‘Ibu Pertiwi flagpole part of larger complex,’ Minister explains RM30 mln cost

The Sarawak flag at Dataran Ibu Pertiwiku waves majestically against a serene blue sky. Photo credit: Karen Bong

By Shikin Louis

KUCHING, March 12: Sarawak Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah has clarified that the RM30 million Ibu Pertiwi flagpole in Kuching is part of a larger development complex, and cannot be directly compared to other states’ flagpoles.

Responding to criticisms on social media comparing Sarawak’s 99-metre flagpole with a 120-metre flagpole built in Selangor reportedly costing RM8.5 million, Abdul Karim said the Sarawak flagpole is not just a standalone structure, but includes a cascading water feature and other components that contribute to the overall cost.

“Sometimes you cannot compare. If you compare Mercedes and BMW with Proton cars, the price is different. They can still bring you to the same destination, but the cost is different.

“If we look at Sarawak, our flagpole is not just a flagpole. It is a whole complex including the water cascading feature,” he told reporters during a press conference after officiating the soft launch of the Borneo Global Meditourism Congress and Expo 2026 at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here today.

At the same time, Abdul Karim clarified that the project was funded by Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS), Shell, and Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (PETROS), although he acknowledged that the portion of funds from PETROS ultimately originates from the State’s resources.

Despite the newly erected Selangor flagpole surpassing Sarawak’s as the tallest in Malaysia and Southeast Asia, Abdul Karim described such developments as positive and a sign of healthy progress.

He cited a visit by Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, during the Rainforest World Music Festival, saying the ruler was impressed by the Ibu Pertiwi flagpole.

“After he came for the festival, he was fascinated with the flagpole. Soon after that, he called his Cabinet Exco and said he wanted something like Sarawak’s, but higher. I already know this because the Selangor Exco told me,” he revealed.

Abdul Karim added that the flagpole has since become a landmark for Sarawak, attracting attention from visitors and other states, and symbolising the State’s unique approach to public projects. — DayakDaily