KUCHING: Sarawak Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah has urged the public to arrive early and consider carpooling as large crowds are expected to attend the ‘Konsert Rakyat’ in conjunction with the 60th anniversary of Sarawak Independence Day this Saturday (July 22) at Padang Merdeka here.
The ‘Konsert Rakyat’ will feature popular Indonesian rock band Ungu, as well as Malaysian artistes Datuk Awie, Dolla, and Floor 88.
Local Sarawakian artists, including Masterpiece, Firdaus Materang, Bob Yunus, Elizabeth Paya, Ng Chien Chien, Ramles Walter, and Carrie Geres, will also be performing at the event.
The day will kickstart with a parade in the morning, consisting of 75 contingents, followed by a commemorative medal presentation to individuals with excellent service towards Sarawak.
Additionally, a digital exhibition will be held at Plaza Merdeka Shopping Mall, and in the evening, a state dinner will take place at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN), featuring performances by local singers.
At Padang Merdeka, the ‘Konsert Rakyat’ will showcase both local and Indonesian singers. After the state dinner, a firework display is scheduled around 10pm to 10.30pm, visible from both Padang Merdeka and the DUN.
Considering the popularity of the invited artists, Abdul Karim has reminded the public to carpool and arrive early to secure better parking spaces.
He advised against parking too close to Padang Merdeka to avoid creating heavy traffic jams in the area.
“For those who wish to come, don’t park too close to Padang Merdeka because that would create heavy traffic jams. If you come together, carpool with one another, if you come early, park somewhere slightly further from Padang Merdeka to avoid traffic jams in the area,” Abdul Karim stated during a press conference after witnessing the full-dress rehearsal of the Sarawak Day 2023 parade at Padang Merdeka on today (July 20).
