KUCHING: The Unit for Other Religion (UNIFOR) will organise an interfaith prayer service on Saturday, July 20, in commemoration of the Sarawak Day.
This service, jointly arranged by six religious bodies — Baha’i, Buddhists, Hindus, Sikhs, Taoists, and Christians — will be followed by a thanksgiving ceremony for Muslims on July 21.
Minister of Food Industry, Commodity, and Regional Development Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom announced that Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg will attend the celebration at the old Bintulu Airport grounds at 8 pm on July 22.
“Among the events at the grand celebration will be pantomime shows and performances by local and Peninsula artistes as well as the Gema Sarawak performance which will be held at the old Bintulu Airport,” said Dr Rundi, who is also the chairman of the organising committee.
Pre-concert entertainment will be provided by local artists and bands, including Tuku Kame, Akoustik Connexion, Kumpulan JKKN Sarawak, Kelab Asal Main Dayak (KEMADA), Majestic Shades Dancers Bintulu, and Kumpulan Teater, adding an extra spark to the evening.
The highlight of the evening, he added, would be performances by Sarawak-born superstars Dayang Nurfaizah and Bob Yusuf, promising top-notch entertainment for concert-goers. Other invited local artistes include Melissa Francis, Daus Eli, Roxy Ixzy, Chien Ng, Suleiman Usop and Jackson Michael.
The evening will conclude with a spectacular fireworks display to commemorate the historical event.
In addition, a Fun Ride covering 15 km will take place at 7 am from Dewan Suarah Bintulu. 800 cyclists have confirmed their participation. The ride will be led by Rundi himself.
Other programmes to mark the special day include the officiating of the Sarawak Methanol Complex at Tanjung Kidurong by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Abang Haji Openg, and a Town Hall session at UPM Bintulu campus, with 1,300 participants including students.
Dr Rundi said that Sarawak Day was a key state event aimed at uniting the people of Sarawak to foster a love for the country and to value its historical and present-day struggles.
The celebration will be broadcast live on TVS and Sarawak Public Communications Unit (UKAS) social media platforms.
