KUCHING: Visitors gathered for a parade around the Sarawak Cultural Village (SCV) grounds at Santubong near here to celebrate Sarawak Day.
As for the performers, they made a colourful sight in traditional costumes while everyone waved Sarawak flags, adding to the festive spirit.
Sarawak Day, which falls on July 22, commemorates the state’s attainment of self-government from the British in 1963, ahead of Malaysia’s formation on Sept 16 the same year.
It was declared a state public holiday by the late chief minister Tan Sri Adenan Satem in 2016.
SCV sales, marketing and event director Zaini Zainuddin said sharing the Sarawak Day celebration with visitors made the occasion more memorable.
“We put up a lot of Sarawak flags around the grounds for the occasion. When visitors ask about it, we explain that it’s Sarawak Day.
“Although it’s a public holiday, SCV remains open and we welcome visitors to celebrate with us,” he said, adding that entry fees were discounted in conjunction with Sarawak Day.
Zaini said he was proud of Sarawak’s progress over the years, which had benefited the people.
Similarly, performer Nur Ayesha Ayra Moses Jalani expressed pride in celebrating Sarawak Day.
“I hope Sarawak will continue to develop and progress for many more years to come,” she said.
Visitor Allysa Azzrina Franando was happy to join the parade alongside fellow Sarawakians from different races.
“This helps to build closer ties among us. Although we come from different races, all of us are celebrating Sarawak Day together,” she said, adding that the state’s multicultural diversity was a source of pride.
Meanwhile, more than 10,000 people took part in a Unity Walk in conjunction with Sarawak Day in Sibu yesterday morning.
It was flagged off by Sarawak Governor Tun Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, who also joined the walk with his wife Toh Puan Fauziah Mohd Sanusi.
Themed “Sarawak Maju Makmur: Segulai Sejalai” (A Progressive, Prosperous Sarawak: Together As One), the celebration in Sibu culminated with a Sarawak Day assembly and concert at night.
