KOTA SAMARAHAN: The first day of the ‘Sarawakku Sayang’ programme at the civic centre here yesterday hosted more than 1,000 visitors.
The two-day event is an initiative by the Sarawak government, meant to highlight the achievements and developments made possible by Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg, since becoming Sarawak’s sixth Chief Minister on Jan 13, 2017.
Abang Johari himself is expected to officiate at the event today.
Those entering the event site at the Kota Samarahan Open Square would pass a gigantic arch engraved with the slogan ‘Sarawakku Sayang, Jaga Sarawak, Intu Sarawak’ (My Beloved Sarawak, Take Good Care of Sarawak).
The site is housing over 100 booths manned by representatives of various government’s departments and agencies, as well as institutions of higher learning (IPTs) such as Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) and Mara University of Technology (UiTM).
Yesterday, a ‘Beyblade’ competition was held, which attracted dozens of children, while youth visitors were drawn to the gaming challenges.
A lucky draw is also running until today, offering many attractive prizes such as a refrigerator, a washing machine, other electrical appliances, mountain bikes, smartphones and also product hampers.
For food lovers, the ‘Sarawak Kitchen’ is a must-go, where visitors get to enjoy various local delicacies and drinks.
There are 10 agencies participating in the exhibitions – among them are the Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA), Sarawak Foundation, Welfare Department, Women and Family Department, Agriculture Department, Rural Water Supply Department, and Simunjan District Council.
According to Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas), ‘Sarawakku Sayang’ represents a great opportunity for the people living in Kuching, Kota Samarahan, Simunjan, Serian, Bau and other nearby districts and municipalities to gain access to various government services, and also obtain information and advice from the participating departments and agencies.
“The programme is one of Sarawak government’s strategies to be closely engaged with the ‘rakyat’ (people) through a host of activities.
“It also allows the people to know the various initiatives taken up by the Chief Minister, as well as updates on various phases of developments being implemented by the Sarawak government to raise the socioeconomic level of the people,” Ukas said in a statement released yesterday.