BY VIVYNNA ANN CHABU
KUCHING: This year’s Seng Ong Kong deity procession involved 212 contingents with more than 20,000 people filling Jalan Wayang here.
The annual event ran from March 27 to April 1, featuring also a 188 foot long dragon.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian told the media that this year’s parade had the largest number of participants, including from Kuching, Sabah and Peninsular Malaysia.
“I spoke with the Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah (and) he told me a lot of people outside Kuching are coming for the parade.
“The parade has placed Sarawak on the world map and this (is) what makes us proud as Sarawakians,” he said on Sunday (March 31).
He also mentioned the importance of preserving tradition among the younger generation and commended the seniors who played a vital role as the backbone of the parade.
Meanwhile, Sarawak Federation of Chinese Associations (SFCA) president Datuk Richard Wee expressed his appreciation to the committee.
“I want to thank all the participants and give my appreciation to all the organising committee, especially those that help to make sure all the participants are being taken care of.”
Also present were Padawan Municipal Council chairman (MPP) Tan Kai; Kuching South City Council (MBKS) mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng and Sri Maha Mariamman Temple Kuching president Shankar Ram Asnani.
