NATIONAL MONTH CELEBRATIONS IN SARAWAK KICK OFF WITH A BANG
KUCHING, Aug 3 (Bernama) -- The simultaneous shots fired by 20 members of the Tiger Platoon from the General Operations Force (PGA) set the tone for the Sarawak-level National Month and Fly the Jalur Gemilang campaign that took place at the Sarawak Police Contingent Headquarters (IPK), today.
The group firing gimmick was part of an interesting war cry performance from the PGA elite team which was one of the four uniformed teams that took part in the event attended by over 400 guests.
The performance of 24 members of the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department, 28 members of the Malaysian Armed Forces and 23 from the Malaysian Defence Forces in the war cries, raised temperatures and the excitement of the event which was officiated by Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
The atmosphere became even more lively when the Iban song, Biar Bekikis Bulu Betis, made popular by Andrewson Ngalai and considered a must-have staple at public gatherings in Sarawak, filled the air during a flash mob by Pentarama officers of the Malaysian Information Department (JAPEN) Sarawak, Sarawak State Culture & Arts Department and Kuching Polytechnic.
Themed 'Tekad Perpaduan, Penuhi Harapan' (Determination in unity, Fulfilling Hope), the launch at the state level is a continuation of the launch at the national level by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof at the Sultan Azlan Shah roundabout in Ipoh, Perak on July 16.
The Unity in Diversity celebration organised by JAPEN in collaboration with the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and Bintulu Port Holdings Berhad (BPHB) aims to foster a high spirit of patriotism among the community.
In the ceremony, Abang Johari also flagged off the 2023 Jalur Gemilang Merdeka Convoy (KKMJG) accompanied by 34 convoy vehicles that started from IPK Sarawak to the main parts of the state, including crossing the border to Sipitang, Sabah.
"I hope that at every stopover of the KMJG convoy, every community in the state will give a warm welcome and support to the KMJG convoy that brings a message of patriotism and national spirit to the nation of Malaysia," he said when speaking at the ceremony.
KKMJG 2023 today involved the Diplomatic Road route leading to IPK Sarawak before continuing to the Tabuan Jaya Fire Station, the Sarawak Federal Secretary's Office and then around the city of Kuching.
During their stopover at the Sarawak Federal Secretary's Office, a ‘Semarak Gemilang’ programme was also held as part of the Sarawak-level National Month celebrations.
This convoy will continue on Aug 8, starting at the JAPEN Sarawak headquarters, travelling through several key locations along the Pan Borneo Highway up to the town of Sipitang, Sabah, before returning here on Aug 15.
-- BERNAMA
