1,000 take part in 4km walk to celebrate Sarawak Day
The 4km walk was jointly organised by the Kuching South City Council (MBKS), Kuching North City Hall (DBKU) and the Padawan Municipal Council (MPP).
It was flagged off at MBKS Boulevard and ended with a flag-raising ceremony at Dataran Ibu Pertiwi next to the Sarawak River.
Kuching South mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng said the walk was a celebration of Sarawak's heritage, identity and resilience.
"This is more than just a walk. It is a statement of unity, a reflection of our shared love for this land we call home," he said before flagging off the event.
Sarawak Day commemorates the state's attainment of self-government from the British on July 22, 1963, prior to forming Malaysia with Malaya, Sabah and Singapore on Sept 16 the same year.
It was declared a state public holiday by then chief minister Tan Sri Adenan Satem in 2016.
Wee said July 22 was a significant date in Sarawak's history, marking its bold step towards self-determination.
He called on Sarawakians to uphold the state's rights and status under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 and remain united.
"Let us not allow July 22 to be reduced to a mere ritual or celebration.
"It must remain a call to action for all Sarawakians to stay united, cherish our diversity and continue working together for a stronger and more prosperous Sarawak," he said.
Kuching North mayor Datuk Hilmy Othman said the walk was an initiative to strengthen solidarity and unity among city folk.
"It not only deepens our love for the state but brings us together regardless of background," he said.
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