KAPIT: Kapit has been chosen as the centre for the state-level Merdeka Day celebration. This interior town of 13,000 people is all set for the celebration from Aug 30 to 31.
Bangunan Syarikat Telekom decorated with the giant Jalur Gemilang and state flag.
Students doing a rehearsal for a welcoming dance for the Merdeka Day celebration.
At a recent press conference, minister in charge of the celebration Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Masing explained that the celebration would be moderate to show respect to those who perished in the ill fated MH17 and their families.
The celebration will start with a ‘Merdeka Run’ on the morning of Aug 30, followed by a power boat race at Kapit Waterfront and a thanksgiving prayer at Jabar An-Nur mosque in the evening.
The parade on August 31 at the Padang Sukan will be attended by Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Pehin Sri Taib Mahmud, Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Adenan Satem and members of the State Cabinet.
Despite the limited resources and the town being remote, Kapit Resident Fedrick John George said they were determined and committed to put up a good celebration.
He said the preparations had gone smoothly and currently they were having rehearsals for the parade that will involve 2,000 participants comprising students and 25 contingents from departments and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
Meanwhile, most government buildings and schools around town have been decorated with the Jalur Gemilang and Sarawak flag.
The Chinese Chamber of Commerce has even sponsored the Jalur Gemilang and Sarawak flag for its members to fly at their business premises.
Its chairman, Datuk Yong Hua Sying, has appealed to the business community to fly the Jalur Gemilang to show their spirit of patriotism and love for the country.