KUCHING: About 11,158 people, representing 279 contingents comprising of Muslims and non-Muslims, took part in the state-level Maulidur Rasul celebration here in Padang Merdeka yesterday.
The participants represented various government agencies, statutory bodies, uniformed organisations, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), institutes of higher learning, schools and the private sector.
The procession, which started as early as 7am, was to celebrate the birthday of Prophet Muhammad and saw Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg flagging off the procession.
Spectators from all walks of life packed along the sides of the road at Padang Merdeka to witness the procession, which was divided into two routes.
One route was 4.2km-long from Padang Merdeka weaving through Satok area, comprising of the village area towards RTM building, to Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg. Another route, which was 3.5km-long, covered Kuching Waterfront towards Jalan McDougall.
The event saw participants clad in traditional and colourful attire and carrying various props and banners as they walked down the route.
Among those present were Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister cum Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s Department (Islamic Affairs and DBKU) Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi and other Cabinets ministers.
Scenes captured by Ramidi Subari & Ghazali Bujang
