Bintulu Division has been chosen to host this year’s state-level Malaysia Day celebration which will be held at the Lasar Kenyalang, Bintulu Old Airport starting from 8pm on Sept 16.

Minister for Modernisation of Agriculture and Regional Development Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom, who is also the minister-in-charge of the celebration said the event will be held physically and a crowd of 5,000 people is expected to attend while observing the necessary standard operating procedures (SOPs).

“The theme for the celebration will be ‘Keluarga Malaysia Teguh Bersama’. This is very significant in commemorating the struggles of our past leaders.

“Therefore, this struggle must be the driver to keep our spirit high for the country and where everyone stands together in the fight against COVID-19,” he said in a press conference in Bintulu which was broadcast live via Sarawak Public Communications Unit (UKAS) Facebook page on Yesterday (Aug 22).

He said the Malaysia Day celebration is important as it is a reminder to Malaysians of the historic event that happened on Sept 16, 1963.

“It also recalls the contributions and struggles of our past leaders in the formation of Malaysia. It is the date a new country called Malaysia was born.”

Dr Rundi said the celebration would be attended Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud and wife his wife, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Raghad Kurdi Taib, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and wife Puan Sri Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tun Tuanku Bujang and other dignitaries.

“The State Protocol, Ceremony and Event Management Unit (UPPANS) and Bintulu Resident’s Office as co-organisers have lined up various performances from the Sarawak Art Council.

“There will also be singing performances by local and national artistes namely Datuk M. Nasir, Andi Bernadee, Ramles Walter, Florence Lo, Claudia Geres, Safar Ghafar, Sazia Selir and Max Kueh,” he said.

He added there would also be dance performance of the various ethnic groups such as the Iban, Orang Ulu, Melanau, Chinese, Malay, Bidayuh, Kadayan and Vaie, while the Sarawak Arts Council’s Dvoices choir group will also present ‘Ritma Malaysia’ which is a patriotic song that symbolises the spirit of togetherness, unity and pride as Malaysians before the celebration ends with a fireworks display.

“Guests must ensure that they are well before attending the celebration and avoid attending if they feel unwell,” he said, while adding that face masks must be used properly at all times.

The event will be broadcast live on TVS (Astro Channel 122), myFreeview as well as UKAS Facebook and YouTube Channel.