SIBU: Fifty-six contingents with more than 1,900 participants took part in the procession held in conjunction with the opening ceremony of the Sibu International Base Jump Carnival and Mid-Autumn Festival celebration held at Dataran Tun Tuanku Bujang Phase II.
Speaking at the event, Sibu Resident Charles Siaw said the contingents were made up of various government agencies and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) comprising different races and religions.
“I have been informed that one of the contingents, that is Youthpower, consists of youths from Kuala Lumpur and Sabah. They travel across the nation to spread the spirit of patriotism and solidarity.
“I am very pleased so many people have shown support for the procession.
“Organising such events enables other races besides Chinese to acknowledge and understand this major Chinese festivity. When there is understanding and acceptance, the spirit of peace, unity and harmony prevails.
“Let us continue to be the shining example and the perfect role model of racial and religious unity, where different races and religions mingle freely together.
“Also, I am thankful that UCA has taken the initiative to work with the Sibu Resident Office to organise the Mid-Autumn Festival Celebration,” he said at the event on Friday night.
According to him, this year is the second year of Sibu International BASE Jump Carnival.
For this year’s carnival, Siaw said Sibu Resident Office collaborated with more governmental and non-governmental agencies as well as new private organisations such as Hock Peng Organisation and Farley.
“This year, the 10-day carnival starts in the evening as we believe that evening or night events are able to draw a larger crowd, causing Sibu to come alive at night.
“We have successfully gathered 49 hawkers and entrepreneurs to open their stalls here to sell a wide array of items, ranging from fresh produce, local delicacies, street food to handicrafts,” he added.
By providing opportunities to them to earn additional income, he said they were actually boosting the local economy.
Apart from that, Siaw said the organisers also had a Stall Decorating Competition with cash prizes of RM150 up for grabs.
“Our 10-day carnival has a lot to offer to adults and children. For youths, we have Swan City Walk Hunt where competitors have to “hunt” for the correct answers and PUBG Mobile Sibu Championship which is a very popular online multiplayer battle royale game.
“We also have the International BASE Jump Physique Competition where 30 bodybuilders will be judged on their toned, athletic physiques.
“There are also a range of traditional and modern entertainment and performances including a children’s singing contest, Melayu Melanau performances, a fashion show and a Ratu Kebaya Contest,” he said.
Siaw hoped that through the organising of events like Lantern Procession, International BASE Jump
Physique Competition and Sibu International Base Jump, more would know about Sibu and discover what it had to offer as a travel destination.
“We hope to promote Sibu to the world through these events and eventually hope that more tourists can come and visit Sibu and the central region of Sarawak,” he said.
