MIRI: Mirians celebrate Sarawak Day today in a new normal due to the standard
operating procedure (SOP) protocols under the Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO).
This year Miri is the host of the state-level Sarawak Day celebration.
A retired oil and gas worker, Mohd Putit Pekok, said due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the country still in the recovery period, most locals would just stay safe at home but would want to know the latest developments through television and social media.
Mohd Putit shows the spirit of Patriotism by flying the Sarawak flag.
“I will just celebrate Sarawak Day with my wife and children at home watching TV to keep up to date with government programmes,” he said.
Mohd Putit, who is also PBB Piasau deputy chairman, said he would display the Sarawak flag at his art kiosk to commemorate Sarawak Day.
“I will relate to all my family members including my grandchildren on how our ancestors fought for independence through struggles and the spirit of patriotism,” he added.
Daud Lamat decorates his fishing boat with Sarawak flags and Jalur Gemilang.
A fisherman from Kampung Pulau Melayu here, Abdul Gapar @ Daud Lamat, said he decorated his fishing boat with Sarawak and some national flags during every Sarawak Day to show the spirit of patriotism among the fishing community and love for the state.
“It is important for the people to know the struggles our previous leaders went through to seek independence, which has brought much development to us now,” he said.
Even though there would be no big celebration to mark Sarawak Independence Day this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Independence Day must be remembered by all people of all walks of life in Sarawak, he added.
A housewife, Rozana Abdul Rahman, said the mood is different this year as everybody knows that the government is downsizing all events and celebrations.
“However, we still celebrate it to show our love to the state in our own way by flying Sarawak flags at our homes,” she added.
On the other hand, she said, it is very important for all Sarawakians, especially the younger generation, to know the state’s history leading to self-governance on July 22, 1963 from the British government.
A random check at the city saw many business premises still not putting up the Sarawak flags, except banks and government offices.
Sarawak Day is a holiday observed on July 22 every year by Sarawak to celebrate the establishment of self-government and de facto independence on July 22, 1963.