Lets start new thread for Cat city guys, Kuching V 3.0..so start posting here guys....:)

Dewan Undangan Negeri



3 month ago
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v202/juzt_reboot/DSC01396.jpg



New Update ....Dewan Undangan Negeri :banana:


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v202/juzt_reboot/dun2-1.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v202/juzt_reboot/dun1-1.jpg

Low-cost carrier terminal crucial to development of Kuching as AirAsia’s regional hub: CEO

KUCHING: AirAsia Berhad is in talks with the state government to build a local low-cost carrier terminal (LCCT) here which imposes lower airport tax and utilises simpler facilities.

Its group chief executive officer Datuk Tony Fernandes said this was crucial in developing Kuching as its regional hub especially with the introduction of it new international flights.


He also told reporters yesterday that this matter had been brought to the attention of Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud and he was hopeful of an encouraging response from the state government.

“The airport tax on the Kuching main terminal is too high, RM51 or RM52. At the Kuala Lumpur low cost carrier terminal, it is only RM25. For (a low-cost carrier) like us, the key is to have low fares. We also need simpler facilities because we’re different from a full service airline,” he said after the official launch of AirAsia’s Jakarta-Kuching route at a leading hotel here yesterday.

He said the low-cost terminal was also crucial as AirAsia estimated that in the next three years, it would handle five million passengers just out of its regional hub here.

At present, the local hub serves seven domestic routes to Penang, Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru, Kota Kinabalu, Miri, Bintulu, Sibu and two international flights to Macau and Jakarta.

Another three new flights, Kuching-Bali, Kuching-Bandar Seri Begawan and Kuching-Singapore will kick off in May and June.

Fernandes also announced the deployment of brand new Airbus aircraft for flights out of here would be accelerated and brought forward from its original date in November to May, which is next month.

Saying that the passenger load to Kuching had been “very good”, he said Airbus aircraft had 22 more seats than the Boeing 737s currently used.

“With Airbus, we attract even more people,” he said.

He also said AirAsia was serious in helping the state government improve air connectivity to Sarawak not only for the tourism sector but to facilitate trade between the state and other countries.

The close relationship the company had with the state government was also mentioned earlier by Fernandes in his speech during the function, after he revealed that he had received a thank-you letter for bringing in direct international flights.

“Sarawak was the first state to have written a thank-you letter to us,” he remarked.

At the start of the press conference, there was a light moment between Fernandes and Taib who sat together with the members of the media facing the panel of interviewees including Fernandes himself.

The Chief Minister who sat there from the start till the end of the press conference, was heard saying that he too, like the members of the media, would love to listen to statements from Fernandes and the others.

The local media was joined by their counterparts from Indonesia and even Taiwan during the press conference.

On another matter, Fernandes, when asked by a Taiwanese reporter, said AirAsia could be introducing the Kuching-Taipei flight before the end of the year.

He said the fact that Taiwanese nationals ranked top in the second home programme in Sarawak had not gone unnoticed by AirAsia.

It was learned that more than 30 of the 107 second home programme participants are from Taiwan.

“Sometimes we miss out the obvious. But very soon there will be another dot on the map for the flight from Kuching to Taipei, hopefully before the end of the year,” he said.

He also talked about the potential of medical tourism in Sarawak, which he felt had not been exploited due to the lack of air links.

“For the BIMP-Eaga (Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and Philippines - East Asia Growth Area) I think Sarawak can be the capital of medical tourism. Thus we are also looking at direct link to Manila from Kuching,” he said.

He also said AirAsia’s airfares would not be increased despite the global oil prices experiencing an upward trend.

He pointed out that the fares would be kept low, but AirAsia would find ways to generate money such as through baggage handling fees and selling innovative in-flight meals.

“We are looking forward to becoming the first airline to sell ‘roti canai’ in-flight, and maybe also include ‘nasi padang’ (an Indonesian dish),” he said.

resource : from Borneo Post

S’wak berpotensi tarik pelabur industri berat
Oleh Patricia Gari


Apabila empangan Bakun siap 2011 untuk sediakan tenaga kos rendah, industri berat dapat dibangunkan

KUCHING: Sarawak berpotensi menarik lebih ramai pelabur asing untuk memajukan industri berat apabila empangan Bakun siap sepenuhnya pada tahun 2011.

Bekas Menteri Tenaga, Air dan Komunikasi, Datuk Seri Lim Kheng Yaik berkata dengan adanya kuasa tenaga kos rendah yang dapat menangani inflasi Sarawak dapat menarik industri-industri berat menggunakan tenaga tinggi seperti industri berasaskan besi, aluminium dan panel kuasa solar.

“Semua industri ini memerlukan tenaga tinggi dengan kos rendah dan dengan siapnya Empangan Bakun nanti, negeri dapat membangunkan industri berat kerana ia mampu mengeluarkan 4,000 hingga 5,000 megawatt,” katanya kepada pemberita dekat sini, semalam.

Lim juga memberitahu Sarawak mampu membekalkan tenaga elektrik ke Semenanjung Malaysia dan negara-negara ASEAN yang lain kerana negeri ini mempunyai komiditi air yang begitu banyak serta berpotensi untuk dimajukan supaya Sarawak boleh menjadi mengeksport tenaga berkenaan.

“Bukan hanya Empangan Bakun yang dapat membekalkan tenaga ke Semenanjung Malaysia tetapi terdapat sungai lain seperti Murun, Baleh dan Pelepah boleh dimajukan dengan tujuan sama bagi bekalan tenaga pada masa hadapan,” katanya kepada pemberita di Kuching, semalam.

Bagaimanapun, menurut Lim perancangan lebih terperinci perlu dibuat kerana beliau sudah berhubung dengan pelabur-pelabur asing dalam industri aluminium dan besi yang berpotensi semasa beliau masih menjawat jawatan menteri di Kementerian Tenaga, Air dan Komunikasi.

“Perkara ini telahpun dibincangkan sebelum saya bersara sebagai Menteri Tenaga, Air dan Komunikasi namun demikian saya perlu berbincang dengan Ketua Menteri Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud terlebih dahulu tentang perkara ini sebelum mempelawa mereka (pelabur asing) datang ke Sarawak,” ujarnya.

“Saya dapat melihat potensi di Sarawak kerana ia dipimpin oleh seorang Ketua Menteri yang sangat progresif dan memahami perkara ini. Perbincangan perlu diadakan dengan kementerian dan sama menawarkan diri sebagai perunding bagi pihak Sarawak,” tambahnya.

Selain itu, Lim berkata Sara-wak mempunyai masa depan cerah sebagai hab teknologi ko-munikasi dan maklumat kepada BIMP-EAGA yang menghubungkan Filipina dan Kalimantan di Indonesia dengan adanya Lapangan Terbang An-tarabangsa Kuching (LTAK) sekali gus menjadikannya tulang belakang gentian kepada semua negara terbabit.

MASwings Mulakan Khidmat Di Laluan Kuching-Tanjung Manis




KUALA LUMPUR, 5 April (Bernama) -- MASwings, anak syarikat milik penuh Malaysia Airlines, hari ini memulakan operasi tiga kali seminggu antara Kuching dan Tanjung Manis.

"Kami gembira memulakan perkhidmatan baru ini selari dengan status bandar raya Kuching sebagai pusat perindustrian yang paling pesat membangun di Sarawak, dengan potensi untuk terus berkembang," kata Pengarah Urusan MASwings Dr Amin Khan dalam satu kenyataan di sini. MASwings berharap perkhidmatan itu akan membuka lebih banyak ruang baru dalam pembangunan ekonomi di kawasan itu dan menggalakkan perjalanan udara antara Tanjung Manis dan Kuching.

Penerbangan sulung itu dilancarkan oleh Timbalan Ketua Menteri Sarawak Tan Sri Dr George Chan di lapangan terbang Tanjung Manis. Perkhidmatan itu yang menggunakan pesawat Twin Otter 19 tempat duduk, menghubungkan Tanjung Manis dengan Kuching pada setiap Selasa, Khamis dan Sabtu.

Penerbangan M3713 berlepas dari Kuching pada 4.55 petang dan tiba di Tanjung Manis pada 5.30 petang manakala penerbangan balik MH3712 berlepas pada pukul 5.45 petang dan tiba di Kuching pada 6.20 petang. -- BERNAMA

Kuching bakal memiliki terminal bas yang canggih




KUCHING: Bandar raya Kuching bakal memiliki terminal bas yang canggih dikenali sebagai Kuching Sentral.

Projek Permodalan Assar Sdn Bhd yang terletak di Batu 6 setengah Jalan Penrissen itu, menelan belanja sebanyak RM60 juta.

Model projek berkenaan disaksikan Ketua Menteri Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud selepas mengumumkan dividen Amanah Saham Sarawak (Assar) di sini, semalam.

Menurut jurucakap Inner City Development Sdn Bhd, syarikat pelaksana, kerja-kerja pembersihan tapak bermula Disember tahun lepas dan dijangka siap dalam tempoh 24 bulan.

Kuching Sentral mampu menampung kehadiran 12,000 penumpang dalam sehari.

Dibina di atas tanah seluas tujuh ekar dengan bangunan tiga tingat, Kuching Sentral merupakan terminal bas yang berkedudukan strategik. De-kat dengan Lapangan Terbang Antarabangsa Kuching, Kota Sentosa dan 20 minit perjalanan ke pusat bandar raya.

Bukan sahaja menempatkan bas luar kawasan, tetapi bas yang beroperasi dalam bandar raya ini akan diletakkan di situ. Malah, ia akan menawarkan perkhidmatan teksi dan kereta sewa.

Dibina dengan 11 ruang kereta sewa, 42 bas luar kawasan dan 67 bas bandar raya, ia dikatakan mampu menampung jumlah penumpang kenderaan awam yang semakin bertambah. Ia juga dilengkapi dengan restoran dan kafe, tempat menyimpan bagasi, tandas, mesin teller automatik (ATM), wi-fi dan surau.

Kuching Sentral akan diserikan lagi dengan pasar raya seluas 25,000 kaki persegi, kedai cenderamata dan pusat penjagaan kesihatan.

Malaysia's Airasia Plans to Boost Kuching-MacAu Flight Frequency
KUCHING (Malaysia), Feb 25 Asia Pulse - Budget carrier AirAsia (KLSE:5099) plans to increase the frequency of its Kuching-Macau international direct flight route with the positive response received since the launch on Nov 15 last year, its East Malaysia and Brunei regional manager Shanmugamnathan Suppiah said Friday.

He said the airline was also considering the possibility of using its Airbus fleet to cater the growing number of passengers on the route.

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"Hopefully, this can be implemented soon," he told reporters after a meeting here with officials of the Sarawak Tourism Board (STB), the state government tourism marketing and promotion arm.

Without disclosing the average passenger load for Kuching-Macau route since the launch, Shanmugamnathan said AirAsia was currently flying from Kuching to Macau three times a week using the Boeing 737 aircraft.

"We are planning to use Airbus because among the feedback we received was that the three-hour flight was uncomfortable for certain people due to space constraints," he said.

STB chief executive officer Gracie Veronica Geikie, who chaired the meeting, said capitalising on the availability of the Kuching-Macau direct flight, a six-day roadshow to woo more tourists from Macau, Hong Kong and Shengzhen, China, to Kuching would start from Feb 26.

"The roadshow comprises key players from Sarawak's tourism industry, including hoteliers and tour operators," she said.

Geikie said the roadshow was targeted at tourists from the three cities due to the proximity of Hong Kong and Shengzhen to Macau.

"During the roadshow we hope more tour packages can be formulated between Sarawak's tour operators and their counterparts from the three cities," she said.

On the target for tourist arrivals from the three cities, Geikie said the roadshow's main objective to establish networking among the tour operators and and no target was set yet.

Aiyo, yet another Sentral... Why can't they think of other names for integrated transport terminals in this country?

Unless the authorities are positioning the name "Sentral" as a brand for such projects?

Aiyo, yet another Sentral... Why can't they think of other names for integrated transport terminals in this country?

Unless the authorities are positioning the name "Sentral" as a brand for such projects?


what to do bro....:ohno:

Aiyo, yet another Sentral... Why can't they think of other names for integrated transport terminals in this country?

Unless the authorities are positioning the name "Sentral" as a brand for such projects?

The same thing goes to airports design, most of it in Malaysia are just like the KLIA. Just doesn't have any new ideas for new projects. They just copy and paste others lah.... sigh...

well, they will save in consultant fees..haha

Some nice aerials from Desmond
http://www.nadai.name/weblog/2008/03/helicopter-view.html


http://www.nadai.name/weblog/uploaded_images/tabuandayak-728551.jpg
Tabuan Dayak Area



http://www.nadai.name/weblog/uploaded_images/jalansong-724359.jpg
Jalan Song Area



http://www.nadai.name/weblog/uploaded_images/simpangtiga-797280.jpg
Simpang Tiga Interchange.




http://www.nadai.name/weblog/uploaded_images/masoffice-718945.jpg
Padungan - View of Novotel construction top left.



http://www.nadai.name/weblog/uploaded_images/mbks-794298.jpg
City Council (MBKS) HQ.



http://www.nadai.name/weblog/uploaded_images/padungan-723347.jpg
Padungan Road - Kuching Port at the Distance



http://www.nadai.name/weblog/uploaded_images/banhock-764709.jpg
Ban Hock Road



http://www.nadai.name/weblog/uploaded_images/thespring-775775.jpg
tHe Spring



http://www.nadai.name/weblog/uploaded_images/iskandar-792053.jpg
Sultan Iskandar Building-At Simpang Tiga. Swinburne Uni Campus behind it.



http://www.nadai.name/weblog/uploaded_images/holidayinn-766841.jpg
City Centre



http://www.nadai.name/weblog/uploaded_images/hilton-714718.jpg
View of Old Kuching (see Merdeka Palace) to the right and Satok far in the background.



http://www.nadai.name/weblog/uploaded_images/dun-780286.jpg
DUN construction in progress.

Kuching is a very beautiful and clean city indeed.

Kuching is a very beautiful and clean city indeed.

Agreed...:)

well, they will save in consultant fees..haha


huhuhuhu..u right..:lol:

quite an update..so i can say tat tis is the current look of kuching..nice effort guys

Tan: Waterfront project for Batu Kawah approved
By Jacob Achoi


KUCHING: The old Batu Kawah bazaar and its immediate surrounding are set for more development with a waterfront project already in the pipeline.

Batu Kawah assemblyman Tan Joo Phoi announced yesterday that the RM8-million project was approved last June by the National Landscape Department.

He said the project was in the Batu Kawah development master plan.

“The waterfront will definitely change the look of Batu Kawah, and it will be as beautiful as

Kuching Waterfront,” he said when officiating at a general meeting of Batu Kawah Chung Hua Association in the bazaar’s community hall, yesterday.

Tan, who is also chairman of Padawan Municipal Council (PMC) added that he would fly to Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday to meet with Deputy Minister of Housing and Local Government Datuk Robert Lau, to lobby for fund.

He would also meet with the director of National Landscape Department pertaining to the project.

He said that although the implementation of the project would involve many organisations like Land and Survey Department, Sarawak Rivers Board (SRB) and Public Works Department (JKR), he hoped that it could start within this year.

Pertaining to public security, Tan urged the people in Batu Kawah area to form a neighbourhood watch committee in view of the increasing number of crimes like house-breaking in the area.

He also advised the local people to work closely with the People’s Vigilante Corps (Rela) and the police to combat criminal activities.

In conjunction with the general meeting, the association presented education incentives to students who performed well in their public examinations.

A total of 71 students who excelled in their Ujian Penilaian Sekolah Rendah (UPSR), Penilaian Menengah Rendah (PMR), Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) and Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia received the incentives from Tan.

Hawk’s eye in the sky
By Gary Adit


Cops deploy helicopters in the face of accusations too little done against rising city crimes

KUCHING: Helicopters are now being deployed as the police seek to utilise all available resources to snare the gangs of armed robbers terrorising city residents.

Announcing this during a press conference yesterday, acting state police commissioner Datuk Abdul Rahman Hussin said the helicopters would be used to conduct aerial patrols day and night to complement the Mobile Patrol Vehicle (MPV) unit as well as officers patrolling the ground on foot.

“We have two helicopters conducting patrols day and night – weather permitting of course – that are equipped with high-powered spotlights for night patrols,” he said, adding that one was recently used to search for suspects in a nearby jungle after a failed robbery attempt at a house in Mile 12 Kuching-Serian road on Wednesday night.

In addition to officers from the contingent and district headquarters, Rahman said personnel from the Kuching and Miri General Operations Force (GOF) as well as the marine police had also been called up to help them conduct more patrols and man more roadblocks in the city.

He said that apart from the increase in the number of patrol teams and roadblocks, the police were also conducting ‘flushing’ raids in jungle hideouts and workers’ quarters at construction sites as some of the robbers might be seeking refuge there.

Calling once more for public cooperation to help bring an end to the spate of armed robberies, Rahman urged the public to call the 24-hour police hotline number (082-244444) if they spot suspicious persons or vehicles in their neighbourhood.

He said the response time of the police to a scene was largely dependent on how fast they received information from the public, thus highlighting the importance of cooperation between the public and the police.

“For those who wish to pass on confidential information to the police, they can directly call Kuching police chief ACP Wong Wai Loong at 019-6000237, deputy OCPD Supt William Poro at 013-8187040, Supt Pauzi Bujang at 013-8066028, or Kuching CID head DSP Kaderi Said at 013-8019252.”

When asked on the statistics of armed robbery incidents in the city, Rahman again insisted that the number of incidents in the first quarter of this year had declined compared to the corresponding period last year.

According to him, there were 25 such cases reported here from January to April this year compared to 33 cases over the same period in 2007, which translated to a reduction of about 24 per cent.

“It is just that people are now taking more notice because of several recent high-profile cases involving VIPs, as well as those living in large houses in so-called elite areas.”

He however assured the public that the police were not focusing their attention on VIP houses or on ‘elite’ areas only, but ‘normal’ housing areas as well.

Rahman said the majority of robbery cases occurred within the jurisdiction of the Gita, Sekama and Sungai Maong police stations, and that the police would be focusing on these areas because of an inherent lack of manpower in those stations to monitor such large areas.

Citing an example, the acting commissioner said the Gita police station had only 31 officers and one officer-in-charge with the rank of Chief Inspector.

As such, the police have ‘split’ the area into five smaller sectors to enable officers there to conduct patrols more easily with the aid of officers from the district headquarters.

On the issue of lack of manpower, Rahman revealed that the police-to-public ratio for Sarawak was 1:250.

However, the ratio for Kuching district was 1:400 due to the higher population.

Among those who attended the press conference at contingent headquarters in Jalan Badruddin yesterday were the head of Public Order and Traffic Supt Najmi Mustafa, commanding officer of the 11th GOF Battalion Supt Ee Khong Koi and other senior state police officers.


at least that help to improve current crime rates which i think is still low...

Why a third thread? The V 2.0 wasn't full yet...

Anyway, the cat said meow, and he looked up and greeted the sun, enjoying the morning views.

http://img260.imageshack.us/img260/3315/dsc00013mo7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img260.imageshack.us/img260/4600/dsc00017vi5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

The the cat walked around the old city, feeling claustrophobic.

http://img210.imageshack.us/img210/8600/dsc00019eg0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/7189/dsc00022wp7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img260.imageshack.us/img260/1626/dsc00024ke5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Before looking up at the new towers of the burgeoning capital.

http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/3641/dsc00032zl8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img260.imageshack.us/img260/8898/dsc00033qf6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

^^Err..according to the rules here stated that if a thread had reached 500++ post...anyone can create a new thread...;)

Waoh...nice pics anyway. The DUN almost finish! Hey the temple area..where is that? Indian Street ka??

no..tat was called carpenter street..

KUCHING: OneTJ, Sarawak’s first shopping mall dedicated to ICT products and services, is set to open by the third quarter of this year.

Construction of the RM20mil mall in Jalan Stutong here started in March last year and is expected to be completed in August.

Developed by Kenbest Sdn Bhd, the mall has total area of 100,000 square feet and net lettable area of 65,000 square feet.

It comprises 80 shoplots over four floors with 20 on each floor, Kenbest managing director Stephen Long said.

“The average area for each shop on level one is 735 square feet while the units on the upper levels are larger, averaging 850 square feet,” he said in an interview recently.

Describing OneTJ as Kuching’s Low Yat Plaza, he said it had attracted over 40 computer and mobile phone retailers.

“This mall is purpose-built for ICT products and services. At present, we have sold about 90% of the shop lots,” he said.

He added that the mall would also have a hair salon, bookshop, fashion outlets, eateries and a food court on the top floor.

The food court will provide free wi-fi service to patrons as well as blogger stations where groups of bloggers can meet.

Other noticeable features include plasma screens, which will be placed on each floor for infotainment and advertisements, 24-hour security with CCTV and subsidised bus service to nearby institutions of higher learning and surrounding areas.

Long said that OneTJ aimed to become the preferred venue for ICT-related events upon its completion.

Several activities have been lined up, including a computer game competition, technical seminar on networking security and new product launches.

More information on the mall can be found on its website www.onetj.com.my

news resource from THe Star
Link

^^Woww...nice facade, and very nice websites too!

Lolzz...next time top go here buy new laptop. Hahaha...

guys,

new update about Brighton Square.

Last year under construction...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v202/juzt_reboot/DSC01094.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v202/juzt_reboot/DSC01093.jpg


update ! 25 April 2008:banana: still under construction:)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v202/juzt_reboot/brighton.jpg

KUCHING: OneTJ, Sarawak’s first shopping mall dedicated to ICT products and services, is set to open by the third quarter of this year.

Construction of the RM20mil mall in Jalan Stutong here started in March last year and is expected to be completed in August.

Developed by Kenbest Sdn Bhd, the mall has total area of 100,000 square feet and net lettable area of 65,000 square feet.

It comprises 80 shoplots over four floors with 20 on each floor, Kenbest managing director Stephen Long said.

“The average area for each shop on level one is 735 square feet while the units on the upper levels are larger, averaging 850 square feet,” he said in an interview recently.

Describing OneTJ as Kuching’s Low Yat Plaza, he said it had attracted over 40 computer and mobile phone retailers.

“This mall is purpose-built for ICT products and services. At present, we have sold about 90% of the shop lots,” he said.

He added that the mall would also have a hair salon, bookshop, fashion outlets, eateries and a food court on the top floor.

The food court will provide free wi-fi service to patrons as well as blogger stations where groups of bloggers can meet.

Other noticeable features include plasma screens, which will be placed on each floor for infotainment and advertisements, 24-hour security with CCTV and subsidised bus service to nearby institutions of higher learning and surrounding areas.

Long said that OneTJ aimed to become the preferred venue for ICT-related events upon its completion.

Several activities have been lined up, including a computer game competition, technical seminar on networking security and new product launches.

More information on the mall can be found on its website www.onetj.com.my

news resource from THe Star
Link

RM20mil centre dubbed Kuching’s Low Yat Plaza
TheStar

http://star-space.com/archives/2008/4/25/pgadgets/onetj400.jpg

OneTJ ground floor unit of 735sq ft costs RM560,000. Rent at RM6psf
inclusive of service charge (60 sen psf). Check out details in this portal
under "Events"

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v202/juzt_reboot/DUN.jpg

almost complete...

i can't wait to back this wednesday..wait for my update!!! hahaha

^^Hey fairul! Dun forget our "perjanjian"...I noe very lama liao de...but I still rmb!

Raziah heads Borneo Isthmus Development

KUCHING: Datuk Raziah Mahmud-Geneid has been appointed as chairman of Borneo Isthmus Development Sdn Bhd.

The recently formed company will be involved in the management and operation of the new Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK), said in a press statement yesterday.

Meanwhile, Trevor McCartney was appointed as BCCK chief executive. McCartney is highly-experienced in the management of convention centres.

He was formerly the director of international sales and operations at Pattaya Exhibition and Convention Hall (Thailand), Edinburgh International Conference Centre, the International Convention Centre (Birmingham) and the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre (London).

Apart from his broad international convention centre experience, he also provided consultancy services for projects in Hong Kong and Dublin.

The state-of-the-art BCCK is developed on a six hectare riverfront site in Kuching at the cost of RM200 million and scheduled to be opened in June 2009.

The centre, which is the first dedicated convention and exhibition centre on Borneo Island, has a gross floor area of 36,500 square metres and is still under construction.

Once completed, it will be able to accommodate up to 5,000 people in a plenary session or 2,000 for a banquet.

The venue will be part of the development at the Isthmus that will feature a marina, office, hotel and residential accommodation, complemented by other retail and leisure outlets.


source: bpost

RBA Mulling Extra Flights to Kuching - The Borneo Post
By Yu Ji

Airlines still waiting for added services to be given final approval

KUCHING: Royal Brunei Airlines (RBA), which recently resumed service to Kuching International Airport after laying off in 2004, will announce more flights soon.

A company spokesman said the increase would be a modest one, most likely by one or two more flights. The flights would utilise its medium-jumbo Airbus fleet, which has a seating capacity of about 120.

Presently, RBA operates flights three times weekly - Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday - from here to Bandar Seri Begawan. In compari-son, RBA has daily flights to Kota Kinabalu and Kuala Lumpur.

“We are still waiting for the added Kuching services to be given final approval,” corporate communications officer Hairol Ajmi Majit said yesterday.

“There should be an increase of one or two flights when RBA’s ‘Summer Schedule’ is introduced on June 1,” he told reporters after a reception at KIA for local travel agents.

Hairol said the added flights would further improve connections to RBA’s destinations in Australia and New Zealand.

Towards that end, RBA had appointed more than 30 travel agents in Kuching alone

http://www.pbase.com/gomus/image/81050060/original.jpg

^^Oh my!! I love tht stadium!! Like world-class stadium!

Btw, the other small stadium serves for same purpose??

Very nice. The city quite spread alot.

the small one is the old stadium..its still been used for minor competition..but sad to say taht although Swk has world class stadium, our team performance is so bad..sad...huhu

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v202/juzt_reboot/kompleksukan.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/gomus/image/81050060/original.jpg

Looks so Australian!!!

ya lah, i like tht stadium too!

More aerial shots from Desmond
Here for enlargable pics
http://www.nadai.name/weblog/2008/05/heli-view.html


http://www.nadai.name/weblog/uploaded_images/kchfront-781161.jpg
Historic Heart of Kuching, Market Area & Astana (Partially)


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Stadium


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State Library with the Nice Lake and SESCO HQ


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Wisma Masja and the distant Wisma Bapa Malaysia and (soon-to-be old)
Dewan Undangan Negeri Complex


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Progress of the new Dewan Undangan Negeri Complex with
the front of the Astana (Sarawak Governor's Residence)

Looks so Australian!!!

may be I just can't see it (doesn't seem like one???) but I'm interested to know what do you mean by Kuching looking so Australian???:)

few updates...cant do much coz was busy with wedding etc..later balik kampung again this june try to cover as many as possible

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Plaza Merdeka...

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Novotel

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is this the Four Point Sheraton?

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the new Marrybrown in the departure hall KIA

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yes. tat was the four point sheraton. thanks for update fairul.

Hashing towards 2010
By Georgette Tan (The Borneo Post)

THEY are a small and relatively new group, and they did something that won’t have been possible had details like “small” and “new” bothered them.

The Kuching-based Hornbill Hash House Harriers went to Perth, Australia, and won the bid to host the next World Interhash.

Billed as the Sarawak Rainforest Interhash 2010, the event will see up to 5,000 pairs of feet criss-crossing Kuching from July 2 to 4 two years from now.

“Kuching was there for the first time … as the underdog,” said organising chairman Joseph Perianayagam, also known as Charlie.

“We were up against Bali, Kenya and Kuala Lumpur.”

They may be underdogs but the Sarawak Rainforest Interhash 2010 bidders were backed by some pretty big guns — Sarawak Convention Bureau, Sarawak Tourism Board (STB), Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board, Malaysia Airlines, Malaysian Hash Council, MASWings, MAS Kargo and Guinness Anchor.

Sarawak Convention Bureau chief executive officer, Jill Henry, said the successful bid marked the bureau’s biggest international win to date.

“Bidding for an international event this magnitude takes courage and commitment and I’m sure the success will help us spread the word about our great destination and secure more high profile conventions and meetings in the future,” she added.

Sarawak won the bid by 500 votes ahead of Kenya.

According to Charlie, most of the voters were Australians and they preferred somewhere closer home.

“Sarawak is a new destination for them. Many people there have never heard of Sarawak before. Plus the word ‘rainforest’ carries a lot of weight,” he explained.

Not surprisingly, the highest number of registrations so far comes from Down Under.

“After we won the bid, we (the group from Kuching) spent the rest of the day signing people up,” said Ozie Tungging, STB tourist co-ordinator and newly-minted Hornbill Hash House Harriers member.

“Everyone who went for the bid signed up on the spot.”

Apart from the lure of adventure in a new destination, the Aussies were also wowed by a folk dance presentation from Sarawak.

This was how Ozie got involved in the first place. The former dancer from Sarawak Cultural Village gave the bid team a crash course in ethnic dancing, and is proud of how well everyone did.

“They did very well for people who had never performed before. I really appreciate the work they put in,” Ozie acknowledged.

Both he and Charlie know where the credit lies for them to have come so far.

“Gracie Geikie, CEO of STB, is the backbone of the operation. She gave us her full support,” Charlie noted.

Geikie was so involved that she accompanied the team to Perth and was in the thick of the action from the start.

“The success augurs well for Sarawak’s position as a major attraction for nature, culture and adventure. These are very important to today’s travellers looking for places that offer a back-to-nature, stress-free environment with modern amenities,” she said.

thesundaypost also talked to Warwick Andrew, travel and cruise specialist of Frontier Travel, New Zealand, who

was recently in town to look for suitable hotels for his clients — Kiwi hashers.

“New Zealand’s response to Kuching’s hosting the next World Interhash is 100 percent,” he declared.

“It’s a close, safe and friendly destination. Cost-wise, it’s also reasonable.”

Andrew got involved with the hashers when a group asked him to take them to Phuket, Thailand.

“They invited me to join them and I’ve been hashing ever since.”

He has become the “hash go-to guy” although the Sarawak Rainforest Interhash 2010 will be his first inter-Asia event.

“The STB is hosting my visit and showing me around Kuching. I’ve been to a number of the local tourist highlights with an excellent guide,” he said of his recent trip to the city.

“Kuching is full of smiling, happy people. Everyone is so pleasant and obliging.”

Andrew admitted he only saw a small part of Sarawak and felt most people did not know what the state had to offer.

“The hashers are not going to come just for the event. They will want to stay on and explore Sarawak.

“For example, I’ve never heard of the Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) until now. It’s a bit late to point people here this year but there is always next year,” he said.

The 500 early birds who signed up in Perth also secured tickets to the 2010 RWMF. In addition, a new Sarawak mascot was introduced at the destination booth — Harry, the six-foot hornbill, was a hit, drawing visitors to check out the booth and sample the satay.

During the bidding, a video featuring Sarawak’s attractions and images from the successful Pan Asia Hash in 2005 provided the backdrop for a 10-minute staged presentation, feat- uring the specially choreographed cultural performance and live presentation from the Hornbill Hash Bid team.

The World Interhash began in 1978 with Hong Kong as the first host. Since then, it has been held once every two years and considered the “mother of all hashing events.”

The next hash may seem like a long way off but Charlie says you can sign up now. “We also need sponsors.”

As a small and relatively new group, they are also realistic and do not expect to do everything themselves. Charlie is looking to the various local hash clubs for help in this milestone event.

“We’ll be calling you,” he said.

For further information, contact organising secretary Josh John (012-8599130 or 013-8122681) or email him at josh63@streamyx.com. You can also visit http://www.borneointerhash2010.com.

Votes for Kuching and Sarawak!

Sarawak wins 24 meeting bids


Kuching (2008-04-07)

THE Sarawak Convention Bureau has confirmed 24 new meetings with an average size of 320 delegates over the next two years. They will bring a total of 7,775 delegates to the East Malaysian state, who will book an estimated 2,000 hotel roomnights and generate RM16.3 million (US$5.1 million) in direct delegate expenditure.

The bureau submitted more than 40 bids last year, of which it won 24, lost 17 and is still waiting for the outcome of 10. Its CEO, Ms Jill Henry, said: “We are very pleased to have achieved a 58 per cent strike rate in our first year of bidding. We were pleasantly surprised at our success in converting international and regional events, which actually outnumbered the national wins five to one.”

She added greater emphasis would be placed this year on enticing national meeting planners to consider Sarawak. “It is an exciting time for us (with the) RM200 million Borneo Convention Centre Kuching with its 36,000m2 of floor space due to open in mid-2009 (and) a doubling of Kuching’s three-, four- and five-star room stock by 2010 with construction of five new hotels.”

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Mayor’s mission for city may be known June 4
By Zora Chan


KUCHING: Comments from new Kuching City South mayor James Chan Khay Syn on his vision for the city will have to wait until his swearing-in ceremony on June 4.

It will also be his first public appearance after he was appointed by the state cabinet on Thursday as the new mayor.

Chan has thus far kept himself from making any statement regarding his appointment although his friends and colleagues had commented that he was the right man to fill the hot seat.

Attempts to meet him at his residence were futile as there seemed to be nobody around as of noon yesterday.

He also could not be reached by telephone.

Nonetheless, the public will be able to see him and hear him talk about plans for Kuching city during the swearing-in ceremony.

Little is known about Chan apart from his professional background in the corporate sector as the general manager of Harwood Timber Sdn Bhd, one of the subsidiaries of the Sarawak Timber Industry Corporation (STIDC).

According to one of Chan’s long-time friends, timber businessman Wong Kuok Kai, 58-year-old Chan is a chartered accountant trained in New Zealand.

His wife Catherine S’ng is the assistant general manager of STIDC, controlling the financial affairs.

They have two sons and two daughters.

The elder son studied high-tech engineering in Germany under government scholarship, and is working in Germany.

The elder daughter is a chartered accountant, working here while the other daughter works with a government body.

The younger son is studying in New Zealand under government scholarship.

Another friend, STIDC subsidiary Saratim Insurance Agency Services Sdn Bhd general manager Patrick Liew said Chan was a friendly and approachable person.

Confirming that Chan is recovering from a knee surgery, he said he had contacted Chan and was told that he accepted the appointment and would be fit and ready for the swearing in.

He will be the first Kuching City South mayor from the private sector, and the second non-politician mayor following the late Chong Ted Tsiung who was the controller of Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) prior to becoming mayor.

hopefully it will something help to stimulate extra growth in tourism...

by sayap+dewa

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ames Chan janji akan beri perkhidmatan yang terbaik

KUCHING: Datuk Bandar Majlis Bandaraya Kuching Selatan (MBKS) yang baru, James Chan Khay Syn akan memastikan amalan integriti, kecekapan dan akauntibiliti dipraktikkan dalam sistem pengurusan dan pentadbiran MBKS.

Bercakap kepada media pada sidang media semalam, Chan bagaimanapun mengakui tiga prinsip itu bukan perkara mudah untuk dilakukan tetapi ia amat penting bagi memastikan MBKS dapat memberi perkhidmatan terbaik kepada rakyat lebih-lebih lagi di kawasan pentadbirannya.

“Integriti bukan perkara yang mudah tetapi saya tetap mahu prinsip ini diamalkan di MBKS.

“Ia sukar diikuti tetapi saya mahu ia menjadi mentaliti setiap petugas MBKS.

“Selepas itu kecekapan. Setiap khidmat yang anda berikan mesti berkesan, di Harwood Sdn Bhd saya tidak mempunyai kuasa tetapi kini di MBKS, kita mempunyai kuasa.

“Oleh itu, jika kita boleh memberi perkhidmatan terbaik, MBKS pasti dapat memberikan perkhidmatan berkualiti kepada rakyat tanpa mengira perbezaan latar belakang ekonomi, sosial dan politik.

“Dua aspek ini perlu diikuti dengan akauntibiliti kerana apa sahaja yang kita lakukan, kita mesti akauntibiliti terhadap tindakan yang diambil. Tiga perkara ini amat penting,” tegasnya. Selain itu, Chan berkata MBKS mesti bersedia untuk melakukan perubahan dalam setiap aspek pengoperasiannya bagi membolehkannya memenuhi permintaan memberi perkhidmatan terbaik kepada rakyat dan Kerajaan Negeri.

“Sebagai contoh jika ada rakyat mengadu tentang masalah jalan atau parit tersumbat, langkah terbaik ialah pergi ke lokasi dengan segera dan melihat masalah itu secara keseluruhannya, kerana mungkin itu bukan hanya masalah tunggal mungkin ada masalah lain berkaitan. Jadi masalah ini perlu diselesaikan secara menyeluruh.

“Di sinilah kita perlu efesien dalam melakukan apa jua kerja untuk rakyat, “ ujarnya.

Ditanya mengenai visi dan misinya sebagai Datuk Bandar, Chan berkata MBKS di bawan pimpinannya sekarang berazam menjadikan bandar raya Kuching Selatan tempat yang benar-benar kondusif untuk tempat tinggal dan menjadi destinasi pelancongan.

“Saya dan MBKS mahu menjadikan bandar raya Kuching Selatan, bandar raya terbaik di Malaysia jika bukan yang terbaik di dunia.

“Tetapi berilah saya peluang untuk berbincang dengan kakitangan saya mencari jalan terbaik untuk memberi perkhidmatan berkualiti kepada rakyat,” ujarnya

Oleh itu, katanya konsep integriti, kecekapan dan akauntibiliti melakukan kerja perlu dipupuk dan menjadi tabiat serta amalan setiap kakitangan MBKS.

Ini kerana, katanya menerusi pengamalan tiga prinsip itu kualiti perkhidmatan yang diberikan kepada rakyat dapat dipertingkatkan dari semasa ke semasa. Bagaimanapun Chan mengakui MBKS hanya akan berjaya menjadikan bandar raya Kuching Selatan bandar raya terbaik dengan kerjasama daripada rakyat selain memperkenalkan strategi dan konsep baru terutama bagi kerja-kerja pungutan sampah di kawasan seliaan pihak berkuasa tempatan itu.

“Setiap orang mahukan kebersihan dan perkara ini perlu disemai di kalangan rakyat.

“Kita akan mempertimbang-kan cadangan untuk mengadakan sesi bengkel untuk orang ramai tentang cara pengurusan sampah atau sisa buangan yang lebih betul dalam waktu terdekat ini,” katanya.

Chan menambah: “Saya hanya berkhidmat sebagai Datuk Bandar selama dua tahun dan saya tidak boleh menyelesaikan semua masalah rakyat dalam masa sehari.

“Oleh itu kerja sama semua pihak amat diperlukan kerana seperti kita tahu cabaran di kawasan bandar sentiasa meningkat kerana peningkatan jumlah populasi serta kawasan kediaman.”

Beliau yang turut ditanya perasaannya sebagai Datuk Bandar di kawasan pembangkang, dengan tegas berkata; “Saya bukan ahli politik, tugas saya adalah berkhidmat kepada penduduk Kuching.

“Rakyat Kuching terdiri daripada latar belakang yang berbeza.”

Selain itu Chan yakin setiap kritikan atau ‘suara’ pembangkang adalah bertujuan memperbaiki kualiti perkhidmatan yang diberikan oleh MBKS kepada rakyat.

“Saya sudah bersedia untuk mendengar ‘suara’ serta kritikan mereka (pembangkang) kerana mereka juga rakyat Kuching, mereka juga membayar setiap cukai atau bayaran yang perlu dijelaskan kepada MBKS,” katanya.

Sementara itu, dalam ucapannya pada upacara mengangkat sumpah bagi Datuk Bandar, Chan berkata MBKS perlu mencari pendekatan dan strategi baru serta jawapan dan penyelesaian yang lebih praktikal serta berkesan bagi sistem pengurusannya.

“Apa jua sistem yang digunakan sebelum ini mungkin tidak lagi sesuai dan mungkin perlu dikaji semula supaya ia seiring dengan perubahan senario dan persekitaran semasa.

“Oleh itu, MBKS perlu ke depan dalam perancangan dan memperkenalkan polisi sesuai bagi mengekalkan tahap kepuasan perkhidmatan dalam pengurusan bandar,” katanya.

Hadir menemani beliau, isterinya Catrine Sng.

AirAsia adding new flights and routes

SEPANG: Despite the soaring jet fuel prices, AirAsia Bhd plans to add new routes and more flights to current destinations to build its market share.

Group chief executive officer Datuk Tony Fernandes said the low-cost carrier was implementing a different strategy from other airline companies.

“Most airlines are cutting capacity and reducing cost. Of course we will reduce cost also but that's something we are doing everyday,” he told reporters after the company AGM yesterday.
Datuk Tony Fernandes

“AirAsia will continue to grow (market share) and we will do that by adding more flights and routes.

Fernandes said it was not feasible for the company to survive a crisis by cutting cost.

“Adding more routes and flights would help us increase revenue which would help us deal with the rising (oil) cost,” he said.

He said the company was looking to have more flights to Singapore. AirAsia currently flies twice daily to Singapore.

“We would like to have six flights daily. This will also benefit AirAsia X. Many Singaporeans are actually coming into Malaysia to catch our (AirAsia X) flights,” he said.

AirAsia X is the company's low-cost, long-haul affiliate.

Fernandes also said having more routes (to Singapore) would benefit AirAsia.

“We would like to fly into Singapore from Penang, Kuching and Kota Kinabalu. These routes would be profitable for us and it would affect us badly if we do not get them.”

He said he was optimistic the Government would grant the company additional rights to fly to Singapore.

He also said he would like to operate from the Subang Airport because the Low-Cost Carrier Terminal at KL International Airport was becoming too congested.

“We need to have some planes in Subang to spur domestic tourism,” he said.

Fernandes said AirAsia had added a second flight to Guangzhou and was looking to launch a couple of routes in Indonesia soon. It will be offering its maiden flight to Thiruchirapalli, India, by late August.

AirAsia had also ordered three planes from Airbus, which would be delivered next year, he added.

He also said AirAsia had no hedging plans for its fuel requirements currently as market conditions were too volatile.

On the industry's outlook, he said: “We expect the second quarter of the year to be tough. But our topline has been very good. The key for us is to get more topline to cover the extra cost.”

S’wak expects Gawai goodies



Sarawakians hope the surprises are similar to those announced by the prime minister for Sabahans last week

KUALA LUMPUR: Sarawakians are hoping for some pleasant surprises from Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi when he makes a one-day visit to the Land of the Hornbill on Tuesday.

They hope the ‘Gawai goodies’ are similar to those announced by the prime minister for Sabahans during the Kaamatan festival last week.

Santubong MP Datuk Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar who is also Dewan Rakyat Deputy Speaker said: “We are expecting nothing less that what Sabah gets. It is only natural that we are hoping to get about the same. We are not going to ask what he is going to give but what he is going to offer to Sarawak.”

His colleague from Bintulu and also Barisan Nasional Backbencher Club chairman Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing said he hoped Abdullah would address the lack of funds for infrastructure projects in rural areas.

They include the setting up of Sabah State Development Office in place of the Sabah Federal Development Department, a RM1-billon special allocation for rural development and the formation of a cabinet committee chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak to overcome Sabah’s longstanding illegal immigrant and refugee problem.

Sarawakians also hope Abdullah would address the high cost of transportation although Sarawak is one of the major oil producing states.

Although they understand that the global oil price is beyond the government’s control, many feel a bigger subsidy should be extended to them.

Among other things, Sarawak is expected to benefit from a federal government plan to introduce standard prices for nine control items namely sugar, petrol, diesel, steel, cement, wheat flour, condensed milk, chicken and cooking oil.

During the visit, the prime minister is expected to announce the appointment of a Sarawakian senior government official as the new Federal Sarawak Financial Officer.

Ahead of Abdullah’s visit, some community leaders interviewed by local dailies voiced their dissatisfaction and even questioned, for example, why the state did not get a better deal in oil royalty.

“They (federal government) should give us more than five per cent. It’s very hard to understand why they won’t increase the royalty to allow our state government to boost other industries like agriculture,” said one Kapitan Chan.

“Has the federal government ever wondered why people in rural areas need four-wheel drive vehicles?” asked Wee Hong Seng, Sarawak Tourism Federation president.

“It’s not that these rural folk are rich. It’s a necessity given the terrible road condition. So now these people will be penalised further,” he said.

The state government is expected to raise the issue of high transportation cost in sending fuel and food to smaller towns and remote areas in Sarawak during Abdullah’s visit.

Sarawak is heavily dependant on road and riverine transport to carry food and other essentials to its people while rural schools, longhouses

and villages rely heavily on fuel for their power generators as they are not connected to the state power grid.

This is common in rural areas such as Medamit in Ulu Limbang, Baram, Bario, Ba Kelalan, Marudi, Bintulu, Sibu, Kapit and Julau.

“The federal government needs to be advised properly on the matter. The interior people must be assisted,” said John Sikie, Kakus assemblyman.

“Federal officers must look at Kapit, Song and Bario and work out plans on how to help these people.”

He said although there is no such demand, Sarawakians were hoping the federal government would understand their need for rural development.

Hulu Rajang MP Datuk Billy Abit Joo shared Tiong’s sentiments and said the policy makers should not assume that the rural people in Sarawak were okay just because they were not making demands.

“Rural development is for basic human needs. The people need all the help that the federal government can give to build clinics and other basic amenities,” he said.

“In Sarawak, we don’t talk so much about position.

“Sarawakians are too polite sometimes, hoping that people would understand their needs.”

Last week, Abdullah unveiled several measures to be taken by the federal government to address some of the major problems faced by Sabah.

We’ll appeal for fairness: CM
By Churchill Edward


‘State bigger in size and population than Sabah but its subsidy not even half that of neigbour’

KUCHING: The state government said the amount of subsidy from the federal government is not even equal to that of Sabah even though Sarawak is bigger both in size and population.

Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud said Sarawak, as an important component of Malaysia, would appeal for fairness on the matter.

“Sabah and Sarawak has about the same size in population … well slightly more in Sabah. But the amount of subsidy doesn’t seem to be equal. Sarawak got less than half (of the subsidy from the federal government),” he said upon his arrival from overseas at Hornbill Skyways’ hangar last night.

When pressed further, Taib, who is also Minister of Finance, said Sarawak was not demanding for equal treatment but merely appealing for fairness.

“I am not going to fight … but I am going to appeal for fairness for (Sarawak) being part of Malaysia,” he said in reply to reporters.

The chief minister and other state VVIPs will be welcoming Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi today. (Abdullah will be at Sebuyau and Tebedu during his official visit to the state).

When asked what he would be discussing with Abdullah today, Taib said: “Normally to tell him whether the machinery of development can be improved or not.”

He described matters surrounding the price hike of fuel, food and related problems as old issues and people just have to face it.

“That is old issue. We have to be realistic but at the same time … to make the suffering of the people not too sudden or too heavy,” he said.

Taib said the proposed special mechanism (or formula) to help lessen the hardship of the people following the latest oil price hike – which some had described as drastic – has not been implemented yet.

“There is no formula yet. We have to discuss it first. To do the formula is easy but then to implement it, may be not,” he pointed out.

When asked if the mechanism would be discussed during his meeting with Abdullah today, Taib said: “I do not know. The federal government has its own plan.

The detail information on the matter would be announced soon, he told reporters after chairing the first meeting of the anti-inflation committee at his office here yesterday.

Owners of cars up to 2,000cc, as well as pick-up trucks and jeeps up to 2,500cc, will get RM625 for each vehicle while motorcyclists with machines up to 250cc will receive RM150 each.

Abdullah said to further ease the burden arising from the fuel price hike, the fleet card quota, which enable public transportation companies to buy diesel at a subsidised price, would also be increased.

“Public transports which have fleet cards facility will still be able to buy diesel at the old price of RM1.43 per litre.

“To ensure that public transportation fares are maintained, the government decided that the diesel quota, which can be bought with the fleet card facility, will be increased,” he said.

The types of vehicles qualified for the fleet card facility would also be expanded to cover factory buses, and taxis which are powered by petrol, he said.

The fleet card quota would be determined by the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry, he added.

— Bernama

from catscity.com.my

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Giant step for Sarawak
By Kas Alwi Sepawie

Big entries expected as State plays host to 18th KOI World Cup karate

KUCHING: About 2,000 exponents are expected to take part in the 18th Kobe Osaka International (KOI) World Cup karate at the State Indoor Stadium here in 2009.

This was disclosed by Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan at a press conference yesterday.

He said the target of 2,000 entries was within reach because Malaysia enjoyed good diplomatic ties with many countries in the world.

Dr Chan, who is also patron of Asahi Karate-Do Club, said he was confident the World Cup could promote Sarawak to the world.

“I told them (Asahi) they must have a purpose in bringing the tournament here - concentrate on two or three things so that when picked up by the international media, they will come out good,” he said.

Dr Chan was happy to note Asahi had introduced karate-do to schools. “Our young exponents should learn discipline in karate - they cannot be good if they don’t have discipline,” he stressed.

Asahi, in a press statement, said it won the right to host the World Cup as an accredited member of the KOI Congress. “Apart from Sarawak, Taiwan was also bidding to host the 2009 event but opted out in the last minute, triggering a fierce bid from the city of Appledorn in Holland.”

“The Congress, however, unanimously approved our bid,” Asahi said.

It disclosed that KOI president Tommy Morris would visit the State in November to inspect the tournament venue and the hotel and transportation infrastructure.

“There will be a signing of an agreement of undertaking between KOI and Asahi Karate-do Club.”

Asahi will be working closely with the Education Department in holding roadshows to promote the event to as many schools as possible.

“Asahi will have a minimum of 150 berths in the World Cup and as such, we will be giving everyone a chance to represent Sarawak and compete at the world level.”

The club estimated between 3,000 and 4,000 visitors would come to Kuching during the World Cup. “This factor makes the event a tourism product as well.”

Asahi also appealed to the corporate sector for support.

Also present at the press conference yesterday were Asahi president Hussin Osman, the event manager Siva Lingam and the promotion officer Abang Hamzani Abang Julaihi.

Green Heights Mall Opening Soon

KUCHING: The upcoming Green Heights Mall is nearing completion, and is slated for opening to the public on June 13th. Finishing works can be seen on the site, with landscaping projects currently being carried out on the grounds.

The front entrance, with its eye-catching canopy, is set to entice future shoppers, as friendly trees sway gently in a beckoning manner.

Green Heights Mall aims to live up to its tagline of a ‘neighbourhood small mall’, where residents in the surrounding residential areas are able to get their daily necessities without having to venture too far from home.

It is also unique in its services, as it will have a customer service counter called “The Concierge” that provides assistance to shoppers in terms of security escort, taxi call service, lost and found services, umbrella escort and lots more.

The anchor tenant of the mall is the long-awaited Cold Storage supermarket. From its humble origin in Singapore more than a century ago, Cold Storage has seen massive growth over the years, with several outlets in Singapore and West Malaysia. It offers superior choices and a variety of both local and imported products ranging from seafood and meat to an international delicatessen, wine, dairy products, spices, sauces and a wide range of high quality glass ware and crockery.

Green Heights Mall has something to offer for everyone in the family within its compact 2-storey building. This can be seen from its practical mix of tenants, which include various types of eateries, beauty care, computers, home décor, gifts and accessories, mobile phones and more.

The mall will open from 9 am onwards and closes at 10 pm daily.


The mall is almost open..never realize it and its goin to be tommorw. for info visit http://www.greenheightsmall.com.my/news.php

^^ based on the website, 2morow is the opening day and coldstorege will be the anchor tenant....hmmm another lifestyle mall, like BSC in bangsar and Plaza damas in kiara...

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Green Heights Mall is located off Jalan Lapangan Terbang, 5 minutes away from Kuching International Airport and 15 minutes away from the city centre.

It meets with all town planning requirements in terms of location, urban design issues, traffic management and aesthetic appearance. The site is ideal for the proposed use because it shall provide a transition and a buffer betwen the busy Kuching-by-pass and the quiet ambience of the residential landed property and condominiums in the surrounding area

http://www.greenheightsmall.com.my/images/aboutpicture.jpg

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there is a new pic in there with the new flyover background..he3

Cold Storage expands to Kuching
Published: 2008/06/13


GCH Retail (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd is expanding its business to East Malaysia with the opening of the first Cold Storage Supermarket in Kuching today.

Cold Storage’s operations manager Charles Van Coller said the new supermarket involved an investment of RM5.5 million.

He said the opening of the supermarket, which is the anchor tenant at the two-storey Green Heights Mall, was in response to the growing demand for a wide range of imported groceries and superior quality fresh produce, such as fruits, vegetables and meat.

“We believe we have a market in Sarawak and Sabah, especially for discerning shoppers who do not mind spending on food despite an increase in prices,” Coller told reporters at a preview of the supermarket situated in the Green Heights housing and commercial estate.



The supermarket is Cold Storage’s 19th nationwide, occupying a retail space of 20,200 square feet.

With consumers generally tightening their belts, Coller said the company would not raise prices unless the transportation cost for imported foodstuff from countries like France, Australia, New Zealand and Hong Kong increased.

He also said that Cold Storage, popularly known as the “Fresh Food People" in Malaysia, is looking to open its second store in East Malaysia.

“We are in the process of identifying a location in Kota Kinabalu,” he added.

Coller said Cold Storage’s turnover for its organic food had seen a 10 to 20 per cent increase from last year.

Cold Storage was established 44 years ago with its first store in Petaling Jaya, Selangor. — Bernama

Cold Storage in east Malaysia
By JACK WONG


KUCHING: Supermarket chain Cold Storage has spread its wings to east Malaysia with the opening of its first store in Green Heights Mall near to the Kuching Airport.

GCH Retail (M) Sdn Bhd, the owner of Cold Storage, invested RM5.5mil in the new store, the 19th in Malaysia, said operations manager Charles van Coller.

He said the Kuching store was the fourth Cold Storage outlet opened this year after Putrajaya, Malacca and Kuala Lumpur.

“We look forward to opening more stores in east Malaysia, possibly in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, next,” he said after a media tour of the new store yesterday. Cold Storage is the anchor tenant in Green Heights Mall, which will open for business today.

Asked if Cold Storage was reviewing the prices of its goods amid rising costs, van Coller he said this would depend on the suppliers but indicated that it would try to maintain prices of goods and opt for lower profit margin.

Sarawak’s first Cold Storage Supermarket to open today



KUCHING: Sarawak’s first Cold Storage Supermarket will officially open today, offering customers exceptional choices of both local and international fares.

Located in Green Heights Mall, Cold Storage, a home-grown brand, is popularly known as Fresh Food People by Malaysians.

This is because it has been meeting consumers’ demand for quality, freshness, variety as well as good value since its establishment 44 years ago.

The store is here to cater for the growing demand for premium food and groceries by Sarawakians.

Green Heights Mall will also officially open today.

Cold Storage Supermarket operations manager for Malaysia Charles van Coller said their specialty is to give customers a wide range of imported products which are not available locally.

“The opening of the store is in response to growing demand for a wide range of imported groceries and superior quality fresh produces such as fruits, vegetables and meats. Our goal is to exceed shoppers’ expectations every time they walk through the check-out counter,” he told reporters yesterday.

The store, occupying a retail space of 20,200 sq ft, offers the same attractive, comfortable and vibrant ambience that has become the trademark of Cold Storage supermarkets throughout the country.

Shoppers will find ample parking and friendly facilities such as the ‘travellators’ which take customers straight to the car park.

Charles said customers will find an international range of delicatessen, organic food, a wide range of cheese, spices, sauces, special cuts of meat, wine and dairy products items that are not available in other supermarkets in the city.

To ensure variety and freshness, Cold Storage also imports foodstuff from countries like France, Australia, New Zealand, Britain, Chile, the Netherlands, Hong Kong, Germany, Switzerland and United States.

“We even have a bakery section where most of our breads are baked. As we are also promoting healthy products, the section also sells non-sugar cakes. We also have a ready-to-eat department selling snacks, pizzas, sandwiches and many more,” he said.

Apart from these, the store has a Japanese sushi corner where sushi are made on site. Customers can, therefore, enjoy freshly made sushi.

Cold Storage is the anchor tenant at Green Heights Mall, a two-storey family and household concept suburban mall located in Green Heights, a well-established housing and commercial estate in the city.

To celebrate its debut in Kuching, the store is offering customers a range of products at a give-away prize of 10 sen each.

In addition, it will offer at special prices, a wide selection of cheese, homemade sausages (chicken, lamb and beef), imported fruits such as fragrant pears, Australian avocado, and vegetables (Australian brussels sprouts and USA red potatoes) snacks and biscuits.

On top of this, Cold Storage will give away RM10 voucher for purchases over RM100 in a single receipt.

Charles said they invested a total RM5.5 million to build the store.

“We believe that current crisis of people facing prices increase on many things including fuel will not affect our business because people still want to have a little bit of indulgence and the best way they can spoil themselves is with food.

“We are not going to increase our prices unless suppliers increase their prices,” he said.

Pasar Gambier lengang, peniaga akhirnya pindah ke Pasar Komuniti Stutong



KUCHING: Suasana di Pasar Gambier kelihatan lengang selepas segala operasi perniagaan di situ dihentikan serta-merta semalam.

Semua peniaga telah diarah berpindah ke lokasi perniagaan baru, Pasar Komuniti Stutong di Tabuan Laru, dekat sini.

Tinjauan Utusan Borneo di lokasi semalam mendapati beberapa pekerja merobohkan gerai ditinggalkan para peniaga dengan dikawal serta diawasi oleh pegawai-pegawai dan anggota penguat kuasa Dewan Bandaraya Kuching Utara (DBKU).

Keadaan Jalan Gambier juga kurang sesak jika dibandingkan dengan keadaan sebelum ini, namun aktiviti membeli-belah di kedai-kedai sepanjang jalan itu masih berjalan seperti biasa.

Sementara itu, tinjauan di Pasar Komuniti Stutong pada hari yang sama mendapati peniaga-peniaga sudah mula berniaga di situ namun masih ada beberapa gerai atau lot perniagaan masih belum beroperasi.

Walaupun lokasi itu masih baru namun orang ramai dilihat begitu ghairah mengunjungi pasar baru itu untuk membeli-belah pebagai ke-perluan harian seperti ikan, sayur dan sebagainya.

Peniaga-peniaga yang sudah berpindah di Pasar Komuniti Stutong itu adalah peniaga pasar basah seperti peniaga ikan, sayur-sayuran, peniaga runcit dan bermacam-macam jualan hasil hutan.

Pasar Komuniti Stutong menyediakan ruang perniagaan sebanyak 500 gerai bagi menampung jumlah peniaga yang ramai berbanding pasar basah Jalan Gambier yang agak sempit serta kesibukan lalu lintas.

Pasar bernilai sekitar RM15 juta itu dibina di atas tanah seluas tujuh ekar dan merupakan yang pertama di Sarawak dilengkapi dengan pelan rawatan sisa buangan berkualiti bagi menjamin kebersihan pasar dan persekitaran.

Isu perpindahan peniaga dari Pasar Gambier ke Pasar Komuniti Stutong bukan suatu yang baru kerana sering ditangguhkan atas beberapa sebab dan ia menjadi kenyataan apabila pasar dua tingkat itu siap sepenuhnya pada April 2007.

Biarpun agak jauh dari pusat bandar raya, Pasar Komuniti Stutong dikelilingi kawa-san kediaman dan perumahan yang dilihat mampu menyediakan peluang perniagaan cerah kepada peniaga.

Bulan lalu, Menteri Muda di Pejabat Ketua Menteri Datuk Daud Abdul Rahman berkata peniaga di Pasar Gambier perlu berpindah ke lokasi baru pada 15 Jun 2008 iaitu semalam sama ada mereka suka atau sebaliknya.

Beliau turut memberitahu kerajaan telah berbincang dengan para peniaga terbabit tujuh kali sebelum tamat tempoh perpindahan dikeluarkan pada masa sama memberi tempoh mencukupi untuk mereka berpindah dengan memberi notis sebulan.

Menurut beliau, Pasar Gambier akan dirobohkan bagi membolehkan pembinaan Tebingan Kuching dipanjangkan ke Brooke Dockyard bagaimanapun berkata pelan pembangunan selanjutnya di situ belum dapat di-pastikan.

Malahan katanya, penutupan Pasar Gambier perlu kerana ia menyumbangkan kepada masalah pencemaran Sungai Sarawak dan bau akibat tiadanya sistem rawatan sisa berkualiti seperti di pasar baru Stutong selain masalah kesesakan teruk di situ.

No updates??

by yasril123

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by nature_eagleyes76

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by jbeaulieu

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some one need to update something on all the ongoing project in kuching such as novotel, merdeka plaza, 4 points sheraton, convention centre, DUN building, boulevard phase 2 and etc. Ive try so many times postinig pictures here but so difficult..tq for any cooperation.

Views of the city from the dear little tambang. On the left is the city centre, on the right is the big huge umbrella, also known as the new Dewan Undangan Negeri Sarawak.

http://img297.imageshack.us/img297/4029/dsc00233ny2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
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p.s. RM20 for 30 minutes, RM40 for 1 hour; your own private cruise on the rustic little tambang, with the tambang driver as your guide.

Main Bazaar gedung khazanah

Oleh SOPI SAMAILE


http://utusan.com.my/pix/2008/0627/Utusan_Malaysia/Sabah_&_Sarawak/wb_01.1.jpg
PELANCONG tertarik melihat hasil kraf tangan di Main Bazaar, Kuching.

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KUCHING 26 Jun - Main Bazaar juga dikenali sebagai Bazaar Utama yang terletak di tengah-tengah bandar raya ini yang telah wujud beratus-ratus tahun lalu sebagai pusat perniagaan yang sehingga kini masih teguh dengan aktivitinya boleh dilabelkan sebagai gedung khazanah warisan Sarawak.

Bertentangan dengan Tebingan Kuching, Main Bazaar terletak di jalan tertua di Kuching malah merupakan 'pusat Kuching lama' yang menempatkan beberapa contoh seni bina rumah-rumah kedai Cina.

Dengan sejarah serta warisan turun temurun, Main Bazaar diduduki oleh keluarga yang sama sehingga bergenerasi lamanya dengan kebanyakan mereka mengamalkan pekerjaan tradisional seperti tukang timah, pertukangan kayu dan perniagaan runcit.

Maka, tidak hairan terdapat kedai-kedai antik dan kraf tangan kebanyakannya berpusat di situ sehingga ke hari ini malah cukup dikenali di kalangan para pelancong tempatan dan asing.

''Para pelancong bukan sahaja ditawarkan seni kraf tangan atau sebagainya yang dijual di Main Bazaar ini tetapi apa yang lebih mencuri tumpuan adalah uniknya rekaan bangunan di sini.

''Ia kelihatan seperti bangunan kedai kopi lama yang masih menggunakan panel-panel dinding dan meja-meja marmar manakala kami generasi baru yang mewarisinya tidak sekali-kali ingin mengubahnya," kata seorang peniaga kraf tangan di Main Bazaar, Chieng Tiew Tong, 37.

Menurut Tiew Tong, menariknya Main Bazaar ini ia bukan dibina dalam tempoh setahun dua sahaja, namun mempunyai sejarah lebih 150 tahun malah kedai miliknya itu berusia 130 tahun.

Katanya, kebanyakan bangunan di situ mengekalkan reka bentuknya yang asal dan diwarisi turun temurun dari nenek moyang manakala beliau sendiri mewarisi daripada ayahnya.

''Sebab mengapa Main Bazaar menjadi tumpuan pelancong kerana ia bukan hanya menawarkan pelbagai kraftangan kepada pelancong sebaliknya memberi satu perasaan 'antik' kepada pengunjung tentang persekitaran yang mungkin tiada di tempat lain sepertinya," kata Tiew Tong.

Mengapa Main Bazaar dikatakan gedung khazanah warisan Sarawak, Tiew Tong memberitahu, ia mungkin disebabkan di Main Bazaar itu menempatkan segala kraf tangan, produk makanan, kain tenunan serta pelbagai lagi barangan buatan asli dari seluruh negeri.

Katanya, Main Bazaar seperti sebuah pusat pengumpulan hasil seni, budaya serta warisan pelbagai kaum di Sarawak khususnya Dayak yang begitu terkenal dengan kekayaan adat serta tradisi turun temurun.

Tambahnya, Main Bazaar mampu menceritakan serta menggambarkan betapa uniknya Sarawak kepada para pelancong yang hadir ke negeri ini.

''Boleh dikatakan apa yang terdapat di Main Bazaar adalah datangnya dari seluruh negeri dan saya memberi jaminan bahawa kraf tangan yang dihasilkan adalah asli dan buatan halus tangan sendiri," katanya.

Beliau menambah, jika anda pernah ke Singapura, Hong Kong atau negara-negara Asia yang lain, mungkin ada yang menarik tetapi tidak akan sama dengan Main Bazaar Kuching kerana tidak akan ada tempat lain yang serupa dengannya.

Seorang pelancong tempatan yang ditemui, Rahmat Ismail, 46, berkata, kehadirannya ke Sarawak pada kali ini adalah yang keempat dan Main Bazaar menjadi tempat yang harus dilawatinya.

Berasal dari Melaka, Penolong Eksekutif itu berkata, pertama kali dia datang ke Kuching adalah pada tahun 1986 dan berasa kagum dengan peningkatan industri pelancongan di Main Bazaar yang sedikit pun tidak mengubah rupa bentuk sejarah bangunan lama tersebut hingga ke hari ini.

''Saya suka dengan bangunan-bangunannya yang kelihatan antik dan bersejarah malah industri pelancongan di situ semakin meriah dari sehari ke sehari.

''Lebih menarik, apa yang diperagakan dan dijual di Main Bazaar menonjolkan identiti negeri ini iaitu mengenai budaya, warisan serta seni tangannya," kata Rahmat kepada Utusan Malaysia di sini baru-baru ini.

Abdul Rahman Abu Bakar, 43, berasal dari Pulau Pinang dan baru menjejakkan kaki ke Main Bazaar pada hari ini sudah berkira-kira untuk membawa keluarganya datang ke laluan yang dianggapnya bersejarah itu pada satu hari kelak.

Beliau ke Sarawak atas urusan kerja melahirkan rasa teruja dengan keunikan kraf tangan serta budaya yang dipamerkan di Main Bazaar yang mungkin tiada tempat sepertinya di Semenanjung.

''Saya berasa kagum dengan hasil kraf tangan serta seni di sini (Main Bazaar) yang begitu unik dan saya seorang yang suka kepada barang-barang yang pelik.

''Bermacam-macam ada, daripada sekecil-kecil sehinggalah ke sebesar-sebesar perkara boleh didapati di Main Bazaar dan boleh dikatakan semua yang terdapat di Sarawak ada di situ'', kata Khairuddin Yaakob, 40.

Selepas tiga kali ke negeri Bumi Kenyalang ini, Khairuddin tidak pernah tidak berkunjung ke Main Bazaar dan ada sahaja kraf tangan atau cenderahati yang mahu dibeli untuk kenangan sendiri atau diberi kepada rakan-rakan.

Kamdar to add new stores and start franchise scheme



Over the next two months, Kamdar will open its first two stores in Sabah and Sarawak - one each in Kota Kinabalu and Kuching. The company is also waiting for the green light from local authorities for an outlet in Taiping, Perak.

From Borneo Post
http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=37830
By Vijaya Menon

KUCHING: The public is invited to attend two free Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) preview shows at three venues next week.

Assistant Minister of Tourism Hamden Ahmad in a press conference yesterday said the first preview show would be held on July 8 at Amphitheatre starting 7pm.

The show will be two groups, Pinikpikan from Philippines and Sheldon Blackman and The Love Circle from Trinidad and Tobago.

“While the second show will be held simultaneously at two venues on July 9. They are tHe Spring Shopping Mall and Boulevard Shopping Mall. Shows will start at 7pm as well,” he said.

Oikotaan from India, Kasai Masai from Congo and Kan’id, an all-girl Kelabit sape band will be performing at tHe Spring, while Yakande from Guinea-Gambia and Beltaine from Poland and Anak Jati Bisaya Orkestra the Boulevard Shopping Mal, said Hamden.

RWMF co-organsing president Gracie Geikie said the preview shows were opportunities for the public to have of what they can expect from RMWF on July 11 to 13.

“Apart from that these shows are also to provide opportunities to those with special needs who cannot attend RWMF to have a good two hour viewing of the music performances,” she said.

Reporting on the preparation of the festival which will be held soon, she said setting up of the stage and equipment is taking place and additional giant screens will be put up for the festival.

“We have also opened up more space for food stalls,” she added.

Geikie said the expenditure to support RWMF had increased to RM1.9 million as compared to RM1.6 million last year.

She pointed out that many of the performers came from exotic destinations and with the recent price hike in oil price, flight, food and many other services had became more expensive.

“We have requested for a grant from the federal government and hope that the request for grants to support the festival will be given as this year had been a trial year,” she said.

Geikie revealed that apart from RWMF, there were about 60 other big and small events in the state and all needed funding.

She was pleased with the support from Tourism Malaysia for bringing 110 international media and tour operators to RWMF as a step to promote the festival on a larger scale.

This would enable the local authority and foreign representatives to discuss and develop special packages for RWMF 2009, she said.

“We cannot be famous without the media and tour operators,” she added.

Hamden, meanwhile, was confident that the three-day music festival would draw some 24,000 festival goers and generate a revenue of RM4 million.

He said the festival had received very good response since it was first introduced and this year 14 internationally talented bands would be performing.

“Out of 450 bands and music groups who applied to participate in this event, only 14 who met the criteria were selected.”

He said unlike previously when the organisers had to look for participants, this year, many came “knocking on the door”.

JOHN TEO: Kuching fast losing its old-world charm
By : JOHN TEO

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Youngsters taking advantage of the breeze at the Kuching waterfront. Rehabilitation of the stretch is making a monstrosity of the city’s rich heritage.


AN era in Kuching's urban development closed with the relocation a month ago of the traditional wet markets along the city's historic waterfront across the Sarawak River from the Brooke-period Istana and the incongruous concrete monstrosity that is the new state legislative assembly building.

The relocation sets in motion the "rehabilitation" of that stretch of the Kuching waterfront, in the old heart of town. The old markets were housed within some of the city's earliest concrete buildings, including a handsome high-ceilinged edifice with open archways that would not look out of place on a waterway in Venice.

Old Kuching will lose some of its greatest charm if such priceless architectural relics are sacrificed on the altar of commercial redevelopment in the name of urban progress. Gone too, most surely, will be the tea-shop atop an old godown that advertised itself as offering the experience of having tea as His Highness the Rajah once did, in full view of the busy waterway below.

The pungent smells of spices, the call to prayer from the mosque, well hidden along the five-foot ways of the shops by the appropriately-named Gambier Street, may be next to disappear forever.

As Main Bazaar on the other side of the old Court House complex has transformed itself into Kuching's craft bazaar, Gambier Street may yet metamorphose into something equally enticing for locals and tourists alike, but this city will never be quite the same again.

For all the effort and expense of Sarawak's push to attract tourists in the past decades, the results have been disappointing. The fancy hotels, in cities such as Kuching and Miri, would be largely empty were it not for government-related events and business visitors.

A greater inflow of tourists might have helped preserve old Kuching the way it always was, against the constant onslaught of developers always hungry to tear down the old in order to make way for developments that will yield better dividends from prime city-centre locations.

But the signs are somewhat promising. It is quite common now to see couples or small groups of Western tourists lugging backpacks along narrow and winding Carpenter Street or Green Hills in search of the mushrooming small bed-and-breakfast lodgings.

Perhaps such bottom-up tourism growth should have been the route the state took when it first decided that tourism was the way to go. In any case, it is the logical way to go now, with the top-down approach to tourism having more-or-less failed, or at least achieved nothing particularly stellar.

The humble backpacker travelling alone or in small groups and spending directly on local service providers may actually have a greater multiplier effect on the economy than tourists on pre-arranged and heavily discounted travel packages.

Individual travellers also have a much more impressive record as holiday trailblazers in the creation of new tourist destinations and the promotion of responsible and sustainable tourism. The influence such intrepid travellers have in determining new world tourist hotspots is not to be taken lightly.

Of course, I have a selfish motive in wanting to see more individual, independent travellers making a beeline to Kuching. The thought of relentless development veering ever closer to the inner and historical sanctum of my hometown fills me with rising dread.

I figure that if tourism can help keep the cultural heart of Bali in Ubud vital and vibrant, such tourism may be my best ally in securing Kuching as a modern and progressive city that nevertheless nurtures proud historical roots.

The banging of the Chinese tinsmiths in the narrow alleyway from Main Bazaar to Carpenter Street still reverberates every day, as it must have been in decades and centuries past. One must hope -- perhaps against hope -- that it continues to beat in the heart of old Kuching forever.

Kuching is very interesting by day. But the city center is so dead at night..

haha..u can see tat most kuchingites went to other commercial centre like the spring, boulevard, bdc, tabuan height and mjc. we r not centred city like kk..

RWMF to play small part for environment



KUCHING: The Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) this year will be doing more for the environment with the introduction of recyclable paper food boxes to replace the polystyrene ones.

Urban Development and Tourism Minister Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh announced this at a press conference here yesterday.

He said the environmentally friendly paper food packaging called ‘eco box’ is the brainchild of MakanMedia Marketing, which will be sponsoring 100,000 boxes at the RWMF.

The boxes, the company’s first project, will eventually be introduced to schools and at other events.

“We are pleased to note that we are striving to ‘go green’. The new packaging will be made available for free to all our food vendors operating at the festival venue for serving as well as take-away,” he pointed out.

MakanMedia Marketing managing director Isaac Lee was present to hand over the sponsorship to Wong.

Meanwhile, Wong said that there would be three preview shows before the festival.

“On the suggestion of Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud, we had organised preview shows for the public and admission to the shows is free,” he said.

The first preview show for RWMF was held yesterday at the amphitheatre. Tonight, there will be preview shows at tHe Spring Shopping Complex and Boulevard Shopping Complex starting simultaneously at 7pm.

The objective of the previews is to give Kuchingites as well as children from the Sarawak Cancer Society and Kuching Autistic Association a chance to experience the annual global music celebration.

Asked on the progress of the final preparation for the 11th edition of the three-day festival that will kick-off on July 11, Wong replied: “We are ready! This is an event that all of us should proud of.”

He hoped that everyone from behind-the-counter hotel workers to the public will “go all out” to ensure that the event would be another big success.

“Some 200 media friends from throughout the world will be flying into the city to cover the event,” he pointed out.

He called on the public to be at their best behaviour and live up to the warmth and hospitality that Malaysians are known for so that outsiders will feel welcome throughout their stay here.

Meanwhile, Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) chief executive officer Gracie Geikie said the first group of performers had arrived on Monday and they are expecting most groups to arrive yesterday.

“A total of 16 or 17 groups had arrived and we are expecting most of them to be here by Tuesday. Just in time for the show previews held at various venue,” she pointed out.

She targeted the crowd to be more than the previous RWMF, which was recorded at 20,000, thus Kuchingtes are advised to fully utilise the shuttle services that ply Kuching and the venue for the festival, Sarawak Cultural Village (SCV), to minimise traffic congestion there.

Also present at the function was RWMF organising chairman Benedict Jimbau.

Railway for SCORE
By Patrick Joseph


State’s first train in modern era to run in central region, says Taib

BINTULU: Sarawak is to build railway in Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) to facilitate development in the growth area, Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud said here yesterday.

He said rail transportation would be a cheaper alternative compared with cargo trucks that were presently used.

Opening the Residents and District Officers’ Conference, the Chief Minister said logistics development in the corridor which stretched for 320km from Similajau in Bintulu Division to Tanjong Manis in Mukah Division needed to look at, among other things, the rising price of fuel as SCORE was a mammoth development plan.

Taib, however, did not indicate the cost of the railway project but said its development would go beyond 2020.

The chief minister said SCORE, which was launched by the prime minister in February this year, was to speed up the development of the state’s central region.

According to him, the central region was comparatively lagging behind the northern and southern regions.

Saying that SCORE would be the final phase for the completion of the state’s development, Taib said the corridor was expected to attract about RM300 billion worth of investments in the next three decades.

Of the amount, he said, at least RM230 billion would come from the private sector.

He also said many of the workers and entrepreneurs from the central region had been moving to other places in the state like Kuching or Miri in search of business and employment opportunities, adding that this was a loss to the region.

Taib said the potential for development in the central region were enormous and they included projects relating to aluminium, coal, paper and pulp and oil and gas.

He said oil, agriculture and fishing industries in the region were already bearing fruits and more needed to be done to further expand the industries and the development of corridor would augur well.

Mukah for instance, according to Taib, had a huge reserve of coal that amounted to billions of tonnes and what was needed was good infrastructure and related efforts to extract it.

He also told the divisional residents and district officers in the state to work together in shaping the minds of the people in their area of jurisdiction to prepare them to get the maximum benefits from the development of SCORE.

Touching on education, Taib reminded parents to ensure their children received the right kind of education, possessed the right skills and talents to meet the future demands and challenges.

About 300 people are attending the three-day conference themed ‘Sarawak Corridor Development: Reshaping Human Talents for the Future’ which started Monday.

Housing Minister Dato Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and Environment and Public Health Minister Datuk Michael Manyin were among those present during the opening ceremony.

Novotel Interhill Kuching

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Progress
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Novotel Interhill Kuching

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Progress
by PilotGirl

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Kuching bakal memiliki terminal bas yang canggih




KUCHING: Bandar raya Kuching bakal memiliki terminal bas yang canggih dikenali sebagai Kuching Sentral.

Projek Permodalan Assar Sdn Bhd yang terletak di Batu 6 setengah Jalan Penrissen itu, menelan belanja sebanyak RM60 juta.

Model projek berkenaan disaksikan Ketua Menteri Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud selepas mengumumkan dividen Amanah Saham Sarawak (Assar) di sini, semalam.

Menurut jurucakap Inner City Development Sdn Bhd, syarikat pelaksana, kerja-kerja pembersihan tapak bermula Disember tahun lepas dan dijangka siap dalam tempoh 24 bulan.

Kuching Sentral mampu menampung kehadiran 12,000 penumpang dalam sehari.

Dibina di atas tanah seluas tujuh ekar dengan bangunan tiga tingat, Kuching Sentral merupakan terminal bas yang berkedudukan strategik. De-kat dengan Lapangan Terbang Antarabangsa Kuching, Kota Sentosa dan 20 minit perjalanan ke pusat bandar raya.

Bukan sahaja menempatkan bas luar kawasan, tetapi bas yang beroperasi dalam bandar raya ini akan diletakkan di situ. Malah, ia akan menawarkan perkhidmatan teksi dan kereta sewa.

Dibina dengan 11 ruang kereta sewa, 42 bas luar kawasan dan 67 bas bandar raya, ia dikatakan mampu menampung jumlah penumpang kenderaan awam yang semakin bertambah. Ia juga dilengkapi dengan restoran dan kafe, tempat menyimpan bagasi, tandas, mesin teller automatik (ATM), wi-fi dan surau.

Kuching Sentral akan diserikan lagi dengan pasar raya seluas 25,000 kaki persegi, kedai cenderamata dan pusat penjagaan kesihatan.


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Four Points by Sheraton Kuching - Opening December 31, 2008

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More to get broadband coverage
Friday July 11, 2008
By JACK WONG
TheStar

KUCHING: The state government targets to expand broadband coverage to half of its 2.3million population in two years’ time, said deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr George Chan Hong Nam.

He said the broadband service was now available in the major towns.

“This (broadband service) enables the people to connect to the world,” he added when launching Maxis Hotlink coverage campaign at Kuching Hilton recently.

Chan said bridging the urban-rural digital divide would enable villagers to have the same advantage as their counterparts in towns with Internet connections and in the creation of a knowledgeable society.

He said the state government, which owns undersea communications cables (optic fibre) was constantly looking into ways to expand telecommunication infrastructure to enhance the mobile network coverage.

Chan commended Maxis Telecommunications Bhd for extending its mobile network coverage in Sarawak to over 70% of the population now.

Earlier in his speech, Maxis chief operating officer Jon Eddy Abdullah said Maxis had through its Cyberkids programme trained over 2,000 pupils and teachers from 270 schools in Sarawak on information and communication technology (ICT).

He said the company had also organised ICT outreach programmes for nearly 2,100 villagers in Serian, Bau and Long Jekitan since 2005,

Jon Eddy said through its Universal Service Provision project, Maxis had been connecting rural communities nationwide with telephony and Internet access.

“Under the USP Phase 5 project (2007 -2012), Maxis Skyway VSAT technology and services will be leveraged to connect 52 rural and district libraries in Sarawak,” he added.

Jon Eddy said Maxis had more than 10 million subscribers nationwide.

Tourism Ministry to review Rainforest festival funding
By JACK WONG

KUCHING: The federal Tourism Ministry has promised to review its reduced funding for the 11th Rainforest World Music Festival, which kicks off at the Sarawak Cultural Village near here on Friday night.

Deputy Minister Datuk Sri Sulaiman Abdul Rahman said his ministry would look into the allocation for the popular event after organiser Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) voiced its displeasure that the federal funding had been slashed to RM70,000 from RM500,000 last year.

He indicated that the allocation would be adjusted upwards but gave no figure.

Sulaiman was asked about the allocation after officiating the soft launch of musical band Kan'id's album at the festival media centre at Santubong Resort on Friday.

Kan'id is one of the three local groups performing alongside 14 international musical bands during the three nightly concerts.

STB's chief executive officer Gracie Geikie expressed disappointment with the allocation STB received for the Rainforest Music Festival as the ministry had given RM1.7mil to sponsor the inaugural World Music Festival in Penang last year, and RM1.65mil for the same event this year.

Geikie said the STB was expected to spend RM1.9mil to host this year's festival, up from RM1.6mil last year, due to the higher costs to fly in the foreign musical groups, rising food prices and transportation costs.

Asked about the big difference in funding for the two similar music festivals, Sulaiman said the Penang festival was a new event.

He said the ministry's funding was not based on the revenue a tourism event could generate.

Last year's Rainforest Music Festival generated an estimated RM16mil for the tourism industry and benefited the hoteliers, food and transport operators as well as handicraft and souvenir sector.


i guess the ministry was crazy..didnt they know tat the RWMF has bring in thousand of tourist worldwide to kuching, sarawak and malaysia ?even some of the tourist know about malaysia due to this event!!

another cock up by the lazy self absorbed BN govt

stupid and lazy...well stupid some more this BN.

i dont mean any offense by this but sarawak has an indigenious music culture whereas penang..?

i dont mean any offense by this but sarawak has an indigenious music culture whereas penang..?
Read this first before you give your comment:

Sarawak claims Rainforest fest as its own
28 Nov 2006
Firdaus Abdullah

KUCHING: The Rainforest World Music Festival is unique to Sarawak and should not be held elsewhere.

Clearing the air over reports that the festival would be held in Penang next year, Sarawak Tourism Board chief executive officer Gracie Geikie said the event would stay in Sarawak as it had put the state on the world tourism calendar with its unique blend of music and rainforest ambience.

In fact, she said, a major celebration was being planned for next year in conjunction with the festival’s 10th anniversary.

"Next year, this unique tourism and art product of Sarawak will be held from July 13 to 15. You can’t hold this event elsewhere and call it the Rainforest World Music Festival. That would be funny."

Geikie was commenting on reports quoting Penang Tourism Development and Environment Committee chairman Teng Chan Yeow as saying the festival would be held in Penang next year — the first time it would be held outside Sarawak.

"We have been inundated with calls after the statement appeared in some newspapers. It had caused confusion with some asking whether the event is moving to Penang. I think this is an unnecessary issue while we are busy promoting Visit Malaysia Year 2007."

The festival held at the Sarawak Cultural Village at the foot of Mount Santubong.

The reports also quoted Teng as saying Penang was chosen by the Tourism Ministry to host next year’s event, which was expected to cost RM1.5 million to organise.

"If the ministry is allocating RM1.5 million, then it should be given to Sara- wak because we started this event from scratch and today it’s an international event which uniquely identifies Malaysia and the rainforest. We have been doing it for nine years in a row and the last thing we want is for ‘our baby’ to be hijacked on its 10th birthday.

"I think there is a great deal of misunderstanding here," Geikie said.

She said some people from Penang had approached the Sarawak Tourism Board for input as they were planning a similar event, but nothing came out of that discussion.

"I want to reiterate that our Rainforest World Music Festival will definitely be held at the foot of Mount Santubong, near Damai beach, with a fantastic line-up of local and international performers, activities and highlights to commemorate Visit Malaysia Year 2007.

"We will launch the Rainforest World Music Festival’s promotion on Thursday in Kuala Lumpur."

A senior Tourism Ministry officer denied that the next festival would be held in Penang.

"As far as I know, the festival belongs to Sarawak as it is their product. I do not know where people get all these funny ideas of moving an established event like the music festival. It’s like organising a fishing trip in the Sahara."

Source: New Straits Times

it better be in sarawak next year, coz i'll be going. missed last year and this year. try not to miss out this festival in 09!!!

it fantastic..i went there last nite and thousands other join me...everything perfect

Read this first before you give your comment:

It’s like organising a fishing trip in the Sahara."

Source: New Straits Times

This is exactly my point.

Anyway they already have a world music festival in penang
http://www.penangworldmusicfestival.com/

Gee I wonder what inspired them to organise one

Four Points by Sheraton Kuching - Opening December 31, 2008

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Normally, that would bring about sceptism of the highest order
But then, since it's done by T/S TPK, this is not anything normal ! :)

Rainforest fest venue bursting at its seams, hundreds turned away

KUCHING: It was great music as thousands danced to the drumbeats at the Rainforest World Music Festival in Sarawak Cultural Village in Santubong near here.

Partying all night long, music fans had a great time as the seven foreign and local musical groups thrilled them during the five-hour concert on Saturday.
Ethnic beat: Members of Tuku Kame from Sarawak performing at the Rainforest World Music Festival in Santubong near Kuching on Saturday night.

However, the same could not be said for several hundred other disappointed music fans who had to be turned away as the venue could not accommodate them.

Sarawak Tourism Board chief executive officer Gracie Geikie said the organisers had to close the main entrance to the concert at about 9.45pm as the crowd was getting too big.

“We had to shut out several hundred people waiting to buy tickets as we have to ensure the safety and comfort of those already inside,” she told The Star yesterday.

Geikie said that there were 9,063 music fans who bought tickets to the concert on Saturday and this huge turnout was because it was a weekend and the weather was good.

On Friday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and wife Datin Sri Jeanne joined more than 7,200 music lovers for the opening concert.

The organisers estimated the crowd for the three nightly concerts to be 24,000 this year, up from 22,000 who attended the music festival last year.

Geikie said that the board was considering organising mini concerts next year in other venues in the city, like at the ampitheatre at Jalan Budaya, to enable more people to enjoy the popular musical event.

The musicians who performed on Saturday were Sheldon Blackman (from Trinidad and Tobago), Hiroshi Motorfuji (Japan), Yakande (Gambia/Guinea), Adel Salameh (Palestine/Algeria), Beltaine (Poland), Kelabit band Kani’d and Tuku Kame (both from Sarawak).

Besides the nightly concerts, musical workshops that featured the performing bands held in the afternoon sessions were also crowd pullers.

The workshops were held simultaneously in separate native traditional houses in the village.

‘The best Friday in 11 years of Rainforest World Music Festival’
By Puvaneswary Devindran and Vijaya Menon


KUCHING: The Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) has once again lived up to its promise of bringing a fantastic line of artistes to perform here.

Although the finale was a wet and muddy affair, it did not dampen the mood of the revelers. The rain, which came on the first and final night of the festival, gave foreigners an added feel to the rainforest with some of them shouting ‘Welcome to Malaysia’ as they danced to the authentic beat on the muddy pitch at the Sarawak Cultural Village.

Co-chairperson of the festival, Gracie Geikie, when asked about the first night at a press conference on Sunday, summed the whole experience as ‘the best Friday in 11 years of RWMF’.

“People were just enjoying and dancing in the rain. It became a mud festival instead,” she said laughing.

Indeed, Sarawak Tourism Board has every reason to smile given the overwhelming response the festival has created.

The first night saw 7,219 visitors. The festival then reached a new peak on the second night with 9,063 visitors, exceeding the 8,000-visitor capacity. There was no loss in momentum on the final night for 6,291 came.

The festival co-chairperson Benedict Jimbau said that Friday’s figure caught them by surprise because never in the festival’s history had Friday night achieved more than 5,000 visitors. “Fridays never reached 6,000 but this year it went up to over 7,000.”

He said this could mean that the number of foreign visitors had increased this year although this could not be confirmed without the final audit.

He said the Friday sessions were normally a warm-up affairs and the committee was not expecting a huge crowd because it was still a working day on Saturday. The rise, he added, could be attributed to an influx of foreigners. Attendance on the second evening was even more unexpected. When the ticket counters closed at 8.40pm there were still many visitors clamouring to get inside, but they had to be turned away. They sold more 9,063 tickets as opposed to 8,000 tickets sold last year.

Benedict added: “The attendance of the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and his wife Datin Seri Jeanne Abdullah on the first night can easily be said the nicest surprise ever.

“We received words of their coming at the last minutes and it sent us rushing about to arrange for their arrival. We managed to cope well and in the end it was a very pleasant surprise for the whole team.”

Apart from performances from the 17 musical bands and artistes, the various music workshops held during the day also received great response from visitors and locals alike. The children along with their parents on tow were also seen at these workshop sessions, treating them as avenues for learning and fun family outing.

With the date for next year’s festival already announced - July 10 to July 12 - The Borneo Post managed to gather reactions and feedbacks from the people on what the festival needs to improve on.

Marlisa Nicholas, a 32-year-old marketing executive from Kuala Lumpur said she had attended the RWMF for three consecutive years and she liked it when there were new musicians performing.

“There are obviously many differences every year, and this year is the best of the past three years,” she said.

With the two fringe events - Rainforest World Craft Bazaar and the Folk Art forum - this year’s festival was the busiest, she added.

However, she felt that there were still rooms for improvement. She pointed to the muddy pitch near the grand stage that had to be put right. “The people in-charge should know that this is the first thing they should do.”

She also suggested that those who operated the stalls improve on their merchandising. She observed that there were insufficient RWMF T-shirts for sale this year.

“People get very frustrated when they come to the festival from far and cannot buy the RWMF T-shirt due to lack of stock,” she lamented.

Marlisa, who said she was already looking forward to attending the festival next year suggested that maybe a bazaar on traditional food could be held to attract more visitors next year.

Two friends, Tony and Sathies, staff of Malaysian Airlines from Kuala Lumpur, were also spotted enjoying music at one of the booths at the festival. When accosted, they said this was their second time here for the festival, and they were enjoying every minute of it.

“This event is going to be our annual affair,” said Tony.

He felt that last year’s festival was probably more grand as it was its 10th anniversary. However, this year’s festival was very good except for the muddy pitch which had a bit of bad smell to spoil the atmosphere a bit, they said.

Tony and Sathies praised the shuttle services provided for the visitors during the festival, but hoped that the accommodation packages could be reasonably priced.

“We realise that accommodation during this time is a little too expensive. It seems that operators of lodging houses are really cashing in on the opportunities, which is not right.”

They said the packages offered were more suitable for people who wanted to have a long vacation rather than those coming for a short visit to attend the festival.

Ho Chi Min, a Taiwanese who is here on a vacation was at the RWMF by chance, and with him was his 86-year-old grandfather. He said he did not know about the festival, and only when he visited the Sarawak Cultural Village, that he found out that the RWMF was taking place.

The facilities provided in the village was very modern and there were many activities held at the festival. He said the crowd gave the village a very happy and exciting atmosphere.

He however said he found some difficulties in getting information about the local culture because there were no one to speak to. He said he understood that they were rather busy because of the festival but said it would be good if the village could place a spokesperson at each house in the village to explain the local culture to the visitors.

As the curtain fell and the confetti exploded midair to celebrate the success of the 11th edition of the RWMF, many people at the site were probably making a mental note to come back for more music and excitement next year.

Meeting to deal with RWMF shortcomings
By Zora Chan


Festival venue must be improved for safety, comfort: Wong

KUCHING: Despite its “very successful” tag, the just-concluded eleventh Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) at Sarawak Cultural Village (SCV) had a number of shortcomings.

Hence, a meeting will be held soon to review the three-day festival and address the shortcomings, said Urban Development and Tourism Minister, Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh yesterday.

Among others, he said toilets at the festival venue must be improved.

“I noticed that there were long queues at the toilets particularly the women’s. This is something that we have to look into seriously,” he told reporters.

Wong, who is also Second Minister of Finance, said it was difficult to prevent the festival ground from becoming muddy after a downpour on the first day.

He said the organiser even covered the mud with sand, but to no avail as there were thousands of people trampling on it.

Despite the shortcomings, Wong said, the RWMF was able to meet the targeted figure of 24,000 festival goers at an average of 8,000 per night.

“There were 7,000 people on Friday night; about 9,700 on Saturday night, and a full floor on the last night,” he said, adding that the nightly crowd comprised people from some 40 countries.

He said STB did not have any plan to have more than 8,000 people per night for the sake of safety and comfort of the festival goers.

“We want quality rather than quantity,” he said.

However, he said, next year’s festival would have side or preview shows at Jalan Budaya’s amphitheatre and Kuching Isthmus to reduce congestion at the main venue and in recognition of the fact that not everyone can go to the SCV.

He said for these reasons, the performers would be invited early so that they arrive in time for the preview shows.

On the alleged reduced funding by the Tourism Ministry, Wong said money was not the main concern as the organiser could cope financially.

“But the ministry’s help is most welcomed as when we receive more grant we can invite more performers.”

He added that the organiser already received applications from performers for next year’s festival and the selection would be done to ensure a balanced representation from different regions and a variety of music from around the world.

Earlier, Wong witnessed the presentation of sponsorship for the coming annual Sarawak Regatta 2008. The regatta would be held from Aug 1 to 3 in the Sarawak River with the grandstand at Kuching Waterfront.

Themed ‘The Race for Peace’, it will have 18 events including three new ones.

The organising chairperson, Rodziah Morshidi, said to date they had registered 5,393 participants in 283 teams from Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Brunei and Australia.

She said sponsorships amounting to RM685,000 have been confirmed by Shell Berhad, Petronas, Telekom Malaysia, Ta Ann Holdings, Global Upline, Murphy Sarawak Oil, and Cahya Mata Sarawak.

She said there would be sideline events such as trade fair, craft exhibition and competitions to attract more spectators. Registration to compete in the regatta is still open with the forms obtainable from http://www.sarawakregatta.com or Sarawak Rivers Board at Level 2, Electra House.

Record turnout for Rainforest music fest


KUCHING: Music lovers have given the thumbs-up to the 11th edition of the Rainforest World Music Festival, which attracted a record turnout, at the Sarawak Cultural Village near here.

Organising chairman Benedict Jimbau said more than 22,500 fans bought tickets to the three nightly concerts which ended on Sunday.

“We achieved record turnouts on Friday and Saturday,” he said yesterday.

Jimbau said that despite an hour-long heavy rain on Friday, many fans said they had no regrets attending the event, as the music was great.

He said fans had a good time during Sunday's finale despite the rain and muddy ground.

Performing on Sunday night were the New Rope String Band (Britain), Orchestra Anak Jati Bisaya (Sarawak), Hiroshi Motofuji (Japan), Oikyotaan (India), Ross Daly (Greece) and Kasai Masai (Congo/ Britain).

“Many of those who attended the concerts were repeat party-goers. Some of them returned bringing their families and friends,” Jimbau said.

He added that next year’s festival has been fixed for July 10 to 12.

He said organiser Sarawak Tourism Board would also step up its promotional activities for the festival through the Internet.

Tourism board to finalise campaign with Brunei airline soon
By JACK WONG


KUCHING: Sarawak expects to finalise a tourism promotion campaign in several international cities with Royal Brunei Airlines (RBA) soon.

Sarawak Tourism Board chief executive officer Gracie Geikie said it would meet RBA officials on July 17 to finalise details of the campaign in cities, including London, Perth, Shanghai and Hong Kong.

“RBA will support the campaign by offering special fares (from these cities to Sarawak),” she told The Star.

RBA resumed its direct service from Bandar Sri Begawan in Brunei to the Sarawak state capital in December last year. It now operates three flights a week on the sector.

Geikie said efforts were being made to put Sarawak on the RBA Global Distribution System (GDS) to enable foreign tourists to make direct ticket bookings to destinations in the Land of the Hornbills.

Geikie said this connection had enabled foreign tourists to book their tickets direct to destinations like the Mulu National Park, Bario, Mukah or Limbang.

The Usual Suspect : Kuching is very interesting by day. But the city center is so dead at night..
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Kuching is a dead town indeed. Nothing much to see. I don't know the stupid tourist go there for what? Shopping? What a joke man!


kiko : Posts: haha..u can see tat most kuchingites went to other commercial centre like the spring, boulevard, bdc, tabuan height and mjc. we r not centred city like kk..
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I been to kuching for this 5 years and you don't BS lah. I see nothing much development. Spring shopping mall? It just a 2-storey plaza my friend. Tabuan Height? See what? It just a supermarket type of building, sigh

kiko : we r not centred city like kk..
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If you don't have the knowledge about KK I pardon you. Tell me where is Mega Long Mega Mall (The longest Mall in Borneo), City Mall, Central Plaza, Putatan Square, 1 Borneo, Pearly Harbour City Mall and etc? in KK city ke? Siao Lang!

dejavu, dont be so defensive...okla kuching....boring city not gonna kills people...

The Usual Suspect : Kuching is very interesting by day. But the city center is so dead at night..
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Kuching is a dead town indeed. Nothing much to see. I don't know the stupid tourist go there for what? Shopping? What a joke man!


kiko : Posts: haha..u can see tat most kuchingites went to other commercial centre like the spring, boulevard, bdc, tabuan height and mjc. we r not centred city like kk..
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I been to kuching for this 5 years and you don't BS lah. I see nothing much development. Spring shopping mall? It just a 2-storey plaza my friend. Tabuan Height? See what? It just a supermarket type of building, sigh

kiko : we r not centred city like kk..
-----------------------------------
If you don't have the knowledge about KK I pardon you. Tell me where is Mega Long Mega Mall (The longest Mall in Borneo), City Mall, Central Plaza, Putatan Square, 1 Borneo, Pearly Harbour City Mall and etc? in KK city ke? Siao Lang!

i think you're sick dude...seriously..:nuts: and pls dont start all these BULL S*HIT thing here like you did in 1Borneo's thread...get a life..

and if you dont have anything nice to say ..just keep quiet...we had enough of people like you in this forum

The Usual Suspect : Kuching is very interesting by day. But the city center is so dead at night..
-----------------------------------------------------
Kuching is a dead town indeed. Nothing much to see. I don't know the stupid tourist go there for what? Shopping? What a joke man!


kiko : Posts: haha..u can see tat most kuchingites went to other commercial centre like the spring, boulevard, bdc, tabuan height and mjc. we r not centred city like kk..
----------------------------------------------------------
I been to kuching for this 5 years and you don't BS lah. I see nothing much development. Spring shopping mall? It just a 2-storey plaza my friend. Tabuan Height? See what? It just a supermarket type of building, sigh

kiko : we r not centred city like kk..
-----------------------------------
If you don't have the knowledge about KK I pardon you. Tell me where is Mega Long Mega Mall (The longest Mall in Borneo), City Mall, Central Plaza, Putatan Square, 1 Borneo, Pearly Harbour City Mall and etc? in KK city ke? Siao Lang!


please. just because you have '1borneo'.:lol:
i think kiko was saying something positive about kk being centralised and thus being more vibrant in the city center. you're obviously blinded by your own insecurity.

:banana:

dejavu88, u talking about mega long which is yet to be opned.u talk about city mall, which people go there becoz of giant, u talk about 1 borneo which is just opened n yet to c it full potential and u talk about pearl harbour city mall (r u sure its done??), come on la...

if u went to kuching city centre, offcourse it a bit dead at nite as the local citizen went inside the pubs, nite clubs, and restaurants which u dont see loitering outside like wat the illegal immigrants in kk did and since we have others commercial area, we tend to shop to place nearer from our house.

u said i dont know about kk, come on..my wife is a sabahan and i bet u, when i bring her family to kuching, they said they see something totally diffrnt from kk as they look kuching as a clean, beautiful, big and easy goin city.im not sure wat r u doin in kuching actually.either u come here just to make a comparison between ur illegal and our local citizen and ur newly built 1 borneo with our spring or u come here to experience the diffrnt betwn the 2 capital??

i think u didnt notice tat wawasan plaza is dying and further 2 go, u can see those kk plaza and to come ur asia city will definetly dying..ive never comparing bad thing about the 2 city before, but once people start to set a war, we can do it.

lets make some comparison dejavu if u wish...

TM Sabah targets another 20,000 Streamyx users by year-end



KOTA KINABALU: Telekom Malaysia ™ is aiming to add 20,000 new Streamyx subscribers to its current 63,000 user base by year-end with the launch of its TM Streamyx Broadband Internet communication campaign, its general manager for Sabah, Sukkuriya Masri, said yesterday.

“We have targeted 29,000 new subscribers for this year, so far we have gotten 9,000 new users,” he told reporters at the launch of the campaign, which is a joint effort with TM Sabah and the Consumer Association of Sabah and Labuan (Cash), here.

According to Sukkuriya, they are trying to push the number as Sabah is the state with the lowest broadband penetration in the country, with only 4.3 per cent penetration for some three million population here.

“This is very low compared to Selangor which has 30 per cent broadband penetration, or even Sarawak with six per cent broadband penetration,” he said.

He, however, reasoned that the low penetration rate was also due to the state’s vast size and huge remote areas as well as the cost of personal computers.

“TM is investing RM60 million in Sabah for capital expenditure this year alone, including RM17 million to add more ports and RM10 million to change the cables from copper to fibre,” he added.

He said they plan to add 20,000 ports this year and another 24,000 ports next year from the current 100,000 ports available.

In relation to this, Sukkuriya said they also plan to add 500 hot spots in the major cities of Sabah including Kota Kinabalu, Tawau and Sandakan.

There are currently 42 hot spots in the state.

Asked on TM’s broadband penetration target for Sabah, Sukkuriya did not give particular figure for the immediate term but said the long term goal was to reach 50 per cent penetration in 20 years.

Meanwhile, the new campaign saw TM coming up with some innovative products and services to help consumers manage the higher living costs.

It is encouraging the use of Internet to carry out daily tasks like paying bills online.

This will help people save from using petrol to drive around and manage their tasks, said Cash president Datuk Patrick Sindu.

To kick-start the campaign, TM is organising a three-day Streamyx Carnival this Friday to Sunday at Karamunsing Komplex.

— Bernama

even swk has larger internet user comare than sabah

Thats because a large number of the people there aren't supposed to be there in the first place, if you catch my drift.
Anyway, let's not start this argument here.

of course Kuching is better. Look at the statistics interms of life quality standards. hello! its one of the cleanes city in Asia!

agree..here some facts taken from borneo wonder...

KUCHING
The capital of Sarawak, Kuching is a riverine city on the banks of the Sarawak River. It is voted as one of the top ten cleanest cities in the world by WHO and is one of the healthiest and cleanest city in Malaysia. It has landscaped parks and gardens, elegant colonial buildings, colourful markets and a bustling waterfront. There is also a state mosque, churches and temples with artistic architectural features. Kuching has one of Asia's finest museums with excellent collections of Borneo ethnological and archaeological exhibits. Kuching is one of the most unique city in the world, it is a combination of modern city and oldest living ecosystem on earth.

OK, Kiko, since dejavu was only an 1988 guy or gal, den better not compare with him or she la. Its a waste of time. Each city surely have their own goods and bad. Just stop the argument because of some silly person which does not get their facts right before puking out everything he got in mind. well, we shall aim towards another largest mall in east malaysia in ten years to come. KK wil get their suria sabah in time to come, N lets see how 1borneo fares.. But 1borneo really beats tHe Spring in terms of mixture of tenants and it really is much bigger. As usual crowds only on weekends. But Surely Centre Point N warisan square got better crowds everyday compared to 1borneo, as the tenants said.

.u talk about city mall, which people go there becoz of giant
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Are you from kampung or what? People go citymall because of giant? KK got at least 8 Giant in town for your info why must go to citymall Giant only?


if u went to kuching city centre, offcourse it a bit dead at nite as the local citizen went inside the pubs, nite clubs, and restaurants which u dont see loitering outside like wat the illegal immigrants in kk did and since we have others commercial area, we tend to shop to place nearer from our house.

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Are you talking about shop lots and not shopping mall? Commercial area in KK is much more than Kuching and whatelse you need to compare? illegal muslim immigrants? This is because of the evil umno who brought them in. When the racist umno go into sarawak, sarawak will be full of illegal muslim immigrant and this is racist umno agenda try to bring in their brothers and sisters to outnumber the local christians population. It is just a timing when umno go into sarawak.


u said i dont know about kk, come on..my wife is a sabahan and i bet u, when i bring her family to kuching, they said they see something totally diffrnt from kk as they look kuching as a clean, beautiful, big and easy goin city.im not sure wat r u doin in kuching actually.either u come here just to make a comparison between ur illegal and our local citizen and ur newly built 1 borneo with our spring or u come here to experience the diffrnt betwn the 2 capital??
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No doubt kuching is cleaner so what? we are talking about the shopping mall and not cleanliness in this forum. So what if your wife is a sabahan? My wife is a prominent foochow tycoon daugther and all their family are like to shop in KK rather than kuching because they say not much variety there and kuching shopping mall is too small got nothing to see.


i think u didnt notice tat wawasan plaza is dying and further 2 go, u can see those kk plaza and to come ur asia city will definetly dying..ive never comparing bad thing about the 2 city before, but once people start to set a war, we can do it.
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Do you know wawasan plaza, kk plaza, starcity mall owned by who? All are owned by the sarawak foochow from sibu. Do you know why they are dying? because they are still follow the sarawak style of shopping mall concept to run the management. Of course it will dying soon. Why in the first place this bunch of foochow tycoon don't want to invest in kuching? They told me if we open the shopping mall in kuching even die faster. The kuching people purchasing power is MUCH LOWER than KK people. got it?

get a life dejavu...hey..kuching is a CITY from 1988...what about KK?..maybe just 8 years ago..correct me if i'm wrong

LOL why even bother arguing with this dejavu88? What a joke!

get a life dejavu...hey..kuching is a CITY from 1988...what about KK?..maybe just 8 years ago..correct me if i'm wrong

haha..u r aboslutely rite. well dejavu, if i keep talking, i'll make sure u lick ur own words back..however, i'll just share a bit..seems like the foochow is so dumb building mall in sabah last time and wondering y they r too afraid to build it in kuching and yet, they r still having the same behavior now seems they are too afraid too shop at kuching..u talk about low purchasing power in kuching, so y not they build megamall in sibu since they r big spender.as for us in kuching, we r ok with wat we have.:lol:..

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Are you talking about shop lots and not shopping mall? Commercial area in KK is much more than Kuching and whatelse you need to compare? illegal muslim immigrants? This is because of the evil umno who brought them in. When the racist umno go into sarawak, sarawak will be full of illegal muslim immigrant and this is racist umno agenda try to bring in their brothers and sisters to outnumber the local christians population. It is just a timing when umno go into sarawak.


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[/QUOTE]

wow...:nuts:..wat a words here...have u ever read that there wil never be umno in swk and i didnt talk about muslim immigrants by umno, im talking about illegal immigrants from Phil and indonesia..r u just a primary school kids seems u didnt even notice there are immigrants there and it become national issue now??u better score in ur UPSR..

I suspect dejavu is in his late teens and is over enthusiastic about his home state

haha..u r aboslutely rite. well dejavu, if i keep talking, i'll make sure u lick ur own words back..however, i'll just share a bit..

Kuching is city 1988? So what? Do you remember during 1988 Sabah is under opposition? This was because of politic. Don't you so stupid till can't even differenciate it? What a dumb and dumber!!! Get a life poor boy!

seems like the foochow is so dumb building mall in sabah last time and wondering y they r too afraid to build it in kuching and yet, they r still having the same behavior now seems they are too afraid too shop at kuching..u talk about low purchasing power in kuching, so y not they build megamall in sibu since they r big spender.as for us in kuching, we r ok with wat we have.:lol:..

If not because of the foochow investment in kuching, Kuching even more dead now. If not because of the foochow, the property in kuching already die hard hard. Grow up poor boy! Wasting my time to talk to people who knows peanut about the economy.

look at me...i'm dejavu..i'm from Sabah..although our population is 16% below the poverty line and infested with illegals ...i still believe that KK is better than Kuching...boohooo...hahaha

I came here for some updates...and what did I get?

RUBBISH!!!

Plz...ignore that troll in here. I don't want to hear about Kuching and KK comparison here...because both are unique cities; each with its own special character.

Yea...yea...KK has big malls...the Kuchings have small malls...SO?

And don't even get started with purchasing power...

1.Nani? What's goin on here...? A quarrel of who's city is more developed (as in more and larger malls)...Allow me to give my opinion on the situation in the cities.

2.BTW. For goodness sake! Development ain't just about malls or properties...investments etc.
remember, development is for the people. Anything that benefits the people is development.

3. For example in KK, more malls create more jobs for the people (as well more places for leisure). That's development. More malls attract more tourists from outside to visit and thus spend money there especially the those from the middle east.

4. However, for Catscity, not many malls are created because huge malls are something new here. Spring and Boulevard (as well as the upcoming Plaza Merdeka) are new malls that opens up a whole new possibility in Kuching.

5. No need for most Kuchingites with high purchasing power" like me to spend money going abroad just and only just to shop. Some nice brands are already back at home and I happy bout it. (Which unfortunately brings down the enjoyment of shopping abroad because they are...here!!)

6. Malls in KK rely on money-spending tourists (due to oversupply) to sustain themselves-of course, no doubt, certain malls are also dependent on local people spending there.

7.However, a global recession is shadowing upon us, fuel prices are affecting airlines and may drive UP the cost of travel. Well, being simplistic here because there are other factors at play here, higher cost will reduce demand - tourism will suffer. In fact in every recession, the first industry to suffer is tourism.

8. If the tourism industry falls back, I cannot imagine what will happen to the malls (especially those far from the city centre [city centre...I believe this was the start of this mess] like 1 Borneo.)

9. Plus, looking at the cost of transportation due to increased in fuel prices nowadays, people would just prefer to do short travels (unless for necessity - non-grocery shopping is not part of that). This will in a way affect the number of customers to those malls at the outskirts.

10. In Kuching, I think there is just basically a short of supply in retail space. So the demand is high yet, some developer don't realize this. This is basically due to the perception that Kuchingites don't spend in their own city instead FLY to other places to do the thousands of ringgits of shopping...not to mention KK - hey, me myself is guilty of this...not supporting the local market here in Kuching-except for my favourite brand at the Spring hehe!!)

11. Developer have to realize, we spend at other places because there is simply not enough retail spaces here in Kuching that interest us...until the coming of the so-called two storeys shop-lot:Spring.

12. Nevertheless, retail centres in Kuching are still surviving because there is demand from the locals as well as tourists.

Return back to development...

13. Properties in Kuching itself may not move much but (lets get out of town) look at places whereby most of the development in the perimeter of Greater Kuching is going on...Kota Samarahan. If you say Foo Chows are actually the ones sustaining the property market in Kuching, explain the mushrooming of properties in Samarahan. That's because they cater for the upcoming educational hub of S'wak. For education, not malls - another form of development for the people.:)

14. But back to town again, we have to remember what's going on in Kuching is not just malls. Seeing the Borneo Convention Centre being build, that's a construction project (provide jobs), when completed, international events will be held there...promoting Kuching as well as attracting and exposing the more serious commercial and business investors to these cities in Kuching.

15. Whatever slow development of malls and properties in Kuching are actually due to the cautious environment here in Kuching.:bash:

16. In KK, because the city is compact with malls,there is this fear of oversupply which could drive investors away. Besides, the competition between the property owners could be fueling this " I'll build larger and larger to beat the others" attitude and thus causing a property boom there. Unfortunately, there is a risk of a property bubble forming especially since demand does not really justify the REAL need for more retail space. Maybe the superficial need is there which supposedly made an artificial appearance of demand.

17. Looking at how certain malls in KK are having a hard time filling in spaces with tenants as well with the incoming recession (but I seriously hope this won't happen), we know the bubble is going to burst unless something brilliant happens.:cheers:

can anybody kick dejavuu out of this thread...i'm sick when looking to his/her statement...so pessimistic. all of his/her statements base on his/her imagination..kk and kuch not to be compare...i like both of this city...we are stand at the same land, borneo...you just ashame urself, the kk citizens and sabahans..

Wow...just wandering around for a moment and somebody wrote a long essay. (Somebody's been logging on to chedet.com I see - from the way u wrote).

Anyway, that's a one fuitze89, gives a picture of what's going on and your analysis of the market possibility is well done but I'd prefer it if you could back up your facts...

BTW, plz...I beg ya...don't start comparing the two gems of Borneo...both are totally different. I love both cities..and I hate it if people started bringing out the negative aspects of each cities. It's so depressing.. |Pleading!!|

I want to see updates of what's going on...any pics on Ithmus? Novotel Interhill...DUN? Sheraton? ONE Tj ,perhaps..and yeah Rainforest Music Festival . I'm away here in the West and wanted to see the progress of my hometown...

and oh yeah, I'm getting sick of this "more huge malls, more developed we are" enough of that!!

End the needless comparisons, please :)

hi..dejavuu, have any new very very very big mall open in kk today??

Kuching and Kota Kinabalu are unique in their own ways. So, KK wants huge malls, let them have it. Most travellers I've met in conventions and upscale hotels love Kuching because of the service, the culture, the genuine friendliness. They don't seek our big shopping malls, they can shop at home; they want the luxury of service, seclusion and an adventure of their own.

True, KK does have it's fair share of luxury hotels and all but from what I hear, most of the staff can't tell the difference between a sparkling and non-sparkling variety of wine, and furthermore, when asking for a gin-and-tonic, they get served with a bourbon-coke. Not to belittle, but both cities have their drawbacks and advantages. Most of these well-heeled travellers love Kuching because it is simple, almost European in perspective, albeit in a tropical setting. While KK seems to me like a Miami, it wouldn't hurt if Kuching was to become a Valencia.

While Kuching may lack in Kota Kinabalu's connectivity, beaches and 'supposed nightlife,' Kuching makes do with a perfect riverine setting akin to Paris without the bridges, museums that house history and culture, a shopping strip filled with enough antiques and curious to make Vienna a close rival.

So, if we may, shall we return to proper updates about the fair city of Kuching? I am to assume we are all mature adults here; or am I to be proven wrong?

haha...wat a dejavu. i think u shouldnt be the members in tis forum as ur words are totally out of other's mind..

haiya....both KK and Kuching are wonderful city...both have their own uniqueness....both are located on the same island of Borneo....and wat i like the most about dis cities...the people are friendly living in harmony regards on their religion and races...and most of all..the girls in Kuching and KK are pretty!! hehehe.....

well said! pls no more bs about whose malls are bigger and better

haiya....both KK and Kuching are wonderful ...and most of all..the girls in Kuching and KK are pretty!! hehehe.....

Not all though ................. :)
C'mon, let's be realistic !

at first, when i saw the post number increased a lot in this thread, i thought there would be many updates to read
and wth have i just found out, another kk - kuching bashing thread and comparison again
from 1 borneo thread, u guys argue the matter till here. Stop polluting this thread with the comparisons again and bring in the updates of kuching only
trolls always appeared in any forums in the world and lets just ignore them
u guys could report those offensive post by hitting the report button and let the mods to their job

Plaza Merdeka

Plaza Merdeka - A brand new CBD shopping mall with 350,000 sq ft of nett leasable area (built up - 550,000 sq ft) plus a 290 room Boutique hotel complex (built up - 175,000 sq ft) located in the historic heart of Kuching, it expected to be ready in mid-2010.

This RM 270 million project is located beside Padang Merdeka Kuching and expected to be ready by 2010.

Plaza Merdeka compromises of a 12 stories 3 star hotel with 290 rooms and a shopping centre of 200 retail outlets.

Joint development by Times Metropolitan and Sarawak Government.
Mocha

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is it true that u can get to kuching via a ferry from the peninsular?
if it is true how much would it cost?
tq

its a cruise u can take it from klang port.Star cruise.im not sure how much would it be. but u better use plane as we have almost 20 flights day from kl-kch and vice versa by air asia @ MAS.

Novotel Interhill Kuching

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Progress
by PilotGirl

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Kuching South & Airport

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Tubih mountain kuching airport

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Kuching federal complex

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Kuching airport trucks

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Santubong mountain Kuching

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shop block at badrudding Raod kuching

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Perodua near 3rd mile kuching

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Rover near 3rd mile kuching

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central park shops kuching

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car dealer near Hui Sing Garden Kuching

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Kuching airport road overpass

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Bandaraya Kuching
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STB urged to attract crowd to Gambier Street
By Jong Yee Ling

KUCHING: Business operators in Gambier Street are turning to Sarawak Tourism Board for help to return the once thriving enclave to its former glory after the closure of the almost century-old market there.

The operators claim dwindling crowds after the market was relocated to Stutong Market in Tabuan Laru.

The dwindling crowd was one of issues discussed during the annual general meeting of the Kuching Old Market Community Association yesterday.

Its chairman Datuk Sim Swee Yong said after the relocation of Gambier Street Market traders to Stutong, less people and tourists patronised this older part of the city compared to the past.

“When the market was still there, many people would come to town to buy their daily necessities. Now, it is no longer so.

“Many shops in the vicinity record a noticeable drop in their business volume, and they are feeling the pinch. We hope the authorities would do something to the area fast to get the people to come back,” he said at the AGM held at It Hng Restaurant here.

He believed that the STB, besides promoting Kuching to the rest of the world, could organise activities in the old part of the city to draw the crowd to patronise the businesses there.

Gambier Street Market, which was built in 1935, consists of a vegetable market, fish market, Long Jetty Hawker Centre, and Fixed Stall Hawker Centre. It used to come under the purview of the Kuching City North Commission (DBKU). Now that the traders have moved to Stutong, the job of managing and controlling the traders falls under Kuching City South Council.

The new (Stutong) market became operational on June 15. It is divided into two blocks, and 550 stalls are housed on the ground floor and 106 stalls on the first floor. Former traders from Gambier Street Market form the majority of the occupants at 398 while 113 others are former traders at Tabuan Jaya Market.

A parking space for 488 vehicles is also incorporated into the market complex.

During the AGM Sim also appealed to members to cut down on cost and save whatever excess they had in order to sail through hard time.

“Face the challenges with a positive mindset and work with the authorities for the betterment of all and the community at large,” he added.

Pemanca Ko Wai Neng also spoke at the meeting, which was also attended by the association’s secretary Sim Thong Poh, advisors Chua Khin Hui and Ko Au Yong Wai Oi.

At the meeting, incentive awards were given to students who excelled in their studies.

Resort wins prestigious award
By Ting Tieng Hee


Encouraged by 4-star ‘Best Golf Development’ award, BHR ready to invest more

KUCHING: Borneo Highlands Resort (BHR) has gained further recognition when it won a four-star award in the ‘Best Golf Development’ category at the Asia Pacific Property Awards 2008 at Marina Mandarin hotel in Singapore, Sunday.


RECOGNITION FOR EXCELLENCE: Lee (fourth right) and his wife Puan Sri Tan Bee Hong (fifth right) and Country Heights Holdings Berhad’s top management posing with the awards. From left are marketing manager Melinda Yap, BHR chief operating officer Loh Leh Ching, Lesiure & Tourism chief operating officer Steward Pack, managing director Mark Rozario, Property Development chief operating officer Datuk Ong Chong Sek and Property Investment chief operating officer Michelle Lee.


The win makes BHR the first resort from Sarawak to win the prestigious award.

Last year, the resort’s Hornbill Golf & Jungle Club was awarded the ‘Best Golf Resort’ in Expatriate Lifestyle’s The Best of Malaysia 2006/07.

The Asia Pacific Property Awards is part of the International Property Awards programme, which is the world’s largest and most prestigious property awards, and a symbol of excellence in residential estate, development, interior design, architecture and marketing.

The other components are European Property Awards, Americas Property Awards, UK Property Awards and Arabian Property Awards.

The awards are sponsored and supported by CNBC Telivision, SIMA08, major newspapers and the world’s leading professional bodies in the property industry.

According to the organising chairman of the Asia Pacific Property Awards, Stewart Shield, who is also publisher of the International Homes magazine, the panel of 40 judges led by Eric Pickles had found this year’s entries to be of higher quality, competition exceptionally fierce and judging very close.

BHR sent two entries for the awards - one for best golf development and the other for best development.

With the win, more investment will be pumped into BHR to upgrade facilities to cater for all types of tourists, said Country Heights Holdings Berhad’s deputy chairman Tan Sri Lee Kim Yew.

Lee said the win was an encouragement and confidence booster to the company to strive for excellence in property and golf resort development.

He said a comprehensive plan would be designed to attract business people, golfers and tourists converging in Singapore to come over to Sarawak.

“I want to promote and sell Borneo Highlands Resort not only to Singaporeans but also international people who come to Singapore. When the new casino is ready in two years’ time, there will be more international people coming here and Singapore is a business hub in this region,” he said.

“When they come to Singapore, they will easily get tired in three or four days as this is a concrete jungle. But when they go to BHR, it is a retreat out there and they can see the natural jungle, experience nature and enjoy the cool environment,” he added.

Lee said after the golfers had played golf in Singapore, they could be flown over to Kuching in a chartered plane and facilities could also be provided for the non-golfers, such as jungle-trekking and eco-tourism as well as medical tourism.

He said he had also discussed with the Laguna National Golf and Country Club in Singapore to have a golf exchange programme where its members could come and play at the Hornbill Golf & Jungle Club and vice versa.

Meanwhile, Country Heights Holding Berhad also won a four-star award for ‘Best Development’ on Country Heights Damansara.

BHR is developed by Borneo Heights Sdn Bhd, a joint venture company comprising Country Heights Holdings Berhad and the Land Custody and Development Authority of Sarawak (LCDA).

Sarawak to build 12 dams to meet future power needs
By TEH ENG HOCK and ROYCE CHEAH


PETALING JAYA: Sarawak plans to build 12 hydroelectric dams to meet its future industrialisation needs.

The move has got environmentalists up in arms, questioning the need for the dams and the planned development of the state. They also suggested that Sarawak's national park may be threatened.

However, Deputy Energy, Water and Communications Minister Datuk Joseph Salang Gandum said the dams were necessary to meet energy demands.


Click on image to view actual size.

They will be located at Ulu Air, Metjawah, Belaga, Baleh, Belepeh, Lawas, Tutoh, Limbang, Baram, Murum and Linau rivers. The plan will also see an extension to the Batang Ai dam.

All these are in addition to the 2,400MW Bakun dam and will push the total generating capacity in the state to 7,000MW by 2020, an increase of more than 600% from the current capacity.

The plans were in a presentation entitled Chinese Power Plants in Malaysia – Present and Future Development in October last year at the China-Asean Power Cooperation and Development Forum in Nanning, China.

The 48-slide presentation has been made available on the Internet.

Chinese companies were expected to design, build and commission the dams, the presentation said.

The Murum Dam project is scheduled to begin this year with a memorandum of understanding already signed between the Sarawak Energy Board and China Three Gorges Project Corporation.

It also said a detailed study on the Batang Ai extension was already under way while a feasibility study had commenced at Limbang and a pre-feasibility study had started at Baram.

Currently, Sarawak’s energy output is 933MW and it does not need any more energy.

However, there are plans to expand the aluminium-smelting industry in the state which will need the planned output. Furthermore, the Bakun dam’s 2,400MW was originally meant for peninsular Malaysia.

According to media reports, the Sarawak Government has already approved the building of an aluminium smelter by local company Press Metal Bhd.

Others which have shown interest includes China’s Luneng Group, Smelter Asia Sdn Bhd, Alcon Inc, Mitsubishi Corp, BHP Billiton Ltd and Australia’s Rio Tinto.

Centre for Environmental Technology and Development Malaysia chairman Gurmit Singh expressed concerns over the plan.

He said the proposal to build the dams and then look for energy-guzzling industries to use the energy was wrong.

He questioned how the building of the dams were related to the national energy policy.

“This is also a typical example of the ‘not in my backyard’ mentality where a country puts its polluting industries in other countries,” he said.

Salang said the 12 dams were necessary as consumption was projected to increase with the development of the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy.

He said the dams would only be approved if they passed their environmental impact assessment.

He added that he did not expect the projects to materialise any time soon although the plan was to complete all dams by 2020.

Call to make Damai Golf and Country Club nation’s best
By Lim How Pim


SANTUBONG: Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) chairman Datuk Talib Zulpilip has challenged Damai Golf and Country Club (DGCC) to become the best golf course in the country.

“Can you make Damai Golf and Country Club the best golf course in Malaysia?” he asked at DGCC’s staff appreciation luncheon here yesterday.

Talib, who is also the president, received an overwhelming “yes … Damai the best” response from the staff.

“Above all, we must be ready to face challenges and follow through to reach set targets,” the Jepak assemblyman said.

Earlier, DGCC general manager Ahkim Sarok said the club was performing better than last year when many complaints were made against the condition of the course.

“A lot of adverse comments were received in early 2007, especially on the condition of the course. Now, many members are saying we have improved a lot.”

Ahkim also announced that Sarawak Golf Association would hold a major tournament at DGCC in April 2009.

He pledged that the club would go all out to maintain or upgrade its golf course for the event.

As many tournaments have been lined up at the club till August, he called on the staff to work harder to maintain the golf course to meet the expectations of both members and clients.

At the function, Talib also launched the Club’s Merdeka Golf Package in conjunction with the celebration of Malaysia’s 51st independence anniversary.

Offered from August 1 to September 15, the package is inclusive of green fees, use of buggy and choice of lunch from ala carte menu.

For details, contact 082-846088.

Novotel Interhill Kuching

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Progress
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Sarawak Regatta from Aug 1-3
By Vijaya Menon


A total of 6,259 paddlers from 321 teams have registered for this year’s event

KUCHING: The public are invited to attend the Sarawak Regatta 2008 at Kuching Waterfront here from August 1 to 3.

Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud will officiate at the opening at 11am on August 2 while the Head of State Tun Datuk Patinggi Abang Muhammad Salahuddin will close it at 2pm the next day.

A press conference was told yesterday that 19 race categories, four among them new categories, would be competed from 8am to 5pm for three days. The new categories are 20-paddler inter state, 20-paddler inter varsity, 20-paddler government and corporate bodies (men), and 30-paddler VIP special.

Other categories are seven-paddler (men), 10-paddler (women), 15-paddler mixed (eight men and seven women), 15-paddler (men), 20-paddler (men), 30-paddler (men) for the Head of State Trophy, 20-paddler inter division (men), 30-paddler VIP (men), 30-paddler hotels and tour agencies (25 men and five women), 20-paddler international (open), 15-paddler tourist, ‘Perahu Tambang’ (engine and rowing), kayak, jet ski open 800cc and below, and jet ski open unlimited.

The regatta advisor Datuk Mohd Morshidi Abdul Ghani told the press conference that six teams had so far registered for the 20-paddler inter state category - Sarawak (three teams), Terengganu (one team), Federal Territory (one team) and Kuala Lumpur (one team).

He said: “This is the first time teams from other states are participating in the regatta, and we hope that words would spread around so that we can have more participation from other states in future regattas.”

A total of 6,259 paddlers from 321 teams have registered for this year’s regatta. With the inclusion of the 30-paddler hotels and tour agencies category, Morshidi, who is also Deputy State Secretary, believed that many tourists would be keen to join the race.

Other than the races, many side events have been planned for the regatta. Among them are a grand parade, craft exhibition, science and technology exhibitions put up by Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, traditional games and trade fair.

The grand parade on August 2, Morshidi said, would include 87 boats and hundreds of paddlers.

Guests from other countries would also make an appearance, including the Sultan of Brunei, ministers from Papua New Guinea, and the great grandson of Rajah Charles Brooke.

It is expected that about 10,000 visitors would line up both banks of the Sarawak River – at the Waterfront and Kampung Boyan – during the three-day event.

The Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Urban Development and Tourism Sarawak have allocated RM370,000 to run the regatta. Ten others have also come up in cash and kind to help ensure the success of the regatta.

The regatta organising committee chairperson Rodziah Morshidi and representative of the sponsors were among those present at the press conference.

Projek Empangan hidroelektrik Sarawak disokong



Pakar sifatkan pembinaan 12 empangan hidroelektrik baik asal tidak pinggir aspek alam sekitar

KUCHING: Pemegang Ke-rusi Profesor Diraja Ungku Aziz, Profesor Jeffrey D. Sachs berkata pembinaan 12 empangan hidroelektrik di Sarawak adalah amat baik asalkan tidak meminggirkan aspek alam sekitar.

“Projek ini boleh menjadi amat baik, menghasilkan banyak sumber tenaga diperbaharui, bersih dari aspek pelepasan karbon berbanding penggunaan bahan bakar fosil…banyak faedah.

“Selain itu, banyak perkara membabitkan projek ini yang tidak diketepikan dalam perancangannya, seperti kesan terhadap sistem sungai atau hidrologi, habitat atau kepelbagaian biologi. Ini semua telah diambil kira,” katanya dalam sidang media selepas dialog kemiskinan dan pembangunan di Sarawak di sini, semalam.

Hadir sama dalam dialog berkenaan, Menteri Pembangunan Tanah Dato Sri Dr James Masing, Menteri Pembangunan Bandar dan Pelancongan Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh dan Setiausaha Kerajaan Negeri Datuk Amar Wilson Baya Dandot.

Beliau diminta mengulas mengenai perdebatan antara Kerajaan Negeri dan pencinta alam sekitar serta pertubuhan bukan kerajaan (NGO) seperti yang termuat dalam akhbar baru-baru ini.

Katanya, perbahasan mengenai pembinaan projek berkenaan merupakan aktiviti sihat.

“Perkara ini (alam sekitar) perlu dititikberatkan, jadi saya gembira apabila mendapat tahu ada berlaku per-bincangan atau perbahasan,” jelasnya.

Baru-baru ini, Pengerusi Pusat Teknologi dan Pembangunan Alam Sekitar Malaysia (CETDEM) Gurmit Singh dipetik berkata, pembinaan empangan hidroelektrik yang banyak tidak perlu.

Katanya, Suruhanjaya Empangan Dunia mengkelaskan empangan yang menjana tenaga sebanyak 30 megawatt dan ke bawah adalah memadai manakala yang berkapasiti lebih tinggi dikelaskan sebagai ‘tidak lestari’.

Bagi menjawab dakwaan itu, Ketua Menteri Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud menyifatkan kritikan daripada pihak berkenaan sebagai bukan satu perkara baru.

“Dunia sedang berdepan dengan kenaikan harga sumber tenaga dengan mendadaknya lebih-lebih lagi petrol dan situasi ini memerlukan tenaga alternatif baru yang lebih murah serta menjimatkan perlu dimaju dan digunakan.

“Ada ’seseorang’ di Pulau Pinang cuba menghidupkan semula cerita lama ini dan mengkritik Sarawak tanpa mengetahui keadaan sebenar Sarawak.

“Saya fikir dia harus belajar dari mula lagi sebelum membuka mulut,” katanya ketika ditemui baru-baru ini.

Sementara itu, Timbalan Ketua Menteri Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu Numpang berkata, kedudukan projek empangan Tutoh adalah jauh dengan Taman Negara Mulu yang diiktiraf sebagai Tapak Warisan Du-nia oleh UNESCO.

Justeru tidak wujud isu kemusnahan alam sekitar.

Sarawak merancang untuk membina 12 empangan secara berperingkat-peringkat sehingga mencapai kapasiti tenaga antara 54 megawatt dan 1,000 megawatt.

Sementara itu, Jeffrey berkata, konsep pembangunan mapan perlu diamalkan kerana projek-projek pembangunan berkait dengan ekologi, sumber di bawah permukaan air, minyak dan gas, kepelbagaian biologi, serta industri pembalakan.

“Pembangunan mapan bukan sahaja menyentuh alam sekitar tetapi juga membabitkan budaya kerana Sarawak menggambarkan Malaysia sebagai sebuah negara yang memiliki pelbagai budaya.

“Sarawak yang kian meningkat dari aspek pendapatan rakyat berasaskan pengeksploitasian sumber mentah, adalah amat penting untuk mempraktikkan amalan pembangunan mapan,” katanya.

4points sheraton

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Kota Samarahan will in future be the country’s fourth smart city with efforts underway to draw companies with MSC (multimedia super corridor) status to set up operations there and develop it into a cyber city.

Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Dr Maximus Ongkili said the Sarawak government was working closely with the ministry to develop Kota Samarahan like Cyberjaya in Selangor, Bayan Lepas High Technoloy Park in Penang and Kulim Hi-Tech Park in Kedah.

“The ministry has the role of encouraging and coordinating investments by interested parties with MSC status,” he said after visiting the ministry’s exhibition site at Tebingan Kuching here today.

He said the state government had identified Kota Samarahan as the most strategic area to be developed into the country’s fourth cyber city.

Asked on the number of companies which had expressed interest in investing in Kota Samarahan, Ongkili said there were already companies with MSC status in Sarawak which were prepared to expand their operations to Kota Samarahan.

He said the cyber city project for Kota Samarahan had been included in the mid-term review of the Ninth Malaysia Plan, and the ministry was only waiting for the report from the state government on the project.

“We need to know the site cost and about the infrastructure from the report, while the ministry will provide the high-speed broadband facility,” he added.

Kota Samarahan, which is about 30km from Kuching city, is also known as a knowledge city as the Universiti Malaysia Sarawak and Universiti Teknologi Mara campuses are located there.

Source: The New Straits Times Online

But even Cyberjaya is a flop of sorts...

Chinese firm to build Murum Dam
By The Borneo Post Business Desk Team

RM3 bln 940MW dam project to provide jobs for 5,000 people; ready in five years time
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TOWARDS A NEW* ERA OF POWER SUFFICIENCY: An architectural impression of the Murum Dam and inset, the Murum Dam facility (powerhouse) will look like once completed.

KUCHING: The proposal from the China Three Gorges Project Corporation (CTGPC), a state-owned Chinese investment body, to build Sarawak’s third hydro-power dam in Murum in central Sarawak has been accepted by the Sarawak government.

Sources told The Borneo Post yesterday that the state cabinet made the decision on Thursday last week.

According to the sources, the project cost for the 940MW dam is about RM3 billion and the contract period is five years.

Negotiations will start immediately on its details such as technical and engineering aspects between Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB), the state-owned listed power conglomerate, and the Chinese firm.

The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) studies have been completed.

However, details of such studies are not immediately available.

The Chinese corporation is the financier, developer and operator of the US$25 billion, 22,500MW Three Gorges Dam now in the final stage of construction in the Yangtze River.

Another Chinese company Sino-Hidro, which is already involved in the Bakun and Bengoh dams in Sarawak, also made a bid for the Murum Dam, one of a series of 12 dams that the state government through SEB plans to develop over the next 12 years to produce about 7,000MW of electricity for state and national needs.

The sources said the target date for completion of the Murum Dam is 2011 and work could start as early as September or end of this year.

SEB went to China thrice this year to make presentation to CTGPC to invite its participation in the development of hydro-power in Sarawak in anticipation of several large energy-intensive industries, including the proposed aluminium smelter plant in Similajau in Bintulu.

With the go-ahead of the Murum Dam project and the on-going 2,400MW Bakun Dam, by the early 2010s Sarawak will have produced a total of about 4,000MW of electricity, largely hydro-power, cutting down on other sources, especially diesel which is becoming increasingly costly per unit of production.

Hydro-power is the cleanest, safest, cheapest in the long run and with the least environmental impact, given today’s available technology.

Sarawak’s first hydro dam is Batang Ai built in the 1970s with capacity to produce about 180MW, with a Japanese yen credit.

It is already supplying electricity to parts of Sarawak. Bakun is the second dam but due to several factors is slightly behind time.

The sources told The Borneo Post that at the height of its construction period as many as 5,000 workers would be employed in the Murum Dam.

The area to be flooded in the Murum Dam is said to be largely uninhabited.

Pelancong ke Kuching meningkat
Oleh Mahathir Haroun

Kebersihan, kecantikan dan keunikannya merupakan daya penarik bandar raya ini

KUCHING: Kebersihan, kecantikan dan keunikan bandar raya Kuching merupakan daya tarikan pelancong luar untuk berkunjung ke sini, kata Menteri Perumahan Dato Sri Abang Johari Tun Abang Openg.

Beliau berkata, sejak Kuching diiktiraf sebagai bandar raya 20 tahun lepas, jumlah pelancong luar yang datang ke sini meningkat dari setahun ke setahun.

“Kuching merupakan bandar raya yang memiliki penduduk yang peramah serta selamat untuk didiami,” katanya pada Majlis Perasmian Pesta Kuching 2008, di sini, malam Sabtu lepas.

Menurutnya, semua penduduk yang tinggal di bandar raya Kuching hendaklah sentiasa menjaga kebersihan, kecantikan dan keselamatan bandar raya ini supaya Kuching akan sentiasa menjadi tumpuan pelancong dari dalam dan luar negara.

Sementara itu, menurut Datuk Bandar Majlis Bandaraya Kuching Selatan James Chan Khay Syn, dengan peningkatan jumlah pengunjung yang datang ke Festival Pesta Kuching membuktikan bahawa festival berkenaan mampu menghimpunkan pengunjung dari Kuching dan kawasan sekitar.

Menurutnya, jumlah pengunjung yang berkunjung ke festival berkenaan dijangka lebih daripada 500,000 orang.

“Pada tahun lepas jumlah pengunjung yang berkunjung ke festival ini ialah seramai 20,000 orang manakala jumlah keseluruhan pengunjung yang hadir ialah sekitar 500,000 orang,” katanya. Sementara itu, festival berke-naan merupakan acara tahunan yang disambut sempena ulang tahun bandar Kuching sebagai bandar raya.

Antara aktiviti yang dijalankan semasa festival berkenaan berlangsung ialah gerai jualan, pameran, sudut taman dan konsert tanpa henti selama 24 malam festival diadakan.

Turut hadir dalam majlis perasmian berkenaan ialah Menteri Muda Alam Sekitar Dr Abang Abdul Rauf Abang Zen, Datuk Bandar Dewan Bandaraya Kuching Utara Mohd Atei Abang Medaan dan Pengerusi Harwood Timber Tan Sri Datuk Amar Bujang Mohd Noor.

’wak Regatta: Mixture of sport and family fun
By Yu Ji

About 20,000 people witness races over the weekend

KUCHING: The just-concluded 2008 Sarawak Regatta with its carnival-like atmosphere was indeed an affair suitable for the family.
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THE NUMBERS: Some of the 314 paddlers in 326 teams in this year’s regatta.

When the first event was held in 1871, the crowd probably numbered in the hundreds, but this year the organisers estimated that 20,000 people witnessed the races over the weekend.

Despite some threats of afternoon showers, the races were largely held under sunny skies, and the people came out in droves to soak up the communal ambiance.

It didn’t seem to matter that the ‘live commentary’ was largely inaudible or that there wasn’t much space for spectators along the scenic Kuching Waterfront.

For Dheliah Kiew, 18, the eldest among her siblings, the festival was just a “get-together time”.

“Where my family and I live (Kampung Sungai Laru) I can safely say half of the village is here,” Kiew said, surrounded by other family picnics on the lawn just behind the Chinese Museum.

“Most of us have been here since 8am and will only leave when the last race is over — or when it starts to rain. I’m more than happy to return next year.”

Within walking distance there are clowns making funny looking balloons, endless selection of food, a craft bazaar, a science and technology exhibition, among other things.

Across the river at Kampung Gersik, the atmosphere was electrifying. It’s a well kept secret that the esplanade provided the best views of the races. This was where the loudest hoots and shouts were heard.

One teenager told The Borneo Post that residents here had been witnessing practice sessions taking place practically every evening for months before the annual regatta.

“That’s why the crowds here get even more excited. We’ve been waiting for this weekend for so long!” he said.

Back on the Kuching Waterfront, and along Main Bazaar, traders said business almost tripled over the weekend.

“On Saturday, I sold more than 70 ‘kek lapis’ (layered cake),” said Zahara Zainuddin, 18.

“Usually, I sell about 20 per day here.”

The cakes, each priced between RM8 and RM20, come in chocolate, cheese, sweet and sour, coffee, among other varieties.

They are rich in flavour and famous for their painstaking details with each layer forming a pattern that can only be seen once a cake is sliced.

In the end, it’s hard to describe whether the success of Sarawak Regatta had anything to do at all with the boat races.

How many, for example, knew that there were 6,314 paddlers from 326 teams, vying in 17 different categories?

Yes, the races were the main event and will remain one of the most culturally important events to take place every year; but more importantly, it’s the people who have been coming since 1871 that makes it a carnival.

Boulevard opens kids’ playground pool

KUCHING: Boulevard Shopping Mall here recently opened its doors to mark the opening of its new children’s playground pool, to the delight of families who flocked to the event in anticipation of the new extension.

Festivities were in full swing at the opening, which included balloons, candy and performing clowns.

More than RM600,000 was reportedly spent on building the pool. Much of the overall cost was attributed to the implementation of underground piping systems and a filter pump.

The pool, the first in Sarawak to be incorporated into the physical infrastructure of a shopping mall, accommodates a built-in playground.

“The pool was basically built for families to bring their children here and enjoy themselves,” said Yew Hon Don chief executive officer of Boulevard Shopping Mall.

He added that parents need not worry about the cleanliness of the water as there is a pump system which is cleaned daily to ensure that the water is safe for children to play in.

“Parents also do not need to worry about safety issues as the area will be supervised by trained personnel. However, we advise parents to stay close to their children at all times when they are at the pool,” said Don at the official opening of the new playground pool last Saturday evening.

The shallowest part of the pool is measured to be about eight inches, sloping down to one and a half feet deep.

Other facilities incorporated into the pool itself include a mini Jacuzzi, a mushroom fountain, a fountain and a playground.

Additionally, shower rooms and soon-to-be installed locker rooms will be available for public use.

Although, there is no age limit for those who wish to take a dip into the pool, one must be properly attired.

“This is just the first phase of the family mini theme the shopping mall will be implementing. There are plans in place for a mini-zoo-cum pet shop, a merry-go-round and also other playgrounds for children who might not want to play in the pool,” said Don.

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Kuching Secretariat

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Kuching Secretariat

Wow, who's the developer? Wait, where did you get those rendering?

hey, where did u got tat?never know about the project then. But lots of development taking place now in kuching. maybe anyone can update the sarawak convention centre..:)

btw, kamdar has now open its door in kuching

Kamdar trying to convince creditors on dividends
By Presenna Nambiar Published: 2008/06/28

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APPAREL and furnishing company Kamdar Group (M) Bhd is trying to convince creditors to allow it to pay dividends.

"I can't really disclose what we are talking about, but we are looking at all avenues to resolve the matter," Kamdar chief executive officer and executive director Jayesh R. Kamdar told reporters in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

Kamdar announced in April that it would pay a first and final dividend of five per cent. It, however, scrapped the plan this month as it failed to get approval from bondholders.

Meanwhile, Jayesh said Kamdar is confident it will be able to surpass sales growth it enjoyed last year.



Kamdar's revenue grew five per cent to RM177 million in 2007.

The bulk of sales came mainly from the textile and furnishing business, while the rest from its in-house brands.

"Taking into account the current scenario of high fuel prices, we are hoping that people will look at us in a more positive light and realise that we offer value for money," Jayesh said.

His positive outlook is reinforced by the group's plan to foray into Sabah and Sarawak markets this year.

Kamdar will spend around RM3.5 million to set up two stores in the states, one in Kota Kinabalu in August and another in Kuching in July.

There are also plans to open up a store in Taiping.

"Sometimes it is in difficult times that you find the opportunity to expand," Jayesh said.

On average, a Kamdar store needs about six months to recoup its investment. The retail group currently has 22 outlets in Peninsular Malaysia.

Jayesh said Kamdar also plans to franchise its stores. The group is targeting at 50 Kamdar franchise stores in 10 years.

Kamdar has already lined up three franchisees this year but is having problems with financing. "I've actually slowed down because I have not got commitment from the banks," he said.

hey, where did u got tat?never know about the project then. But lots of development taking place now in kuching. maybe anyone can update the sarawak convention centre..:)

This is what i saw from yesterday's RTM (TV1) 5pm news....

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NEWS ARCHIVE
Sarawak wins 24 convention bids

Malaysia’s first independent Convention Bureau has had a busy and successful first year of operation confirming 24 new meetings with an average size of 320 delegates for Sarawak over the next two years. More than 40 destination bids were presented up until December last year and of these 24 were won, 17 were lost and decisions are still pending on a further 10. The 24 confirmed meetings will bring in 7,775 delegates generating an estimated 16,000 hotel room nights and RM 16.3 million in direct delegate expenditure.

The Bureau’s Chief Executive Officer, Mrs Jill Henry said “We are very pleased to have achieved a 58 per cent strike rate in our first year of bidding and this auger well for our future growth. We were pleasantly surprised at our success in converting international and regional events which actually outnumbered the national wins five to one. So this year we are putting more emphasis on enticing national meeting planners to consider East Malaysia. Last year we had challenges getting them to consider moving their events around the country rather than regularly staging them in the capital Kuala Lumpur.”

In addition, the Bureau conducted a series of site inspection visits for 113 meeting planners and association executives from the United Kingdom, Europe, Australia, China, Taiwan, Scandinavia, Singapore and Hong Kong and attended major meeting trade shows to build awareness of Sarawak as a meetings destination. The Bureau also assisted the organisers of 13 conventions held in Sarawak last year with marketing and promotion support for delegate boosting to maximise their delegate attendance.

“It is an exciting time for us in Sarawak as we are gearing up for our bigger and better meeting facilities coming on stream over the next few years. Top of the list is the RM 200 million Borneo Convention Centre Kuching with its 36,000 square metres of floor space due to open in mid 2009. In tandem with the new meeting and exhibition facilities, Kuching will see a doubling of its 3, 4 and 5 star room stock by 2010 with construction of five new hotels.”

2/ The Bureau has just produced its first comprehensive meeting and incentive planners Guide which is now available in both printed and DVD format. To order a copy or obtain further information on the Bureau’s convention bid support services visit the Bureau’s web site at www.sarawakcb.com.

SARAWAK CONVENTION BUREAU WINS AWARD

Sarawak Convention Bureau (SBC) won a Diamond Award for its new MICE video commercial at the prestigious Das Goldene Stadttor (the Golden City Gate) Film Competition in Berlin. The film competition was held in conjunction with the ITB Berlin, the largest and premier tourism fair for the global tourism industry.

The award-winning commercial was among multiple entries submitted by 32 countries for eight different categories. The four-minute commercial entitled "Recharge in a New World" was selected as the best overall entry by the international jury.

SBC's Chief Executive Officer, Jill Henry said her team took a different approach in their first production to stand out and be noticed. "We chose to produce a story-lined TV commercial leavened with a touch of "tongue in cheek" humour instead of the usual showcase of the whole destination," she said.

She also added that the honest approach they adopted in making the video commercial may have worked to their advantage. "We did not shy away from the fact that many international meeting planners do not know where Sarawak is located. Hopefully, that will all be changed as we embark on an intensive profile building exercise in the lead up to the opening of our new convention centre next year," she said.

The story line of the commercial featured Sarawak’s Iban community and the set up of the climactic meeting between the overseas MICE visitors and their exotic Iban hosts. The commercial will help position Sarawak and the upcoming convention centre as a new MICE venue next year.

The winning entry was scripted by Peter Lo of the creative agency Magicmakers. It was directed by an international award-winning Kuala Lumpur based film director, Yoki Chin of Filmpoint, with co-director Leong Euho. The production also has veteran producer Han Chung Huat as executive producer on a ten-day shoot which included shipping a cast and crew of about 100 people and two tons of equipment into the rainforest of Sarawak.

The video commercial can be viewed at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HQk_WxhgpEY.

Country Heights Damansara raih pengiktirafan empat bintang


COUNTRY Heights Holdings Bhd membanggakan Malaysia apabila hartanah mewahnya Country Heights Damansara dan Borneo Highlands Resort di Sarawak dipilih sebagai pemenang empat bintang pada Anugerah Hartanah Asia Pasifik CNBC.

Anugerah itu yang diadakan di Singapura baru-baru ini menyaksikan dua hartanah terbabit berjaya mengalahkan pembangunan hartanah terbaik yang lain di Asia Pasifik.



Sementara itu Borneo Highlands Resort, Sarawak pula adalah kediaman percutian pertama di dunia dalam hutan hujan yang dipilih sebagai Pembangunan Golf Terbaik.

visit http://www.borneohighlands.com.my

AirAsia dapat LCCT di Kuching


KUCHING: Permintaan AirAsia untuk mendapatkan terminal penerbangan tambang murah (LCCT) di Lapangan Terbang Antarabangsa Kuching (LTAK) akan dipenuhi, berikutan kesediaan kerajaan negeri memberikan tapak berdekatan kepada syarikat tambang murah berkenaan.

Menteri Kewangan II Sarawak, Datuk Sri Wong Soon Koh, berkata kerajaan akan cuba memenuhi permintaan AirAsia berdasarkan syarikat berkenaan turut berjanji memperkenalkan beberapa laluan baru penerbangan terus ke sini.

Kerajaan katanya, sudah mengenal pasti tapak LCCT berkenaan dan terpulang kepada syarikat itu untuk menerimanya atau tidak, namun pandangan saya lokasinya memang sesuai kerana terletak hanya bersebelahan LTAK.



“AirAsia sebelum ini sudah berjanji menjadikan Kuching sebagai hub serantaunya di kawasan ini dan kami berharap dengan kemudahan LCCT baru ini mereka dapat beroperasi lebih efisien di sini,” katanya.

:banana: great news...dun wory AK..with the completion of Borneo Convention Centre later, there will be huge demand to kuching. Guess our state government see tat..

Kuching Airport Needs A LCCT

The Kuching International Airport needs a Low Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT) in view of the increased number of passengers using AirAsia, an official with the airline said today. AirAsia Manager for Sabah, Sarawak and Brunei Shanmugam Nathan said the terminal such as that in the KL International Airport (KLIA) and Terminal 2 in Kota Kinabalu would serve not only AirAsia but also other current and future low cost airlines which will operate in the country.

It is not a want from AirAsia but more of what is needed in view of the increasing number of passengers, he told reporters here after presenting sponsored AirAsia tickets here for the National Conference of Secretaries to be held in Kuching, Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu end of this month and early May.

Shanmugam said in a day AirAsia offered 10 return flights for the Kuching- Kuala Lumpur route as well as three return flights for the Kuching-Johor Baharu route and one flight daily to Penang, Sibu, Miri and Bintulu.

AirAsia also launched direct flights to Macau, Jakarta and Bali from Kuching this month.

It also plans to fly the Kuching-Singapore route this year and the Kuching-Bandar Seri Begawan route this June.

Shanmugam said AirAsia hoped that the Sarawak state government would consider establishing a LCCT at the Kuching airport in line with its plans to make Kuching a hub for the operations of low cost carriers in the future.
Source: Bernama

RM195m Kuching convention centre to open next August

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KUCHING: The new Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) will boost Sarawak as a destination for conferences and events when it is completed next year.

Currently under construction, the RM195mil centre is scheduled to open for business in August 2009.

BCCK chief executive Trevor McCartney said the centre’s target market was international associations and corporations as well as local and regional organisations.

“We will initially target national and regional events while international events are our long-term target.

“For next year, we’re targeting 170 events ranging from banquets to meetings and conventions,” he said during a media briefing and project site tour recently.

Located on the Kuching Isthmus about 5km from the city centre, BCCK is the first purpose-built convention centre in Borneo and will accommodate up to 5,000 people in its Great Hall.

“The Great Hall can be divided to accommodate smaller conventions and exhibitions. Our target is events with 800 to 1,500 delegates,” McCartney said.

Other facilities include 14 meeting rooms, a restaurant called The Leaf which will serve international and Asian cuisines, a business centre and a covered carpark with 800 spaces.

McCartney said that one of the centre’s unique features was its roof designed in the shape of a leaf with environmental conservation in mind.

“Rainwater will run down a track on the roof to water features on both sides of the building where it will be collected and recycled,” he said.

Besides boosting the convention business in Sarawak, BCCK will act as a catalyst for development in the Isthmus area.

A five-star hotel, marina, shopping complex and office towers are developments planned for the area over the next 10 years, McCartney said.

AirAsia diminta teruskan operasi Kuching-Bali

KUCHING 7 Ogos - Kerajaan negeri meminta syarikat penerbangan tambang murah, AirAsia Bhd. memberi sedikit tempoh kepada mereka menggiatkan promosi bagi tujuan menarik lebih ramai pelancong dari Bali datang ke Sarawak.

Menteri Kewangan Kedua Sarawak, Datuk Seri Wong Soon Koh berkata, kerajaan negeri memerlukan sekurang-kurangnya tempoh enam hingga 12 bulan untuk membawa pelancong dari Bali, Indonesia ke destinasi menarik di negeri ini.

''Beri kita sedikit masa kerana Lembaga Pelancongan Sarawak (STB) akan berada di Jakarta dan Bali bagi tujuan promosi untuk menarik kehadiran pelancong ke negeri ini," katanya.

Beliau berkata demikian kepada pemberita selepas majlis penyerahan nota tugas Menteri Pembangunan Bandar dan Pelancongan Sarawak di Bangunan Baitulmakmur di sini semalam.

Beliau diminta mengulas penangguhan penerbangan AirAsia dari Kuching ke Bali selepas dua bulan beroperasi.

Difahamkan penangguhan tersebut berpunca daripada kekurangan penumpang.

Soon Koh berkata, tindakan menggantung penerbangan ke Bali itu juga diharap tidak berlaku kepada penerbangan terus AirAsia dari Kuching ke Macau.

''Ini kerana, kerajaan negeri telah bersetuju untuk menyediakan terminal tambang murah bagi kemudahan AirAsia beroperasi di negeri ini dengan menjadikan Kuching sebagai hab penerbangan serantau," ujar beliau.

Jelas beliau, Kementerian Pelancongan Sarawak dalam tempoh terdekat akan cuba bekerjasama dengan syarikat penerbangan Indonesia untuk beroperasi ke Kuching.

Beliau memberitahu, kerajaan negeri juga sedang menunggu lampu hijau dari Kerajaan Pusat bagi membenarkan AirAsia dan Tiger Air beroperasi dari Kuching ke Singapura dan sebaliknya.

Ujarnya, industri pelancongan merupakan industri yang sedang berkembang pesat dan amat penting di Sarawak.

Sementara itu, Menteri Pelancongan Sarawak, Datuk Michael Manyin Jawong berharap, penggantungan penerbangan AirAsia dari Kuching ke Bali hanyalah bersifat sementara.

Beliau yang baru memegang portfolio berkenaan memberitahu, pihaknya sedang berusaha membuka laluan baru bagi syarikat penerbangan luar beroperasi di Kuching.

''Saya akan ke Indonesia dalam tempoh terdekat untuk berbincang dengan Batavia Air supaya membuka laluan Jogjakarta ke Kuching," katanya.

Sarawak plans to have world-class racing circuit
Thursday August 14, 2008


http://thestar.com.my/archives/2008/8/14/southneast/se_02taib.jpg

Taib: ‘We are looking at a 3.6 km racing track,
the minimum distance required for international recognition’

KUCHING: Sarawak will have its own world-class racing circuit to give locals an opportunity to take up motor sports, said Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud.

Taib said the state government would pursue all necessary efforts to ensure the project is included in the 10th Malaysia Plan in line with the nation’s objective to promote motor sports in the country.

“We are looking at a 3.6 km racing track, the minimum distance required for international recognition,” he told reporters after witnessing the sixth and final round of the MalaysiaAAMPetronas Sprinta Cub Prix at the Sarawak Stadium Circuit here on Sunday.

He added that a suitable site would be identified for the project and also said he hoped Petronas would sponsor more sporting activities like a jet skiing championship in Sarawak.

On Sunday’s races, Mohd Edzuan Abdul Gani of Motul KMC YY Pang won the expert category. Ahmad Fazrul Sham of Shell Advance Majo Motor Race was second while third place was won by Azlan Sham Kamaruzaman of Petronas Sprinta Ah Hong.

In the novice category, Mohd Adli Salihin (Motul KMC YY Pang) was first, Mohd Hafiz Sharudin (Khi ARC Racing) second and Mohd Rashid Abdul Razak (Petronas Sprinta Raceline) third.

The Wira EPG category was won by Mohd Rozaiman Mohd Said (SKF Enduro Racing) while Zaidy Mohd Zaifaizal (Motul KMC YY Pang) and Ahmad Abdul Kadir (Faito Boon Kui Racing) finished second and third respectively.

In the race for the Yamaha Givi Cup, Mohd Hafiz Abdul Jalil emerged tops with Azrie Ali Hassan and Hasmari Gunari second and third respectively. — Bernama

new hotels in town 360 hotel..details visit http://www.easterntimes.com.my/index.php?news_id=4&news_content=8474

a place needs to develop from all kind of aspects viz security, transport, health, tourism, education, industries, etc... I think Curtin and Swinburne are good investments. as for SGH, it has the first Cardiac CT scan machine (not IJN) in south east asia. What's the point of staying in 5-star hotel or resort or shopping in a mega mall and when you get angina or myocardial infarction, the city u stay in can't provide emergency coronary angioplasty for u?

The following pictures are dedicated to our dedicated member Kiko, an industrious updater.

Interhill Place, Novotel Kuching; currently at level 15, 10 or so more to go. Taken 14 August 2008.

http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/3545/img00173rs4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Four Points by Sheraton & Global Upline Tower; both to be 12 storeys. Taken 13 August 2008.

http://img376.imageshack.us/img376/7141/img00110um5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img376.imageshack.us/img376/7141/img00110um5.90ab444b8d.jpg (http://g.imageshack.us/g.php?h=376&i=img00110um5.jpg)

http://img60.imageshack.us/img60/9373/img00112ms4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img60.imageshack.us/img60/9373/img00112ms4.5686eea563.jpg (http://g.imageshack.us/g.php?h=60&i=img00112ms4.jpg)

Borneo Convention Centre, The Isthmus Kuching. Taken 13 August 2008.

http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/7100/img00123el9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/7100/ (http://g.imageshack.us/g.php?h=&i=img00123el9.jpg)

The construction of Kuching Tower and Kuching Marina can be seen in the background, far right.

http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/9158/img00126nw5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/9158/ (http://g.imageshack.us/g.php?h=&i=img00126nw5.jpg)

http://img60.imageshack.us/img60/6583/img00127cl3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img60.imageshack.us/img60/6583/img00127cl3.5f4206adc3.jpg (http://g.imageshack.us/g.php?h=60&i=img00127cl3.jpg)

New Dewan Undangan Negeri Sarawak Complex. Taken 13 August 2008. More over in this thread (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=479595&page=3).

http://img60.imageshack.us/img60/5215/img00137io0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img60.imageshack.us/img60/5215/img00137io0.4208bc1e2a.jpg (http://g.imageshack.us/g.php?h=60&i=img00137io0.jpg)

http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/1396/img00146qf9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/1396/ (http://g.imageshack.us/g.php?h=&i=img00146qf9.jpg)

http://img376.imageshack.us/img376/6476/img00147py9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img376.imageshack.us/img376/6476/img00147py9.c3923927b1.jpg (http://g.imageshack.us/g.php?h=376&i=img00147py9.jpg)

a place needs to develop from all kind of aspects viz security, transport, health, tourism, education, industries, etc... I think Curtin and Swinburne are good investments. as for SGH, it has the first Cardiac CT scan machine (not IJN) in south east asia. What's the point of staying in 5-star hotel or resort or shopping in a mega mall and when you get angina or myocardial infarction, the city u stay in can't provide emergency coronary angioplasty for u?

swinburne open day will be on 23rd.. i heards our PM will come again to officiate it..

Thanks for the update coffee..ur hardwork is very much appreciated.

interesting projects..

I heard from a foochow tycoon from Sibu where most of the shops at THE SPRING will close down very soon due to low purchasing power. Only one shopping mall also no business already. Hahaha :bash:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3149/2765362408_a160236d99.jpg?v=0
Wonderful view of the Sarawak State legislative

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3233/2764517933_c984f3ca5f.jpg?v=0
Kuching Riverbank night view


Photos from Joyce liew

I heard from a foochow tycoon from Sibu where most of the shops at THE SPRING will close down very soon due to low purchasing power. Only one shopping mall also no business already. Hahaha :bash:

Herm...I dont think so, maybe those you heard is just rumour. From what I see, Kuching people have high purchasing power. Everytime I go to The Spring, I saw many people buying things, like clothes, accessories and food. So, I dont think those retail outlets will close down.

Herm...I dont think so, maybe those you heard is just rumour. From what I see, Kuching people have high purchasing power. Everytime I go to The Spring, I saw many people buying things, like clothes, accessories and food. So, I dont think those retail outlets will close down.


Do you owned any shop there? The foochow tycoon owned more than 10 outlets at The Spring. He told me the business here really dead. Most of them just do window shopping. He regreted he invested in this stupid place. Haha

Might I ask what the shops in question are? Your statement intrigues readers of this thread, I presume.

Do you owned any shop there? The foochow tycoon owned more than 10 outlets at The Spring. He told me the business here really dead. Most of them just do window shopping. He regreted he invested in this stupid place. Haha

Are you sure he owned more than 10 outlets there? please give few examples. From what I know, most of the outlets are opened by the KL HQ NOT local people.

ignore that guy from north borneo. he only knows hock chiew ppl and only knows how to 'kutuk' serawak. he talks like UMNO. he's creating havoc in KKV5 thread t00. sad man with visions of bigmalls but empty pocket (got cheated his money by hock chiew lang gua)

I heard from a foochow tycoon from Sibu where most of the shops at THE SPRING will close down very soon due to low purchasing power. Only one shopping mall also no business already. Hahaha :bash:

You present yourself as someone who seems to lack critical thinking; the obvious product of an UMNO-devised education system perhaps?

It's not like Kuching doesn't have any retail outlets all, even before The Spring opened. Why haven't they closed down then?

:lol:

I heard from a foochow tycoon from Sibu where most of the shops at THE SPRING will close down very soon due to low purchasing power. Only one shopping mall also no business already. Hahaha :bash:

You didnt use ur brain when u talk..seriously..pls tell me which outlet is open by sibu's foochow at the spring?all outlet there is franchise and international one. Even week by week, new outlet keep open which put the retail renting space is now up to almost 100%.Dejavu88, u are so selfish and think you own the world. People put their brain in their head but you put your's in your butt!!!:nuts:

last and not least, u r the most idiot bloggers i ever met in my whole life since blogging for almost 10years..

new MCD outlet is just open at KIA arrival hall. big enuf i guest

You didnt use ur brain when u talk..seriously..pls tell me which outlet is open by sibu's foochow at the spring?all outlet there is franchise and international one. Even week by week, new outlet keep open which put the retail renting space is now up to almost 100%.Dejavu88, u are so selfish and think you own the world. People put their brain in their head but you put your's in your butt!!!:nuts:

last and not least, u r the most idiot bloggers i ever met in my whole life since blogging for almost 10years..


I don't think he understands the concept of franchising ...

The tycoon owns 10 stalls in food court i presume and selling substandard foods thats why they ar closing.Hehehe.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3149/2765362408_a160236d99.jpg?v=0
Wonderful view of the Sarawak State legislative

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3233/2764517933_c984f3ca5f.jpg?v=0
Kuching Riverbank night view


Photos from Joyce liew

Nice pics!:cheers: Last time i went here and waterfront walk havent complete....wow, so nice after completion. ^^

tats show its been long u havent come back to kuching, am i rite ahchuan?

tats show its been long u havent come back to kuching, am i rite ahchuan?

Hahaa....not really. Last time I went to kuching in January 2007.^^

Just back from a boring town Kuching. No wonder most of the shop at The Spring will close down soon. Only a few mosquito in TheSpring during the weekend. Most of them do window shopping and where got money to spend. Don't believe? Just walk in to any shops and ask them how is their business, the shop owner will shaking their head. :ohno:

Just back from a boring town Kuching. No wonder most of the shop at The Spring will close down soon. Only a few mosquito in TheSpring during the weekend. Most of them do window shopping and where got money to spend. Don't believe? Just walk in to any shops and ask them how is their business, the shop owner will shaking their head. :ohno:

My friends from HK just came back from KK and complained that the goods in 1Borneo are from 10 years ago! Plus, there was hardly anyone around the mall - they felt scared so they quickly left. I know a couple of millionaires from Sandakan who said that their investments in 1Borneo is considered burned! Poor folks..... :ohno:

Just back from a boring town Kuching. No wonder most of the shop at The Spring will close down soon. Only a few mosquito in TheSpring during the weekend. Most of them do window shopping and where got money to spend. Don't believe? Just walk in to any shops and ask them how is their business, the shop owner will shaking their head. :ohno:

guess u must be there during midnight when they are calculating their stocks...so nobody in..:lol:

im wondering which shop owner r u talking about. If u dare, u tell here..we c who will be ashamed of their own words.

Just back from a boring town Kuching. No wonder most of the shop at The Spring will close down soon. Only a few mosquito in TheSpring during the weekend. Most of them do window shopping and where got money to spend. Don't believe? Just walk in to any shops and ask them how is their business, the shop owner will shaking their head. :ohno:

Unfortunately it is true, yap Kuching is a boring town, I must say. Not even beggars have the intention to beg for money here, hehehehe......

Well talking about beggars, I was in KK last May and to my suprise, there are still beggars over there. The hardest part was that it was a small kids, begging me for a few bugs. And truely enough, hard to find those beggars especially kids on the street of Kuching nowadays, begging for money.

Anyway.......I think that dejavu88 is an attention seeker. A kind of self-centered attitude with motto, "hey guys here I am from KK. My town is better than yours". The best way is to ignore him. Or make some jokes about what he wrote down here about Kuching and Sarawak in general. Cant take those words seriously.

Talking about Kuching in general. Kuching has something that hard to find actually. For european and australian (older generation), Kuching is far better peaceful than KK. In Kuching these foreigners could relax and enjoy the sunshine while having there afternoon coffee at at the waterfront walk or along the carpenter street. Unlike KK, Kuching has no direct sealines, which may lead to some disadvantages. However, Kuching is not build on adventure-purposed or thriving nightlife like KK.

KK on the other hands has something to offer. Beaches, marine parks (I love snorkling at Manukan Island), and the mountains. Youngsters prefer to have fun in KK than Kuching due to this reasons. I love KK too because of these. But when it comes to "I need my time", I would prefer to be in Kuching, even if Kuching is a boring town. Dont get me wrong. I am not coming from either of these cities.

My european friends prefer Kuching than KK due to its peaceful enviro. It was so relaxing to be in Kuching. KK is more hectic. Well that's what they inform me. One of my german friend even mentioned, he prefers Sandakan that KK. Funny but it is people's preference.

Anyway, the best thing here is to ignore him. Cant do much about it.

Cheers Hamburger

My friends from HK just came back from KK and complained that the goods in 1Borneo are from 10 years ago! Plus, there was hardly anyone around the mall - they felt scared so they quickly left. I know a couple of millionaires from Sandakan who said that their investments in 1Borneo is considered burned! Poor folks..... :ohno:

why not try to invest in Pontianak?? just pay a visit to Ayani Mall, you may see how potential to do business there
:cheers:

why not try to invest in Pontianak?? just pay a visit to Ayani Mall, you may see how potential to do business there
:cheers:

ASk our friend dejavu to do his market research there first :nuts:

I just said kuching is boring and is for old folks home which is a fact. What you guys are so over reactions? Hahahaha

ASk our friend dejavu to do his market research there first :nuts:

Why me? Are you cacat or brainless which need someone to help you? What a pity man. :ohno:

Talking about Kuching in general. Kuching has something that hard to find actually. For european and australian (older generation), Kuching is far better peaceful than KK. Cheers Hamburger

Another Residence Of VIP In Sarawak Robbed

KUCHING, Aug 19 (Bernama) -- Three robbers, believed to be foreign nationals, broke into Sebuyau state assemblyman Julaihi Narawi's residence in Taman Heritage, here, and escaped with valuables worth RM4,000 early today.

---------------------
Sarawak is peaceful? Eventhough the Datuk and YB were robbed what about the ordinary folks? The sarawak people are poor till they need to rob and steal. It is not a surprise they got no money to buy things at the mall? No wonder my foochow tycoon friends told me he is going to close down his 10 outlets at TheSpring. Haha

Can we please get on with the business of posting updates on Kuching and not squabble over what seems to me to be childish behaviour? I am to assume that you are born in '88, Dejavu; so might I suggest actions that are appropriate to your age?

To each their own. If Dejavu hates Kuching, fine, so be it. No city is entirely safe, which is a fact. Danger lurks anywhere, it's just the frequency which gives rise to alarm. The city is relatively safe and the fact that someone's house was burgled, which led it to appear in newspapers shows how much shocking this news is. If someone were to rob an MP's house in KL, it would take a major event for it to make page 18.

I have friends from KK who have moved to KL, Singapore and Brisbane because for them, KK is no longer their city. They feel as if their city has been violated and overrun by 'visitors' who shall not be named, for now. They no longer feel safe, especially when passing certain markets and areas of town. They even decry the sudden surge in construction which would inevitably have an impact on the beautiful shoreline of KK. They fear KK City will turn into derelict parts of Gaya Island.

And speaking about the Spring, I was there last weekend, and it wasn't empty, quite the opposite, it was well filled; and yes, I bought stuff there, apart from browsing. Most of the items I want weren't in stock because *shock horror* everyone bought it before me. Seems business is pretty brisk for some there.

Yes, Kuching can be boring. Some claim even Miri has a better nightlife, and I'm sure the beachside setting of KK leads it to become a major nightlife area. However, must you have to be a busy city, with pumping music and crowded streets to be a nice place? If you want nightlife, head to KL or Singapore, where at least the Ministry of Sound has a presence.

And I agree with Hamburger. Most of my European and Australian friends prefer Kuching over KK. They can enjoy beaches along the Cote D'Azur or Gold Coast, maybe even Bali while enjoying culture; but according to them, few places can be as quaint, full of history and peaceful, without massive shopping malls that ruin the scenery. If they want massive malls, they are spoiled for choice, from Singapore to KK, but if they want a nice riverine setting where they can enjoy afternoon tea, like the 'old folks,' they have a few cities which they love.

I wouldn't say that we are overreacting. I would say that we are placed in a spot, and that generalisations and misconceptions, not to mention bigotry, has to be rectified.

Now, if we may, shall we end this discussion as it is and proceed with proper updates of Kuching city?

And I forgot to ask, Dejavu; where did you retrieve your details on this mystery foochow tycoon? Would you be so kind as to enlighten us on the names of the shops so that we ourselves can head down and prove the man otherwise?

Alleging that all Sarawkians are poor because an MP's house was robbed indeed shows your colours. Have you ever thought of other reasons why? The deeper reasons? For all you know, it could be 'visitors' who come over to work, and not Kuchingites themselves. It did state the term 'foreign nationals' were believed to have robbed the MP's house, not locals. I'm amazed that you managed to come to the conclusion that all Sarawakians are poor because a Sarawakian MP was robbed by 'foreign nationals.'

Apologies for accidentally derailing my previous intentions in getting the thread back on track with this.

x payah ckp kt die tu...mmg x fhm bhs...aku rase die ni x pernah pegi ke tempat yg lbh bgs dr kk kot...sbb tu die ingat kk tu yg plg bagus, plg hebat kt dunia ni.jgn jd katak bwh tempurung...makin byk kite pegi ke tmpt org, mkn kecik je rase tempat kite sendiri. bkn nk kate diorang bagus, tp mmg hakikat. jgn buat malu org kk la, please. sikit2 foochow tycoon...honestly, i'm part of that foochow but i ashame to say i'm foochow..bkn nk racist, bkn nk lupe diri tp to those, terutamanya sarawakian tahu, what foochow it is, diorang mmg plg kaya, tp....mls nk cerite, x nk mengguris perasaan sesape. mmg bagus utk bangga dgn tanah air, tp be pls, ko tu perosak, punca org ingt semue org kk mcm tu. u ruined all the kkian to drain...

I dont think he's been anywhere. Based on observation I think he failed SPM (and is yet considered an overachiever in his family).

he can't even differentiate between singular and plural LOL

wow, actually, i never plan to reply his BS at all. Never heard of any OWNER IN SPRING THAT OWNS MORE THAN 10 STORES!!! i know That the boss from Tun jugahs(YISHION, G2000, VINCCI, G2BLU) had opened up stores in SPRING but that's just two of them(MS READ, G2000). My friend worked at LEVIS and DOCKERS(on a friday its more than 2000) hey yo!~ i worked at Parkson(spring) before, guess what each and every section got its less as RM200 per day! when i go check out my bill, its two big loads of bills with those at Gents sections where clothes were not cheap! Can go asK those ppL visiting parkson Gents store. Oh ya, its two loads at each counters, there's two counters! I'm a Shopholic(i do buy a bit of things a month although its bout 200 a month for clothes) that goes 1borneo. I bet a few shops will close by this year end if they are fast! but if its due to contract, they might survive till a year. BUt i know a few shops at 1borneo doing well. I RATHER shop and support my home grown mal. QUicSilVer im waiting for you this year end ahha..i target a 200 plus Bag for my gf d..not going to buy it at 1borneo.
-> Eh which shops did the tycoon owned? the ten stores, mind to tell? i would love to know man. I might try to interview or see if their things are worth buying o not so i could support him a bit at least.

Hahaa....not really. Last time I went to kuching in January 2007.^^

Hey are you from sabah or what? or just student at UMS? the waterfront is there since years ago, might not be lighten up that brightly during weekdays perhaps.

I just said kuching is boring and is for old folks home which is a fact. What you guys are so over reactions? Hahahaha

Overreact? Certainly not my dear. It is a fact indeed than Kuching is generally for old folks. I agree with it. Kuching is as well boring, indeed I agree. But as for me, I know where to go or what to do in Kuching.

Well dejavu88, my motto is "IT IS NOT LIFE THAT MAKES YOU BORING, BUT IT IS YOU WHO MAKES YOUR LIFE BORING".

Anyway, sorry for any harm words. My apology.

Another Residence Of VIP In Sarawak Robbed

KUCHING, Aug 19 (Bernama) -- Three robbers, believed to be foreign nationals, broke into Sebuyau state assemblyman Julaihi Narawi's residence in Taman Heritage, here, and escaped with valuables worth RM4,000 early today.

---------------------
Sarawak is peaceful? Eventhough the Datuk and YB were robbed what about the ordinary folks? The sarawak people are poor till they need to rob and steal. It is not a surprise they got no money to buy things at the mall? No wonder my foochow tycoon friends told me he is going to close down his 10 outlets at TheSpring. Haha

Oh well my dear, shit happens. It could give 2 indications. Carelessness of the house owner, or opportunity to rob the house. Sarawak people is poor? Oh yes.....absolutely....We cant even maintain our shops at the springs. :ohno:

But therefore, the sarawakians take flight to KL an Singapore to shop. It is not far anyway, like putting myself in those metal tube thing for maximum 1 hour and 40 min, and walla, here I am in KL or Singapore.

Considering you are geographically quite far from those points of shopping heavens, I could imagine that you guys should and indeed really need such malls. Well HK is quite near to you. But tell you one thing, Hong Kong is awesome, but pretty expensive. Just for your info. No bad sinisterism

OK bro, have fun and cheers

I heard from a foochow tycoon from Sibu where most of the shops at THE SPRING will close down very soon due to low purchasing power. Only one shopping mall also no business already. Hahaha :bash:

"The low purchasing power"....................this word, i am very doubtful...

Just look at the Kuching number plate, and you will wonder how fast the number plate is running....

"The low purchasing power"....................this word, i am very doubtful...

Just look at the Kuching number plate, and you will wonder how fast the number plate is running....

You must be a katak dibawah tempurung. Please open your eyes to see what other states car plate number running now. hahaha

But therefore, the sarawakians take flight to KL an Singapore to shop. It is not far anyway, like putting myself in those metal tube thing for maximum 1 hour and 40 min, and walla, here I am in KL or Singapore.


It just how many of them can afford to fly to oversea to shop even one mall TheSpring can't even survive. :ohno:

enjoy!

"The low purchasing power"....................this word, i am very doubtful...

Just look at the Kuching number plate, and you will wonder how fast the number plate is running....

me too, I doubt that Kuchingites have low purchasing power. I am not sure whether Kuchingites really do not have money or simply do not want to spend their money wastefully. It is 2 different things. In Kuching, it is quite expensive to live at the moment, my dear dejayu88 friends.

People who earns money will certify this. I dont want to dump my money like I could pray and the money will appear in front of me (how I wish). Land property is among the highest in Malaysia (corect me if I am wrong), I think the 2nd or 3rd highest after KL and other west malaysian cities.

Dont get me wrong here. This is not about multi high rises condo, but towards the purchasing price. People in Kuching tends to move towards outskirts of Kuching, where it is stil cheap to find houses. As far as my memory serves me, a rented room in central Kuching (I mean within CBD) could cost you easily RM400 and above, for a small 4 sq ft room with shared bathroom.

Part of it, you need cars to move around (not to mention the current fuel hike) and as well daily expenses. Bills and foods. Kuching is definitely NOT a cheap place to live in East Malaysia. My malaysian friens always ask me, we should go to KK, and enjoy the seafood. Indeed, in KK it is cheap. How I love it....

anyway.....

It just how many of them can afford to fly to oversea to shop even one mall TheSpring can't even survive. :ohno:

enjoy!

Oh well, who actually really cares if the Spring survives or not. We'll see then. If the Spring is not survived, so let it be. I cant change it anyway. Then I have to put myself into my next flight to KL or Singapore for my yearly shopping. I personally dont give any s*** on what shop closes down or not. May it be Suria KLCC, I dont mind either as I am not a shopaholic.

My dear, we got a wonderful thing called AirAsia. Now everyone can fly. May not be cheap but not as expensive as MAS. 10 daily flights a day should be able to hop me into the KL shpping malls in the morning and jump back to Kuching for my late supper with friends and my bed.

Land property is among the highest in Malaysia (corect me if I am wrong), I think the 2nd or 3rd highest after KL and other west malaysian cities.

Dont get me wrong here. This is not about multi high rises condo, but towards the purchasing price. People in Kuching tends to move towards outskirts of Kuching, where it is stil cheap to find houses. As far as my memory serves me, a rented room in central Kuching (I mean within CBD) could cost you easily RM400 and above, for a small 4 sq ft room with shared bathroom.


Please don't give the wrong information to the people here. If you never study the fact, please go to get the statistic from the Housing Devlopment ministry or Land and Survey to show me the fact. The statistic from the housing ministry database with the most expensive city in malaysia listing, I can't see Kuching in the top 5. What a liar??? Never mind as long as you can living in a denial mode. Haha

Please don't give the wrong information to the people here. If you never study the fact, please go to get the statistic from the Housing Devlopment ministry or Land and Survey to show me the fact. The statistic from the housing ministry database with the most expensive city in malaysia listing, I can't see Kuching in the top 5. What a liar??? Never mind as long as you can living in a denial mode. Haha


Is there such a thing as a 'most expensive city statistics' as surveyed by the Ministry of Housing Development and Local Government? And by the Land and Survey Dept? Please show them here, along with the ten shops owned by your tycoon friends.

(Psst..you forgot to mention the Statistics Department)



This is too entertaining for words... :nuts::lol:

Please don't give the wrong information to the people here. If you never study the fact, please go to get the statistic from the Housing Devlopment ministry or Land and Survey to show me the fact. The statistic from the housing ministry database with the most expensive city in malaysia listing, I can't see Kuching in the top 5. What a liar??? Never mind as long as you can living in a denial mode. Haha


that's what I wrote down in bracket my dear (CORRECT ME IF I AM WRONG). That's what I heard from friends, who works somewhere regarding this fields. Maybe someone here could require the data for me, please. Cant make it from here. Just to make sure.

So I am sorry for being a liar and have to live a a denial mode. Maybe now at least I know, that the fact given to me is not true, and I am too lazy to seek the truth here.

Btw, do you anything about it? It is ok if you dont know either. Just asking though, no harm words.

Is there such a thing as a 'most expensive city statistics' as surveyed by the Ministry of Housing Development and Local Government? And by the Land and Survey Dept? Please show them here, along with the ten shops owned by your tycoon friends.

(Psst..you forgot to mention the Statistics Department)



sorry guys but I really have to laugh when usual suspect made pssst here....it is so funny the way write it...:lol::lol:

totally sorry for once again derailing.....

well usual suspect. I am not sure if Forbes make such research just for malaysia. Worldwide yes I know, there is a list of the most expensive cities. But for Malaysia, I am not sure. But regarding property market, yes there is. I am not sure which government department od agency handles it. Definitely not Wisma Putra :lol:. I am a stupid liar if I tells you guys, WISMA PUTRA DOES IT....:lol:

that's what I wrote down in bracket my dear (CORRECT ME IF I AM WRONG). That's what I heard from friends, who works somewhere regarding this fields. Maybe someone here could require the data for me, please. Cant make it from here. Just to make sure.

So I am sorry for being a liar and have to live a a denial mode. Maybe now at least I know, that the fact given to me is not true, and I am too lazy to seek the truth here.

Btw, do you anything about it? It is ok if you dont know either. Just asking though, no harm words.


Let's study this kid a bit:

He worships 1Borneo
He loves shopping
He doesnt think too highly of other towns, especially Kuching for goodness knows what reason
He can't write properly
He takes his own delusional points of view and presents them as facts
He thinks everyone is jealous/in denial except him
He goes into a b*tch fit everytime others contradict him (but pretends to act so kewl)

Any sensible discussion with him (I assume it's a he) is obviously futile. Therefore, should we continue to humour him and waste precious brain cells?

......What a liar??? Never mind as long as you can living in a denial mode. Haha

btw my dear, it is not nice to write to someone WHAT A LIAR???....who may give wrong info. Please dont write this in the public in such a way. You never know to whom are you talking here. Someone could saman you for accusing him/her a liar here, because he/she has directly indicated in a form of in-bracket-quotation (CORRECT ME IF I AM WRONG), which means, he/she asks for assistance for any wrong info, but definitely NOT AN ACCUSATION. A simple mistake like this is not tolerable in a real world my dear, If they saman you, they will, whether you like or not. Therefore, my suggestion, just be careful on what are writing down here.

Anyway I wont do that though...dont worry.

I was just being informed as the way I wrote down. Ok my apology for not certifying it before being posted here.

But you know, I am not a frequent blogger. So got actually not much time to survey for such a blog issue. I have to work and enjoy my life too after work.

OK I AM TOTALLY OUT OF TOPIC...SO SORRY GUYS

In all honesty I don't know what 'as long as you can living in denial mode' means LMAO

Let's study this kid a bit:

He worships 1Borneo
He loves shopping
He doesnt think too highly of other towns, especially Kuching for goodness knows what reason
He can't write properly
He takes his own delusional points of view and presents them as facts
He thinks everyone is jealous/in denial except him
He goes into a b*tch fit everytime others contradict him (but pretends to act so kewl)

Any sensible discussion with him (I assume it's a he) is obviously futile. Therefore, should we continue to humour him and waste precious brain cells?

I would rather go as the flow. He is just 20 (am I right, dejavu88? not sure how old are you now). I would rather show him a proper public blogging. Slowly but effectively. Being a 20 is not easy. I might be older than him (even worst a liar), but when it comes to dealing with human, we have proper ways how to do it.

Beware dejavu88, the world outside is not funny at all. Once you make a simple mistake, that's it. Just my honest advice to you. Not that run into a problem because of your unintended mistake.

You must be a katak dibawah tempurung. Please open your eyes to see what other states car plate number running now. hahaha

And tell me why Kuching has VW dealer and BMW dealer? Bear in mind, both of these brands are higher priced, thus their presence in Kuching does mean something....

By the way, I am Sabahan...

If you want statistics, statistics will come. Kuching has a second issue plate number, no longer QK(whatever) but you also see QA(whatever); and this isn't including Kuchingites who register cars in Sibu and Miri.

Statistics released by the finance ministry has Kuching having similar average household income as Petaling Jaya. Most of my Kuching-based friends shop elsewhere, away from Kuching. Unless I can't wait or I can't find what I want in Kuching, I shop elsewhere. Unless you're willing to pay RM50 or so for the official documents from the Statistics department, you'll have to rely on secondary sources such as this (http://www.theedgedaily.com/cms/contentPrint.jsp?id=com.tms.cms.article.Article_a47cdd8a-cb73c03a-38d46000-96a46578&paging=0).

Wisma Putra just does international affairs, the department of immigration might give you statistics showing how many people go in and out of the country, and who is going to which country.

Proper blogging is about being courteous, not making sweeping generalisation and always backing up allegations with facts. Now, can we please stop all the bickering?

http://img146.imageshack.us/img146/8696/dawn2ci9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img146.imageshack.us/img146/8696/dawn2ci9.b4c0b9f88e.jpg (http://g.imageshack.us/g.php?h=146&i=dawn2ci9.jpg)

Look, a picture.

Lovely scenery..

And tell me why Kuching has VW dealer and BMW dealer? Bear in mind, both of these brands are higher priced, thus their presence in Kuching does mean something....

By the way, I am Sabahan...

It's just obvious he hasn't been anywhere

It's just obvious he hasn't been anywhere

are you a catscity forumer? ahha

A what?

i felt like opening a thread for all fellow malaysians to debate with this fun guy. Its so entertaining to read his post~ from KK to CAt city to 1borneo. http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=484091&page=14 ( 1borneo thread)

Interhill Place, as of 20 August 2008.

http://img245.imageshack.us/img245/4093/img00183sz3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img245.imageshack.us/img245/4093/img00183sz3.74678a4ea4.jpg (http://g.imageshack.us/g.php?h=245&i=img00183sz3.jpg)

Road widening fronting Interhill Place, from the junction of Padungan Street to Bukit Mata Street.

http://img178.imageshack.us/img178/4710/img00182qa6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img178.imageshack.us/img178/4710/img00182qa6.97d6213b0e.jpg (http://g.imageshack.us/g.php?h=178&i=img00182qa6.jpg)

^^

How do they position the Novotel Interhill Place mall, is it targeted higher end than those in The Spring?

I;m guessing something along the lines of Bangsar Village2

i guess supposedly be high end, because of their 3 storey Up-market sign there. so dunno...lets keep it as a wonder

It's just obvious he hasn't been anywhere

Are you talking about yourself? How do you know? What if I have been to more places in the world than you and then what are you going to do? Keep your mouth shut? Grow up uncle!

You are the same as some of the monkey here who are self indulgent and living in denial mode. Are you high on something or what? Malay said: Siok Sendiri ... hahaha

I;m guessing something along the lines of Bangsar Village2

Another dreamer in town. Keep on dreaming ... haha

Another dreamer in town. Keep on dreaming ... haha

What's wrong with that idea? B. Village is just a small-ish mall. Oh, you've not been there. Sorry..and please spare us any crap about your tycoon friends having 20 shoplots in Bangsar Village

Siok Sendiri ... hahaha

Pot ==> Kettle ==> Black :lol::lol::lol:

i like the view of the state house based on your pics

Pot ==> Kettle ==> Black :lol::lol::lol:

Please dont be a moron. You havent answer my question what if I have been to more places than you in this world. Are you going to eat shit? PLEASE ANSWER! To prove you are not a hypocrite!

SHAME ON YOU which a PARIAH FOREVER A PARIAH! HAHAHA

enough la the siam ................

Hi there, Im new here...26,Kuching. Love this thread. Been reading and keeping quiet for the longest time and I thought that I should say something...to Kiko...well done...you've been keeping this thread very much alive and to all those contributed to this thread, thank you...it shows that we adults can discuss things intellectually without being bias or anything.
It is sad to see what had happened to this tread for the past few months and I was very angry about the things said in this thread, then I think to myself...what is the point?better not add fuel to the fire.but my dear friends here,why all this war of words...WHY?

It is a known fact that that Kuching is indeed a dead and boring city...it has been for the past century...Kuching people have less buying power...so?We are still striving as a city...Why would tourist come? Good question...Why indeed? That, you just have to ask the tourist themselves...

I love KK, it is peaceful, the people are nice...thing arent that expensive,and I am proud that KK is doing well.With all the development going on in KK...what is there not to be proud off? When developers build shopping malls or commercial centres, I believe they would do some sort of marketing research...who are we to argue? They build..build la...

To dejavu88, you have every right to be proud to be in KK, heck, KK has more Starbucks that the whole Sarawak put together. You have Burger King, something I craved for the longest time...the amount of Giants you have in KK alone is staggering...now to the part that breaks my heart...KKIA...just look at your airport, it is huge...and so beautiful...the numbers of flights are staggering...with Koreans and Japanese flocking to visit your beaches and national parks...where as Kuching?? Our airport is so small and the airlines that flies into Kuching??You can count with you two hands put together...KK wins...hands down...

We have nothing...so point made...KK is better than Kuching in more ways than you can ever imagine...so if I could just ask you ever so kindly to leave us alone...no more harsh and demeaning words about Kuching and us Kuchingites....we mean you no harm...and I believe you meant us none as well...all the best to KK and may you continue to enjoy the rapid development there.

As for us here in Kuching...despite all the shortcoming, we still love our city, the people, the food, is not like we have another city we can call our own you know?...lets not ask for more, but be thankful that Kuching is the way Kuching is...never the best, always second...but infinitely the place we all call home...We have all the potentials but we like to keep things the way it used to be...remember these?...
Sunday drive to the back of the airport to watch planes...Saturday afternoon walk at Bishop Gate for a bowl of fishball soup...evening supper behind Hui Sing stalls with good'ol metahorn...or the ever famous open air market (for some reason it is not OPEN AIR??)for sio bee and gu bak mee and soya milk...I kinda like it this way...keeping it like how it use to be...We wanna shop, there's AirAsia...Singapore, JB, KL is near...heck we might even go visit dejavu88 and have him to take us around KK for a great night out...I think I say for all of us here in Kuching that, Kuching is great the way it is...make us different...let others have the highest, biggest, longest, fastest and everything else...just let us have peace and harmony and unclogged drains (Hello MBKS! DBKU!) and a place we all call home...here..here...regards to all...

^^:applause::applause: btw, kealchg plz dun said tht kk more better or wat...for me, kk and kuching are equally and we are getting improve. Dun care wat tht guy(dejavu88) said.

So, dejavu88 plz dun stop all your nonsense here, if wan talk juz talk in kk thread dun spoil kuching thread. Ok????? Oso, dejavu88 if u spoil or write any irrelevant things at here after this post, i will pm moderators to delete them...:D dare or not is ur choice...;)

kk is not really that great as kealchg mentioned. We still have a lot of weaknesses to be addressed off and we're pretty much far behind of Kuching.
in fact we as east malaysians should look on the bright side and find ways on how we could cooperate, develop and benefit both states in terms of development, tourism, economic, energy resources, telecommunication and much more

enough of that moron...dejavu..you're just talking BULLSHIT...we dont need you here..

anyway...last week ...there's a well written article of Kuching at local paper here. (Gulf Times)....maybe these few days i post the article...never knew that flying from Dubai to KCH (by RBA) is bloody cheap!

i've found the link...click below

http://archive.gulfnews.com/articles/08/08/15/10237394.html

maybe later i'll upload the photos of the article...

I found the constant Kuching bashing by certain forumers rather distasteful. Give it a rest, please.

In term of development, hands down to KK. The city is really booming, with plenty of large scales urban development projects.

However, because of its rapid development, KK also feels very brash, and in some part, downright tacky. They built big malls for the sake of building big malls. Example - I went to One Borneo not too long ago to observe the upcoming Novotel (my cousin works with Accor in KK) and found that although the mall's size is pretty impressive, it has none of the style of KL's Pavilion or Siam Paragon in Bangkok, which made me think - what is the point of having all these? Because the truth is, these "regional" megamall only matters to people who lived there. I m sure it is pretty exciting to local fanatics such as dejavu88, but hardly a strong enough reason to warrant a dedicated shopping trip to outsiders like me. Klang Valley malls is still the Queen of 'em all, and if I am serious about shopping or seeing glittering buildings, I might as well go straight to HK and experience the real deal.

There is no denial that Kuching is pretty tame compared to KK. Kuching lacks vibrancy and colours, and it is certainly not in the same league as KK or Georgetown, let alone KL. However, it has one distinctive feature that is easy to identify but hard to describe; it has elegance and a quiet dignified presence - a certain je nais sais quai, if I may add.

I can't quite put my finger on it. I have plenty of reasons why I prefer Kuching so much more than KK. It could have been the calm meandering river, the impeccably clean streets, the meticulously-maintained public parks, the lovingly-restored Brooke-era buildings, the artsy native crafts, the lack of urban slums and large billboards... Kuching can be many things to many different people, and perhaps the collective effect is just as spellbinding. Interestingly, Lee Kuan Yew once remarked that Kuching reminds him of Singapore of the early years. Isn't that some sort of stamps of approval? And I haven't even dived into the fact that the City of Kuching has been bestowed with plenty of accolades (locals and internationals) that recognizes the city's efficiencies.

In my opinion, the historic center of Kuching is very tasteful and unequalled anywhere in Malaysia, and I sincerely hope that it will never be like KK.

In case U wonder.. no.. I m not Sarawakian. I m just an outsider who adores Kuching whole-heartedly.

Bravo! Both cities have their own attractions. What's the point of making comparisons which at the end of the day, are pretty unfair?

Brava.

Anyway, here's a view of the side entrance of the Astana, the former Brooke Palace and now the Governor of Sarawak's residence. Seen from the 'hill' of the new Dewan Undangan Negeri Sarawak.

http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/7107/img00161sl3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/7107/img00161sl3.ad071a7784.jpg (http://g.imageshack.us/g.php?h=142&i=img00161sl3.jpg)

Clash of old and new: new terraces being built on one of the oldest buildings in Kuching, the Tua Pek Kong temple.

http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/1167/img00175rv6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/1167/img00175rv6.7184fe3c8e.jpg (http://g.imageshack.us/g.php?h=142&i=img00175rv6.jpg)

Now we are talking...hey ppl...heard from a friend that a whole block opposite Hilton at Sri Sarawak is undergoing some huge renovation...could it ne...the famous "Tune Hotel"???

RBA indeed has great offer for flights ex KCH...to BNE on the 23/11 to 30/11 its RM2114 incl tax and all...and to BKK it is RM979...not bad huh?

Went to Isthmus yesterday...the new Borneo Exhibition and COnvention Centre is coming along pretty nicely...wonder why they change the name????

kuching has it own uniquelity and elegance...a realy place like no other...hopefully kuching remains its calmy and classy...

jangan cakap yang bukan2 ba, bagi malu org sabah ja..1borneo bukan besar betul pun, kalau panjang tu, ya lah.makin banyak kita kutuk tempat org lain, makin banyak terdedah keburukan tempat sendiri. aku enjoy both city, kK best, but Kuching always the best in my heart. lets just stand together, nanti gelak org semenanjung tengok kita gaduh. kita sepulau, dahla Sabah ni negeri termiskin di Malaysia (rujuk Wikipedia), Sarawak boleh jadi contoh dengan sekurang-kurangnya tidak membenarkan semua menteri dalam satu flight.

Taib announces building of esplanade as part of Kuching Waterfront extension
By Zora Chan

KUCHING: The former site of the Gambier Street Market here that used to house hundreds of hawkers until June 15 will be turned into an esplanade as part of the Kuching Waterfront extension.

The development will also cover the adjoining area which stretched up to Ban Hock Wharf.

Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud, in disclosing this Friday night, envisioned the esplanade having lots of trees to provide the much needed shade on sunny days apart from making the city a greener and better place to live in.

“I’ve just asked Kuching North City Hall (DBKU) to prepare the plan,” he told reporters after officiating at the city hall’s 20th anniversary dinner.

Once completed, he said, the esplanade would stretch from Hilton Kuching to Ban Hock Wharf, adding that the opposite side of the river would also be developed and beautified to make both sides a popular recreational spot for city dwellers as well as visitors.

Earlier in his speech when announcing the proposed construction of the esplanade, Taib said the project would turn the once “unorganised part of the old days of the riverbanks into a scenic recreational place.”

“There should be a lot of trees so that people could stroll all day long although it is sunny.

“There is nothing more pleasant than to walk by the riverside, especially for people holding hands, which is a nice experience,” he said.

Taib called on the city dwellers to do their part in preserving Sarawak River and its tributaries as pollution would lead to dead rivers and cause infectious diseases in the future.

On the government’s part, he said the time had come to lay underground pipes to irrigate grey water from residential and commercial areas for treatment before they were flushed to the river.

He said the city already had a good solid waste management and the next step for DBKU, Kuching South City Council (MBKS) and Padawan Municipal Council (PMC) would be to prepare bins for different types of waste.

“We have to start separating our waste bins for plastics, paper, glass and organic waste,” he said, stressing that city dwellers could start doing so at their homes and eventually waste segregation would be a second nature to them.

He pointed out that if city dwellers demanded the best standard of living and environment, they also needed to put in effort to ensure the city would continue to develop without further deterioration or becoming a slump.

Taib commended DBKU for a job well done over the years which earned Kuching the recognition of one of the nine most livable cities in Asia and accolades in the national and international arena - 44 awards and recognitions in 20 years.

He said DBKU had been ‘very tough’ in its enforcement but the people knew the city hall had carried out its responsibilities fairly for the betterment of the city.

He was also confident that the coming Family Park stretching from Pasir Panjang to Santubong would make Kuching a better resort city than Miri.

During the dinner, Taib presented mementos to former Kuching City North Datuk Bandar - Datu Yusoff Hanifah, Datu Awang Ehsan Joini, Madehi Kolek, Abdul Hamid Mohd Yusoff and former directors, Amin Hassan, Datuk Mohd Morshidi Abdul Ghani and Affandi Keli.

He also launched a book entitled, ‘Arkitek Bandaraya Terbilang Kuching Utara - Wawasannya Menjadi Kenyataan’ and the latest map for Kuching North jurisdiction.

Housing Minister Dato Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s Department Datuk Daud Abdul Rahman, Kuching City North Datuk Bandar Mohd Atei Abang Medaan and DBKU director Onn Abdullah were among those present at the function.

new shopping mall is comin soon in town..check this out..http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FZklb7JsPCk&feature=related

Kuching streets come alive
Monday August 25, 2008
By SHARON LING
TheStar

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2008/8/25/southneast/se_06kuching.jpg

Symbol of harmony: The Kuching City mascot Alca.

THE annual City Day parade in Kuching recently saw a colourful procession of contingents marching and dancing their way through the streets.

A total of 39 contingents from various associations, government agencies and schools took part in the parade, which began at Jalan Padungan and ended at Padang Merdeka.

Many of the contingent members wore fancy dresses or ethnic costumes. There were also brass bands and traditional music groups in the parade.

Upon arriving at Padang Merdeka, the contingents took turns to put on performances in front of the VIP stage where Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud, Kuching North mayor Mohamad Atei Abang Medaan, Kuching South mayor James Chan and other dignitaries were in attendance.

One of the highlights was a sketch by the Kuching South City Council themed Down Memory Lane which featured old-style hawker stalls, an ice cream seller on a bicycle and a trishaw ride.



http://thestar.com.my/archives/2008/8/25/southneast/p6feathers.jpg

Stylish: Dancers from Inti College perfoming during the parade.



The show at Padang Merdeka also marked the launch of the month-long Kuching Festival jointly organised by Kuching South City Council and Kuching North City Hall.

Taib, who launched the festival, said Kuching had come a long way since it was declared a city 20 years ago.

He praised both councils for having done a good job in bringing about improvements in the city over the years.

He also reminded councillors not to be involved in politicking but to concentrate on serving the people.



http://thestar.com.my/archives/2008/8/25/southneast/p6lion.jpg

Cultural: Kuching and Samarahan Chinese Association
Youth division members performing a dragon dance.



“Councillors ought not to think about politics because they are appointed to serve the people.

“Their task is to listen to people’s grievances and be devoted to service,” he said.

Taib later witnessed the raising of the Kuching Festival flag and cut a cake to commemorate City Day.

The festival’s grand finale will take place at Kuching Amphitheatre on August 29.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2008/8/25/southneast/p1cat.jpg

[QUOTE=kealchg;24278806]Now we are talking...hey ppl...heard from a friend that a whole block opposite Hilton at Sri Sarawak is undergoing some huge renovation...could it ne...the famous "Tune Hotel"???

QUOTE]

Yea..tats goin to be tune hotel..99% accuracy..another 1% is if the project is scrapped:lol:

found dis but no idea whether dis is new or not....

http://www.kenbest.com.my/onejaya/images/perspective_zoom.jpg

OneJaya, a blue chip commercial property offering 230 strata-title retail units at affortable prices, ranging from 105 feet square to 500 feet square. Strategically situated on the bustling Jalan Song, this commercial complex is set to be an iconic landmark for the greter Tabuan Jaya-Tabuan Heights area, which is known for its high concentration of middle- to upper-income groups.

-Strategically located at the heart of Jalan Song.
-More than 1000 car parking bays at surroundings.
-Four destinated retail floors.
-Total gross area covering more than 100,000 sq. ft.
-Up to 230 strata titles unit available.
-Mall designed by renowned architecture firm.
http://www.kenbest.com.my