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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Alberts remain as coach, Bobby is back to help the Crocs

Bobby Gonzales

KUCHING: Despite the crisis surrounding the Football Association of Sarawak (FAS), Sarawak will be competing in the Malaysia Cup after all and the present state football coach Robert Alberts remained as the chief coach of the team.
The matter was confirmed by FAS president Datuk Sudarsono Osman. The statement should stop all speculations that Alberts will be leaving the team for better offer in the Indonesian League.
Sudarsono also confirmed that they have enlisted two Sabah players on loan, striker Bobby Gonzales, 28, and midfielder Sharudin Yakup, 26.
“We hope they will resolve our problem of scoring goals,” he said, and urged the fans to continue supporting the team during the Malaysia Cup campaign which begins on September 23.
And, on Tueasday both players were in Kuching to join the team’s training.
Assistant coach Farhan Abdullah said the two players are on loan to Sarawak to play in the prestigious Malaysia Cup.
Gonzales played for Sarawak last season and was the team’s top scorer with 16 goals. He however left Sarawak to play with home state Sabah this season.
Sabah did not qualify for the Malaysia Cup this season.
Bobby said he was ready to help his former team to score as many goals as he could but knew very well that it was not an easy job.
He thanked the SAFA for releasing him to play for Sarawak team and to FAS for still having trust in him although he have left the team.
Meanwhile Shahrudin was delighted that FAS has given him the opportunity to play in Sarawak team in the Malaysia Cup.
He said he will give his best and use his past experience playing with teams in Peninsula Malaysia to help Sarawak in the Malaysia Cup.
Before joining Sabah this season, Shahrudin has played for Kuala Lumpur and Sime Darby team.
Both players has been given three months playing contract with FAS.
Farhan has said the service of the two players was sorted for to beef up the team’s engine room and the strike force.
The Malaysia Cup and the Super League are two different ball games and expected to be very competitive as 14 top teams in the Malaysia League will compete for the title.
Farhan said the team is now focusing on the Malaysia Cup tournament and despite the fasting month they are having their training as usual.
He said they also planned to play at least three friendly matches in Peninsula Malaysia including two matches against Johor FC and Johor FA teams from August 8 – 11.
“We plan to go for the friendly match tour in the first week of next month but we are still waiting for the management’s approval on the proposed tour.
“We plan to have at least three friendly matches as these matches are important to keep the players prepared for the Malaysia Cup challenge,” said Farhan.
He said although Sarawak suffered relegation to the Premier league next season but the team still have good chances in the Malaysia Cup.
 “We can spring surprises in the Malaysia Cup provided the players give their full focus and consistent in their games,” he said.
He said Sarawak actually played very well in the first league of the Super League but due to inconsistency in their games in the second leg of the league has caused the team’s relegation to the Premier League next season.
Farhan said with Hairol Mokhtar dan Rasyid Aya back in training with the team after their long injuries would be able to strengthen the team for the Malaysia Cup challenge.
He said all the other players including their Cameroon imports, Guy Bwele and Joel Epalle are fit to play.



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