SIBU: Thousands thronged the Dataran Tun Tuanku Bujang to witness and participate in the colourful Sibu Street Parade in conjunction with Sarawak’s 60th Independence anniversary celebration last night (August 12).
The parade was flagged off by Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Datuk Sebastian Ting, Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) chairman Clarence Ting Ing Horh, and Sibu Rural District Council (SRDC) chairman Sempurai Petrus Ngelai.
Also present during the flagging-off ceremony were Bukit Assek assemblyman Joseph Chieng Jin Ek, Ministry of Public Health, Housing, and Local Government permanent secretary Elizabeth Loh, and SMC deputy chairman Mohammed Abdullah Izkandar Roseley, who is also the organising chairman.
A total of 60 contingents, comprising representatives from government agencies, schools, private organisations, village development and security committees (JKKKs), and local ethnic group non-governmental organisations (NGOs), took part in the parade.
Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah arrived at the main stage at 8pm, representing the Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, to officiate at the event.
Upon arrival, Abdul Karim and his wife Datin Seri Zuraini Abdul Jabbar were welcomed by other distinguished guests, including Ting, Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing, and Local Government Michael Tiang Ming Tee, and Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation, and Talent Development Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee.
Also seen were Deputy State Secretary (Operation) Datuk Hii Chang Kee, Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development Aidel Lariwoo, Sibu Resident Wong Hie Sieng, and others.
The 2-kilometre street parade kicked off at Dataran Tun Tuanku Bujang Phase 2, with participants showcasing enchanting dances, putting on various costumes, and many others while waving the state flag and passing through the streets illuminated with colourful lights.
The parade then ends at the Chuang Corridor of Dataran Tun Tuanku Bujang Phase 1.
After all the 60 contingents sashayed away, the curtains closed on a high note with a cultural dance performance and massive fireworks show.
The street parade in Sibu was the second of three scheduled to be held in conjunction with the 60th anniversary of Sarawak’s independence.
The first one was held in Kuching on August 6, and the last one will be held in Miri on August 19.
