batu, Petra Jaya, 93050 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia.<br />
Tel: +6082 440196 Fax: +6082 443289<br />
Apr-Jun2012<strong>BorneoTalk</strong> | 23
Tourism – Product<br />
Kuching’s new<br />
Medan Niaga Sa<strong>to</strong>k<br />
offers locals and<br />
visi<strong>to</strong>rs insights in<strong>to</strong><br />
the diverse range<br />
of food, fruits of<br />
Sarawak<br />
Kuching City’s Sunday Market<br />
along Jalan Sa<strong>to</strong>k is the<br />
most well known centre<br />
for city folks and <strong>to</strong>urists alike when<br />
it comes <strong>to</strong> local food and fruits.<br />
Every weekend the whole area is<br />
like a carnival for sellers and buyers,<br />
especially with the presence of native<br />
groups selling their farm produce,<br />
wholesellers with their lo<strong>call</strong>y grown<br />
vegetables and assortment of wet<br />
and dry foodstuff, gardening and<br />
hobbyist vendors. This diversity<br />
of products and services is like a<br />
magnetic pull on everyone, young<br />
and old alike and a real eye opener<br />
for many <strong>to</strong>urists in the state.<br />
landmark<br />
Due <strong>to</strong> the overwhelming number<br />
of vendors and patrons, the <strong>place</strong> is<br />
simply inadequate in terms of space <strong>to</strong><br />
display goods, limited lanes for patrons<br />
and at times massive traffic jams and<br />
huge amount of litter <strong>to</strong>wards the<br />
evening time. Realizing the limitation<br />
of the venue as well as the potential<br />
of the <strong>place</strong> <strong>to</strong> draw in <strong>to</strong>urists, the<br />
government has set up the Medan<br />
Niaga Sa<strong>to</strong>k, which will be located at<br />
Jalan Matang, Petra Jaya, just across<br />
the main bridge from Jalan Sa<strong>to</strong>k.<br />
Covering an area of 12.25 acres, this<br />
purpose built market will include<br />
a roof structure for the comfort of<br />
vendors and patrons, separation of<br />
wet and semi-wet sections, food<br />
section, plaza section and office<br />
of FAMA, the federal agricultural<br />
agency which is joint partnership<br />
with the state government in setting<br />
up the new venue. In addition <strong>to</strong> the<br />
separation of the different segments of<br />
traders, the market will have modern<br />
and efficient waste disposal systems<br />
as well as wide spaces for movement<br />
of traffic, goods and services. The<br />
whole project is estimated <strong>to</strong> cost<br />
about RM46.5 million which will<br />
include wide-open access roads, ample<br />
parking bays, marina landing spots<br />
and safe environment for everyone.<br />
Apart from the usual shopping,<br />
visi<strong>to</strong>rs will be entertained by cultural<br />
performances and activities during the<br />
evenings, which will boost patronage<br />
of the market.<br />
It is estimated that about 1300<br />
vendors are currently frequenting<br />
the Sunday Market, a figure that<br />
will likely increase at the new venue<br />
as more entrepreneurs join in.<br />
With the better facilities becoming<br />
available at the new market, which<br />
will open its doors <strong>to</strong> the public<br />
come July 2012, you can expect<br />
Medan Niaga Sa<strong>to</strong>k <strong>to</strong> be even<br />
more busy with people looking for<br />
interesting, exotic range of goods<br />
and services. The new landmark for<br />
the city will see traders moving in<strong>to</strong><br />
the market in stages.<br />
Be amongst the first <strong>to</strong> experience the<br />
<strong>to</strong>tally new marketing environment!<br />
For further information, kindly contact FAMA Sarawak, Office,<br />
Lot 6C,D,E, Wisma Haji Suaidi, Jalan Tun Abdul Rahman, Petra Jaya, 93050 Kuching,<br />
Sarawak, Malaysia. Tel: +6082 422578, 414744 Fax: +6082 244551<br />
24 | <strong>BorneoTalk</strong>Apr-Jun2012
Red Tilapia<br />
Tourism – Product<br />
after taste. Furthermore, in a freefloating<br />
cage the waste generated<br />
from the fish are immediately washed<br />
away as the water is ever flowing<br />
24/7! Pond water needs treatment <strong>to</strong><br />
prevent occurrence of diseases due <strong>to</strong><br />
the congestion and waste generated<br />
from the fish so be careful when<br />
purchasing such fishes even though<br />
their prices may be cheaper.<br />
Live&Fresh<br />
When it comes <strong>to</strong> cooking, tilapia<br />
fish is quite flexible; it is excellent for<br />
steaming, especially the fresh ones<br />
from the tank, for frying as it does<br />
not shrink much in size when cooked<br />
and certainly sumptuous for asam<br />
curry. There are other possibilities<br />
like sweet and sour, Thai sauce style,<br />
Can<strong>to</strong>nese style, black sauce with<br />
black beans and the fillet pieces are<br />
always never enough when cooked<br />
in butter sauce or deep fried. At the<br />
fine restaurants and seafood outlets,<br />
the tilapia is very common due <strong>to</strong> its<br />
versatility <strong>to</strong> all types of cooking.<br />
Able Asia Aquaculture Sdn Bhd produces, sells<br />
tilapia eco-fish from farm at Batang Ai dam<br />
Everyone knows that the<br />
tilapia fish is one of the<br />
finest when it comes <strong>to</strong><br />
serving guests or family as it has<br />
good quality flesh, fresh and very<br />
little fine bones <strong>to</strong> worry about. In<br />
Sarawak, tilapia is easily available in<br />
any market and usually lives ones<br />
<strong>to</strong>o! The main issue is whether it<br />
will have a ‘muddy’ after taste when<br />
eaten especially those that come<br />
from ponds.<br />
So choose those that come from Able<br />
Asia Aquaculture Sdn Bhd, a company<br />
that breeds the eco tilapia fish and<br />
other fishes in free flowing water at<br />
the Batang Ai dam in Sri Aman. There<br />
are agents and wholesalers for the<br />
company throughout the state so<br />
getting their fresh eco fishes are quite<br />
easy. At the farm, the fish are kept in<br />
floating cages, which means they do<br />
not nibble on mud, or bot<strong>to</strong>m debris,<br />
which give pond fish that muddy<br />
Able Asia Aquaculture Sdn Bhd also<br />
sells other types of eco fish like patin,<br />
lampan, baung, kaloi and tengadak,<br />
all quality river fishes that can be safely<br />
recommended for serving guests.<br />
Depending on your skills, each of these<br />
types of fishes certainly taste richer<br />
when cooked in the right way and the<br />
folks at the outlets will gladly advice<br />
you should you need so, especially<br />
when purchasing the fish for the first<br />
time! For those who tend <strong>to</strong> shop once<br />
a week, keeping the fish in the freezer<br />
is not going <strong>to</strong> make the fish taste bad<br />
when thawed and cooked after a few<br />
days. Because the fish bought is fresh,<br />
the freezer will continue <strong>to</strong> keep it<br />
fresh and ready whenever you decide<br />
<strong>to</strong> cook it. However, it is advisable not<br />
<strong>to</strong> keep foodstuff in freezer for <strong>to</strong>o<br />
long as that can deteriorate the quality.<br />
For more information, please contact<br />
Able Asia Aquaculture Sdn Bhd,<br />
Lot 8129, Ground Floor, Lorong Datuk Abang Abdul<br />
Rahim 10, 93450 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia.<br />
T: +6082 349816 F: +6082 337728<br />
HP: +6013 8033069 (Mr. Kong) E: pctan61@hotmail.com<br />
(Opening hours: Monday <strong>to</strong> Saturday from 8am <strong>to</strong> 5pm)<br />
Apr-Jun2012<strong>BorneoTalk</strong> | 25
Tourism – Product<br />
Ba Kelalan<br />
Unique<br />
opportunity<br />
<strong>to</strong> experience<br />
Sarawak’s<br />
highland areas.<br />
&<br />
• Ba’Kelalan<br />
Of all the <strong>home</strong>stay<br />
programmes in Sarawak,<br />
only two offer something<br />
very different from the rest; these<br />
are Ba’Kelalan and Bario in the Miri<br />
Division. Both are unique in that<br />
they are nestled in high altitude<br />
and the weather conditions are very<br />
favourable due <strong>to</strong> the coolness and<br />
the ample sunshine everyday. The<br />
26 | <strong>BorneoTalk</strong>Apr-Jun2012<br />
only drawback, if you want <strong>to</strong> <strong>call</strong> it<br />
that, is the accessibility, only by air<br />
(though many say it is this fac<strong>to</strong>r of<br />
limited access that attracts them!).<br />
Of course the land route is an option<br />
that only those with time, stamina<br />
and hardiness can try in hiking<br />
through rugged highlands, sleeping<br />
in makeshifts shelters and relying on<br />
stream water.<br />
Ba’Kelalan & Bario Homestay is<br />
actually a new name given <strong>to</strong> the<br />
age old tradition of sharing one’s<br />
<strong>home</strong> with visi<strong>to</strong>rs in the highland<br />
areas in Sarawak. Ever since visi<strong>to</strong>rs<br />
from outside started arriving at<br />
the highlands, they have always<br />
been staying with families who<br />
opened up their <strong>home</strong>s <strong>to</strong> welcome<br />
these visi<strong>to</strong>rs. The remote nature<br />
of these areas and the limited<br />
accommodations available mean that<br />
visi<strong>to</strong>rs have <strong>to</strong> put up with some<br />
families. Visi<strong>to</strong>rs need not worry<br />
about families being unfamiliar with<br />
their arrival and sharing of their<br />
<strong>home</strong>s.<br />
Ba’Kelalan is about 170km from<br />
Lawas while Bario is much closer
Tourism – Product<br />
Bario<br />
Homestay<br />
something <strong>to</strong> try your hands on if<br />
chance upon. The fire is kept going<br />
without s<strong>to</strong>pping over the days and<br />
water from the well is continuously<br />
poured in<strong>to</strong> the iron basins. The<br />
resulting salt is much priced by all<br />
the native people in Sarawak and<br />
was an important barter trading<br />
item in the past. Another interesting<br />
activity is picking wild fruits from<br />
the jungle and this provides visi<strong>to</strong>rs<br />
an opportunity <strong>to</strong> enjoy themselves<br />
while learning about the traditional<br />
way of life.<br />
• Bario<br />
<strong>to</strong> the Kalimantan border. Both are<br />
major <strong>to</strong>wns in the northern part<br />
of the state with majority of the<br />
inhabitants being Lun Bawang and<br />
Kelabit, two of the major tribes of<br />
people collectively known as Orang<br />
Ulu (Upriver people) in Sarawak.<br />
The isolated nature of Ba’Kelalan<br />
and Bario also helped preserved<br />
many of their age-old traditions<br />
like the dances, bamboo band<br />
and types of food. Padi cultivation<br />
provided the main staple food, which<br />
also became an important export<br />
commodity for the people due <strong>to</strong><br />
the high quality rice produced.<br />
Pineapple also grow well here and<br />
are naturally sweet! Visi<strong>to</strong>rs will get<br />
<strong>to</strong> join in the traditional padi planting<br />
activities like harvesting, planting<br />
and land preparation, depending<br />
on the season they arrive in these<br />
settlements. Fishing, plucking<br />
vegetables from the jungle and some<br />
animal husbandry are some activities<br />
that visi<strong>to</strong>rs may participate in when<br />
staying here.<br />
At Bario, the salt making process<br />
of evaporating water over a few<br />
days <strong>to</strong> get the crystals is also<br />
For more information, please contact Mo<strong>to</strong>ur Sarawak Office,<br />
Ministry of Tourism Malaysia, (Sarawak Office) 3 rd Floor,<br />
Bangunan Sultan Iskandar, Jalan Simpang Tiga, 93300 Kuching, Sarawak,<br />
Malaysia. T: +6082 235231 F: +6082 234010<br />
www.mo<strong>to</strong>ur.gov.my<br />
Apr-Jun2012<strong>BorneoTalk</strong> | 27
Tourism – Product<br />
Gawai<br />
Special<br />
Package<br />
18 th May - 23 rd June<br />
To experience authentic<br />
Gawai celebration, you<br />
must venture <strong>to</strong> a Dayak<br />
longhouse and join in the festival<br />
activities of the people. This is<br />
the most common advice <strong>to</strong> all<br />
those who are new <strong>to</strong> Sarawak’s<br />
Gawai celebration which falls on<br />
1 st & 2 nd June annually here. Gawai<br />
is actually a social and religious<br />
festival of the Dayaks, comprising<br />
mainly of Iban and Bidayuh native<br />
tribes as Thanksgiving Day marking<br />
bountiful rice harvest and for plans<br />
and activities for the next planting<br />
season.<br />
A traditional<br />
celebration<br />
of Dayak<br />
hospitality in<br />
Sarawak<br />
know of a villager who lives in that<br />
longhouse and get him <strong>to</strong> invite you!<br />
No worry about that this year; the<br />
“Gawai Special Package” is here!<br />
Jointly organized by Ministry of<br />
Tourism Sarawak, Tourism Malaysia,<br />
Sarawak Tourism Board and<br />
Sarawak Cultural Village (SCV), the<br />
package is one unique experience<br />
for all participants in a unique and<br />
conducive environment. Living in the<br />
SCV is itself a memorable experience<br />
as the village is a representative<br />
collection of Sarawak’s various ethnic<br />
groups’ traditional <strong>home</strong>s. Located<br />
at the foothills of Mount Santubong,<br />
the award winning village is<br />
surrounded by forest, river and just<br />
a short drive from the capital city,<br />
Kuching.<br />
Upon arrival at SCV, guests<br />
and participants will join in the<br />
‘Pun Ramyai’, ‘Miring’ led by a<br />
‘Lemambang’ and a <strong>to</strong>ast of ‘Ai<br />
Pengayu’. Pun Ramyai is a Tree of<br />
Sound as the advice may be, often<br />
getting <strong>to</strong> a longhouse is quite a<br />
tricky problem unless you personally<br />
28 | <strong>BorneoTalk</strong>Apr-Jun2012
Tourism – Product<br />
Fortune which signifies the fortune<br />
of the people for the upcoming<br />
celebration and Miring is a cus<strong>to</strong>mary<br />
offering ceremony <strong>to</strong> mark many<br />
activities of the villagers. Lemambang<br />
refers <strong>to</strong> the poem chanter prior<br />
<strong>to</strong> the start of many activities and<br />
Ai Pengayu is the rice wine served<br />
during the ceremony <strong>to</strong> signify long<br />
life. All these activities are carried<br />
out in a merry making celebration<br />
participated by the villagers and so<br />
guests will also be invited <strong>to</strong> join in.<br />
Following a host of other interesting<br />
activities, all the Special Gawai Package<br />
participants will go on a short jungle<br />
trekking at the Mount Santubong<br />
foothills where they have the<br />
opportunity <strong>to</strong> catch sight of monkeys,<br />
lizards, fascinating pitcher plants <strong>to</strong><br />
tall imposing trees. That short outdoor<br />
excursion served the best reason for<br />
a relaxing session in the SCV theater<br />
where cultural performances featuring<br />
various ethnic dances will be held.<br />
The evening dinner is an eagerly<br />
anticipated affair as participants<br />
assigned <strong>to</strong> different groups will be<br />
preparing dishes for the dinner. This<br />
‘Do-it-yourself’ collective effort is<br />
<strong>call</strong>ed “Berapi Kitai” and participants<br />
learn first hand the preparation and<br />
cooking of traditional recipes of the<br />
ethnic groups. Following dinner, the<br />
most interesting event then unfolds,<br />
“Makai Begulai” where participants<br />
watch and learn from the traditional<br />
dance experts the intricate steps of<br />
the dances. The merry dancing is<br />
always a challenge <strong>to</strong> visi<strong>to</strong>rs as they<br />
try <strong>to</strong> imitate their hosts’ nimble steps<br />
and body twists as well as learning<br />
<strong>to</strong> strike the gongs at the rhythmic<br />
paces. Before retiring for the night,<br />
participants will all symboli<strong>call</strong>y roll<br />
up the mats on the floor <strong>to</strong> symbolise<br />
the end of the night’s celebration.<br />
Known as “Ngling Tikai” it provides a<br />
fitting end <strong>to</strong> a wonderful sharing of<br />
cultures and traditions between the<br />
people.<br />
Breakfast the next morning is an<br />
interesting selection of Orang Ulu fares.<br />
“Mirup Lekadchang” or breakfast will<br />
be an opportunity for the participants<br />
<strong>to</strong> sample some Orang Ulu food in<br />
the village. On a later part of the<br />
morning, the participants will once<br />
again get their hands in<strong>to</strong> making<br />
traditional Iban biscuits using local<br />
ingredients. Commonly referred <strong>to</strong> as<br />
“Ngadu Penganan” the biscuit making<br />
experience gives guests an insight<br />
in<strong>to</strong> the simple exercise of making<br />
tasty biscuits. Lunch comes next and<br />
it will feature Bidayuh food selections.<br />
Expertly prepared by the senior<br />
Bidayuh mothers, “Netas Pun Ranyai”<br />
also marks the end of the wonderful<br />
experience of the participants in the<br />
Special Gawai Package at the SCV.<br />
Depending on the choice, the special<br />
package is priced at RM399.00 per<br />
pax for 2-days 1 night stay while<br />
the RM499.00 (3-days 2 nights) and<br />
RM599.00 (4-days 3 nights) are also<br />
available. This inaugural launch of the<br />
special package is certainly going <strong>to</strong><br />
attract record number of participants<br />
so book early <strong>to</strong> avoid disappointment.<br />
For booking,<br />
visit the web-site:<br />
www.sarawakborneo<strong>to</strong>ur.com<br />
For more information, please contact Sarawak Cultural Village, Pantai Damai,<br />
Santubong, 93752 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. T: +6082 846108, 846411 F: +6082 846988<br />
E: enquiry@scv.com.my W: www.scv.com.my<br />
Insertion by courtesy of Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board, Ministry of<br />
Tourism Malaysia, (Sarawak Office) Parcel 297-2-1, Level 2 Riverbank Suites,<br />
Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, 93752 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia.<br />
T: +6082 246575 F: +6082 246442<br />
www.<strong>to</strong>urismmalaysia.gov.my<br />
Apr-Jun2012<strong>BorneoTalk</strong> | 29
Tourism – Product<br />
Hush Puppies<br />
Lea Sports Centre<br />
Delta The Market Place<br />
Popular Books<strong>to</strong>re<br />
Sibu’s one-s<strong>to</strong>p<br />
shopping<br />
convenience<br />
Delta Mall is the<br />
ideal centre for all your needs<br />
Sibu is the centre for upriver<br />
trips <strong>to</strong> many other riverine<br />
<strong>to</strong>wns in Sarawak and<br />
as an administrative centre, has<br />
grown tremendously over the years.<br />
Modern residential centres and office<br />
blocks have complemented the fast<br />
development of the <strong>to</strong>wn and Delta<br />
Mall, located just mere minutes<br />
from the CBD (Central Business<br />
District), is strategi<strong>call</strong>y ideal as the<br />
business address for whole range of<br />
enterprises. The close proximity <strong>to</strong><br />
businesses and residential properties<br />
as well as wide range of selections<br />
in Delta Mall are key reasons for the<br />
success of the mall.<br />
Since its opening in 2007, Delta<br />
Mall has one of the best selection of<br />
recognized brand name outlets as<br />
tenants including ‘Delta –The Market<br />
Gintell<br />
Sonice Furniture<br />
Place’, a supermarket offering whole<br />
range of products for families and<br />
businesses, Watson’s, KFC, Lazo<br />
Diamond, Tom’s Too, Lea Centre &<br />
Lea Sports Centre, Skin Food, Hush<br />
Puppies, Sonice Furniture, Sony<br />
Centre, SenQ, and Popular Book<br />
Company. Known for its appeal <strong>to</strong><br />
medium and high income shoppers<br />
with the availability of branded<br />
Sushi Kiosk<br />
Digi<br />
outlets, Delta Mall is equipped with<br />
WiFi services for convenience of<br />
cus<strong>to</strong>mers and tenants while 24-hour<br />
CCTVs provide security assurance<br />
<strong>to</strong> everyone in the vicinity. There are<br />
added conveniences of Maybank and<br />
RHB banking kiosks inside while the<br />
ample parking bays surrounding the<br />
mall provide easy proximity access.<br />
For parents with children, there is<br />
no worry of them getting bored<br />
as the mall has a play area just for<br />
children on the first floor. When they<br />
are done with their playing, why<br />
not s<strong>to</strong>p over at the Iglool where<br />
you can get iced desserts and other<br />
delicacies or Sushi Kiosk with mouthwatering<br />
array of sushi, waffles and<br />
crepes. Delta Mall has more than 40<br />
commercial lots available inside for<br />
wide variety of businesses and you<br />
are assured of excellent services as<br />
the complex is managed by Delta<br />
Group of Companies, a recognised<br />
name in the business community in<br />
Sarawak and Malaysia.<br />
Lazo Diamond Bausch K SenQ<br />
For any enquiries, the management can be<br />
reached at tel no. +6084 325133,<br />
313719 and fax no +6084 318433<br />
or visit us at our office located on SF 16-19,<br />
Second Floor, Delta Mall, Lot 2831, Jalan<br />
Pedada, 96000 Sibu, Sarawak, Malaysia.<br />
(Opening hours: 10am <strong>to</strong> 9.30pm daily)<br />
30 | <strong>BorneoTalk</strong>Apr-Jun2012
Tourism – Product<br />
• Normah Orchid<br />
Kuching North<br />
Orchid Garden<br />
will fascinate<br />
you with its<br />
range of orchids<br />
rchids,<br />
oh orchids!<br />
which is the ultimate satisfaction of<br />
many orchid lovers. Also found here<br />
are various hybrids of Sarawak’s state<br />
official flower, the Normah Orchid<br />
(Phalaenophis bellina) and the original<br />
orchid. The garden is spread over 6.2<br />
hectares, which gives visi<strong>to</strong>rs plenty<br />
of room <strong>to</strong> move around as well as <strong>to</strong><br />
view all the displays here. Rain or shine,<br />
this is one spot in the city where visi<strong>to</strong>rs<br />
<strong>to</strong> Sarawak should not miss.<br />
• Lady’s Slipper Orchid<br />
Orchids have fascinated men<br />
over the ages and continue<br />
<strong>to</strong> do so <strong>to</strong>day for one simple<br />
reason; their beauty! Each orchid<br />
flower is an art of nature with intricate<br />
petal patterns, colours, shapes and<br />
sizes, so much so that thousands have<br />
found their way in<strong>to</strong> stamps, dollar<br />
notes of nations all over the world<br />
and some even became their national<br />
flowers. Borneo Island is a treasure<br />
trove for orchids as some ten percent<br />
of the species are found here!<br />
To get a close up view of orchids in<br />
the wild often require much climbing<br />
up high trees or rock ledges as many<br />
of these are epiphytes or those plants<br />
species that grow on host plants but<br />
are independent in producing their<br />
own food. In Kuching, orchid lovers are<br />
spoilt for choice; some 75,000 orchids<br />
can be found in one single location,<br />
the Kuching North Orchid Garden<br />
near <strong>to</strong> the State Legislative Assembly<br />
building and the his<strong>to</strong>ric Astana, official<br />
residence of the Governor or Head of<br />
State. Opened since 2009, this easy<br />
<strong>to</strong> reach spot is easily one of the most<br />
pho<strong>to</strong>graphed <strong>place</strong>s in the city as you<br />
simply do not want <strong>to</strong> leave without<br />
taking some pictures of these exotic<br />
and enchanting flowers. The Garden<br />
is beautifully constructed <strong>to</strong> portray as<br />
much as possible the natural conditions<br />
which orchids thrive in, with secluded<br />
and shaded areas as well as sun lit<br />
areas.<br />
Of interest <strong>to</strong> the orchid connoisseurs<br />
is the availability of the Lady Slipper<br />
Orchid (Paphiopetilum saderianum)<br />
here, one of the most sought after and<br />
expensive orchid species in the world!<br />
It is certainly a collec<strong>to</strong>r’s dream <strong>to</strong><br />
own one and <strong>to</strong> nourish it <strong>to</strong> flower,<br />
The garden has a small cafeteria also<br />
which visi<strong>to</strong>rs can sit and relax during<br />
the visit. There are also various orchids<br />
on display very near <strong>to</strong> the café also<br />
which are often the first ones <strong>to</strong> catch<br />
everyone’s attention. Many couples<br />
come here <strong>to</strong>o on their wedding day as<br />
the garden is superb for pho<strong>to</strong> shoots,<br />
especially when there are thousands<br />
of orchids in the background <strong>to</strong> make<br />
every picture special. To ensure that<br />
your visit is fruitful and enjoyable, you<br />
should go early in the morning and<br />
take your time looking over the flowers<br />
and taking good pictures or videos of<br />
these beauties!<br />
Kuching North City Council (DBKU), Bukit Siol, Jalan Semariang, Petra Jaya,<br />
For further information, please contact<br />
93050 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. Tel: +6082 446688, 370141 Fax: +6082 446414 <strong>Website</strong>: www.dbku.gov.my<br />
[ Kuching North Orchid Garden opening hours: 9.30am - 6pm (Tuesday <strong>to</strong> Sunday & Public Holidays) • Closed on Monday ]<br />
Apr-Jun2012<strong>BorneoTalk</strong> | 31
Tourism – Product<br />
Tee time!<br />
Featuring golf<br />
courses in Brunei<br />
Brunei is a favourite destination for many<br />
eco-<strong>to</strong>urism adventures with pristine tropical<br />
forests, as<strong>to</strong>unding underwater scenery as<br />
well as rich cultural heritage. As for golf, the first<br />
major international <strong>to</strong>urnament was held in 2005.<br />
For the golf enthusiasts, Brunei offers fantastic golf<br />
courses of international standards!<br />
32 | <strong>BorneoTalk</strong>Apr-Jun2012
Tourism – Product<br />
Foremost, Bandar Seri Begawan,<br />
Brunei’s capital is easily within reach<br />
from most Asian capital cities, superb<br />
infrastructure everywhere in the<br />
Sultanate and world-class hotels in<br />
this Abode of Peace as the nation<br />
is common known. The world’s<br />
golfing community shuns <strong>place</strong>s<br />
where huge crowds are always<br />
present, preferring quiet, beautiful<br />
surroundings for their passionate<br />
pastimes and Brunei certainly fits<br />
the bill. With three international<br />
championship courses and two other<br />
international standard ones, this<br />
is the venue for golf like you have<br />
never swung before. In fact, the<br />
Royal Brunei Golf and Country Club<br />
is so exclusive that even “tee-time is<br />
never guaranteed!”<br />
The Royal Brunei Golf and Country<br />
Club was previously reserved for<br />
dignitaries and friends of Brunei’s<br />
Ruler, His Majesty Sultan Haji<br />
Hassanal Bolkiah and only opened<br />
quite recently <strong>to</strong> others. As expected,<br />
the bookings <strong>to</strong> tee-off in this<br />
par-72, 6,175-metre course is well<br />
advanced and famous names like<br />
former US President Bill Clin<strong>to</strong>n,<br />
Greg Norman, Seve Ballesteros,<br />
Bernhard Langer, Nick Faldo and<br />
Tony Jacklin have featured here. The<br />
course set up by Ron Fream is based<br />
on Augusta National of US Masters<br />
fame with meticulously maintained<br />
greens of US PGA standards.<br />
The Jack Nicklaus designed Empire<br />
Hotel and Country Club course<br />
is arguably the most well known<br />
golf course in Brunei, having been<br />
the chosen venue for the nation’s<br />
first international championship<br />
<strong>to</strong>urnament in 2005. The par-<br />
71, 6,427-metre course is simply<br />
magnificent in its layout, nestled<br />
along the scenic shore of South China<br />
Sea with five-star resort facilities <strong>to</strong><br />
compliment the stay for golfers, friends<br />
and their families. There is nothing<br />
that you shall want which cannot be<br />
found in this resort, the epi<strong>to</strong>me of<br />
living in <strong>to</strong>urism paradise. Wait, there’s<br />
more! At night, the 18-hole course<br />
comes alive with the opening of the<br />
floodlights, allowing for evenings teeoff<br />
<strong>to</strong> those preferring less sun-tan like<br />
the lady golfers. This venue is certainly<br />
Brunei’s best gift <strong>to</strong> the international<br />
golfing community.<br />
RBA (Royal Brunei Airlines) Golf<br />
Club, five minutes drive from the<br />
international airport, was the first<br />
public golf course in the nation.<br />
The generally flat layout spread<br />
over 6,380-metre with man-made<br />
lakes strewn in plays well for most<br />
golfers, even for the pros. As with all<br />
golf courses in Brunei, bookings are<br />
recommended here as more people<br />
have begun <strong>to</strong> discover the wonders<br />
of playing golf in the country.<br />
Pantai Mentiri Golf Club is another<br />
18-hole, par 72 course located just<br />
15minutes drive from the capital.<br />
Opened <strong>to</strong> the public, this 6105-meter<br />
course has water features as the main<br />
challenges and it also has panoramic<br />
view of Brunei Bay. It was the venue<br />
for the 1999 SEA Games and other<br />
<strong>to</strong>urnaments and complements<br />
golfers with a fine restaurant serving<br />
wonderful Asian dishes.<br />
In the Seria district, the Panaga Golf<br />
Club welcomes members only and<br />
so visi<strong>to</strong>rs will need <strong>to</strong> have friends<br />
with membership cards <strong>to</strong> play here.<br />
The location along the South China<br />
Sea is itself a compelling reason <strong>to</strong><br />
play here while there are many other<br />
facilities in this Brunei Shell run club.<br />
The 18-hole course was completed in<br />
1964 though records show that it was<br />
hosting golfers here as early as 1928.<br />
For further information, please contact BRUNEI TOURISM, Ministry of Industry and<br />
Primary Resources, Jalan Menteri Besar, Bandar Seri Begawan BB3910, Brunei Darussalam.<br />
Tel: (673) 238 2822, 238 2832 Fax: (673) 238 2824 Email: info@brunei<strong>to</strong>urism.travel<br />
www.brunei<strong>to</strong>urism.travel<br />
Apr-Jun2012<strong>BorneoTalk</strong> | 33
Tourism – Events<br />
Sarawak Tourism<br />
Tourism Events<br />
April<strong>to</strong>June2012<br />
(Note: Event dates are subject <strong>to</strong> change without prior notice) For further enquiries, please contact:<br />
Ministry of Tourism Sarawak - 2 nd Floor, Bangunan Baitul Makmur (MASJA), Medan Raya, Petra Jaya, 93050 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. Tel: +6082 319309 / 313<br />
Fax: +6082 441277 / 5311 <strong>Website</strong>: www.minth.sarawak.gov.my • Sarawak Tourism Board - Tel: +6082 423600 <strong>Website</strong>: www.sarawak<strong>to</strong>urism.com<br />
DestinationEvents<br />
Borneo<br />
Jazz<br />
11 – 12 May | at Miri<br />
The festival aim <strong>to</strong> be the leading <strong>to</strong>urism-driven<br />
music festival in the region, assembling regionally<br />
and internationally recognized jazz musicians and<br />
showcasing Miri as a city of cosmopolitan and<br />
relaxing lifestyle.<br />
Pesta Irau Aco<br />
Lun Bawang<br />
31 May – 2 June |<br />
at Pekan Lawas, Limbang<br />
This festival is traditionally a celebration of the<br />
rice harvest but now it showcases a variety of<br />
Lun Bawang culture and events such as Ruran<br />
Ulung (beauty pageant contest) and nguip suling<br />
(bamboo musical instrument band).<br />
Buffalo Race<br />
Festival (Adau Gayo<br />
Babulang & Lumba Kerbau)<br />
8 – 10 June | at Kampung<br />
Batu Danau, Limbang<br />
Pesta Babulang is a buffalo race festival<br />
which is significant <strong>to</strong> the Bisaya<br />
community in Limbang. Organized by<br />
the Bisaya Association and introduced <strong>to</strong><br />
promote <strong>to</strong>urism in this area.<br />
ConferenceExhibition<br />
Craft<br />
Batik<br />
Malaysia<br />
May | at Miri Craft Centre<br />
A <strong>to</strong>urism promotion that brings in Malaysian<br />
Crafts and Batik from Peninsular Malaysia,<br />
Sabah and Sarawak. Organised by the Miri<br />
City Council and Malaysian Handicraft<br />
Development Corporation (Sarawak), this<br />
event aim at becoming an annual event like<br />
Miri May Fest, which is held in May.<br />
Miri May Fest<br />
World<br />
Harvest<br />
Festival<br />
26 – 27 May |<br />
at Sarawak Cultural Village<br />
Samarahan<br />
Mo<strong>to</strong>rcross<br />
Challenge<br />
May | at Miri<br />
Miri has acquired its city status on 20 th May 2005. Miri<br />
City Council has organized various kinds of programmes<br />
<strong>to</strong> commemorate Miri City Day. Miri has obtained one (1)<br />
Record in Malaysia Book of Records on its main event held<br />
in year 2007 and five (5) records in year 2010. Miri City<br />
Day Celebration Programmes have been well received by<br />
both the locals and foreign visi<strong>to</strong>rs.<br />
Organised in conjunction with Sarawak’s Harvest<br />
Festival known as Gawai Dayak highlighting exciting<br />
cultural programmes such as :- • Theme play in Iban<br />
legends • Ethnic beauty pageant “Miss World Harvest<br />
Festival” • International cultural concert • Ironman WHF<br />
2012 Competition • Ngabang or Open House visit <strong>to</strong><br />
Iban, Bidayuh and Orang Ulu Longhouses<br />
SPORTEvents<br />
Baleh Kapit Safari<br />
5 – 8 April | at RH Salang Pulau<br />
Sibau Mujong, RH Bangkong Ng<br />
Banyau Mujong, Kapit Riverfront<br />
and Kapit Town<br />
A two days rafting competition where participants get<br />
the chance <strong>to</strong> manoeuvre the raft once used by riverine<br />
communities and <strong>to</strong> experience the rich Iban culture in<br />
their most natural environment.<br />
23 June | at Kota Samarahan<br />
Mo<strong>to</strong>rcross Circuit<br />
A thrill one-day event, the ‘Samarahan Mo<strong>to</strong>rcross<br />
Challenge’ is open <strong>to</strong> all Mo<strong>to</strong>rcross fans or<br />
associations in Sarawak! With the objective of<br />
promoting Samarahan as a <strong>to</strong>urist destination and<br />
venue for aspiring new talents <strong>to</strong> be discovered.<br />
Pesta limau<br />
bintangor<br />
14 – 20 May |<br />
at Bintangor<br />
This is an event <strong>to</strong> promote the<br />
agricultural sec<strong>to</strong>r produced by<br />
Bintangor local entrepreneur.<br />
Other activities includes Trade Fair,<br />
Agricultural Exhibition and Sport<br />
Events. The highlight for this event<br />
is the Decorative Float, Fireworks and<br />
also City Cleanliness Contest.<br />
Bung Bratak<br />
Day<br />
1 May | at Bung Bratak (Gunung<br />
Bratak) Kpg. Tembawang Sauh, Bau<br />
About 200 years ago, the Bidayuh built a fort and a<br />
settlement on <strong>to</strong>p of Mount Bratak, otherwise known as<br />
Bung Bratak in their dialect. Their descendants now inhabit<br />
30 villages in the district of Bau. Each year they re<strong>call</strong> their<br />
his<strong>to</strong>ry and foster brotherhood among the Bidayuh with<br />
a festival on the mountain. Join them in their ancestral<br />
<strong>home</strong> as they make the half-hour ascent <strong>to</strong> the mountain<br />
peak <strong>to</strong> stage traditional games and dances and enjoy<br />
local delicacies.<br />
Sarawak Cub Prix<br />
Championship<br />
(National Status) Sibu Series<br />
19 – 20 May |<br />
at Bintulu Old Airport<br />
The Sarawak Cub Prix 2012 is the 6 th edition of<br />
the series which SARSA has successfully organised<br />
this unique and prestigious event designed <strong>to</strong> be a<br />
platform where aspiring local riders are spotted and<br />
groomed for national championship. It has already<br />
made invaluable contribution in boosting the sport<br />
of mo<strong>to</strong>rcycle racing in Sarawak by uncovering<br />
local talents who have gone on <strong>to</strong> be the national<br />
champions and participating in the Asian series.<br />
Tanjung<br />
Manis<br />
Fishing<br />
Safari<br />
28 May | at Sarikei<br />
Tanjung Manis Fishing Safari competition has been<br />
held since 2004. With the aim of promoting Tanjung<br />
Manis as an eco-<strong>to</strong>urism destination, especially the<br />
fishing sport activity. The area for the competition is<br />
between Kuala Rajang and Tanjung Sirik.
Tourism – Events<br />
Lan Berambeh<br />
Sungai Bedil<br />
25 – 27 May |<br />
at Kampung Sungai Bedil, Kuching<br />
Sarawak’s authentic and unique food will be<br />
highlighted in this year’s ‘Sungai Bedil Food Festival<br />
2012’, as part of the Lan Berambeh @ Sungai Bedil<br />
Festival. Visi<strong>to</strong>rs can experience the local food and<br />
atmosphere. Modern Malay villages that showcase<br />
authentic culture and heritage <strong>to</strong> <strong>to</strong>urists. Visi<strong>to</strong>rs will<br />
be able <strong>to</strong> watch demonstrations of how traditional<br />
delicacies like Kuih Rangin and Celerot are made and also<br />
get <strong>to</strong> sample the village’s iconic Cendol dessert.<br />
FestiveEvents<br />
Gawai Cultural<br />
Performances,<br />
Ngajat and<br />
Sumpit Competition<br />
9 – 10 June | at Godown<br />
Amphitheatre, Kuching Waterfront<br />
Gawai Dayak is celebrated by the Iban, Orang Ulu and<br />
Bidayuh of Sarawak in early June <strong>to</strong> mark the riceharvesting<br />
season. This enchanting festival showcases<br />
traditional ceremonies and dances held in various ‘long<br />
houses’ or communal <strong>home</strong> all over Sarawak. Relatives<br />
and visi<strong>to</strong>rs are served rice wine or Tuak and chicken<br />
cooked in bamboo.<br />
Gawai Tourism<br />
Extravaganza<br />
18 May – 23 June | at Sarawak<br />
Cultural Village, Kuching<br />
Visi<strong>to</strong>rs can go for the ‘Gawai Special Package’ <strong>to</strong><br />
enjoy and experience the Gawai Dayak celebration<br />
in Sarawak. The packaged offer are for 3 days 2<br />
nights or 2 days 1 night. Venue for this programme<br />
will be at the 3 longhouses of the Iban and Bidayuh<br />
at Sarawak Cultural Village. The ‘Gawai Special<br />
Package’ includes accommodation, transportation<br />
and the special ceremonies such as Miring and<br />
Ngiling Tikai.<br />
CulturalEvents<br />
Mukah Kaul<br />
Festival<br />
21 – 29 April |<br />
at Kala Dana, Mukah<br />
Kaul is a traditional festival celebrated by the<br />
Melanau community living along the coast of central<br />
Sarawak region. The festival is a ritual of purification<br />
and thanksgiving <strong>to</strong> the spirit of the sea as well as<br />
one of the propitiations for good fortune.<br />
Kuching<br />
Bridge<br />
Congress<br />
28 – 30 April |<br />
at Sarawak Club, Kuching<br />
An annual event attracting bridge players<br />
from around the regional and internationally.<br />
Tidal Bore<br />
Carnival<br />
6 – 8 April | at Tebingan Batang<br />
Lupar, Sri Aman<br />
The Festival is <strong>to</strong> promote harmony among local community<br />
and <strong>to</strong> introduce Sri Aman <strong>to</strong>wn through <strong>to</strong>urism. Tidal<br />
Bore or lo<strong>call</strong>y known as Benak occurs everyday with<br />
different wavelength and heights. During spring tide, tidal<br />
bore with high magnitudes can be observed clearly. The<br />
Benak continues its journey another 30km inland, ending<br />
near the small village of Engkilili in Sri Aman.<br />
Sarawak<br />
Jubli<br />
Park Half<br />
Marathon<br />
6 May | at Sibu<br />
An annual event organized by<br />
The Sibu Marathon Club which<br />
attract participants from all<br />
over Malaysia for the one day<br />
race at Taman Jubli, Sibu about<br />
3 kilometers from Sibu Town<br />
Centre.<br />
Ba’Kelalan Homestay,<br />
Culture & Heritage cum<br />
Apple Picking<br />
6 – 8 April | at Buduk Nur,<br />
Ba’Kelalan<br />
Come April 6 th 2012, it’s time again for the apple<br />
harvest. People from near and far, in and around<br />
the country will be arriving in<strong>to</strong> Ba’Kelalan, a village<br />
nestled in the heart of Borneo’s world renowned<br />
and oldest tropical rainforest, blessed with subtropical<br />
and amazingly fresh weather. Blessed with<br />
such weather, it is no wonder why Ba’Kelalan is<br />
<strong>home</strong> <strong>to</strong> Malaysia’s only apple orchard.<br />
Miri City<br />
Bike Week<br />
11-13 May |<br />
at Tanjung Lobang, Miri<br />
Welcome <strong>to</strong> the biggest mo<strong>to</strong>rcycle event in<br />
Sarawak. A gathering for bikers and mo<strong>to</strong>rcycle<br />
lovers. Come and join us. Support our local<br />
mo<strong>to</strong>rcycle events. “RIDE HEAVY METAL”.<br />
1 Borneo 4x4WD<br />
Expedition<br />
28 May - 1 June | at Miri<br />
Explore the diverse and wonder of the real and the<br />
most exotic part of Borneo. The adventure will bring<br />
you in<strong>to</strong> the tropical forest of Borneo <strong>to</strong> experience<br />
the unforgettable 4WD adventure, beautiful scenery<br />
and experience something which most people have<br />
not done. Sarawak, Sabah, Kalimantan and Brunei<br />
Darussalam as part of the 1 Borneo Destination. The<br />
event will highlight more on Sarawak Northern Region<br />
potential rugged terrain for this extreme sport.<br />
Malaysia Climbathon<br />
Mount Santubong<br />
BandarayaKu<br />
26 – 27 May | at Mount Santubong<br />
Malaysia Closed Climbathon Mount Santubong<br />
BandarayaKu was held for the first time on 30 th April<br />
2011. Throughout this event participant is invited <strong>to</strong> value<br />
the beauty and panorama around Santubong which is an<br />
icon for the State of Sarawak. At the same time, DBKU<br />
invites participants <strong>to</strong> preserve the cleanliness around<br />
Santubong while enhance the spirit of oneness <strong>to</strong>wards<br />
the national heritage.<br />
Rafting Challenge<br />
Sungai Kayan/Batang<br />
Sadong Serian<br />
26 – 27 May | at Kampung<br />
Tema Mawang Tebedu, Pekan<br />
Tebakang<br />
A rafting competition whereby 3-5 members<br />
in a group of participants will get the chance<br />
<strong>to</strong> manoeuvre the raft through Kayan/Batang<br />
Sadong River once used by riverine communities.
Tourism – Events<br />
Apples from Borneo, Sarawak in particular, usually<br />
cause many people <strong>to</strong> just laugh it off as a joke. You<br />
have got <strong>to</strong> be kidding, growing apples in tropical<br />
climate, as it is a temperate climate type fruit. Whatever, just<br />
don’t bet on it as in the Ba’Kelalan Highlands in Miri Division,<br />
apples do grow on trees and in abundance!<br />
Take the flight from Miri City <strong>to</strong> Ba’Kelalan and pick your own<br />
apples <strong>to</strong> prove <strong>to</strong> yourself that it is true; apples do grow in<br />
Sarawak. This is after all one of the most favoured resort spots<br />
in Sarawak for its cool and refreshing climate, clean air, clear<br />
skies and ever smiling, friendly people. What was once an<br />
experiment in fruit cultivation has <strong>to</strong>day become an annual<br />
event, the Apple Fest of Ba’Kelalan happening from 6 th - 8 th<br />
April. The Ba’Kelalan apples are of various varieties namely:<br />
the Anna, Rome Beauty, Granny Smith (also <strong>call</strong>ed Lady<br />
Williams) and Manalagi.<br />
Anna is red on <strong>to</strong>p and yellow at the bot<strong>to</strong>m, soft <strong>to</strong> the bite<br />
and tastes sweet-sour. Rome Beauty is green with a reddish<br />
tinge at the bot<strong>to</strong>m and similar <strong>to</strong> Anna in taste but is crispier.<br />
The Granny Smith is green and tastes sour, and is suitable for<br />
cooking or making cider.<br />
The Manalagi (Golden Delicious) is said <strong>to</strong> have got its name<br />
when visi<strong>to</strong>rs from Batu Malang in Indonesia, where the<br />
original seedlings were brought from, asked for more (“Mana<br />
lagi” in Bahasa Malaysia) after eating one apple. This is the<br />
variety that has become widely known as the Ba’Kelalan<br />
Apple. This greenish yellow apple is sweet and crunchy and is<br />
great for making apple pie and fruit salad.<br />
While apples may steal the limelight during the fest, there<br />
are also a few other temperate fruits, which have found their<br />
way in<strong>to</strong> the highland <strong>to</strong>o like avocado, abiu, ice cream bean,<br />
passion fruit and strawberries. The main staple crop for the<br />
highland is of course the famous ‘Adan’ lo<strong>call</strong>y <strong>call</strong>ed Bario<br />
rice, which is a tasty and premium rice here.<br />
Ba’Kelalan<br />
Apple Fest<br />
2012<br />
Apples<br />
from<br />
Sarawak<br />
6 th - 8 th April<br />
Naturally people do not just come <strong>to</strong> Ba’Kelalan for the<br />
apples only; in fact, the annual fest featuring <strong>home</strong>stay and<br />
cultural activities are the main attractions. Staying with the<br />
locals, especially the Lun Bawang people enable visi<strong>to</strong>rs <strong>to</strong><br />
experience the lifestyle of the inhabitants of the highlands.<br />
Due <strong>to</strong> the existing physical barriers, the people here are<br />
very independent of the outside world when it comes <strong>to</strong><br />
sustainability, as they are able <strong>to</strong> get all their needs from the<br />
surroundings. So, the additional infrastructures like roads and<br />
airport have helped <strong>to</strong> bring the enchanting highlands closer<br />
<strong>to</strong> the people, which in turn bring modern lifestyle necessities<br />
<strong>to</strong> the highlands.<br />
While apples may be enticing and appealing <strong>to</strong> many who<br />
have probably never seen an apple tree before, the fruit is<br />
just an additional attraction and reason <strong>to</strong> visit the highlands.<br />
The fruit ventures will never be able <strong>to</strong> beat the established<br />
players around the world but are there <strong>to</strong> provide novelty and<br />
intrigue for locals and visi<strong>to</strong>rs from around the world. One<br />
thing is for sure; the apples are freshly picked and crunchy,<br />
tasty and can be easily made in<strong>to</strong> jams and other products.<br />
First time visi<strong>to</strong>rs <strong>to</strong> the highlands should come prepared, as<br />
the weather may be chilly <strong>to</strong> some so having enough warm<br />
clothing is advisable.<br />
For more information, please contact Mo<strong>to</strong>ur Sarawak Office,<br />
Ministry of Tourism Malaysia, (Sarawak Office)<br />
3 rd Floor, Bangunan Sultan Iskandar, Jalan Simpang Tiga, 93300 Kuching,<br />
Sarawak, Malaysia. T: +6082 235231 F: +6082 234010<br />
www.mo<strong>to</strong>ur.gov.my<br />
36 | <strong>BorneoTalk</strong>Apr-Jun2012
WORLD<br />
HARVEST<br />
Festival<br />
2012<br />
26 th - 27 th May • Sarawak Cultural Village<br />
Tourism – Events<br />
Extravaganza<br />
The World Harvest Festival<br />
2012 (WHF) 2012, an ethnic<br />
festival is one of the highlights<br />
of the Gawai Dayak celebrations. In its<br />
8th year, WHF is not only synonymous<br />
with the festivities of the Dayak,<br />
but has come <strong>to</strong> encompass other<br />
ethnic groups in Sarawak as well as<br />
the <strong>to</strong>urists, <strong>to</strong> help reflect the true<br />
Malaysian spirit of the people. Ideally<br />
organised at the Sarawak Cultural<br />
Village (SCV) from 26 th <strong>to</strong> 27 th May<br />
2012, it also helps <strong>to</strong> bring both locals<br />
and foreigners <strong>to</strong>gether <strong>to</strong> experience<br />
the true Sarawak culture.<br />
The WHF was introduced in line<br />
with Ministry of Tourism Sarawak’s<br />
(MOT) objective <strong>to</strong> position it as an<br />
international event on its <strong>to</strong>urism<br />
calendar. The WHF provides the<br />
opportunity for the non–Dayak <strong>to</strong><br />
understand the cultures, traditions and<br />
aspirations of the Dayak community.<br />
The awareness and interest created by<br />
the festival promises <strong>to</strong> benefit both the<br />
public sec<strong>to</strong>r and <strong>to</strong>urism industry.<br />
Among the many highlights of the<br />
WHF cultural event is the theme play<br />
held on May 26th, 2012. “Selanting<br />
Kuning & The Dragon King”, based<br />
on the Bidayuh legend was featured<br />
last year and this year it will be on the<br />
Iban legend entitled “The Adventures<br />
of Keling & Kumang”. What is unique<br />
about this theme play is that the whole<br />
Village becomes the stage, and the<br />
entire play promises <strong>to</strong> overwhelm the<br />
guests in audio and visual splendour.<br />
Another highlight <strong>to</strong> capture the<br />
festival and mood of the guests is the<br />
ethnic beauty pageant “Miss World<br />
Harvest Festival 2012”. This beauty<br />
pageant revolves around the Iban<br />
community theme. Fifteen beauties will<br />
vie for the coveted title this year, which<br />
never fails <strong>to</strong> add colour and vibrancy<br />
<strong>to</strong> the festival. The proud winner last<br />
year was Miss Suljirina Lucas, a 27<br />
years old Berawan lass.<br />
As always the Harvest Festival or Gawai<br />
is celebrated on a grander scale with<br />
the participation of cultural troupes<br />
from other countries. This is evident in<br />
the International Cultural Extravaganza,<br />
with day time workshops. This year our<br />
friends from Indonesia and Selangor<br />
will be joining the festivities. A series of<br />
joint workshop by the locals and the<br />
invited troupes will be held during the<br />
www.whf.com.my<br />
2 days festival. This is the ideal time<br />
for the visi<strong>to</strong>rs <strong>to</strong> have the opportunity<br />
<strong>to</strong> learn about each community’s<br />
traditions, foods and handicrafts.<br />
For those who want <strong>to</strong> prove their<br />
manly prowess, there is the Ironman<br />
WHF 2012 competition. This is<br />
another highlight in the festival that<br />
involves 15 finalists who exhibit<br />
‘superhuman’ strength in tackling<br />
the traditional based activities<br />
like blowpipe shooting, coconut<br />
dehusking, 50kg gunny rice lifting,<br />
wood chopping and mountain<br />
climbing. Last year, Encik Amir Hanafi<br />
emerged as the champion.<br />
The WHF promises <strong>to</strong> be the fun-filled<br />
event for the young and old. Bring<br />
along your loved ones and make<br />
this an affair <strong>to</strong> remember. What<br />
awaits you is a cultural extravaganza<br />
like no other. Tickets are on sale for<br />
RM60.00 per person (non-residents)<br />
and RM30.00 (local residents) at the<br />
Sarawak Cultural Village.<br />
Tickets are on sale at the<br />
Sarawak Cultural Village.<br />
For more inquiry or booking,<br />
please contact Sarawak<br />
Cultural Village (SCV) at<br />
+6082-846 108, 846 411<br />
Apr-Jun2012<strong>BorneoTalk</strong> | 37
Soul City<br />
Community<br />
based Tagang<br />
System of<br />
management<br />
of rivers<br />
have proven<br />
successful in<br />
Sarawak<br />
Fish<br />
for<br />
life<br />
An old and wise quote stated<br />
that if you give a man a fish<br />
you can only feed him for a<br />
day but if you teach him how <strong>to</strong> fish,<br />
he will be able <strong>to</strong> feed himself and his<br />
family for a long time. This proverb<br />
is one of the main objectives of the<br />
Sarawak Agriculture Department in<br />
trying <strong>to</strong> conserve the rivers, fishes and<br />
provide riverine inhabitants a source<br />
of food as well as income under the<br />
Tagang System, a brainchild of Yang<br />
Berhormat Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr.)<br />
Alfred Jabu Numpang, Deputy Chief<br />
Minister and Minister of Modernisation<br />
of Agriculture and Minister of Rural<br />
Development, Sarawak. Launched in<br />
2005 based closely on a similar system<br />
being practiced in neighbouring<br />
Sabah, the system is adaptable <strong>to</strong><br />
include conservation of fish species,<br />
s<strong>to</strong>ck enhancement, R&D as well as<br />
aquaculture development in rural<br />
areas.<br />
52 areas in Sarawak, covering the<br />
divisions of Kuching, Samarahan,<br />
Sri Aman, Be<strong>to</strong>ng, Sarikei, Mukah,<br />
Kapit, Bintulu, Miri and Limbang.<br />
Over the past seven years a great<br />
deal of transformation has been<br />
observed in the areas where the<br />
system is in <strong>place</strong>, ranging from a<br />
noticeable increase in number of<br />
species of fish and other creatures<br />
which were on the brink of<br />
extinction in some rivers, recovery of<br />
many dying rivers due <strong>to</strong> pollution<br />
and other fac<strong>to</strong>rs, increase in number<br />
of catches for the participating<br />
riverine communities. In fact, the<br />
system has the potential <strong>to</strong> improve<br />
the rural communities income<br />
through additional activities like eco<strong>to</strong>urism<br />
in cooperation with other<br />
government and non-government<br />
agencies in such promotions.<br />
communities <strong>to</strong> observe. Firstly, the<br />
river chosen must be suitable and<br />
optimal for the purpose which means<br />
that it must have certain zone(s)<br />
with a depth of not less than 2-2.5<br />
meter, has communities living nearby,<br />
an organized taskforce made up of<br />
members from the community <strong>to</strong><br />
implement and supervise the system<br />
for the area. If all these conditions have<br />
been met, the department will then<br />
brief the community taskforce on the<br />
system if everyone in the community<br />
had agreed <strong>to</strong> the implementation of<br />
the system. Additionally, a minimum of<br />
two years without fishing is set aside<br />
once the Tagang System is adopted<br />
by the community and must be strictly<br />
enforced with warnings, fines and<br />
arrests.<br />
In practice, the Tagang System imposed<br />
three main zones on the stretch of the<br />
river, namely, Red, Yellow and Green.<br />
The red zone is strictly a no fishing<br />
area while the yellow zone is open<br />
for fishing once or twice a year. The<br />
green zone allows for limited fishing<br />
activities over certain agreed periods<br />
by the working taskforce with the<br />
Starting with just two focus areas,<br />
the Tagang System now covers<br />
38 | <strong>BorneoTalk</strong>Apr-Jun2012<br />
To be successful, the Tagang System<br />
as practiced in Sarawak introduced a<br />
number of conditions, which enabled<br />
the voluntarily participating riverine
Soul City<br />
understanding that these activities will not deplete<br />
or threaten the sustainability of the fishes found<br />
there. By imposing these zones, the system allows<br />
for the rejuvenation of the fish s<strong>to</strong>ck over time<br />
while increasing the number of species and also<br />
bringing about greater conservation of the river<br />
system by the participating communities. When<br />
the open season is declared by the taskforce in<br />
charge of the area, the participating communities<br />
are all eligible and entitled <strong>to</strong> an equal share of the<br />
catches from the pool of catch. Based on the data<br />
collected in Sarawak, some 19 species of fish and<br />
other edible aquatic species have been recorded<br />
in the samples and all results have pointed <strong>to</strong> a<br />
promising future for the Tagang System here.<br />
For further information, kindly contact<br />
Inland Fisheries Division Agriculture Department Sarawak<br />
Menara Pelita, Petra Jaya, 93050 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. Tel: +6082 441000<br />
Apr-Jun2012<strong>BorneoTalk</strong> | 39
W<br />
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B<br />
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H<br />
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1<br />
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H<br />
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JALAN<br />
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H<br />
S<br />
H<br />
H<br />
I<br />
H<br />
A T<br />
M<br />
H<br />
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I<br />
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V<br />
E R<br />
S<br />
E<br />
H<br />
H<br />
H<br />
H<br />
H<br />
H<br />
H<br />
H<br />
H<br />
H<br />
H<br />
H<br />
H<br />
N<br />
A<br />
T<br />
H<br />
H<br />
Map<br />
360 Urban Resort Hotel<br />
360 Hotel Hock Lee<br />
Centre<br />
Crown<br />
Square<br />
JALAN<br />
PENDING<br />
Dorset<br />
Boutique Hotel<br />
J A L A N F O O C H O W<br />
JALAN DATUK ABANG ABDUL RAHIM<br />
Dewan<br />
Masyarakat<br />
JUBILEE<br />
RECREATION<br />
GROUND<br />
MBKS<br />
Swimming Pool<br />
R I V<br />
E R<br />
Wet Market &<br />
Hawker Centre<br />
JALAN PETANAK<br />
C H E N G H O<br />
J A L A N A N G<br />
JALAN PADUNGAN<br />
J A L A N D A T U K<br />
L I<br />
W I L<br />
M<br />
A<br />
JALAN SEKAMA<br />
JALAN CH AWAN<br />
S A R A W A K<br />
Khatuistiwa<br />
Riverbank Suite<br />
Grand Magherita Hotel<br />
RAHMAN<br />
F R O N T<br />
ABDUL<br />
JALAN<br />
Tribal<br />
Scoops<br />
Riverside<br />
Majestic<br />
Kuching<br />
Wisma<br />
Ting Pek King<br />
ABELL<br />
P A D U N G A N<br />
J A L A N<br />
JALAN<br />
PADUNGAN<br />
CHEOK<br />
Kim Bay<br />
Top Spot Food Court<br />
Malaysia<br />
Airlines<br />
Ariva<br />
Gateway<br />
CAT<br />
Statue<br />
CAT<br />
Statue<br />
Chung Hua<br />
No. 3 School<br />
Hockey Stadium<br />
JALAN SONG THIAN<br />
Pullman<br />
Hotel &<br />
Resorts<br />
Telang<br />
Usan Hotel<br />
360Xpress<br />
Sarawak<br />
Plaza<br />
CAT<br />
Statue<br />
BAN HOCK<br />
JALAN<br />
JALAN DESHON<br />
Hindu Temple<br />
Hotel Grand<br />
Continental<br />
Centrepoint<br />
Shopping Centre<br />
Tun Jugah<br />
Great Wall Crossway<br />
Cozzi<br />
Thiam Ming<br />
SCR<br />
Secret Recipe<br />
Choon Hui<br />
Cafe<br />
Bus Asia/<br />
Asia Star Office<br />
Saramo Hostel<br />
Carus Wood<br />
at&a Home Ideas Sdn. Bhd.<br />
Limetree<br />
Hotel<br />
Police<br />
Station<br />
Hong Kong Pau Cafe<br />
Beds<br />
Terminal One<br />
Launge<br />
Fire<br />
Station<br />
JALAN CENTRAL TIMUR<br />
JALAN ELLIS<br />
JALAN TAN SRI ONG KEE HUI<br />
J A L A N L U M B A K U D A<br />
JALAN SIMPANG<br />
TIGA<br />
Kua Ning<br />
Temple<br />
Sarakraf Pavilion<br />
Home Stay<br />
Mian Ann<br />
Zest<br />
A<strong>to</strong>k<br />
Kopitiam AbSolutely<br />
Sayang<br />
Kuching South City<br />
Council (MBKS)<br />
Police<br />
Station<br />
Goodrich<br />
JALAN MENDU<br />
(JALAN CENTRAL BARAT)<br />
E<br />
TUN<br />
Astana<br />
Other ENquiries<br />
Tourism Malaysia-Sarawak<br />
+6082 246575, 246775<br />
Infoline 1300-88-5050<br />
Sarawak Tourism Board<br />
+6082 423600<br />
MAS Office<br />
+6082 244144, 246622<br />
Air Asia<br />
+6082 283222<br />
KCH International Airport<br />
+6082-454255, 454242<br />
LEGENDS<br />
R<br />
Orchid Garden<br />
E<br />
New State Legislative<br />
Assembly (DUN)<br />
R I V<br />
S<br />
K<br />
A R<br />
Fort Margherita<br />
Square Tower<br />
A<br />
JALAN GAMBIER<br />
India Mosque<br />
A<br />
Sarawak<br />
Tourism Complex<br />
INDIA STREET<br />
PEDESTRIAN MALL<br />
Police<br />
Tourist Booth<br />
Open Air Market<br />
K U<br />
C H I N G<br />
R<br />
W A T<br />
JALAN MAIN BAZAAR<br />
Textile Museum<br />
Little Lebanon<br />
Electra<br />
House<br />
JALAN KHOO H UN YEANG<br />
MARKET<br />
Souvenirs Shops<br />
Siang Ti<br />
Temple<br />
LE B U H<br />
CARPENTER STREET<br />
Chinese Museum<br />
Life Cafe<br />
AJIB AH ABOL<br />
DATUK<br />
JALAN<br />
2020<br />
JALAN W AWASAN<br />
CHINA STREET ULU CHINA STREET<br />
Divisional Mosque<br />
Police<br />
Station<br />
Mr.D’s<br />
Berambih<br />
Lodge<br />
Residen Office<br />
Yayasan Sarawak<br />
JA L A N<br />
L EBUH TEMPLE<br />
LEBUH WAYANG<br />
JALAN MOSQUE<br />
Hong San Si<br />
Temple<br />
HAJI OPENG<br />
PADANG<br />
MERDEKA<br />
Sikh Temple<br />
Dormani Hotel<br />
Tua Pek<br />
Kong Temple<br />
Medan<br />
Pelita<br />
Poliklinik<br />
BARRACK<br />
H H<br />
JALAN McDOUGALL<br />
TAHA<br />
Merdeka Palace<br />
Hotel & Suites<br />
A N<br />
TUN ABANG<br />
Dewan Tun Abdul Razak<br />
Muzeum<br />
Arts Museum<br />
A L<br />
State & DBKU<br />
Library<br />
JALAN HAJI<br />
Old Sarawak Museum<br />
Islamic Museum<br />
Red Crescent<br />
Building<br />
R<br />
Aquarium<br />
R<br />
JALAN<br />
J A L A N R A M L E E<br />
Chung Hua<br />
School<br />
J A L A N<br />
Hopoh<br />
Shopping<br />
Centre<br />
My Books<strong>to</strong>re<br />
Radio<br />
Television<br />
Malaysia<br />
JALAN KULAS<br />
Top Hill Kitchen<br />
Lodge 121<br />
Heroes’<br />
Monument<br />
Islamic<br />
Garden<br />
Bank<br />
Negara<br />
Syariah<br />
Court<br />
SCR<br />
Wisma Sa<strong>to</strong>k<br />
JALAN SATOK<br />
JALAN SATOK<br />
RESERVOIR<br />
PARK<br />
Buhari Cafe<br />
JA L A N<br />
Kopi ‘O’ Corner<br />
Telekom<br />
Malaysia<br />
RJ Ayam Penyet Kopitiam<br />
SUNDAY<br />
MARKET<br />
Pasar Tamu<br />
TABUAN<br />
JALAN<br />
SCR Xpress<br />
TAMAN BUDAYA<br />
JALAN RUBBER<br />
ParkLane<br />
Lodge<br />
St. Joseph Church<br />
SCR<br />
JALAN PARK<br />
Samudra<br />
Court Hotel<br />
Amphitheatre<br />
JALAN NANAS<br />
Sarawak Club<br />
JALAN BADRUDDIN<br />
JALAN BUDAYA<br />
JALAN GREEN<br />
JALAN BAMPFYLDE<br />
C ROOKSHANK<br />
TUN ABANG HAJI OPENG<br />
Police Contingent<br />
HQ<br />
SRB Chung<br />
Hua No. 4<br />
Tunku Putra<br />
International<br />
School<br />
Planetarium<br />
Land & Survey<br />
Divisional Office Intan<br />
Civic Centre<br />
JALAN PALM<br />
• KUCHING AREA (SARAWAK) •<br />
Hotels<br />
Immigration Department<br />
+6082 245661, 230280<br />
Cus<strong>to</strong>m<br />
+6082 333133<br />
24-hour Public Service Line<br />
+6082 555999<br />
Taxi Service<br />
+6082 480000, 341818<br />
Police Station<br />
+6082 245522, 241222, 999<br />
Traffic Police<br />
+6082 241133<br />
Kuching Matang<br />
Transport<br />
Shopping<br />
Centres<br />
Petra Jaya<br />
Transport<br />
Food Outlet / Restaurant<br />
/ Entertainment Outlet<br />
JPJ<br />
+6082 258811, 628700<br />
DBKU<br />
+6082 446688<br />
MBKS<br />
+6082 238080, 242311<br />
Telekom<br />
+6082 429191, 255994<br />
Post Office<br />
+6082 244141, 339937<br />
General Hospital<br />
+6082 230689, 257855<br />
Sarawak<br />
Craft Council<br />
General<br />
Post Office<br />
Bank / ATM<br />
Mosque Church Temple<br />
JALAN<br />
JALAN<br />
Methodist Church<br />
JALAN PISANG<br />
Green Road<br />
Secondary<br />
School<br />
Padawan Council<br />
+6082 615566<br />
SESCO<br />
+6082 333111<br />
Kuching Water Board<br />
+6082 240371<br />
BOMBA (Fire Brigade)<br />
+6082 241033, 994, 417712<br />
Rescue 991<br />
+6082 256685<br />
JKR<br />
+6082 203100<br />
Taxi<br />
Station<br />
General Hospital<br />
1. Sarawak Tourism Board<br />
2. Visi<strong>to</strong>rs’ Information Centre<br />
3. Sarawak Tourism Federation<br />
4. Tourism Malaysia Office<br />
Baptist Church<br />
40 | <strong>BorneoTalk</strong>Apr-Jun2012
Tourism – Events<br />
A<br />
gathering<br />
not <strong>to</strong> be<br />
missed!<br />
Get ready for the biggest<br />
cultural fest in Sarawak on<br />
6 th -15 th July 2012 in Sibu!<br />
Once again the unique gathering<br />
of Sarawak’s diverse ethnic groups<br />
comprising Iban/Bidayuh/Orang Ulu<br />
(Dayak Pavilion), Malay/Melanau<br />
and Chinese communities will be<br />
featured at the Borneo Cultural<br />
Festival at Sibu’s Town Square.<br />
Visi<strong>to</strong>rs should take note that the<br />
actual celebration takes <strong>place</strong> during<br />
the ten days leading <strong>to</strong> 15 th July,<br />
which marks the end of the festival<br />
where daily performances by these<br />
ethnic groups will be held.<br />
daily use. Of course, children and<br />
young at heart will enjoy themselves<br />
at the Fun Fair, which is part of the<br />
celebration for this year at BCF.<br />
Amongst the interesting aspects<br />
of Tradex Fair will be <strong>call</strong>igraphy,<br />
drawing, painting and pho<strong>to</strong>graphy<br />
displays from various cultures and<br />
even electronic products <strong>to</strong> thrill the<br />
younger crowd.<br />
BCF has always attracted large<br />
following due <strong>to</strong> the mixed theme<br />
event and being located next<br />
<strong>to</strong> one of Sibu’s main shopping<br />
complexes is certainly an added<br />
bonus as everything is within walking<br />
distance. As they say, there is always<br />
something new at BCF and this year,<br />
you can expect even more surprises!<br />
BCF, as the festival is popularly<br />
known, combines the charms of<br />
the ethnic groups with interactive<br />
response with visi<strong>to</strong>rs. The Sibu Town<br />
Square will be transformed in<strong>to</strong> a<br />
set with three corners devoted <strong>to</strong><br />
each of the groups where these<br />
groups will be performing their<br />
nightly shows. You can be sure that<br />
the venue will be a busy attraction<br />
for visi<strong>to</strong>rs from near and far as it<br />
is an opportune time <strong>to</strong> see these<br />
traditional performances in one<br />
single location!<br />
Also held at the same venue will be<br />
the Tradex Fair (Trade and Exhibition<br />
Fair) and so visi<strong>to</strong>rs also get <strong>to</strong> see<br />
and experience new gadgets and<br />
products for <strong>home</strong>s, offices and<br />
For further information, please contact Sibu Municipal Council . Level 19-24, Wisma Sanyan No. 1, Jalan<br />
Sanyan, 96000 Sibu, Sarawak, Malaysia. Tel: +6084 333411 Fax: +6084 320240 Email: smc@smc.gov.my<br />
<strong>Website</strong>: www.sibu.gov.my • Sarawak Tourism Board . Tel: +6082 423600 Fax: +6082 416700<br />
• Visi<strong>to</strong>rs’ Information Centre Sibu . Tel: +6084 340980 Fax: +6084 341280<br />
Apr-Jun2012<strong>BorneoTalk</strong> | 41
Bario Food<br />
Festival<br />
Tourism – Events<br />
26 th - 28 th July<br />
Head <strong>to</strong> Bario for the annual<br />
Bario & Kelabit Highlands<br />
Food & Cultural Festival for<br />
exotic and traditionally farmed foods,<br />
wild foods, jungle trekking, wild life<br />
watching and traditional games from<br />
26 th - 28 th July 2012.<br />
Themed “Building Our Community”,<br />
this unique community annual<br />
run event that takes <strong>place</strong> in the<br />
picturesque Kelabit Highlands is not <strong>to</strong><br />
be missed. Known as Pesta Nukenen<br />
Bario the festival is in its 7 th year and<br />
was established in 2005 <strong>to</strong> celebrate<br />
the remarkable food, farming and<br />
forest heritage of the longhouses and<br />
village communities in the Kelabit<br />
highlands.<br />
It was officially launched by His<br />
Excellency, Tun Datuk Patinggi Abang<br />
Muhammad Salahuddin, the Governor<br />
of Sarawak in 2006. Since then, it has<br />
grown each year with visi<strong>to</strong>rs coming<br />
from all over the country and overseas.<br />
Just as previous years, an exciting and<br />
fun programme has been prepared<br />
for the festival this year. This includes<br />
a ‘Bario Rice Farm Walk’ where visi<strong>to</strong>rs<br />
can learn about rice production with a<br />
½ hour guided walk around a family<br />
owned organic farm followed by a<br />
long house visit.<br />
Visi<strong>to</strong>rs can also take part in the ‘Wild<br />
Food Walks’ a three hour walk <strong>to</strong><br />
discover some of the common wild<br />
vegetables found on farms, streams<br />
in the forest followed by cooking<br />
demonstrations. The festival site<br />
where the hub of the event takes<br />
<strong>place</strong>, stalls will be set up displaying<br />
handicrafts, food and fun traditional<br />
games will take <strong>place</strong>.<br />
On the final day of the festival,<br />
awards will be given for cooking<br />
A three day<br />
celebration of food,<br />
farming and forest<br />
heritage in the<br />
beautiful Heart of<br />
Borneo <strong>to</strong> be officiated<br />
by Da<strong>to</strong> Seri Idris<br />
Jala, Minister in<br />
the Prime Minister’s<br />
Department and CEO<br />
of PEMANDU<br />
demonstrations, best stalls and festival<br />
food. The judging for these awards<br />
begins on the first day of the festival.<br />
Bario has a wealth of family owned<br />
<strong>home</strong>stays, lodges and longhouses<br />
in Bario for visi<strong>to</strong>rs <strong>to</strong> experience the<br />
warm hospitality of the Kelabit people.<br />
During the festival period, guests may<br />
commission a special ‘Pesta Nukenen’<br />
meal at <strong>home</strong> stays and cafes made<br />
with Bario Rice and seasonal foods.<br />
Those who wish <strong>to</strong> try long distance<br />
trekking can ask their <strong>home</strong> stay or<br />
Bario nature council guides about two<br />
<strong>to</strong> six day treks in the beautiful forest of<br />
the highlands. Routes include: Bario-Pa<br />
Longan [2/3 day return trip] ; Bario - Ba<br />
Kelalan [4-6 day return trip] ; Bario-<br />
Pa Umor-Lembudud [transboundary<br />
FORMADAT walk 4-6 days] ; Bario-Pa<br />
Longan-Long Bawan-Lembudud-Pa<br />
Umor [transboundary FORMADAT walk<br />
7-9 days]. Shorter excursions <strong>to</strong> Pa<br />
Mada, Pa Dalih and other community<br />
settlements and longhouses in the<br />
Central Kelapang area can also be<br />
arranged in Bario.<br />
According <strong>to</strong> Lord Medway, Jason<br />
Gathorne-Hardy, who has been Patron<br />
of the festival on voluntary basis since<br />
the 3 rd year, the festival became more<br />
established after linking up the Kelabit<br />
Community with a similar festival <strong>call</strong>ed<br />
the Alde Valley of Suffolk in 2005. “I<br />
set up a project in the UK celebrating<br />
local foods, farming arts and landscape<br />
heritage in the Alde Valley area of<br />
Suffolk in 2005. So on my first visit <strong>to</strong><br />
Bario, I saw the potential of Bario Food<br />
Festival”.<br />
He stressed that it was first and<br />
foremost a community event,<br />
promoting community values and<br />
community knowledge. Secondly, it<br />
is designed <strong>to</strong> celebrate the cultural<br />
heritage of foods, farms and forests<br />
in the Kelabit highlands and promote<br />
Sarawak as a destination for cultural<br />
<strong>to</strong>urism.<br />
Previous Chairman of the festival for<br />
two years in a row, Datin Sri Mariam<br />
Balan is a firm believer in keeping the<br />
rich cultural heritage of the Kelabit<br />
remains intact and crucial despite the<br />
arums of modern world reaching the<br />
highlands. “No doubt, embracing<br />
modernity is very good for our people<br />
but we must ensure our heritage,<br />
traditions, cus<strong>to</strong>ms and practices of<br />
the community is preserved. Therefore,<br />
Pesta Nukenen is a wonderful way <strong>to</strong><br />
showcase and share all this with the<br />
rest of the world”, she said.<br />
This year’s festival Chairman, Esther<br />
Balan-Gala who is taking over from<br />
2011 Chairman Datin Sri Garnette Ridu<br />
said that an exciting programme will<br />
be in s<strong>to</strong>re for the festival in addition<br />
<strong>to</strong> what has been done in previous<br />
years. “We look forward <strong>to</strong> welcoming<br />
visi<strong>to</strong>rs <strong>to</strong> the festival,” said Esther. She<br />
further added that MASWings flies in<br />
twice daily from Miri.<br />
The local Patron for the Pesta Nukenen<br />
2012 is Gerawat Gala, President of<br />
Rurum Kelabit Sarawak.<br />
Pesta Nukenen Bario is managed<br />
by the Kelabit Highlands<br />
Community with support from<br />
Rurum Kelabit Sarawak (a key<br />
sponsor), E-Bario, The Alde Valley Food<br />
Adventures UK, Herring Bone Design<br />
Ltd, Sarawak Tourism Board, Sarawak<br />
State Government and Ministry of<br />
Tourism Sarawak.<br />
For further information, kindly contact +6019 894 8780 Dara Tigan, +6019 438 1777 Cr John Terawe,<br />
+6019 806 0710 Lilla Raja-Hodder<br />
Apr-Jun2012<strong>BorneoTalk</strong> | 43
Tourism – Events<br />
Borneo International<br />
Kite Festival in<br />
Bintulu Sarawak is<br />
now bigger, better!<br />
The<br />
amazing<br />
flights<br />
It’s back, bigger and better<br />
this year! The Borneo<br />
International Kite Festival in<br />
Bintulu, Sarawak will once again be<br />
showcasing kites of all sizes, colours<br />
and shapes this coming 26 th – 30 th<br />
September 2012. Flying majesti<strong>call</strong>y,<br />
gracefully or mysteriously, these<br />
amazing art pieces are a marvel when<br />
in the air, ever so charming and always<br />
a thrill <strong>to</strong> try your hands on. Yes,<br />
enthusiasts and kite experts will offer<br />
specta<strong>to</strong>rs the opportunity <strong>to</strong> fly their<br />
kites as well as giving instructions and<br />
tips on handling them.<br />
To experience these thrilling sessions,<br />
just drop by the old Bintulu airport<br />
which is right in the middle of the<br />
fast developing <strong>to</strong>wn during the last<br />
weekend of September for a chance <strong>to</strong><br />
really get a feel of these kites. From the<br />
ever graceful Malaysian Waus <strong>to</strong> the<br />
multi-sections butterflies and on <strong>to</strong> the<br />
stunt kites, the <strong>to</strong>uch and feel of these<br />
kites are completely as<strong>to</strong>unding and<br />
challenging <strong>to</strong> those new <strong>to</strong> the sport.<br />
In the hands of these professional kite<br />
handlers, it seems the kites can do<br />
almost every thing, turning, dropping<br />
straight down, shooting right up or<br />
dance in the air! If standing under the<br />
sunny sky is not your thing, just stand<br />
in the shades and enjoy the spectacle<br />
of these flying beauties.<br />
When the show is over, you can<br />
always pick your way <strong>to</strong> the various<br />
kite workshops for a detailed<br />
understanding of how these kites<br />
work and how they are made or<br />
assembled. Wau kites workshops<br />
will be held while stunt kites clinic<br />
should prove interesting. A large<br />
number of specta<strong>to</strong>rs also buy<br />
souvenir kites <strong>to</strong> decorate their<br />
<strong>home</strong>s and <strong>to</strong> tell wonderful s<strong>to</strong>ries<br />
of these kites during visits by friends<br />
and relatives. In some <strong>home</strong>s, these<br />
kites, strategi<strong>call</strong>y <strong>place</strong>d on the<br />
ceilings are the envy of many and<br />
especially so when flying in the<br />
neighbourhoods on fine sunny days!<br />
Children are also entertained <strong>to</strong><br />
various events like drawing and<br />
colouring competitions during the<br />
festival days. There are also songs<br />
and dance sessions, sampling<br />
of different types of food and<br />
opportunity <strong>to</strong> visit the Bintulu Trade<br />
and Food Fair which will be held<br />
concurrently during the weekend<br />
where cultural performances provide<br />
nightly entertainments. Certainly the<br />
Borneo International Kite Festival is<br />
an opportunity <strong>to</strong> really enjoy<br />
the sights, sounds and food of<br />
the people here as well as<br />
learning about a hobby<br />
that really flies!<br />
For more information on the event, please contact the<br />
Bintulu Development Authority at<br />
Wisma Bintulu, No 1 Jalan Tanjung Kidurong or <strong>call</strong> (6) 086 334680 /<br />
3322277, fax: (6) 086 330099 and website at www.bda.gov.my<br />
or www.borneokite.com<br />
44 | <strong>BorneoTalk</strong>Apr-Jun2012
Tourism – Events<br />
Borneo<br />
International<br />
26 th - 30 th September 2012<br />
Bintulu, Sarawak, Malaysia<br />
Apr-Jun2012<strong>BorneoTalk</strong> | 45
MAJL IS SUKAN NEGERI SARAWAK<br />
Tourism – Sports<br />
The Malaysian Games or Sukma is the ideal<br />
showpiece <strong>to</strong> spot potential talents of<br />
athletes and others as every state parade<br />
their best <strong>to</strong> win the medals at stake. Styled like the<br />
Olympic games, Sukma comprises different games<br />
and sports where the participants are those who<br />
have not yet reached the <strong>to</strong>p level in their respective<br />
events. Up and coming young talents compete<br />
against each other while those who have attained<br />
world and regional rankings are usually not allowed<br />
<strong>to</strong> take part.<br />
Sarawak stands shoulder <strong>to</strong> shoulder with the<br />
major sporting states in many events at Sukma, an<br />
annual affair in Malaysia. In fact, in various sporting<br />
events Sarawak are the leaders like Wushu, Ten-pin<br />
bowling, Swimming, Track and Field events as well<br />
as Taekwondo, Women’s Hockey <strong>to</strong> name a few. For<br />
2012, Sukma will be held in Pahang, from 7 th <strong>to</strong> 16 th<br />
July where 24 different sports will be competed in.<br />
For Sarawak, she will only be competing in 22 sports<br />
as she will not be taking part in equestrian and<br />
sailing events.<br />
SUKMA XV<br />
7 th – 16 th July 2012<br />
Sarawak hopes <strong>to</strong> finish<br />
among <strong>to</strong>p three in this annual<br />
competition<br />
Two of Sarawak’s brightest stars are swimmers<br />
Erika Kong and Hii Siew Siew who are projected<br />
<strong>to</strong> win at least some gold in their pet events. Their<br />
friends in ten-pin bowling <strong>to</strong>o are expected <strong>to</strong> rake<br />
in a few gold medals based on their performances<br />
<strong>to</strong> date in various competitions. Wushu athletes<br />
are also keeping their fingers crossed as they have<br />
been getting good results in a number of regional<br />
competitions, which should give them the edge<br />
when competing in the games. The track and field<br />
coaches have quietly predicted that their chargers<br />
will also return with gold medals in some events<br />
based on their current performances at meets but<br />
would not want <strong>to</strong> speculate much!<br />
Sukma game hosting is on a rotational basis and<br />
though Pahang is quite a distant away for many<br />
Sarawak parents, they nevertheless can still follow<br />
their children as the games are usually carried out<br />
live on TV. Watch out for these games during the<br />
month of July as they are always full of drama,<br />
spirit and cheering for teammates during the<br />
competitions!<br />
For more information, please contact Sarawak State Sports Council at<br />
D/A Dewan Suarah Kuching, Jalan Taman Budaya, 93000 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia.<br />
Tel: (D) +6082 247012, (O) +6082 251330 Fax: +6086 419029<br />
46 | <strong>BorneoTalk</strong>Apr-Jun2012
Food<br />
Salciccia casereccia is actually<br />
Italian for lamb or beef<br />
sausages, freshly skewed and<br />
grilled <strong>to</strong> perfection; in Sabah, there’s<br />
only one <strong>place</strong> everyone knows that<br />
serves the best Italian cuisine – Little<br />
Italy! This newly introduced dish is<br />
being added <strong>to</strong> bring regular and new<br />
cus<strong>to</strong>mers more delightful choices <strong>to</strong><br />
this family run restaurant right in the<br />
heart of bustling Kota<br />
Kinabalu, Sabah’s<br />
capital City. Of<br />
course, there’s<br />
more!<br />
Salciccia Casereccia<br />
Since opening its doors in 2000, this<br />
warm and inviting restaurant has been<br />
creating waves with the meals they<br />
served; visi<strong>to</strong>rs and locals in Sabah<br />
come often for their daily fresh pastas<br />
and sauces which is the pride of the<br />
city while the pizzas are authentic<br />
cheesy ones like those found in Italy.<br />
The grilled lamb and beef specialties<br />
have been in their menu since day one<br />
and continue <strong>to</strong> be the favourites for<br />
many. With the overwhelming demand<br />
from cus<strong>to</strong>mers, the restaurant has<br />
been slowly expanding its choices,<br />
insisting on only freshly made dishes.<br />
Just how popular is the <strong>place</strong> Well,<br />
Tourism Sabah has awarded it’s coveted<br />
Little Italy<br />
Restaurant in<br />
Kota Kinabalu,<br />
Sabah is simply<br />
wonderful!<br />
Stupendo!<br />
Ravioli Combo<br />
Pizza Little Italy<br />
prize in 2003 due <strong>to</strong> the attraction of<br />
the <strong>place</strong> among locals and visi<strong>to</strong>rs alike.<br />
All who have been here will agree that<br />
taste, portion of servings and freshness<br />
are incomparable and those are the main<br />
reasons <strong>to</strong> return with friends, family and<br />
especially foreign visi<strong>to</strong>rs. There’s no hurry<br />
when dining here as the cosy interior<br />
makes everyone relaxed and enjoy their<br />
precious moments.<br />
Pasta-Penne Alfredo<br />
At Little Italy, start with the <strong>home</strong>-made<br />
appetizers that will wet your appetite<br />
for your main course of pasta or grilled<br />
favourites. The desserts are always<br />
refreshing and serves <strong>to</strong> make the dining<br />
experience complete! Regulars, take note,<br />
Little Italy has introduced a new dish!<br />
Kota Kinabalu, Sabah<br />
www.littleitaly-kk.com<br />
Ground Floor, Hotel Capital, Jalan Haji Saman, 98813 Kota Kinabalu.<br />
PO Box 146, 89407/Likas, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia.<br />
Tel/Fax: +6088 232231 | Email: emiliano.kl@gmail.com<br />
Opens daily from 10.30am <strong>to</strong> 11.00pm<br />
48 | <strong>BorneoTalk</strong>Apr-Jun2012
Food<br />
Ethnic cuisine<br />
at its best<br />
Bunga Kantan Salad<br />
Labo Senutuq SM<br />
Mashed Red Rice Wrapped In Leaf<br />
Cinnamon Tea (left) & Cinnamon<br />
Coffee flavoured with Bario<br />
Highland-grown cinnamon (right)<br />
What’s a visit<br />
<strong>to</strong> Sarawak<br />
without<br />
sampling its<br />
indigenous<br />
food<br />
Homemade Low-Fat,<br />
Low-Cholesterol Ice-Creams<br />
Abeng<br />
Tapioca Cakes<br />
A<br />
melting pot of various cultures,<br />
Sarawak offers a wealth of<br />
cuisines from different races<br />
and ethnic groups. From Malay food<br />
<strong>to</strong> Western dishes, the variety will<br />
leave you spoilt for choice. But for<br />
those who are in search of truly unique<br />
gastronomic offerings, cuisines of the<br />
indigenous groups of this wonderful<br />
state are simply not <strong>to</strong> be missed.<br />
One <strong>place</strong> that’s a definite must-try is<br />
Tribal Scoops Restaurant and Snack<br />
Bar. The main highlights here are the<br />
traditional Orang Ulu dishes of the<br />
Kelabit Highland community and also<br />
the <strong>home</strong>made ice creams and gela<strong>to</strong>s<br />
that are low in both fat and cholesterol.<br />
The cooking style at Tribal Scoops is very<br />
much influenced by the owner Esther<br />
Balan’s Kelabit mother and aunts, whom<br />
she said are brilliant cooks and make<br />
excellent traditional desserts. Her love<br />
for Sarawak has lured her <strong>to</strong> share the<br />
rich heritage of various ethnic food, art,<br />
music, product and social culture with<br />
visi<strong>to</strong>rs coming <strong>to</strong> Sarawak in a true<br />
1Sarawak spirit, which you will see vividly<br />
reflected at the restaurant and amongst<br />
her staff. Served a la buffet, guests are<br />
offered a selection of meat and fish<br />
dishes, as well as vegetables and soup<br />
of the day, all on rotation basis. The one<br />
item that is a must-have, and is always<br />
in the daily menu, is the Ayam Pansoh or<br />
chicken cooked in bamboo, a traditional<br />
chicken soup flavoured with tapioca<br />
leaves and some fragrant spices, then<br />
simmered in a bamboo cane for added<br />
flavour and aroma.<br />
Another highlight is the Nubaq Layaq,<br />
which is traditional leaf wrapped red or<br />
white mashed rice. The isip leaf in which<br />
the rice is wrapped lends it an inviting<br />
aroma. The leaf also doubles as a plate.<br />
Also a traditional favourite is the Labo<br />
Senutuq which is Kelabit for beef floss<br />
/ serunding daging. There’s also fish<br />
floss (A’beng) for those who are not a<br />
big fan of meats. Besides these, there<br />
are plenty of others <strong>to</strong> choose from - all<br />
with their unique set of flavours and<br />
wonderful colours, and all made with<br />
natural ingredients, many of which are<br />
found in abundance in the jungles of<br />
Sarawak. Varieties include Udung Ubih<br />
(tapioca leaves), Bunga Kantan Salad,<br />
Pumpkin with Daun Timun Soup and<br />
Fish with Terung Asam. All these are<br />
lightly seasoned with all-natural Bario<br />
Highland salt, rich in trace minerals and<br />
is believed <strong>to</strong> have healing properties.<br />
Also available for sale at Tribal Scoops.<br />
There are a variety of drinks you can<br />
order, but why not try the traditional<br />
cinnamon ice tea or cinnamon<br />
coffee Traditionally enjoyed by the<br />
communities of the Kelabit Highlands<br />
and also used as a cure for hangovers,<br />
these beverages are pleasantly<br />
refreshing. The cinnamon used in these<br />
beverages also lend them their natural<br />
sweetness - no sugar required. There<br />
are also desserts such as light and fluffy<br />
tapioca cakes, healthy flourless fried<br />
banana, delicious Kek Lapis selections<br />
and ice creams of various flavours. The<br />
interior is kept simple yet it is able <strong>to</strong><br />
give you a sense of what Sarawak is<br />
all about. Its walls are adorned with<br />
traditional handicrafts of the Dayak and<br />
Orang Ulu communities. One section<br />
in particular boasts paintings inspired<br />
by the indigenous communities of<br />
Sarawak, and are available for purchase.<br />
Tablecloths with traditional Sarawakian<br />
designs are used <strong>to</strong> decorate the tables<br />
while a cluster of traditional fishing<br />
devices hang down from the ceiling,<br />
used creatively as lamp shades instead.<br />
Tribal Scoops also offers free wi-fi,<br />
which is a plus for those who just can’t<br />
part with their Facebook or twitter.<br />
For <strong>to</strong>urists who want <strong>to</strong> take <strong>home</strong><br />
a piece of Sarawak with them, there<br />
are traditional music CDs, handicrafts,<br />
paintings and other Sarawakian items<br />
available for sale at Tribal Scoops. Tribal<br />
Scoops does not serve pork, neither<br />
uses lard nor MSG in all its dishes.<br />
Meats and fish are obtained from Halal<br />
suppliers. What sums up Tribal Scoops<br />
cooking is pure healthy cooking serving<br />
the freshest organic jungle vegetables,<br />
no garlic and uses only vegetable s<strong>to</strong>ck<br />
where even the strict vegetarian would<br />
be happy. Meanwhile, Tribal Scoops also<br />
hosts private parties and functions, with<br />
cus<strong>to</strong>misable menus <strong>to</strong> suit cus<strong>to</strong>mers’<br />
wants and needs. Outside catering is<br />
also provided, complete with tablewares<br />
and kitchen helpers who will do all the<br />
cleaning up afterwards. All cus<strong>to</strong>mers<br />
literally need <strong>to</strong> do is entertain their<br />
guests and have a great time. So for a<br />
taste of authentic ethnic cuisines, head<br />
<strong>to</strong> Tribal Scoops when you come down<br />
<strong>to</strong> Kuching.<br />
Tribal Scoops Restaurant & Snack Bar<br />
No.10, 1 st Floor, Block H, Jalan Borneo, Taman Sri Sarawak 93100 Kuching, Sarawak (opposite Hil<strong>to</strong>n Hotel). T: +6019 8181717 F: +6 082232539<br />
E: embgala@gmail.com (Opening Hours: 11am-9.30pm, Monday <strong>to</strong> Thursday | 11am-10.30pm, Friday <strong>to</strong> Saturday & Closed on Sunday)<br />
www.tribalscopps.com<br />
Apr-Jun2012<strong>BorneoTalk</strong> | 49
Food<br />
Panini<br />
White Dark Chocolate Baked<br />
Cheese Cake<br />
Chocolate Milk<br />
Shake<br />
Chicken Pie<br />
First class<br />
food,<br />
surprisingly<br />
affordable<br />
Spagheti Carbonara<br />
Rib Eye Steak<br />
Oreo Cheese Cake<br />
Apple Raisin Baked Cheese Cake<br />
Cocoa Napoleon<br />
One of the most impressive<br />
newest food outlets in Sibu,<br />
Tom’s Too, offers exclusive<br />
Western and Local Specialities. The<br />
restaurant is located on the Ground<br />
Floor of Delta Mall, which is currently<br />
also the most happening Shopping<br />
Mall in <strong>to</strong>wn. The Mall is situated<br />
along one of the busiest main roads<br />
(Jalan Pedada), 20 minutes drive<br />
from Sibu Airport and a mere 5 <strong>to</strong> 10<br />
minutes from the Town Centre.<br />
Tom’s Too, named after the famous<br />
Tom’s of Kuching, offers the same<br />
dishes, cakes and desserts, just<br />
like Tom’s in Jalan Padungan. After<br />
enjoying the last 10 years of first class<br />
food and dining at Tom’s, the rich and<br />
famous of Sibu and all those who<br />
appreciate good food and dining are<br />
delighted that they can now also enjoy<br />
similar dining experience in their very<br />
own <strong>home</strong><strong>to</strong>wn.<br />
Tom’s Too is tastefully designed,<br />
lavishly and uniquely decorated,<br />
furnished with quality wood and<br />
furnishings. The restaurant has an<br />
exceedingly warm and cosy ambience,<br />
ideal for all ages, not only <strong>to</strong> dine in<br />
but also for anyone <strong>to</strong> hang out and<br />
romance in over cups of rich aroma<br />
coffee, excellent teas, soft drinks, soft<br />
serve ice cream and of course their<br />
wide selection of good wine.<br />
Well-known for their cakes; cheese<br />
cakes, mousse cakes, carrot cakes,<br />
Apple Crumble, just <strong>to</strong> name a few of<br />
their huge varieties, taken with their<br />
drinks of coffees, milk shakes, hot<br />
chocolates, teas, draught beer or wine<br />
are also a real draw for diners.<br />
Wide range of Western and Local<br />
main courses, with favourites like<br />
Lamb Shanks, Rib Eye Steak, Spaghetti<br />
Carbonara, Prawn Aglio Olio, Club<br />
Paninis, Lemongrass chicken and<br />
Teriyaki fish. Pies like chicken pies and<br />
soups like pumpkin soups are also<br />
some of their famous dishes.<br />
The restaurant can accommodate<br />
over 100 guests (both Indoor and<br />
Outdoor/Terrace) at any one time,<br />
so if you are looking for an exclusive<br />
venue for functions, buffets or private<br />
banquets, you need not look any<br />
further. Moreover, there is also a<br />
private function room which can be<br />
booked and reserved for a seating<br />
dinner capacity of 30 persons. This<br />
beautifully furnished VIP/Function<br />
Room is carefully and thoughtfully<br />
setup, well-equipped with overhead<br />
TV/Projec<strong>to</strong>r, complete with built-in<br />
speaker/podium stand, which can also<br />
be used for presentations, seminars or<br />
workshops purposes as well.<br />
Bookings/Reservations can be made<br />
at +6084 322301 Or +6012<br />
8822259.<br />
Lamb Shank<br />
Spaghetti Bolognese<br />
UG14-17, Delta Mall, Lot 2831 Jalan Pedada,<br />
96000 Sibu, Sarawak, Malaysia.<br />
Tel: +6084 322301 HP: +6012 8822259<br />
(Opening hours: 11.30am <strong>to</strong> 10.30pm daily)<br />
Apr-Jun2012<strong>BorneoTalk</strong> | 51
Food<br />
Flavours<br />
of<br />
Sarikei<br />
• Burger bun<br />
Sarawak’s ‘Food Basket’ is often<br />
associated with Sarikei, an important<br />
agricultural produce area and a <strong>to</strong>wn<br />
famous for its pineapple. With the development<br />
of Tanjung Manis, one of the key areas marked<br />
under SCORE, Sarikei has become even more<br />
strategic as it is the closest <strong>to</strong>wn <strong>to</strong> the new<br />
development area. Most of the food, water and<br />
supplies including banking, administration and<br />
hospitality industry for Tanjung Manis come<br />
through Sarikei.<br />
When passing by Sarikei, there are a few<br />
eateries that you should not miss as these are<br />
considered the flag bearers for authentic and<br />
savoury food found in this riverine <strong>to</strong>wn.<br />
Aik Seng located along Jalan Wharf has the distinction<br />
of being the must s<strong>to</strong>p-over point for Sarawak’s Head<br />
of State whenever he passes by here! There are two main<br />
specialties offered by this 30-year old traditional coffee shop –<br />
‘Loh Mee’ and Toast. Certified as halal, the noodles come with<br />
chicken meat in the traditional dark sauce with prawns, eggs<br />
and assortment of garnishes. The proof is in the eating!<br />
Toast here comprises burger bun delicately <strong>to</strong>asted over<br />
charcoal fire before generous spread of peanut butter,<br />
pandan flavoured kaya on one side while the other side has<br />
a thin slice of pure butter. The <strong>home</strong>-made kaya is a secret<br />
family recipe, not <strong>to</strong>o sweet, smooth in texture and great<br />
tasting. Aik Seng operates between 7am <strong>to</strong> 5pm daily.<br />
Loh Mee •<br />
Glory Café along Jalan Bank is easily located as the shop is usually packed during<br />
operating hours of 6am <strong>to</strong> 5pm (closed on 1 st , 2 nd Thursday of each month). Almost<br />
everyone coming here are for the <strong>to</strong>wn’s most talked about Tom Yam prawn noodles.<br />
Modeled after Penang’s famous dish of the same name, here the main attraction is that<br />
the Tom Yam sauce is <strong>home</strong>-made, also another secret family recipe. Operating for the<br />
past eleven years on the same spot, it is easy <strong>to</strong> deduce that the café must be doing<br />
something right <strong>to</strong> continuously attract cus<strong>to</strong>mers here! When the dish comes, you will<br />
see that it is literally overflowing with prawns and big ones <strong>to</strong>o. Surprisingly, the sauce<br />
is not <strong>to</strong>o spicy, despite the name and even suitable for young ones. Chef and owner of<br />
Glory Café learned his trade at Labuan before operating his own shop here by offering<br />
something different for the <strong>to</strong>wn folks and visi<strong>to</strong>rs.<br />
• Tom Yam prawn noodles<br />
Kompia •<br />
Hiek Lik Café along Jalan Nyalong is the <strong>to</strong>wn’s premier kompia seller, a<br />
Foochow specialty comprising two slices of hard buns holding minced<br />
pork in between them. Unlike everywhere else, their pork fillings are crunchy<br />
which adds <strong>to</strong> the delight of biting in<strong>to</strong> these kompias. The shop operates daily<br />
from 7:30am <strong>to</strong> 11:30pm and it is not uncommon <strong>to</strong> see queues of people<br />
waiting for their order of kompias at night here!<br />
52 | <strong>BorneoTalk</strong>Apr-Jun2012<br />
Won<strong>to</strong>n • • Kampua<br />
Two other famous dishes here that<br />
visi<strong>to</strong>rs should try are kampua<br />
and won<strong>to</strong>n, traditional Chinese<br />
specialties. Many cus<strong>to</strong>mers say<br />
that the kampua is most like the<br />
original as only lard is used in the<br />
preparation, which makes it very<br />
similar <strong>to</strong> the traditional recipe. Even<br />
the won<strong>to</strong>n is sprinkled with a dash<br />
of wine <strong>to</strong> increase the flavour and<br />
differentiate it from all others. It is<br />
usually the only coffee shop that<br />
operates until late at night so if a<br />
bedtime snack is <strong>call</strong>ing you, this is<br />
the <strong>place</strong> <strong>to</strong> head <strong>to</strong> when in Sarikei.
Food<br />
Sit back,<br />
Relax<br />
and<br />
Unwind<br />
Life Café Kuching,<br />
Sarawak<br />
Uniquely Cozy<br />
Of all the food outlets in the<br />
City of Kuching, Sarawak,<br />
Life Café is distinctly different<br />
in one major aspect – it is not out <strong>to</strong><br />
impress you with a wide and mindboggling<br />
range of dishes. Instead, Life<br />
Café offers its own selective choice of<br />
delicious dishes; and at the same time<br />
provides a unique and cozy ambiance<br />
where you could sit back, relax and<br />
unwind in private, as couples or with<br />
friends or family. Be it for a leisurely<br />
afternoon snack or a relaxing evening<br />
meal, or spending some time <strong>to</strong> read<br />
or surf the net while having a favorite<br />
beverage, Life Cafe is the <strong>place</strong> <strong>to</strong> be.<br />
Time seems <strong>to</strong> stand still as you soak<br />
in the serene atmosphere of Life Cafe<br />
while enjoying the varied tastes and<br />
flavors of its Asian cuisine and tea<br />
beverages. Its signature dish is the<br />
well-known and popular spicy noodle<br />
or “malak mian”, a lip-smacking<br />
combination of <strong>home</strong>-made noodles<br />
and special spicy sauce, which you<br />
can have with stewed beef or lamb or<br />
pineapple chicken or even vegetarian.<br />
And what better way <strong>to</strong> consume these<br />
appetizing dishes than with a refreshing<br />
tea beverage, such as a steaming jug<br />
of passion fruit tea or an ice-cold glass<br />
of smooth pearl milk tea. In addition,<br />
there are various delightful snacks, from<br />
dumplings <strong>to</strong> egg pancakes, as well as<br />
hot nourishing herbal soups, <strong>to</strong> dine<br />
and feast on at Life Cafe.<br />
The his<strong>to</strong>ry of Life Café goes back<br />
more than 15 years ago, where the<br />
first original outlet was set up at Ewe<br />
Hai Street in Kuching. It has now<br />
expanded <strong>to</strong> include five outlets,<br />
four in Kuching, Sarawak, and one in<br />
Johor, Peninsular Malaysia. However,<br />
until <strong>to</strong>day, Life Café’s classical décor<br />
with heart-warming themes of wood,<br />
bamboos and lanterns at its outlets<br />
has been consistently preserved<br />
throughout… exuding a familiarity,<br />
which loyal patrons can easily identify<br />
with and love! But more importantly,<br />
its concept of providing good food<br />
and beverages, a variety of reading<br />
materials, clean surroundings and<br />
courteous services have been carefully<br />
maintained and upheld.<br />
So, the next time you are wondering<br />
and looking for a <strong>place</strong> <strong>to</strong> sit back,<br />
relax and unwind in comfort and<br />
privacy, either socializing with close<br />
friends or chit-chatting with family<br />
members, or bringing business<br />
associates or overseas guests <strong>to</strong><br />
experience some authentic Asian<br />
cuisine in a memorable environment,<br />
think of and come <strong>to</strong> Life Café.<br />
Life Café @ Ewe Hai Street Ewe Hai Street, Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. Tel: +6082 425707<br />
Life Café @ Brigh<strong>to</strong>n Square* Jalan Song, Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. Tel: +6082 285688<br />
Life Café @ Train Terrace* Jalan Tun Ahmad Zaidi Adruce, Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. Tel: +6082 232199<br />
Life Café @ Sutera Taman Sutera Utama, Skudai, Johor, Malaysia. Tel: +6012 7873330<br />
Life TERMINAL Café @ Kuching Sentral Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. Tel: +6082 531099<br />
(*Opens daily from 10am <strong>to</strong> 11.30pm)<br />
Life Café Kuching Sdn Bhd Tel/Fax: +6082 236024 Email: lifecafe@hotmail.com<br />
Wedsite: www.lifecafe.com.my<br />
Apr-Jun2012<strong>BorneoTalk</strong> | 53
Food<br />
Fresh &<br />
Trusted rice<br />
supplier Liansin<br />
promotes<br />
“Fresh” brand<br />
of fragrant rice<br />
Fresh brand is another type of<br />
fragrant rice <strong>to</strong> be reckoned<br />
with in Sarawak and rest<br />
assured that this is quality rice!<br />
Foremost, the supplier is Liansin,<br />
one of the largest rice wholesalers<br />
in the state with Beras Corporation<br />
Sdn Bhd (BERNAS) being their major<br />
stakeholder. As the first such supplier<br />
<strong>to</strong> be awarded the Halal certificate<br />
for its rice supplies as well as the ISO<br />
9001:2000 Quality Management<br />
Certificate and internationally<br />
recognized HACCP certificate for food<br />
safety, you are certain that the rice is<br />
<strong>to</strong>p notch quality.<br />
New!<br />
The brand ‘Fresh’ is both eye-catching<br />
as well as appropriate for the rice<br />
packaged as they are fresh and new<br />
which always give the best fragrance<br />
when properly cooked. It is high quality<br />
rice that is suitable for <strong>home</strong>s and<br />
businesses and reasonably priced for<br />
the market. By choosing ‘Fresh’ you are<br />
guaranteed the rice is indeed fresh.<br />
As always, the ‘Liansin’ signature is<br />
prominent on the packaging <strong>to</strong> assure<br />
buyers of their real professionalism in<br />
the industry. Their supply chain <strong>to</strong>o<br />
had been carefully audited and verified<br />
<strong>to</strong> meet all the standards of their<br />
certifications with the added assurance<br />
of their high tech plant. Putting<br />
all these important and essential<br />
credentials on the rice brand is Liansin’s<br />
guarantee that they only supply the<br />
best rice in the market as reputation is<br />
something that one simply cannot buy<br />
but must earn and also must continue<br />
<strong>to</strong> constantly prove that the company<br />
has not been found lacking. Their<br />
philosophy of only supplying quality<br />
rice is a principle that will never be<br />
compromised! Not only is supplying of<br />
<strong>to</strong>p grade rice their principle, Liansin’s<br />
signature includes a heart for the<br />
community. Liansin has long been<br />
involved in its “Bowls for Humanity”<br />
campaign since 2011, whereby for<br />
every 10kg of rice (indicated with the<br />
logo of the campaign) purchased,<br />
25grams of rice will go <strong>to</strong>wards the<br />
feeding of the orphans in Malaysia.<br />
Liansin is committed <strong>to</strong> ensuring that<br />
every Malaysian has access <strong>to</strong> rice. So<br />
watch out for the logo and contribute<br />
your part <strong>to</strong> the cause.<br />
54 | <strong>BorneoTalk</strong>Apr-Jun2012
Food<br />
Gawai<br />
Promotion<br />
‘Fresh’ is most suitable for the <strong>home</strong> and<br />
good for the whole family, including<br />
young children and the elderly. The<br />
modern rice cookers in the market have<br />
helped in ensuring the perfect rice every<br />
time the switch is pressed <strong>to</strong> cook as they<br />
have been tested and proven.<br />
Currently, Fresh brand fragrant rice is<br />
readily available in many supermarkets<br />
and specialty s<strong>to</strong>res throughout the<br />
state.<br />
For more information, please contact<br />
Liansin Trading Sdn Bhd (516882-W),<br />
Lot 2041, Section 66, Jalan Kisar, Bintawa Industrial<br />
Estate, 93450 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia.<br />
Tel: +6082 333555, 335558, 334558<br />
Fax: +6082 335599 Email: liansin@streamyx.com<br />
www.liansin.com<br />
With every purchase of a 10kg bag Fresh<br />
brand rice, be entitled <strong>to</strong> a free stainless steel<br />
tablespoon. While s<strong>to</strong>cks last!<br />
CHECK IT OUT TODAY<br />
& DON’T MISS OUT!<br />
Available at all leading supermarkets, hypermarkets<br />
& retail shops throughout Sarawak<br />
Apr-Jun2012<strong>BorneoTalk</strong> | 55
J. TAN<br />
BE NG<br />
HE NG<br />
Hotel<br />
Guest Rooms<br />
Our thoughtfully designed signature modern spacious and luxurious<br />
rooms promise a restful stay. The Horizon Suites provide additional<br />
comfort city & sea view features 180 rooms comprising of 80 Superior<br />
(30 sqm), 78 Deluxe (30 sqm),4 Grand Deluxe, 15 Junior Suites (40<br />
sqm), 2 Deluxe Suites (60 sqm) and 1 CEO Suite (90 sqm) offering<br />
marble bathrooms, timber floor and Super King-Size beds in Suite<br />
Rooms with plush duvet. Elegant décor featuring modern artworks<br />
complement deluxe amenities, coffee and tea making facilities, 42”/50”<br />
plasma tv, writing desk and much more <strong>to</strong> offer.<br />
A new exciting<br />
4 Star hotel in<br />
The Heart of<br />
Kota Kinabalu,<br />
Sabah<br />
EuroAsiaDeluxeKing •<br />
SuperiorRoom •<br />
• Gymnasium<br />
• SwimmingPool<br />
* Promotional rate starts from RM200.00++ per<br />
room per night with breakfast for two guests<br />
* Terms & Condition apply<br />
Facilities & Amenities:<br />
Room Service Available • Electronic key lock system • Telephone with IDD <strong>call</strong> •<br />
Free high speed internet access (wired) • Data port and dual line phones • 24-hour<br />
concierge • Newspaper • Complimentary drinking water • Complimentary Coffee<br />
& Tea • 42/50 inch Plasma TV • DVD Player in Suite Rooms • iHome System in<br />
Suite Rooms • Cable TV channels • International power outlets • Baby sitting on<br />
request • Accessible or handicapped rooms are available • Mini bar • Centralize air<br />
conditioning system • “CHUBB” Electronic safe deposit box • Iron and Ironing Board<br />
available in all rooms • Roll Away Bed upon request • Rain shower • Magnified<br />
makeup mirror • Bathrobes, Yukata and Sarong • Bathroom Scales • Hairdryer<br />
Be it a company meeting, banquet,<br />
wedding or room accommodation,<br />
Horizon Hotel is your ideal venue<br />
strategi<strong>call</strong>y located in the heart of the city<br />
MeetingRoom •<br />
• TheAsianRestaurant<br />
MEETING & BANQUET FACILITIES<br />
HorizonHall • • DecoCafé&Bar<br />
For all your meetings and events, Horizon Hotel, Kota Kinabalu<br />
is your perfect choice:-<br />
• 4 versatile meeting rooms of variable sizes located on<br />
Level 1, with Boardroom seating from 12 guests up <strong>to</strong><br />
300 guests for Banquet set-up. All meeting rooms are<br />
well equipped with up-<strong>to</strong>-date facilities and state-of-the-art<br />
audio visual equipment <strong>to</strong> cater for all your requirements.<br />
Meeting Rooms are available for private parties, sit down dinner<br />
or buffet of between 30 <strong>to</strong> 50 guests.<br />
Meeting package starts from RM40.00nett per guest<br />
WATERFRONT<br />
EXPLANADE<br />
WARISAN SQUARE<br />
SHOPPING MALL<br />
CENTRE POINT<br />
SHOPPING MALL<br />
J.<br />
ALBE RT<br />
PORT VIEW<br />
KWO K<br />
J. KG. AIR 4<br />
J. DUA PULUH J. LAIMAN DIKI<br />
J.<br />
J.<br />
HANDICRAFT CENTRE<br />
SINSURAN COMPLEX<br />
HAJI<br />
C HO NG<br />
L.<br />
L. GOMANTONG<br />
TIAN<br />
SINSURAN<br />
YAAKUB<br />
J. PADANG<br />
VUN<br />
J. SEMBILAN BELAS<br />
CENTRAL MARKET<br />
Jalan Tun Fuad Stephen<br />
BANK<br />
NEGARA<br />
J. LAPAN BELAS<br />
Jalan Tugu<br />
COURT<br />
HOUSE CITY<br />
COUNCIL<br />
STATE<br />
LIBRARY<br />
KK<br />
PLAZA<br />
POST OFFICE<br />
Jalan KK Bypass<br />
PADANG<br />
MERDEKA<br />
SOUTH CHINA SEA<br />
J. TUJUH BELAS<br />
SEGAMA<br />
COMPLEX<br />
Jalan Tun Razak<br />
Jalan Pantai<br />
SUNDAY MARKET<br />
J. ENAM BELAS<br />
GAYA STREET<br />
J.<br />
DE WAN<br />
WISMA<br />
MERDEKA<br />
J. TUN FUAD STEPHEN<br />
WISMA SABAH<br />
L.<br />
SABAH TOURISM<br />
BANK<br />
Jalan KK Bypass<br />
FERRY TERMINAL<br />
J.<br />
G AYA<br />
JESSELTON<br />
POINT<br />
J. E WAN<br />
Horizon Hotel<br />
Jalan Pantai, Locked Bag 2084, 88999 Kota Kinabalu,<br />
Sabah, Malaysia. Tel: +6088 518000 Fax: +6088 518111<br />
Email: info@horizonhotelsabah.com<br />
www.horizonhotelsabah.com<br />
JESSELTON POINT<br />
FERRY TERMINAL<br />
Call us at +6088 518000<br />
ext-2307/2308 for reservations<br />
Apr-Jun2012<strong>BorneoTalk</strong> | 57
Hotel<br />
Facilities and Amenities: Ensuite bathrooms • 24 hours reception • Complimentary use of air conditioning units • Complimentary use of hair dryer<br />
• Complimentary use of <strong>to</strong>wels • Complimentary <strong>to</strong>iletries (soap and shampoo) • Complimentary use of minibar fridge • Complimentary use of wired internet<br />
access in every room • Complimentary use of wifi in hotel lobby • Complimentary use of washing machines and dryers in laundry room • 32”LCD TV with<br />
more than 20 local, cable and satellites channels • Security room safe • Bottled drinking water • Luxury shower • 5 star beds and satin cot<strong>to</strong>n sheets •<br />
Tea & coffee making facilities • Airport transfer (minimum charge) • RFID Security Door Locks<br />
Wisma Phoenix, Jalan Song Thian Cheok, 93100 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia.<br />
Tel: +6082 236060 Fax: +6082 237070 Email: reservation@360xpress.com.my<br />
58 | <strong>BorneoTalk</strong>Apr-Jun2012<br />
Rates from RM49.99 nett *<br />
* terms & conditions apply.<br />
www.360xpress.com.my
Hotel<br />
360 Urban Resort Hotel is located<br />
in Hock Lee centre, Kuching. Tower<br />
A which comprises 178 rooms offer<br />
majestic views of the surrounding city<br />
below. Each room in Tower A comes<br />
with either King, Super Singles, or<br />
Queen size mattresses, mini-bar, coffee/<br />
tea making facilities, TV and FREE wifi<br />
connectivity and individually controlled<br />
air-conditioning. There is also a Coffee<br />
House within the same block where<br />
guests can try their various brands of<br />
coffees and teas in a relaxing setting.<br />
Shopping and other food choices<br />
360 Urban Resort Hotel<br />
Kuching has <strong>to</strong>p notch<br />
facilities for discerning guests<br />
are available at the central podium<br />
which link the two <strong>to</strong>wering blocks of<br />
hotels. Equally convenient <strong>to</strong>o are the<br />
varieties of shops within the vicinity of<br />
the hotel’s location like banks, clinics,<br />
eateries, recreational ground.<br />
For those visiting for the first time,<br />
360 Urban Resort Hotel Kuching<br />
will definitely be the choice for their<br />
next visit as the services and facilities<br />
offered are <strong>to</strong>p notched, 5-star quality<br />
at very affordable 3-star prices!<br />
Rates from<br />
* terms & conditions apply.<br />
RM99.00 nett*<br />
Hock Lee Centre, Hotel Tower, Jalan Datuk Abang Abdul Rahim, 93450 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia.<br />
Tel: +6082 484888 Fax: +6082 484999 Email: reservation@360kuching.com <strong>Website</strong>: www.360kuching.com<br />
Apr-Jun2012<strong>BorneoTalk</strong> | 59
Hotel<br />
GATEWAY<br />
KUCHING<br />
There is much comfort in waking up away from<br />
<strong>home</strong> yet feel completely at ease. While promises<br />
are abundant in the hospitality line; be it a king<br />
size bed with feather soft sheets and pillows or<br />
simply exclusivity for the high flyers, often, it is the<br />
little things that count. A heartfelt smile, a cup of<br />
coffee in the cosy lounge or simply waking up <strong>to</strong><br />
a magnificent view from your room, those are the<br />
little things that Ariva Gateway Kuching does best.<br />
We<br />
are<br />
At Ariva Gateway Kuching, their priorities are<br />
unwavering. “That’s why, in conjunction with<br />
us turning one year old, Ariva Gateway<br />
Kuching is offering RM1 room rates*. The<br />
RM1 room rate is a reward for their loyal clients<br />
who have been staying at Ariva Gateway Kuching<br />
as well as for those who wish <strong>to</strong> check out the<br />
comfort of staying in spacious apartments with<br />
living amenities that allows more flexibility yet feels<br />
just like <strong>home</strong>.<br />
* Terms and conditions apply<br />
For booking and enquiries, contact us at +6082 250958 or<br />
email us at Kuching.Enquiry@stayariva.com and<br />
for latest property, kindly visit www.stayariva.com<br />
NO 9 Jalan Bukit Mata, 93100 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia.<br />
Tel: +6082 250958 Fax: +6082 259958<br />
Apr-Jun2012<strong>BorneoTalk</strong> | 61
Miri’s premier<br />
Fun,<br />
Relaxing<br />
and<br />
Luxurious<br />
Venue<br />
Plan a holiday for the whole family<br />
in luxurious green surroundings<br />
when in Sarawak’s Resort City Miri at<br />
the Eastwood Valley Golf & Country<br />
Club; it’s everything you’ll ever want.<br />
Golfing greens and practice range,<br />
swimming pool with rowing boats in the<br />
lake, sauna rooms, team building facilities<br />
and jungle trekking for the adventurous are<br />
some of the ample things <strong>to</strong> do here.<br />
The dining venue overlooks the lake with<br />
splendid food all day long and can also<br />
cater <strong>to</strong> big events like weddings and<br />
family reunions. Since opening its doors<br />
in 2005 this has become the premier<br />
address for social gatherings and also<br />
for seminars and other similar events.<br />
Lot 1379, Block 17, Jalan Miri-by-pass,<br />
98000 Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia.<br />
Tel: +6085 421010 Fax: +6085 417858<br />
Email: info@eastwoodvalley.com<br />
www.eastwoodvalley.com<br />
Choices of luxury rooms with<br />
various combinations from single<br />
<strong>to</strong> deluxe or family <strong>to</strong> longhouse<br />
are available and all are well<br />
equipped with modern<br />
amenities for a good night<br />
rest. Anyway you look at<br />
it, with Eastwood Valley<br />
Golf & Country Club<br />
as your destination<br />
of choice in Miri,<br />
you are assured of<br />
having a fun and<br />
enjoyable time<br />
here!<br />
The recipient of Ministry of Tourism Sarawak<br />
2011 Award for Most Innovative Individuals,<br />
Borneo Tropical Rainforest Resort in Miri, is<br />
ample proof that the resort constantly reinvents<br />
itself <strong>to</strong> provide the best <strong>to</strong> its guests. From the<br />
humble origins of a secluded resort in the midst<br />
of a tropical jungle <strong>to</strong> one for team building<br />
and family fun, it is one <strong>place</strong> that can cater <strong>to</strong><br />
different range of demands.<br />
Visi<strong>to</strong>rs can choose from a range of<br />
accommodation here while meals and facilities<br />
are all ready for those who have booked in<br />
advanced. Children get <strong>to</strong> enjoy their fun time<br />
in the mini swim pool and water park while<br />
jungle trekking is an adventure for those who<br />
want <strong>to</strong> get away from city living. Choose your<br />
preference here and you can be sure that the<br />
resort will prove that their award is not just<br />
merely for decoration – they are always looking<br />
for new ways <strong>to</strong> make guests welcome and<br />
enjoy their stay here!<br />
Award winning Borneo<br />
Tropical Rainforest Resort<br />
Miri has what it takes for<br />
jungle<br />
great outdoors<br />
adventure<br />
KM36 Miri-Bintulu Road, Lot 15, Block 2, Sibuti Land District, Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia.<br />
Tel: +6085 407198, +6085 613888 Fax: +6085 613808<br />
Email: info@borneorainforestresort.com<br />
Miri Office: Lot 101, Airport Road, 98000 Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia.<br />
Tel: +6085 613888 Fax: +6085 613808<br />
www.BorneoRainforestResort.com
The center point<br />
with newly<br />
refurbished rooms<br />
in bustling Sibu<br />
Located right in the heart of<br />
the bustling <strong>to</strong>wn, Tanahmas<br />
Hotel is about as close <strong>to</strong> the<br />
center as you can get here.<br />
Everything, from shopping <strong>to</strong><br />
entertainment, business <strong>to</strong><br />
pleasure, is just around the<br />
corner or mere walking distances away. Convenience is<br />
staying in this strategi<strong>call</strong>y sited hotel!<br />
Adorned with awards for its facilities and services,<br />
Tanahmas Hotel is the choice for corporate and family<br />
visits with 120 newly refurbished deluxe rooms <strong>to</strong> choose<br />
from and ample facilities, amenities <strong>to</strong> satisfy every needs!<br />
Check out the hotel at its website (www.tanahmas.com.<br />
my) or <strong>call</strong> for reservations.<br />
Facilities in<br />
room:<br />
LCD TV with 21<br />
channels, Free<br />
wi-fi inside hotel,<br />
Personal unit<br />
adjustable airconditioned<br />
units,<br />
Hot shower, <strong>to</strong>wels,<br />
Tea/Coffee making<br />
facilities, Safe box &<br />
writing desk.<br />
Online booking, please log on <strong>to</strong><br />
www.dorsetboutiquehotel.com<br />
Centrally located, brand<br />
new furnishings in<br />
all our Standard,<br />
Deluxe and Superior Rooms<br />
at competitive prices. Clean<br />
rooms with fully equipped<br />
modern amenities like TV,<br />
Coffee/tea making machines,<br />
hot showers and free Wi-Fi<br />
inside hotel. Excellent and<br />
efficient services <strong>to</strong> make your<br />
stay enjoyable and relaxing!<br />
Suitable for business and<br />
pleasure, individuals, families<br />
or groups with facilities<br />
for seminar, conferences<br />
or meetings with seating<br />
capacity of 100 (theater<br />
format).<br />
Lot 277, Block 5, Jalan Kampung Nyabor, P.O. Box 240 96007 Sibu,<br />
Sarawak, Malaysia. Tel: +6084 333188 Fax: +6084 333288<br />
Email: tanahmas@streamyx.com<br />
www.tanahmas.com.my<br />
No. 175, 175A-C, Jalan Sekama, 93300 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia.<br />
Tel: +6082 347799 Fax: +6082 346799<br />
Email: reservation@Dorsetboutiquehotel.com
Education<br />
Preservation<br />
of wood<br />
Researchers: M. A. Affan, M. A. Salam,<br />
Fasihuddin B. Ahmad and Ismail Jusoh<br />
The following features two of the products<br />
by Faculty of Resource Science and Technology<br />
that won during the Seoul International Invention Fair 2011<br />
in Seoul Korea<br />
Since time immemorial wood<br />
has been the most widely<br />
used component in the<br />
his<strong>to</strong>ry of world civilizations. Wood<br />
still command significant aspects<br />
of our lives in both developed and<br />
underdeveloped countries as sources of<br />
transportation like boats, furniture, fuel<br />
and for recreational activities. Equally<br />
significant in the utilization of wood<br />
is its preservation, a process which<br />
continues <strong>to</strong> be much researched on<br />
everywhere the commodity is used. As<br />
the world increasingly looks <strong>to</strong>wards<br />
conservation of natural resources and<br />
the sustainable utilization of them,<br />
preservation of wood becomes even<br />
more acute each passing day!<br />
Sarawak has vast natural forest<br />
resources and with the emphasis<br />
on conservation and sustainability,<br />
UNIMAS (University Malaysia Sarawak<br />
through its Faculty of Resource<br />
Science and Technology) has taken<br />
on the role of researching many of<br />
these wood resources in the field of<br />
applications as leading governmental<br />
agencies like Forest Department and<br />
others have long conducted research<br />
in<strong>to</strong> species, propagation, quality<br />
and strength as well as herbal and<br />
medicinal potentials. The university<br />
knows that wood loses its mass<br />
and weight due <strong>to</strong> natural forces of<br />
decay brought about by biological<br />
and environmental fac<strong>to</strong>rs therefore<br />
studies are made on ways <strong>to</strong> mitigate<br />
and lessen these impacts for greater<br />
diversity in the utilization of wood in<br />
future.<br />
In a recent study, the university<br />
reported that wood when treated<br />
with organotin compounds (tin<br />
based chemical compounds<br />
with hydrocarbon substitutes),<br />
they showed significantly less<br />
deteriorations from biodegradation<br />
while also more environmentally<br />
friendly than other <strong>to</strong>xic compounds.<br />
The study noted that there was less<br />
weight loss when wood was treated<br />
with the organotin compound and<br />
also are low priced and non-leached.<br />
What all these means is that not<br />
only is the process less hazardous<br />
<strong>to</strong> our health in the application but<br />
also could cost less and would not<br />
leached in<strong>to</strong> the environment and<br />
cause damage. According <strong>to</strong> the<br />
university, these new findings will<br />
eventually find their way in<strong>to</strong> the<br />
business aspects of world economy<br />
and possibly in<strong>to</strong> benchmarks for<br />
treatment of wood everywhere!<br />
(a) (b) (c) (d)<br />
• Wood decay test on agar petri dish (a) Control (b) [MeSnCl2(APCT)] (c) [PhSnCl2(APCT)] (d) [Me2SnCl(APCT)]<br />
64 | <strong>BorneoTalk</strong>Apr-Jun2012
Education<br />
(left <strong>to</strong> right) Assoc. Prof Dr<br />
M.A Affan, Assoc. Prof Dr<br />
Zainab Ngaini and Senior<br />
Lecturer Dr Ho Wei Seng<br />
At UNIMAS (University Malaysia<br />
Sarawak) they have successfully<br />
developed a kit, which can do exactly<br />
what the industries are looking for in<br />
the field of amplifying DNA via PCR<br />
without prior DNA purification. Aptly<br />
<strong>call</strong>ed a fasTiP-X Kit, the machine<br />
simplifies the process while also<br />
saves cost and time. It also does not<br />
use liquid nitrogen nor hazardous<br />
chemicals and therefore suitable for<br />
high-throughput of genome analyses.<br />
DNA<br />
extraction<br />
of plant samples<br />
Researcher: Dr Ho Wei Seng<br />
It is a fact that majority of people<br />
in this world do not know<br />
anything about DNA extraction of<br />
plant samples nor the process of<br />
identifying compounds and other<br />
plant content in the samples. To<br />
those in the research industry like<br />
forestry, biological and herbal<br />
labora<strong>to</strong>ries, fac<strong>to</strong>ries and chemistry,<br />
such information is vital for their<br />
work. As such, the faster these<br />
simple extractions can be done and<br />
results produced, the better it will<br />
be for them <strong>to</strong> move in<strong>to</strong> the next<br />
step or stage of research on the<br />
materials.<br />
With the new device, there are only<br />
three simple steps. Firstly, transfer the<br />
plant samples in<strong>to</strong> the fasTip-X Extract<br />
Buffer by <strong>to</strong>uching the samples with a<br />
Harris Uni-core puncher. Next, incubate<br />
<strong>to</strong> lyses the plant cells and finally use<br />
the incubated solution for polymerase<br />
Chain Reaction (PCR) amplification.<br />
As can be seen the whole process<br />
is simple and easy for anyone with<br />
competent <strong>to</strong> handle. The time fac<strong>to</strong>r<br />
is important in the processing as results<br />
can be gathered in a short time and<br />
also very minimum sample material is<br />
required. The sample can be amplified<br />
>3 kb and works with many varieties<br />
of plant samples. It is also obvious that<br />
the process is safe as no hazardous<br />
chemicals are used. Most importantly,<br />
the device is cost effective and the<br />
difference could be as much as US$7<br />
when compared <strong>to</strong> conventional<br />
extraction methods per sample.<br />
For better and closer look in<strong>to</strong><br />
these new findings at UNIMAS,<br />
prospective inves<strong>to</strong>rs and businesses<br />
should directly consult the university<br />
and work in collaboration with<br />
them. After all, what is good for<br />
the research team will eventually<br />
be useful and cost effective for the<br />
industries in the long run.<br />
Faculty of Resource Science<br />
and Technology<br />
Universiti Malaysia Sarawak<br />
94300 Kota Samarahan, Sarawak, Malaysia.<br />
Tel: +6082 583161 Fax: +6082 583160<br />
www.unimas.my<br />
Apr-Jun2012<strong>BorneoTalk</strong> | 65
Education<br />
The timber industry in<br />
Sarawak has developed from<br />
being just log exporter <strong>to</strong><br />
selling semi-finished timber products<br />
and high quality wood-based<br />
products like furniture pieces and<br />
medium density fibreboard (MDF)<br />
over the past fifteen years. These<br />
developments have brought about<br />
greater revenue <strong>to</strong> the state from<br />
the exports and also produced new<br />
generations of skilled craftsmen<br />
and business entrepreneurs, which<br />
will ensure the timber industry’s<br />
prosperity in the future.<br />
One aspect of concern from these<br />
developments was the buildup of<br />
residue wood waste,<br />
especially from the<br />
sawmills. Due <strong>to</strong> the<br />
different range of<br />
timber industries,<br />
many different types<br />
of waste products<br />
were produced<br />
from basic sawdust <strong>to</strong><br />
shavings, log ends<br />
<strong>to</strong> pillar core and<br />
reject veneers <strong>to</strong> trim<br />
ends. Initially, these<br />
were disposed off but<br />
new technologies and innovations<br />
have given rise <strong>to</strong> uses for these<br />
waste. Medium density fibreboards<br />
(MDF) made from wood waste<br />
have resulted in the creation of<br />
new products and also revenue<br />
while directly reducing wood<br />
waste. Particleboards <strong>to</strong>o have seen<br />
increasing demand while biomass<br />
pellets, charcoal or briquette and<br />
woodchips are by-products, which<br />
have demand from other sources.<br />
All these products are increasingly<br />
closing the loop of waste generation<br />
from the timber industry here and<br />
making the industry more efficient<br />
as well as more eco-friendly.<br />
The use of wood residues for<br />
fuel generation has been around<br />
for a long time and continues <strong>to</strong><br />
be a source of clean fuel for the<br />
timber industry. New and better<br />
technologies have enabled these<br />
fuel sources <strong>to</strong> be more eco-friendly<br />
by not emitting carbon dioxide<br />
(CO2) in the process. As the industry<br />
continues <strong>to</strong> chart progress, the<br />
ongoing research on finding new,<br />
innovative ways <strong>to</strong> make it more<br />
efficient and environmentally friendly<br />
will continue <strong>to</strong> be pursued.<br />
Reinventing<br />
Wood Waste<br />
Taking the timber industry<br />
<strong>to</strong> new heights<br />
For more information and all those interested should write, <strong>call</strong> or visit<br />
Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (STIDC),<br />
Wisma Sumber Alam, Jalan Stadium, Petra Jaya, 93050 Kuching,<br />
P.O. Box 194, 93702 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia.<br />
Tel: +6082 473000 Fax: +6082 442691 Email: stidc@pusaka.gov.my<br />
www.sarawaktimber.org.my<br />
66 | <strong>BorneoTalk</strong>Apr-Jun2012
Education<br />
Getting in<strong>to</strong><br />
Top UK<br />
Universities,<br />
Medical &<br />
Dentistry<br />
Schools<br />
British Council<br />
has answers<br />
<strong>to</strong> your further<br />
education in UK<br />
In Sarawak the British Council<br />
is the best conduit <strong>to</strong> accessing<br />
information on studying in UK; it<br />
has the complete list of universities,<br />
colleges and schools all over<br />
UK specializing in virtually every<br />
profession, trade and skills. The<br />
Council’s Education UK is the official<br />
website <strong>to</strong> assist international<br />
students <strong>to</strong> learn about all these<br />
educational institutions and<br />
facilities as well as useful tips about<br />
particular <strong>place</strong>s and courses. In<br />
fact, over 1.8 million people all over<br />
the world use the site each year <strong>to</strong><br />
learn about studying in UK.<br />
For many who may be unfamiliar<br />
with the UK, there are also over 3000<br />
scholarships available in UK institutions<br />
for students that can be found through<br />
the website. Apart from learning about<br />
these opportunities, the website also<br />
informs about the cultural diversities of<br />
the UK and prepares foreign students<br />
for their arrival in the various regions<br />
of UK. As one of the oldest and most<br />
trusted site for education UK around<br />
the world, the Council however,<br />
does not actively promote individual<br />
institutions over others in delivery<br />
of information <strong>to</strong> all those who are<br />
interested.<br />
On 1 st July 2012 in Kuching,<br />
the British Council will<br />
be hosting a Workshop:<br />
Getting In<strong>to</strong> Top UK Universities,<br />
Medical/Dentistry Schools which<br />
will feature renowned speakers<br />
from UK giving useful lessons on<br />
writing good personal statements<br />
and preparations for interviews. Each<br />
session is limited <strong>to</strong> 10 persons. A<br />
nominal fee will be charged for those<br />
interested. Similar workshops will<br />
also be conducted in Kuala Lumpur<br />
and Penang on 30 th June and Kota<br />
Kinabalu on 1 st July.<br />
If you are still wondering about furthering your studies but unsure of what <strong>to</strong> do, where <strong>to</strong> go and how <strong>to</strong> apply <strong>to</strong> institutions of<br />
higher learning, visit the British Council for more information. The British Council can be reached at Sarawak Office: Room A15<br />
& A16, Chung Hua Middle School No. 1, Jalan Pending, 93450 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. T: +6082 346 044 F: +6082 342 199<br />
E: sarawak@britishcouncil.org.my<br />
Apr-Jun2012<strong>BorneoTalk</strong> | 67
Conference<br />
22 nd - 24 th May 2012<br />
Borneo Convention<br />
Centre Kuching<br />
1 st South<br />
East Asia<br />
Women<br />
Entrepreneur<br />
Conference<br />
There is little doubt that Asia<br />
will be taking the lead in the<br />
world economic recovery<br />
in the next five years, especially<br />
with economic powerhouse China<br />
providing the impetus for growth.<br />
The economies of South East Asia<br />
are very closely tied <strong>to</strong> China’s<br />
growth <strong>to</strong>o and are one of the<br />
main benefac<strong>to</strong>rs from the close<br />
relationship. To leverage the regional<br />
cooperation of the South East Asian<br />
nations, the 1 st South East Asia<br />
Women Entrepreneur Conference is<br />
being organized in Kuching, Sarawak<br />
on 22 nd – 24 th May 2012 by DUBS<br />
Dewanita and supported by the<br />
Sarawak Women Bureau. Comprising<br />
conference and exhibition, this is<br />
the opportune event for women<br />
entrepreneurs from across Asian<br />
nations of Singapore, Thailand,<br />
Brunei, Indonesia, Philippines<br />
and Malaysia <strong>to</strong> pick up useful<br />
information on latest business trends<br />
and areas of growth, innovative<br />
products coming <strong>to</strong> the market and<br />
expanding business plans as well as<br />
68 | <strong>BorneoTalk</strong>Apr-Jun2012
Conference<br />
in the most exotic food region of the<br />
world. The satisfaction and surprises<br />
of food connoisseurs in Asian nations<br />
will always be a talking point after<br />
every visit as the industry is always<br />
innovative, creative and rewarding in<br />
experience.<br />
learning first hand of products from<br />
site visits.<br />
Listen <strong>to</strong> inspiring women<br />
entrepreneurs at the conference<br />
and gain insights in<strong>to</strong> their success<br />
as they provide the keynote talks<br />
and lead the break out sessions for<br />
closer interactions with participants.<br />
Increase your networking reach<br />
<strong>to</strong> wider markets and form useful<br />
partnerships for future growth while<br />
expanding self knowledge and<br />
understanding of different cultures<br />
and people from Asia. Obviously<br />
there will be plenty of investment<br />
opportunities present for the savvy<br />
entrepreneurs when meeting with<br />
the large number of business-like<br />
women at the conference and<br />
nothing beats meeting a person<br />
face <strong>to</strong> face when planning <strong>to</strong> set<br />
up business relationship. Technopreneurs,<br />
consultants and business<br />
architects will be available <strong>to</strong> provide<br />
expert solutions and innovative ways<br />
<strong>to</strong> enhance businesses, which will<br />
be reaching out <strong>to</strong> the regional and<br />
international arenas.<br />
Of particular interest <strong>to</strong> many<br />
entrepreneurs will be the branding<br />
and packaging seminar and<br />
consumerism seminar in the<br />
breakout sessions. With the right<br />
looks and approach for each market<br />
area, the potential for products<br />
taking off will be much higher when<br />
packaged <strong>to</strong> appeal <strong>to</strong> the regional<br />
tastes of particular nations. There<br />
will also be a regional <strong>to</strong>urism sec<strong>to</strong>r<br />
in the breakout session <strong>to</strong> increase<br />
understanding and reach of <strong>to</strong>urism<br />
players in the region as this is one<br />
sec<strong>to</strong>r that is experiencing rapid<br />
growth in all countries in Asia. With<br />
<strong>to</strong>urism expanding, the food sec<strong>to</strong>r<br />
<strong>to</strong>o naturally expands in relation <strong>to</strong><br />
the increase influx of visi<strong>to</strong>rs and<br />
participants at the conference will be<br />
meeting counterparts from different<br />
regions <strong>to</strong> share dining experiences<br />
In addition <strong>to</strong> the conference,<br />
participants will also be able <strong>to</strong><br />
visit the exhibition, which will<br />
showcase the latest in technology<br />
and innovations for business and<br />
other applications. It will also<br />
provide opportunities for inves<strong>to</strong>rs <strong>to</strong><br />
evaluate potential business ventures<br />
and seek partners <strong>to</strong> further their<br />
investments reach in the region.<br />
As usual, service providers with the<br />
latest in equipment and machineries<br />
will be on hand <strong>to</strong> demonstrate<br />
their products and services with the<br />
aim of securing more businesses<br />
and brand awareness. Naturally<br />
<strong>to</strong>o, at a women’s conference, you<br />
can be certain that beauty products<br />
exhibitions will be at the forefront<br />
with the latest skin and beauty<br />
treatment products as well as<br />
accessories and other necessities of<br />
women.<br />
Register early and save up <strong>to</strong> SGD<br />
140 by just paying SGD 480 from<br />
the standard rate of SGD 620.<br />
Remember, walk in participants<br />
will have <strong>to</strong> pay SGD 780 so it pays<br />
<strong>to</strong> book early! The standard rate<br />
applies for those registering after<br />
15 th March 2012. The BCCK (Borneo<br />
Convention Centre Kuching) venue<br />
is Sarawak’s most beautiful and<br />
purpose built centre for conferences,<br />
seminars and exhibitions with<br />
distinct areas for each. Easily<br />
accessible with ample parking bays<br />
BCCK is also equipped with the<br />
latest in ICT connections and food<br />
outlet within the centre.<br />
Sarawak Women’s Bureau • Jalan Bakti off Jalan Sultan Tengah, Semariang, 93050 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. Tel: +6086 446980, 446178 Fax: +6086 447937<br />
Dewan Usahawan Bumiputera Sarawak • Sublot 4-12 & 13, 3rd Floor, DUBS Commercial Centre, Lot 376, Section 54, Jalan Petanak, 93100 Kuching, Sarawak,<br />
Malaysia. Tel: +6082 233133 Fax: +6082 423134 <strong>Website</strong>: www.dubs.com.my<br />
Apr-Jun2012<strong>BorneoTalk</strong> | 69
Furniture<br />
www.elkfurniture.com.my<br />
Smart Partnership<br />
KL / SELANGOR<br />
S. Star Furniture Design Sdn Bhd (Shah Alam) +603 - 7846 6903<br />
BJ Furniture Sdn Bhd (Gombak) +603 - 4024 2011<br />
Vilano (Cheras) +603 - 2788 0926<br />
Home Star Furnishing Sdn Bhd (Ampang) +6012 - 359 4840<br />
Bello Design Sdn Bhd (Petaling Jaya) +6012 - 267 4076<br />
ELK Furniture Sdn Bhd (Klang ) +603 - 3341 2688<br />
ELK Furniture Sdn Bhd (Ambang Botanic) +603 - 3324 2238<br />
TERENGGANU<br />
SPPhua Excel (K. Terengganu) +609 - 623 1808<br />
PENANG<br />
Eng Wah Home Center Sdn Bhd (Penang) +604 - 646 4298<br />
JOHOR<br />
U Casa Home (Segamat) +607 - 931 0539<br />
Home Life (J) Sdn Bhd (Johor Bharu) +607 - 353 9696<br />
PAHANG<br />
Perabot Woon Wah (Kuantan) Sdn Bhd +609 - 567 2245<br />
CF Chan Furniture & Renovation (Temerloh) +609 - 296 6709<br />
KEDAH<br />
Classy Glory Furniture Sdn Bhd (Alor Setar) +604 - 732 2355<br />
IPOH<br />
Happy Home Livin Furniture (Ipoh) +605 - 526 2682<br />
( 493415-V )<br />
SARAWAK<br />
Wee Hua Boo Trading Sdn Bhd (Kuching) +6082 - 246 641<br />
Comfort Furniture Centre (Sibu) +6084 - 335 561<br />
Sin Siang Hai Trading Sdn Bhd (Miri) +6085 - 415 015<br />
SABAH<br />
Glory East Sdn Bhd (Tawau) +6089 - 762 466<br />
Casarano Miva (Sandakan) +6089 - 227 721<br />
Ken Fat Furniture Sdn Bhd (Kota Kinabalu) +6088 - 714 015<br />
70 | <strong>BorneoTalk</strong>Apr-Jun2012
Furniture<br />
WHB Furniture<br />
provides ideal solutions<br />
<strong>to</strong> <strong>home</strong> and office<br />
requirements<br />
Understanding<br />
cus<strong>to</strong>mers<br />
needs<br />
Every <strong>home</strong> deserves<br />
new sets of furniture<br />
as new fashion, styles<br />
and materials increasingly make<br />
them affordable, comfortable<br />
and more environmentally<br />
friendly. Cus<strong>to</strong>mers <strong>to</strong>o are more<br />
conscious now when purchasing<br />
furniture <strong>to</strong> fit their lifestyles as<br />
well as aesthetic of their <strong>home</strong>s<br />
and offices. At WHB Furniture in<br />
Kuching, Sarawak this discerning<br />
eye <strong>to</strong> matching cus<strong>to</strong>mers need<br />
and taste is foremost in their mind.<br />
“Nowadays, many <strong>home</strong>owners,<br />
offices look for innovative and<br />
practical pieces of furniture when<br />
furnishing <strong>home</strong>s or offices,” said<br />
Nicholas Sia, Manager of WHB<br />
Furniture. “Recently we introduced<br />
a new range, Mavis Fabric Sofa,<br />
export quality products which<br />
come with a lifetime warranty on<br />
the wooden frame plus 5-year<br />
warranty on seat, back cushion.<br />
This warranty gives cus<strong>to</strong>mers<br />
peace of mind on their purchase<br />
as most have experienced poor<br />
wood-based pieces but still prefer<br />
wood <strong>to</strong> steel or iron for aesthetic<br />
reasons.”<br />
types of fabric covers for your new<br />
sofa. These can also be washed<br />
and are generally cool when in<br />
contact <strong>to</strong> our skin, even without<br />
the air-conditioning on. So these<br />
furniture pieces are also highly<br />
suitable for offices <strong>to</strong>o.<br />
Sitting on the high-density foam<br />
sofa provides you with a sense of<br />
firmness and more importantly,<br />
comfort. It does not immediately<br />
sink under your weight but slowly<br />
absorbs and disperses it around,<br />
providing a soft feeling of the<br />
sofa shaping <strong>to</strong> your back. WHB<br />
Furniture also assures cus<strong>to</strong>mers<br />
that the seats as well as the back<br />
cushions are re<strong>place</strong>able so they<br />
can always look forward <strong>to</strong> having<br />
‘new’ furniture when tired of the<br />
original pieces!<br />
Remember <strong>to</strong>o that WHB Furniture<br />
is not only selling sofas; they cater<br />
<strong>to</strong> every part of your <strong>home</strong> as well<br />
as office requirements as they do<br />
cus<strong>to</strong>mize furniture and fittings<br />
of curtains, blinds, cabinets and<br />
wardrobes. Drop in and chat with<br />
their friendly staff or look for<br />
Nicholas who can find solution<br />
<strong>to</strong> all your interior and exterior<br />
decorations of <strong>home</strong>s and offices.<br />
Another unique feature of Mavis<br />
Fabric Sofa is that the cover can<br />
be changed so there can be many<br />
different colours and designs over<br />
the course of the year! Not only<br />
can the covers be changed, the<br />
type of fabric of these covers <strong>to</strong>o<br />
can be <strong>to</strong> your specifications. In<br />
fact, WHB Furniture has over 100<br />
different kinds of fabric for you <strong>to</strong><br />
choose from when deciding on the<br />
www.whbfurniture.com<br />
WEE HUA BOO TRADING SDN BHD • Lot 102, 2½ Mile, Rock Road, 93200 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia.<br />
Tel: +6082 246641, 240775 Fax: +6082 240295 Email: enquiry@whbfurniture.com<br />
Apr-Jun2012<strong>BorneoTalk</strong> | 71
Muslim wear<br />
First s<strong>to</strong>p for those making<br />
the trip <strong>to</strong> Mecca<br />
It is the duty of every Muslim <strong>to</strong><br />
perform the Hajj at least once<br />
in their lifetime and travelling<br />
<strong>to</strong> Mecca for the pilgrimage is in<br />
itself full of excitement, fulfilment<br />
and adventure for first timers!<br />
Regardless of the season, pilgrims<br />
wear special clothes (Ihram) which<br />
strips away all distinctions of wealth,<br />
status, class and culture; as all stand<br />
<strong>to</strong>gether equal before Allah (God).<br />
but also essential items like the<br />
Quran, prayer beads, prayer rugs,<br />
which would also make good gift<br />
items for weddings or any special<br />
occasion.<br />
Under the men’s section, there are<br />
different varieties of Jubbah, or long<br />
dress, prayer hats (Kopiah) and rugs<br />
while the women’s section feature<br />
Jubbah, prayer outfits, scarves etc.<br />
If you are planning a pilgrimage <strong>to</strong><br />
Mecca, or just looking for something<br />
different, do visit the House of Ziarah<br />
as you’re sure <strong>to</strong> find quality Islamic<br />
items at affordable prices.<br />
In Kuching, for those intending <strong>to</strong><br />
go <strong>to</strong> Mecca for Hajj or Umrah can<br />
now shop in advance in preparation<br />
for their trip at the newly opened<br />
House of Ziarah, a lifestyle Islamic<br />
clothing and accessories s<strong>to</strong>re. The<br />
outlet is both a retail centre and<br />
wholesaler for all the needs of those<br />
going <strong>to</strong> the Hajj and Umrah as well<br />
as everyday Muslim wear. In fact,<br />
they not only carry essential clothing<br />
72 | <strong>BorneoTalk</strong>Apr-Jun2012<br />
House of Ziarah aims <strong>to</strong> be a one<br />
s<strong>to</strong>p centre not only for Hajj and<br />
Umrah but also for your everyday<br />
Muslim needs. They have exclusive<br />
handmade beaded scarves for special<br />
occasions, children’s baju kurung,<br />
boy’s baju melayu and jubbah just <strong>to</strong><br />
name a few. They also have specialty<br />
items like Quran covers from Egypt,<br />
perfumed prayer rugs and scarves all<br />
the way from Turkey.<br />
For more information, please contact<br />
House Of Ziarah<br />
1 st Floor, Lot 332, Jalan Rubber,<br />
93400 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia.<br />
T: +6082 429272 F: +6082 421272<br />
E: houseziarah@gmail.com<br />
www.facebook.com/houseofziarah.com
Live the Dream:<br />
No More Excuses<br />
Author: Larry Winters<br />
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing<br />
ISBN: 9781455516209<br />
RM59.90<br />
At the age of 24, working with his<br />
wife at a car wash, Larry Winters<br />
was struggling <strong>to</strong> get by. He decided<br />
he needed <strong>to</strong> make a change for<br />
the better, so he seized control of<br />
his life and, day by day, built his<br />
own business. Along the way, he<br />
learned many lessons about sacrifice, personal<br />
responsibility, determination and independence. Live the Dream: No<br />
More Excuses, is Winters’ inspiring s<strong>to</strong>ry of his journey from a young<br />
man with no ambition <strong>to</strong> a man in control of his financial destiny. He<br />
uses examples from his own life <strong>to</strong> teach readers how <strong>to</strong> gain financial<br />
freedom for themselves. Most importantly, Winters stresses how self<br />
limitation is damaging and holds people back, keeping them from<br />
achieving the successful lives they desire. LIVE THE DREAM provides an<br />
inspirational blue-print for readers <strong>to</strong> gain financial freedom – <strong>to</strong> give up<br />
excuses and achieve their life goals, all while staying grounded in what<br />
really matters: family, friends and faith.<br />
Books & Movie<br />
It Worked for Me:<br />
In Life and Leadership<br />
Author: Colin Powell<br />
Publisher: HarperCollins<br />
ISBN: 9780062135124<br />
RM89.90<br />
Colin Powell, one of America’s most<br />
admired public figures, reveals the<br />
principles that have shaped his life and<br />
career in this inspiring and engrossing<br />
memoir. A beautiful companion <strong>to</strong><br />
his previous memoir, the #1 New<br />
York Times bestseller My American<br />
Journey, Powell’s It Worked for<br />
Me: In Life and Leadership is a<br />
trove of wisdom for anyone hoping<br />
<strong>to</strong> achieve their goals and turn their<br />
dreams in<strong>to</strong> reality. A message of<br />
strength and endurance from a<br />
man who has dedicated his life<br />
<strong>to</strong> public service, It Worked for<br />
Me is a book with the power <strong>to</strong><br />
show readers everywhere how <strong>to</strong><br />
achieve a more fulfilling life and career.<br />
MPH BOOKSTORES THE SPRING • Lot 114, 1 st Floor, The Spring Shopping Mall,<br />
Jalan Simpang Tiga, 93350 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia.<br />
Tel: +6082 244 800 Fax: +6082 244 801<br />
<strong>Website</strong>: www.mphonline.com Business hour: 10.00am - 10.00pm<br />
We will offer these selected titles featured in this issue at 20%* discount <strong>to</strong> <strong>BorneoTalk</strong> readers.<br />
Readers <strong>to</strong> cut-out coupon from the magazine or download and print from www.enjoy365.com.my<br />
and present it at MidValley, Subang Parade, Megas<strong>to</strong>re (1 Utama), Great Eastern<br />
Mall (Jalan Ampang), KLIA Airport, The Spring <strong>to</strong> enjoy the special offer.<br />
Only original coupon or downloaded coupon from www.enjoy365.com.my is accepted •<br />
This offer is valid at MPH Books<strong>to</strong>res indicated above • Not valid with any other offers or<br />
promotions • This coupon is not exchangeable for cash • Valid until 30 th JUNE 2012<br />
filmPreview<br />
Tel: 6 082 234 077<br />
Tuesday | Ladies Day, Ticket only RM6<br />
(not applicable for male and public holiday)<br />
Wednesday | Movie Day, Ticket only RM5<br />
(not applicable for movie marked (“) and public holiday)<br />
*All booked tickets must be collected 45 min before show times.<br />
April<br />
2012<br />
The Avengers<br />
Genre: Adaptation, Sci-Fi/ Fantasy, Action/<br />
Adventures Rated: PG-13 Direc<strong>to</strong>r: Joss<br />
Whedon Stars: Robert Downey Jr., Samuel<br />
L.Jackson, Chris Hemsworth, Chris Evans, Jeremy<br />
Renner, Scarlett Johansson<br />
Synopsis: When an unexpected enemy emerges<br />
that threatens global safety and security, Nick<br />
Fury, Direc<strong>to</strong>r of the international peacekeeping<br />
agency known as S.H.I.E.L.D., finds himself in<br />
need of a team <strong>to</strong> pull the world back from the<br />
brink of disaster. Spanning the globe, a daring<br />
recruitment effort begins.<br />
Genre: Sequel, Comedy, Action/Adventure<br />
Rated: PG-13 Direc<strong>to</strong>r: Barry Sonnenfeld Stars:<br />
Will Smith, Tommy Lee Jones, Josh Brolin, Jemaine<br />
Clement, Tony Shalhoub, Sharl<strong>to</strong> Copley<br />
Synopsis: Agents J and K are back... in time. J has<br />
seen some inexplicable things in his 15 years with<br />
the Men in Black, but nothing, not even aliens,<br />
perplexes him as much as his wry, reticent partner.<br />
But when K’s life and the fate of the planet are put<br />
at stake, Agent J will have <strong>to</strong> travel back in time <strong>to</strong><br />
put things right. J discovers that there are secrets<br />
<strong>to</strong> the universe that K never <strong>to</strong>ld him -- secrets<br />
that will reveal themselves as he teams up with the<br />
young Agent K <strong>to</strong> save his partner, the agency, and<br />
the future of humankind.<br />
MAY<br />
2012<br />
Man<br />
in<br />
Black III<br />
June<br />
2012<br />
Prometheus<br />
Genre: Thriller, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Action/Adventure<br />
Rated: PG-13 Direc<strong>to</strong>r: Ridley Scott Stars: Noomi<br />
Rapace, Michael Fassbender, Charlize Theron, Idris<br />
Elba, Sean Harris, Kate Dickie<br />
Synopsis: A team of explorers discover a clue <strong>to</strong><br />
the origins of mankind on Earth, leading them<br />
on a thrilling journey <strong>to</strong> the darkest corners of<br />
the universe. There, they must fight a terrifying<br />
battle <strong>to</strong> save the future of the human race.<br />
Apr-Jun2012<strong>BorneoTalk</strong> | 73