By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Jan 1: Sarawak’s Ibu Pertiwi Flagpole has been inducted into Malaysia Book of Records (MBOR) as the tallest flagpole in Malaysia and Southeast Asia.
Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg witnessed the handing over of the MBOR certificate from MBOR representative Edwin Yeoh to Sarawak Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki at Ibu Pertiwi Square here today.
Standing at 99 metres tall, the RM30 million flagpole was officially launched during the 2024 New Year Countdown celebration at Kuching Waterfront last night (Dec 31).
Its construction was funded by Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas), Shell and Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros).
Speaking to reporters afterwards, Abang Johari said the Ibu Pertiwi Flagpole is an addition to a list of Kuching attractions and later, a monument will be erected at the square portraying the history of economic development in the State contributed by Petros, Petronas and Shell.
“Sarawak’s development began with the oil and gas industry in 1910 and from then, we formulated Oil Mining Ordinance (OMO) in 1958 to regulate oil mining in Sarawak whereas in 1974, Petronas was formed to oversee the industry.
“Today, oil and gas companies are managed together by the Sarawak government through Petros and the federal government through Petronas.
“Therefore, we also want to exhibit the history of economic development of the State and that is why the Ibu Pertiwi Flagpole is funded by Petros, Petronas and Shell. We will portray the history of the three companies,” he said.
Abang Johari also revealed that the beautification project in the vicinity of Fort Margherita will include a traditional English teahouse.
“The setting up of the restaurant will bring in tourists to enjoy local delicacies and the scenery of Kuching Waterfront and passing ‘perahu tambang’, a bit similar like a view in Amsterdam.
“Thus, I will leave it to Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah (Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak) to promote this place and other attractions throughout Sarawak,” he added.
Amongst those present were Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, and Abdul Karim. — DayakDaily
