Performers entertaining the audience during the New Year countdown event at the Indoor Stadium, Kuching.
Frontliners in Sarawak have been hailed as heroes for keeping the Covid-19 pandemic under control in the state.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said the state government appreciated the hard work and efforts of all frontliners in handling the pandemic.
“Your sacrifices have contributed towards the well-being of Sarawakians. You are our heroes, ” he said in a pre-recorded speech at the Sarawak New Year countdown event at the Indoor Stadium in Kuching.
He also thanked the state disaster management committee for its leadership in tackling the pandemic, as well as Sarawakians for their cooperation in complying with the standard operating procedure.
“Covid-19 has caused anxiety around the world with risks to public health, lives and the economy.
“But Sarawak has been able to control the spread of the pandemic and I am proud of the committee which has worked hard to ensure that Sarawakians are protected from Covid-19, ” he said.
Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, Abang Johari said it was an opportunity for Sarawak to further strengthen its digital economy agenda towards achieving developed status by 2030.
With movement control orders in place, he said e-commerce and cashless transactions had now become part of the economic mainstream.
“Our digital economy policy has also improved our communications network, including online transactions through SarawakPay.
“Moving forward into 2021, we will continue to take steps towards becoming a developed, high-income state in 2030, ” he said.
State Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah also paid tribute to frontliners at the countdown event.
“We are indebted to all frontliners who have been battling Covid-19 and curbing its spread.
“The state disaster management committee’s strategies and SOP have also helped to protect the state, ” he said.
Karim called on Sarawakians to keep working together in the new year and not give up in the face of challenges.
“This countdown is significant as we head into 2021. Although we faced many challenges in 2020, we went through them with perseverance and patience.
“Let’s not give up or give in. Life must go on, ” he said.
The event, which was attended by 1,000 invited guests in compliance with the SOP, featured musical and cultural performances before ending with a fireworks display at midnight.
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