We scrolled back through this year’s news so that you don’t have to.
There are only a few weeks left before this year is over and here are some of the top news in Sarawak in 2018.
- Larissa Ping Liew is Miss World Malaysia 2018
Larissa beat 11 other contestants, also winnning Top Talent and Miss Photogenic award.
Born in Kuching, the Chinese-Kenyah lass will represent Malaysia at the 68th Miss World 2018 in Sanya, China on December 8th.
- Rabies
Another top news in Sarawak in 2018 that dominated headlines (unfortunately) is the rabies outbreak.
Since the first outbreak last year, 12 people have been reported dead and 110, 000 stray dogs have been removed by 26 local council as of November 14th.
In efforts to control the rabies outbreak, the Sarawak government has carried out mass anti-rabies vaccination drives. You can check the Sarawak Disaster Info site here for the next round or go to any Sarawak Veterinary Division office and get your dog vaccinated for RM25.
New dog licensing and control by-laws will also come into effect on Dec 1, so consult your respective city councils and get your dogs registered.
- Sarawak LRT news
Earlier this year, there was some buzz when it was announced that Sarawak could have its first LRT by 2024. The first LRT was to cover congested routes like Samarahan and downtown Kuching.
It was announced later, however, that the LRT project would be put on hold to focus on rural development.
- The 14th General Election (GE14)
News on GE14 made headlines not only in Sarawak but across the globe.
Sarawak was put under the spotlight during one of the most memorable moments during GE14 when political analyst Karim Raslan took a swipe at Election Commission chairman Tan Sri Mohd Hashim Abdullah on TV for the delay in delivering the polling results.
Karim was quoted saying:
“We’ve all been waiting for you to make these announcements and there are 47 seats to come. And what is going on in Sabah? We’ve been asking this. How is that Sarawak, this enormous state, the head of the SPR, could have sorted it all out?”
Dubbed the most historical Malaysia election, GE14 saw the end of the country ruling party’s administration after being in power for 60 years.
- The Sarawak Report Book
After the ban was lifted on whistleblower website Sarawak Report, its founder Claire Rewcastle Brown released her expose on 1MDB this year.
The 528-page The Sarawak Report: The Inside Story Of The 1MDB details evidence of money trails leading to the allegation that billions of dollars were stolen from 1MDB.
- Anthony Bourdain’s passing
Hearts were broken everywhere when traveller Anthony Bourdain passed away on June 8 from suicide.
As one of the most beloved TV personalities and celebrity chefs, Anthony has a special place in Sarawakians’ hearts.
His death became one of the top news in Sarawak in 2018 when people shared emotional tributes to him all around social media.
He not only put Sarawak on the CNN screen for the world to see, he joyfully embraced our local favorite dish, laksa, and the longhouse life as he celebrated Gawai with the people of Rh Entalau in Ulu Skrang.
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=2051259341784353&id=1467558563487770
- NatGeo picks Sarawak as one of 2018’s best summer destinations
National Geographic picked Sarawak as one of the best summer destinations in 2018.
Click here to read the full description of Sarawak to know why it is one of the best summer destinations this year.
- Hiker found alive after going missing for six days
For almost a week, Sarawakians followed the news of 22-year-old Stanley Kho who went missing when he went off on a hike at Mount Singai in Bau.
He was found alive but dehydrated six days later with a curious tale. It was reported that Stanley told his rescuers that he followed a “beautiful woman resembling a princess” who gave him flowers plucked from the forest until the night before they discovered him.
- Henry Golding from Crazy Rich Asians
Boy-next-door Henry Golding is basically Sarawak’s latest sweetheart.
The British-Iban actor became one of the top news in Sarawak this year when he was announced to star as one of the main leads in Crazy Rich Asians.
He also landed a hot role in A Simple Favor (2018) alongside Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively which is currently in theatres.
But if you want to know more about his Sarawak roots, then check out his documentary called Surviving Borneo.
