KUCHING: A record 11,158 participants from 279 contingents joined the Sarawak-level Maulidur Rasul procession at Padang Merdeka here yesterday.
This was the first time the celebration breached 10,000 participants in Kuching’s history.
The participants included those from Samarahan and Serian.
They represented government agencies and statutory bodies; private firms; financial institutions and companies; mosques and surau; village security and development committees (JKKK); associations; clubs; organisations; public and private tertiary institutions; and schools.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg officially launched the celebration and also joined the procession.
Among those present were Assistant Minister of Islamic Affairs and DBKU Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi and Sarawak Islamic Council president Datu Misnu Taha, who were advisors to the organising committee.
One of the two processions covered a 4.2km route encompassing Kampung Bandarshah, Kampung No. 2, and Kuching Division Mosque.
The other was the a 3.5km route covering Jalan McDougall, Kuching Waterfront, and Padang Merdeka.
Abang Johari (front, second left) leads one of the processions. He is flanked by Dr Abdul Rahman (front, left) and Misnu. — Photo by Muhammad Rais Sanusi