SIBU: People from various walks of life took part in the much awaited Sibu Merdeka Run held at Sibu Town Square as part of the state-level 55th Merdeka Day celebration. The runners came in the droves as early as 5am for the early morning run and fine weather was smiling at them with an overcast and cloudy conditions cooling the entire event. The event was jointly flagged off by Second Finance Minister and Minister of Local Government and Community Development Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh and the Assistant Minister of Land Development and Tourism Datuk Gramong Juna. Also present during the function were Sibu Resident Sim Kok Kee, Sibu Municipal Council chairman Datuk Tiong Thai King, deputy chairman Daniel Ngieng, Temenggong Vincent Lau and Wong’s wife Datin Sri Pauline Leong. RIGHT PHOTO: Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud was present to grace the closing ceremony and giving away the prizes to winners. — Photos by Othman Ishak