Keunikan kawasan Delta Kuching dan Gunung Kinabalu di Sabah bakal menjadi Geopark Global yang ke-dua dan ketiga di Malaysia, iaitu produk terbaharu dalam geosains negara.
Ketua Pengarah Jabatan Mineral dan Geosains Datuk Yunus Abdul Razak berkata, Malaysia kini hanya mempunyai satu taman sedemikian yang turut mendapat pengiktirafan Pertubuhan Pendidikan, Saintifik dan Kebudayaan Bangsa-Bangsa Bersatu (UNESCO), iaitu Geo-park Global Langkawi.
Bagaimanapun, kata beliau, pengiktirafan kepada Geopark Global Langkawi sahaja adalah tidak mencukupi dan kini jabatan melalui Kumpulan Teras Warisan Geologi sedang berusaha merealisasikan hasrat itu.
“Selepas Langawi kami mencadangkan untuk menjadikan Delta Kuching dan Gunung Kinabalu, Sabah sebagai Geopark Global kedua dan ketiga di Malaysia selepas Langkawi.
“Delta Kuching akan mendapat penarafan di peringkat negeri dan kebangsaan yang ke-mudian bakal mendapat pengisytiharan daripada UNESCO,” katanya berucap pada majlis perasmian Persidangan Geosains Kebangsaan 2012 Per- satuan Geologi Malaysia yang disempurnakan oleh Menteri Perancangan Sumber dan Alam Sekitar Kedua Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan di sini, semalam.
Menurut Yunus, Langkawi diisytiharkan oleh ahli Jaringan Geopark Global oleh UNESCO sebagai Geopark Global Langkawi pada tahun 2007.
Geopark ialah satu konsep pembangunan yang memberikan perhatian kepada keseimbangan tiga komponen utama iaitu kepentingan pemuliharaan sumber asli, pembangunan infrastruktur untuk pelancong dan aktiviti yang menguntungkan masyarakat setempat.
Read more: http://www.theborneopost.com/2012/06/24/delta-kuching-gunung-kinabalu-akan-jadi-geopark-global/#ixzz1yg6Bnt4f ...Posted on June 24, 2012, Sunday
Ketua Pengarah Jabatan Mineral dan Geosains Datuk Yunus Abdul Razak berkata, Malaysia kini hanya mempunyai satu taman sedemikian yang turut mendapat pengiktirafan Pertubuhan Pendidikan, Saintifik dan Kebudayaan Bangsa-Bangsa Bersatu (UNESCO), iaitu Geo-park Global Langkawi.
Bagaimanapun, kata beliau, pengiktirafan kepada Geopark Global Langkawi sahaja adalah tidak mencukupi dan kini jabatan melalui Kumpulan Teras Warisan Geologi sedang berusaha merealisasikan hasrat itu.
“Selepas Langawi kami mencadangkan untuk menjadikan Delta Kuching dan Gunung Kinabalu, Sabah sebagai Geopark Global kedua dan ketiga di Malaysia selepas Langkawi.
“Delta Kuching akan mendapat penarafan di peringkat negeri dan kebangsaan yang ke-mudian bakal mendapat pengisytiharan daripada UNESCO,” katanya berucap pada majlis perasmian Persidangan Geosains Kebangsaan 2012 Per- satuan Geologi Malaysia yang disempurnakan oleh Menteri Perancangan Sumber dan Alam Sekitar Kedua Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan di sini, semalam.
Menurut Yunus, Langkawi diisytiharkan oleh ahli Jaringan Geopark Global oleh UNESCO sebagai Geopark Global Langkawi pada tahun 2007.
Geopark ialah satu konsep pembangunan yang memberikan perhatian kepada keseimbangan tiga komponen utama iaitu kepentingan pemuliharaan sumber asli, pembangunan infrastruktur untuk pelancong dan aktiviti yang menguntungkan masyarakat setempat.
Read more: http://www.theborneopost.com/2012/06/24/delta-kuching-gunung-kinabalu-akan-jadi-geopark-global/#ixzz1yg6Bnt4f ...Posted on June 24, 2012, Sunday
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| HONOURED: Awang Tengah (second left) and Henry Sum (fourth left) were given a rousing welcome by a multiracial dance troupe on arrival at the Lawas Festival’s appreciation night. |
LAWAS: The successful Lawas Festival 2012 held recently has created a big impact on the district especially in terms of economy, promotion and strengthening of racial harmony.
Minister of Resource Planning and Environment, Datuk Amar Haji Awang Tengah Ali Hassan said the thousands of people who came to the festival have proven that Lawas District is a one of the premier event destinations in the country.
“What is very commendable is that the sea of people who came to the festival surprised many. Even Datuk Sri Shafie Apdal (Minister of Rural and Regional Development) and Datuk Abdul Rashid Khan (CEO of the Sarawak Tourism Board) phoned me when they saw the festival shown on television.
“Datuk Abdul Rashid also wants his board to be directly involved in the future organisation of the Festival,” said Awang Tengah during the appreciation night for the Festival on Wednesday.
Awang Tengah thanked all those involved including sponsors for making the festival a success, benefiting people of all strata including hoteliers and other service providers.
The Lawas Regata recorded its biggest ever participation with 115 boats and almost 3,000 paddlers.
Among the activities organised for the festival were lantern and floats procession, ‘Gegar Olimpik’ and a RTM roadshow.
Earlier in his speech, Lawas Parliamentarian Dato Henry Sum Agong said the success of the festival this year should be treasured and continued in years to come.
“The people in Lawas were very receptive to new ideas and able to organise successfully all the new events introduced to the district. Keep up that excellent performance,” he urged.
Among those present were the Resident of Limbang Division, Maria Hasman, Resident of Lawas District Mohd Supaih Hamdan and heads of the various government departments and agencies.
Read more: http://www.theborneopost.com/2012/06/15/festivals-success-has-impacted-lawas-tremendously-for-good-awang-tengah/#ixzz1xy2VgwJj
Posted on June 15, 2012, Friday
PERAIRAN Kuala Lawas di Miri, Sarawak, dipilih untuk diwartakan sebagai taman laut yang baru bagi menjamin populasi hidupan marin terutama dugong di situ tidak pupus angkara pembangunan.
Sebelum ini, perairan Miri-Sibuti sudah diwartakan sebagai taman laut selepas kerajaan negeri serius mewartakan lokasi itu sebagai tempat perlindungan dan pemuliharaan kehidupan marin yang kini kian lenyap.
Dengan usaha terbaru itu, bermakna sejumlah 206,344 hektar kawasan perairan di Sarawak yang dipenuhi hutan bakau sudah diwartakan sebagai kawasan yang dilindungi sepenuhnya bagi kepentingan spesies marin.
Kawasan perairan terbabit yang kaya dengan rumpai laut semuanya menjadi habitat hidupan marin seperti penyu, dugong, ikan lumba-lumba, kuda laut selain dipenuhi pelbagai spesies batu karang.
Menteri Perancangan dan Pengurusan Sumber, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan berkata, Kuala Lawas yang dipenuhi pokok bakau di sepanjang pantai dikenal pasti sebagai kawasan pembiakan dugong dan penyu hijau.
Langkah berkenaan disambut baik penduduk tempatan yang berharap ia dapat memulihkan stok ikan dan sumber marin selain boleh dimajukan sebagai produk pelancongan baru di kawasan utara Sarawak pada masa akan datang.
Seorang penduduk, Shukri Ahmad, 47, berkata kewujudan taman laut penting bagi memastikan spesis hidupan marin yang kerap dilihat di Kuala Lawas tidak terancam dan dapat dilindungi sepenuhnya.
"Ketika ini, populasi hidupan marin berkenaan amat jauh berkurangan berbanding beberapa tahun lalu. Misalnya dugong yang suatu ketika banyak kini hanya dapat dilihat pihak penyelidik dengan kami sendiri sukar melihatnya.
"Disebabkan itu saya berasa adalah wajar bagi kita mewartakan kawasan Kuala Lawas menjadi taman negara kerana ia dapat menjadi tempat pembiakan hidupan laut yang sangat sesuai," katanya ketika ditemui Berita Harian, baru-baru ini.
Beliau berkata, sebelum ini kerajaan sudah pun menempatkan banyak tukun tiruan di kawasan Kuala Lawas untuk pembiakan ikan di situ.
Usaha itu, katanya, dapat menjana pendapatan nelayan di kawasan itu yang bergantung kepada tangkapan ikan untuk menyara hidup.
Kewujudan taman laut baru itu nanti, katanya, bakal menjadi produk pelancongan yang penting kepada daerah Lawas, terutama bagi peminat aktiviti skuba seperti di taman laut Miri-Sibuti.
Sebelum ini, perairan Miri-Sibuti sudah diwartakan sebagai taman laut selepas kerajaan negeri serius mewartakan lokasi itu sebagai tempat perlindungan dan pemuliharaan kehidupan marin yang kini kian lenyap.
Dengan usaha terbaru itu, bermakna sejumlah 206,344 hektar kawasan perairan di Sarawak yang dipenuhi hutan bakau sudah diwartakan sebagai kawasan yang dilindungi sepenuhnya bagi kepentingan spesies marin.
Kawasan perairan terbabit yang kaya dengan rumpai laut semuanya menjadi habitat hidupan marin seperti penyu, dugong, ikan lumba-lumba, kuda laut selain dipenuhi pelbagai spesies batu karang.
Menteri Perancangan dan Pengurusan Sumber, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan berkata, Kuala Lawas yang dipenuhi pokok bakau di sepanjang pantai dikenal pasti sebagai kawasan pembiakan dugong dan penyu hijau.
Langkah berkenaan disambut baik penduduk tempatan yang berharap ia dapat memulihkan stok ikan dan sumber marin selain boleh dimajukan sebagai produk pelancongan baru di kawasan utara Sarawak pada masa akan datang.
Seorang penduduk, Shukri Ahmad, 47, berkata kewujudan taman laut penting bagi memastikan spesis hidupan marin yang kerap dilihat di Kuala Lawas tidak terancam dan dapat dilindungi sepenuhnya.
"Ketika ini, populasi hidupan marin berkenaan amat jauh berkurangan berbanding beberapa tahun lalu. Misalnya dugong yang suatu ketika banyak kini hanya dapat dilihat pihak penyelidik dengan kami sendiri sukar melihatnya.
"Disebabkan itu saya berasa adalah wajar bagi kita mewartakan kawasan Kuala Lawas menjadi taman negara kerana ia dapat menjadi tempat pembiakan hidupan laut yang sangat sesuai," katanya ketika ditemui Berita Harian, baru-baru ini.
Beliau berkata, sebelum ini kerajaan sudah pun menempatkan banyak tukun tiruan di kawasan Kuala Lawas untuk pembiakan ikan di situ.
Usaha itu, katanya, dapat menjana pendapatan nelayan di kawasan itu yang bergantung kepada tangkapan ikan untuk menyara hidup.
Kewujudan taman laut baru itu nanti, katanya, bakal menjadi produk pelancongan yang penting kepada daerah Lawas, terutama bagi peminat aktiviti skuba seperti di taman laut Miri-Sibuti.
Thi s was pointed out by President of the club Mohd Amin Othman when chairing the club first meeting at Seri Malaysia Hotel here yesterday.
“This district as the gateway to the northern region of the state will be promoted fully through various efforts including the Internet and distribution of information on the uniqueness of the district to attract more tourists,” he said.
Amin said prior to his coming here, he had tried to seek information on Lawas but most websites fail to provide helpful information.
“It is regrettable that most websites provide out of date information about Lawas or criticisms on the leadership in Lawas.That is why KEPALA will try to provide as much information about Lawas as well as activities and events to be held in the district.We are not competing with any government agency in the district but something needs to be done to promote Lawas to the outside world,” he stressed.
Among events and activities to be held in Lawas District by KEPALA are Lawas Fishing Grand Prix, Bikers Week, Pan Borneo Paint Ball Competition and other programmes including weekend Hawker Nite to be organised by Seri Malaysia Hotel at the Lawas Square.
The club’s pat ron Awang Damit Ali Hasan hoped that locals would make full use of facilities to prevent them from becoming ‘white elephant’ projects.
“We do not want hefty charges for using public facilities.We hope the various government departments and agencies here can work together for the benefit of the people,” he said.
Also present at the meeting were club Secretary Syarulizan Madian, Treasurer Ladin Atok, Councillor Liaw Hock peng, Councillor Helen Kasing, Dian Karmila, Jayfrine, Irwandy, and Awang Emran.The Lawas Tourism Club is not associated with any political party and its main focus is on the local tourism sector.
Saturday, 23 July 2011 14:46 | Written by Adeng Idrus | | |
Ikan tahai, dadah tahai mendapat sambutan hebat daripada pengunjung, kata Awang Tengah
LAWAS: Keunikan produk makanan tempatan yang sinonim dengan masyarakat Lawas seperti ikan tahai dan dadah tahai mendapat sambutan hebat daripada pengunjung yang datang menyaksikan Pesta Lawas dan Lawas Kitchen.
Menteri Perancangan dan Pengurusan Sumber Kedua Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan berkata Lawas Kitchen mampu mengetengahkan keunikan dan kepelbagaian produk makanan yang terkenal di daerah ini.
Beliau berkata selain menjadi tumpuan dan memenuhi selera orang ramai dan pengunjung, masyarakat tempatan berpeluang mempromosikan masakan mereka.
“Penganjuran Lawas Kitchen merupakan wadah penting dalam usaha mengetengahkan keunikan masakan tempatan dan tradisi yang sukar diperolehi di tempat lain di negeri dan negara ini.
“Justeru pengunjung yang hadir ke daerah ini untuk memeriahkan Program Sejiwa Senada dan Pesta Lawas dijemput untuk mencuba keenakan resipi tempatan,” katanya ketika merasmikan Program Lawas Kitchen di sini kelmarin.
Hadir sama ialah Menteri Muda di Pejabat Ketua Menteri dan Menteri Muda Perancangan Sumber Mohd Naroden Majais, Pengerusi Perkim Cawangan Lawas Datuk Dayang Morliah Datuk Awang Daud, Ahli Parlimen Lawas Datuk Henry Sum Agong, ADUN Ba’kelalan, Nelson Balang Rining, Pegawai Daerah Lawas Mohd Supaih Hamdan dan Pegawai Pertanian Daerah Zulkifli Sahari.
Awang Tengah berkata selain Lawas Kitchen pelbagai program lain turut menjadi tumpuan termasuk Regata Lawas, pertandingan bot laju kawalan jauh, karaoke, poco-poco dan cabutan bertuah yang menawarkan sebuah motosikal.
Beliau turut memuji usaha pelbagai pihak yang berjaya menganjurkan program berkenaan bagi memeriahkan Pesta Lawas yang diadakan serentak dengan Sejiwa Senada.
Beliau yakin melalui pendekatan ini akan lebih merapatkan hubungan antara rakyat dengan parti dalam satu semangat kerjasama yang jitu yang menjadi amalam sebelum ini.
Sementara itu Mohd Naroden Majais berkata Lawas Kitchen berjaya mempromosikan masakan terkenal daerah Lawas kepada orang luar khususnya pelawat dari Kuching, Brunei dan Sabah.
Pada masa yang sama beliau optimis, masakan tradisional daerah ini berpotensi dikembangkan jika dipromosikan dengan sempurna.
Naroden yang Menteri Muda Pembangunan Usahawan Bumiputera terus memberi galakan kepada penduduk tempatan untuk melibatkan diri dalam sektor ini bagi meningkatkan kualiti hidup masyarakat luar bandar.
Beliau turut berterima kasih dengan Kementerian Pembangunan Usahawan, Lembaga Pemasaran Pertanian Persekutuan (FAMA) dan Jabatan Pertanian dalam menjayakan Program Lawas Kitchen.
Read more: http://www.theborneopost.com/2011/02/14/produk-tempatan-tarik-pengunjung-ke-lawas/#ixzz1xy7cYuc8
by Mastura Ismail. Posted on February 14, 2011, Monday
LAWAS: Keunikan produk makanan tempatan yang sinonim dengan masyarakat Lawas seperti ikan tahai dan dadah tahai mendapat sambutan hebat daripada pengunjung yang datang menyaksikan Pesta Lawas dan Lawas Kitchen.
Menteri Perancangan dan Pengurusan Sumber Kedua Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan berkata Lawas Kitchen mampu mengetengahkan keunikan dan kepelbagaian produk makanan yang terkenal di daerah ini.
Beliau berkata selain menjadi tumpuan dan memenuhi selera orang ramai dan pengunjung, masyarakat tempatan berpeluang mempromosikan masakan mereka.
“Penganjuran Lawas Kitchen merupakan wadah penting dalam usaha mengetengahkan keunikan masakan tempatan dan tradisi yang sukar diperolehi di tempat lain di negeri dan negara ini.
“Justeru pengunjung yang hadir ke daerah ini untuk memeriahkan Program Sejiwa Senada dan Pesta Lawas dijemput untuk mencuba keenakan resipi tempatan,” katanya ketika merasmikan Program Lawas Kitchen di sini kelmarin.
Hadir sama ialah Menteri Muda di Pejabat Ketua Menteri dan Menteri Muda Perancangan Sumber Mohd Naroden Majais, Pengerusi Perkim Cawangan Lawas Datuk Dayang Morliah Datuk Awang Daud, Ahli Parlimen Lawas Datuk Henry Sum Agong, ADUN Ba’kelalan, Nelson Balang Rining, Pegawai Daerah Lawas Mohd Supaih Hamdan dan Pegawai Pertanian Daerah Zulkifli Sahari.
Awang Tengah berkata selain Lawas Kitchen pelbagai program lain turut menjadi tumpuan termasuk Regata Lawas, pertandingan bot laju kawalan jauh, karaoke, poco-poco dan cabutan bertuah yang menawarkan sebuah motosikal.
Beliau turut memuji usaha pelbagai pihak yang berjaya menganjurkan program berkenaan bagi memeriahkan Pesta Lawas yang diadakan serentak dengan Sejiwa Senada.
Beliau yakin melalui pendekatan ini akan lebih merapatkan hubungan antara rakyat dengan parti dalam satu semangat kerjasama yang jitu yang menjadi amalam sebelum ini.
Sementara itu Mohd Naroden Majais berkata Lawas Kitchen berjaya mempromosikan masakan terkenal daerah Lawas kepada orang luar khususnya pelawat dari Kuching, Brunei dan Sabah.
Pada masa yang sama beliau optimis, masakan tradisional daerah ini berpotensi dikembangkan jika dipromosikan dengan sempurna.
Naroden yang Menteri Muda Pembangunan Usahawan Bumiputera terus memberi galakan kepada penduduk tempatan untuk melibatkan diri dalam sektor ini bagi meningkatkan kualiti hidup masyarakat luar bandar.
Beliau turut berterima kasih dengan Kementerian Pembangunan Usahawan, Lembaga Pemasaran Pertanian Persekutuan (FAMA) dan Jabatan Pertanian dalam menjayakan Program Lawas Kitchen.
Read more: http://www.theborneopost.com/2011/02/14/produk-tempatan-tarik-pengunjung-ke-lawas/#ixzz1xy7cYuc8
by Mastura Ismail. Posted on February 14, 2011, Monday
Although not fully completed, the areas in front of Hotel Seri Malaysia Lawas and Dataran Bandar Lawas have started to attract foreigners and local residents in view of its beauty.
The residents want the place to be well protected. The District Information Officer Syarulizan Madian expressed his fears that the beautiful works put up at the area could be destroyed by irresponsible groups.
“As such, enforcement authorities like the police and Lawas District Council should plan early for a small police station there or engage the service of special guards for the areas,” he said yesterday.
Chairman of Kelab Melayu Trusan, Awangku Bahar Pengiran Jini stated that the security of the area was the responsibility of everyone. “We should involve everyone because we don’t want the situation of pointing figures at each other if bad things happen later.” He suggested that the authorities built appropriate barriers to prevent heavy vehicles like lorries from passing through. This is to prevent the roads and other areas from being damaged, he explained.
Meanwhile, the issues concerning the routes at the fish and vegetable markets continue to be topics heatedly discussed and the Lawas District Council should pay attention. It was said that many users here did not fault the Council Secretary on the problems as he too was said to feel regret and disappointed on what was happening. The users were said to request for route modification to solve the problem.
10 Jan 2010
Beliau bagaimanapun berkata, dalam hal itu ia memerlukan perbincangan yang lebih khusus antara kedua-dua negara memandangkan ia membabitkan urusan sempadan negara jiran Brunei.
''Kita anggarkan jambatan tersebut tidak menelan kos yang begitu tinggi antara RM15 hingga RM20 juta. Jika kita mahu bina sendiri ada kemampuan untuk melaksanakannya," kata beliau berucap di Majlis Jamuan Makan Malam Pemimpin Bersama Rakyat di sini malam ini.
Turut hadir, Timbalan Ketua Menteri Sarawak, Tan Sri Alfred Jabu Numpang dan Menteri Perancangan dan Pengurusan Sumber II, Datuk Seri Awang Tengah Ali Hassan.
Masalah jambatan itu dibangkitkan oleh Awang Tengah memandangkan penduduk menghadapi masalah untuk menyeberangi sungai selebar 30 meter yang memisahkan Pandaruan, Limbang dan Temburong, Brunei yang hanya boleh dihubungi dengan feri.
Ini menyebabkan kesesakan teruk ketika hari Jumaat dan cuti umum memandangkan ramai rakyat Brunei yang bercuti ke Lawas.
Perkhidmatan feri tersebut dikendalikan secara kerjasama syarikat Malaysia dan Brunei secara bergilir-gilir dan kadar tambang yang dikenakan ialah RM10 untuk sehala bagi kereta.
Dalam perkembangan lain, Muhyiddin membidas pakatan pembangkang yang mahu merealisasikan janji dalam tempoh 100 hari memerintah.
''Contoh mereka ialah dalam 100 hari bentuk kerajaan, guru-guru akan dinaikkan gaji sebanyak RM500 sebulan. Kita ada 400,000 orang guru dan kerajaan akan menanggung kos lebih RM2 bilion setahun.
''Jika guru naik gaji, kakitangan lain juga mahukan gaji mereka dinaikkan dan ia akan menelan kos yang lebih besar dan ia akan merosakkan ekonomi negara," katanya lagi.
KUCHING: Syarikat penerbangan Firefly Sdn Bhd (Firefly) menyasarkan untuk meliputi sepenuhnya laluan penerbangan di seluruh negeri ini menjelang 2011.
Bakal memulakan operasi tiga minggu lagi, Firefly dijangka akan memperkenalkan perkhidmatannya ke Sibu, Miri dan Bintulu secara berperingkat pada tahun depan.
Pada 15 Januari depan, Firefly dijangka memulakan perkhidmatan penerbangan ke Sarawak dan Sabah iaitu dari terminal utama Lapangan Terbang Antarabangsa Kuala Lumpur (KLIA) ke Kuching dan Kota Kinabalu dua kali sehari.
Bermula 24 Januari pula, kemungkinan terdapat pilihan baru yang akan ditampilkan memandangkan syarikat bakal membuat penerbangan empat kali dan tiga kali sehari masing-masing ke Kuching dan Kota Kinabalu.
“Kami yakin Firefly memberi saingan di sini. Sejak kami mula membuka tempahan bagi laluan Kuching dan Kota Kinabalu, respons adalah amat memberangsangkan. Kesemua jualan laris dan kami menerima banyak pertanyaan.
“Miri dan Sibu menjadi sasaran seterusnya kerana laluan dipertimbangkan sebagai pasaran yang amat baik.
“Namun kami akan terus melakukan kajian dan penyelidikan pasaran sebelum kami memutuskan untuk membuat perancangan pada masa akan datang. Maklum balas orang ramai amat penting,” kata Pengurus Komunikasi dan Pemasaran Raja Sa’adi Raja Amrin ketika ditemui pemberita selepas melancarkan Pejabat Tiket Lapangan Terbang (ATO) baru Firefly di Lapangan Terbang Antarabangsa Kuching (LTAK) di sini, semalam.
Beliau menjelaskan semasa Firefly memperkenalkan 50,000 tempat duduk dengan tambang RM9 sebagai promosi pengenalan terbaru laluan dari KLIA ke Kuching dan KLIA ke Kota Kinabalu baru-baru ini, kesemua jualan tiket laris dalam masa satu hari.
Bagi promosi terkini, Firefly menawarkan kadar tambang RM59 bagi penerbangan sehala untuk tempoh 5 Januari hingga 31 Mac 2011.
Jangka masa tempahan tamat pada 31 Disember 2010.
Selepas menjelajah di Sabah dan Sarawak, Raja Sa’adi memberitahu Firefly menyasarkan laluan ke destinasi terkenal dalam wilayah ASEAN yang menjadi pilihan kepada pelancong temasuk Bali, Bandung dan Jakarta dan beliau yakin Firefly dapat mencapai sasaran berkenaan.
Pada masa yang sama beliau memohon kepada orang ramai agar menyemak secara online Firefly dalam laman sesawang seperti rangkaian sosial Facebook.
Beliau berkata jualan tiket penerbangan secara online amat menggalakkan dan mencapai kira-kira 70 peratus daripada keseluruhan jualan tiket.
“Laman sesawang seperti Facebook dapat memberikan lebih banyak maklumat lanjut kepada pelanggan,” katanya.
Firefly telah memulakan operasi pada 2007 dengan tujuh pesawat ATR 72-500 yang dijangka akan bertambah menjadi 10 pesawat kesemuanya pada 2011.
Kini ia melakukan penerbangan ke 19 bandar raya dan beroperasi di 24 laluan dalam Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia dan Singapura.
Syarikat baru-baru ini mengumumkan membuka lembaran baru bagi perkembangan ini dengan memperkenalkan operasi kapal terbang jet bersama pesawat Boeing 737-800 yang akan beroperasi daripada terminal utama KLIA menjelang 2011.
Posted on December 22, 2010, Wednesday
THE border town of Limbang is sandwiched between the two halves of Brunei — Brunei Muara, Tutong and Kuala Belait to the west and Temburong District to the east.Replete with heritage sites plus a lively local cultural scene and a long history, and situated on the bank of the 247m long Limbang River, it is just the place for lovers of history, culture, adventure and Nature, not forgetting the hundreds of visitors pouring in from the neighbouring Sultanate for shopping, recreation or transit every weekend.
“You name it, Limbang has it — heritage sites, interesting cultures and traditions of the various ethnic groups, natural beauty, water and land sports and a long history inter-wined with that of the old Brunei Sultanate,” said Chua Eng Hin, owner of Borneo Touch Ecotour Sdn Bhd, an in-bound company.
Limbang has a year-round calendar of activities that will appeal to tourists. From buffalo to speedboat racing, village cuisine, the throbs of Gambus band performance on a stilted stage, colourful festivities such as Pesta Babulang of the Bisaya community and Pesta Limbang water sports and cultural carnivals to the lure of the rivers and mountains, the attractions are unmistakable .
The local market or ‘Tamu’ offering a wide range of local fruits, vegetables, fish and even indigenous costumes, is a window to the Division’s suburbs and hinterland.
Limbang was controversially annexed by Charles Anthony Johnson Brooke, the second Rajah, from Brunei in 1890, and is now one of the 11 administrative Divisions in Sarawak.
With a population of about 90,000, it is a melting pot of many cultures, including Brunei Malay, Kedayan, Chinese, Iban and Orang Ulu ethnic groups such as Lun Bawang, Bisaya, Kelabit, Tabun and Penan.
It is also a gateway to the World Natural Heritage site of Mulu National Park, linked on land by what tourism players call the ‘Headhunters Trail’ between Ulu Limbang and Ulu Melinau in Mulu.
Nature beckons
The amazing Buda Caves system in Ulu Limbang is relatively unknown to the outside world.
Some of the caves are burial grounds of the Tabun tribe of yesteryear. It is believed the cave system is linked to the underground passageways and rivers of the Mulu Caves.
Kampung Meritam, a Malay village about 37km on the outskirt from Limbang town, is the only place in Sarawak where mud volcanoes are within reach by road.
While on a visit to Limbang and Kampung Meritam after the Miri International Jazz Festival this year, a foreign media group took to chewing the texture of the sago food starch made from the pith of sago palm (metroxylon species), a staple of the indigenous tribes.
Volcanic mud pots stretches over 10 acres here. The media group, accompanied by locals bringing their children along for a Sunday afternoon outing, were firing away with their cameras the minute they arrived at the village.
Kampung Seberang Kedai
Opposite Limbang town, the rows of stilted wooden houses, and even sepak takraw court and the buzzing river boats are another sight to behold. It’s a settlement that has existed for one and half century.
Better known as Kampung Seberang Kedai, this century-old Malay water village, separated from the town by the Limbang River, has over 120 houses inter-linked by wooden walkways.
Set among picturesque surroundings with boats plying to and fro across the river, it is also a statement of Limbang’s rich heritage, facing the Limbang Golden Jubilee waterfront and the town itself.
History and war
One can walk down memory lane at the Golden Hill Lake Park where historical artefacts, including gold jewellery, were found in 1912.
The official residence of Sir Alexander Waddell, the last British Governor of Sarawak (1960-1963) is also found here.
Sir Alexander and his wife were taken hostage from the house on December 8, 1962 by local rebels who joined the North Kalimantan National Army, supported by then President Surkarno of Indonesia, to resist the British and Malayan governments for calling on the citizens of Sarawak, Sabah, Brunei and Singapore to form the federation of Malaysia.
Many feel it is fitting to declare this house a heritage where all the records can be kept to remind visitors and locals of the British soldiers of L Company 42 Commando Royal Marines and local policemen who died defending Limbang town.
The soldiers lay down their lives to prevent Limbang falling into the hands of the rebels who also failed to capture Brunei on December 8, 1962.
A monument on the Limbang River bank, built in 1963, lists the names of the four Royal Malaysian Police constables who died during the rebellion and five British Royal Marines who lost their lives rescuing the British Resident and other hostages on December 12, 1962. This is the spot where the first ‘Z’ craft landed for the rescue operation.
Surviving Royal Marines and the rebel leader in Limbang met for the first time in reconciliation 40 years later, and a documentary titled ‘Return to Limbang’ was featured on the History Channel of a local satellite TV station.
The liberation of Limbang is a momentous chapter in the history of the state, and its 50th anniversary will be observed in 2012.
A short distance away stands the Limbang Regional Museum, a former fort built in 1897 by Charles Brooke. It’s a legacy of the reign of the Rajahs during which forts were built throughout Sarawak to administer the state and quell uprisings.
Artefacts here include models of longhouses of the various ethnic groups in Limbang, traditional costumes, musical instruments, handicrafts and the replica of the water buffalo the locals call Kerbau.
The water buffalo is Bisaya icon. In the earlier days, it was used for farming, food, transport … and racing during their grand annual Babulang Festival held only in Limbang. Ownership of the water buffalo reflected social status.
The Pesta Babulang Festival is now included in the State and National tourism calendars and fixed on the first weekend of June each year.
Other heritage venues
One can take a river ride to see the boat-making cottage industry at Kampung Limpoang and Kampung Pabahanan, both traditional fishing villages where the occupation includes king prawn (udang galah) fishing.
A visit to Kampung Patiambun where the villagers’ livelihood includes catching crabs, and Kampungg Limpaki with hundreds of coconut trees, is a must for those who love village setting.
Food in Limbang
Bario rice, long regarded as one of the finest grains in the world, is grown mainly by the Lun Bawangs and the Kelabit tribes in Ba Kelalan and Bario Highlands.
There are three varieties — Adan Halus, Adan Sederhana and Padi Tuan.
Homegrown and harvested by hands using traditional methods, its fame has travelled far and wide, even making its way to dining tables in the United Kingdom and Hong Kong.
The wild jungle ferns — miding or bidin — cooked with sambal belacan (shrimp paste), soto, buffalo tail or meat soup, and other cuisines beckon for those with discerning taste buds.
Limbang is also famous for mangrove clams (lokan in Malay) that can pan-fried and topped with barbeque sauce and is also popular with passing Bruneians who would buy a few stacks the side of Pandaruan Road at Kampung Sayung.
Tahai smoked fish, food cooked with sambal belacan (prawn paste), is another local delicacy not be missed.
During fruit seasons, Limbang will be awash with durians, langsat, kembayau (sometimes called dabai) and other local fruits but the best normally find the way to Brunei where they are quickly snapped up.
Some of these fruits are said to be already booked even before falling to the ground.
The lively border bazaar at Tedungan, next door to Kuala Lurah, is buzzing with activities and selling an array of goods as thousands pass through it every weekend.
August 22, 2010, Sunday
“You name it, Limbang has it — heritage sites, interesting cultures and traditions of the various ethnic groups, natural beauty, water and land sports and a long history inter-wined with that of the old Brunei Sultanate,” said Chua Eng Hin, owner of Borneo Touch Ecotour Sdn Bhd, an in-bound company.
Limbang has a year-round calendar of activities that will appeal to tourists. From buffalo to speedboat racing, village cuisine, the throbs of Gambus band performance on a stilted stage, colourful festivities such as Pesta Babulang of the Bisaya community and Pesta Limbang water sports and cultural carnivals to the lure of the rivers and mountains, the attractions are unmistakable .
The local market or ‘Tamu’ offering a wide range of local fruits, vegetables, fish and even indigenous costumes, is a window to the Division’s suburbs and hinterland.
Limbang was controversially annexed by Charles Anthony Johnson Brooke, the second Rajah, from Brunei in 1890, and is now one of the 11 administrative Divisions in Sarawak.
With a population of about 90,000, it is a melting pot of many cultures, including Brunei Malay, Kedayan, Chinese, Iban and Orang Ulu ethnic groups such as Lun Bawang, Bisaya, Kelabit, Tabun and Penan.
It is also a gateway to the World Natural Heritage site of Mulu National Park, linked on land by what tourism players call the ‘Headhunters Trail’ between Ulu Limbang and Ulu Melinau in Mulu.
Nature beckons
The amazing Buda Caves system in Ulu Limbang is relatively unknown to the outside world.
Some of the caves are burial grounds of the Tabun tribe of yesteryear. It is believed the cave system is linked to the underground passageways and rivers of the Mulu Caves.
Kampung Meritam, a Malay village about 37km on the outskirt from Limbang town, is the only place in Sarawak where mud volcanoes are within reach by road.
While on a visit to Limbang and Kampung Meritam after the Miri International Jazz Festival this year, a foreign media group took to chewing the texture of the sago food starch made from the pith of sago palm (metroxylon species), a staple of the indigenous tribes.
Volcanic mud pots stretches over 10 acres here. The media group, accompanied by locals bringing their children along for a Sunday afternoon outing, were firing away with their cameras the minute they arrived at the village.
Kampung Seberang Kedai
Opposite Limbang town, the rows of stilted wooden houses, and even sepak takraw court and the buzzing river boats are another sight to behold. It’s a settlement that has existed for one and half century.
Better known as Kampung Seberang Kedai, this century-old Malay water village, separated from the town by the Limbang River, has over 120 houses inter-linked by wooden walkways.
Set among picturesque surroundings with boats plying to and fro across the river, it is also a statement of Limbang’s rich heritage, facing the Limbang Golden Jubilee waterfront and the town itself.
History and war
One can walk down memory lane at the Golden Hill Lake Park where historical artefacts, including gold jewellery, were found in 1912.
The official residence of Sir Alexander Waddell, the last British Governor of Sarawak (1960-1963) is also found here.
Sir Alexander and his wife were taken hostage from the house on December 8, 1962 by local rebels who joined the North Kalimantan National Army, supported by then President Surkarno of Indonesia, to resist the British and Malayan governments for calling on the citizens of Sarawak, Sabah, Brunei and Singapore to form the federation of Malaysia.
Many feel it is fitting to declare this house a heritage where all the records can be kept to remind visitors and locals of the British soldiers of L Company 42 Commando Royal Marines and local policemen who died defending Limbang town.
The soldiers lay down their lives to prevent Limbang falling into the hands of the rebels who also failed to capture Brunei on December 8, 1962.
A monument on the Limbang River bank, built in 1963, lists the names of the four Royal Malaysian Police constables who died during the rebellion and five British Royal Marines who lost their lives rescuing the British Resident and other hostages on December 12, 1962. This is the spot where the first ‘Z’ craft landed for the rescue operation.
Surviving Royal Marines and the rebel leader in Limbang met for the first time in reconciliation 40 years later, and a documentary titled ‘Return to Limbang’ was featured on the History Channel of a local satellite TV station.
The liberation of Limbang is a momentous chapter in the history of the state, and its 50th anniversary will be observed in 2012.
A short distance away stands the Limbang Regional Museum, a former fort built in 1897 by Charles Brooke. It’s a legacy of the reign of the Rajahs during which forts were built throughout Sarawak to administer the state and quell uprisings.
Artefacts here include models of longhouses of the various ethnic groups in Limbang, traditional costumes, musical instruments, handicrafts and the replica of the water buffalo the locals call Kerbau.
The water buffalo is Bisaya icon. In the earlier days, it was used for farming, food, transport … and racing during their grand annual Babulang Festival held only in Limbang. Ownership of the water buffalo reflected social status.
The Pesta Babulang Festival is now included in the State and National tourism calendars and fixed on the first weekend of June each year.
Other heritage venues
One can take a river ride to see the boat-making cottage industry at Kampung Limpoang and Kampung Pabahanan, both traditional fishing villages where the occupation includes king prawn (udang galah) fishing.
A visit to Kampung Patiambun where the villagers’ livelihood includes catching crabs, and Kampungg Limpaki with hundreds of coconut trees, is a must for those who love village setting.
Food in Limbang
Bario rice, long regarded as one of the finest grains in the world, is grown mainly by the Lun Bawangs and the Kelabit tribes in Ba Kelalan and Bario Highlands.
There are three varieties — Adan Halus, Adan Sederhana and Padi Tuan.
Homegrown and harvested by hands using traditional methods, its fame has travelled far and wide, even making its way to dining tables in the United Kingdom and Hong Kong.
The wild jungle ferns — miding or bidin — cooked with sambal belacan (shrimp paste), soto, buffalo tail or meat soup, and other cuisines beckon for those with discerning taste buds.
Limbang is also famous for mangrove clams (lokan in Malay) that can pan-fried and topped with barbeque sauce and is also popular with passing Bruneians who would buy a few stacks the side of Pandaruan Road at Kampung Sayung.
Tahai smoked fish, food cooked with sambal belacan (prawn paste), is another local delicacy not be missed.
During fruit seasons, Limbang will be awash with durians, langsat, kembayau (sometimes called dabai) and other local fruits but the best normally find the way to Brunei where they are quickly snapped up.
Some of these fruits are said to be already booked even before falling to the ground.
The lively border bazaar at Tedungan, next door to Kuala Lurah, is buzzing with activities and selling an array of goods as thousands pass through it every weekend.
August 22, 2010, Sunday
KUCHING: Sarawak River is the ‘Mother of All Regattas’ as it promotes water sport and also places the state in the tourism calendar of events ever since its inception in 2006.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan Hong Nam described the Sarawak River as such when speaking at the official opening of the Sarawak Regatta 2010 at the Kuching Waterfront here yesterday.He said the three-day regatta at the Sarawak River, which started last Friday had always been a venue for all races to promote unity, goodwill, peace and harmony. He added that this would be further strengthened with the 1Malaysia Concept that we have now.
The regatta, he added, also helped to highlight the beauty of the Sarawak River that had grown in popularity with its modern and unique facilities along the waterfront.
“The regatta also promotes business activities and opportunities for many – from the petty traders to those involved in the tourism industry such as hotel and restaurant operators.
“Ever since the Sarawak Regatta was included in the tourism calendar of events in 2006, it has attracted a large number of participants from all over Sarawak and Brunei.” He suggested that each community in Sarawak send at least a team to the event in future races. He, too, suggested that a special category be reserved for foreign tourists in order to project the state as one that is most hospitable.
Meanwhile, this year’s regatta attracted 5,844 participants from 300 teams who competed in 17 different categories that offered lucrative prize money.
Thousands packed the Kuching waterfront during the three-day event including the Head of State Tun Datuk Patinggi Abang Haji Mohammad Salahuddin and wife, Minister of Housing and Urban Development Datuk Amar Abang Haji Johari Tun Openg and Deputy Minister of Tourism Dato Dr James Dawos yesterday.
Meanwhile, Landas Six in the 30- paddler (male) category was named the Raja Sungai (River King) in this year’s regatta. They took home a trophy and a RM3,500 prize money.
Second place went to the Jang Team (RM3,000), Pusaka Eight third (RM2,500), ASF Puteri Dang Balai fourth (RM1,500), and Sri Urai fifth (RM1,000).
Sarawak tribune @Patrick Joseph
Monday, 02 August 2010 11:42
LAWAS: Some 100 paddlers and officials from Kampung Dato, Kuala Lawas are taking part in the Brunei Regatta 2010 being held on Aug 1 and 2 at the Serasa Water Sport in Brunei in conjunction with Sultan Brunei Birthday Day celebrations.
According to the team’s Chef De Mission Awang Damit Ali Hassan, their participation involves 100 paddlers and eight boats belonging to the Second Minister of Planning and Resource Management Datuk Amar Haji Awang Tengah Ali Hassan.
“The main objective is to enhance ties with our relatives and friends in Brunei as well as to jointly celebrate the birthday of the Sultan of Brunei because we are neigbours and have close relationship,” said Tengah when presenting the state colours to the contingent.
He said that furthermore, their counterparts in Brunei would also participate in similar event here as this was their means to promote events organised by respective sides for the benefit of all as advocated by Chief Minister Pehin Sri Haji Abdul Taib Mahmud.
The boats entered for the Brunei regatta are ‘Putera Sungai Penyengat’, ‘Putera Sungai Bedaun’, ‘Putera Panglong’, ‘Putera Dayang Sari’, ‘Putera Tagai’, ‘Putera Satria’, ‘Putera Sungai Bun Bun’ and ‘Putera Kuala Lawas’.
The Sarawak contingent has entered all events, namely the 10- paddler, 15-paddler, 20-paddler, 25- padder and 30-padder categories as well as the 30-peddler marathon.
Sarawak tribune oleh Adeng Idrus
Monday, 02 August 2010 11:56
Directing the music lineup a second year running, RWMF consultant-founder, Randy Raine-Reusch, came up with a dream list of musicians for this year’s Festival.Despite the global economic downturn and the threat of Influenza A(H1N1), the Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) had remained steadfast in ensuring that the show must go on this year.
Pooling together some of the biggest and most respected names in the world music industry, this year’s inventory included bands that had been performing together for over 20 years.
“The Hungarian group, Muszikas are a walking encyclopaedia of culture — they’ve travelled to isolated rural villages and catalogued all the local folk songs.
“As such, they are big names in the Hungarian folk movement, so much so that other artistes like the Polish group, The St Nicolas Orchestra, were excited to see them,” Raine-Reusch said, listing names of other bands that have been pre-eminent in the world music scene like the Chilean group, Inti-Illimani.
“A musician from the Finnish group, Jourhiorkesteri, was saying he saw this group performing 30 years ago, and he got so inspired that he compiled a book on Finland’s ethnic music and now that he’s here at the Festival, he gets to meet the band that started it all for him,” he added.
There have been many ‘full-circle’ moments for Raine-Reusch and the musicians. From the New Zealand Maori group, Moana and the Tribe, he got to see an instrument he commissioned for a museum in Arizona that in the end, couldn’t be accepted because it was made of whale bone.
“After that, I got a wooden one made in its place and the whale bone went to another musician in New Zealand. I’d never gotten to see it until Horomona, the band’s taonga puoro (traditional Maori instruments) specialist came to me with a big smile on his face and said, “Here, this is what you commissioned.”
On the Zawose Family, a group of musicians from the rural outskirts of Tanzania (it takes them three days to travel to the airport), Raine-Reusch spoke of how they were at first shy, nervous and reclusive when they came, expecting to be one of the few African faces in a sea of Caucasian foreigners.
“After a while though, they started feeling comfortable, smiling and hugging people at the Festival. They said they didn’t feel isolated and the atmosphere was just like being home among their own African kinsmen. And that’s the whole point of the show — it’s supposed to bring people together.”
And Sarawakian hospitality seems to be the magic elixir for creating this unifying Festival.
According to Rose Au, a liaison officer volunteering at RWMF, the visiting musicians were always surprised to find that the liaison officers and the schleppers who transported their instruments to and fro, took time out to work at the Festival for free.
“We offer them something I don’t think festivals in other countries would offer — we pick them up from the airport, bring them to the hotel, and take them around town all on our own initiative. Do you think they’d get that anywhere else?”
For liaison officers, Aline Jee and Peggy Wong, who have been volunteering since 2004, the Festival offers its own rewards they can’t get anywhere else.
According to Jee, the inter-cultural elements never cease to impress her.
“It’s amazing how things can be so different overseas with different lifestyles, and yet everyone is united at the Festival with music as the common and easily understood language.”
The universal language of music was what impressed Wong in 2002 when she first attended the Festival.
Though she was placed on Gate Control in 2004, she was eventually asked to help liaise with individual performing groups — a request that would lead her to recruit other like-minded volunteers.
Over time, the RWMF became a reunion for all the volunteers and LOs — people who shared the same passion for this Festival and the continuation of that universal language that touched them from the first time they encountered it, she added.
According to first-timer Tom McLaughlin, a writer for the Washington DC-based TheTentacle.com who has been to Woodstock and attended rock concerts the world over, “something unique blossomed and then fruited. Music that takes your mind and threads it around trees, up into the canopy and bursts out into the sunshine like flights of colourful tropical birds.”
Be that as it may, Jee opined that the event may have become too commercialised this year.
“There were too many purple booths built at the location which blocked the once very nice view of the various longhouses of the different tribes,” she noted.
For Colin Wei, the RWMF sound engineer, the FnB tents posted outside the Iban longhouse detracted from what had been a calm and tranquil view of the lakeside and the traditional houses across from it.
“It’s also a bit too commercial this year and the festival shouldn’t be that way.”
Working at the Festival for the fourth year in a row, he observed it was a little bit toned down compared to last year with fewer people participating.
However, he agreed the selection of musicians was better this year and there was a good balance of everything from traditional, fusion and electronica.
According to Donald Tan, the feel was still there despite the A(H1N1) scare, although he did observe the turnout on Friday night could have been better.
“There seemed to be a void in the middle between the crowd sitting at the back and those standing in the front,” he noted, lending some weight to earlier speculation that numbers would be significantly decreased this year.
To him, however, the smaller crowd didn’t directly translate to people being scared of the pandemic but that only those who really enjoyed the true Festival feel would be interested in showing up.
While many locals said the ticket prices had prevented them from attending, Tan, comparing the prices to those of other international concerts, noted there were people who willingly paid RM250 to attend a Bon Jovi concert.
“At the RWMF, you’re only paying a fraction of that to have world class bands entertain you.”
Paula Chang said the Festival now had more tourist-targetted food outlets, entertainment and ticket prices.
“It is mostly like a foreigner’s festival. When it first began, there were more locals attending because the price was right and local performers were still given equal exposure. So the locals were there with their children and grandparents, making the Festival more Sarawakian,” she added.
Regarding raised ticket prices, RWMF Benedict Jimbau explained at the cost of at least RM300,000 to fly in, say, five people from each international act (minus excess baggage for instruments), the ticket prices were comparatively cheaper than other music festivals.
“Much as we would have liked to keep prices down, they had gone up like hotel rates and costs of auxiliary things such the construction involved in staging the Festival.
“To recover costs, we have been looking for more sponsorships, and so far, we haven’t increased the ticket price,” he said, adding that they hoped to maintain current ticket prices of RM90 in the future.
Preventative medical measures like dispensing disposable masks and advisory pamphlets, moreover, have unexpectedly increased the cost of organising the Festival. Costing about RM2.5 million to run this year, the Festival, according to Benedict, has earned a conservative estimate of RM2,000 per pax.
The numbers of festival-goers had dropped only slightly this year, with a final audit of 20,260 people compared to last year’s 22,000. Besides the extra costs, the RWMF had to contend with a new element — a new site and stage that had just been completed.
“With a few days left before the official handover, one hour of rain turned the seating terrace into water catchments and large pools of water collected at the site that was redesigned with new drainage,” technical director Niall Macaulay said, explaining they had to resort to digging troughs to increase drainage and lay down extra turf in the standing area to prevent festival goers from sinking into the mud and twisting their ankles.
While they had to improve the new drainage system and lay boards over a completed seating terrace that turned into fish ponds on a day with heavy rain, they also had to work with a new stage that did not work for concert crew or performers alike.
“With the old stage, all we had to do was come in and set up. We had big problems setting up this year because the new stage did not meet our technical requirements,” he said, elaborating on how the new design didn’t factor in the damage a concrete stage could do to dancers’ feet.
“Dancers could fracture their feet stomping and dancing on a concrete surface, effectively ending their careers.”
Macaulay added that the entire surface had to be reconstructed with steel and plywood to produce a flat area for performers and production facilities.
The metal roof, moreover, had produced its own set of problems that needed amending like weatherproofing.
For those who noticed that the sound quality was lacking this year, Macaulay explained the roof did not protect the stage from rain as it was too high and not actually extending to the front of the stage.
“As a result, water seeped into the equipment several times, leading to technical problems during the show, including many loud crackling and banging noises as water found its way into the microphone connections.”
Weatherproofing the stage alone wouldn’t have completely solved the problem presented by a metal roof without sound-proofing.
“When it’s sunny, the heat on the metal roof turns it into a thermal oven. When it rains, you get that pitter-patter on a metal roof that’ll drown out your musicians. What’s more, without sound-proofing, the metal roof is an acoustic nightmare. When the acoustics hit a certain volume, the whole roof starts to vibrate … I’d never heard anything like that before!”
Even though they arrived to prepare the stage three weeks earlier, efforts to make it weather-proof and functional delayed production by two days as they had to create a stage within a stage for the performers and facilities.
Besides, without basic power outlets on the stage, the crew were up until 5am doing the lights.
“We worked four times as much just to get to where we started last year,” Macaulay said, but after the Festival got underway, they were finally able to enjoy its true spirit.
Only days after RWMF ended, Raine-Reusch is already attending meetings on creating yet another music-driven attraction for Sarawak: The Gong Festival.
The enquiry came after Sarawak Museum Department’s recent inaugural Sarawak Gong Festival in Miri — an event that impressed the Tourism Ministry enough to make the event a larger affair.
“We’re still forming a committee to look into creating the Gong Festival with an international conference attached — the idea is to have it in connection with the RWMF,” he said.
Ethnomusicologists and experts on ethnic music will be invited to attend the conference to promote research and education of the traditional instruments known and used the world over.
“Every major university in the US has a Gamelan and Kulintangan section included in its music department,” Raine-Reusch said.
In Sarawak, he is puzzled why locals don’t see the value in pursuing their own ethnic music.
“It’s hard to find local groups — people here don’t think it’s the way to go but Tuku Kame is getting more attention in Kuala Lumpur now after they won the Worldstars Road to Hollywood Competition, and right now, they’re in Hollywood to compete in the World Championship of Perfoming Artists (Wcopa).”
Raine-Reusch cites Kan’id, the young Orang Ulu group from RWMF 2008, as a great example of where local ethnic-inspired bands can go.
“Even though the sound was raw and they needed to gain better musicianship, the idea was excellent,” he said, adding that Sarawak provided really fertile soil to do musically-inclined projects.
“As a person from overseas, I can see the opportunities more clearly. For aspiring musicians, you need to surf the Internet to see what’s successful and start it.”
With so many world music festivals around the world and increased Internet access, the effort to get to that world level should take about five years of hard work.
“When you get good enough, all you need to do is mail them a package, burn a CD or post your band video on youtube and direct the festival organiser to your website. If you’re not good enough, then get better,” he said, adding that festival organisers would also be looking out for new talents.
He himself goes online for prospective bands and talents to feature in the next festival.
As for next year’s RWMF music lineup, Raine-Reusch said he knew who he’d like to invite but was keeping mum about it. So until next year, that’s anybody’s guess.
