KUCHING: The Kuching Intercultural Mooncake Festival at Carpenter Street is an exemplary showcase of how Sarawakians truly embraces its multicultural unity.
Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said the programme strengthens unity among Sarawakians.
Out of 180 stalls operating at the festival, over 40 stalls are operated by hawkers of different races and religions selling an assortment of food and beverages.
She pointed out that the participation of hawkers and encouraging responses from visitors show how there is no polarization among the people which is very important in a multicultural community.
“In the past the mooncake festival is only celebrated by the Chinese community, but we can now see that other communities are also taking part to celebrate.
“This is a very positive development because it shows that everyone is respecting and celebrating the festival by joining in.
“To me this is very exemplary because you cannot find this kind of multicultural mooncake festival being held at other places,” she told reporters when met at the festival last night.
Fatimah commended the organiser, Kuching Old Market Community Association for successfully organising the festival.
She said it is evident that the festival has garnered great support not only from sponsors but also the local community.
“When the organising committee paid me a courtesy call recently, I told them to make sure they continue to host multicultural festivals and activities like these.
“We will continue to support such programmes and events, so it becomes another testimony of unity in Sarawak,” she said.
She also said the festival which is ongoing until Saturday (Sept 10) is very timely as it coincides with the school holidays.
“Parents can bring their children to the festival so they can see and learn what the festival is about as well as the local delicacies available,” she added.
