Snowdan expresses hope NGASI to play role in ensuring Ajat Iban remains sustainable

KUCHING, July 25 2026: Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Snowdan Lawan expressed hope that the  Iban Native Dance Association (NGASI) will continue to play an important role in ensuring that the  ajat Iban remains sustainable by producing young talent.

Caption: Susan Clement (second from right), a political secretary to the premier, presenting a certificate to one of the Ajat Iban students

He said that the ajat is not just a traditional dance, but also symbolizes the courage, struggle, success and unity of the Iban community.

He added his ministry greatly appreciates NGASI's commitment in preserving the identity and cultural heritage of the Iban community so that it can be inherited by the younger generation.

He said this in a speech read by Political Secretary to the Premier Susan Clement during the 11th Iban Native Dance Association (NGASI) 2026 dinner tonight.

Snowdan added that NGASI's participation in various performances abroad including in Manila and Paris proves that the heritage of the Iban community is not only appreciated in Malaysia, but has also received international recognition.

“This is a source of pride for the people of Sarawak and proves that our cultural arts can penetrate the world stage,” he said.

He also hoped that NGASI would continue to produce more young talents who are skilled in traditional dances, thus ensuring the survival of Sarawak’s cultural heritage.

At the event, Susan also announced a donation of RM10,000 from Snowdan to NGASI before officiating the event.

Meanwhile, NGASI chairman Bartholomew Sirow Chong said that 11 students successfully completed the Iban Traditional Ajat Class this year.

He hoped that more young people would participate in the program to ensure that the customs and traditions of the Iban community continue to be preserved for future generations.

Meanwhile, one of the participants, Marion Bay Mitchell, 12, from SK Saint Teresa said that her participation in the class provided her with the opportunity to learn more about Iban Traditional Ngajat.

According to her, NGASI’s initiative to organize the class was the best step in ensuring that the traditional dances of the Iban community continue to be inherited and not be swallowed up by the times.

At the ceremony Susan presented certificates of completion of the Ajat Iban Course to the students.

The first production of oil shows that Sarawakians have the capability and expertise, says premier

MARUDI:, July 25 2026: Sarawakians have the capability and expertise in leading the state to venture into oil and gas industry as exemplified by the first oil production at the Adong Kechil West (AKW) field in Marudi by Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros).

Caption: Premier Abang Johari Openg says  that Sarawakians are capable of succeeding in the oil and gas industry

Premier Abang Johari Openg said the production of 800 barrels per day from AKW meant that the local talent has the ability and expertise to manage this strategic sector.

He recalled that the establishment of Petros was previously questioned by certain parties who doubted the ability of Sarawakians to lead the oil and gas industry.

"Some even asked why was Sarawak setting up Petros? Do Petros has the expertise? Sarawakians might not be able to lead the oil and gas industry. Just leave it to Petronas,” he said.

"But today, we have proven that Sarawakians are capable of succeeding in the oil and gas industry," he said when officiating the Baram Regatta 2026 at the Marudi Waterfront today.

He said the success achieved today proves that Sarawakians are able to shoulder that responsibility and play an important role in the development of the state's energy industry.

 Abang Johari said Sarawak's new approach now places emphasis on the application of science and technology to increase the value-added potential of the state's natural resources.

He explained that the methane gas discovered at Adong Kecil is no longer merely exported as a raw material, but can instead be processed into high-value products such as ammonia and methanol.

He said the ammonia produced also has potential in downstream industries, including fertiliser production, thereby opening up new economic opportunities based on technology and innovation.

Among those present at the function were the premier's daughter, Dayang Norjihan, Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government who is also Marudi Assemblyman Dr Penguang Manggil, Deputy Minister in the Premier's Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring) who is also Mulu Assemblyman Gerawat Gala, Deputy Minister in the Premier's Department (Project Coordination for Regional Development Agencies, DBKU and Islamic Affairs) Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi, Deputy Minister of Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Rosey Yunus, Telang Usan Assemblyman Dennis Ngau, Baram Member of Parliament Anyi Ngau, and Miri Division Resident, Galong Luang.

Pengawa meranak puku RM3.8 bilion projek MMMLL ngerandang peluang baru ngagai Baram

MARUDI:  25 Julai 2026:  Pengawa meranak puku sepenyampau RM3.8 bilion ungkup Projek Jalai Miri-Marudi-Mulu-Long Lama (MMMLL) disadang nyadi penyungkak transfomasyen Baram nyadi palan pemansang ekonomi baru nengah nambah rentayan enggau pemansang infrastruktur.

 

 Caption: Premier Abang Johari Openg madahka penemu enggau inovasyen nya kebuah besai nambah rega ekonomi tu nipak pemansang enggau pengawa meranak puku ti dibai perintah. 

Premier  Abang Johari Openg madah pengawa ngaga rentayan jalai nya deka nyendia peluang baru ngagai Baram seraya nyendia peluang pemansang ti besai agi ngagai peranak menua.

“Jalai tu deka ngerandang palan ekonomi Baram ke alai keterubah, nengah sektor servis iya nya budaya kitai enggau penyelai dikemisi ditu.

“Kedua, pengawa betanam betupi moden ti ulih nempa komoditi eksport laban Baram ngembuan tanah bebukit.

“Udah tentu, pakar sains ulih berati ke tanah ditu lalu begulai nyaup pekebun sereta komuniti ditu ngasilka komoditi betanam betupi ti ulih dieksport,” ku iya lebuh Pengerami Bejadi Baram Regatta 2026 di Tebing Sungai Marudi seritu.

 Abang Johari mega madah, pemerani perintah nengeri meranak puku ba projek nya digaga pengudah ngira untung timpuh panjai ngagai pemansang ekonomi enggau pengelantang rayat.

Ku iya, penemu enggau inovasyen nya kebuah besai nambah rega ekonomi tu nipak pemansang enggau pengawa meranak puku ti dibai perintah.

Berebak enggau nya, iya ngelalau rebak biak Baram ngerebut peluang nyikap diri ngena penemu sereta pengelandik pemadu baru ngambi ulih ngena pemansang ti benung ranchak dipejalai dia.

Ku iya, ekonomi diatu mansang nipak peneras penemu ti maju nitih ke arus pemansang moden ke bisi diatu ba renggat global. - Berita Ukas

Tun Wan Junaidi, wife choose to board AirBorneo on official visit to Kuala Lumpur

KUCHING, July 25 2026: Instead of boarding  an official state government-provided aircraft as always is the case,  Governor Tun Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife, Toh Puan Fauziah Mohd Sanusi chose AirBorneo to fly to Kuala Lumpur on their official visit.

Caption: Governor Tun Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar on his way to board AirBorneo aircraft

Their maiden flight on an AirBorneo aircraft from Kuching to Kuala Lumpur took off at 1pm sharp and was expected to arrive at Kuala Lumpur Internation Airport Terminal 1 at 2.50pm.

The couple's departure on an AirBorneo flight reflects their support for the state-owned airline which plays a role in strengthening air connectivity and expanding the state's transport network.

Tun Wan Junaidi and Toh Puan  Fauziah arrived at the Kuching International Airport (KIA) VIP Terminal at 12.15 pm and were welcomed by the Minister of Works Alexander Nanta Linggi and Sarawak State Secretary and AirBorneo chairman Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki.

Also accompanying the flight were Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar and his wife Baduyah Bujang who boarded aircraft MY5005.

It is understood that Tun Wan Junaidi and Toh Puani Fauziah departed for Kuala Lumpur to fulfill their official visit schedule.