By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Sept 28: The Kuching Waterfront came alive with purrs and pawprints on Saturday night (Sept 27) as 67 cats of various breeds, sizes, and colours took part in a vibrant Cat Parade, celebrating the city’s cherished identity as Malaysia’s “Cat City.”
A highlight of the Kuching International Cat Festival (KICF) 2025, organised by the Kuching North City Commission (DBKU), the parade drew thousands of cat lovers, families, and tourists who lined the riverside to cheer on the feline stars.
The crowd erupted in delight as cats in tiny hats, flowing gowns, and even traditional Sarawak-inspired costumes strutted, or were gently carried by their proud owners, down the street. Spectators clapped, snapped photos, and soaked in the festive atmosphere of this unique cultural celebration.
Adding to the joyous spirit, the event was officiated by Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, who was joined by Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Project Coordinator for Regional Development Agencies, DBKU and Islamic Affairs) Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi, Deputy Minister of Energy and Environmental Sustainability Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni, and DBKU Mayor Dato Hilmy Othman.
Abdul Karim, clearly impressed by the overwhelming turnout, said the Cat Parade had the potential to become a permanent fixture in Kuching’s tourism calendar.
“We should have this event annually or biannually, looking at the overwhelming response—not just from locals but also from participants coming from beyond Sarawak.
“Congratulations to DBKU for bringing this event to Kuching City. This is the first time I have witnessed such an event at this scale, with juries even coming from outside Malaysia. The ministry would definitely support the hosting of this festival in the future,” he told reporters.
He further praised the festival’s role in boosting Sarawak’s tourism appeal, noting that events like KICF highlight not only the State’s cultural uniqueness but also its warmth and creativity.
Abdul Karim also presented prizes to the parade and contest winners, though for the thousands of cheering spectators, every cat was already a star.
With the Sarawak River shimmering as its backdrop and the Darul Hana Bridge towering nearby, the Cat Parade transformed the Kuching Waterfront into a dazzling celebration of feline fashion, community spirit, and cultural pride, reaffirming the city’s rightful place as the “City of Cats”. — DayakDaily
