By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Dec 29: A coalition of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in Miri has voiced strong objections to the proposed ‘foam party’ in conjunction with the 2026 New Year celebration, which is planned to be held in the Pujut area.
In a TVS report on Sunday (Dec 28), the president of the Miri Kedayan Association, Mohamad Abdullah Jamin, said the protest was made after taking into account community feedback and the need to safeguard local values as well as the harmony of Sarawak’s multiracial society.
According to him, the form of entertainment being proposed is deemed incompatible with the culture, norms, and identity of the local community, which has long upheld propriety, moderation, and sensitivity in the organisation of large-scale events.
“The Miri NGO coalition does not reject entertainment or celebrations, but believes that programmes featuring arts, culture, and community participation should be prioritised so that the celebration truly unites society,” he said at a press conference on the Protest Against the Organisation of the Foam Party for the 2026 New Year Celebration at Wireless Walk, Miri, on Sunday.
Meanwhile, the president of the Miri Malay Association, Radzali Alision, also expressed concern over the involvement of performance groups allegedly not aligned with family values and local manners.
“We feel it is inappropriate to encourage or showcase such acts in Sarawakian cities, because for us, family values and our sense of propriety must be protected. Ideally, any groups, teams, or bands brought to Miri should not promote lifestyles that contradict our values,” he said.
Sharing a similar view, the chairman of the Malaysian Welfare and Islamic Dakwah Organisation (Pekida) Miri, Ishak Ahmad, emphasised concerns about the potential impact of the programme, particularly on youths, if it proceeds.
Also voicing objections were representatives from the Miri Saberkas Pasar Malam Hawkers Association and the Dangsanak Limbang Miri Association, who urged authorities and organisers to reconsider the proposal and replace it with more suitable alternative activities.
The Miri NGO coalition hopes the organisers and local authorities will reassess the programme to safeguard the harmony, identity, and values of Sarawakian society. — DayakDaily
