SIBU: A total of 1,000 halal mooncakes were distributed by Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Michael Tiang Ming Tee in conjunction with the Pelawan Mid-Autumn Festival here last night (Sept 14).
Tiang, who is also the Pelawan assemblyman, said he purposely distributed halal mooncakes at the annual programme held at Rejang Park Traffic Garden to encourage participation from people of all races, particularly the Malay community.
“The mooncakes must be halal so that we can encourage, especially our Malay friends, to come and join us. This is the Sarawak spirit.
“Every time we have a festival, all races celebrate it. Every Sarawakian gets to celebrate,” he said when speaking to reporters at the programme, which was organised by the Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) Pelawan Service Centre and the Sarawak United National Youth Organisation (SABERKAS) Pelawan.
He added that during the Mid-Autumn celebration, the moon is usually full, and he said it symbolises Sarawak unity.
“The Sarawak moon can be very round when we are united. Even though we come from different backgrounds, different religions, and different racial backgrounds, that does not stop us from coming together like a full moon, forming a full circle,” he said.
More than 1,000 people participated in the annual celebration, with various programmes and activities being held, such as dance and singing performances, a photo booth, and more.
