BorneoTalk vol 60

VOL.60 APR-JUN 2021

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! g n i v i L k a w ra

Property

2 | BorneoTalkApr-Jun2021

Property

Imagine, an address that advances the standards of contemporary living, right here in Kuching. An apartment where every aspect is carefully crafted for a better experience – from architecture to 16 unique types of floor layouts. This is what home should be as defined at the VANTAGE, positioned within the masterplan of an upcoming community enclave of art, culture, and commerce within a leisurely setting. Welcome home to life – VANTAGE @ TAMU, Kuching.

Next in our endeavour will be a mixed development that balances the ‘familiar’ and the ‘new’, thus reimagining urban living in Kuching.

It will have a commercial and retail component, but it will not be another cliché mall. We want to push beyond the routine and rekindle the warmth and charm of what a place should offer – not mere transactions, but interactions of inspirations and discoveries, ties and camaraderie, activities and culture.

Expect an authentic, people-centric place that is not only highly liveable but also loveable, with aesthetics that will stand the test of time, surrounded by plentiful gardens, sprawling parks, and Kuching’s first rooftop performing arts centre.

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comprises 148 apartment units across 10 levels and 20-units shop lots across two levels will be managed solely by the developer.

Choose to your heart’s content, a home with balcony access to panoramic view ranging from 2+1 bedroom units to generous five-bedroom duplex units.

Lifestyle facilities and retail - everything is just an elevator ride away Rooftop swimming pool, sky gym, podium retail shops and the surrounding vicinity, which is set to be Kuching’s upcoming address for performing arts, lifestyle and culture.

Expected date of completion: second quarter of 2021

VANTAGE @ TAMU is strategically located at Jalan Stampin Tengah, Kuching. Situated right next to the prestigious Green Heights area, it is also within easy reach to major trunk roads, medical centres, shopping malls as well as Kuching International Airport.

Developer: Instarmac Homebuilders Sdn Bhd +60 82 570 400 @Instarmac Group www.tamu.com.my Apr-Jun2021BorneoTalk | 3

Scan for full interview

The Right Honourable Datuk Patinggi (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg Chief Minister of Sarawak

Steering Sarawak into a new tomorrow Welcome to Sarawak, lovingly known as the Land of the Hornbills.

Things are certainly different for us in Sarawak since I took office as the state’s sixth Chief Minister four years ago. One of the first few things I had to do within the first few months after taking over from the late Pehin Sri Adenan Satem was to think where the direction of Sarawak would be for the future. So in 2017, I launched our international conference on digital economy and we had our blueprint between 2018 and 2022 on the direction of our digital economy, the Chief Minister told BorneoTalk in a recent interview.

We’ve also established strategic organisations that will help to push our economy, including Development Bank of Sarawak (DBOS) as an alternative funding source for our major infrastructure projects, particularly water supply for rural areas, the SARES (Sarawak Alternative Rural Electrification Scheme) programme that utilises solar energy, and road connectivity. Another important strategic approach was to establish a broadband 4 | BorneoTalkApr-Jun2021

network so that all our places including rural areas will be connected. We have set aside RM1 billion for that.

And then there’s oil and gas, where we set up PETROS. Generally, the last four years saw a shift from traditional economic policies to one that is visionary and using technology as an enabler to realise the objective of the policies that will benefit Sarawakians.

Battling the pandemic COVID-19 has had a great impact on the economy and the lives of Sarawakians. But we’ve managed to pull through and handled the situation quite effectively. We’ve successfully rolled out our vaccination programme by taking over logistics costs and planning our vaccination programme properly. Sarawak has the highest number of people being vaccinated because we have the proper schedule and planning. I must congratulate SDMC (Sarawak Disaster Management Committee) for their hard work.

As far as the leaders being the first one to get vaccinated, it is a challenge for us as although we wanted everybody to be vaccinated, they had concerns about getting vaccinated. Having been vaccinated

myself, I must say that there is no need to worry about getting vaccinated. It will be perfectly fine.

On the education front, the recent pandemic saw our schools adopting online classrooms to ensure our youths continue to receive education against all odds. By March 2021 in green areas, we allowed schools to reopen and conduct face to face classrooms, while in red zones, we had to be cautious and they must comply with our SOP. Schools that were affected by COVID-19 had to close for the safety of others. But one thing we could see was that online learning is also important. And what I have done on digital connectivity had to a certain extent helped in online learning.

Sarawak’s property landscape The property market in Sarawak is generally doing well.

There are different segments of the property market in Sarawak, and the ones that are doing particularly good are the ‘below RM300,000’ segment. This is primarily due to the fact that everyone wants to have their own house that is within their affordability. So, the moment any developer builds houses below the RM300,000 price point, the market will snatch them up quickly.

Non-property markets are doing good. For example, in Samajaya the factories are expanding, and they put in extra facilities. Because of our advantage in power

supply, these factories are even looking at expanding their facilities in Sarawak. We are the top five highest in investment figures in Malaysia. And although there is a delay there, the confirmed investments are still high. For instance, one investor from China is projected to invest about RM6 billion in Sarawak.

Powering the future We want to have a clean environment and the world is shifting to clean energy. Our strength is in our clean resources – hydroelectric, solar and hydrogen. Our source of water can be converted into hydrogen through electrolysis.

The world is facing a problem of climate change, and the countries that have those resources should take advantage of that. That is where I have launched the hydrogen policy. We are using water, which is renewable in nature, as a source to produce hydrogen. And hydrogen energy will be the energy of the future. That is why the Japanese are working with SEDC to set up a plant here to produce hydrogen, and they will buy back the hydrogen. There are also other countries that are going forward to the future using renewable energy. And we are very lucky that we took the first step, where we have a pilot hydrogen plant set up over two years ago.

And we also introduced as a pilot project our hydrogen buses and hydrogen cars.

We are setting up our very first PETROS station, and we have already built the underground tank to store hydrogen. That station will be 3-in-1, meaning fossil fuels, electric and hydrogen. And we are going to construct similar stations in other places as well.

The Federal Government has agreed to reduce tax on vehicles that run on hydrogen, meaning the vehicles will be cheaper as compared to the rest. We will also convert our public transportation into hydrogen-based, such as the Autonomous Rail Transit (ART) that utilises a new technology altogether but has the same 300-pax capacity as an LRT (Light Rail Transit). The ART project is being implemented now under Sarawak Metro, a subsidiary of Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC), starting with the building of an ART station.

With all of this, along with our post pandemic economic policy, which will centre on digital economy and sustainability on the environment, I think we will be on the right track for the future.

At this opportunity, I would like to offer my best wishes and congratulations to BorneoTalk on the occasion of your 15th Year anniversary this year. You have done exceptionally well in your effort to carry Sarawak’s name to different corners of the world through your print and digital platforms. I wish you many more years of success in your endeavours.

Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri or Eid Al Fitr to all Muslims around the world, and Selamat Hari Gawai, Gayu Guru Gerai Nyamai to our Dayak friends.

Apr-Jun2021BorneoTalk | 5

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For enquiries, contact +60 82 427 423 / +60 111 405 8400 • www.borneotalk.com/sub-store

CONTENTS

Property 2-9 Tourism 40-77 Home & Living 10-25 Empowerment 78-79 INDUSTRY 26-39 Hotel 16,20,45,52

Health 80 & 81

Borneotalk BorneoTalk is published since 2006 by Bumi Serasi. The contents of the magazine may not be reprinted or reproduced without prior written permission.

The publisher is not liable for statements made and opinions expressed in the publication.

Editorial Team Editor-In-Chief Ivy Pan Editor Lester Geres Marketing Ashley Pan, Ivy Pan Administration Ajariah Umar, Nur Hazimah Contributors Farihah Fuaad, Samuel Langgi, Dr. Lau Kent Ter Design & Art Direction ST.Y Photography Lester Geres, Ashley Pan, David Joseph, Farihah Fuaad, STB, Tourism Malaysia, SMC, STIDC, SEDC, KPJ Miri, KPJ Sibu, Sarawak Museum Department, Forest Department Sarawak, SALCRA, Instarmac, WHB, The Makeover Guys, Plushed Event Management, SK Hardware, CMS, Jimmy Yong (Miri Divers Plt /Cocodive), Freepik, Social Media Front Cover Image Sarawak Living - Vantage @ Tamu by Instarmac Printer BHS Book Printing Sdn Bhd, Lot 4, Lorong CJ 1/1/B, Kawasan Perindustrian Cheras Jaya, 43200 Cheras, Selangor, Malaysia.

Winner of 4th Sarawak Hornbill Tourism Award 2009/2010 and 5th Sarawak Hornbill Tourism Award 2011/2012 for outstanding media contribution.

BorneoTalk magazine is a publication audited by The Audit Bureau of Circulations (Malaysia) Write to us at BorneoTalk, 242E, Lorong Green No. 3, Jalan Green, 93150 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia.

T: +60 82 427 423, 238 968 F: +60 82 235 152 E: ivypan.bumiserasi@gmail.com The next issue of BorneoTalk will be out in July 2021.

John 3: 16-17

Endorsed by BorneoTalk magazine is a publication audited by The Audit Bureau of Circulations (Malaysia)

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Property Scan for full interview

Property developer with the people at heart Cahya Mata Sarawak Berhad (CMSB) may have started out as a cement manufacturer in 1974, but today it has evolved into a leading infrastructure facilitator, catapulting the growth of Sarawak by leaps and bounds. One of the Group’s core businesses is property development, which falls under CMS Shaun Mok, CMSB’s Group Chief Operating Officer

“CMS has been involved in property for a very long time, and as most locals know, holds quite a fair bit of land across Kuching and Samalaju. We’ve been serving the community spectrum from the low income (in the affordable housing) all the way to up-market products such as Rivervale. That’s effectively what we’ve done to date. There’s a lot more to come…,” Shaun, who is CMSB’s Group Chief Operating Officer, told BorneoTalk in a recent interview.

CMS Property Development is by all means not shy in delivering products of prestige such as Rivervale Residences in Stutong, Kuching. At the same time, it also creates products that serve all spectrums of the society in the likes of commercial shops at Raintree Square, The Isthmus and Samariang Ria, Bandar Samariang. “Every time you deliver something like Rivervale for instance, you’ll always expect the next thing to be bigger and better. But we have to pass the litmus test of what is acceptable to the market. There has to be a balance between what the market requires and what it is that we are able to deliver, to ensure that we as a business are sustainable,” he explained, adding that trend-wise, what can be done is to adapt trends or 8 | BorneoTalkApr-Jun2021

Property Development Sdn Bhd.

products from other places and contextualise them to the local market. There is no one segment the division prioritises over the other. Ultimately, what CMS Property Development aims to deliver as a responsible and industry-leading developer is a product of good quality and value in a good location.

Of all the division’s projects, Shaun finds Samalaju to be the most challenging. The project is as greenfield as it gets and is a catalyst for initiatives planned by the State under the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE).

“The light at the end of the tunnel is quite far.

It is something that the division understands is a responsibility and a privilege to be asked to undertake.

On the flip side, there are also residential developments in Samalaju, which for all intents and purposes (similarly for other developers) the division builds to sell. Given the scenario that we’re in, we made the best of what we have and thankfully we are over 90% occupied there. The selling will come, I believe, but once again, the horizon for an industrial park of that scale is typically longer,” he quipped.

Property Rivervale Condominium

The Isthmus

Samariang Development

CMS Property Development has been receiving positive responses from the public in its developments in Samariang, a project that has been going on for more than a decade in the North of the River.

“Ultimately what we need to do in Samariang is to recreate and reinvent the masterplan, so that the future of the development (with over 3,000 acres) and its community is secured. When I look back at the division’s track record, it has consistently delivered homes for the Samariang community whilst sustainably providing for the Group,” Shaun disclosed, adding that he firmly felt that Samariang was something the division could be very proud of.

Having built over 5,000 properties in the area, the developer has assumed a strong sense of responsibility over the community. The master planning exercise is focussed on answering “what’s next” for the area,

which may very well come in the form of a new industry to urge it on to becoming a self-generating community.

Shaun further expanded that a parallel exercise was being undertaken at The Isthmus where the division intends to supplement the existing involvements of the State entities (SEDC and LCDA), the Convention Centre and private sector players (SEB and UCSI) to ensure the project realises its full potential.

The underlying message appears to be a fundamental one with the division focussed on developing responsible and fit for purpose properties for the community whilst being nimble on its feet to ensure it is able to adapt to the ever-evolving economic landscape.

A transformation at CMS Property Development appears to be well underway!

CMS Property Development Sdn Bhd (A wholly owned subsidiary of Cahya Mata Sarawak Berhad) Level 5, Wisma Mahmud, Jalan Sungai Sarawak, 93100 Kuching, Sarawak. +60 82 237 777 sales@cmsb.my www.cmsproperty.com.my

Apr-Jun2021BorneoTalk | 9

Home & Living

Elevate your space A piece of furniture should do more than just add aesthetic value to your home. It should also give purpose to your living space. After all, our home serves more than merely a set of walls with a roof over it to provide us safety and shelter us from the elements. In the long run, it becomes a place where we raise a happy family, with plenty of memories to be made together. Therefore, we do our best to fill our home with furnishings that are not just beautiful to look at, but also functional and comfortable. Our decision-making process often sees us gravitating towards quality and fine craftsmanship. And that’s absolutely understandable, seeing that it is human nature to always want the best of everything.

WHB Furniture offers creative and innovative furniture that are of exceptional quality, highly durable and remarkably comfortable, all at reasonable prices. WHB Furniture’s extensive collections feature the latest designs that complement modern interiors and elevate your living space. Discerning customers can even have their furniture customised to their desired specifications.

“WHB Furniture is not about merely selling you pieces of furniture for your house, we are about creating a liveable home for you to enjoy, to build memories for years with your loved ones. Our team at the showroom is always more than happy to offer professional advice to ensure that you make the perfect choice for your home,” stressed Managing Director of WHB Furniture, Nicholas Sia. Fifty years of experience serving countless satisfied customers in Borneo, WHB Furniture is ever committed in providing quality furniture with excellent customer service, from the moment you walk into the showroom to when your furniture is delivered to your doorstep and fully installed.

At WHB Furniture, your dream home becomes a reality.

www.whbfurniture.com Lot 102, 2½ Mile, Rock Road, 93200 Kuching, Sarawak, T: +60 82 246 641, 240 775 F: +60 82 240 295 Email: enquiry@whbfurniture.com

ID by Eden Atelier • Furniture by WHB Apr-Jun2021BorneoTalk | 11

Home & Living

A to Z of owning a dream home Let’s admit it. Each and every one of us dreams of owning a home filled with all the things we’d love to surround ourselves with. Flipping though an interior design

Buying a property Buying a house is like buying clothes, albeit requiring a more serious thought before you make your final decision. You’d want your house to reflect who you are as a person, just as your clothes represent your style.

magazine or watching a home makeover programme on TV heighten the urge to own a house of your very own. And if you’re already a homeowner, they’ll have you imagining yourself living in one of those gorgeous homes from the magazine pages or the TV shows.

Truth is, owning your dream home is a possibility as long as there is proper planning. Purchasing a house is just one part of the journey to owning your perfect piece of haven. There’s bound to be challenges along the way after the keys to your hew house are handed over to you. But at the end of the day, it will be all worth it.

How do you know you have found the right house? Well, that depends.

It can be a “this is it!” gut feeling once you step foot inside the house.

Sometimes, the process of acquiring your little piece of haven is not as easy and takes a longer time than you’ve anticipated.

High-rise or landed property?

Time passes and more people are choosing to live in high-rise residentials such as flats, apartments and condominiums rather than landed properties, primarily for their facilities, among other benefits.

But there are still many who prefer to stick to landed properties, mainly because of the flexibility and freedom for them to expand or make good use of all the extra space they get.

But while they both have their own unique strengths and weaknesses, at the end of the day, the decision to purchase either a high-rise or landed property is ultimately influenced by what best suits your lifestyle and personal preference.

Of course, it’s a good idea to take a look at as many properties as you can so you will have a good handful to compare and decide on.

Aerial view of Poolside Rivervale Condominium 12 | BorneoTalkApr-Jun2021

Home & Living

Make it your own

Mood board as a guide

Now that everything is settled and you finally have the keys to your brand-new house, a pat in the back for yourself is in order.

Congratulations, you’re a homeowner! From now onwards, it is all hands on deck to turn your new house into a home.

It helps to use a mood board to plan your renovations beforehand as it will save you a lot of time and helps you narrow down your choices of colours, fixtures, and fittings. Present your mood board to the people at the hardware store and they will be more than happy to help you with whatever your needs are.

Depending on your purpose for buying a property, whether to stay in or rent out, you will want to alter your house accordingly. Paint, tiles, flooring, electrical works, and plumbing are just some of the things to settle first. If you have the expertise to do these yourself, then by all means go ahead. But be sure to have a complete set of tools to help you get the job done right. If you haven’t got everything you need to work on your house, SK Hardware is a great one-stop centre that offers more than just hardware.

Everything ultimately comes down to whether or not you have the time and expertise to get your renovations done.

Otherwise, you can always let the experts take care of everything.

ID possibilities by The Makeover Guys

Furnishing and decorating Decorating from scratch, if done well, can result in a great interior you can really be proud of. Whatever theme you are going for, whether timeless, elegant, art deco, contemporary, or classic, the choice is ultimately yours.

Once you’re settled on a theme, it’s time to shop for furniture. This can be stressful if there’s no proper planning as to what you want specifically. It can also be stressful if you know what you want but they are too expensive.

Fortunately, there are furniture and home stores that offer a plethora of furniture designs that are both to your taste and affordable. WHB Furniture at Jalan Rock in Kuching is such an example.

Apr-Jun2021BorneoTalk | 13

Home & Living

Designer touch for your home

Furniture by WHB Furniture

Not being able to get out of the house during the recent Movement Control Order gave us a renewed perspective on our living space. It made us rethink how our living spaces should be more flexible to suit a new lifestyle that goes beyond the normal. We had to find new ways to utilise spaces in our house for education and work, and our home becomes more than a place for the family. And so a beautiful and functional living space becomes ever more important.

14 | BorneoTalkApr-Jun2021

But sometimes renovating, furnishing and decorating your own house can be a little too much for you to handle, and can be extremely time-consuming.

An easier alternative would be for you to get help from the professionals. Interior design firms can help you achieve the result you want.

If you desire a designer style interior for your home without having to pay an overwhelmingly huge sum, there are interior design companies out there that now offer amazing interior design options minus the hefty price tag.

Home & Living

Events at home So you’ve purchased a property and spent a lot of time and money to transform your new house into a home, which is now ready for you to move in to.

You love every inch of your new home… every nook and cranny.

You’ve even future-proofed it to get it ready for when you finally tie the knot (or perhaps you already have) and welcome new additions to your family.

Surely you will be excited to show off your new home to your family and friends… maybe your colleagues too! And there is no better time to do so than during parties, get togethers and during festivities when you will have your open house. The first of more events to come is of course a house-warming party for your new home.

Event deco: Plushed Events Management Balloons: De Jackie Inspirations Cakes: My Sugar Bakes Venue: Vantage @ Tamu

While your home is already great as it is, you can always choose to elevate your space and make it even more presentable for whatever occasion. But organising events at home can be such a daunting task.

There’s a lot of things to do like preparing the guest list, setting up the décor, food, door gifts, and everything else that can make your events more fun.

Save yourself the headache from having to do all the above and let the pros handle it.

Event Deco at Home

For events at home that is beyond your imagining, you need the expert help of an event management company, such as Plushed Event Management, which does everything from grand weddings to fun at-home birthday parties.

A lifetime of memories Home is where the heart is. It is a family space everyone will come to love and appreciate for many years to come. And home is ultimately where you will be creating a lifetime of memories together with your loved ones.

Scan me to watch the video!

Apr-Jun2021BorneoTalk | 15

Comfortable, affordable, convenient

Sibu (No.7) (opposite to Sibu Bus Terminal) +60 84 218 338 +60 84 218 339

Medan (Sibu & Betong) and Li Hua (Sibu, Bintulu and Mukah) hotel chains are ideally positioned right where all the action is. With comfortable guestrooms that are equipped with modern amenities, as well as a host of hotel facilities for guests to enjoy, Medan and Li Hua hotels are the perfect pick for travellers who are either on a business trip or a leisurely holiday.

All the perks you need. All at reasonable prices. Where else but Medan and Li Hua hotels?

medanhotel.com.my

lihuahotel.com.my

Bintulu (No.10) (at Wisma Li Hua Bintulu Sentral Bus Terminal) +60 86 257 888 +60 86 257 887

Bintulu (No. 2) (near to JKR’s Office) +60 86 335 000 +60 86 335 222

Mukah (No. 5) (at Medan Mall) +60 84 874 888 +60 84 874 666

Sibu (No.1) (next to Sibu Express Wharf) +60 84 324 000 +60 84 326 272

Sibu (No. 9) (at UNICITY, Jalan Wawasan) +60 84 255 333 +60 84 255 353

Sibu (No.8) (at UNICITY, Jalan Wawasan ) (for UCTS HOSTEL) +60 84 367 300 +60 84 367 301

Sibu (No. 3) (next to Sibu Bus Terminal) +60 84 216 161 +60 84 215 151

Sibu (No. 6) (next to Medan Mall) +60 84 353 888 +60 84 353 555

Betong (No. 4) (next to Medan Supermarket & Bus Terminal) +60 83 471 919 +60 83 472 727

Home & Living

No ordinary glass Let the light right in, soften it or be creative with it.

There are many ways to illuminate your living space using natural light. Glass is an ideal solution, whether you’re deciding to go for a full-on bright interior, achieve a softer daylight look or add brilliance with different shades and colours using stained glass.

Perhaps you prefer some privacy, disallowing complete views from outside your windows and doors looking into your private living space.

Premium Glass Design (PGD) Marketing Sdn. Bhd. can help you achieve the desired look you are aiming for.

What about your interior décor? PGD got you covered as well! Aggrandise your living space to your whims and fancy with gorgeous artful glassworks that will be the conversation pieces when you have your friends and relatives over.

At PGD, you can customise your glass table tops, shower screens, vanity, murals, glass balusters, souvenirs/gifts/plaques, formed glass, tempered/safety glass panels and a whole lot more, according to your preferred designs, shapes or colours.

Not entirely sure what you want? The experts at PGD can help you decide on the concept and design that best suit your needs and budget. Other specialised services include sandblasting and 3D etching, bevelling and edging, as well as fabrication and installation.

A wholesaler of Malaysian Sheet Glass Berhad with years of experience in producing glass products, which are of impeccable quality for a wide range of applications and countless satisfied customers, Premium Glass Design Marketing Sdn. Bhd. is your goto destination for anything and everything glass.

PGD Marketing Sdn. Bhd. (834593-H) Lot 712, Lorong 1D1, Muara Tabuan Light Industrial Park, Off Jalan Setia Raja, 93350 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. +60 82 366 308 • +60 82 366 318.

Apr-Jun2021BorneoTalk | 17

Home & Living

Your one-stop shop for hardware and Beyond

Scan me to watch the video!

There are places we go to when we are determined, confused or are just in need of professional guidance on all things hardware and home improvement... And that place is none other than a one-stop hardware store.

SK Hardware is that convenient one-stop store. Whether for DIY or professional projects, consider your needs covered. There is a huge selection of hardware, home improvement tools, appliances and even gardening needs sold here. And if those aren’t enough reason for you to head over to SK Hardware, how about attractively reasonable prices and friendly staff? It’s no wonder SK Hardware is a favourite among customers since its establishment in the 1980s.

SK Hardware, Kuching Operating hours: 8:00am-6:15pm (Monday-Saturday) & 9:00am-5:30pm (Sunday)

SK Hardware, Bintulu Operating hours: 7:30am-6:15pm (Monday-Saturday) & 9:00am-3:30pm (Sunday)

SK Tyre & Autocare, KUCHING Operating hours: 8:00am-6:15pm (Monday-Saturday) & 9:00am-5:30pm (Sunday)

@SKhardwareMY

@SKHardwareBtu

@SKautocareMY

18 | BorneoTalkApr-Jun2021

www.skhardware.com.my

Home & Living

One-stop centre SK Hardware is not your ordinary hardware store. From selling construction tools and paints to home and lifestyle solutions, it is an allin-one hardware and home improvement store with so many different products to choose from.

Its Kuching headquarters has more than 50,000 items in-store. Expect to find hardware and household needs of every grade, brands and designs.

The ground floor houses everything from plumbing supplies, electrical components, gardening tools, power tools, paints, letterboxes and even fishing gear.

Head up to the first floor for kitchen appliances, bathroom fittings, fixtures and accessories, tiles and flooring solutions, lighting, BBQ grills, security doors and so much more.

With plenty to see and choose from, you might find getting lost in the aisles at SK Hardware and enjoyable experience.

Top-notch customer service

As one of the best in the market since its brick-and-mortar humble beginnings in the 1980s, SK Hardware promises a breezy shopping experience. If you can’t solve a problem on your own, the professionals at SK Hardware are ever ready to attend to your needs, including helping with assembly and installation.

Apart from its main Headquarters in Kuching, SK also has branches in Bintulu and Miri (Kitchen and Sanitary). This offers convenience for the consumers in those areas, who are looking for products of good quality and huge variety at great prices.

Today, SK Hardware offers more convenient and seamless retail experiences to consumers via its online store, eliminating the need to physically be at an SK outlet if they are unable to do so or prefer the convenience of shopping from home. Just load up your virtual shopping cart with everything you need and want, make your payment and wait for your items to be delivered to your doorstep within one to five days. It is that easy!

SK Tyre & Autocare SK Tyre & Autocare is one of the newest sections under SK Hardware, currently available only at its Kuching branch. It aspires to be the preferred destination for a wide range of quality automotive products and services including tyres, rims, oil change, battery change, brakes, alignment, balancing and many more.

Expect to find a wide variety of tyres here. Whether your preference leans towards handling, grip or comfort or all of the aforementioned, SK Tyre & Autorcare will cater to your needs. Choose from Michelin, Goodyear, Continental, or Toyo tyres, to name a few.

While waiting for your car to be serviced, or your tyres to be replaced, you can either go shopping at SK Hardware, or grab a bite at SK’s coffee shop. Now, that’s one-stop!

Apr-Jun2021BorneoTalk | 19

Ideally located in the heart of Sibu Town, with some of the main attractions within close proximity, generously appointed rooms, modern event spaces, great restaurant, swimming pool and a host of great amenities, Tanahmas, The Sibu Hotel offers comfort and convenience for a fulfilling stay in Sibu.

Lot 277, Block 5, Jalan Kampung Nyabor, P.O. Box 240 96007 Sibu, Sarawak, Malaysia. Tel: +60 84 333 188 Fax: +60 84 333 288 Email: info@tanahmas.com.my www.tanahmas.com.my

Home & Living

Celebrate life moments with Plushed Every moment in life is worth celebrating. Cherish those precious moments with Plushed Event Management, an events planning specialist dedicated to creating personalised settings that will create memories of a lifetime.

On a mission to make dreams come true, the event specialist is a trusted household name for wedding planning and coordination services in Kuching, Sarawak for the past six years. Trust their expertise to execute your special event seamlessly, and making it an enjoyable and sophisticated experience for your guests.

Beyond wedding, Plushed loves to be part of all kinds of special occasions ranging from corporate events, themed events, kids party, marriage proposals, car launching, openings, baby shower party... you name it! Other creative crafting and coordination services offered by Plushed are floral and decorations, catering, staging, corporate gifts, audio-visual and music, entertainment as well as wedding stationery.

Whatever your budget is, however grand or intimate you envision the scale of the event to be, leave the planning entirely to Plushed and let them turn your dreams into reality.

@plushed.co

@plushedeventmgt

+60 12 820 9578

No.525, Lot 2608, Lorong 20, Tabuan Tranquility Phase 4, 93350 Kuching, Sarawak.

Apr-Jun2021BorneoTalk | 21

Home & Living

Enabling People to Enjoy Better Homes “We focus on understanding customers’ needs and market insights, coupled with creative space planning, to increase the potential of your property”

The Makeover Guys (TMOG) was founded by Gavin Liew and Vince Koh to provide solutions to property investors, filling the void for this segment of clientele in the interior design and renovation industry. “From a property investor’s standpoint, it is all about return on investment – rental return and price appreciation. These factors have not been considered nor pondered by the traditional interior designer. Moreover, there are other key considerations by investors, such as convenience, risk management and ongoing support. This is where we differentiate ourselves from the traditional ID to provide a one stop solution for property investors,” explained Albert, Managing Director of The Makeover Guys (East) Sdn Bhd. Since its inception, TMOG has collaborated with seven of Malaysia’s top 10 developers, delivering over 3,500 makeovers across Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru, Kuching and Kota Kinabalu.

Traditionally, after the developer hands over a property to property investors, they would have three options to furnish their property for rental. Firstly, they can engage a traditional ID. “This typically costs RM80,000 up to RM200,000 for a 1,000 plus sq ft, three-bedroom condominium. However, not many investors have such capital nor does it represent a good rental yield return,” expressed Albert. Secondly, property investors can engage a traditional renovation contractor. “From our market survey, we’ve found that this option typically costs RM60,000 to RM150,000 for a similar sized three-bedroom condominium.

Once again, it is a large capital outlay and may not yield a good return on investment. This process may also require a lot of involvement from the property investor and he/she may end up becoming the designer.” Finally, the cost-conscious property investor may decide on the DIY option to purchase furniture from online. “What we have seen consistently, is that this option does not maximise the rental potential and value of the property,” he elaborated.

STRATEGIsE - MAKEOVER - RENT TMOG aims to provide a one-stop solution for property investors, helping them to maximise the rental return and value of their property. Its Strategic Consultant (SC) will first understand the customer’s needs, whether it is for own stay or investment, their investment objectives, property characteristics, target demographics, market conditions and competition to name a few. “This is the most important aspect 22 | BorneoTalkApr-Jun2021

of the process,” Albert opined. “Our focus remains on helping property investors achieve their desired objectives, not just delivering a designer furnished makeover. In KL and JB, nearly all of our clientele are property investors. However, this is not the case for Sabah and Sarawak, where the majority are still homeowners. As such, we strive to remain agile to enable people to enjoy better homes and remain focussed on providing solutions for property investors and homeowners alike,” stated Albert.

Home & Living

Cost Effective, Fully Furnished Designer Units “We are often asked - how do we offer fully furnished designer units at such low prices? We even had one customer saying that his kitchen cabinet alone costed more than our entire makeover package pricing” Albert shared. “To achieve cost efficiency, we focus on creative space planning, bulk purchasing of materials, and speed.

It also means we need to systemise the entire delivery process, from templatised designs, to procurement and the execution process. We are not a profit centric business, our focus is on our cause, which is to enable people to enjoy better homes,” Albert explained.

The delivery promise of TMOG is to deliver completed makeover units within 45 working days (or 30 days in KL), backed up by a 12-month warranty on its workmanship and materials. This is a significant reduction in time frame from the traditional ID, which can take up to six months or more.

The warranty gives customers an added peace of mind.

One of TMOG’s customer, Stephani, recounts; “I have heard of The Makeover Guys from KL, and I like their solutions for property investors. When the Kuching team told me that they are also providing the 12 month warranty for my unit, I was sold!”

“I was over the moon when my unit was immediately rented out within a week of completion for RM2,800, a similar unit on a higher floor was only rented for RM2,200” she added, giving a rental yield of close to 7.5%, which is considered very high for Kuching. Albert believes this is not an isolated case. “We are consistently getting feedbacks from our customers that their units are renting for 20% to 30% higher than a comparable unit in the same project. We also have real estate agents saying that our units are being rented out faster than other units.

This is exactly what we are striving to achieve.”

In addition to the 12 months warranty on its workmanship and quality materials, TMOG has also

partnered with Zurich to provide rental insurance for landlords. “We have a unique solution through this collaboration, where our customers do not need to worry about damages done by their tenants. The entire value of your makeover package will be covered by Zurich, for any theft or malicious damage,” Albert disclosed. TMOG has also collaborated with De Longhi, Schneider, Maxis, Jotun, Guardian, Lazada and a host of other brands to provide value-added services to its customers.

To bring down the costs, the team has also done away with 3D virtual designs because it would normally cost thousands to render one design. Instead, the team uses themes, previous works and mood boards to showcase their work, eliminating the gap between expectation and reality.

Better Homes for All Since its launch in Kuching in 2018 and Kota Kinabalu in 2019, TMOG has built a following amongst homeowners and property investors. It has also collaborated with numerous property developers across Kuching and Kota Kinabalu, with bespoke packages for its customers to enjoy better value through the collaboration.

TMOG’s first collaboration was with Elica for their project at Liberty Grove. “We appreciate Dato Bobby’s trust in us, even though the company was yet to be officially launched in Kuching then. We look forward to more strategic collaborations with other developers with the hope to deliver more value to homeowners,” stated Albert.

TMOG’s other notable collaborations include Naim, CMS Property, IJM Land, MJC and Gamuda land.

If you’re looking to maximise the potential of your home, with a host of value added services, you may consider contacting TMOG’s friendly Kuching team for a no obligation appointment.

www.themakeover.my @themakeover.my Apr-Jun2021BorneoTalk | 23

Home & Living Albert Ko

Edmund Cheong

Alex Lim Brandon Chua

BUILDING QUALITY HOMES IN EVERY ASPECT Exal Group, a Western Australia based property developer is now in Kuching!

It was founded in Perth by Albert Ko and Dr Bay Yeo, bringing together a combined experience of over 25 years in real estate, property investment, engineering and project management.

Its current project pipeline consists an ambitious goal to deliver over 2,000 units of development and development management in Perth alone, with its flagship projects being Elements on Cannington (GDV AUD 55 million) and Curtin Central (GDV AUD110 million). Elements on Cannington is a mixed-use development located opposite Perth’s largest shopping centre Westfield Carousel Shopping Centre, comprising of 114 apartments, ground floor commercial tenancies, rooftop garden and an abundance of communal facilities. Curtin Central is an approved privately-operated Purpose-built Student Accommodation (PBSA) project, located next to Curtin University’s 50,000 student main campus. The development will be the first privately operated student accommodation within close proximity to the university,

Dr Bay Yeo

Albert Ko offering students a safe and secure accommodation option.

“Our motto is ‘Together We Grow’, specifically in our relations with the authorities, our partners, our staff and our customers, with the hope that our customers make money by investing in our properties. We come from an environment where the planning and building regulations are very stringent, with one of our developments requiring more than 20 consultant reports, such as hydraulics, acoustics, traffic, flora & fauna, aboriginal heritage, etc. This is what we have been doing in Australia, we want to bring best practices back to Malaysia, suiting the local context of course. Our core focus is to deliver value and experience to our customers. Price is Eden on Riseley at Perth, Australia

what you pay, Value is what you get. We hope that customers will have a pleasant homeownership experience whilst getting the satisfaction that they have gotten good value for their investment,” he assured. Albert, born in Malaysia, spent his formative years in Australia after his entire family migrated there when he was 12 years old. He moved back to Kuching after being away for 27 years.

Albert and Dr Bay, together with Exal Malaysia’s leadership team Edmund Cheong, Alex Lim and Brandon Chua, are building the ecosystem within the property industry, including The Makeover Guys (Sabah and Sarawak) and Lumen Realty.

“Price is what you pay, value is what you get” – Warren Buffett

24 | BorneoTalkApr-Jun2021

www.exal.com.au @Exal Group

Home & Living

ALBERT KO

“If you want something new, you have to stop doing something old” - Peter Drucker

“I enjoy solving problems and learning new things all the time. There are many ‘problems’ to be solved, some are ‘needs’, some are ‘wants’.

Ultimately, a business exists to provide solutions to problems,” Albert explained, when asked on his views on his approach to business.

Born in Kuching in 1981, Albert migrated to Australia with his family at the age of 12. Twenty-seven years later, he returned to his hometown. Within that period, he started and co-founded various businesses including Lumen Realty, a licenced real estate agency, Exal Group, a boutique property development company, TCG, an oil and gas engineering company that was named Asia’s Top 10 Telecommunication Consulting Company in 2019, The Makeover Guys (East), an innovative interior makeover company for property investors as well as a host of other businesses in the Food and Beverage industry and medical technology industry.

It is clear that his professional training in engineering shaped his approach to doing business, through his solutionsfocussed and out-of-the-box business approach. “I remember being drilled on the notion of derivation from first principles in the early days of my university degree. Perhaps it is from my university training that I’m very much focussed on the fundamentals, even when it comes to real estate,” stated Albert. Through his investment in real estate when he first started working in 2004, he built a foundation that enabled him to build a business in the real estate industry. In 2009, he left the comfort of a five-figure salary corporate job with an MNC oil and gas company to pursue his passion in real estate. Even though his engineering training provided him with a solid base, Albert said it was also his Achilles Heel.

“I realised that whilst I was approaching everything from fundamentals such as rental return, appreciation, value and affordability, my competitors were doing much better in sales with their marketing hype and sometimes lofty promises.”

However, staying true to his personal principles, he has no plans to change his approach to business. “I believe in having values and principles – there’s a saying, if you don’t stand for anything, you will fall for everything.” Through his passion in real estate, he has built businesses in the real estate ecosystem – a licenced sales agency, a development company, and an interior makeover company, all with the aim of innovating in this century-old industry. For now, it is through The Makeover Guys that he’s impacting the real estate industry in East Malaysia. “I’m very blessed to have known the founders Gavin and Vince when I was a client of TMOG for my investment property in Johor. Thanks to their faith in my partners and I, we are now offering solutions to property investors and homeowners in Sarawak and Sabah to maximise the value of their properties,” expressed Albert.

He recalls sharing his views with one of Malaysia’s leading business newspapers back in 2012. “I was invited to speak on Australian properties to a group of 600 property investors in KL. After the talk, I was asked

by The Edge Property to comment on the local property market. I recall vividly saying that though I did not have in-depth knowledge of Malaysia’s property market, the fundamentals of supply and demand would ultimately prevail. Excessive property price increase versus wage growth is not healthy nor sustainable - ultimately, the issue of affordability will dictate the market. The bull run ended in 2016 and we are now seeing chronic oversupply and severe unaffordability in some segments of the market,”Albert elaborated. He was commenting on Malaysia’s property market above trend price growth between 2011 and 2016, as the country’s economy recovered from the Global Financial Crisis in 2010. This led to renewed interests in the real estate industry, including speculative buying. “The good news is that the market has undergone a period of correction throughout 2017 to 2020 and I believe the market is closer to the bottom of the property clock,” referring to the notion of the Property Clock.

On his view on the current market conditions and the available investment opportunities, Albert opines that there is a closing window of opportunity for property investors to snap up a bargain. “I started scouting out for great deals since 2016 – when the market was between 12 and 3 o’clock; I subscribe to the principle of counter cyclical investing as made known by Warren Buffett. “Be fearful when everyone is greedy, be greedy when everyone is fearful”. True enough, at the height of the downturn a few years ago, there were blue chip properties in KL selling at 30% to 40% discount from the market price. Now I don’t see those opportunities anymore. There are still some bargains to be had for the astute investors, especially in the distressed sales segment. As the economy recovers in 2021, I believe the property market will recover accordingly. In fact, we are already seeing renewed interests and an increase in buying activities,” Albert reiterated, referring to the correlation of Malaysia’s economic recovery and that of the property market for the past few decades.

He believes that homeowners and investors deserve quality homes corresponding to the price that they have paid, and he strives to work tirelessly to enable people to enjoy better homes.

Apr-Jun2021BorneoTalk | 25

Industry

SALCRA: Driving growth through the decades Sarawak Land Consolidation and Rehabilitation Authority (SALCRA) is a Government body that was established on May 1, 1976, under the Sarawak Land Consolidation and Rehabilitation Authority Ordinance 1976. Its establishment was in tandem with the Sarawak Government’s effort to transform the rural areas in the State into a vibrant sector and bridge the development gap between rural and urban areas, thus improving the locals’ livelihoods and ultimately eradicating poverty altogether. This land development agency was formed out of the realisation that the rural communities were rich in resources like land and able bodies but lagged in terms of socio-economy. They also live in poverty, lack proper infrastructure and amenities, and have little job opportunities for them to be able to earn a stable income.

SALCRA aims to raise long term productivity and optimal use of Native Customary Rights (NCR) land by managing the development of the underutilised or 26 | BorneoTalkApr-Jun2021

Oil Palm Estate

underdeveloped lands. In doing so, SALCRA creates employment opportunities in the agriculture sector, resulting in improved sustainable income that will in turn raise the standard of living of the rural population.

Adding to this is the upgrading of their basic social amenities and facilities.

Since its establishment, SALCRA has been steadfast in its vision and mission to continuously improve the quality of life of its land development participants, by means of establishing viable business ventures and social programmes that are in line with the State Government’s aspirations and visions.

Business and operation SALCRA is administratively divided into four regions namely Bau-Lundu, Serian, Sri Aman and Saratok.

Its main functions include the rehabilitation of land for agriculture purposes, and the promotion and undertaking of agriculture development or projects in Sarawak. SALCRA is also responsible for developing agriculture either on its own or with others in areas that have been declared as Development Areas. Lastly, the agency initiates and carries out projects or schemes for agricultural development or improvement.

Industry Meanwhile, its business revolves mainly around the insitu development and management of NCR Land, Native Land and Mixed Zone land for oil palm. The agency also deals with the processing of fresh fruit bunches (FFB) to produce crude palm oil (CPO) and palm kernel (PK), marketing of oil palm products as well as other agricultural products, and fish farming via integrated cage method, among others.

Today, SALCRA operates in Kuching, Serian, Samarahan, Sri Aman, Betong, Sibu, Bintulu and Miri. The agency manages 19 oil palm estates (OPE) within the BauLundu region (Jagoi, Bratak, Stenggang, Undan, Sebako), Serian region (Mongkos, Taee, Melikin, Kedup 1, Kedup 2), Sri Aman region (Pakit/Undop, Batu Kaya, Lemanak, Sedarat/Memaloi, Batang Ai), and Saratok region (Roban South, Roban North, Saratok, Saribas).

These 19 estates received the Malaysia Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) certification.

marketing oil palm products (crude palm oil and palm kernel), the mills manufacture products that are of global benchmark quality.

Moving into the supply chain SALCRA has also expanded throughout the years, incorporating several subsidiaries to undertake a range of activities. They include:

There are also five palm oil mills managed by SALCRA, one each located in Bau, Serian, and Saratok, while the other two mills are located in Lubok Antu.

Fertilizer production: In 2011, SALCRA acquired Sarawak Fertilizer Sdn. Bhd., a company originally formed in January of 2005. The company was put under new management and had its production facility in Bintulu rebuilt and upgraded into an NPK Compound Fertilizer Factory (urea based). The new factory, which is located at the Kidurong Industrial Development Area (KINDA), near Bintulu Port Authority deep seaport, utilises the Double Dryer Melted Urea (DDMU) technology. The facility can produce 120,000 metric tonnes of NPK compound fertilizer annually. It is certified with SIRIM OMS ISO 9001:2015 and MS49:1994 standard.

All of SALCRA’s palm oil mills are MSPO certified, and they adopt thorough and systematic manufacturing procedures. Highly committed in conducting their businesses of processing fresh fruit bunches and

Seed garden: SALCRA has established a Seed Garden at Karabungan, Miri. It is expected to start commercial production in 2028 with an estimated annual seed production of 1.25 million.

Oil Palm Plantation

Fertilizer Production

Oil Palm Trees

Palm Oil Mills Apr-Jun2021BorneoTalk | 27

Industry Another subsidiary, SALCRA Jaya Sdn. Bhd. (SJSB), undertakes various activities, expertise and services in the agriculture and plantation sector, as well as logistics for estates and mills, and estate infrastructure works.

SJSB is backed by SALCRA’s resources, experiences and skills in plantation management and other related businesses and is therefore highly capable in managing all things plantation sector related effectively.

Integrated Fish Cage Culture Project Transport Fleet

SALCRA was appointed by the State Government to implement and lead the Integrated Fish Cage Culture project at Batang Ai Dam in Lubok Antu under EPP4 of the National Key Economic Areas (NKEA) programme. Batang Ai was chosen due to its huge surface (8,400 hectares) and pristine environment.

SALCRA has also collaborated with private sector to upscale and boost the production for commercialisation of the project.

The large-scale, technologyfocussed, sustainable and integrated freshwater aquaculture project aims to produce high value and quality fresh tilapia that are bred, hatched, reared, processed and supplied to local and international markets.

The project subscribes to international production standards and includes the establishment of related infrastructure such as hatchery, feed mills, grow-outs, processing, R&D, logistics and marketing. It also employs a synergy farming approach, involving small-scale fish farmers in the grow-out on a Buy-back Scheme. Once again, this creates employment opportunities and generate good income for the local community.

28 | BorneoTalkApr-Jun2021

Batang Ai Fishery

Batang Ai Fishery

Industry

Bajo Training Centre

BAJO Training Centre In 2014, SALCRA began the construction of their new training centre near Kampung Bajo, Lundu. Aptly named BAJO Training Centre (BTC), it was formed as part of their Human Capital Development. Here, trainings can be conducted not just for SALCRA staff but also landowners and anyone who wishes to organise their training at the centre.

The well-appointed training centre boasts a host of amenities including meeting rooms, multipurpose hall, two bungalow villas, six chalet-style semi-detached villas, two hostel blocks with 88 rooms and an

apartment for staff. In line with its mission to enhance skills and knowledge through quality training and provide excellent hospitality, BTC also features six training rooms with a 60-person capacity, a lecture hall that can accommodate 300 pax seated, resource centre/ library as well as computer and instrument laboratories.

It also comes with a spacious café where guests can enjoy a variety of buffet options to suit any occasion.

Located near many of Lundu’s beautiful beachside attractions and just 15 minutes from the quaint town of Lundu, BTC is one of SALCRA’s latest prides and joys.

Decades of success Throughout the decades, SALCRA has had many achievements, including OHSAS 18001:2007 (Occupational Health and Safety Management System), ISO 14001:2005 (Environmental Management System), Merit Award at the 7th Sarawak Chief Minister’s Environmental Award 2015/2016 (Large Enterprise Category – Manufacturing), Gold Award and Winner’s Certificate at the Sarawak Chief Minister’s Environmental Award 2010 (Large Enterprise Category – Manufacturing), as well as MSPO certifications.

With such achievements and decades of experience, SALCRA is ever ready to take on various challenges that may come its way and embark on many more projects in the future, thus helping to improve the lives of more people through their business ventures and social programmes.

For further inquiries, please contact SALCRA & GROUP OF COMPANIES at WISMA SALCRA, No. 1, Lot 2220, Block 26, MTLD, Jalan Dato Mohd Musa, 94300 Kota Samarahan, Sarawak. +60 82 621 881, 616 177 +60 82 621 918 info@salcra.gov.my www.salcra.gov.my Apr-Jun2021BorneoTalk | 29

Industry

Sarawak Fertilizer Sdn. Bhd. (SFSB), incorporated in 2005 and with its factory located at Kidurong Industrial Development Area (KINDA) in Bintulu, is the first compound fertilizer plant in Sarawak. It ‘Enriching Your Land’

SFSB on mission to ‘enrich your land’ 30 | BorneoTalkApr-Jun2021

was established under the Company Act, 1965 and acquired in 2011 by Sarawak Land Consolidation and Rehabilitation Authority (SALCRA).

SFSB produces a complete range of compound fertilizers, or what they call multi-nutrient fertilizers for a variety of crop needs, including mainly oil palm, rubber, paddy, coconut and pineapple, to name a few.

They are produced using high quality raw materials imported from overseas and undergo stringent quality control. The result is a series of fertilizers that are among the best in the market, aptly representing their motto “Enriching Your Land”.

Industry the standards. After the screening process, the granules will undergo a cooling process using dry cooled air and then coated in anti-caking powder and oil before packaging and storage.

To make sure only the best possible quality on-spec fertilizers are allowed for packing, stringent quality control procedures are performed. Raw material are tested to ensure that it is according to specification before it is allowed to be use by the production. Samples are taken every minute and sent hourly to SFSB’s in-house laboratory to analyse them and make sure they meet SIRIM MS49:1994 standards. The final products are freeflowing, with no issue of caking or sticking together.

This new DDMU technology has enabled SFSB to produce multi-nutrient fertilizers of high quality, uniform in granular size, homogeneous and consistent in nutrient contents.

These fertilizers are sold under the brand Kenyalang, which is registered with the Malaysia Trade Mark. They are SIRIM and IQNet certified. Variants include Sebatian 25, Sebatian 55, Sebatian 65, Sebatian 45B, Sebatian 45TE, Sebatian 44, Sebatian 44B, Sebatian 28B and other tailor-made formulation as per request by customer based on minimum quantity required.

Aiming high

Improved facility

SFSB’s vision is to be the preferred supplier of quality fertilizer in Sarawak, while its mission is to be the premier producer of fertilizer and related services to support agro-based industries in a safe and sustainable manner.

The acquisition of SFSB in 2011 was followed by the establishment of a new management team to take charge of SFSB’s daily operations. Then in 2013, the original factory facilities that were already dilapidated had to be demolished and replaced with a new NPK Compound fertilizer factory.

Built in March 2015 on a 9.3-acre site where the old facility used to stand and completed two years later also in March, the new factory utilises latest technology from China called Double Dryer Melted Urea (DDMU), which ensures a more streamlined production and operation.

As for their core values, everyone at SFSB strives to maintain professionalism in their work, loyalty to each other, integrity in their relationship, trustworthy in their dealings and responsibility, respect towards their clients, customers and each other, as well as care for each other, their assets and the environment.

In addition to the factory, which is SFSB’s main processing plant (MPP), the site also boasts a Raw Material Warehouse, Finished Goods Warehouse, Workshop, Laboratory, Weighbridge, utility block and an administrative office, among others.

With the kind of technology and expertise, as well as top notch quality of products people can expect from them, SFSB looks set to be the leading producer and supplier of compound fertilizer perhaps soon even beyond Sarawak.

Latest tech GRANULATOR

The DDMU technology is the latest ureabased fertilizer technology, whereby melted urea together with other raw materials and steam are fed into a granulator where a complex mineral binding process called agglomeration takes place. The semi-finished products from the granulator will then be put through a stage drying process to remove moisture before the products are screened to separate the undersized and oversized granules of 2-5mm in size. The rejected granules will be sent back for recycling and corrections until they finally meet

STEAM

Melted Urea RAW MATERIAL

Melted Urea Mineral + Steam

Mixing

Complex Mineral Binding

Compound Fertiliser

For further inquiries, please contact SARAWAK FERTILIZER SDN BHD CORPORATE OFFICE: Level 2, Wisma SALCRA, No 1, Lot 2220, Block 26, MTLD Jalan Dato Mohd.Musa, 93400 Kota Samarahan, Sarawak.

FACTORY: Lot 611, KM 18, Block 20, Kemena Land District (KINDA), Tanjung Kidurong, 97007 Bintulu, Sarawak. +60 86 253 337 +60 86 254 500 www.salcra.gov.my Apr-Jun2021BorneoTalk | 31

Industry Palm oil is one of the world’s most consumed edible oil and most traded agriculture commodities as well. This is due to its versatility, allowing for its applications in various industries around the world, from food and cosmetics to biofuel and pharmaceuticals. Sarawak ranks among the world’s top exporters of palm oil due to its high quality. This contributes to the improvement of the state’s agricultural sector and the nation’s economy.

Sarawak Land Consolidation and Rehabilitation Authority (SALCRA)’s Palm Oil Mills (POM) employs efficient and advanced technologies as well as facilities. These, coupled with Sarawak’s ideal climate conditions, are the main determining factors that contribute to the success of the State’s palm oil industry.

SALCRA Palm Oil Mills

SAPOM

Electrostatic Precipitator (ESP)

SALCRA Palm Oil Mills operates five POMs to date, with a combined capacity of 270 metric tonnes per hour (mt/h). The principal business activities of these mills are the processing of fresh fruit bunches (FFB) into crude palm oil (CPO) and palm kernel (PK).

Two of the mills are fully owned by SALCRA Palm Oil Mills, namely Lubok Antu Palm Oil Mill 1 (LAPOM 1), which commenced operations in November 1984 at a capacity of 30 mt/h, and Lubok Antu Palm Oil Mill 2 (LAPOM 2) whose operations began in December 2016. LAPOM 2 has a capacity of 60 mt/h.

Loading Ramp in BAPOM

The remaining three POMs are subsidiary companies, namely SAPOM, SEPOM and BAPOM. SAPOM (Saratok Palm Oil Mill) has been operating since November 1994 and has a capacity of 60 mt/h. SEPOM (Serian Palm Oil Mill) started operating in May 1997 with a capacity of 60 mt/h, and BAPOM (Bau Palm Oil Mill), which began operating in May 2003, also has a capacity of 60 mt/h.

32 | BorneoTalkApr-Jun2021 Clarification Station

Industry thus protecting the environment and complying with environmental regulations.

Eco Mat Plant – The project is implemented with the aim to convert waste into wealth by taking empty fruit bunches (EFB) and turning them into fibre mat. This mat suppresses weed, retains moisture and used for slow release of fertiliser, and is therefore suitable for use as soil conditioner in palm oil replanting.

Methane Trapping Plant in BAPOM

Emphasis on quality SALCRA Palm Oil Mills places great emphasis on the quality of the palm products produced at its mills. The company adopts systematic and thorough manufacturing processes and procedures to ensure global quality standards.

Among the POMs’ best practices and quality achievements include: - Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) - OHSAS 18001:2007 (Occupational Health and Safety Management System) - ISO 14001:2005 (Environmental Management System) - Merit Award – 7th Sarawak Chief Minister’s Environmental Award 2010 (Large Enterprise Category – Manufacturing) - Winner’s Certificate – Sarawak Chief Minister’s Environmental Award 2010 (Large Enterprise Category – Manufacturing)

Additional services SALCRA Palm Oil Mills offers additional services to its suppliers by means of providing ready market to smallholders. For one, SALCRA Palm Oil Mills provides FFB collection centres at a number of locations. This makes it easier for smallholders to sell their FFB without having to go all the way to the mills.

SALCRA Palm Oil Mills provides FFB transportation assistance to help send their FFB to the mills as well. The sale of FFB is made easier and more convenient as payment can be made either by cash or via online transfer. In addition of FFB, SALCRA Palm Oil Mills also sells fertilisers at its mills and payment can be done using contra method. Lastly, SALCRA Palm Oil Mills also provides agronomic advices to its smallholders.

As part of the drive to continuously uplift Sarawak’s palm oil industry standards and services, SALCRA Palm Oil Mills inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sime Darby Plantation Bhd (SDP) in 2019 to form a collaborative framework in establishing and strengthening synergistic commercial cooperation throughout the palm oil value chain.

Environmentally conscious SALCRA Palm Oil Mills puts great emphasis on sustainability practices, incorporating them into its three-pronged palm oil business strategy of high income, value addition and zero waste. The company has implemented several waste management projects, namely: Electrostatic Precipitator (ESP) – A device that controls air pollution using electric charge to remove impurities from gas released through the palm oil mill boiler flue. This cuts the amount of smoke particulate that goes into the atmosphere,

Methane Trapping Plant - SALCRA Palm Oil Mills has also set up methane trapping plants at its mills. They serve to capture methane generated from palm oil mill effluent (POME), thus preventing it from being released freely into the environment. The methane captured in the plant can be utilised for heating, fuel, and power generation.

Managing POME POME is a wastewater generated from palm oil milling activities.

SALCRA Palm Oil Mills manages this effectively and holistically through: i. Treating them through the ponding system ii. Additional effluent treatment plant installed at all its mills to further treat the effluent iii. Sending effluent discharge samples to an independent laboratory every month iv. Major desludging of effluent ponds once every two years, in line with Department of Environment’s (DOE) requirements v. Trapping methane gas from POME and installing biogas plant to generate electricity.

SALCRA Palm Oil Mills regularly monitors and maintains its effluent ponds and effluent treatment plant to ensure that the effluent are properly treated and discharged within the minimum Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) level below 20 part per million (ppm).

These practices are the building blocks for SALCRA to continue to give assurance and credibility to all its investors and business partners alike in charting its way to more success in future.

For further inquiries, please contact SALCRA Palm Oil Mill at Level 2, Wisma Salcra, No. 1, Lot 2220, Block 26, Mtld, Jalan Dato Mohd Musa, 94300 Kota Samarahan, Sarawak. +60 82 621 987 , 621 986 +60 82 621 918 www.salcra.gov.my Apr-Jun2021BorneoTalk | 33

Industry

Salcra Jaya Sdn Bhd

Plan

tatio

n

Delivering promises to customers SALCRA Jaya Sdn Bhd (SJSB) is a wholly owned subsidiary company of Sarawak Land Consolidation and Rehabilitation Authority (SALCRA), established under Company Act, 1965.

It was created as part of SALCRA’s effort to move into the plantation supply chain to support its plantation agriculture development.

Backed by SALCRA’s resources, vast experience and skills in plantation management and related business, SJSB is capable of

Transport Fleet

providing and managing a wide range of activities, expertise and services in the plantation sector, with its core businesses being transport services, land development contracting and engineering works.

34 | BorneoTalkApr-Jun2021

Excavator doing chipping

Industry New land development

Road Maintenance

Salcra Jaya Farmhouse

Replanting

Construction of building

Bridge construction

Transport services

Engineering

SJSB’s principal activities are to undertake projects that are related to agriculture, one of them being transport services. Registered with Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) to transport various oil plantation products, the company commenced its transportation business in 2011.

Last but most definitely not the least, SJSB, who is a registered contractor class G7 with Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) and Class A with State Financial Office of Sarawak, also has its engineering arm.

Therefore, this means that the company is capable of undertaking engineering projects of various disciplines.

This includes everything from roads to buildings.

The company started with only five unis of prime movers for fresh fruit bunches (FFB). Over the years, 60 more units of prime movers were added to the fleet – 45 units for crude palm oil (CPO) and 15 units for palm kernel (PK). With the current size of its fleet, SJSB is today one of Sarawak’s biggest transporters of palm oil products.

Additionally, the company also has the expertise to transport fertiliser from the Sarawak Fertilizer factory in Bintulu to various estates under SALCRA.

Land development contracting works A year after commencing its transport services, SJSB went on to embark in land development contracting works – a venture that sees the company undertaking both new planting and replanting of oil plantation projects, with its scope of work that includes land establishment and field maintenance. With the experience the company has, it is able to undertake no less than 5,000 hectares of land development annually.

SALCRA Jaya Farmhouse Additionally, SJSB owns and operates a beachside farmhouse, located near Bajo Training Centre in scenic Siar Beach, Lundu. SALCRA Jaya Farmhouse boasts 12 comfortable accommodations in the form of chalets (11 units, including one master chalet) and a dormitory with 10 double decker beds. Featuring a barbecue facility and located within close proximity to some of the area’s chief attractions such as Gunung Gading National Park and Lundu’s beautiful beaches including one right outside the Farmhouse, it is an ideal weekend getaway whether you come for a stay with your family or friends.

Perpetuating the practice of its parent body, SJSB is committed to quality performance, sustainable practice, corporate social responsibility, growth, and profitability in its business ventures. For more enquiry, please do not hesitate to contact SALCRA Jaya at +60 82 621 882.

For further inquiries, please contact SALCRA JAYA SDN BHD at Level 7, Wisma Salcra, No. 1, Lot 2220, Block 26, Mtld, Jalan Dato Mohd Musa, 94300 Kota Samarahan, Sarawak. +60 82 621 882 +60 82 621 883 www.salcra.gov.my Apr-Jun2021BorneoTalk | 35

Industry

A precious gift f rom Mother Nature Mother Nature’s magical essence is perfected by science and came in the form of the AdenoSara® essential oil. It is extracted from a wild herb known to the Bidayuh of Penrissen as Bunga Ta’ang (Adenosma nelsonioides) and to the Iban of Rumah (Rh) Simon in Lubok Antu as Bangkit Engkerawan.

This essential oil is known to have medicinal properties.

Studies at the Sarawak Biodiversity Centre (SBC) found that the essential oil, commercialised under the trademark AdenoSara®, contains potent active ingredients.

Among hundred species of plant documented by SBC’s Traditional Knowledge (TK) Documentation Programme in Kampung Semadang, Bunga Ta’ang stood out. It was first discovered in Kampung Semadang, and later in Lubok Antu by the Iban of Rh Simon. It has been used for many generations by both communities. The Bidayuh used it as a traditional treatment of skin ailments, including rashes and itch. Ibans commonly use the plant to treat headaches. Both communities use it as a repellent to ward off ticks and fleas in pets and farm animals.

This project is funded by the Federal Ministry of Finance through United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Malaysia’s Orang Asli/Orang Asal Micro Grant Facility (OA MGF) for Conservation and Livelihood. The AdenoSara® project aims to unlock the potential of applying traditional knowledge to healthcare, agriculture, food and cosmetics.

The main goal of this project is to learn from indigenous communities, their use of natural resources and finding new ways to generate sustainable income to the communities through commercialisation of the plants.

The partnership between Sarawak Biodiversity Council, Kampung Semadang and Rh Simon was established under the auspices of UNDP’s OA MGF project. It has resulted in the successful production of AdenoSara® oil using a process managed by the communities in both villages. This new partnership is rooted in UNDP’s principles of Leaving No One Behind. It aims to produce a high quality, high value product reliably and sustainably, build local infrastructure and capacity, empower the local people and generate a sustainable income flow for the community. The overall objective of this project is to enhance conservation efforts in Sarawak through sustainable use of natural biological resources, emphasising the 36 | BorneoTalkApr-Jun2021

engagement of local indigenous communities in support of communities’ livelihood and empowerment. It builds on lessons learned and upscales the success of an earlier pilot project to produce LitSara® essential oil.

Among the achievements of the partnership are the cultivation of the plant in a shortened four-month growth cycle, allowing up to three harvests per year instead of just a single harvest per year, and the building of a distillation facility to enable on-site extraction of the AdenoSara® essential oil.

As a result of the partnership between Sarawak Biodiversity Council and the Bidayuh community of Kampung Semadang and Iban community of Rh Simon sealed on 17 October, 2020, they have been able to turn the traditional use of Adenosma plant for its medicinal properties into an incomegenerating activity of substantial value not only to their families but their community as a whole. The implementation of this UNDP Malaysia-supported project is in line with Malaysia’s Access to Biological Resources and Benefit Sharing (ABS) Act 2017 and the 2010 Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit Sharing, an international agreement that ensures the fair and equitable sharing of monetary and non-monetary benefits to communities from the use of biological resources in their environment.

This partnership is a continuation of SBC’s Access and Benefit Sharing Project under the Sarawak Biodiversity Regulations 2016 which has resulted in the first ABS agreement of the LitSara® essential oil. The LitSara® project demonstrates how working with the local indigenous communities to cultivate, harvest and produce natural products can be sustainable to the environment and beneficial for the communities’ livelihood. In addition, the process shows the importance of recognising and protecting the traditional ecological knowledge and customs of communities. The Sarawak Biodiversity Council’s effort through SBC to partner with indigenous communities is an important step to transform their traditional knowledge into economically and environmentally viable products of global benefit.

For further information, visit SBC’s website at www.sbc.org.my or UNDP Malaysia’s website at www.my.undp.org

Industry

Webinar to highlight Sarawak’s young designers programme Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (STIDC) is set to hold a Webinar on April 6 on the SayD’SignersSarawak (Sarawak Young Designers) programme. The webinar is a joint collaboration with Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office Singapore (STATOS) and the Singapore Furniture Industries Council (SFIC).

SayD’SignerSarawak, a two-year training programme developed by STIDC in collaboration with Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), aims to enhance the knowledge and skills of fresh Industrial Design graduates so as to develop their career path in furniture design, to be readily available and marketable in the State’s timber industry. Targeted at producing 100 trained furniture designers by 2030, the programme sees STIDC collaborating with Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB) of Indonesia. Through this collaboration, a specially customised curriculum was developed by ITB for the programme, which to date has resulted in significant improvement among SayD’SignerSarawak trainees.

The programme is now at its fourth batch of trainees, consisting of five fresh graduates from UNIMAS who are on their first year Attachment Training. There are 26 trainees in total as of now since the commencement of the programme. Due to the current pandemic, the batch currently undergoing training at ITB are doing so online, using training syllabus and curriculum that had been adjusted by ITB for the purpose.

Set to be conducted from 2:30pm to 4:15pm, the SayD’SignersSarawak programme webinar will include among others, two speakers – Ryan and Arifin - who themselves were trainees of the programme. Their respective sessions will see Ryan and Arifin speaking about themselves as young designers trained under SayD’SignersSarawak, their concept and ideas of their designs and to present their products to potential buyers.

Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (STIDC), Wisma Sumber Alam, Jalan Stadium, Petra Jaya, 93050 Kuching, Sarawak. +60 82 473 000 +60 82 441 169 / 442 691 www.sarawaktimber.gov.my

Apr-Jun2021BorneoTalk | 37

Industry

Arifin Sidek finds inspiration all around him Furniture designer and SayD’SignersSarawak member Arifin Sidek believes it is important to have a free mind when designing, to better express oneself creatively. Drawing inspiration from his surrounding, Arifin has created two fascinating chairs. The first is a piece he named Popo Chair, inspired by a humble seashell.

In essence, Popo Chair offers full comfort for both the body and the eyes. Its colour, material and design combination creates such an impact on its user, physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Arifin’s other creation is called Bibo, a collection designed for a very comfortable and soft living environment. Its name is derived from the words “bounce” and “baby blue”, which reflect the designer’s desire to create furniture that can inspire happiness. To put things into perspective, Arifin believes that the uniqueness of the bouncy effect and the organic shape of the bounce can create a happy mood.

BiboCollection

For Popo Chair, Arifin uses the internal structure of a seashell as a guide to designing a stronger seat structure. Also having an influence in the structural design of the Popo Chair is acupuncture. Arifin added capsule-shaped cushion upholstery across the seating all the way to the backrest, ergonomically embracing and supporting the weight and movement of the body, adding both comfort and style at the same time.

Uniquely organic, minimal, and very urban, Arifin’s Bibo collection is designed to embrace the nature of the wood used to make it. Rounded and soft in nature, the collection creates a sense of comfort both mentally and physically – just as the designer intends for his Bibo collection.

38 | BorneoTalkApr-Jun2021

Ryan and his K i T A mushroom chair Fellow furniture designer and SayD’SignersSarawak member Ryan is particularly proud of his creation, the K i T A chair – a chair inspired by the enoki or enokitake mushroom. He created the chair during a design and training workshop at ITB from January to April 2020.

Just like the mushroom, the K i T A chair was deliberately designed to showcase irregularity and imperfection in its shape. The result is a unique chair with a more natural and real shape.

Rainbow Chair

Industry

For K i T A, Ryan uses 90% solid wood, with another material making up the remaining 10% and adding value to the chair’s overall aesthetic appeal. Finished in natural wood colour, Ryan’s K i T A chair lets users experience a connection with nature, while its contemporary design allows it to blend well in today’s homes and be functional at the same time.

Ryan also designed the Rainbow Chair, whose concept is based on the exploration of the rainbow as a central theme in designing the chair. Not only did Ryan have to transform the shape of a rainbow into a chair, he had to make the design fully functional as well.

The key to his design for the Rainbow Chair is to combine simplicity, functionality and craftsman, with a little wittiness on the side. And the resulting product is a comfortable and beautifully made chair that truly stands out from the rest.

Hear more from Arifin and Ryan this April 6, in the Webinar on SayD’SignersSarawak programme, brought to you by STIDC, STATOS and SFIC.

Apr-Jun2021BorneoTalk | 39

Tourism

“I implore the public to start tourism activities and travel safely, always abide by the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) enforced by the Government as well as observe new norm practices.” – YB Dato’ Sri Hajah Nancy Shukri, Minister of Tourism, Arts & Culture, Malaysia.

It’s great to read some travel suggestions and browse through #TravelInspo content while we are staying home for the right reasons. But that shouldn’t mean that you can’t dream about your next private #CutiCutiMalaysia staycation.

As we are all scrambling to find the next escape in this new norm era, travel safety is absolutely on top of the priority list, in line with Ministry of Health’s advice to avoid the 3Cs (crowded places, confined spaces, and close contact).

However, there are several private getaways to consider for those who have the pent-up desire to travel.

Trust us, some rest time away at a hidden retreat will offer your post-MCO 2.0 staycation a delight.

Ambong Pool Villas, Langkawi 40 | BorneoTalkApr-Jun2021

Tourism

The Shorea Retreats, Seremban, Negeri Sembilan Occupying a lush hideout in Negeri Sembilan’s virgin Berembun Forest Reserve is The Shorea Retreats, a sanctuary boasting exclusive and eco-friendly private villas.

“Shorea” refers a genus of 196 species of rainforest trees. Malay timber-based architecture is evident throughout the whole resort; constructed mostly out of timber with plenty of sliding doors and windows, allowing plenty of natural light and ventilation to seep through, respecting the natural surroundings.

For ultimate privacy, the estate’s doublestorey villas are excellent for couples and families wanting the space to themselves.

Depending on what accommodation you choose, some villas have direct access to private pools and balconies overlooking the calming rainforest, so be sure to check with the Resort earlier. www.theshorea.com

Tanah Larwina, Hulu Langat, Selangor Tanah Larwina is the perfect nature recluse for those looking to escape to somewhere just a short drive away from the nation’s capital.

It is a three-acre nature and farm retreat tucked away at Kuala Lumpur’s outskirts, approximately 40km away from the city. The entire retreat is based on its main villa, Rumah Tebing: a glasshouse that beautifully integrates with its large, quaint surrounding embraced by a cascading stream.

Tanah Larwina is blessed with limited coverage, letting you enjoy the surroundings to its fullest be it over the hot campfire, by dipping your feet in the cold Larwin river or exploring the rest of the estate, playing with the farm animals like goats, chickens and ponies. At the end of the day, time here is made for those who are looking to escape the stressful city life, for those looking to detox digitally in nature, for those who want to spend quality bonding time with family or for private events.

Note: Rumah Tebing is meant for a big group. But if you come in more than eight persons, there are other additional pods that can be booked.

www.tanahlarwina.com

Ambong Pool Villas, Langkawi What is not to love about Ambong Pool Villas? It is the epitome of a tropical island luxe. Set in the prime position of Teluk Baru in Langkawi, the nine private villa units here go above and beyond with interesting mix of covered living spaces, partly open patios and sunny open terraces, all linked with a large individual swimming pool.

No villas are the same. Some have their own tree growing inside, designed into its architecture as part of the boutique’s aim to preserve the jungle’s original topography. Here, residents can listen to the rhythm of the rainforest, feel the whistles of the wind and occasionally spot the island’s monkeys from forest watching. Sun decking at your private patio or terraces will be a pleasure too because of its magnificent views of Langkawi’s azure seas, and your view of the neighbouring islands, depending on your villa of choice, might either be Dayang Bunting Island or Tepor Island. ambongpoolvillas.com

Green Acres, Balik Pulau, Penang For an off-the-beaten path experience, Green Acres features affordable and secluded farm stay that is no less exciting. It is located in a 16-acre chemicalfree orchard in Balik Pulau, Penang, the very location known for producing the best durian in the country when in season.

Central to the farm’s aim to provide a low carbon footprint travel experience, its sustainable farming practices, and semi solar private powered accommodation lets guests experience and be a part of uniquely authentic nature experiences.

There are over 500 tropical fruit trees at Green Acres. The variety of fruits spans beyond durian; among which guests can sample are mangosteens, rambutan, papaya, jackfruit, to name a few. Hence, just being here is an eye-opening experience for nature lovers and sustainable enthusiasts.

Overnight guests are offered the opportunity to relax in total privacy at either one of the two types of accommodation: the traditional eco-lodge or the tree house. The traditional eco-lodge feature incredible view of the surrounding orchard and hills of Balik Pulau, whereas the tree house is literally perched on a tree top level, making it the ideal place for birdwatchers. greenacrespenang.com

The Village House, Kuching, Sarawak Situated in a quiet Malay village in Santubong, The Village House delivers your own slice of privacy in Sarawak’s natural setting. The property is an option for those who are after something a little of an old charm: think rustic ambiance of belian wood structure edges complemented with an eclectic collection of the owner’s art, antiques and artefacts.

An adult-only escape, The Village House is perfect for families or couples looking to spend some much-needed time catching up with each other; and rest one’s body, mind and soul in their secluded accommodations some even feature their own private verandah! Whether you choose to meander around the spectacular local sites of Santubong peninsular, or lounge by the side of the compound’s outdoor pool with a book, the choice is yours.

Note: the property does not accept children under 12 years of age.

villagehouse.com.my Apr-Jun2021BorneoTalk | 42

Tourism

W H AT ’ S O N

Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Sarawak +60 82 319 309 / 313 +60 82 441 277 / 445 311 mtac.sarawak.gov.my

Sarawak Tourism Board +60 82 423 600 www.sarawaktourism.com

( Note: Event dates are subject to change without prior notice. Kindly call The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Sarawak for further information )

Jom Berambeh Sungkei

Serian ECO Run

at Dataran Tun Tuanku Bujang Phase 1, Sibu

at Kampung Daha Kisau, Tebedu, Serian

A yearly celebration organised by Jawatankuasa Tetap Perayaan Islam Bahagian Sibu since 2017, this popular event has been attracting a huge crowd of people regardless of their beliefs and races to come together and break fast during the month of Ramadan.

APR

05

JUN

Jawatankuasa Tetap Perayaan Islam Bahagian Sibu

Serian District Council

+60 84 321 963

SBC Biodiversity Day

The first annual marathon event organised by Serian District Council, comprising of full and half marathon and a 5KM fun run. The marathon is open to local and international participants. The event also aims to showcase the vibrant culture of the Bidayuh community in Tebedu. +60 82 874 799

in conjunction with International Day for Biological Diversity 2021 at Sarawak Biodiversity Centre, Kuching

Rainforest World Music Festival

The objectives of this event are to promote awareness of, and appreciation for, Sarawak biodiversity among all sectors of society, and to create awareness among the general public on sustainable research and development on Sarawak’s biodiversity. Lots of exciting and interesting activities have been lined up for the public. These include exhibitions on biodiversity and research carried out on biodiversity, traditional and indigenous uses of biodiversity, to public lectures, science games, demonstrations and a hands-on session on the uses of biodiversity and science.

The award-winning Rainforest World Music Festival is an annual three-day music festival celebrating the diversity of world music, held in Kuching with daytime music workshops, cultural displays, craft displays, food stalls, and main-stage evening concerts. The festival features a wide range of performances from traditional music, to world fusion and contemporary world music.

at Sarawak Cultural Village (SCV), Kuching

MAY

18-20 JUN

Sarawak Tourism Board (STB)

+60 82 423 600

Sarawak Biodiversity Centre (SBC)

+60 82 610 610

Rainforest World Music Festival Fringe

Borneo Jazz Festival at Miri City Fan, Miri

at Kuching City

JUN

25-27

RWMF Fringe is an annual festival showcasing the crème-de-la-crème of visual and performing arts and lifestyle. Staged across key historic and creative locations in the heart of Kuching City, this exciting multigenre festival aims to bring the best of contemporary, traditional as well as innovative experimental works to festival goers.

JUN

Borneo Jazz is an annual international jazz festival, one of the longest running in the region, that takes place in the seaside city of Miri, featuring a vast repertoire of Jazz genres. The event also holds youth programmes and outreach programmes to help local aspiring musicians.

Sarawak Tourism Board (STB)

+60 82 423 600

+60 12 8890 880

Pesta Tasik Danu Serian

Rainforest In The City

at Tasik Danu Serian

at Kuching City

Rainforest In The City is an annual festival that celebrates and showcases light installations by collaborating artists. For 10 days, visitors will be exposed to the Culture, Adventure, Nature, Food and Festival aspects of Sarawak, augmented with music, lights and technology. The surrounding areas will be transformed to reflect the elements that make up this festival.

JUN

An annual event that aims to promote the beauty of Lake Danu and helps to enhance the local economy.

Look out for activities such as kayaking, tug of war, duck catching, food fair, exhibitions, Lake Danu Beauty Pageant and Pentas Rakyat.

25-27 JUN

Serian Resident Office

+60 82 872 472

Adventure Racing World Series Malaysia Qualifying

Pesta Babulang & Lumba Kerbau at Kampung Batu Danau, Limbang

04-06 JUN

Pesta Babulang is a festival significant to the Bisaya community in Batu Danu, Limbang. The highlight of the festival is a buffalo race involving teams from Limbang, Sabah and Brunei trying to outpace each other, riding on bare buffalo backs. Another highlight of the festival is “Ratu Babulang” that draws many Bisaya lasses to compete for the coveted title in this annual competition.

Sarawak Bisaya Association

+60 85 433 202

43 | BorneoTalkApr-Jun2021

26 JUN • 03 JUL

at Miri

The Adventure Racing World Series will see mixed teams of four athletes racing from three to 10 days non-stop, in the disciplines of trail running, mountain biking, paddling, navigation and more. Courses are kept secret until just before the start.

The Society of Sports and Exercise Medicine Malaysia (SSEMM)

+60 12 3253 198

Tourism

Sarawak MALAYSIA my nd Home

For many years, Sarawak has enticed scores of foreigners who fell in love with the State from their very first visit and therefore decided that they wanted to stay here. It is primarily for this reason that the State Government launched the Sarawak Malaysia My Second Home Programme (S-MM2H).

2

Scan for full interview

Pro gramme

Datuk Karim explains

Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Sarawak, who is also Minister of Youth and Sports Sarawak, Datuk Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, when interviewed by BorneoTalk recently, said that since its inception the programme had met good response mostly from retirees.

“But the trend nowadays is a lot of people get rich at a young age.

So we have adjusted and lowered the age group of those who can apply for the programme,” he said, adding that there had been a slight change in the requirements as well.

“I can say that we are flexible in our requirements, but not too flexible because a major influx could disrupt prices of properties in Sarawak.”

The Minister said that there had been a big upsurge in 2018 and 2019, with 224 applications approved in 2019. But after COVID-19, only 66 applications were approved in 2020.

However, Karim believes that the numbers will go up again this year.

“Everybody’s still busy with COVID-19 in their own country, so they can’t really think about buying properties or going to another country to stay,” he quipped.

Current figures are too small to properly gauge which countries have the most number of people who are interested in making Sarawak their second home.

Perhaps at the end of the year once COVID-19 is successfully dealt with, and with the slightly new format of the programme, we can see which countries have the most interest.

46 | BorneoTalkApr-Jun2021

Of course, like everything else there are certain criteria that must be met before an application is approved.

Karim said that applicants needed to “… state their reasons for wanting to buy property in Sarawak and come stay here. It is not as simple as one would expect.” As for rejected applicants, he said they could always apply again.

“There are many criteria we will have to look into. But just because the first application was rejected, it does not mean that the second application will automatically be rejected. We will look at it on a case-to-case basis.

But of course, we need them to furnish a letter of good conduct from their country,” the Minister explained.

On whether or not a foreigner can own assets in Sarawak without paying capital gains tax should those assets be sold after a short period, Karim said that the tax was a must, whether one was a foreigner or not.

“If you buy property today at RM100,000 and next year you sell it off at RM150,000, you will definitely have to pay the tax on that RM50,000 because that is capital gain.”

Meanwhile, Karim disclosed that quite a number of foreigners chose Sarawak because of education, choosing to stay in rentals instead of purchasing a property here.

“Sarawak is home to a number of international schools and universities that attract international applicants. Many applicants who came to Sarawak for its education for their children did not buy properties.

But there are requirements that they need to comply with and a deposit that they must furnish,” he added.

Karim also believes that people choose Sarawak because they like it here. The stability, low crime rate, amazing nature and adventure, good healthcare facilities as well as minimal traffic congestion are among the pulling factors.

“Kuching, for instance, is an acclaimed City of Unity where its people are so friendly, there are so many different types

Tourism

of food, property prices are not that high, and we’ve got beautiful beaches and rivers… the environment is just so conducive,” he enthused.

Although S-MM2H is open to applicants from all over the world (except countries with which Malaysia has no diplomatic relationship), there is no need for West Malaysians to apply for the programme as they’re already Malaysian citizens.

Karim said that they could always opt to buy properties here instead as the land system in Sarawak allowed fellow Malaysians to buy properties or land in mixed zone areas but not native land.

He went on to say; “For them, it is much easier than foreigners to live here. In fact, there are so many West Malaysians who own properties here. Some of them also get married to the locals. There are even West Malaysian couples who buy industrial land here and start their business here and they just don’t want to go back to their hometown.”

The Minister is optimistic that the programme will pick up post COVID-19 as his Ministry has been receiving many enquiries from companies and developers. Many of them have applied to become agents under the programme, to help foreigners with their application process.

“It’s definitely good for the locals who are using this as a business opportunity,” said Karim, adding that the programme had improved by leaps and bounds over the years.

He also said that the programme was now allowing applications from foreigners interested in setting up a business in Sarawak. “So you can see here that the State Government is quite amendable to change,” he concluded.

Apr-Jun2021BorneoTalk | 47

Tourism

Miri

Sarawak Malaysia My Second Home

Kuching

A lot can happen when you visit Sarawak. You might discover your new favourite food, or decide to extend your temporary stay, or find yourself not wanting to leave at all. Such feelings are plausible, given the largest Malaysian State located northwest of Borneo Island is unlike any other place on earth. It is a safe place that offers heart-pumping adventures, cultural marvels and natural wonders. If your heart is set on making Sarawak your second home, it’s time to turn that dream into reality.

It is important to note that Sarawak has its own set of laws regarding immigration. Thus, the national Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme requirements are not applicable here. Instead, regulations to follow are criteria set under Sarawak Malaysia My Second Home (S-MM2H) programme, whose gist is as follows:

This programme is open to those who fulfill the following requirements: 1. Open to all except citizens of Israel.

2. Applicants must be 50 years old and above, while spouse (if any) has no age limit.

3. Applicants who are 40-50 years old, with investment in real estate specifically for residential purpose with a total amount of at least RM600,000 4. Applicants who are 30-50 years old may apply if:

• They have children (below 18 years old) who 48 | BorneoTalkApr-Jun2021

•

are pursuing further education in Sarawak; or Are undergoing long-term medical treatment in Sarawak with his/her condition verified

by Private/Government Physicians who are registered with Malaysian Medical Council

Applicants must adhere to the following terms and conditions: 1.

All applicants must submit the required documents to Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Culture, Sarawak for consideration.

Sibu

Tourism

2.

All applications must be bonded by a sponsor who originated from and currently staying in Sarawak OR by a MM2H licenced agent that is registered in Sarawak only.

3. Applicants are expected to be financially capable of supporting themselves during the participation duration under this programme.

4. All applicants are required to show proof of financial capability by, either:

a. Opening a Fixed Deposit account with any local bank in Sarawak - RM300,000 (couple) - RM150,000 (individual)

b. Presenting Government approved pension funds (for applicants who are 50 years old and above) - RM10,000 (couple) - RM7,000 (individual)

c. Showing proof of monthly off-shore income funds (for applicants who are 30 years old and above) - RM10,000 (couple) - RM7,000 (individual) 5. Applicants are required to maintain a minimum balance in their Fixed Deposit account during participation duration of the programme

- RM180,000 (couple)

- RM90,000 (individual) 6. All applicants and their spouses are required to submit a medical report to show their state of health conditions during first (new) and mid-term (extension) application for review and approval.

7. All applicants are not allowed to work or be employed by any institutions during participation duration of this programme, except where permission has been granted by the Director General of Immigration, Malaysia.

8. All applicants are strictly forbidden from participating in activities that are sensitive to local people, politics, missionary and activities that are provocative, instigative and sensitive in nature that could threatened the security of this country/State.

Application procedures Following the terms and conditions of the above, documents needed include: Applicant 1. Main applicant’s resume 2. MM2H Application Form 3. IM.12 Social Visit Pass Application Form 4. Certified Copy of Passport (Copy of previous passport is required if applicant has renewed his/ her passport in less than one year) 5. Letter of Good Conduct from country of origin 6. Blue Background passport size photographs (six copies each)

Sponsor 1. A copy of Personal Bond Form 2. A copy of BK Form 3. A copy of Letter of intention from sponsor 4. A copy of certified copy of sponsor’s Identity Card • •

The sponsor MUST attend an interview conducted

by Immigration Department, Sarawak.

The sponsor MUST NOT BE any individual / organisations from Land Authority / Tourism Authority, Government Hospital (for Health Tourism)

Agent 1. A copy of Security Bond Form 2. Cover letter from S-MM2H licenced company 3. A copy of company’s MM2H licence that is still valid and registered in Sarawak 4. Letter of confirmation on employment of representative under the S-MM2H licenced company 5. One (1) copy of the MyKad of Board of Director / Shareholder / Managing Director / Manager who signed the Security Bond 6. Sponsor Declaration Form Financial Proof A certified copy of Fixed Deposit Statement from any local bank in Sarawak.

- RM300,000 (couple) - RM150,000 (individual) A certified copy of the latest three months government approved pension funds (applicants 50 years old and above) - RM10,000 (couple) - RM7,000 (individual) A copy of proof of monthly off-shore income funds (applicants 30 years old and above) Other supporting documents RB II Form and certified copy of medical report - Certified copy of Marriage Certificate (if accompanied by spouse) - Certified copy of Birth Certificate (if accompanied by children / adopted children / step children)

*Terms and conditions are subject to change. Kindly contact Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Sarawak or Department of Immigration, Sarawak for updates.

Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Culture, Sarawak S-MM2H Unit Level 16, Right Wing, Bangunan Baitulmakmur II, Medan Raya, Petra Jaya, 93050 Kuching, Sarawak Malaysia. +60 82 442 226 +60 82 442 216 www.mtac.sarawak.gov.my

Department of Immigration, Sarawak S-MM2H Unit Level 1 & 2, Bangunan Sultan Iskandar Jalan Simpang Tiga, 93050 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. +60 82 410 436 www.imi.gov.my Apr-Jun2021BorneoTalk | 49

Tourism

After all we’ve been through, a little time out to celebrate a festive occasion is what we all need, even if it means doing so a little differently this time around. This May and June, Sarawak is celebrating two of the biggest festive occasions for the people here. On May 13, the Muslims will welcome their much-awaited celebration of Hari Raya Aidilfitri (Eid al-Fitr), and then on June 1, Sarawak’s Dayak community will mark the end of their harvest season with feasting and merry-making on Gawai Dayak celebration.

While both festive celebrations are vastly different and observed differently, one thing that is unique is that both festivities are celebrated together by the multi-ethnic communities of Sarawak.

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A time to forgive Hari Raya Aidilfitri (commonly referred to locally as simply ‘Raya’) marks the end of the holy Ramadan month, the ninth month in the Islamic calendar when the Muslims observe the acts of abstinence, prayers, and reflection. It also marks the first day of the 10th month in the calendar, or Syawal.

As early as a month before Raya, Muslims in Sarawak would already be in festive mood. Timeless Raya tunes such as Sudirman’s ‘Balik Kampung’, M. Nasir’s ‘Satu Hari Di Hari Raya’, P. Ramlee’s ‘Dendang Perantau’, Saloma’s ‘Selamat Hari Raya’ and Aishah’s ‘Pulanglah’ would be playing on the radio, in shopping malls and in public spaces throughout Ramadan, bringing joys of the festive season and evoking nostalgia.

Preparations for the celebration of Raya would also begin during Ramadan. Last year despite the Movement Control Order, a very long line stretching as far as several shop lots away leading towards Kuching’s famous bakery supply store in India Street began forming early morning. Men and women wearing their face masks and observing SOPs while standing in line, were eager to get all the ingredients they needed to bake their cakes and cookies for the upcoming Raya celebration.

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Scan me to watch the video!

Back in 2019, the entire stretch of India Street was jam packed with people thronging the stalls and shops offering many variety of cakes, cookies, tidbits, ready-made Raya clothes, fabrics, home décor, and many other Raya related items.

Most families would have already ordered their custom-made baju Raya (Raya clothes) by Ramadan, getting that done well before the fasting month even began. Those who did not custom-order their outfit would head to the nearest fashion outlets or departmental stores to buy ready-made baju Raya.

Closer to Raya, families would do spring cleaning and redecorating, even repaint their houses to make them more presentable. The lawns would be decorated with oil lamps (pelita) while some would string some outdoor decorative lights along the roof of their houses. Later preparations include baking and cooking.

Raya day itself sees family members coming together and spending quality time, and seeking forgiveness for all of the wrongs that they did. Early morning, they will go to the mosque for prayers and thanksgiving for all the blessings they received. A visit to the grave of their departed loved ones is also an important aspect of Raya celebration.

Kids will be the most excited as they will be getting their duit Raya (Raya money) from their parents or grandparents. As for the rest, it’s on to the food and drinks and the good times spent with friends and family.

Visiting is a must, and open houses are the norm every Raya. It is also during this time that friends and families get to catch up and have light moments while enjoying scrumptious Raya food such as rendang, ketupat, lemang, curry and so much more!

No Raya open house is complete without serving the quintessential kek lapis Sarawak (Sarawak layered cake).

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Thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest For the Dayak community, June 1 is an important date as it is on this day that they celebrate Gawai, a significant annual occasion to mark the end of the harvest season. In the past, this ancient celebration involved animistic rituals and offerings performed by village elders to offer thanks and praise to the gods for a bountiful harvest.

Today, old Gawai traditions can still be witnessed in some places. At Iban longhouses, the miring ceremony is still performed as a sign of respect to the ‘petara’ (god), spirits and ancestors. Some Bidayuh still observe ancient practices of boris and ngrinang, led by a tua gawai and involving a group of women chosen by the spirit world, known as dayung boris.

These traditions, although dying out, are mostly practiced today by the Dayak as a means to preserve their culture and heritage.

Old practices aside, the modern-day Gawai celebration is all about coming together in merriment with family and friends, over some food, drinks, some joget, and perhaps some karaoke-ing?! Those staying in the city and beyond would take a trip back home to their respective villages. It’s that time of the year where you see public transport hubs filled with travellers carrying bags of food, drinks and tidbits to bring back to their respective villages. Buses and express boats would be booked to the brim.

Besides some official Gawai programmes such as stage and cultural shows at the community hall, open house is definitely the highlight for the modern-day Gawai celebration. Guests from near and far, and of different races and religions would come for a ‘ngabang’ (visit). For non-Muslim guests, a locally made rice wine known as tuak is not to be missed. Tuak is the all-important alcoholic beverage served to guests during special occasions, especially Gawai. It’s a little sweet to the taste, but don’t let that fool you as tuak tends to be quite potent!

Depending on where you’re going visiting, Gawai food these days are often a mix of traditional and modern fares. While many serve non-Dayak food like curry, sweet & sour chicken and pak lo duck, some choose to stick to dishes like pansoh (chicken cooked in bamboo), lemang and kasom ikien (preserved fish). The Bidayuh in Serian have their unique chicken rice dish called a-sam, which is cooked in bamboo.

Some households would be busy baking cakes and cookies and deep-frying kuih jala (a quintessential Gawai snack made from rice flour and gula apong).

And on the eve of Gawai, families would wake up as early as 3 or 4am to prepare food for the buffet table. Some last-minute preparations and then it’s finally time to brace for the first wave of visitors (pengabang).

Celebrating in the new norm With both Raya and Gawai happening back-to-back this year, it’s a much-needed break from all that have been happening since the past year and onwards into 2021. With us heading towards recovery, we can start to breathe a sigh of relief knowing that better days are ahead of us. As for Raya and Gawai, this year’s celebration looks to be one that will perhaps be moderate compared to past years.

But still, the current situation will not dampen the spirits of those celebrating these two significant occasions. Raya and Gawai songs will continue filling the airwaves, friends and relatives will continue to visit each other, albeit with caution and observing SOP. Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Gawai Dayak will still be celebrated and observed.

With that said, all of us at BorneoTalk would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone Selamat Hari Raya, Maaf Zahir dan Batin, and Selamat Hari Gawai, Gayu Guru Gerai Nyamai!

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Trailing Sibu’s Foochow Heritage Sibu is the third-most populous town in Sarawak after Kuching and Miri. Until the beginning of the 19th century, it was a sleepy trading settlement in the Rajang basin. However, since the arrival of early Foochow settlers from Fujian Province, Southeast China in 1901, Sibu blossomed into the largest port and a vibrant commercial centre in Central Sarawak.

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Reverend (Dr) James Matthew Hoover Memorial Garden at Sungei Merah Town

Wong Nai Siong Memorial Park

Having called Sibu home for some 120 years, the Foochow community has grown into the largest Chinese dialect group in Sarawak. In fact, Sibu is probably the largest Foochow settlement outside of Mainland China.

And to this day, the name of this ethnic group still conjures up a collective perception of diverse economic development in Sarawak’s Central Region.

The Foochow Chinese played not only a huge role in the growth and emergence of Sibu. Beyond that, they are also known for their heritage and traditions, which make up Sarawak’s colourful multicultural fabric, thus putting Sibu as an attractive #RaonRaonSarawak destination.

Sungai Merah: Where it all began There’s only one way to begin your Foochow trail in Sibu, and that is by visiting Sungai Merah, the earliest riverine settlement of the Foochow Chinese of Sibu.

Sungai Merah Heritage Walk by night

The history of this early Foochow settlement goes way back to the time when Chinese Revolutionary leader Wong Nai Siong led a large-scale migration of Foochow immigrants to Sibu in 1901. It was made possible through the approval of the White Rajah, who embarked on an agreement to recruit more Chinese settlers into the Rajang Basin for Sibu’s agricultural development.

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Rejang Esplanade After Wong’s fruitful meeting with Charles Brooke, he travelled for 13 days up Rajang River before deciding that Sungai Merah was the perfect place for a new Foochow settlement. It is situated near the riverbank, which is suitable for washing, irrigation and drinking. Satisfied with the prospects of Sungai Merah, Wong brought in his Foochow clansmen into Sibu, after much convincing back in Mainland China. This exodus took place in several stages, ultimately resulting in a total of 1,118 Foochow immigrants being brought in.

The Foochow came for many reasons. But like other migration stories, they were motivated by the search of a new and better life in Sarawak. With the green light from the Rajah, the Foochow began their new life in Sibu, which at that time was referred to as the ‘New Foochow’, pioneering economic activities centred on farming such as planting tapioca, paddy, and vegetables.

Sungai Merah is totally different now compared to how it initially was when the Foochow first arrived: a massive jungle that was soggy and humid. Today, Sungai Merah is completely restored, landscaped and turned into a Heritage Walk with food stalls alongside the riverfront.

Located about 10 minutes drive from the town’s centre, the pleasant trail here can surprise you with views of the river occasionally turning into shades of red, as its moniker suggests, from yellow. It also leads to Wong Nai Siong Memorial Park, situated on the other side of the main road. Commemorated for the town’s founder, the park features a bronze statue of Wong Nai Siong and in-depth information about the Foochow’s humble beginnings in Sibu.

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Express boats: The distinctive characteristic of Sibu town What sets Sibu apart from other cities/towns in Sarawak is its location. It sits on Rajang River, the longest river in Sarawak spanning about 563 km in length. For the longest time, even until today, the communities inhabiting the Rajang basin have depended on it for navigation! Its importance is so omnipresent that express boats somehow have become Sibu’s iconic sight.

But how did the scenic view of express boats and ferries berthing on Sibu Wharf along Rajang River become a part of Sibu’s heritage? That goes back to Sibu Foochow’s relentless grit in expanding beyond the agricultural sector.

Today, Sibu is flourishing in diverse sectors of economy such as timber and shipbuilding, both of which the Foochow are involved in since the 1960s.

So, when you stroll around Sibu town, head to the bustling Rejang Esplanade. Here, you will see local travellers carrying boxes or heavy bags for their long journey upriver to Kapit or other small towns along the way. While you’re at Rejang Esplanade, be sure to snap a quick shot at the Swan statue for your #RaonRaonSarawak memory.

Note: If you are intending of travelling towards the interiors of Central Sarawak on an express boat, it is best to buy your tickets straight from the Wharf Terminal’s ticketing counter instead of online.

Roughly 10 minutes walk from Sibu Wharf Terminal is Sibu Heritage Centre, a museum dedicated to the

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Kampua Mee history of the early Chinese Foochow migrants, as well as antiques such as Chinese porcelain and vases, along with other ethnic groups of the Rajang basin.

Glorious Foochow cuisine

Kompia

One cannot talk about Swan City without mentioning its delicious Foochow cuisine. Sibu is the place to go for a meal that retains the true flavours of Sarawakian Foochow.

Out of all cultural Foochow food that can be found in Sibu, the dish that represents Sibu hands down is Kampua Mee. Originating from Sibu, Kampua Mee is a dry noodle dish that truly reflects the Sarawakian Foochow community. In fact, it is so loved by Sibu folks of not only Foochow descent. There are even halal versions of Kampua Mee sold in most Sibu kopitiams these days. Originally served with pork, kampua usually comes in chilli sauce, soy sauce or plain white variants.

Red Wine Mee Sua

Ding Bian Hu

Another breakfast staple (or actually breakfast treat) in Sibu is Kompia, otherwise known as Fuzhou bagel. Whether it is plain covered with sesame seeds, or sandwiched with meat, there’s nothing quite like Sibu’s freshly-baked kompia.

Chewy and tender, kompia is so popular that it has fans beyond the Foochow and Sibu community. People line up early in the morning at Sibu bakeries to get them fresh and hot straight out of the charcoal-fired oven!

Other must-try Foochow food in Sibu are Red Wine Mee Sua and Ding Bian Hu. Ding Bian Hu is a mix between rice porridge and kueh chap. Meanwhile, Mee Sua is a long noodle made of wheat flour and salt, originating from Fujian, China. Known as longevity noodle, this is a staple in every Chinese household when it comes to celebrations. No matter if it were a birthday, Scan me to watch the video! a wedding, or the birth of a newborn baby, the Chinese and even the non-Foochow these days would serve Mee Sua to their family, friends and relatives.

Where to stay?

There are various accommodation options in Sibu? It all depends on your preference.

Tanahmas The Sibu Hotel

Bawang Assan Longhouse homestay

~ For a comfortable stay in a stylish hotel room after a long day of touring Sibu’s famous attractions.

~ For a local stay with the former headhunting tribe, the Iban of Sarawak, where you will experience weaving the Iban’s textile, Pua Kumbu and learn about the Iban lifestyle first hand.

Address: Lot 277, Block 5, Jln Kampung Nyabor, Pekan Sibu, 96000 Sibu, Sarawak T: +60 84 333 188 W: www.tanahmas.com.my

Address: Homestay Rumah Panjang Bawang Assan, 96000 Sibu, Sarawak T: +60 13 838 1054

Li Hua Hotels Sibu ~ For a restful night in Sarawak’s business class hotels that are well-placed in every corner of Sibu.

Li Hua @ Sibu Town Address: Long Bridge, Commercial Centre, 96000 Sibu, Sarawak. T: +60 84 324 000 Li Hua @ Sibu Bus Terminal Address: Jaya Li Hua Commercial Centre, Jalan Diong Kik, Off Jalan Pahlawan, 96000 Sibu, Sarawak. T: +60 84 218 338 Li Hua @ Sibu Unicity Address: At Unicity, Jalan Wawasan, Next to UCTS, KLT & Balai Polis Sungai Merah. T: +60 84 255 333 W: www.lihuahotel.com.my/index.html Apr-Jun2021BorneoTalk | 57

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Ca s t Away • BY LESTER GERES • Scan me to watch the video!

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I remember going back to my village every weekend as a boy and going into the woods, past some pristine streams and lush greenery to get to my late grandfather’s paddy field. More than anything, I was excited to go to a small river just several metres away from my grandparents’ hut. The water was almost waist-deep and was crystal clear. In it, I could see schools of black tilapia, barb, and gourami swimming about.

My grandfather used to keep bamboo fishing rods at the hut. I would take one of those fishing rods, put some bait (usually earthworm dug out from under the hut) on the hook and cast it into the river. Not five seconds and already a bite… every time! Such a rush, fishing!

Angler’s playground The past aside, I had not gone fishing for more than 20 years. So when Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) decided to slot a fishing trip in our Telaga Air / Satang Island itinerary, I was both excited and admittedly nervous. Reason being that I had not held a fishing rod in my hands for decades and had never even handled one that is more advanced than the simple bamboo one I used to fish as a child. That, and the fear that I might not be able to handle the choppy waters once we’re out there in the open ocean. What’s exciting about it was the fact I got to finally try my hands at

deep sea fishing, and the prospects of reeling in some big fish.

In any case, Sarawak’s waters are some of the best for fishing, no matter if you’re a beginner, intermediate or a pro. Some favourite fishing spots among anglers and fishing enthusiasts (both inland and marine waters) are Tanjung Datu, Sematan, Santubong, Lakei, Rambungan, Sampadi, Tanjung Manis, Muara Tebas. Each one of these fishing hotspots offers different experiences and varied outcomes. Depending on location, depth and overall water conditions, one may catch loads of fish or just several, and sometimes none at all. Expect to find species such as mangrove jack, barramundi, trevally, grouper, among many. For those who love a challenge, the deeper waters teem with more hardcore pelagic (oceanic) species such as tuna, barracuda, and mackerels.

Out to sea Our fishing trip began on the concrete pier at Telaga Air, where we were divided into two teams. We went on the bigger Ang Cheng Ho fishing boat while the smaller group boarded the Sea Hawk. It was drizzly earlier that Friday. It was a little concerning, but the gloomy weather soon retreated just before noon, much to our relief.

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After a hearty lunch at De ABF Café, at Telaga Air’s bustling Medan Niaga PPD, we gathered for a short briefing on the dos and don’ts of deep sea fishing from Sea Hawk’s captain before proceeding to our designated boats. We left the pier at around 1:55pm, sailing onwards to Satang located about an hour away. Along the journey, the sounds of little waves crashing on the walls of our boat, coupled with the cooling sea breeze brushing against our faces, were almost dream-like. I found myself sometimes admiring the views with eyes wide open, and sometimes drifting into slumberland from the uber relaxing experience (despite the racket from the boat’s engine bay).

Out in the open sea, you will catch sight of things you have never seen before, like the millions of tiny fish swimming past our boat and fascinating flying fish gliding freely above the surface of the water as our boat 60 | BorneoTalkApr-Jun2021

approached them (that reminded me of the movie ‘Life of Pi’). The other team was even luckier to have spotted some dolphins.

About an hour later, we arrived in Satang. The captain sounded the horn to signal everyone to cast off, then again to tell us to reel in so we could move to the next spot. We tried fishing in five different spots, all within Satang, but all we managed to catch were some palm-sized kembung (mackerels), selar kuning (yellow stripe scads), snappers, and a small grouper. Perhaps we arrived at the wrong time?

Be that as it may, fishing out at sea for the first time was an interesting experience for me. Though only managing to catch half a dozen mackerels, I was more than happy nonetheless to be able to catch fish on my first deep sea fishing trip.

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And it was definitely a weird feeling to hold a live mackerel in hand fresh out of the sea. Before that, I’ve only ever seen them sold in wet markets.

To deeper water Before sundown, we decided to make for deeper water where the bigger fish were. It was a three-hour journey from Satang to where the water was a deeper blue and there was no land in sight. It started to rain at the time while we were on the way. And then the most unexpected thing happened. A small bird that was flying above water decided to take cover from the rain, and it flew into a storage area above the engine bay. A few moments later, it flew out for a while before coming back and landing on the edge of the boat.

With nowhere to go, it decided to take shelter in the

bathroom but later disappeared perhaps into one of the dryer spaces in the boat.

Three hours later, we arrived at our destination, a spot known as Tangganu 5 (T5). Sea Hawk on the other hand dropped anchor at Tangganu 3 (T3). T5 was our spot to fish for the night. Some who were sleeping below deck alighted and joined us as we started to fish again, hoping this time to reel in some big fish for the trip back home. Some of the smaller fish we caught earlier were used as bait for the bigger fish.

Almost two hours in, no big fish. Perhaps none of us were experienced enough to have just the right tricks up our sleeves, to be able to catch the big ones. Other than that, all was well, until yours truly began feeling nauseous. I mean, I’ve been out to sea before but maybe not that far out. And so far, I’ve never been Apr-Jun2021BorneoTalk | 61

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When I woke up before dawn and got outside, the water was rather calm. “Are we back in Satang?”, I asked STB’s Ozie, who was outside fishing by himself.

“Yes, we are,” he replied. So I decided to stay out and waited for the sunrise.

One by one, members of our group joined us outside.

The faintest light began piercing through the night sky and Ozie began catching fish. The brighter it got, the more fish got hooked to the lines. We started to get excited at the prospect of reeling in more fish! I personally caught myself more than a dozen mackerels and scads. In the end, we caught more than 2 kilos of fish – enough fish to distribute among ourselves.

At the same time, some of us admired the sunrise and took pictures with our cameras and our phones. The morning sun brought the beautiful Satang Island into view, lighting it up to almost film-like effect. All that, plus some Maggi noodles for breakfast… ahhh that’s the life! seasick. But this trip proved differently. I found myself unable to keep my cool and began feeling nauseous, almost to the point of throwing up a few times. The Veloxin tablet I took did not help at all. So the ship’s crew member advised me to go below deck and sleep it off. It was such a buzzkill, but it was all part of my firsttime deep-sea fishing adventure.

Joy comes in the morning sun Some hours later, I woke up to the sound of the boat engine thrusting ferociously. I went outside hoping to see some action, but no one was there and we seemed

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When the morning was finally bright and sunny, we made our way back to Telaga Air. Along the way, we sailed past the Sea Hawk. The group that was on that boat showed off their catch. Some pretty big ones, if I might add. But even though they went home with some impressive sized fish and we only caught ourselves some small ones, I was personally more than happy to have even experienced going out to sea on a fishing trip. It was a weekend well spent, away from the disturbances of modern technology, where I could just enjoy the sun, the sea, the breeze and the thrill of fishing.

Would I do it again? Most definitely!

Tourism Nate proudly showing off his catch of Ebek fish a.k.a Diamond Trevally

Each of these spots have different suitability in terms of fishing methods, but again it depends on personal preference. For example, Dadu prefers micro jigging in Sematan, while Lian’s favourite method for Santubong and Pulau Lakei is casting using lures and metal jigs.

Nate suggests jigging for black water fishing in places like Bintulu and Luconia in Miri, where species like dogtooth tuna and yellowfin tuna thrive in depths of more than 200 metres. He also suggests bottom fishing using live bait in Paloh up to Mukah.

For land-based fishing, lakes like Murum and Bakun in Belaga harbour species like semah, tengadak, catfish and several others. There are also plenty other lakes and rivers where large species like sebarau and even the elusive empurau thrive. However, the chances of landing a catch are sometimes very little to none, which is why many anglers like Dadu, Lian and Nate prefer to fish out at sea, where they are more likely to reel in the big ones!

Lian is all smiles with his Mangrove Jack

Haven for fishing enthusiasts Being the largest state in Malaysia, Sarawak boasts many hotspots for fishing, both land based and marine.

With variations in water depth ranging from 30m to 50m, 100m till 180m (deep water) and 200m to 300m (black water), anglers are spoilt for choice in terms of the variety of fish species in these waters. Adrian Dadu (Dadu), Jackson Lian (Lian) and Nathaniel Russell (Nate) of Hehoi Anglers shared that anglers generally favoured Bintulu waters for their pelagic species like giant trevally, Spanish mackerel, and giant grouper. Bigger species, they said, can be found further up in OCHUI, Paloh, Tanjong Sirik and Mukah waters. Dadu, Lian and Nate named Santubong, Sematan Samariang, Rambungan, Sampadi and Ulu Baram as their favourites.

“There are many great spots in Bintulu such as platforms D to F, for better chances at catching big fish,” Nathaniel told BorneoTalk. “Mukah and Miri are also popular with anglers because they offer extreme experiences of catching deep water pelagics.”

“The biggest I’ve caught was a diamond trevally, weighing around 6kg, from Santubong. But if I were to say the biggest among all, I cannot really describe it because I lost the fight. Might have been a giant grouper or saltwater stingray. My line snapped in the end, but it was definitely a huge one,” Nate described his biggest catch.

“50kg dogtooth tuna at Kolam Ah Jong in Buso. Haha.

Kidding. Threadfins fish, about 1 metre long at Pulau Lakei. I don’t know the weight because I did not bring my weighing scale at that time, but I gained like ½ kg after eating it. Hahaha,” Lian shared.

And as for Dadu, his biggest catch was an African pompano (Ebek Bulat) in Bintulu.

Hopefully this gives you a rough idea on where to fish in Sarawak. It may or may not give you a different experience from fishing elsewhere, but at the end of the day it’s about the thrill and excitement, or sometimes relaxation, that come with fishing.

Dadu with his African pompano or Ebek Bulat as it is locally known

Another popular destination among anglers is Tanjung Manis, whose deep waters also offer pelagic species like Spanish mackerels, giant groupers, even stingrays. In fact, Tanjung Manis has been hosting its annual Tanjung Manis Fishing Safari since 2004, which is a huge hit with anglers from as far as Kuching and Miri.

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Wonders beneath the surface Sure, you can bask under the tropical sun in Miri to get that bronze tan, traverse sandy beaches on an exciting ATV ride, or sip fresh coconut water while enjoying a time off in the second largest city in Sarawak.

But if you’re seeking an other-worldly experience, perhaps you’d like to go on an adventure down, down, down beneath the surface of the sea in beautiful Miri.

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Liveaboard experience at Luconia shoals Only a handful of divers will ever visit places that are reachable through liveaboards. Some are unfamiliar with the idea of liveaboards, meanwhile some think that it is a difficult experience reserved for only expert divers. If you

belong to either one of the paradigms, it’s time to unlearn those pre-conceived notions about liveaboards, which can take divers to many hard-to-reach, gorgeous underwater spots no day-trips can get you to.

Miri is the getaway to Luconia Shoals, remote dive spots reachable by a liveaboard vessel. It is located about 100-150 hundred kilometres from Sarawak’s shorelines in the South China Sea. Gazetted as the biggest Apr-Jun2021BorneoTalk | 65

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marine national park in Malaysia, Luconia Shoals is so vast, that it is divided into two parts: North and South.

The southern part boasts reefs beautifully covered with corals, sponges and gorgonian fans. A dive at the south Luconia Shoals gives divers the opportunity to see large pelagics such as dogtooth tuna, shark, snapper and rainbow runner.

Meanwhile, north Luconia shoals have nice coral formations covered with soft and hard corals.

There, divers can witness species such as manta ray, tuna and barracuda.

Despite lying deep underwater, the visibility at Luconia Shoals is claimed to be much better than other dive sites closer to shore. This makes it an exciting diving area to explore for fellow divers who are seeking faraway adventures.

Diving at Miri-Sibuti Coral Reefs National Park As one of the world’s top diving destinations, Malaysia has an incredible choice of diving sites. Diving might not be on top of the list for tourists travelling to Sarawak, but it should be, especially with resort city Miri fast emerging as a premier diving destination in the region. Miri-Sibuti Coral Reefs National Park is a diving site where one can discover a beautiful marine landscape. Underwater exploration here is simply fabulous, due to an abundance of pristine reef patches and incredible marine life. With an average visibility of 10 to 30 metres, the underwater paradise harbours species like Gorgonia sea fans, bubble corals, Napoleon wrasse and jackfish.

It is also the largest offshore national park in Sarawak, with almost 40 identified dive sites. The park lies at depths ranging from 7 to 50 metres, with its nearest dive site located a mere 10 minutes from Marina Bay Jetty. Some popular diving sites are Eve’s Garden, Batu Belais, Nemo City as well as wreck sites such as Atago Maru wreck and Sri Gadong wreck.

photos by Jimmy Yong (Miri Divers Plt /Cocodive)

While diving is available all year round, diving season takes place between March and August. Also, from March to April divers can see the majestic, slow-moving whale shark in the open water.

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While in Miri Back from the underwater world, you’ll find that Miri has plenty to offer as well.

Savour Laksa Sarawak Ask any Mirian on where to get a good bowl of Laksa Sarawak, and they’ll answer Laksa Lolita in a heartbeat. With a wellbalanced broth that is not too thick and oily, this version of Sarawak’s iconic spicy noodle dish has an authentic taste that is distinctive compared to any Laksa Sarawak elsewhere.

Address: 349, Jalan Miri - Lutong, Lutong, 98000 Miri, Sarawak

Shop for local souvenirs at Tamu Muhibbah Tamu Muhibbah is the best place to shop for unique local items in Miri.

At this farmer’s market, one can find all sorts of products such as Bario rice, cincalok (fermented krill paste) as well as jungle produce like midin and paku. Come early in the morning when everything is still super fresh.

Address: 98000 Miri, Sarawak

Bird spotting at Piasau Nature Reserve

Diving responsibly It takes thousands of years to form stunning underwater cities filled with healthy coral reefs, which fish and other marine organisms depend on for shelter, food and reproduction in the reefs’ nooks and crannies. But such beauty can disintegrate, splitting big coral tables into parts within a matter of seconds. This can cause reef fish to lose their habitat, and disrupt the marine ecosystem.

A lot of external reasons cause such unwanted incidents such as over fishing, oil spill and dynamiting. Sometimes, fishing nets left in the ocean get snagged on corals. And as they move with the current, they damage this wonderful underwater habitat.

Visitors who might be unaware of the best practices when it comes to diving are usually first-timers. But the usual code to diving sustainably is pretty much common sense: remove hazards that do not belong in the ocean and dive without leaving a trace.

If everyone is responsibly practising these sustainable actions, the best interests of the marine sanctuary will be protected and preserved for future generations.

If you are familiar with the Sarawak State Emblem, you’ll notice that a hornbill has been chosen to bear its pride. While no other animal represents Sarawak better than the hornbill, the bird is absolutely hard to spot unless you go deep into the rainforest, or know where their habitats are.

But such is not the case at Piasau Nature Reserve. Especially known to attract hornbills, it is a natural space, which provides visitors the opportunity to bird watch. If you’re lucky, you might spot some hornbills perching on top of a tree at PNR! Address: Lot 1274, Jalan Peninsula, 98000 Miri, Sarawak

For a detailed information about diving in Miri, check out @MiriDivers Apr-Jun2021BorneoTalk | 67

Tourism

I n dig e nous a r t e fa c t s

of Borneo

Feast your eyes on the wonderful collection of rare artefacts from Sarawak at Borneo Cultures Museum. These artefacts were important objects that not only charmed to the tastes of the Bornean people, but have also become one that intertwines with the local culture, customs, and beliefs that interpret their traditional way of life.

With five levels of galleries and exhibition spaces that will showcase Sarawak’s history and the life of its many communities, expect to find remarkable and unique artefacts as you explore this world-class museum. Here’s what’s coming to Level 3 of Borneo Cultures Museum.

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Tourism

Olive - Green Jar This large and heavy olive-green glazed jar came from Kampung Sungai Ud, Dalat, Mukah. It was used in Melanau custom for moving into a new house. Prior to moving in, the house owner would bring this jar into the house and fill it with water.

Only once the jar was filled with water to the brim would the occupants move in. The water would then be used in the household until the jar was empty. Only then would the jar be returned to its owner.

This jar dates back to 9th century China.

Spear of Tama Long In hunting as in war, spears were for thrusting instead of throwing. Fans of weaponry would not want to miss out on seeing the Tama Long Spear. Once belonging to Tama Long (a.k.a Aban Jau), the former chief of Sebop in Baram, the sturdy spear features a solid 7ft shaft and a heavy blade measuring about 15” x 2”.

What’s unique about Tama Long spear is its shape and design.

The weaponry has a long shaft made of light red wood.

Fastened to its shaft is a long and broad leaf-shaped spear blade whose base is slightly ornamented with engravings and ‘carved hooks’. The shaft’s collar is bound with rattan. A notable feature is the lance-tip spear’s butt-end, which plays a huge second effective means to ward off opponents in a cramped space, and as an addition to the front blade-end of the spear.

Tama Long was one of the most important leaders of Tinjar Sebop, whose military adventures became so well known that the chief was classified as the ‘Kayan chief of Tinjar’ by the agents of Rajah Brooke.

Buk Payang Buk Payang, a one-of-a-kind ladle made from payang fruits seed and bayuh bamboo, is an iconic utensil of the Kelabit community, showcased under highlands settlement theme at Level 3.

Before the advent of modern utensils, this traditional handcrafted ladle was one of the essential utensils of a typical traditional kitchen in Kelabit Highlands. The highlanders use it to serve rice porridge (kekid in Kelabit language). The ladle will be dipped into a hot pot to ladle out the rice porridge, which can be consumed any time of the day. Besides kekid, this utensil was also used to serve borak (rice wine) in the past.

This lightweight ladle consists two parts: the payang fruit seed that functions as the cup or bowl, and a small bamboo stem as the handle. These two natural resources are chosen to assemble Buk Payang because of their availability and abundance in Borneo. Both grow wildly near the surroundings of the Kelabit Highlands and are native to Borneo.

For more information, log onto museum.sarawak.gov.my or visit our Facebook @borneoculturesmuseum Apr-Jun2021BorneoTalk | 69

Tourism

The intrigue of Sarawak’s ancient burial poles Ancient burial poles were once of vital importance and great significance to the people of Borneo.

Today, some of them still stand strong – kept well preserved as a reminder of the intriguing old practices of the Orang Ulu and Melanau folks these precious artefacts belong to. The burial poles were used in the past for a secondary burial ritual known as nulang, a practice reserved only for the aristocrats and community leaders and their family.

The ritual included the cleaning of bones of the deceased, after which they were put in a tajau (ceramic jar) and placed in the burial pole.

Some of these precious treasures of old are now part of the Sarawak Museum Department’s collection, where they receive utmost care and protection against damage and decay. Two of these burial poles were gifted by the Sarawak State as official gifts to West Malaysia. These two burial poles, one called Punan Ba and the other Sekapan Klirieng, can be witnessed today at the National Museum grounds in Kuala Lumpur.

According to Sarawak Museum Deparment’s curator, Nicholas Daby Anak Henry Atie, ironwood or locally known as belian (Eusideroxylon zwageri) is the most preferred timber for kelirieng/jerunai burial poles or salong mausoleums among the Orang Ulu (Kayan, Kenyah, Kajang, Punan and Berawan among others) and Melanau. This is due to its denseness, its straightness, its ideal measurement between 6 and 20 metres and the fact that it does not have a lot of branches.

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Tourism These structures, made from a whole belian tree trunk, are usually covered at the top. Some use flat stone slab or a wooden upper framework. The old burial pole at Taman Jerunai in Dalat is capped with a round wooden cover that resembles the Melanau sunhat known as terendak when viewed from underneath.

On rare occasions, a burial chamber known as salong was used to cap the structure, especially among the Berawan and other people in Baram. A salong was traditionally supported by one to four carved posts.

Today, a double poled salong can be seen at the Sarawak Museum grounds. Built by Kejaman Chief Aman Tipong Tului at Long Segaham in Belaga, it was donated to the Sarawak Museum and later moved to Kuching in 1972. Meanwhile, the Seping folks along Belaga River placed their salong on two wooden posts that were both high and thin.

Many names Although generally serving the same purpose for the Orang Ulu and Melanau, these ancient burial poles are known by several different names. The Punan Ba in Belaga, Tatau/Punan Ba in Kakus, Punan Pedan and Punan Minah of a tributary of the Kemena River, as well as the Kajang (Kejaman, Sekapan) of the Balui River in Belaga they are named “klirieng”. Theirs typically feature high/low relief carving on the surface. The

Punan Ba also used smaller 2.5 to 3 metres high burial poles with minimal carvings for the remains of respected wealthy commoners of good standing (panyin jiàà).

Meanwhile, the jerunai of Mukah’s Melanau Likau is often big and tall. The Melanau folk carved the upper part of their “jerunai”, towards the opening where they would place their burial jar. One famous jerunai is located at Kampung Tellian, with a burial jar carved straight into the tree trunk itself.

Meaning behind the carvings Carvings of the burial poles of the Orang Ulu and Melanau carry different meanings. For the Punan Ba, the carvings on the open upper section of their burial poles are usually in the shape of gibbons (kelavet) or humanlike figures, with smaller figures emerging from the larger ones to symbolise a variety of things, such as rebirth.

The Melanau Likau burial poles and some of the older Punan Ba poles have four prongs where the main jar is placed. Rope patterns (talé, taléy) run down the middle of the pole and two vertical cavities are hollowed at the back of the pole to hold either additional burial jars or smaller coffins that contain vertically placed bones of children or the elderly.

The Kajang and Punan Ba posts feature deep reliefs of protector spirits as well as reliefs like spirals, humans, animals and other small figures. Older poles have a more noticeable and refined ‘net design’ (mata jala).

Shrouded in mystery These ancient burial poles and the taboos surrounding them are linked to the past practice of human sacrifice.

Melanau slaves were once ritualistically slaughtered, crushed inside of the pole or tied to the pole and left to die of hunger. Nicholas believes these practices were perhaps derived from the ideas of ‘rebirth’ and compensation involved in the sacrifice. He also sees the importance of recording as much as possible the intangible cultural heritage, whether tales, myths or beliefs tied to these ancient burial poles.

For more information, log onto museum.sarawak.gov.my or visit our Facebook @borneoculturesmuseum Apr-Jun2021BorneoTalk | 71

Tourism

Take your time to fully experience Sarawak For some, travelling provides more than just an escape from the daily grind. It is sort of like a remedy for your troubled mind, aching body, and weary soul. It renews you and rids you of your mental and physical exhaustion.

It fills you with joy and happiness and gives you a sense of fulfilment. To experience these in full effect, it is best to take it slow. Make plans well in advance for a long getaway that will allow you to discover everything you hope to unravel during your travel, at your own pace.

Slow tourism is a growing trend. It allows for a full experience of a place from the point of view of the locals. There’s no need to rush for the next item in your itinerary. It gives you room to breathe, time to take breaks in between when you get tired from walking or hiking, meet and mingle with the locals, appreciate the local culture and truly savour the local food, and so forth. It lets you truly enjoy your vacation to the fullest extent.

Chief Executive Officer of Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) Sharzede Datu Hj Salleh Askor explains that slow tourism is about consciousness towards the environment, reducing the use of flights or ground transportation, and also appreciation towards a destination and its surroundings.

Huge potential for slow tourism in Sarawak Sarawak, a salad bowl in which myriads of races and religions coexist in perfect harmony, and where culture, adventure, nature, food and festivals are the order of the day… every day, is primed for slow tourism. The State is so rich in a diversity of tourist attractions that experiencing even just a fraction of what’s available here would demand at least a week’s stay or two, or even longer because truly, there is just much to discover, either in or outside its cities and towns. And the best is to do that at your own pace.

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Mulu National Park “Sarawak is a destination where visitors can explore the environment and immerse themselves in accessible and reachable tourism products, from its diverse culture, adventure, nature and food,” Sharzede commented.

“Sarawak being the largest state in Malaysia makes it one of the prime destinations for slow tourism because one can take time to relax rather than having to spend a minimal time at one particular place. It also allows the visitors to have time to engage more with the community,” she added.

Mulu National Park, for example, holds so many natural treasures. Take time to admire the caverns, the pinnacles and the flora and fauna. Take a trip to the Kelabit Highlands and be immersed in absolute serenity. The mountains will take your breath away and the warmth of the people will make you feel like you’re right at home!

Be involved While on your travel, take the opportunity to learn as much as you can about the place you’re visiting from the locals. Waiting out there is a world of knowledge about a great many things that can only be discovered by getting involved with the community, eating their food, buying fresh ingredients from the local market, etc. And don’t forget to also contribute some time and energy to practice some responsible tourism, such as helping to pick up trash around the places you visit and assisting your local host to prepare dinner for example.

“Our (tourism) industry is ever ready in moving towards slow tourism because the products that Sarawak offers mostly involve the communities.

However, some of the products need improvement and maintenance,” Sharzede concluded.

While we brace ourselves for when travelling is possible again, go ahead and make plans for a long holiday down here in Sarawak so you can discover or rediscover this beautiful State… at your own slow and steady pace.

Tourism

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TRADE NEWS SARAWAK GETS FREE E-BUS SERVICE… March 2nd marked another milestone for Sarawak as the State launched its first ever free public electric bus. With the launch of the new electric bus (E-Bus) service, Sarawak became the first ever state in Malaysia to introduce electric powered buses that are free for the public to use. Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Sarawak Datuk Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah launched the E-Bus at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK).

The idea of a free E-Bus service was mooted by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Sarawak (MTAC), with guidance from the Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg, in line with the State Government’s policy to focus on sustainable development. The E-Bus will cover a looping route from Dewan Undangan Negeri Sarawak (DUN) to Semenggoh Wildlife Centre, among the most popular visitor destinations in Kuching.

Although only available in Kuching at the moment, the E-Bus will eventually extend its services to other cities like Sibu, Miri and Bintulu in the future.

FORUM ON RESPONSIBLE TOURISM MANAGEMENT… Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Sarawak Datuk Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah on Feb 2 officiated the Inaugural Publication of The Journal of Responsible Tourism Management (JRTM) at USCI Hotel Kuching. The ceremony coincided with the Journal of Responsible Tourism Management (JRTM) forum, which was a hybrid forum hosted on the same day at UCSI Hotel Kuching.

The forum saw academicians and industry players gathering via Zoom and Facebook LIVE to discuss the different aspects of responsible tourism, with topics on responsible tourism, mobility patterns of international tourists and even touching on COVID-19’s impact on tourism.

ADDRESSING ISSUES IN TOURISM SECTOR… The annual Sarawak Tourism Steering Committee Meeting (STSC) was held on March 16 this year at Imperial Hotel Kuching, gathering some 90 attendees (including 30 attendees via virtual) from the tourism, arts and culture industry and government agencies. Officiated by Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Sarawak Datuk Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, the meeting addressed various issues faced by tourism players in the past year, including Bantuan Khas Sarawakku Sayang (BKSS), discounts on utilities, waiver of hotel licence fees, designation of hotels as quarantine centres, distribution of assistance to licenced tour guides and park guides, as well as licence boatmen in 2020.

SHOWCASING THE CHARMS OF OLD KUCHING… Kuching Old Bazaar was officiated on March 16 at Carpenter Street. The launch saw a presentation of a historical book, video, tourism brochures, QR code plaque and street art mural dedicated to Kuching Old Bazaar’s unique heritage. The event included a tour around Carpenter Street where Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Sarawak Datuk Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah and his entourage walked around China Street and Bishopgate and visited interesting spots such as the street mural by Leonard Siaw, a few old trade shops (tin smith, goldsmith and frame makers) as well as street food stalls.

Apr-Jun2021BorneoTalk | 73

Tourism

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Keropok lekor is a delightful fish cracker snack much loved by people of all walks of life. It is mildly salty with a little umami and has a delicious fishy flavour. Originating from the East Coast (Pantai Timur) states in West Malaysia, keropok lekor has found its way into the hearts (and tummies) of every Malaysian, including Sarawakians.

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Tourism

Made in Sarawak Today, fans of this fishy snack need not wait to fly to the East Coast states just to enjoy keropok lekor in its birthplace, because here in Sarawak you can get keropok lekor quite easily. It is sold at roadside stalls, at hawker centres, even in restaurants and some hotels – readily deep-fried for you to enjoy on the go.

Some may argue that keropok lekor made in Sarawak does not taste like the Terengganu ones, but take a drive to Kampung Semera in Asajaya, and you will learn that this is not necessarily true.

Just along on the roadside along Jalan Kota SamarahanSadong Jaya before you reach the junction into the village of Semera, Muliati’s Food is a small shop where you can purchase frozen or freshly made keropok lekor to bring back home and deep-fry yourself. It’s a little over an hour’s drive from Kuching City centre (if you’re using the Kuching Waterfront as your starting point) – a considerably long drive but well worth it.

Muliati’s Keropok Lekor is prepared fresh every day.

To make sure that their keropok is as authentic as possible, specially imported tamban fish or sardines are used. Tamban is the ideal fish for keropok lekor as it is richer and more flavourful. Unfortunately, it is not a local species, hence the need for Muliati’s to import their fish to make keropok lekor.

Authentic taste There are three types of keropok lekor Semera you can try, all made using the same methods and recipes as those made in the East Coast to ensure an authentic taste.

The crispy type is for those who love the crunch in every bite of keropok lekor, although the higher starch content results in a less intense fish taste. Highly recommended is the non-crispy type, which has a much higher fish to starch ratio, resulting in a more intense fish taste. This can be bought either frozen or freshly made (the former is already pre-cut into bite sizes). If you are looking for both intense fish taste and crunch, go for the dried keropok lekor, which crispens up and expands when fried in hot oil.

For those of you who yearn for a taste of authentic keropok lekor, go ahead and take a leisurely drive to Kampung Semera and grab yourself a few bags of freshly made, frozen or dried keropok lekor Semera. Besides, the Asajaya roadside is dotted with so many roadside stalls and markets that offer a breadth of locally made products to try and buy, including assortments of kuih, locally made condiments, fresh seafood, fruits and jungle produce among many. Plus, the scenic drive provides a temporary escape from the stressful city life.

It’s like killing a flock of birds with one stone!

Muliati binti Dasiry learned the art of making keropok lekor in Johor.

Where to buy: Muliati’s Food ~ Kampung Semera, Jalan Asajaya-Sadong Jaya, 94600 Asajaya, Sarawak.

+60 16 7288 207 (Muliati binti Dasiry) Tip: Just look for a small roadside shop with Keropok Lekor Semera banner, with a food stand selling readily fried keropok lekor just outside it.

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Tourism

Personalised cleaning that meets your needs At a time when home becomes the place we spend the most time in, a tidy and sparkling clean living space is what we seek. Home is a sacred space, one in which we and our loved ones live, work, study and sleep. It also contains our most valuable possessions, both in terms of cost and emotional value.

Save your precious time and gain peace of mind by letting the professionals from Grand Margherita Hotel and Riverside Majestic Hotel (Puteri Wing and Astana Wing) handle your to-do chores. With more than 40 years experience of serving the hospitality industry, these hotels under the management of Hemisphere Corporation completely understand users’ requirements on housekeeping.

Stay inspired Ditch those work-from-home distractions with a change of working environment at Hemisphere hotels chains: Grand Margherita Hotel and Riverside Majestic Hotel.

A new environment can help to break through those roadblocks and solve projects you’ve been working on for months.

The hotels’ energetic and comfortable atmosphere at Sky Lounge and Orchid Garden Coffee House set the benchmark for privacy and high key performance.

Perks to expect besides their equally conducive spaces are free coffee/tea or soft drink with a cookie, RM10 food credit at Sky Lounge and Orchid Garden Coffee House, complimentary high-speed WiFi, complimentary hotel car parking fee, complimentary hand sanitiser and face mask.

So, power through your to-do list in the quiet comfort of Kuching’s Hemisphere hotels with their Work From Hotel package. Available daily from 10am to 9pm, this package is now on offer at just RM30. Purchase the Work From Hotel e-Voucher via Insiders Club at insidersclub.com.my.

Redemption is valid until 31st December 2021.

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The professional housekeepers from Hemisphere are highly trained, and will match your expectations.

They are dedicated to clean your homes and offices, making them safe and healthy without interfering with normal day-to-day life of the occupants and users.

These services can also be tailored to your specific requirements with cost effectiveness in mind. Together with their extensive housekeeping knowledge and advanced cleaning technologies, they will ensure every corner of your home and offices is clean, hygienic and in tip-top condition.

It is Hemisphere’s commitment to enhance the overall environmental quality of your living and working spaces not just aesthetically, but also in terms of safety and hygiene.

Tourism

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Instant benefits with Insiders Club Unlock countless possibilities to enjoy more of life’s precious moments from Insiders Club, the loyalty and reward mobile app that lets guests enjoy benefits from prestigious hotels in Kuching, Sarawak.

Exclusive member benefits for local experiences

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Guarantee Best Food & Beverage Deals Save more and enjoy the best deals on food and beverages from the hotels’ restaurants in the Insiders Club member app.

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Contactless Food Order Simply scan to order off the menu, complete your purchase, and opt for either self-pickup or have your order delivered to you.

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ZERO Hassle Booking The app is the simplest way to book, from selecting your preferred room and F&B voucher, to payment and instant confirmation, all in just seconds! It takes away the hassle of re-entering information with each new booking and rummaging through your email inbox or printing. Everything is in and through the app!

Insiders Club membership offers plenty of benefits.

Members earn discounts, redeem points and enjoy enriching local experiences at participating hotels and venues under Hemisphere Corporation.

Participating hotels and venues - Grand Margherita Hotel - Riverside Majestic Hotel Puteri Wing - Riverside Majestic Hotel Astana Wing - Damai Beach Resort - Sarawak Cultural Village Benefits include: • Reward Points

Earn points per Ringgit (RM) spent on stays as well as food and beverages, from purchases made on or off the Insiders Club app. As long as you’re a member of the Insiders Club, you’re entitled for points.

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Insiders Club by Hemisphere in available on iOS App Store and Google Play Store.

insidersclub.com.my

Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC), Menara SEDC, Lot 2878, The Isthmus, Off Jalan Bako, 93050, Kuching, Sarawak. +60 82 551 555 . +60 82 551 222 . info@sedc.my . www.sedc.com.my Apr-Jun2021BorneoTalk | 77

Empowerment

Crops Cultivation & Nursery

Trainings

• Gaharu innoculation training

• Tagang system - Ulu Mujok & Ulu Engkari

• Crafts training

• Loading rattan seedlings to Rh Manggat

• Distribution of 1,300 agarwood seedlings to the community

Suspension Bridge for The Local Communities

Boosting rural communities’ livelihood House Building for The Penan Community

Over the years, Forest Department Sarawak (FDS) has conducted numerous programmes aimed at boosting the rural communities’ livelihood. The efforts among others are promoting community development of rural folk to improve their living standards and reduce dependence on forests as well as diversifying rural economy by supporting in terms of training and basic utilities.

These programmes correspond with the fifth pillar of the Heart of Borneo (HoB) Initiative, which focusses on the eradication of CommunityBased/Rural Poverty. There are four components in the programme, namely (i) Communication, education and public awareness (ii) Human capital development (iii) Improvement of the quality and standard of living, and (iv) Development of infrastructure within HoB Sarawak area.

To realise this programme, FDS collaborated with various agencies and stakeholders in its implementation. It is heartening to see that these programmes have been able to provide employment opportunities, thus uplifting the livelihood of local communities in the area and alleviating poverty among rural communities - all while taking environmental conservation into account.

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Clean Water

Empowerment

Salt Processing Facilities, Buduk Bui, Ba’kelalan

Handicraft Development

Non-Timber Forest Products (Ntfp) Carnival

Electrical Training

Carpentry Training

Non-Timber Forests Product (NTFP) development FDS also actively implements activities for NTFP Development to enhance knowledge and skills of the community in NTFP-making, as well as to expose them to new ideas, creativity, and diversity in the production of NTFP. To showcase their products, as well as those produced by other local entrepreneurs in the HoB area, FDS organises the NTFP Carnival annually.

Besides the aforesaid, the carnival also supports locally-made product and boosts the community’s income through promoting and selling their NTFP products, and to foster business networking between communities and consumers/corporate buyers.

Forest Department Sarawak Bangunan Baitulmakmur II, Medan Raya, Petra Jaya, 93050 Kuching, Sarawak. forestry.sarawak.gov.my

Apr-Jun2021BorneoTalk | 79

KKLIU 0937/2021

Health

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

by DR. LAU KENT TER

Resident Consultant Physician (Internal Medicine) MBBS (AIMST), HKCPIE (HK)-MRCP (UK), MRCPS (Glasg), CMIA (NIOSH), AM (MAL), FRCP (Glasg), FRCPI (Ire)

Introduction

Chronic kidney disease means persistent damage to the kidneys that can worsen over time. If the damage is very bad, your kidneys may stop working. This is called kidney failure, or endstage renal disease (ESRD). If your kidneys fail, you will need dialysis or a kidney transplant to live.

There are 5 clinical stages of CKD: Stage 1: Kidney damage but without decreased glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and usually without symptoms.

Stage 2: Kidney damage but with some reduction in GFR, usually no symptoms, but with high blood pressure and possible dysfunction in other organs.

Stage 3: Significant reduction is GFR, increased levels in urea and creatinine in blood, dysfunction in other organs, often symptomless.

Stage 4: Severe reduced kidney function, high levels of urea and creatinine in blood, dysfunction in other organs, mild symptoms.

Stage 5: Kidney function no longer adequate to sustain life, range of symptoms and abnormalities in range of organs.

What causes Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

The two main causes of chronic kidney disease are diabetes and high blood pressure, which are responsible for up to two-thirds of the cases. Diabetes happens when your blood sugar is too high, damaging many organs including kidneys, heart, blood vessels, nerves and eyes. High blood pressure, or hypertension, occurs when the pressure of your blood against the walls of your blood vessels increases. If uncontrolled, or poorly controlled, high blood pressure can cause heart attacks, strokes and chronic kidney disease. Also, chronic kidney disease can cause uncontrolled blood pressure.

What are the symptoms of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

You may notice one or more of the following symptoms if your kidneys are beginning to fail:

Symptom 1: Feel more tired and have less energy.

Symptom 2 : Increased or decreased urination.

Symptom 3 : Muscle cramps.

Symptom 4 : Having dry, itchy skins.

Symptom 5 : Shortness of breath & nausea.

Symptom 6 : Loss of appetite.

Does Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) cause other health problems?

Kidney disease can lead to other health problems, such as heart disease. If you have kidney disease, it increases your chance of having a stroke or heart attack.

High blood pressure can be both a cause and result of kidney disease and damages your kidneys. Damaged kidneys don’t work as well to help control your blood pressure.

How can I prevent Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)?

Diabetes and high blood pressure are the most common causes of CKD. Working with your doctor to keep your blood sugar and blood pressure under control is the best way to prevent kidney disease.

Living a healthy lifestyle can help prevent diabetes, high blood pressure and kidney disease, or help keep them under control.

Follow these tips to lower your risk for kidney disease and the problems that cause it: • Follow a low-salt, low-fat diet • Exercise at least 30 minutes on most days of the week • Have regular check-ups with your doctor • Do not smoke or use tobacco • Limit alcohol

How can I detect Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)?

You can do a simple urine analysis to look for present of any protein, blood or cast. Renal function test via blood checkout can identify your glomerular filtration rate. You should go for further investigations if there is any derangement of renal function tests. Ultrasound kidney is important to identify any blockage of the urinary tract and the health of the kidney.

How is Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) treated?

Damage to your kidneys is usually permanent. Although the damage cannot be fixed, you can take steps to keep your kidneys as healthy as possible for as long as possible. You may even be able to stop the damage from getting worse.

• Control your blood sugar if you have diabetes.

• Keep a healthy blood pressure.

• Follow a low-salt, low-fat diet.

• Exercise at least 30 minutes on most days of the week.

• Keep a healthy weight.

• Do not smoke or use tobacco.

• Limit alcohol.

• Talk to your doctor about medicines that can help protect your kidneys.

If you catch kidney disease early, you may be able to prevent kidney failure. If your kidneys fail, you will need dialysis or a kidney transplant to survive.

KPJ Miri Specialist Hospital Apr-Jun2021BorneoTalk | 81

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