Thursday, 29 January 2026

Author: Jacqueline David

Country music festival draws record crowds to Siniawan

BAU: The quaint historical town of Siniawan was transformed into a vibrant, pulsating hub of music, food and festivities over the weekend as the Siniawan Country Music Festival (SCMF) made a spectacular return, bigger, louder and livelier than ever. The second night of the festival on Saturday saw thousands of

‘Puduu’ Anaak’ launch celebrates Orang Ulu heritage

KUCHING: The rich cultural heritage of Sarawak’s Orang Ulu community took centre stage with the official launch of the mini album ‘Puduu’ Anaak’ at a city mall today. ‘Puduu’ Anaak’, translated as ‘Sleeping Child’ in the Orang Ulu language, features traditional songs as a tribute to cultural preservation. The project,

11-year-old boy from Terengganu wins ‘Bintang Kecil 2025’

KUCHING: An 11-year-old boy from Terengganu, Megat Muhammad Qalif Megat Shazrin, shed tears of joy after winning a total prize money of RM23,000 in the Bintang Kecil 2025 finale, beating 10 other contestants on Saturday. He captured hearts across the nation in the prestigious children’s singing competition, not only as

Air somewhat subdued as Malaysia Day approaches

KUCHING: The atmosphere in the city is rather subdued with modest decorations appearing to be the norm as Malaysia Day approaches. While a few shopping malls and business outlets have hoisted the Jalur Gemilang alongside the Sarawak state flag, the overall holiday spirit appears muted. Streets that would typically be

Mixed reactions to RM100 SARA aid

KUCHNG: The distribution of the RM100 Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA or Sara Appreciation Aid) cash aid has received mixed reactions from recipients here. For 35-year-old hotel supervisor, Shafeenaz Shein Shahruzzami, the RM100 is helpful and sufficient. “As a single person, I think it’s enough for a month for me. I use

Rock in the Jungle 2.0 a perfect storm of culture, music and unity

SANTUBONG: The jungle roared to life on Friday night as Rock in the Jungle (RiTJ) 2.0 opened with a burst of energy, emotion, and electrifying performances at the iconic Sarawak Cultural Village here. From the very first guitar riff, the crowd was on their feet, dancing, singing, and waving lights

Kenyalang Bersaok competition envisioned as an annual event

KUCHING: The Kenyalang Bersaok Competition is envisioned to become an annual event, serving as a platform to empower young people with pride in their cultural identity. Sarawak Art Council (MSS) acting chief executive officer Awang Ikman Awang Sepian said the competition is a prestigious showcase of the traditional ‘Tandak Nopeng

Father donates kidney to his daughter

KUCHING: A father’s selfless act has moved an entire community in Batu Kitang, as residents rallied together to support Lee Jun Kiong’s family, raising RM33,685 in just three days. Lee, 56, who works as a mechanic and father of two, recently made the courageous decision to donate his kidney to

Science and arts performance brings festival to an end

KUCHING: The Kuching Festival 2025 which came to a grand conclusion yesterday, drew thousands of festival-goers to its finale at the MBKS grounds where they were treated to ‘Meniti Cakerawala 2.0’, an awe-inspiring performance that bridged science and the arts. Since its opening on July 25, the Kuching Festival 2025,

Sculp & Robo Challenge stokes interest in STEM, TVET

BAU: The inaugural Sculp & Robo Challenge 1.0 held here was hailed as a significant step forward in empowering Sarawakian youth through science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), as well as technical and vocational education and training (TVET). Deputy Transport Minister (Riverine and Marine), Datuk Henry Harry Jinep, emphasised the