By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, May 19: Sarawak Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah has brushed off criticisms over the hornbill design featured on Affin Bank’s Kenyalang Debit Card, saying the matter is being blown out of proportion.
Commenting on the issue today, Abdul Karim said Affin Bank’s decision to feature a hornbill should be welcomed as a well-intentioned move to symbolise Sarawak’s identity—regardless of the specific hornbill species depicted.
“Personally, I see that it should not have been made into an issue. There are so many varieties of hornbill. The intention is to have a hornbill on the debit card. What they’ve done is something good,” he told reporters when met after the commencement of the first day of Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) sitting at DUS Complex here.
He stressed that people should not fixate on whether the hornbill’s horn curves upward or downward, or whether it is the exact species found in the State crest.
“The moment you see that bird, you know it is a hornbill—so what is the issue there? Why must it be ‘this hornbill’ or ‘that hornbill’? I think people are making a mountain out of a molehill,” he added.
Abdul Karim, who is also Sarawak Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development, further responded to concerns that the hornbill design may not reflect the official emblem of Sarawak, which features the rhinoceros hornbill.
“Well, what bird is associated with Sarawak? It’s a hornbill. We never stated it must be a rhinoceros hornbill specifically. It’s still a hornbill,” he said.
He also called out Pending assemblywoman Violet Yong for raising the issue, describing it as “very, very petty.”
“There are many other issues that can be raised—ones that affect the people. But the hornbill on a debit card should not be one of them. It is just too petty,” he voiced out.
Drawing parallels to previous designs, Abdul Karim mentioned the Malaysian Games (Sukma) mascot which also took creative liberties with the appearance of the hornbill.
“You look at the SUKMA mascot—it’s a hornbill too. It doesn’t have to be an exact replica of the original bird, but when you see it, you know it represents Sarawak. The same goes for the card,” he explained.
He concluded by thanking Affin Bank for launching the Kenyalang card exclusively for Sarawak, saying the initiative reflects a good and sincere intention.
“We should applaud and thank Affin for doing something like that. It’s a card made only for Sarawak, with good intentions,” he emphasised.
The controversy began after Affin Bank launched its limited edition Kenyalang Debit Card, which features a stylised hornbill design, in April last month.
The design drew public criticism, particularly from Pending assemblywoman Violet Yong, who, during a Democratic Action Party (DAP) Sarawak fundraising dinner on May 15, argued that the illustration did not resemble the species typically associated with Sarawak’s identity. This sparked debate over cultural representation and attention to detail in corporate branding.
This morning (May 19), Affin Bank, through a statement, clarified that the Kenyalang Card was thoughtfully created to reflect Sarawak’s identity, heritage, and strength—drawing inspiration from the Jata Negeri Sarawak (Coat of Arms of Sarawak) and the State flag.
The card’s colour palette of black, white, and yellow gold mirrors the State flag, blending modern elegance with traditional values.
“To harmonise the bold black background, yellow gold stripes were incorporated as a visual adaptation of the hornbill’s graceful wings, adding contrast and balance to the design.
“The artistic motifs are influenced by Sarawak’s rich cultural artistry, paying homage to its legacy while embracing a contemporary aesthetic,” the statement explained. – DayakDaily
