Sarawak’s defining moments in 2023: From Agong’s Borneo tour, record-breaking revenue, groundbreaking laws, to K-pop frenzy

A collage of photos of moments that defined Sarawak in 2023.

By Karen Bong

KUCHING, Dec 31: As we bid farewell to the passing year, it is time to reflect on the moments that have etched their significance on the chapters of 2023 in Sarawak.

Sarawak witnessed a year filled with triumphs, challenges, and transformative events that left an indelible mark on its history. While the once-unthinkable notion of living with the Covid-19 virus became a daily reality, another challenge emerged—the rising cost of living and goods.

Yet, amidst these trials, Sarawak not only endured but thrived, upholding stability, unity, and harmony with remarkable resilience and minimal disruptions. Despite the adversities, the region demonstrated a capacity to transcend the challenges of the times.

From Agong’s Tour of Borneo to Sarawak’s record-breaking revenue, let’s delve into the moments that have defined this remarkable year.

Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) prototype vehicle debut

The world’s first hydrogen-powered Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) prototype vehicle arrived in Kuching from China on Aug 5 and subsequently underwent a comprehensive assembly process for two weeks at the Senari Port Terminal.

The historic engineering run took place on Aug 23 at Isthmus, leaving spectators and motorists in awe. Covering more than 5,400 kilometres from August to October, the prototype showcased its capabilities.

Abang Johari tapping an ART travel pass when entering the prototype vehicle as he takes a test ride of the vehicle along the Isthmus on Sept 6, 2023.

The ART vehicle stopping in front of SEDC Tower to pick up Abang Johari and other distinguished guests on Sept 6, 2023.

From Nov 20 to Dec 15, the proof-of-concept (POC) exercise unfolded along a dedicated three-kilometre stretch of lane on the Kuching-Samarahan Expressway.

Both exercises were conducted successfully, marking a significant step forward in autonomous and green mobility in Sarawak.

Malaysia’s tallest flag pole in Sarawak

The tallest flagpole in Malaysia and Southeast Asia, standing at 99-metre near the iconic Fort Margherita and the golden Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) Complex, overlooking the Sarawak River, including its surrounding landscape featuring an English-style tea house and a water cascade has been completed.

On June 17, the sight of the Sarawak flag soaring high above the cityscape against the clear blue sky evoked a deep sense of patriotism and admiration among onlookers. The giant Sarawak flag boasts a dimension of 312.5 square metres (25m x 12.5m).

The tallest flagpole standing next to DUN Sarawak illuminated during the rehearsal for the New Year 2024 celebration countdown on Dec 29, 2023.

This new landmark, costing RM30 million, has swiftly become a captivating structure and a must-visit tourist attraction, symbolising the Sarawakian people’s sovereignty, pride, unity, patriotism, and aspirations.

Its grand inauguration is set for tomorrow (Dec 31) during the New Year 2024 celebration countdown at the Kuching Waterfront, where Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg is expected to reveal its name.

Royal family’s Tour of Borneo

Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah embarked on the inaugural ‘Kembara Kenali Borneo’ road trip along Pan Borneo Highway from Sept 3 to 13 to get to known Sabahans and Sarawakians.

Driving primarily on his own, covering 2,154 kilometres from Tawau, Sabah to Telok Melano, Sarawak, Their Majesties’ were accompanied by their children namely the Regent of Pahang Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, Tengku Panglima Raja Colonel Tengku Amir Nasser Ibrahim Shah, and Tengku Ahmad Ismail Mu’adzam Shah.

The King kissing a child presenting a flower bouquet to him on the forehead during the State banquet held to welcome him in conjunction with His Highness’s Kembara Kenali Borneo. (Photo credit: Jabatan Penerangan Malaysia)

Agong (third row, fourth right) photographed with other guests and Miri people at Bungai Bekenu Beach, Miri, on Sept 10, 2023. Photo credit: Ukas

The warm reception from the people of Borneo was extraordinary, with thousands lining the streets at various stops to welcome and meet the royal couple known for their humility. The Queen was moved to tears at some stops, touched by people waiting for them in the rain.

The King and Queen embraced endearing monikers like ‘Pak Cik Agong’, ‘Abang Agong’, and ‘Gong Gong Gong’, joined in traditional dances, took wefies, serenade Sibu folk with ‘Pesanan Buat Kekasih’ and ‘Gurindam Jiwa’ songs, set foot in a 53-doors longhouse at Rh Raymond Plen in Sebauh, stopped by roadside to eat ‘nasi bungkus’, proudly proclaimed Tengku Hassanal is still single, and helped a teacher in Betong to name her future child.

At the trip’s conclusion, Agong expressed that the memories and the people will forever hold a special place in his heart.

Jepak by-election and notable figures who died in 2023

On September 15, Jepak assemblyman Datuk Talib Zulpilip passed away at the age of 72 due to health complications.

The vacant seat prompted a by-election, and the polling date was set for Nov 4. The three-cornered contest featured Gabungan Parti Sarawak’s (GPS) Iskandar Turkee from Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Sarawak (PBB), Parti Aspirasi Sarawak’s (Aspirasi) Chieng Lea Phing, and Parti Bumi Kenyalang’s (PBK) Stevenson Joseph Sumbang.

GPS leaders raising their hands to celebrate the victory of the coalition’s candidate Iskandar (third left) at Bintulu Civic Centre, the counting centre of the Jepak by-election, which polled on Nov 4, 2023. (From left) Pang, Awang Tengah, Iskandar, Abang Johari and Rosey.

Iskandar, a former anti-drugs agency director, retained Jepak for GPS after he secured 9,638 votes in the by-election to win with a majority of 8,784 votes, which was more than double garnered by the coalition in the Sarawak election two years ago.

In 2023, Sarawak bid farewell to other notable figures, including former two-term Saratok MP Jelaing Mersat on Sept 1, former Katibas assemblyman Dato Sri Ambrose Blikau Enturan on Sept 9, and former Sarawak Secretary Tan Sri Datuk Amar Bujang Mohd Nor on Oct 10.

Sarawak: A land of festivals and concerts

The calendar in 2023 was punctuated by a vibrant array of festivals and concerts in Sarawak. The Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF), held on June 23-25 at the Sarawak Cultural Village (SCV), concluded with a spectacular record, entering the Malaysia Book of Records (MBOR) for the most percussionists playing simultaneously at a music festival, attracting 20,000 festivalgoers.

A group photo of participants in the successful attempt to set the MBR record for the most number of percussionists playing at a music festival during RWMF 2023 at Sarawak Cultural Village on June 25, 2023.

The crowd photographed during Konsert Rakyat at Padang Merdeka, Kuching on July 22, 2023.

On July 22’s Sarawak Day celebration, an astounding crowd of 30,000 people flooded Padang Merdeka for the Konsert Rakyat, which featured artistes including Malaysia rock legend Dato Awie, rapper Joe Flizzow, girl band Dolla, Floor 88 band and Indonesian band Ungu who hyped up the atmosphere by delivering 12 songs.

K-pop idol Rain captivated Kuching on Aug 4 at the historical Old Courthouse as part of the Asean International Film Festival and Awards (AIFFA) Sarawak 2023 Celebrity Star Meet and Greet, drawing hundreds of fans.

The atmosphere in Old Courthouse was infectious when Rain finally made his appearance.

Taeyang performs during the Borneo Sonic Music Festival at Sarawak Stadium, Kuching, on Oct 7, 2023.

The Borneo Sonic 2023 festival on Oct 6-7 at Sarawak Stadium made history as the first and grandest music extravaganza of its kind in Borneo. The dynamic lineup featured not only local and international artists, including legendary American rapper Fatman Scoop, but also popular K-pop stars Taeyang of Big Bang, CL of 2NE1, Suho of EXO, and Hyo of Girls’ Generation, creating an unforgettable musical experience.

DayakDaily activities

D’Drift 2023, DayakDaily’s fourth annual Statewide road trip from March 22 to 31, successfully covered 2,900 kilometres across 15 districts and sub-districts, visiting 12 forts. The exploration journey included stops at Fort Margherita, Fort Long Akah, Fort Lio Mato, Fort Hose, Fort Limbang, Fort Emma, Fort Sylvia, Fort Brooke, Fort Charles, Fort Lily, Fort Arundell, and Fort Alice.

Abdul Karim (3rd left) flagging off the D’Drift 2023 team on March 22, 2023.

On July 9, the ‘Sunday Morning with Premier 2.0: Dialogue Session with Young Entrepreneurs on New Economy’ attracted 130 young Sarawakian entrepreneurs and government officials, providing them with a direct engagement opportunity with Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg regarding Sarawak’s future.

In addition to the Q&A session, ten participants had the unique opportunity to have lunch with Abang Johari for further interactions.

Abang Johari (centre) lunching with ten lucky draw winners at the Sunday Morning with Premier 2.0 dialogue session held at Imperial Hotel, Kuching on July 9, 2023.

DayakDaily also successfully organised its inaugural ‘Magnificent Sarawak: An Unforgettable Trip’ writing competition from July 14 to Oct 6. This competition allowed Sarawakians to share their most unforgettable trip stories in exchange for enticing cash prizes, with submissions totalling 153. Entries were categorised into 106 under the Adult Category (19 years old and above) and 47 under the Youth Category (12 to 18 years old).

Lee presents the Journalism Award to Ashikin on behalf of the DayakDaily team while Federation of Sarawak Journalists Associations (FSJA) president Andy Jong looks on at the 35th Kenyalang Journalism Awards (KJA) in Miri on Nov 24, 2023.

Furthermore, DayakDaily achieved recognition at the 35th Kenyalang Journalism Awards held in Miri on Nov 24, securing two gold, two silver, and one bronze awards, along with the prestigious Premier Sarawak Award for English language.

Groundbreaking laws going into effect in Sarawak

In a historic move, Sarawak became the first state in Malaysia to enact two landmark laws on ombudsmen and greenhouse gas emissions during the November sitting of the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN). Both bills were successfully passed on Nov 20.

The Sarawak Ombudsman Bill 2023 aims to bolster transparency and accountability within Sarawak’s public service agencies by empowering the public to report maladministration to the ombudsman. The Sarawak Ombudsman will be led by a Chief Ombudsman and a Deputy Chief Ombudsman, along with three to five other ombudsmen.

Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting. File photo.

Simultaneously, the passing of the Environment (Reduction of Greenhouse Emission) Bill 2023 will pave the way for Sarawak to have its own comprehensive regulatory framework for clean and renewable energy, including carbon credits, carbon levy and carbon emission threshold.

Noting that Malaysia’s Parliament has yet to pass any climate change laws, this new law demonstrated the Sarawak government’s commitment to promote sustainable practices and achieve a net-zero future.

A photo of a Petros lorry transporting the LPG gas cylinders to houses. Photo Credit: Petros

In addition to these groundbreaking laws, the Sarawak Distribution of Gas (Amendment) Bill 2023 designated Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros) as the sole distributor of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in Sarawak, effective Dec 1, 2023. Through its retail arm, PetrosNiaga, Petros now holds full control over the LPG market in Sarawak.

Largest Sarawak Budget 2024 and record-breaking revenue

During the DUN Sitting on Nov 20, Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg unveiled the largest budget in Sarawak’s history, amounting to RM12.363 billion for 2024—an 18 per cent increase compared to the previous year’s budget of RM10.8 billion. The budget is anticipated to generate a surplus of RM386 million.

Abang Jo speaking at the Anglican Christmas Open House event held at St Thomas’ Cathedral Parish Hall in Kuching on Dec 25, 2023.

At the Christmas open house on Dec 25 at St Thomas’s Cathedral in Kuching, Abang Johari announced that Sarawak had achieved a record-breaking revenue of RM13.1 billion for 2023. This remarkable performance surpassed expectations of RM12.7 billion and was attributed to dividends received by Sarawak in the same month.

Enforcement landscape, major cases or investigations

On Dec 19, a contract worker from the Sibu Municipal Council made a startling discovery while cleaning a drain in Jalan Bukit Assek in Sibu—a skull believed to be that of a human adult. This find sent shockwaves through nearby residential areas.

Police officers at the site where the human skull was discovered.

In response, a team comprising police, forensic experts, and doctors from Sibu Hospital was deployed. Three days later, on Dec 22, 83 human bone fragments were recovered. Sibu district police chief Assistant Commissioner Zulkipli Suhaili reported that DNA samples from the remains would undergo analysis at the Chemistry Department’s Forensic Unit. The case has been classified as a sudden death, and investigations are ongoing. As of now, the identity of the remains remains unknown.

Mancha (left) poses with Abang Johari in the latter’s office. Photo courtesy of TVS

In a historic appointment, Dato Mancha Ata became the first Iban to serve as Sarawak Commissioner of Police, carrying the esteemed title of ‘Bujang Berani’.

Covid-19 and rabies

Concerns over public health emerged as Sarawak witnessed a surge in rabies cases, with a total of 18 cases reported, including 16 deaths, from January to Dec 13. This marked a 28.6 per cent increase compared to the 14 cases reported during the same period in 2022.

Since the outbreak was declared in July 2017, Sarawak has seen a cumulative total of 73 human rabies cases, resulting in 66 deaths.

Dog owners bringing their pets to be vaccinated against rabies during a campaign at the MBKS community hall in Kuching on Nov 11, 2023.

Simultaneously, the region faced an uptick in Covid-19 cases, recording 995 active cases as of Dec 23. Despite the increase, the Ministry of Health emphasised that the Covid-19 situation in Malaysia remains under control, with no plans to reintroduce movement restrictions.

In anticipation of a potential surge, the Sarawak government approved a sum of RM4.85 million for the State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC), including RM2.1 million to replenish 800 packs of Paxlovid, an oral anti-viral medication for Covid-19.

Uggah (centre) flanked by Buckland to his right and left Dr Veronica holding up an informative leaflet on the Paxlovid pill after a press conference at his ministry today.

The allocations are to cover the construction of an 88-bed field hospital at Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) (RM2 million), the replenishment of Rapid Test Kits (RTK) (RM300,000), and the setup of canopies at hospitals and clinics (RM450,000). — DayakDaily