Dataran Ibu Pertiwi ceremony celebrates unity, Sarawakian identity
KUCHING (July 14): The Dataran Ibu Pertiwi stood as a powerful symbol of unity yesterday as it hosted the July edition of the Ibu Pertiwi flag-raising ceremony, held in conjunction with Sarawak Day celebrations.
The ceremony was officiated by Sarawak Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, who is also in charge of this year's Sarawak Day celebrations on July 22 in Miri.
The majestic Ibu Pertiwi flag, measuring 25 metres in length and 12.4 metres in width, was raised with pride on its 99.4-metre-high flagpole.
The event commenced with an inspection of the Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) Honor Guard, followed by the rendition of the state anthem, 'Ibu Pertiwiku.'
Attendees were also treated to a performance by local artist Tini Tyrani, who showcased Sarawak's cultural heritage through a Sarawak Day-themed presentation.
The month flag-raising ceremony, organised by DBKU, is a continuous civic initiative aimed at fostering patriotism and strengthening a shared sense of identity among Sarawakians.
The ceremony saw the presence of several dignitaries including Kuching North mayor Dato Hilmy Othman, Ministry of Transport Sarawak (MOTS) permanent secretary Datu Wong Hee Sieng, as well as senior officials and commission members from MOTS and DBKU.
The inaugural flag-raising ceremony was officiated by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg on July 28 last year, marking the official launch of the Dataran Ibu Pertiwi as a civic landmark.
Dataran Ibu Pertiwi has since become one of Kuching's most iconic landmarks, recognised not only for its monumental flag but also as a site that reflects the spirit and aspirations of the people of Sarawak. Dataran Ibu Pertiwi lead Lee Kim Shin sarawak day
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Borneo Post
14 hours ago
- Borneo Post
Dataran Ibu Pertiwi ceremony celebrates unity, Sarawakian identity
Lee (middle) joins performers and guests in waving the mini Sarawak flags after the flag-raising ceremony. On his right is Hilmy. – Photo by Frankie Junau KUCHING (July 14): The Dataran Ibu Pertiwi stood as a powerful symbol of unity yesterday as it hosted the July edition of the Ibu Pertiwi flag-raising ceremony, held in conjunction with Sarawak Day celebrations. The ceremony was officiated by Sarawak Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, who is also in charge of this year's Sarawak Day celebrations on July 22 in Miri. The majestic Ibu Pertiwi flag, measuring 25 metres in length and 12.4 metres in width, was raised with pride on its 99.4-metre-high flagpole. The event commenced with an inspection of the Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) Honor Guard, followed by the rendition of the state anthem, 'Ibu Pertiwiku.' Attendees were also treated to a performance by local artist Tini Tyrani, who showcased Sarawak's cultural heritage through a Sarawak Day-themed presentation. The month flag-raising ceremony, organised by DBKU, is a continuous civic initiative aimed at fostering patriotism and strengthening a shared sense of identity among Sarawakians. The ceremony saw the presence of several dignitaries including Kuching North mayor Dato Hilmy Othman, Ministry of Transport Sarawak (MOTS) permanent secretary Datu Wong Hee Sieng, as well as senior officials and commission members from MOTS and DBKU. The inaugural flag-raising ceremony was officiated by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg on July 28 last year, marking the official launch of the Dataran Ibu Pertiwi as a civic landmark. Dataran Ibu Pertiwi has since become one of Kuching's most iconic landmarks, recognised not only for its monumental flag but also as a site that reflects the spirit and aspirations of the people of Sarawak. Dataran Ibu Pertiwi lead Lee Kim Shin sarawak day
Borneo Post
4 days ago
- Borneo Post
Kuching councils to host inaugural 722 Walk as symbol of unity for Sarawak Day
Wee (front, seventh right) flanked by Hilmy (left) and Tan in a photocall with other organising committee members after the press conference. – Photo by Roystein Emmor KUCHING (July 10): A historic collaboration between Kuching's three local councils will see the city hosting the inaugural 722 Walk this Sarawak Day, offering the public a meaningful and festive way to commemorate the state's journey to self-governance. The 722 Walk, taking place on July 22, will bring together the Kuching South City Council (MBKS), Kuching North City Commission (DBKU), and Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) for the first time ever in a joint event. The three-kilometre walk, which kicks off at 6am from the MBKS headquarters and ends at the Kuching Waterfront, is expected to draw over 1,000 participants, including council staff and the public. Kuching South Mayor, Dato Wee Hong Seng, the key driver behind the initiative, described the event as more than a walk – it is 'a celebration of history, health, heritage, hope, and unity.' 'We understand the main state-level celebration is in Miri this year, but that does not stop us from holding our own event here in Kuching. 'This walk is our way of celebrating Sarawak Day in a way that is inclusive, healthy, and full of Sarawakian spirit,' he told a press conference at MBKS headquarters today. Inspired by a casual discussion among council leaders, the 722 Walk was born out of a shared desire to engage the public meaningfully on a day that commemorates Sarawak's self-government on July 22, 1963. To foster greater youth engagement, Child Councils from all three local authorities will be joining the walk, promoting patriotism among the younger generation. No registration is required, and participants are encouraged to wear red, black, and yellow or Sarawak batik to reflect the occasion's spirit. The walk will also highlight Kuching's vibrant multiculturalism and long-standing harmony, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (UNSDG) of promoting good health and well-being. City Jogger Club (CJC) has come on board as a co-organiser, assisting with logistics and providing volunteers as marshals – a gesture hailed by Wee as 'a model for civic responsibility'. Also present at the press conference, Kuching North Datuk Bandar, Dato Hilmy Othman, expressed his support for the joint effort, crediting Wee's patriotic vision for uniting the councils. 'Celebrating this day together sends a powerful message about unity, not just among government agencies but also among the people of Kuching. 'This initiative promotes a healthy lifestyle while also reminding us of our shared past and future,' said Hilmy, adding that DBKU looks forward to hosting the 722 Walk next year as part of a rotating schedule. MPP Chairman Tan Kai echoed similar sentiments, stressing that local councils are best positioned to bring Sarawakians together at the grassroots level. He encouraged overseas Sarawakians to mark the day in their own way, 'even if it's just by flying the Sarawak flag or cooking Sarawak laksa.' The public is also encouraged to display the Sarawak flag proudly across homes and businesses on July 22 in a show of solidarity. Wee concluded by urging all Sarawakians to embrace the meaning of the day: 'Sarawak Day is not just a date on the calendar – it's a reminder of who we are and what we stand for.' 722 Walk DBKU inaugural Kuching MBKS MPP sarawak day
Barnama
4 days ago
- Barnama
Gua Rusa Tragedy Sparks Formation Of MOCSAR
T he tragic events of July 12, 2019, are still vividly remembered by Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) officer Mohd Sufri Alulakal, who was part of a search and rescue (SAR) operation following a flash flood at the iconic Gua Rusa (Deer Cave), located within Mulu National Park in Miri. The incident, which claimed two lives – local tour guide Roviezal Robin, 20, and Dutch tourist Peter Hans Hovenkamp, 66 – led to the formation of the Mountain Cave Search and Rescue (MOCSAR) team by Sarawak JBPM a year later to carry out SAR operations in mountains and caves. For Mohd Sufri, 30, who is now attached to the Lutong Fire and Rescue Station, the Gua Rusa mission was his first experience dealing with a fatal tragedy. He said at that time he had just completed a basic course conducted by the Special Tactical Operation and Rescue Team of Malaysia (STORM). 'Together with other STORM members, we were flown to the scene of the tragedy by a JBPM helicopter. 'At the time, I was still new to the team but when I was assigned to Mulu, I knew it wasn't just a routine operation,' he told Bernama recently during a visit to Gua Rusa in conjunction with the Gunung Api expedition in Mulu National Park, organised by the Kuching Division Journalists Association (KDJA). Mohd Sufri was assigned to accompany 10 KDJA members from various media outlets who took on the challenge of scaling Gunung Api, also known as Mulu Pinnacles. The expedition was held in conjunction with Sarawak Day on July 22. The Mulu National Park, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, contains one of the longest cave networks in the world. Gua Rusa is among the largest caves in the world in terms of main chamber size, spanning approximately two hectares and reaching a height of 122 metres. Famed for its natural beauty, including limestone formations that are millions of years old and home to millions of bats, the cave also has a complex internal structure and water system, exposing it to whirlpools and sudden strong currents, especially during heavy rain. CHALLENGES Recalling the Gua Rusa incident, Mohd Sufri said when the SAR team arrived at the scene on the morning of July 13, Hans Hovenkamp's body had already been found – floating in the Melinau George River inside the cave. 'Our task was to search for Roviezal. Although the flood had receded, the narrow passages and dark conditions of the cave, along with the danger posed by rapids and the limestone structures, made the search more hazardous. 'The challenge here was that we had to dive as the river water was deep… at our nose level,' added Mohd Sufri, who is also a member of JBPM's Water Rescue Team. He said the second victim's body was found on the third day of the SAR mission, caught on a log near the cave entrance. Now, after seven years of service with JBPM, he said the SAR mission in Gua Rusa remains his most challenging operation. The tragedy also, for safety reasons, led to the permanent closure of the Garden of Eden (involving Section A), one of the trails in Gua Rusa leading to the Melinau George waterfall, where the flash flood occurred. Incidentally, Roviezal's younger brother Gideon Robin, 20, now works as a tour guide and porter at Mulu National Park while their older sibling Willvien Robin, 31, is a member of MOCSAR. 'I was 15 when the tragedy occurred… now I want to carry on my late brother's legacy as a tour guide here,' Gideon said. CAVE RESCUE UNIQUE MOCSAR was established by JBPM Sarawak in 2020 to manage search and rescue operations in high-risk areas such as mountains, national parks and caves across the state. Sarawak JBPM director Jamri Masran said the MOCSAR team now has 18 members, including Mulu National Park staff as well as mountain guides, porters and tour guides who are familiar with the local terrain. Serving as a support unit to JBPM, MOCSAR team members must complete an intensive 100-hour course that covers rope handling, vertical rescue techniques such as hauling and lowering, and first aid. To maintain a high level of preparedness, they are also required to undergo an additional 50 hours of technical competency training. According to Jamri, it is ideal for MOCSAR members to be locals who understand the customs and culture of the surrounding communities. 'Some caves are considered sacred by local communities, especially the Berawan and Penan ethnic groups,' he told Bernama, adding that the challenge and uniqueness of cave rescues in Sarawak lie in the mountainous terrains full of caves and ravines. 'At this (Mulu) national park alone, an estimated 10,000 to 15,000 people hike annually.' Following the Gua Rusa incident, JBPM Sarawak designated MOCSAR as the first responder for cave and mountain SAR operations, enabling a much faster response to emergencies compared to before. 'The response time for fire teams to reach mountainous areas used to be long due to the distance from fire stations to the sites concerned,' Jamri said. Citing Mulu National Park as an example, he said the nearest fire station is located about 120 kilometres away in Marudi.
