KUCHING: The beginning of 2024 marks a new chapter for Sarawak as the Ibu Pertiwi pole located at Ibu Pertiwi Square is recognized as the tallest flagpole in Southeast Asia by the Malaysia Book of Records (MBOR).
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg witnessed the presentation of the certification by Edwin Yeoh from MBOR to State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki during a walkabout to Ibu Pertiwi Square today (Jan 1).
Commenting on the choice of the flagpole’s height at 99 metres, Abang Johari said that the figure corresponds to the number of points on the star in the Sarawak flag.
“We didn’t round it (height) to 100 metres because it aligns with the nine divisions in this state, in addition to being the same as the number of angles in the State Legislative Assembly building,” he told a press conference after a walkabout at the Ibu Pertiwi Square earlier.
Abang Johari also said that the height calculation of the flagpole, if including the hill used as the construction base, could reach 101m.
“However, what we hope for from this construction is that the spirit of the people of Sarawak also reaches this height.
“When Sarawakians see this flag, they will feel a responsibility to defend it.
“At the same time, it will propel Sarawak to new heights. This is the philosophy behind the establishment of the Ibu Pertiwi flagpole,” he said.
In this regard, he said that the history of Sarawak’s economic development will also be showcased in the area, along with some historical background of the state.
“The history of three companies, namely Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros), Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS), and Shell will also be displayed in that square.
“Importantly, we want an impact on tourists so that they can take pictures at the location while reading the history of the state’s economic development,” he said.
He added that previously, Fort Margherita was the only attraction in Kuching that was designated as a heritage building.
“Now, we are developing Ibu Pertiwi Square in this strategic area to make the complex more attractive.
“This is another iconic project in the city of Kuching, and indeed Sarawak, will become a tourist destination,” he said.
