KUCHING, Feb 23: Extra measures have been taken to keep people safe while they enjoy the many activities at Citrawarna Keluarga Malaysia 2022, a four-day outdoor event at Kuching Waterfront here starting tomorrow (Feb 24).
People’s health and safety will remain the top priority as large events resume in the country and in preparation for the opening of international borders, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture (Motac) Dato Sri Nancy Shukri assured, as she addressed the concerns of the public and government regarding large events being held during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“We would never think to jeopardise public health and safety, such as when we opened our borders for international arrivals or domestic tourism or events that attract crowds.
“People have to understand, we have to work around the Covid-19 pandemic because it is still here after two years and may affect us for quite some time.
“We also have to adjust our mindset because while it is here, we need to live in the new normal,” she said in a press statement today.
Motac together with Sarawak’s Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts (MTCP) and National Security Council (NSC) have worked out the standard operating procedures (SOP) which was released yesterday to ensure the success of the event.
The outdoor carnival, themed Celebrating Cultural Diversity, is making a comeback after a four-year hiatus, with Kuching being chosen as the first venue.
Nancy pointed out that Kuching was selected to celebrate its recent recognition as Creative City of Gastronomy by Unesco in December last year, apart from the recognition as the City of Unity.
“There is now an urgent need to balance the health and economic sectors, especially the tourism, arts and cultures sector which has been deeply affected economically since the pandemic started.
“This event is a great opportunity to help kickstart the sector to promote and market their products. Citrawarna will provide them a venue to showcase the uniqueness of Sarawak and visitors can support artisans and food vendors through sales to help boost their income,” she added.
Stringent measures have been drawn up to ensure a safe time for everyone, with a maximum of 350 people or 50 per cent venue capacity allowed at any one time at the seven canopies, while each visitor will only be allowed an hour at any of the exhibitions.
All attendees, participants, workers and guests must show proof of vaccination, while children below 12 years of age are not allowed at the carnival.
Nancy advised members of the public who are eager to join the carnival to ensure their face masks are always on, observe physical distancing of one metre, sanitise their hands frequently and even carry out their own testing with antigen test kits before attending.
“Citrawarna is a meaningful event as it is a celebration of Sarawak cultures and unity. It is also a platform to help local artistes, artisans and entrepreneurs promote Sarawak for tourism. I hope to see many locals support the event,” she added. — DayakDaily
