By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Sept 21: Darul Hana Bridge glowed brilliantly in gold last night (Sept 20) as Kuching joined cities worldwide in the “Light It Up Gold” initiative to mark Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
The symbolic lighting drew crowds of families, children and passersby who paused to take photographs, admire the shimmering reflection on the river and reflect on the meaning behind the golden illumination.
Sarawak Children’s Cancer Society (SCCS) executive director Jodie Sim, met at the bridge, said this was the first time Sarawak had participated in the international initiative.
“September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, so this is the first time we are participating in the Light It Up Gold initiative, where iconic landmarks in cities are lit to show support and solidarity for children and families affected by childhood cancer.
“In Kuching, we are collaborating with the Kuching North City Commission (DBKU), who have graciously helped us by lighting up the Darul Hana Bridge, Satok Bridge, Satok Flyover, and the overhead bridge at Jalan Tun Datuk Patinggi Haji Abdul Rahman Yaakub,” she explained.
The programme included a short speech, photo-taking and a symbolic walk across the bridge.
Around 50 people attended the event, including SCCS committee members, paediatric oncologists, and families of young patients. SCCS honorary advisor Datin Patinggi Puan Sri Datuk Wira Lorna Enan Muloon Chan and DBKU director Ramzi Abdillah were also present to show their support.
“We had four to five families join us—some children are still undergoing treatment, while others have completed theirs.
“We hope this light-up will be the first of many more to come, as a way of raising awareness of childhood cancer in Sarawak,” she added.
The bridges and landmarks were illuminated from 7pm until 10pm, transforming the Kuching waterfront into a golden spectacle.
Sim expressed hope that next year’s event would be even bigger.
“Because this year was short-notice, we were unable to put up signages or awareness boards.
“Moving forward, we hope to light up more buildings and provide information at key areas so that the public is more aware of the significance,” she said.
As the crowd slowly dispersed and the lights continued to blaze over the Sarawak River, the message was clear: gold is the colour of strength, courage and resilience, and Kuching stood united in support of its young warriors.
— DayakDaily
