By Karen Bong
SIBU, July 22: Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg rode a scooter to the University of Technology Sarawak (UTS) campus today to attend a Townhall Session in conjunction with Sarawak Day celebration, where he later shared insights into his simple lifestyle, daily routine and favourite traditional foods.
Abang Johari said his energy came from maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including taking care of his diet and eating simple meals.
“My breakfast begins with prayer. In Islam, when I pray at dawn, I ask for Sarawak to always remain peaceful and prosperous. I pray that our people will live well, and seek sustenance for the State and our people. That is my first breakfast,” he shared.
He added that his second breakfast would usually be toast and half-boiled eggs, which many believe provide energy.
“Whether that is true or not, ask a doctor. But so far, so good. I have the energy to use a motorcycle here,” he said jokingly.
Abang Johari also shared that his favourite traditional or kampung food included ulam jantung pisang (banana blossom ulam) and cencaluk (fermented shrimp), describing the dishes as among the foods he enjoyed.
He stressed the importance of maintaining a balanced diet and looking after one’s health, saying people should be mindful of their food intake to maintain a healthy body mass index (BMI) and manage their weight.
“While we may joke about it, what is important is that we take care of our diet from the aspect of food so that we have a good BMI and our weight is always maintained. Secondly, we must take care of our food intake. Take care of your health,” he said.
According to Information Department Sarawak, the townhall session served as a platform for sharing the State’s development direction and strengthening public understanding of the “Sarawak Maju Makmur” aspirations.
The programme with Abang Johari was moderated by Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Corporate Affairs, Information and UKAS), Datuk Abdullah Saidol.
More than 1,000 participants comprising school students, public and private higher education institution students, government agency representatives, community leaders and non-governmental organisation representatives attended the programme.
Also present were Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan and Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian; Transport Minister and Minister Responsible for Sarawak Day 2026 Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin; National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang; Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah; Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah; Sarawak Assembly members, heads of departments and community leaders. — DayakDaily
