MIRI: The organising committee of this year’s celebration of Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud’s 86th birthday visited several venues to be used for the three-day event.
The committee led by organising chairperson Datuk Sri Lee Kim Shin, visited Miri Stadium, Masjid At-Taqwa, Eastwood Valley Golf and Country Club and Meritz Hotel yesterday.
Also present were the State Secretary Datuk Sri Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki and Miri Division deputy Resident Juan Ubit.
The visit was to make sure that the preparation for the upcoming celebration runs smoothly.
The event will kick off on October 7, and the highlight is the grand parade.
The celebration will start with a thanksgiving prayer at Masjid At -Taqwa Miri on October 7 at 5.30pm.
Taib and his wife, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Kurdi Raghad Taib are expected to arrive at about 6.30pm.
They will be joined by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and his wife Datuk Amar Jumaa’ni Tuanku Bujang.
Cabinet ministers and locals community leaders are also expected to join in the event along with 1,200 people.
Similar prayers by other religious institutions will also be held at Eastwood Valley Golf and Country Club.
The grand parade will be held on October 8 (Saturday) at Miri Stadium with a total of 3,440 participants from 86 contingents comprising of uniformed bodies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), private and public sectors, non-uniformed bodies and students.
Later, Taib will present state awards and medals at an investiture ceremony to be held at Meritz Hotel.
In the evening, Taib and his wife will join cabinet minister and guests at a state banquet at Pullman Miri Waterfront.
On Sunday morning (October 9), Taib and his wife will attend a high tea reception at Eastwood Valley Golf and Country Club Miri where he will present gifts and cash to a total 150 underprivileged persons.
