The exhibition showcased the winners of the annual World Press Photo Contest.
In 1955, a group of Dutch photographers organised an international contest to showcase their works to the world. They called it ‘World Press Photo’ and now it has become one of the most esteemed photography competitions in the world.
Fast forward to today, the exhibition has toured more than 100 cities in 45 countries, including Kuching.
For the first time ever, the exhibition is being held in Kuching in conjunction with What About Kuching (WAK) 2018, showcasing the winners of the annual World Press Photo Contest of which 4,548 photographers from 125 countries sent in a total 73,044 entries.
True to its name, the winning photos gave fair and compelling insights about what happening in and around the world.
Apart from the winning photos, the exhibition also showed stories from six Southeast Asia and Oceania Talents of the World Press Photo Foundation.
Installed on the ground of Padang Merdeka, the exhibition is open for the public from Sept 29 to Oct 27.
World Press Photo Exhibition: Giving glimpses to the outside world
A series of nature-themed photos on display.
The series of photos displayed were featured various themes such as environment, nature, people, sports and world issues.
Some of the photos were explicit and powerful, showcasing serious human rights issues such as sex workers in Russia.
For those who are avid fans of National Geographic, some of the photographers might be familiar such as Ami Vitale who is widely known for her work capturing photos of wild pandas and rhinos.
In addition to that, there were also well-known photos which have been circulated on international news.
The most famous one displayed was the image of 28-year-old student Victor Salazar whose clothes caught on fire after a motorcycle exploded during a street protest in Venezuela against its president Nicolas Maduro.
The exhibition also managed to open up any visitors’ eyes to world issues such as the stateless case of Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar and the deforestation in Brazilian Amazon.
A man vapes thoughtfully as he studies a panel of photos in a set which also features an image of Victor Salazar caught on fire during street protests in (right).A series of photos featuring two sisters living in a bioenergy village in Austria.Some of the works by Italian photographer Fausto Podavini.A man viewing the images by National Geographic photographer Ami Vitale.The exhibition is also part of an effort to reactivate spaces in Kuching such as Padang Merdeka.World Press Photo exhibition has toured to more than 100 cities in 45 countries and now is in Kuching.
About WAK World Press Photo exhibition
What About Kuching (WAK) city festival together with Sarawak Museum Department co-organised the exhibition sponsored by the Netherlands Embassy and Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak. The Limkokwing Institute of Creative Technology Kuching supported the event through its design and installation.
The Kuching Intercultural Mooncake Festival returned for its 17th installment this year to Carpenter Street, one of the oldest streets in the city.
The event started from Sept 17 and will be ending on September 24 and runs from 6pm to 11pm.
With the slogan “Sight, Sound and Taste”, the nightly event showcases the different food, music and cultures of various ethnicities in Sarawak.
Organised by The Federation of Kuching Division Community Association with Kuching Old Market Community Association, the festival promises eight days of fun-packed activities for all ages.
The different sights, sounds and tastes at Kuching Intercultural Mooncake Festival
As celebration in Sarawak is nothing without food, there are so many cuisines to choose from at the Kuching Intercultural Mooncake Festival.
From traditional Chinese food to Dayak barbecued goodies, visitors will be spoilt for choice.
Patrons can quench their thirst with a variety of drinks such as Thai milk tea, Vietnamese coffee and assorted bubble teas.
For those who are health-conscious, Kuching Chinese Traditional and Holistic Natural Medicine Association is there to provide free medical checkup.
Apart from that every night from 8am to 9pm, there will be Street Magic Show happening along Carpenter Street.
Making its return this year is 2017’s RM2 Charity Haircut where hairdressers from Maison Monica Hair & Beauty Academy are offering haircut services. The proceeds will be donated to Sarawak Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA).
Other activities are children’s colouring competition, lantern fabrication competition, snow skin mooncake making contest and photography competition.
Local patrons who are diving are advised to park their vehicles at Plaza Merdeka, St. Thomas Cathedral or the Kuching Waterfront.
About Mooncake Festival
The mooncake festival or mid-autumn festival is a harvest festival celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar.
This year, the festival falls on Sept 24. On this day, the traditional delicacy called mooncake is enjoyed and shared among family and friends.
The eight-day Kuching Intercultural Mooncake Festival promises fun activities for all ages.
There will be a live Chinese orchestra performance at one end of Carpenter Street.
A glass of Vietnamese coffee to quench your thirst.There will be performances by different ethnic groups every night and visitors are more than welcome to join in the fun.Have some mooncakes which are inspired by Sarawak kek lapis.Oyster pancakes fresh off the stove.
Different kinds of sausage, anyone?Visitors can also enjoy freshly fried dumplings at the Kuching Intercultural Mooncake Festival.
The friendly ice-cream goyang vendor will let customer to shake the traditional Popsicle making machine.To carry brightly-lit lantern like this is part of celebrating the mooncake festival.Trader selling lanterns at the Kuching Multicultural Mooncake Festival.A dragon dance performance happening at The Hong San Si Temple.A taste of Thailand at The Kuching Intercultural Mooncake Festival.There are various street performances happening at almost every corner of Carpenter Street.Patrons enjoying their foods as well as the performances.
What About Kuching (WAK) is back! From Sept 29 till Oct 28, Kuching will be lit up with tonnes of activities all over the city.
This month-long festival is a local community effort aiming to celebrate the arts, culture and lifestyle that Kuching has to offer.
Mark your calendar and decide what to do during this year’s What About Kuching:
1.Watch local artists in action at Bishopsgate and The Clock Tower
What About Kuching Music Portail provides platform for local artists to showcase their talents. Watch out for these dates Oct 5, 6, 12, 13, 19 and 20 when the fun is happening at Bishopsgate Street Stage. Then on Oct 26 and 27, the party is moving to Clock Tower@The Old Courthouse.
There will be performances from Zee Avi, Tuku Kame, At Adau, Meruked and many more.
At Adau’s Ezra Tekola on the sape’. Catch At Adau on Oct 12 at Bishopsgate Street Stage.
2.Visit the World Press Photo Exhibition
The iconic Padang Merdeka will come alive during the whole duration of What About Kuching. There, the World Press Photo Exhibition will make its Kucing debut showcasing a series of award-winning photos.
3.Follow a food trail along Padungan Street
What Kuching without its food? Follow the trail of Food Safari, collect stamps along the way and redeem a What About Kuching Merchandise.
4.Enjoy the music by Sarawak river at Waterfront Night Live
Do you know that there is a free weekly entertainment programme at GoDown Amphitheatre@Kuching Waterfront? The entertainment continues throughout What About Kuching month every Friday and Saturday.
5.Support young entrepreneurs at Junior Art Market
Lend your support to young entrepreneurs at Junior Art Market.
This art market is unlike others as it is exclusively dedicated to young entrepreneurs. However, there are art workshops, food and performances for all ages.
6. Observe the beauty of body art of Sarawak
What does the late Anthony Bourdain and Crazy Rich Asian’s Henry Golding have in common? Both of them have tribal Iban tattoos on their bodies.
From Sept 29 till Oct 9 there will be a tattoo exhibition happening at The Old Courthouse.
7. Learn more about Sarawak tattoos
Speaking of tattoos, know more about this artistry on Sept 30. There will be a presentation about tattoo artifacts. While on Oct 7, there will be a panel discussion on Sarawak tattoo industry.
8. Take part in a photojournalism workshop
Calling out all professional and amateur photographers! There will be a free a workshop conducted by photojournalists from the World Press. Sign up quickly because seats are limited.
9.Meet a fine artist
Ramsay Ong is a household name when comes the local fine art scene. Meet him daily from 10am to 2pm from Mondays to Fridays at the Pullman Hotel.
10.Take pleasure in listening to monologues
Listen to local talents reciting their monologues on Oct 5. There will guests performers flying in from Singapore and West Malaysia.
11.Enroll your kids in a Latin dance workshop
Enroll your kids in a Latin dance workshop.
Start ‘em young! Sign your kids up for Latin Dance Workshop and they might have a knack for it!
12. Watch a yoga performance
Observe professional yogis in action at Sarawak famous Darul Hana Bridge Oct 6. On Oct 18, the yoga performance is happening at the Old Courthouse. After both of the performances, the public will have the chance to try some yoga moves. Do not miss out on this!
13. Gain an understanding on how to be a published writer
Do you have a manuscript tucked away somewhere in the corner of your room? Or have you always wanted to be a published writer? For two hours on Oct 7, bestseller Gina Yap will share about her journey.
14.Take in the knowledge of a poet
Marc Nair, a poet from Singapore will gives listeners a peak into his world of publishing poetry, taking photographs and more on Oct 7.
15. Familiarise yourself with Borneo beads
The beads of Sarawak can be considered as one of the state’s most precious heirlooms. Know more about beads of Sarawak by Heidi Munan on Oct 9.
16.Admire the beauty of Sarawak craft
From Oct 8 till 28, explore the beauty of Sarawak arts and Crafts at Pullman Hotel.
17. Grasp more about mental health problems in Kuching
Honestly here in Sarawak we do not talk enough about mental health. Join in the movement of raising awareness in conjunction of World Mental Health Day from Oct 10 till 14. There will be exhibitions, screening and forums.
18.Ignite your passion in Latin dance
Dance to Latin music with Sarawak sunset glowing on you on Oct 12 and 19 at Kuching Waterfront. Only for two days, there will be a showcase and free dance lesson from Baile Latino Kuching from 6.30pm to 7.30pm.
19.Spend an evening of music, art and coffee
Shades of Art is back in town on Oct 13! The 13th edition of this evening of music and arts is dedicated to the Ranee of Sarawak.
20. Watch local short independent films
For one night only on Oct 13 at The Garden@The Old Courthouse, there will be film screenings and sharing session.
21. Play some ping pong games
Sweat it out for some ping pong games at Plaza Merdeka on Oct 14-27.
22.Show your support to the artists from the Kuching Autistic Association
Give your support to the artists from the Kuching Autistic Association during this What About Kuching.
Walk through forty pieces of artworks from the talents of Kuching Autistic Association. The exhibition is happening on Oct 19 to 21 at Hilton Hotel.
23.Explore a cardboard city
Here is another activity to bring your kids! Explore the Cardboard city made from recycled cardboard on Oct 20 till 21.
24.Jam with the youths
Feel the young vibes of local youths at Kuching Youth Jam. This monthly gathering features exhibition and workshop for hip hop enthusiasts.
25.Party with the local hip hop scene
Another What About Kuching event for hip hop enthusiasts, Tha (this is not a spelling error) Block Party organised by Tha Project will highlight hip hop talents, break dancing and more.
26.Take a pint (or more) during an Oktoberfest
Forget about celebrating Oktoberfest in Germany and head down tHe Spring shopping mall. Enjoy your drinks and the live music for ten nights from Sept 29 till Oct 7.
27.Channel your inner Tony Hawk
What About Kuching is all out giving platforms to different kinds of communities in the city. One of these community is the skaters of Kuching. There will be workshops, competitions and booths during Skate About Kuching on Oct 21.
28.Celebrate Deepavali for three days
Although Deepavali is not a public holiday in Sarawak, it should not stop all Sarawakians to celebrate. Come together on Oct 26-28 at CityOne Megamall to celebrate with arts, fashion shows, Bollywood competition as well as cooking classes and contests.
29.Visit a flea market
Show your support to local artisans and entrepreneurs while watching live music at Green Heights Mall Halloween Flea.
30.Find a treasure at a trunk sale
The biggest pre-loved market in Kuching is back on Oct 27 till 28. Give new life to old items at Kuching Trunk Sale (Oct 27-28) at Emart Batu Kawa.
KUCHING, Aug 9: The inaugural Alta Moda Sarawak, a fashion showcase will place the spotlight on the work of at least 20 designers this Oct 25 to 27.
To be held at the old State Legislative Assembly building, the event aims to promote Sarawak as a state of diversity with different ethnics and cultures.
Speaking at a press conference on Aug 8, its chairperson Datin Esther Mujan Balan said Alta Moda Sarawak was a brand platform for Sarawak designers to come together to showcase their talents and creations in the field of arts, culture and crafts.
She said, “We are determined and focused for Alta Moda Sarawak to be a successful yearly event to promote Sarawak as a leading fashion hub in Southeast Asia and attract potential tourism traffic.
“The long term mission is to hold the event on an annual basis as part of Sarawak Tourism calendar with Sarawak Tourism Board as the main supporter and partner.”
The fashion event is expected to provide a rich insight into the world of fashion opportunities in Sarawak at both domestic and international levels.
This is done through diversified programs and activities that have been planned with the participation and support from local fashionistas, fashion interest group, celebrities, VVIPs, associate partners and media.
Esther stated, “We are hopeful through the support towards Alta Moda Sarawak 2018, this will be the next great Sarawak event to be reckoned with whilst promoting large multiethnics and multicultural of our people.”
The three-day event will gather young designers, promising designers who had some experiences as well designers who have established their names locally and internationally.
The press conference also featured a short runaway show to give the attendees snippets of what to expect during the event.
Among the designers that will be participating in the event are Anna Sue, Von Jolly Couture, Wan Bynun, Keith Sim, Paul Carling, Ben Nazry as well as Limkokwing University of Creative Technology and Universiti Sarawak Malaysia (Unimas).
Paul Carling (right) and his model. The Paul Carling label was founded in 2016 and originally known as Paul Carling Collections. The label focuses on bridal wear and fusions of modern mix wear incorporating mainly Borneo tribal motifs.A design from Limkokwing University of Creative Technology.Ben Nazry (left) and his model. He is a local designer known for his detailed and elegant work on couture and bridal gowns.A young designer from Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) and his model strutting down the runway.Aaron Von Jolly (left) walks down the runway with his model during the press conference.Widely known for her statement jewelries, Anna Sue (left) also has a pret-a-porte clothing line.
While the world celebrates Easter Sunday with eggs and bunnies, the Catholic community in rural Sungai Asap of Borneo took a spiritual turn of the celebration.
Like all Christians throughout the world, Easter Sunday for Sungai Asap folks was celebrated to mark the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
The Easter celebration for the Catholics in Sungai Asap was a spiritual experience.
Their celebration focused on the Easter Triduum – the period of three days beginning with the evening of Holy Thursday till Easter Sunday.
2018 marked the third year where Catholic devotees in the area came together at one longhouse for the weekend-long celebration.
This year, Uma Lahanan hosted the event, providing lodging and food for up to 1,000 participants. It had been held in Uma Sambop and Uma Apan back in 2016 and 2017 respectively.
To accommodate the high number of parishioners, a makeshift altar was built in the middle of the longhouse.
Some of them gathered there since Wednesday night (Apr 28) participating in activities throughout the weekend such as talks, prayers, a choir contest and bible quiz.
One of the activities in during the weekend was a choir contest.
On Holy Thursday, the service included the ritual Washing of the Feet inspired by Jesus who washed the feet of His 12 apostles during the Last Supper.
Then the service concluded with a procession of the Blessed Sacrament to St. Ambrose Church which is just a stone’s throw away from the longhouse.
The next day, Good Friday was celebrated in solemnity with fasting and prayers.
Easter vigil celebration
The highlight of the celebration was none other the Easter Vigil on Saturday night.
It consisted of four parts; including The Service of Light, The Liturgy of the Word, Christian Initiation and the Renewal of Baptismal Vows as well as the Eucharist.
During the vigil, a huge Easter fire was kindled right in the middle of Uma Lahanan’s open space.
Then, the celebrants Rev. Fr John Chia and Rev. Fr. Sylvester Ngau Juk blessed the Paschal candle before lighting it.
The main celebrants during the Easter Triduum were Rev. Fr. John (right) and Rev. Fr. Sylvester.
The candle will be used throughout the season of Easter. It is a period of fifty days from Easter Sunday to Pentecost Sunday.
Once the candle was lit, it was carried in complete darkness from the open space to the makeshift altar.
While the candle was proceeding, all the candles held by the parishioners were slowly lit from the Paschal candle.
Rev. Fr. Sylvester, then proceeded to chant the Easter Proclamation before the vigil continued with the Liturgy of the Word.
The vigil was also the time all the attendees renewed their baptismal promises. While newly recruited members or catechumens were baptised.
Finally, the four-day long Easter jubilation ended on Easter Sunday with a mass and a luncheon at the ruai.
Next year, the Easter celebration in Sungai Asap is expected to be held at the 101-door Kenyah longhouse of Long Bangan, Belaga.
Cathecumens ready to be baptised into the Catholic church on Easter vigil. Photo by Martin Ubung.
The Roman Catholic Community during the Easter Celebration
The congregation is mostly made of the Kayan, Kenyah, Lahanan, Ukit, Penan, Seping, Kejaman and other Orang Ulu tribes.
Some of the participating longhouses were Uma Balui Liko, Uma Bawang, Uma Badeng, Uma Sambop from different areas such as Long Urun, Sungai Seping, Tubau and Sungai Asap itself.
Most of the residents in Belaga are from the Borneo Evangelical Church (SIB) denomination.
At some of the longhouses like Uma Bawang, the residents were even divided into different blocks of longhouse according to their denominations.
Hundreds of Roman Catholics flocked to Uma Lahanan at Belaga to observe Good Friday on March 30.
Most of them came from the surrounding areas including Sungai Asap Resettlement Scheme, Long Urun, Sungai Seping, and Tubau.
Churchgoers started to congregate as early as 8am to say the Chaplet of the Divine Mercy.
It is a devotion based on the apparitions of Jesus reported by a Polish nun Saint Faustina Kowalska (1905-1938).
Congregations kneeling down at the final stop of Stations of the Cross during Good Friday observance.
Stations of the Cross on Good Friday
The final procession during the Stations of the Cross on Good Friday.
The day continued with the Stations of the Cross, a devotion to reflect Jesus Christ on the day of His crucifixion at Mount Calvary.
At 10am, all devotees went on for two-hour long procession in the hot sun starting from the Uma Lahanan longhouse to its main entrance.
The route was about 1.1km which took the congregation walking passed patches of pepper vines and oil palm trees.
Each of the station is consist of a wooden cross.
The faithful made their way from one station to another while saying prayers and singing hymns.
Altogether there were 14 stations with 14 wooden crosses placed along the route.
The stations started with Pilate condemning Jesus to death, ending with Jesus’ body being placed in the tomb.
Some congregation members were seen walking barefooted on the hot, tarred road.
As Belaga is predominantly made up of Orang Ulu tribes, some parishioners wore hong (sun hat in Kayan) or sa’ong (sun hat in Kenyah) to protect them from the noonday heat.
Parishioners wearing hong or sa’ong during the Stations of the Cross.
Good Friday Service
The Veneration of the Cross during Good Friday service.
The highlight of the Good Friday observance was its main service at 3pm held at the ‘ruai’ of the longhouse.
There, the makeshift altar was bare with no candles or flowers as it was a solemn day for reflection and fasting.
Reverend Fr. John Chia and Reverend Fr. Sylvester Ngau Juk were the celebrants of the service.
The service was divided into three parts; Liturgy of the Word, Veneration of the Cross, and Holy Communion.
Other activities held on the day were bible quizzes and a drama competition based on the Passion of Christ depicting Jesus’ trial, suffering and death.
One of the outfits which stood out during the show. The model looks like she just walked out of a fairy tale.
Romyda_KL sashayed its way to East Malaysia on March 25 with a vibrant runway show containing all the label’s signature styles in a spectrum of colours.
The fashion brand which combines the prowess of Cambodian designer Romyda Keth and Malaysian PR maven Selina Yeop Jr featured 40 various style of outfits with the naturally well-lit Cha Bo Restaurant as its backdrop.
Citing Victoria Beckham as her favourite fashion icon, Selina said her brand was all about exuding a woman’s confidence.
Selina shared, “I made this collection specifically for Kuching. The concept of Romyda_KL is always about embracing the feminine form. It is about how women should be confident, showing off their silhouettes.”
Selina (fifth right) rocking the runway with her models during the debut show of Romyda_KL in Kuching.
Romyda_KL, a brand for all confident women out there
From figure hugging dresses that perfectly mould to the female form, to A-line dresses and jackets that stand out in any crowd, Romyda_KL’s designs are distinctive and can be recognised at a glance.
Romyda_KL carries a strong sense of colour throughout its designs as well as a handcrafted aesthetic shown through the ribbons hand embroidered in a criss-cross fashion on almost every dress.
The brand also carries very limited sizes for each outfit to keep things exclusive so fashionistas won’t have to worry about bumping into someone wearing the same dress.
Their styles embrace an increasingly global trend of modest fashion by featuring long dresses and flowing silhouettes.
Romyda_KL also took the opportunity to feature its latest modest collection, Romyda_KL Modest Couture collection.
This elegant collection is notably more demure, gently embracing a woman’s curves while giving it an edgy modesty.
Selina, wearing her own design from Romyda_KL, said her brand is all about boosting a woman’s confidence.
Selina assured that every design was made to be worn regardless of age, shape or size.
Furthermore, these outfits are perfect to transition from day to night effortlessly. This allows a busy woman to leave work and go straight off to any function in style.
On her future plans in introducing Romyda_KL to other places, Selina said: “Wherever I have interesting market which receptive to my clothes, I am more than happy.”
With a combination of beautiful materials, timeless designs and exquisite craftsmanship, Romyda_KL is perfect for modern society ladies.
To view the latest collection by Romyda_KL (by appointment only) at The Conversation Studio, No.9, Lorong Beluntas 2, Medan Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur or call 012-6653508.
The launch of Apple Fox Cider in Kuching by Marketing Manager of Heineken Malaysia Berhad Loh Ee Lin (third left) and Channel Execution Manager Billy Low Kuek Yaw (second right) on Sept 25.
Hello Sarawak! There is a new fox in town and it is called Apple Fox Cider!
Available in East Malaysia from October 2017 onwards, the New Zealand-inspired cider is a new addition to Heineken Malaysia Berhad’s line of global brands.
According to Heineken Malaysia Berhad Marketing Manager Loh Ee Lin, a growing number of consumers globally are discovering the appeal of cider.
“We strive to present the best ciders that fulfills this demand. Apple Fox complements our cider portfolio, offering the best secrets of cider making at attractive pricing for everyone to enjoy.”
The product which was already launched in West Malaysia last August, enjoyed its official debut in East Malaysia at Magazzino Bistro and Restaurant on Sept 25.
The event was attended by local celebrities, media practitioners, social media influencers and business owners who became the first group of people in East Malaysia to try the crisp and refreshing drink.
Local talents Two of Us featuring Mozaik were also there to entertain the crowd.
So what about #Whatthefox
Apple Fox Cider in its den!
Perfect for those afternoon pick-ups, Apple Fox Cider is a straight-up, instant refreshment with a contemporary and bold edge.
With 45% of its content made up of apple juice concentrate, the cider captures the perfect blend of the sweet and sour flavours of an apple.
It is very smooth to sip and even smoother to drink when served on ice.
Said to be made from the freshest selection of crisp and tart apples, Apple Fox Cider contains 4.5% ABV (alcohol by volume) and delivers an instant refreshing taste.
Apple Fox is available in 320ml cans and 325ml bottles. It will be available at hypermarkets, supermarkets and convenience stores, also in bars, pubs and restaurants.
A special introductory price from RM5.80 per can will be offered for a limited time to celebrate the launch of Apple Fox Cider in Malaysia.
Keep updated by following Apple Fox Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/applefoxmy & Instagram @AppleFox_MY or visit www.applefox.com.
Don’t forget to hashtag #WhatTheFox and #AppleFoxCider while enjoying your Apple Fox with friends.
Two of Us and Mozaik performed together to entertain the crowd.
Some of the attendees at the launching.
Happy faces who tried the Apple Cider Fox
Some of the local media practitoners who attended the event.
Be it exploring something new or to re-learn our history, the documentaries brought by National Geographic have drawn Lukmann Haqeem to be part of the conservation world.
Working as senior field biologist in WWF-Malaysia under the Sarawak Conservation Programme, Lukmann reminisced, “The show instills the desire to explore nature in me. I have always liked the idea of becoming a pioneer and taking human civilisation to a new level.”
When he was in secondary school, he developed an interest in Biology. During his final year of high school, he won the overall best student for the subject. This propelled Lukmann to pursue his studies in Ecology and Biodiversity at the University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur.
“I figured that I will do something that I’m good at and passionate about at the same time. Becoming a field biologist is like a dream come true as it incorporates both exploring nature and my love for biology,” said the 29-year old conservationist.
Lukmann, who is fondly known as Bob, now spends most of his time researching wild animals, especially orangutans. He began developing an interest in working with orangutans after watching several documentaries on the charismatic species.
“Although orangutans are popular animals, not much is known about them. I decided to study them because I wanted to find out the answers myself.”
He also mentioned that the orangutan has the slowest breeding rate of any primate and is one of the most slow-breeding mammals. The interval between one birth to the next can be as little as three years or as long as eight years.
“That is why it is important to conserve them. There is no certainty on when the next generation will be born. The death of an orangutan is always a big loss to their community,” he added.
He usually spends about two and a half months to complete a survey on orangutan nests. Within that period, he will conduct three sets of field surveys, about two to three weeks for each survey with short breaks in between.
Like any other field biologist, Bob also faces many challenges. In Sarawak, the orangutan lives in rugged terrains and so Bob has to hike up and down several mountains before reaching any orangutan habitat. Besides that, he also needs to carry his own supplies into the jungle which can weigh more than 20kg.
“Another challenge will be with the orangutans themselves. They are elusive and very hard to detect. Orangutans are known to hide themselves among the canopy when they sense potential danger. Sometimes it takes me weeks before actually seeing one.”
Currently, Bob is assisting in a new transboundary green economy project area in the Heart of Borneo (HoB), funded under the International Climate Initiative (IKI), Federal Ministry for the Environment Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety of Germany.
This two-million hectare site stretches from central Sarawak, Malaysia to northern West Kalimantan, Indonesia. The project site in Sarawak includes two important orangutan areas which are also biologically rich – Batang Ai National Park and Lanjak-Entimau Wildlife Sanctuary.
One of Bob’s tasks is to investigate species presence within the HoB landscape, and to advocate for the conservation of areas where they are found so that they can have the opportunity to thrive.
“Both sites are where most orangutans in Sarawak live. Although they live in protected areas, they don’t know what a boundary is. There are always possibilities that they will travel outside the protected areas and into the hands of hunters and poachers,” he explains.
Currently there are about 1,600 orangutans left in Sarawak. This figure is nothing compared to 11,000 orangutans found in neighbouring state of Sabah.
Bob hopes that his efforts, along with that of other experts and stakeholders, will help the orangutan population in Sarawak continue to thrive for posterity.
In Sarawak, some communities, like the Ibans, have a cultural connection with orangutans. The orangutan is revered by them as they believe that humans either are descended from the orangutan, or they turned into orangutans when they die. It is also a taboo to kill orangutans according to the Iban native law.
“The people in Batang Ai still practise this cultural connection and hence orangutans are able to survive there. However, this connection has diminished in other places and orangutans have been wiped out as a result of habitat destruction and illegal killing.”
“I hope our conservation efforts will help people to re-establish their culture and connection with orangutans. With the taboo in place, orangutan populations will hopefully recover naturally and they can live harmoniously with these communities,” he said.
The orangutan is Asia’s only great ape and is found only on the islands of Borneo and Sumatra. In Malaysia, the orangutan sub-species, Pongo pygmaeus pygmaeus, occurs in Sarawak and West Kalimantan; and Pongo pygmaeus morio occurs in Sabah and East Kalimantan. In Sarawak, most orangutans occur mainly in protected areas, but incidental poaching cannot be totally ruled out due to lack of management presence in many of the orangutans’ habitats and protected areas. The orangutan is classified as Totally Protected under the Sarawak Wild Life Protection Ordinance (1998).
Breeze Malaysia collaborates with Global Peace Foundation for it’s Water Treatment Campaign to benefit 1,050 people with access to clean water
The happy faces of the Kampung Nalasaran and Kampung Padang kids after getting access to clean drinking water with the new water filters sponsored by Breeze in partnership with Global Peace Foundation (GPF).
KUALA LUMPUR, 15 May 2017: As part of its commitment to sustainable living, Breeze Malaysia is bringing access to clean water to 1,050 villagers in Sabah, in partnership with Global Peace Foundation.
Breeze Malaysia through its Water Treatment Campaign held late last year successfully raised RM50,000 in contributions. For every Breeze laundry detergent purchased, RM1 was set aside.
All funds collected has been used to install new water filtration systems for Kampung Nalasaran, Kampung Padang, Nabawan and a school in the area – Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Sepulut. Over 23 water filtrations systems were installed within these locations which will benefit 385 residents in the villages and more than 700 students of SMK Sepulut.
Students of SMK Sepulut in Sabah having their first drink of clean filtered water at their school.
Vincent Chong, Marketing Director, Unilever (Malaysia) Holdings Sdn Bhd said, “Water is a fundamental need for every human being and it is devastating to see that some people still do not have access to clean drinking water. At Breeze, we want to be able to assist the communities in getting safe, treated clean water which will in turn encourage good health and hygiene practices.
Moreover, the water treatment campaign also stems from the Unilever Sustainable Living Plan, a global commitment made by the company to help 1 billion people to improve their health and well-being by 2020. On this note, we are also grateful to the customers of Breeze and the Global Peace Foundation who shares our vision in making sustainable living commonplace and work together in driving sustainable change for the community.”
Previously, the villagers relied on hilltop gravity-fed water for their daily usage. Water is collected from the hilltop using self-made pipes and on rainy days or wet season, the water quality gets worse as it gets polluted with dirt and other debris flowing through the pipes.
The villagers helping with the set-up of the water filter.
Meanwhile for SMK Sepulut, the school which has dormitories for its students had to source for water from a nearby river. Due to the lack of treated pipe water, the students had to purchase drinking water from a vending machine at their canteen.
In line with the installation, Breeze and Global Peace Foundation also provided training for the communities on the usage and maintenance of the water filter.
“For people in these communities, they had to make do with the water source they can access to, regardless of quality and safety of the water. Often the women had to carry heavy buckets of water for daily usage. Drinking untreated water carries a lot of health risks such as water-borne diseases like cholera or diarrhea. Thus providing the water filtration system will definitely improve their health and social well-being,” said Dr Teh Su Thye, Chief Executive Officer of Global Peace Foundation.
[Standing] Dr Teh Su Thye, Chief Executive Officer of Global Peace Foundation explaining the usage and maintenance of the water filter provided by Breeze and Global Peace Foundation to the community at the training.“The water filtration system is simple in design and easy to use. It requires no electricity and comes with an ultrafiltration membrane cartridge to remove 99 per cent of particles, bacteria and other microbial debris to allow clean, purified water of between 70,000 -100,000 litres to last for several years,” added Dr Teh.
“We have been struggling for years over the issue of clean water. Now that we have the new water filter, we don’t have to worry about this anymore. Thanks to Breeze Malaysia and Global Peace Foundation for their assistance,” said Sidin Andin from Kampung Padang.
For more information, log on to Breeze Malaysia’s Facebook page: www.facebook.com/breezemalaysia.
[Middle, seventh from left] Dr Teh Su Thye, Chief Executive Officer of Global Peace Foundation on behalf of Breeze, presenting the LifeStraw® water filter to the villagers in Sabah.
![[Standing] Dr Teh Su Thye, Chief Executive Officer of Global Peace Foundation explaining the usage and maintenance of the water filter provided by Breeze and Global Peace Foundation to the community at the training.](http://kajomag.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Breeze-GPF-Dr-Teh-Su-Thye-2.jpg)
![[Middle, seventh from left] Dr Teh Su Thye, Chief Executive Officer of Global Peace Foundation on behalf of Breeze, presenting the LifeStraw® water filter to the villagers in Sabah.](http://kajomag.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Breeze-GPF-Dr-Teh-Su-Thye.jpg)
