Saturday, 31 January 2026

Author: Jacqueline David

Bidayuh river festival eyes place in tourism calendar

KUCHING: The vibrant Pesta Sungai Simpok, a river festival showcasing the rich traditions of the Bidayuh community with a colourful decorated raft parade, may soon gain official recognition as part of the Sarawak Tourism Calendar. Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister, Datuk Seri Roland Sagah Wee Inn, held out the

Working Sarawakians can apply for free higher education

KUCHING: Sarawakian workers interested in pursuing their first full-time degree under the state’s free education initiative can now begin the process by applying for admission to state-owned universities, according to the Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development (MEITD). Its Minister, Datuk Seri Roland Sagah Wee Inn, confirmed that applicants

Aspiring teacher wins Miss Tasik Biru crown

BAU: An aspiring teacher of mixed Berawan-Bidayuh descent, Joana Jane Francis, was crowned Miss Tasik Biru 2025, winning hearts with her charm, eloquence and commitment to education. Her victory not only marked a personal milestone but also symbolised the hopes of a younger generation passionate about preserving culture while shaping

Political secretary launches Cultural Elevation Showcase

KUCHING: The Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Ministry strongly supports initiatives that bring youth closer to their roots. “’Cultural Elevation’ reflects exactly what we want for Sarawak’s cultural landscape – a future where young people are not just consumers of culture but carriers of heritage and creators of identity,”

Drumming up tradition at Gawai celebrations

KUCHING: The rhythmic and powerful sounds of the gendang pampat, a cherished traditional Iban drum, are once again echoing through longhouses and villages, adding a vibrant pulse to Gawai Dayak festivities across Sarawak. More than just music, the deep drumbeats serve as a cultural heartbeat — uniting generations, evoking ancestral

Open contests pledge sparks debate on PRS presidency

KUCHING: Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS), which will hold its Triennial Delegates Conference in October this year, has thrown the door wide open to contests for all positions in the party. But will the post of party president, currently held by Datuk Joseph Salang Gandum following the death of its founding

60 auxiliary officers graduate to reinforce Sarawak Bomba

BAU: A new batch of 60 Auxiliary Bomba Officers (Pegawai Bomba Bantuan or PBB) has completed their competency training under the Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department (Sarawak Bomba), reinforcing efforts to fill critical vacancies and strengthen emergency services across the state. Sarawak Bomba deputy director Tiong Ling Hii said the

Kampung Haji Baki turns green and drug-free

KUCHING: Kampung Haji Baki has reached a remarkable milestone, where the village has remained drug-free for the past three years, a testament to the community’s united efforts in combating substance abuse and restoring hope for future generations. Once grappling with drug-related issues, the village has since transformed into a beacon

RM2mil hall extension to house Community Halal Kitchen

KUCHING: Kampung Haji Baki Community Hall will see another extension of its current hall to be expanded by half the size of the current community hall, which will house a Community Halal Kitchen (CHK) which is to be the first in Malaysia, a library, a music room and Women Community

Expert sheds light on symbolism behind trophy skulls

KUCHING: Trophy skulls, one of Borneo’s most misunderstood and culturally complex traditions, came under the spotlight at a Borneo Cultures Museum talk here Sunday. Renowned anthropologist, linguist and museographer, Dr Antonio J. Guerreiro, shed light on the practice of headhunting and symbolism behind trophy skulls. The event, organised by the