By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Dec 31: As 2024 draws to a close, Sarawak reflects on a year of remarkable achievements, touching farewells, and ambitious strides towards a brighter future.
From transformative initiatives in governance and infrastructure to moments of triumph on the global stage, the year was defined by a steadfast spirit of progress and resilience.
Amidst these milestones, Sarawak also paid homage to its leaders and heroes, whose legacies continue to inspire the State’s journey forward.
A path towards greater autonomy
In 2024, Sarawak advanced its pursuit of greater autonomy with two key initiatives: the planned acquisition of MASwings and the transfer of Bintulu Port. The MASwings takeover, expected to conclude by year-end, aims to transform the airline into a State-owned entity, enhancing connectivity and supporting economic goals.
Meanwhile, the integration of Bintulu Port, a vital liquefied natural gas (LNG) hub, into a Central Port Authority strengthens Sarawak’s role in global logistics. These developments underscore the State’s commitment to gaining control over critical infrastructure and bolstering economic independence.
These acquisitions reflect Sarawak’s ongoing efforts to increase its control over critical infrastructure and strengthen its economic independence.
A farewell to prominent Sarawakians
This year saw the passing of several esteemed Sarawakians, who left a profound impact on the State’s political and cultural landscape.
On February 21, 2024, Sarawak lost one of its most influential leaders with the death of Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud, former Chief Minister and Governor of Sarawak, at the age of 87.
His leadership, spanned over three decades, shaped the State’s political and economic landscape. Taib was then succeeded by Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar.
Sarawak also mourned the passing of Datuk Mutang Tagal, the former President of the Dewan Negara, who died on May 10, 2024, at the age of 70.
Mutang, a prominent leader and advocate for the Dayak community, made history in early 2024 when he became the first member of the Dayak community to be appointed President of the Dewan Negara. His sudden passing left a significant void in Sarawak’s political scene, as he was highly regarded for his commitment to justice and unity in the State. His contributions to Sarawak, particularly to the Dayak community, remain an enduring part of his legacy.
Tragic loss of Sarawakian navy officer in Lumut helicopter crash
On April 23, 2024, a devastating mid-air collision between two Royal Malaysian Navy helicopters occurred over the naval base in Lumut, Perak, resulting in the loss of ten personnel, including Sarawakian Able Seaman Joanna Felicia Rohna, aged 26.
The incident took place during a rehearsal for the 90th Navy Day Parade, with the two helicopters colliding mid-air, leading to both crashing within the naval base grounds.
Joanna, a native of Kampung Sumpas Tampek, Serian, was laid to rest on April 25, 2024, at her family home, with her funeral attended by family, friends, and dignitaries who paid their respects.
Major criminal cases in Sarawak
The State has witnessed several significant criminal cases that have deeply impacted the community. One such case was the tragic murder of a 22-year-old male in a gated apartment complex in Padawan.
The incident occurred on Dec 1, 2024, when the victim was found dead with multiple slash wounds in his apartment. Six suspects were arrested in connection with the case, with three released on bond to serve as prosecution witnesses. The remaining suspects are currently under remand as investigations continue.
Another notable case involved the murder of 28-year-old Nurul Asikin Lan. On December 14, 2024, her decomposed body was discovered in a ditch along Jalan Setia Raja. A 23-year-old e-hailing driver was charged with her murder.
Further investigations revealed that the driver allegedly committed the crime to fund a trip to Cambodia to watch a football match.
Meanwhile, in Sibu, a concerning case emerged involving the abandonment of a newborn baby by a 14-year-old mother. The incident was linked to grooming by a 44-year-old man, who was charged with statutory rape. The baby, born prematurely at 41 weeks, was found in a stable condition.
Bonnie Bunyau Gustin’s record-breaking triumph
Sarawakian para powerlifter Bonnie Bunyau Gustin made history at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games by breaking his own world record in the men’s up to 72kg category.
Bonnie lifted an impressive 232kg, surpassing his previous record and securing a gold medal for Malaysia. This remarkable feat not only earned him international recognition but also showcased the dedication and determination of Sarawak’s athletes on the global stage.
Niah National Park Achieves UNESCO Heritage Status
In July 2024, Niah National Park was officially designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognising its exceptional archaeological significance. The park’s caves have yielded evidence of human habitation dating back at least 50,000 years, making it one of the earliest known sites of human interaction with tropical rainforests. This designation served as proof of the park’s global importance and the need for its preservation.
The UNESCO recognition is anticipated to enhance conservation efforts and promote sustainable tourism in the region, bolstering Sarawak’s reputation as a custodian of natural and cultural heritage.
Sarawak as overall champion of Sukma, Parasukma 2024
The State not only played host to the Malaysia Games (Sukma) XXI and ParaSukma 2024 but also ascended the podium as the overall champion, solidifying its status as a powerhouse in Malaysian sports.
Sarawakian athletes outperformed in numerous events, capturing gold in traditional strongholds such as aquatics, athletics, and weightlifting while breaking new ground in sports like gymnastics and esports.
The ParaSukma athletes shone just as brightly, with inspiring performances in events like wheelchair basketball, boccia, and swimming. Their achievements highlighted not only their talent but also Sarawak’s commitment to inclusivity and support for athletes of all abilities.
Beyond the medals, hosting Sukma 2024 brought immeasurable pride to Sarawak. Venues such as the newly refurbished Sarawak Stadium and the state-of-the-art Pandelela Rinong Aquatic Centre became the heart of the games, drawing thousands of spectators and setting a benchmark for future events.
Sarawak’s triumph as both the host and overall champion reflects the ‘agi idup agi ngelaban’ spirit—a spirit that drives Sarawakians to excel in the face of challenges. This historic achievement not only honours the State’s athletic prowess but also reinforces its vision of becoming a leading sports hub in Malaysia.
Record-breaking RM15.8 billion budget for 2025
In November 2024, Sarawak unveiled its largest-ever state budget, amounting to RM15.8 billion for the year 2025. This budget represents a 16 per cent increase from the previous year’s allocation of RM13.6 billion.
The budget reflects Sarawak’s enhanced financial capacity, bolstered by the state sales tax on petroleum products, which has contributed RM18.6 billion to the State’s revenue. This additional revenue stream has enabled the State to invest significantly in various sectors, including education, healthcare, and infrastructure, aiming to foster sustainable economic growth and improve the quality of life for Sarawakians.
An architectural marvel makes its soft debut on Christmas Eve
For most of the year, the construction of St. Peter’s Church in Padungan, Kuching captured the imagination of those passing the iconic cat statue roundabout. With its soaring spires and intricate details reminiscent of European Gothic architecture often seen in films, the church has quickly become a landmark that blends faith with architectural brilliance—a marvel in the heart of Kuching.
On Christmas Eve 2024, the anticipation culminated as St. Peter’s Church opened its doors for a soft opening, welcoming over 1,000 worshippers. Bathed in the warm glow of its illuminated facade, the church became a beacon in the dark evening sky as voices lifted in prayer and song filled the sacred space.
Sharing the joyous occasion on social media, Rector Reverend Father Vincent Chin revealed that the church will be officially consecrated on 29 June 2025, during the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul.
DayakDaily’s milestones in 2024
2024 was a landmark year for DayakDaily, marked by impactful initiatives, creative ventures, and recognition for excellence in journalism. Our journey began in March with the D’Drift 2024 trip to Ulu Baram, where we not only explored the breathtaking natural beauty of the region but also delivered over 1,300 books to the public library in Long Latei. This was followed by the D’Diggers trip in May to Bau, a journey rich in heritage and history that further highlighted Sarawak’s hidden gems in the southern part of the State.
In the realm of writing, DayakDaily launched the second edition of our Writing Competition, themed “Gastronomy and I: My Favourite Dish.” The competition saw overwhelming participation, culminating in an award presentation ceremony in early July for 20 shortlisted participants. This event celebrated the culinary creativity and storytelling prowess of Sarawakians.
Venturing into new territory, DayakDaily produced a commemorative book for Sukma 2024, capturing the Sarawakian perspective of the games. This publication celebrated homegrown athletes, their inspiring journeys, and the coaches who guided them to success.
Adding to our achievements, DayakDaily shone brightly at the Kuching Journalism Awards (KJA), earning one gold, three silver, and two bronze awards. This recognition underscores our dedication to delivering quality journalism and amplifying the voices of Sarawak.
From pioneering trips to literary ventures and professional growth, 2024 has been a testament to DayakDaily’s commitment to storytelling, exploration, and excellence. –DayakDaily
