By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Aug 11: A 4km Unity Ride is set to be part of the State-level National Day celebrations scheduled to take place in Betong on Aug 31.
Themed ‘Keluarga Malaysia Teguh Bersama’, Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Datuk Julaihi Narawi said some 1,000 attendees are expected at this year’s celebration to pay tribute and show appreciation for the perseverance of Malaysians in overcoming the challenges and adversity in combating Covid-19.
“Sarawak will join the rest of Malaysia in celebrating our National Day as usual where all layers of the society will be involved. This is to instill the spirit of patriotism and love for the country,” he told a press conference at Wisma Bapa Malaysia here today.
Betong will be the host for this year’s celebration and the official celebration event will be held at the Tan Sri Datuk Amar Stephen Kalong Ningkan Sports Hall.
Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud and wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Raghad Kurdi Taib, Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and wife Tan Sri Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tun Tuanku Bujang are scheduled to attend the event.
“There will be an ‘Ambang Merdeka’ concert on Aug 30 featuring popular local artistes as well as traditional and contemporary dance performanced by Sarawak Arts Council.
“On the actual day (Aug 31), the celebration will start with a Unity Ride for 4km around Betong town, joined by our important guests and the local community,” he explained.
The Unity Ride is scheduled to be flagged-off at 8am from Betong Sports Complex and will end at the Tan Sri Datuk Amar Stephen Kalong Ningkan Sports Hall, where the main celebration event is expected to begin at 10am.
The cycling event is organised by the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development while the official celebration event is a joint collaboration among the Sarawak Protocol, Ceremony and Event Management Unit, Premier of Sarawak’s Department and Betong Resident Office. — DayakDaily
