SIBU: The 31st Brigade Infantry is always ready for operations even during major festivals.
Speaking at a Gawai-Raya gathering here yesterday, its commander Brigadier General Datuk Johnny Lim Eng Seng said during the recent Gawai Dayak celebration, its personnel who were celebrating the went were off duty.
“After the Gawai, they resumed duty while those celebrating Hari Raya went on leave. We have no problem with this arrangement; when we are needed for operations, we are always ready,” he said.
With 2020 Raya coming first before Gawai, he said it would be unique as its personnel of different races would come together to celebrate the two festivals.
On the gathering at its camp in Junaco Park yesterday which was attended by 700 soldiers and their family members together with the children from Peryatim (Sarawak Orphans Welfare Association), Lim said it aimed to promote understanding and mutual respect for each other’s culture.
“As the commander of the brigade, I have always stressed to my personnel who are from the various races the importance of respecting each other’s culture and promoting mutual understanding,” he added.
He said the brigade, which was new, also wanted to get closer to the public, especially those residing near its camp.
Among those present were Sibu district police chief ACP Stanley Jonathan Ringgit and Junaco Park Camp’s chief executive officer Khiu Siong Hii.
