Where are the Dayak top leaders support?

  Dusit (centre) together with DBNA’s deputy president Yunus Apok
(second left), SDGA’s deputy president Noelle Lily Morse
 (second right), BGA’s secretary Ani Solep (right) and OUNA’s
representative Ungan Lisut.

WHY only a handful Dayaks top political leaders (ministers and the people representatives) had come forward in support to have more Dayaks in the civil service?

This was the question raised by the Sarawak Dayak Graduates Association (SDGA) president Dr Dusit Jaul who is heading a special committee on the Dayaks serving in the Federal public civil service.

The committee is represented by various Dayak non-governmental organisations (NGO) like Sarawak Dayak National Union (SDNU), Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA), Orang Ulu National Association (OUNA), Sarawak Dayak Graduates Association (SDGA) and Bidayuh Graduates Association (BGA).

Dusit said so far only four Dayak leaders had responded to the committee’s call for more Dayaks to serve in the Federal public civil service — PRS president Tan Sri Dr James Masing, SPDP president Tan Sri William Mawan Ikom, PRS deputy president Datuk Joseph Entulu and Kanowit MP Datuk Aaron Dagang who raised the issue in Parliament recently.

Dusit said Masing has brought the issue to chief secretary-general of State while Mawan launched the outreach programme in Pakan and Entulu launched a similar programme in Nanga Skuan, Selangau.

“Hopefully more of our Dayak leaders will come forward in support of the programme while the committee would like to thank those Dayak leaders who had come forward to assist us in the programme, adding that a  concerted effort should be done to get more young Dayaks to apply to enter the civil service.

Sarawak Dayak Graduates Association (SDGA) president Dr Dusit Jaul, who is heading a special committee formed to help Dayak youths to serve in the Federal civil service, said he found it strange why only a handful had come forward in support of the programme.

“Hopefully, more Dayak leaders will support the programme which is the way forward in working together towards a common cause.”

The special committee is represented by several leading Dayak-based non-governmental organisations (NGOs), including Sarawak Dayak National Union (SDNU), Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA), Orang Ulu National Association (OUNA), Sarawak Dayak Graduates Association (SDGA) and Bidayuh Graduates Association (BGA).

Dusit said there should not be race favouritism in the distribution of jobs in the civil service.

He said the selection of candidates should be based on merit. Although he did not mention any specific race, Dusit wanted PSC and the Government to be fair to the Dayak community.

On career development, Dusit said: “Getting a job is one thing but do Dayaks in the government service get their fair share of career development (promotion) in the Federal government departments and agencies?

“This is also the Dayak plight which the Government should also look into, after all the Government has been talking about merit. They should walk the talk.”

According to Dusit, there is much frustration among the Dayaks in the civil service because they have been denied promotion opportunities despite possessing the required qualifications, skills and capabilities.

On the online application, he said there was no telling if applications were getting fair treatment from PSC.

Dusit said because of this uncertainty and doubt, the special committee would be coordinating closely with PSC on the issue.

“We will monitor the implementation after the job application stage. The Dayak community wants to see results.”

On the existence of “little Napoleans” who might try to sabotage the applications made to PSC, Dusit said: “We trust PSC and the Government to be more transparent. Let them do their jobs first, we will act later if we discover something is not right in the process.”

According to Dusit, every year about 50,000 vacancies of all grades in the Federal departments and agencies under the Federal PSC for those 41 and below, would invite applications.

“If the Government just gives the Dayaks (Iban, Bidayuh and Orang Ulu) 4% of the 50,000 every year (1,500 a year) that will be good enough.

“To me, as the president of the Sarawak Dayak Graduates Association, the issue of low intake of Dayaks in the civil service shouldn’t have arisen in the first place because we Dayaks have helped in the formation of Malaysia.

“This is a lesson where community engagement is crucial towards fairness and justice. We are not demanding more than what is due to us. We just want fair treatment,” he added.

On the need for the programme, Dusit said online application was a huge disadvantage to Dayaks.

“Most of our people are in the rural areas where Internet access is either poor or the technology does not yet exist. Yet PSC only accepts online applications.

“The other reason is the difficulty in accessing PSC website and lack of awareness among the Dayak youths on how to go about applying for government jobs online.

“In our random survey, many Dayak Form 5 school-leavers don’t even know what SPA stands for and they are also unaware of SPA’s function,” he said.

Dusit also said some Dayak youths were sceptical about applying for jobs in the civil service after so many of their applications went unanswered.

“Yes, they applied. They spent money renting computers at cyber cafes after travelling for hours from their kampung in the far-flung interior to reach town.

“Then what happened was that, there wasn’t even a single reply from PSC. Not even telling them if their applications were being looked into, let alone being called for interviews,” Dusit explained.

According to him, the special committee now has outreach schedules at 17 locations in Dayak majority areas throughout the state to help the Dayak youths with their applications.

Dusit said the Dayak NGOs involved in the programme were taking their own initiative with their own money and manpower to organise the online application programme.

“We are operating on very limited resources,” he said adding that until September, the committee had helped with 26,000 applicants.

On the challenge — to get 100,000 Dayak youths to apply — thrown by PSC chairman Tan Sri Mahmood Adam, Dusit said it was a figure for the committee to work on.

“If we can get another 10,000 by end of the year, we will have been successful. The main thing is we want to see many more Dayak youths accessing the PSC website and learning to apply for jobs online as compared to before now,” Dusit said.

He said going forward, the special committee would continue with the process of engagement with the relevant commissions including the State PSC, Education Service Commission, Legal and Judical Service Commission, the police and army.

He said annually there were about 400,000 intakes of teachers under purview of the Education Service Commission, Royal Malaysian Police (100,000), Malaysian Armed Forces (100,000) and State PSC (100,000).

Others are Legal and Judicial Service Commission and jobs under the various government statutory bodies like the Pepper Marketing Board, Malaysian Cocoa Board, Mardi, Felda, Felcra, Salcra and local authorities which are not under the purview of the Federal PSC.

A team of PSC officers was at the DBNA headquarters recently for the training of trainers to DBNA and BGA volunteers who will be assigned to the outreach programme.
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Dayaks versus Public Service Commission

By ROBERT KENNETH

THE deadline is December 31, 2012 and with roughly a month left, will there be at least 100,000 Dayak job applications submitted to the Public Service Commission (PSC) of Malaysia before the year is over?

The Dayaks were challenged last October 10 by the commission chairman Tan Sri Mahmood Adam to reach the figure following complaints that there are so few Dayak government servants.

The point of contention is that the number of Dayaks in the civil service has for many years been disproportionate to their size as the biggest ethnic group in Sarawak.

As soon as Mahmood issued his challenge, doubters immediately came out of the woodwork, and despite the seriousness of the issue, some Dayak politicians and intellectuals are sceptical, while others have even made jokes about the challenge.

There are those who say it is just “window dressing” and “lip service”, and the low number of applicants was just a convenient explanation for the disproportionately low number of Dayaks in the civil service.

A Bidayuh senior government officer, who requested anonymity, said even if Mahmood’s challenge was met, there was no guarantee that the number of successful Dayak applicants would be proportionate to their overall number.

“If it is true that there haven’t been enough Dayak applicants, then why were there many applicants who complained that they were rejected?” he said.

“According to PSC’s statistics, there were 16,578 Iban, 8,327 Bidayuh and 3,315 Orang Ulu applicants. But how come only 722 Ibans, 475 Bidayuhs and 96 Orang Ulus were selected? Why were so many rejected?

“Why should a smaller community get the most number of jobs just because it has the most number of applicants?”

He also asked whether there was any certainty that online applications would reach the PSC, adding that there were bound to be some “Little Napoleons” somewhere throwing their weight around.

Thus, he urged PSC to ensure that all applications are looked into and that all those from the right communities and with the right qualifications get the posts they apply for.

Meanwhile, several Dayak graduates said they were getting fed-up and losing hope of securing government jobs following several rejections and many years of waiting.

The Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) and Bidayuh Graduates Association (BGA), however, prefer responding positively to Mahmood’s challenge.

In order to help meet the target, they will hold a roadshow to encourage the Bidayuh to apply for government jobs.

BGA president Dr Ahi Sarok said the roadshow would start on Dec 1 at Bau Civic Centre for DBNA Bau and Serapi. This will be followed by DBNA Bunuk, Mambong and Anah Rais at Kampung Bunuk on Dec 2; Serian Community Hall on Dec 8 for DBNA Serian, Kedup, Tebedu and Balai Ringin; and at DBNA building in Kampung Jampari, Lundu on Dec 9.

Last night, representatives of the PSC had talks with DBNA and BGA exco members and showed them how applicants could apply for jobs online.

Following the meeting, a special committee comprising leaders representing various Dayak non-governmental organisations (NGOs) headed by Sarawak Dayak Graduates Association (SDGA) president Dr Dusit Jaul as interim chairman was formed.

The main task of the committee is to get as many Dayaks as possible to apply for jobs through the PSC to meet the 100,000-applicant challenge.

On Thursday, the committee also discussed with state PSC secretary Mohd Saiful Sungkih Abdullah ways of achieving the target within the short period.

Dusit said getting 100,000 applicants was not a big issue so long as Dayaks were willing to respond to the challenge.

He said the committee would do its best to reach out to eligible but unemployed youths in the rural areas — including private sector employees — to apply for positions in the public service.

“Dayak NGOs will assist the PSC as much as they can to encourage more Dayaks to submit their job applications,” Dusit said.

According to him, at the moment, Dayaks could not blame the PSC for the low number of their people in the public service because the records showed that despite being the most numerous in the state fewer Dayaks applied for government jobs compared to Malays and Chinese.

He revealed that up until last September, PSC’s records showed a total of 66,699 applications for various vacancies.

Of these, 26,233 or 39% were from Malays; Ibans (16,578), Bidayuhs (8,327), Melanaus (6,218), Chinese (5,062) and Orang Ulus (3,315).

From the total, 2,997 were selected — Malays (849), Ibans (722), Chinese (535), Bidayuhs (475), Melanaus (257) and Orang Ulus (96).

“Comparatively the number of Dayak applicants, particularly Ibans, is still very low relative to their total number as the biggest ethnic group in the state.

“If there were fewer applicants compared to those from other ethnic groups, naturally the number of those selected would be fewer. So if our people want to have more chances of being selected, this is the right time,” he said.

He said the committee would soon work out a mechanism on how to get the unemployed, self-employed and those in the private sector to apply for government jobs.

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Successful Sarawak River Festival

Huge turnout at the festival's concert.

Thousands including foreign tourists thronged Kampung Danu, along Puncak Borneo Road, 55km from Kuching to attend the inaugural Sarawak River  Festival 2012 held over the weekend of October 27 and 28.

Festival attendees enjoying their dancing. 

Organised by Ma’asa Event Management in collaboration with the Kampung Danu Development and Security Committee (JKKK), the two-day festival was held successfully and officially graced by Public Health Assistant Minister Dr Jerip Susil on October 28.

The festival was a combined activity of treasure hunt, water sports, live band performance and sale of food and beverages.




The festival kick-off on Saturday night (October 27) with live band performance by Dirgahayu II Band and the pack crowd were entertained and thrilled by songs from AF7 finalists Claudia Geres, a veteran Bidayuh singer Paul Kadun, Captain Miron Ganguly with his blues numbers, popular local DJ Peter John Apai and Hits FM DJ Aaron Gomes.

Some of the stalls set up during the two-day festival.

On Sunday morning participants of the Sarawak River Treasure Hunt 2012 were flag-off by JFAM Logistics Sdn Bhd managing director Jores Sidik at the riverbank of Kampung Bengoh.
Along their routes the treasure hunters had a thrilling and fun time hunting for the treasures hidden along the river, and each team were also required to pluck three types of edible plants along the river bank.
The hardest task was looking for the treasures hidden within the Kampung Danu vicinity.

Kampng Danu cultural troupe performing the Bidayuh cultural dance.

At the event site there were stalls selling food and beverages, handicrafts and cosmetics, while Maxis set up their stall to promote its services and Unimas Medical Centre gave free health screening to members of the public.

The Red Bull challenge was also a fun event. Hundreds of people rushed to look for 100 bottles of Red Bull drinks hidden within the vicinity of the village to win prizes offered  by Red Bull. ‘Gangnam Style’ and poco-poco dancing added merriments to the festival.

'Gangnam Style' dancing add fun to the festival.

The festival’s chief coordinator Robert Kenneth said due to unpredictable weather conditions some of events in this year’s festival were forced to be cancelled.

“It would have been better had the festival be held on the pebble field, but due to the heavy downpour on Sunday morning, and as we were worried of the high water level, all the activities except for the Sarawak River Treasure Hunt were held on land (in the village’s vicinity,” he said.




Overall it was a successful event and Robert promised a grander festival next year, which is slated to be held in August. Dr Jerip in his speech commended the organisation of the festival which he said as a very good way to promote the village to tourists and city dwellers. He commended Maasa Event Management for taking the initiative to organise the festival in Kampung Danu, whose beautiful has great potential of an important tourist destination and a perfect venue for community-based activities. He said all those tourist attractions like the river, caves, waterfall and the home stay is an asset to the villagers to generate income.

“If you work together to take care of the beauty of your village you can develop Kampung Danu as a popular tourist destination,” he added.

Dr Jerip handing over paints to Kampung Danu headman Encik Ahip Naii. The paints will be used to repaint the

village's suspension bridge.

Meanwhile Kampung Danu headman Ahip Naii who was delighted with the success of the festival had wanted Maasa Event Management to continue with the event next year. He said the festival has been able to attract huge number of visitors and had surely had benefited the village and promote the place as an interesting tourist destination.

Dr Jerip visiting Maxis boot during the festival.

“During the festival the villagers has been able to generate extra income by selling food and drinks as well as their farm produce to the visitors,” he added.

Meanwhile Maasa Event Management general manager Ceasser Robert announced that the company next event will be the Jungle Rock Muzik Festival scheduled in April next year at Maasa Event Centre located along the new road from Jalan Kampung Semadang to the Bengoh Resettlement Scheme in Penrissen.

Visitors reporting to participate in the Red Bull Challenge.

Dirgarhayu II female singers singing the dangdut numbers.

Among the visitors at the festival.

Participants of the Sarawak River Treasure Hunt 2012 ready for the the flag-off.

Participants of the treasure hunt pulling their kayaks at the 

shallow part of the river. 

Participants of the treasure hunt looking for the hidden treasures along 
the river. 

Visitors visiting the cultural house in Kampung Danu.

Participants of the treasure hunt  after the competition.

Peter John entertaining the visitors with his songs.

Participant of the treasure hunts on their way to Kampung Danu.

The crowd at the festival.

Encik Jores Sidik (second from left) presenting the prizes to the winners of
the Sarawak River Treasure Hunt.

Event director Robert Kenneth briefing the Sarawak River Treasure Hunt 

participants.

Winners of the treasure hunt carrying the treasures they collected.

Nestle event and sampling manager Tonny Merril presenting
the goodies to Maasa Event Management general manager,
Ceasser Robert  (left).

AF7 finalist Claudia Geres entertaining the crowd at the festival.

Visitors visiting the stalls at the festival.

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Thousands to visit Sarawak River Festival

KUCHING: Plenty of prizes awaits lucky visitors to the inaugural Sarawak River Festival @ Ga Danu 2012 at Kampung Danu, along Jalan Puncak Borneo at the upper part of Sungai Sarawak Kiri in Penrissen this weekend (October 27 & 28).

Members of Kampung Danu cultural troupe ready
to welcome their visitors.

Staged on the picturesque pebble bed on the Sungai Sarawak Kiri by the river bank of  Kampung Danu, the activities at the festival include treasure hunt, water sports, live band performance and sale of food and beverages.
The two-day festival is organised by Maasa Event Management in collaboration with Kampung Danu Development and Security Committee.
Maasa Event Management general manager Ceasser Robert said beside RM2,100 cash prizes in the Sarawak River Treasure Hunt 2012, which will be held on Sunday, lucky festival goers will also win lucky draw prizes.
Other water sports events to be held on Sunday are swimming and boat race.
Ceasser said those wanting to participate in the long boat race can register at the festival’s site, adding that each boat will consist of six paddlers and without registration fee.
He said visitors to the festival are also invited to participate in various other games and activities to win cash prizes and goodies.
Among the games will be the Red Bull Challenge where the winners would win cash prizes and Red Bull premium items.
Ceasser said two extra events has been included on the second day of the festival, that is the gangnam style dancing and poco-poco dancing to add more fun to the festival at the pebble field by the river bank of Kampung Danu.
“Visitors are invited to participate in the dancing and best three dancers would be picked to win three prizes,” said Ceasser, who anticipated thousands of people from far and near would turn up at the festival.
Other activities on Sunday include live band performance featuring several singers including AF7 finalist Claudia Geres and Paul Kadun who his popular with his song entitled “Ondu biranak sindo”. Dirgahayu II with their dangdut female singer will be the band in attendance.
“There will be about 30 stalls selling food and beverages, local products while Red Bull and Maxis will also be putting up their boots to promote their respective products and services,” he added.
The festival sponsors are Assistant Minister of Public Health Dr Jerip Susil, JFAM Logistics Sdn Bhd, Carlseberg, Red Bull, Maxis, Nescafe and several individuals.
The festival will kick off with a live band performance on October 27, starting at 8 pm to 12 pm.
Ceasser said all the stalls with canopies has been booked but said those interested to trade during the festival can still do so but have to bring along their own canopies.
Ceasser said the event is aimed at complimenting the Ministry of Tourism effort in luring tourists to the area.
Such events have the potential to be important event in the developing of the tourism industry in Penrissen and Bengoh area.
The Sarawak River Treasure Hunt 2012 was launched by Public Health Assistant Minister Dr Jerip Susil in November last year and the latter and his wife will be visiting and officiating at the closing of the festival on Sunday.
Ceasser said the event was also aim to introduce exciting places around Penrissen to tourists and the the same time the villagers would be able to benefit from the event to supplement their family income through homestay programme, providing transportation, sale of food and beverages as well as sale of souvenirs, handicrafts and jungle produce.

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Register early for the Sarawak Treasure Hunt 2012

Join gangnam style and poco-poco dances on the pebble field

The organiser of the Sarawak Treasure Hunt 2012 has advised interested participants to register earlier as last minute entries will not be accepted.
The treasure hunt is one of the many events to be held in conjunction with the two-day Sarawak
River Festival which starts on 27 October.
The venue is the pebble field in Kampung Danu at Jalan Puncak Borneo on the upper part of
the Sungai Sarawak Kiri.
The festival is organised by Ma’asa Event Management in collaboration with Kampung Danu Development and Security Committee and the village’s cooperative.
The event coordinator, Robert Kenneth said the treasure hunt offered RM1,000 cash prize and trophy for the champion team, RM500 and a trophy for the first runner-up and RM300 for the second runner-up.
There will three consolation prizes of RM100 each.
Kenneth said the treasure hunt would be flagged off at 10 am at the river bank of Kampung Bengoh.The participants are expected to arrive at Kampung Danu at noon.
“The questions are very simple and the treasures are placed along the routes.So it is quite an easy contest which everybody can participate,” said Kenneth, adding that each team consisted of two persons.
He said the participating teams could either use a kayak, a boat or a raft for the treasure hunt.
However, the participating teams are required to bring along their own kayaks, boats or rafts.
“The organisers can assist the participants to source for the kayaks and boats but they must place their bookings at least one week before the event,” said Kenneth.
Interested teams can collect their entry forms at the following locations:
* Mambong Parliamentary Service Centre, Kota Padawan.
* JFAM Logistics Sdn Bhd, MJC Batu Kawah New Township.
* Ju Cafe, Mile 9, (next to Open University Malaysia).
* Lim Magazine & Newspaper, BDC Comercial Centre.
* DBNA Headquarters, Jalan Kumpang, Kuching.
Completed entry forms together with a RM50 registration fee for each team and RM16 for Group Personal Accident Insurance Policy must be submitted to the organiser not later than 23 October 2012 October at Mambong Parliamentary Service Centre, Kota Padawan, JFAM Logistic Sdn Bhd, MJC Batu Kawah New Township and DBNA Headquarters, Jalan Kumpang, off Jalan Ong Tiang Swee, Kuching.
For assistance, interested teams can also contact Robert Kenneth (Tel: 013-2036553) or
Ceasser Robert (Tel: 016 -016- 5765174), or visit website www. danuvillagestay.co.cc or www.sarawakriverfestival. co.cc for details and to download the entry form of the Sarawak River Treasure Hunt 2012.
Kenneth said on 27 and 28 October, the Upper Sungai Sarawak Kiri will come alive with hundreds or even thousands of people enjoying the first Sarawak River Festival on the picturesque pebble field of Kampung Danu.
“The two-day river festival is a unique combination of water sports, live music performances, games and sales of food and beverages. Those interested to operate the stalls during the festival are advised to book early with the rentakl fess of RM30.00.
“The festival will kick off with a live band performance on the night of 27 October, from 8.00pm
to midnight. Entry to the festival is free.
There will also be a gangnam style dance performance on the pebble field and spectators are
most welcome to participate.
“Three of participants will be picked to win three special prizes,” said Kenneth.
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Sarawak River Ga Danu Festival 2012 promises fun-fill activities

During the launching of the Sarawak River Ga Danu 2012 at the peeble field. Kampung Danu headman Encik Ahip Naii is seen six from the left while Jores (fifth from the left) and Ceasser (fourth from the left) and other members of JKK Kampung Danu.   

Beautiful garden with the 'baruk' shape building.

The inaugural Sarawak River Ga Danu Festival 2012 slated on October 27 and 28 at   Kampung Danu along Jalan Puncak Borneo, 55 km from here promised whole day fun fill activities suitable for whole family outing.

To be staged on the picturesque pebble field in the Sungai Sarawak Kiri at Kampung Danu, the festival will kick off with a live music entertainment on October 27, starting at 8 am to 12 pm.

The main activities will be held on October 28, which include sports events, live music entertainment, poco-poco dance, sale of food and beverages as well as sale of local products.

The event is organised and managed by Ma’asa Event Management in collaboration with the Kampung Danu Development and Security Committee (JKKK).

The Sarawak Kiri River at Kampung Danu.

Ma’asa Event Management general manager Ceasser Robert said entry to the festival site is free of charge and in fact the festival goers are most welcome to participate in the various sporting activities including the Sarawak River Treasure Hunt 2012, boat race and swimming competitions.

Meanwhile the launching ceremony of the festival by Kampung Danu headman Ahip Naii  was held yesterday at the festival’s site and was also attended by one of the event sponsors JFAM Logistics Sdn Bhd managing director Jores Sidik, Ceasser and members of Kampung Danu Development and Security Committee.

The event is supported by Public Health Assistant Minister who is also Bengoh State Asemblyman Dr Jerip Susil.

“For those are not interested to participate in any of the event they can just relax and enjoy a vast array of activities and entertainments or bath in the river and for those coming along with their children they can picnic or camping on the pebble field at the site of the festival,” said Ceasser.

Ceasser said the Sarawak River Treasure Hunt 2012 which is the main event at the festival will be held on October 28 along the Sungai Sarawak Kiri (locally known as Sungai Semadang) in Padawan.

He said the treasure hunt will start at Kampung Bengoh riverbank and end at Kampung Danu. The hunt would require participants to look for clues and answers while on the river, adding that the event is open to local and foreign participations.

He said each team will comprise of two persons and the participating teams can choose to use kayak, boat or raft in the competition.

"The participants are required to answers questions prepared by the organisers and to look for the hidden treasures along the way,” said Ceasser.

On the prizes, he said the champion team will receive RM1,000 cash and a trophy while the first runner up will pocket RM500 plus a trophy and the third winner to receive RM300 plus a trophy.

‘There will be three consolation prizes of RM100 and a trophy each,” he said.

The registration fee is RM50 plus RM16 for Personal Insurance policy.

Those interested to participate in the event are required to bring along their own kayak, boat or raft.

Ceasser said the organisers can assist the participants to source for the kayaks and boats but they must place their booking at least two weeks before the event.

“For those wanting to use rafts in the competition, they can make arrangement with the organisers or the local people near the event venue to book their raft,” said Ceasser.

On the boat race, Ceasser said it is limited to 10 small boats with two paddlers for each boat while the swimming and diving competition is open to the public.

The pebble field in Kampung Danu where the festival will be held.

Other activities are river cleanliness awareness campaign, health screening, blood donation campaign, sale of food and beverages, sale of products produced by the local farmers and gotong-royong by N.16 Bengoh Barisan Nasional (BN) youths led by SUPP Bengoh Youth Chief Wilson Mapus.

Those interested to participate in the treasure hunt can contact Ceasser at 016-5765174 or Robert Kenneth at 013-2036553 for further details or visit the festival website at www.sarawakriverfestival.co.cc.

Registration forms can also be collected at the Mambong Parliamentary Service Centre Office at Kota Padawan and JFAM Logistics Sdn Bhd office at Batu Kawah New Township and completed forms together with the registration fee are to be submitted to the above address not later than October 22.

Meanwhile Kampung Danu headman Ahip Naii in welcoming members of the public to festival said while at the village visitors can visit the village’s traditional culture house and bath in the river.

“Those interested to spend their night at the village can make arrangement with the homestay operators in the village,” said Ahip.

For homestay reservation, contact Robert Kenneth or visit Danu Village Stay website at www.danuvillagestay.co.cc.

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Sarawak River Tourism Treasure Hunt 2012 on Oct 28

The view of the pebble river bed where a stage will be constructed for
the live band performance and the other side events.

THE Sarawak River Tourism Treasure Hunt 2012, to be held for the first time this year on October 28 along the Sungai Sarawak Kiri
(locally known as Sungai Semadang) in Padawan, promissed a funfil event.
Organised by Ma’asa Event Management in collaboration with the Kampung Danu Development and Security Committee, the event would
require participants to look for clues and answers while on a river.
Ma’asa Event Management general manager Ceasser Robert said the event is open to local and foreign participations.
He said each team will comprise of two persons and the participating teams can choose to use either a kayak, boat or raft in the competition.
"The participants are required to answers questions prepared by the organisers and to look for the hidden treasures along the way,” said Ceasser.
He said the participants would be flagged off at Kampung Bengoh, Padawan and the finishing point would be the river bank at Kampung Danu.
On the prizes, he said the champion team will receive RM1,000 cash and a trophy while the first runner up will pocket RM500 plus a trophy and
the third winner to receive RM300 plus a trophy.
‘There will be three consolation prizes of RM100 and a trophy each,” he said.

The Sungai Sarawak Kiri where the treasure hunt event will be held.

The registration fee is RM50.
Those interested to participate in the event are required to bring along their own kayak, boat or raft.
Ceasser said the organisers can assist participants to source for the kayaks and boats but they must place their booking at least two weeks before the event.
“For those wanting to use rafts in the competition, they can make arrangement with the organisers or the local people near the event venue, to book their raft,” said Ceasser.
On a related matter, he said there will be a live band entertainment and poco-poco dance as side events at the pebble river bed in Kampung Danu during the event.
There will also be a boat race which is limited to 10 small boats with two paddlers for each boat, diving and swimming competition, river cleanliness awareness campaign, health screening, sale of food and beverages and sale of products made by the local farmers.
Those interested to participate in the event can contact Ceasser at 016-5765174 or Robert Kenneth at 013-2036553 for further details.
Registration forms can also be collected at the Mambong Parliamentary Service Centre Office at Kota Padawan and JFAM Logistics Sdn Bhd office at Batu Kawah New Township from Sept 10.

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Another RM59,000 cash and a scooter for Pandelela

BAU: National diving darling Pandelela Rinong Pamg received cash incentives of RM59,000 and a scooter during a dinner organised by the Bung Bratak Heritage Association (BBHA) at the Dewan Suarah Bau here on Saturday night.
Of the total amount, the Bung Bratak Heritage Association contributed RM25,000, Musyati Sdn Sdn gave RM20,000, former Tasik Biru State Assemblyman Lee Nyan Choi gave RM5,000 and RM9,000 were contributions from guests attending the dinner.
The amount also includes contribution of two million rupiah from a group of 20 Jagoi Babang clan led by the Kepala Desa (ketua kampung) Bapak Kasianus Anyiu who came all the way from West Kalimantan, Indonesia to attend the dinner to celebrate Pandelela’s achievement who won the bronze medal at the London Olympic Games recently.
The scooter worth more than RM6,000 was the present from Demak Marketing Sdn Bhd.
At the function Pandelela was also awarded the “Wirawati Bung Bratak” title from the Bung Bratak Heritage Asssociation.
Earlier on arrival at the Dewan Suarah Bau, Pandelela was given the Bidayuh traditional welcoming ceremony.
At the dinner Pandelela and the rest of the guests were entertained by four Bidayuh popular singers, AF7 finalist Claudia Geres, Bintang RTM runner-up Emil  Hamlyn, LG Star finalist Fiona John and Liza Chong.
The guests were also entertained by special appearance of seven former Kumang Gawai pageants and cultural dances performance by three cultural troupes from Bau and Serian.
The golden voices of Pendelela’s father, Pamg @ Paeng Joheng and Bung Bratak Heritage Association Datuk Peter Minos successfully raised RM9,000 from among the guests attending the dinner.
Pandelela who spoke at the function thanked all Malaysians who have given her the morale and financial support.
She said their support will further inspire her to perform better in upcoming tournaments including the 2014 Commonwealth Games and the 2016 Olympic Games.
She attributed her success at the London 2012 Olympics to the fighting spirit of Bidayuh warriors Panglima Kulow and Panglima Mayo.
The bronze medalist from Kampung Jugan said: the fighting spirit of Bung Bratak warriors like Panglima Kulow and Panglima Mayo inspired her to give her best.
“I will always remember it, and I will work hard to do my best for the country, our state, and especially the Bidayuh community,” she added.
President of the Bung Bratak Heritage Assiociation Datuk Peter Minos said Pandelela is a great inspiration to the Bidayuhs and Malaysians.
“The happiness you gave us is indescribable and wish you will go and get the gold medal in the future,” said Minos.
Bapak Kasianus Anyiu said the Jagoi Babang in Kalimantan Barat also shared the joy and are proud of Pandelela’s achievement at the Olympic Games.
"We are proud of her because she is from the Jagoi community and the first Bidayuh to win medal at the Olympics,” he added.


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Pandelela bestowed State prestigious award

Malaysian diving queen Pandelela Rinong Pamg was bestowed Sarawak state prestigious award of Johan Bintang Sarawak (JBS) by head of the state Tun Abang Muhammad Salahuddin Abang Barieng at a special ceremony held at the Astana in Kuching yesterday.

Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Alfred Jabu Numpang later announced the state government incentive of RM60,000 and full scholarship to Pandelela to study in Australia, while RM15,000 each to two other Sarawak Olympians Traisy Vivian Tukiet and Bryan Nickson Lomas.

The Dayak Cultural Foundation (DCF) also gave RM30,000 to Pandelela and RM10,000 each to Bryan and Traisy.  

Pandelela, a Bidayuh lass from Kampung Jugan, Bau won a bronze medal in the 10m platform diving event at the London Olympic Games.

She is the first Malaysian woman to have won the medal in the Olympic Games and also the first in the diving event.

Traisy is also a Bidayuh from kampung Serumah, Bau and bryan is a Iban.

Pandelela, Traisy and Bryan arrival at the Kuching International Airport at 11.50 am yesterday was greeted by about 2,000 fans. They were later paraded around the Kuching city before proceeding to the Astana to receive her award.

Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) president Datuk Ik Pahon Joyik said it was a very special occasion for the community.

He said the state award and the incentives fitted her sacrifice and achievement and believed that more incentives would be given to her by the state and federal government if she continues to perform in the next Olympic Games.  

“All of us should be proud of her achievement because she has brought pride not only to the nation but also to the state and more important to the Bidayuh community,” said Pahon.
“For the Bidayuh community, we are very proud of her success because it happened that a  Bidayuh woman has became the first Malaysian woman to have ever won medal at the Olympic Games,” added Pahon.

Pahon described Pandelela a role for the youths, adding that her sacrifice and hard work should be emulated.

“She is a role model for our youths because she possesses high spirit and discipline. There is no short cut to success and she have struggled and sacrificed for ten years to achieve her goal,” said Pahon.

Meanwhile chairman of Bung Bratak Heritage Association (BBHA) Datuk Peter Minos who is Pandelela’s staunch supporter in his SMS said the Bidayuhs are very happy that the state government has awaded the ‘Johan Bintang Kenyalang’ to Pandelela.

“This is a fitting token of appreciation for what Pandelela has done to Sarawak for the meantime.

“Hopefully when Pandelela brings in more achievements in the coming years she will be appropriately awarded.

“It is very good that Sarawak honours its heroine just like what the federal government had done,” said Minos.

He said any Malaysian should be inspired and motivated when his or her contribution is noted and appreciated.

“Any management guru can tell us that everyone has that special need of appreciation.

“Maslow calls it a human being ’egoistic needs’, that top of needs. Maybe we pray that Pandelela brings in more honours to Malaysia and Sarawak.

”I am very confident she will, knowing her grit, self discipline and determination,” added Minos.

Minos said the Bidayuhs are very happy and proud of Pandelela as she has put the community at the pedestal.

”She makes the Bidayuhs more known and noted and hopefully more regarded. To us she is our true heroine, of the top order,” he said.

Pandelela has been rewarded with RM150,000 under the incentive scheme of the Ministry of Youth and Sports and a monthly pension of RM2,000.

She also received RM300,000 from the Government of Malaysia, a full scholarship to study in university.

The Star Publication has also promised RM100,000 incentive for her.


At the London Olympic Games Pandelela Rinong participated in two events and won the bronze medal in the 10m plafform.
She partnered Leong Mun Yee in the 10m platform synchronised but only managed the 7th position.
Among Pandelela’s achievements at the international level competitions are:
2012: Bronze medal in the 10m platform at the London Olympic Games
2012: Bronze medal in the 10m platform at the FINA World Series
2011: Silver medal at the World Series 10m plafform
2011: Silver medal in the 10m platform synchronised
2010: Silver medal in 10m platform at the Asian Sports
2010: Silver medal in 10m platform synchronised
2010 : Gold medal 10m platform at the Commonwealth Games
2010 : Silver medal in 10m plat form synchronised at the Commonwealth games
2009 : Bronze medal in the 10m platform at the World Tournament
2009 : Gold medal in the 10m platform at the SEA Games
2009 : Gold medal in 10m platform synchronised
2007 : Gold medal 10m platform synchronised at the SEA games.

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Fairy Cave Festival to be grander next year

Dr Jerip and other guests having their lunch at
 the "Bori Bak Jorak'.

STARTING next year, the annual Fairy Cave Festival promises a lot more fun and colourful activities being held.
During the augural festival last weekend thousands of visitors from near and far including foreign tourists flocked the Fairy Cave in Krokong, Bau and its surrounding area to join in the events.
Various activities were held during the three-day event. During the day, visitors joined the tour to the Fairy Cave, did rock climbing (Rock On 3) and witness the battle of the gongs, blowpipe competition, 4X4 off road demonstration and traditional paddy pounding competition.
There were also stalls set up by the local people to
sell food and drinks and in the evening visitor were entertained with live band performance.
Apart from the interesting events, Penghulu Dihoi Nyaweng who is the organising chairman of festival built a traditional Bidayuh paddy farm hut which is locally known as ‘bori bak jorak’.
The hut made of wood collected from the forest area and the wall made of sago leaves was the centre of attractions among the visitors during the festival.
Dihoi said in the olden days, Bidayuh farmers usually farmed far away from their village and they built huts in their paddy farm where they would stay while working in their farm.
“They would stay there for a year or two, usually until the end of the paddy farming season,” he said.
On the Fairy Cave Festival, Dihoi said there were seven groups taking part in the battle of the gongs, 38 in the blowpipe competition, five vehicles in the 4x4 off-road demonstration and two groups in the paddy pounding competition.
Following the overwhelming response to the festival, Dihoi said the event will be an annual event for the Krokong Development and Security Committee.
“Next year we will organise the festival in grander scale as part of the tourism income generating activities in the Krokong area,” said Dihoi.
Dihoi said he was happy with the turnout and the success of the festival despite operating with  limited financial resources.
“We will also introduce kayaking at the Sarawak Kanan River not far away from the Fairy Cave next year.
“We have eleven houses at nearby Kampung Peros under the homestay programme where visitors can stay in,” he said.
Dihoi said the paddy field nearby which is private owned will also be adopted as one of the tourist products in the area.
There are 15 villages under JKK Krokong, namely Kampung Peros, Batu Sepit, Pisa, Puak, Belimbin, Kaman, Bijure, Ledan, Pangkalan Tebang, Tringgus Rabak Rotan, Teringgus Nguan, Gumbang, Padang Pan and Piduan Bawah. They account for about 11,000 people.

Visitors at the entrance to the Fairy Cave.

“We will also take up the Public Health Assistant Minuister's Dr Jerip Susil challenge to develop the place into weekend market beginning next year. The local people can sell their produce in the market, similar to the Serikin weekend bazaar.
“It was a good idea from the assistant minister as it would further popularise the place as one of the major destinations,” he said.
Besides, he said it would also create economic activities for the local people.

Visitors posing for photograph at 'Bori Bak Jerak'  

He said the Sarawak Forest Corporation has also allowed the Krokong Development and Security Committee to adopt the place and develop it as a tourism destination.
“I would like to request the government to gazette the Fairy Cave and the surrounding area as a communal reserve of the Krokong Development and Security Committee for the benefit of the Krokong community,” he said.
The facilities already put in place at the vicinity of the Fairy Cave by the Sarawak Forest Corporation and Bau Distrct Council will be adopted by the committee.
Dihoi said they would however need more funding to improve the environment and the facilities there.
On Saturday when officiating the festival, Dr Jerip suggested to Krokong Development and Security Committee to develop and turn the popular Fairy Cave and the surrounding area into weekend bazaar similar to the Serikin weekend bazaar.
The Bengoh State Assemblyman said the Fairy Cave and the surround area have vast tourism products which need to be tab and turn into income generating activities for the community in the surrounding area.
“A part from the cave (Fairey Cave), within the area there are beautiful mountains very suitable for mountain and rock climbing activities, a big area of paddy field, the Sarawak Kanan River suitable for kayaking and also the homestay in nearby Kampung Peros.
“All these are saleable tourism products and will surely lure tourists and local visitors to the place to generate good income for the people here,” said Dr Jerip.
He said it is timely for the place to be developed for community based programme and as the major tourist attraction in the area.
For the purpose Dr Jerip Said he would help to source for the fund to upgrade the facilities while he commended the Sarawak Forest Coporation and the local council for building the facilities there including the steps and staircase going up to the Fairy Cave.

Battle of the gong

“We want during every weekend people come for the activities, stay at the traditional kampung homestay, visit the cave and kayaking in the river as well as shopping at the weekend market,” he said.
He said all these are income generating activities and is confident the project will be successful as they are capable people to manage them.
For next year’s festival, he said more activities will be organised to portray the local Bidayuh traditions, which is the ambient of the festival.
Meanwhile the annual crock climbing activity which was also held at the same place recorded 100 percent increase in term of participation.
Rock On 3, a natural rock-climbing activities which in its third year being held at the Fairy Cave.

Blowpipe competition.

Organised by sports climbing enthusiasts Malcolm and Eunice Jitam from Outdoor Treks and Adventures and Alex Holke, Rock On 3 were participated by climbers from around the world, showing their skill in tackle the limestone face of the Fairy Caves.
Malcolm said some 40 climbers are from New Zealand, Australia, United State, Germany, South Korea, England, Thailand, Philippines, Singapore, Indonesia and a strong contingent from Sabah joined this year event.
He said besides serious climbers there are about 30 beginner climbers and 10 junior climbers, aged 13-14 years old, taking part in the event.
The initiative by the Ministry of Tourism in 1998 to develop sports and adventure tourism in the state saw an Australian team of climbers bolting about 30 routes along the Batman Wall, one of the rock-climbing walls at Fairy Caves.
From 2008 onwards, Holke bolted 30 more routes with the help of other local climbers.
Malcolm said he was happy to note that participation from foreign climbers has increased by double.

Paddy pounding competition. 

He said he and his partners has been working very hard in putting up more new climbing routes around the mountain at their own expenses.
“We have created new routes and our effort is yielding now as every month we received visitors from all over the world who came to climb here.
“We aim to create more climbing routes. Once we reach 100 routes, we will qualify as an international rock-climbing destination,” Malcolm said.
“Currently, five walls serve as the main climbing area at Fairy Caves but experienced or professional climbers are welcomed to create new routes.
“There are routes never climbed before, and whoever succeeds the climb can name that route,” he said, pointing out that each route is named by the creator.
All climbs have glued in (Hilti RE 500) and fixed hangers on expansion bolts certified by International Mountaineering and Climbing Federation (UIAA).
According to Malcolm, the quality of the rocks and natural settings at the Fairy Cave are one of the best in around the world.
Malcolm said he was also very happy with the support given by the local people during the festival.
“They are very active and polite which made our visitors felt being welcomed and they stayed at the local homestay,” said Malcolm.
He hoped the Ministry of Tourism will allocate more fund to develop more climbing route as it is very costly to create them.
According to Malcolm, each route involves not less than 10 points and each point need to have one hanger and one bold, adding that each bolt and a hanger would cost about RM30.
“We received the first funding when the project started in 1999 but after that there was no more funding coming from the Ministry of Tourism although we have been promised,” said Malcolm.

Rock climbing  activity at the Fairy Cave.

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Biperoh Bazaar to be further extended

Datuk Dr Dawos, Dr Jerip Susil and Dr Benedict with recipient
of the incentives. 

The Biperoh Bazaar, a weekend market at Kampung Garung along Jalan Puncak Borneo will be further extended and would cost approximately RM1.5 million.
Developed by the Biperoh Association Kuching (BAK), the market when completed would also become the main tourist centre in the area.

Datuk Dr James Dawos entertaining the guests at the 

dinner.

BAK president Dr Benedict Poris said the master plan of the project has been submitted to the Federal Tourism Ministry through its deputy minister Datuk Dr James Dawos Mamit in May this year.
“I was told by the deputy minister (Dawos) that the proposal has been included in the rolling plan,” he said at the association’s annual dinner at a restaurant in Siburan recently.
In November last year Dawos has pledged RM200,000 for the upgrading of the market and said when that was done it would have a new name — Biperoh Tourist Market.
He said with the upgrading it would make the weekend market the first to be developed in the Bidayuh area.
Dr Benedict said the centre would also have a farmer’s centre with RM50,000 fund has already been acquired from the federal Ministry of Agriculture under the Mambong Parliamentary Agriculture Development Council (Majlis Pembangunan Pertanian Parlimen Mambong) which Dawos is the chairman.
He said the allocation has been used to build a store for storage of agriculture equipments and to purchase 40 sets of canopies for the farmer’s bazaar at the centre.
“The farmer’s bazaar is already about 70 percent completed and should be operating soon,” said Dr Benedict.

Dr Jerip Susil sings a song to entertain the guest at 

the dinner

Sebastian Sakoi who is the secretary of Mambong Parliamentary Agriculture Development Council is the committee chairman of the farmer’s bazaar.
Dr Benedict said the Public Health Assistant Minister Dr Jerip Susil has also forwarded a request to the Padawan Muncipal Council (MPP) to widen the road shoulder to the bazaar.
He said PMM secretary Michael Saweng has visited the site and gave his approval for the works to commence.
Dr Benedict in his speech also pleaded to Dawos for an allocation of RM50,000 to build the state at the bazaar.
In November during a dialogue with the Biperoh community leaders at the bazaar site had asked BAK, the organisers and managers of the market to come up with a design of the market to be submitted to him so that the allocation could be approved.
Dawos also suggested setting up a cultural centre to showcase the Bidayuh Biperoh culture and artefacts to attract tourists to the bazaar.

Datuk Dr James Dawos presenting the incentive to a student. 

Dr Jerip look on. 

He commended BAK for taking the initiative to develop the weekend bazaar, which he said could complement the growth of the tourism sector and at the same time benefit the local people.
Dawos also wanted the centre to have food outlets to cater for the tourist needs during their visits to several tourist attractions in the area.
According to him, in Padawan two tourist destinations have been developed — the Timurang Tourist Centre and Annah Rais Hotspring.
“Tourists after visiting tourist destinations in the area would want to have a place to eat and drink and so the Biperoh Tourist Market should be the ideal place for stop over,” he added.





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Paruwadi ready to meet Sudarsono over the debt issue

Datuk Paruwadi Musa showing the list of  
FAS debts to the press. 

KUCHING:  Former vice president of the Football Association of Sarawak (FAS) Datuk Paruwadi Musa said he was surprised that FAS president Datuk Sudarsono Osman did not know anything about the association's debt to him.
“I was surprise when he (Sudarsono) mentioned that he was not aware of the record about the association’s debt to me.
“The last time I called the deputy president (Abu Bakar Merzuki) with regard to the matter (debt) was before I went off to Pahang for the Malaysia Games last month.
“And when the president seem to say that he doesn’t know about the debt I was surprise but I don’t blame him because I understand he is a busy man and he have a lot of works to do,” said Paruwadi to the press yesterday.
He said the amount he demanded for repayment from FAS was the cost of airfares, accommodations, transportations and referee’s fee and not including foods and drinks for the players and officials during game’s day in Peninsula Malaysia.
“I also paid the players their pocket money because I pity them going to Peninsula Malaysia playing without pocket money.
“I understand they also need money to buy food and support their family but I am not claiming anything for the contributions. If I include the amount I contributed without receipts, the amount would be more than RM100,720,” he added.
He said the allocation from FAM at that time was not enough for the team to participate in the Premier League, President’s Cup and the Youth Cup.
Paruwadi also claimed that the association owed several past officers of the team and players in salaries.
“They all sacrifice for the team in 2007 when at that time the association was in bad financial shape and they deserved to be paid when the association’s financial is okay like it is now.
Paruwadi accepted Sudarsono invitation to discuss the matter face to face, saying: “I am willing to talk with him and have breaking of fast with him and other FAS officials and I will pay for the bills. Just set the date.”
On the suggestion that he should just write-off the debt and regard it as his donation to the association, Paruwadi said he can’t do that because he has helped FAS a lot and the amount he demanded from FAS was mean for donation to various welfare organisations including RM5,000 donation to Laila Taib Orphanage Home and for building a surau at Tabuan Park.
“I know FAS have got the money from a deal which I do not want to disclose at this moment of time,” he said, but added he will expose everything if FAS still refuse to settle the amount to him.
Thus, he appeal to FAS to immediately settle their debts to him.
“FAS has spent a lot of money for the team but still they failed to achieve good result in the Malaysia League and it happened because there was no ‘blessing’ fkir the team,” he added.
When told that Sudarsono wanted him to produce the receipts on the alleged expenses and money owed by FAS to him, Paruwadi said he had already submitted them to FAS even before Sudarsono became the FAS president.
“He should check with FAS. I know he is a busy but I hope he will take some of his time to check the records. I have talked to Abu Bakar (FAS deputy president) on the matter,” he added.
 Sudarsono in reply to the allegation made by Paruwardi said he wants to settle the matter in a diplomatic manner and not through the press.
He said it was no secret that FAS was in a bad financial shape and when the current exco took over FAS in 2010, it was public knowledge that FAS was in deep financial crisis. The estimated debt then was around RM4 million.
He said among others, the debt include salaries owed to players since 2006, outstanding EPF contribution since 2004, stadium rentals since 1994 and unpaid medical bills for treatment of players.
Sudarsono said FAS appreciated the efforts of the past management who kept the association afloat during those difficult times.
He said some of the EXCO members had to chip in their own m,oney to ensure the team could compete in the Malaysia league.
“I believe Paruwadi was one of those who had sponsored the team, Unfortunate, these expenses were without records. I believe all these spending were done out of love for the game,” he said.
Therefore Sudarsono had advised Paruwadi – if indeed FAS owes him more than RM100k as he alleged, then he should come and sit down with him to discuss how that should be settled.

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