SIBU: This year’s Malaysia Day celebration on Sept 16 will be hosted here.
Playing host for two consecutive years is something significant for Sarawak, and the state government is honoured.
Speaking to New Sarawak Tribune on Wednesday (July 15), Senator Robert Lau said, “its good news for the local community. This is the first time Sibu has been chosen to host this meaningful event.”
“Sarawak is hosting this event for the second year in a row. Last year, it was held in Kuching. Kota Kinabalu hosted the 2017 and 2018 editions. Bintulu was host in 2016.”
Malaysia Day was officially made a public holiday in 2010, he added, “so far this annual event has only been held in Sabah and Sarawak. Instead of just confining the hosting to Sarawak and Sabah only so far, it should also be held in major cities and towns in Malaya.”
“It would help create better awareness among those in Malaya the history of the formation of Malaysia,” Lau said, adding that the occasion should be celebrated meaningfully not only in Sarawak and Sabah but by the whole nation.
To the rest of Malaya, it would be a reminder that a new nation was created on that day in 1963, he said.
Tamin assemblyman Christopher Gira thanked the state and federal governments for choosing Sibu as host.
“Despite this, we need to remember we are still facing a pandemic. However in the long run, this will open up investment opportunities and attract many tourists here,” he said.
Folks here needed to prepare whatever is necessary for the coming event as it would boost the local tourism industry, he added.
“Thus the need to ensure sufficient hotels, restaurants and eateries, and places of interest need to be enhanced.”
Sibu Rural District Council chairman Sempurai Petrus Ngelai also thanked the federal government for choosing Sibu.
“It is indeed an honour for Sibu to host such a major event.
“Sept 16 is one of the important dates for Sarawak and Sabah as it is the day of the formation of Malaysia,” he said.
“I hope the younger generation will be more aware of the significance of the date.”
Peni Nyanggai, a teacher, was also delighted. “I believe this is best opportunity for all, especially for entrepreneurs. It is time for them to promote their businesses as well as to improve the town’s economy.”
She voiced her concerns about Covid-19, but believed the event would be held with strict compliance to standard operating procedure set by the authorities.
RTM deejay, Iskandar Joni, said he was proud that Sibu had been chosen to host this significant event.
“Sibu is a stopover (for many travellers) due to its strategic location in the centre of Sarawak.
“Apart from that, Sibu has various types of traditional food that people can enjoy. I am very proud to be a Sarawakian,” he said.
