
Yang Di-Pertua Negeri confers Sarawak state honours on 151 individuals
Chan receives his JBS award from Wan Junaidi.
KUCHING (May 29): A total of 151 individuals were today conferred with various state honours and awards in recognition of their outstanding service and contributions across multiple fields in Sarawak.
The prestigious awards were presented by the Yang Di-Pertua Negeri, Tun Pehin Sri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, in a ceremony at the Astana Negeri.
The ceremony was witnessed by Wan Junaidi's wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi as well as prominent state officials including Sarawak Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah and his wife Datin Sri Zuraini Abdul Jabbar; Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department, Dato Sri John Sikie Tayai; Deputy State Secretary (Operations), Datu Hii Chang Kee; State Deputy Transport Minister, Dato Henry Harry Jinep; Deputy Minister in the Premier's Department (Integrity and Ombudsman), Datuk Juanda Jaya; and Federal State Secretary, Dato Ahmad Nadzri.
Leading the recipients of the Johan Bintang Sarawak (JBS) award were Pemanca Roshidi Junai, Sarawak Australia Business Chamber (SABC) President Rodger Chan Siong Boh, and Bintulu Port CEO Ruslan Abdul Ghani.
Meanwhile, former Tellian assemblyman Yussibnosh Balo was honoured as the sole recipient of the Johan Bintang Kenyalang (JBK) award.
The Pegawai Bintang Sarawak (PBS) award was presented to nine individuals, including Tanjung Dato assemblyman Azizul Annuar Adenan, Serumbu assemblyman Miro Simuh, and Sarawak Metro Chief Executive Officer Mazli Mustaffa.
Fifteen recipients received the Pegawai Bintang Kenyalang (PBK) award, among them Dr Ali Mudin, Juan Ubit, and Madeline George Pau.
Twenty individuals were conferred the Ahli Bintang Sarawak (ABS), including DSP Dr Daram Ruer, Peter Supeh (alias James Kator Supes), and Jonthy Bunsi, daughter of the late Bunsi Sat.
Eighteen individuals received the Ahli Bintang Kenyalang (ABK) award, with recipients such as Galau Melina, Pauzi Ameng, and Gladys Lim Ai Hui.
The Bentara Bintang Sarawak (BBS) award was bestowed upon 24 recipients, including Abdul Rahim Bahtiar, Bunyau Manggeh, and Dayang Salmah Awang Chee.
Among those honoured with the Pingat Perkhidmatan Cemerlang (PPC) were Sharifah Rohana Datu Wan Alwi, Catherine Ridu, and Dolhadi Mazuki.
The Pingat Perkhidmatan Bakti (PPB) was awarded to 18 individuals, including Lt Col Robert Edward Ngayong, Technologist Cheing Siong Ming, and Bong Lin Sze.
The Pingat Perkhidmatan Terpuji (PPT) was presented to 37 recipients, including Affendi Bunchuan, Lily Marlina Abdul Rahman, and Rokiah Ali.
Additionally, two individuals received the Pingat Perwira Negeri (PPN) (Bronze) award for their bravery and sacrifice in serving the people: Nehemia Bonel Pantulusang and Nora Ibrahim, daughter of the late Ibrahim Saili.
When met by Utusan Borneo , Rodger Chan expressed his deep honour at receiving the JBS award, noting it as his second state award after previously receiving the PBK, which was personally nominated by the late former state Governor Tun Pehin Sri Taib Mahmud.
Chan extended his sincere gratitude to his wife Sow Fong, the Premier, and the State Secretary for the recognition.
Chan (left) in a photocall with Wan Junaidi after the award ceremony.
Besides his role as President of the Sarawak Australia Business Chamber, Chan holds several key positions including President of the Kuching Chung Hua Primary School No. 5 Alumni Association, CEO of Australia Business Centre Sdn Bhd, and Director of NZ Centre Sdn Bhd and NetInc Technologies Sdn Bhd.
He also serves as Deputy President of the Malaysia Zhangzhou Association, council member of the Sarawak Government Early Childhood Development Council, Vice Chairman of the Sarawak Chawan Association, and Sarawak Tian (Chan) Association.
Chan is actively involved in numerous NGOs, including Chinese school boards and various chambers of commerce. He was also a founding director of Tunku Putra School. investiture lead Rodger Chan State Honours Wan Junaidi
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


The Star
5 hours ago
- The Star
Taxes should prioritise people's overall well-being
TAXES are never popular. So, it's not surprising that the recent expansion of the sales and service tax (SST) has ignited concern across Malaysia. On June 9, the government announced a targeted review of the SST rate, which would take effect from July 1. The tax rate would remain the same for essential goods, while a rate of 5% or 10% will be imposed on non-essential or discretionary goods. It was presented as a measure targeting luxury items. But the problem is, one person's luxury might be another's staple. Going by the updated list of what's taxable, the SST could have a broader impact than most thought, raising concerns about an escalation in the cost of living for everyday Malaysians. The government has previously indicated it is open to reviewing policies, especially when a lot of people raise concerns – and with the number of people worried about this tax, it would do well to make sure to review it and ensure it does not inadvertently place an undue burden on those who can least afford it. The expanded SST encompasses a diverse range of necessities and services, not only premium goods, such as salmon and avocados. It includes wedding rentals and catering, as well as traditional medicine, postnatal massages, elderly care and beauty treatments – services often seen as fundamental life events or crucial support rather than mere indulgences. Adding to the apprehension, the expansion removes tax exemptions on some basic food items. Items like mangoes, apples, oranges, dates, sauces, spices, canned fruits and instant food, which were previously exempt, will now incur a 5% tax. This change is expected to increase food prices in markets, restaurants and homes alike. The number of taxable items has increased from fewer than 1,000 to over 4,000 sub-codes, while the list of exempt items has been cut by 70%. So the new tax will obviously have a wide-ranging impact on people's daily lives. The announcement on Thursday by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi that the government will review the implementation of the SST on selected imported goods, including common fruits such as apples and mandarin oranges, is a highly welcome development. The government's willingness to re-examine the policy is a positive step towards ensuring that taxation genuinely serves its purpose without disproportionately affecting the vulnerable segments of society. Taxes are unavoidable in modern civilisation and no country can function without them. And, Malaysia certainly cannot continue to live with increasing budget deficits every year. But the government must balance between increasing revenue collection and making sure the people don't suffer unnecessarily.


Borneo Post
17 hours ago
- Borneo Post
Pontianak-Kuching direct flights may resume soon, says Abdul Karim
(From left) Sherrina, Abdul Karim, Ting and Sharzede in a press conference at the festival. – Photo by Roystein Emmor SANTUBONG (June 21): Direct flights between Pontianak and Kuching may soon resume, following the Indonesian government's decision to reopen its airspace for the route. Sarawak Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, confirmed the development during a press conference today, saying Indonesia has now agreed to open up its skies for the Pontianak-Kuching sector. 'I'm very happy. It has been announced on that side that they are opening up their skies from Pontianak. 'You see, Indonesia, they have got their own way. The decree must come from the President. I'm not putting the blame on the previous President because we've been asking and asking, please start again the Pontianak-Kuching flight. But it was not given. 'And recently, I was made to understand that they are opening up their skies. So, it's up to the airlines to start operating again. So, probably there are a few that might be looking into it now because I know that sector is a very good sector. It does not benefit Sarawak only. It does not benefit Malaysia only. It also benefits the other side,' he said. Abdul Karim noted that reinstating the route would offer a major convenience for Sarawakians. 'A lot of Sarawakians now, instead of driving four, five hours to Pontianak, they might as well just fly half an hour. And that will definitely benefit the industry, the tourism industry in Pontianak,' he said. When asked whether the Sarawak government would encourage low-cost carriers like AirAsia to take up the route, Abdul Karim confirmed that discussions are ongoing. 'Of course, we will be. Not just AirAsia. Even airlines from Indonesia. Indonesia has got lots of budget airlines. If they are willing to participate in that, of course, we are very, very happy,' he said. He also highlighted growing demand along the Sarawak–Indonesia air corridor. 'You can see now that the flight from Kuching to Jakarta used to be once a day. Now, it's already twice a day. And the loading is very high. Either way. So, there's big potential there,' he said. Also present were State Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Datuk Sebastian Ting; the ministry's permanent secretary Datu Sherrina Husaini; and Sarawak Tourism Board CEO Sharzede Datu Salleh Askor. Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah direct flights Kuching Pontianak


Borneo Post
18 hours ago
- Borneo Post
Sabah National Tabletop Con showcases creative tourism through play
The organisers of The Sabah National Tabletop Con 2025 with Josie Lai (sixth from right). KOTA KINABALU (June 21): The Sabah National Tabletop Con 2025 officially opened on Saturday at IMAGO Shopping Mall here, marking a new chapter for Sabah in promoting tourism and culture through the creative world of tabletop games. Organized by the Sabah Trade and Tourism Office Singapore (STTOS), in collaboration with #LaiPlayLeow (Singapore) and XMultisport Event (Sabah), the two-day event brings together local talent, tourism players, and board game enthusiasts to celebrate design, imagination and play. The event is the grand finale of the Sabah National Board Game Design Competition, launched earlier this year to encourage local creators to develop games inspired by Sabah's diverse natural beauty, indigenous heritage and cultural narratives. In her officiating speech, Datuk Josie Lai Ming Sing, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment for Sabah said: 'This pioneering event brings together creativity, tourism and collaboration through the medium of board games. We celebrate not just the finalists, but the birth of Sabah's very own board game — a fresh and imaginative way to introduce our stories to the world.' Visitors can enjoy game showcases, creative workshops, playtest stations, merchandise booths and special lucky draws. The top three board game winners are being featured and played by the public for the first time at the event. 'This is more than just a gathering of game lovers — it's a bold move to position Sabah as a creative hub and national destination for cultural innovation,' said STTOS managing director Wendy Clare Stephen. The event is supported by key partners including the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment (KePKAS), Sabah Tourism Board, Tourism Malaysia, Sabah Art Gallery, and IMAGO Shopping Mall, which generously hosts the national-level event. 'Let us continue supporting those who believe in the power of creativity to elevate Sabah's presence on the global stage,' Josie concluded her speech.