107 contingents parade for Sarawak Head of State’s 80th birthday

KUCHING: A total of 107 contingents representing government agencies, statutory bodies, associations and other organisations took part in the parade marking the 80th official birthday of Head of State, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar at Padang Merdeka here today (Oct 10).

The parade, which began at 7:30 am, drew thousands of Sarawakians who gathered to witness the grand celebration.

(From 10th left) Wan Junaidi and Fauziah during the cake cutting ceremony.

The ceremony was accorded full military honours, including a guard of honour comprising three officers and 103 personnel from the Second Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment, led by Major Mohamad Helmi Husaini Abdul Rahman.

The ceremony featured the playing of the national anthem, Negaraku, followed by the Sarawak state anthem, Ibu Pertiwiku, performed by the marching band and accompanied by a seven-cannon salute.

Wan Junaidi inspects the main guard of honour.

The ceremony also featured a flypast by an AW139 helicopter from the Royal Malaysian Navy’s 503 Squadron and an aircraft detachment from the Royal Malaysian Air Force’s No. 3 Squadron.

Wan Junaidi later inspected the main guard of honour, accompanied by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, as the crowd cheered and waved along the field.

The celebration reached a highlight when Wan Junaidi, accompanied by his wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, cut his birthday cake amid cheers of “Dirgahayu” from the crowd.

Contingents marching during the grand parade.

Contingents marching during the grand parade.

Prizes were also presented to outstanding contingents in several categories, recognising their discipline, presentation and creativity.

In the Enforcement Category, Bintulu Development Authority took first place, followed by the Sarawak Land and Survey Department and the Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB).

Sarawak Water emerged champion in the Statutory Bodies, Government-Linked Companies and Higher Learning Institutions Category, with Sarawak Forestry Corporation and Sarawak Energy taking second and third places respectively.

In the Associations Category, the Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) secured first place, ahead of Persatuan Kedayan and the Federation of Orang Ulu Associations Sarawak Malaysia (FORUM).

The Public Works Department (JKR) won the Departments Category, followed by the Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB) and the Syariah Judiciary Department.

For the Divisions Category, Kapit Division Administration took top honours, while Mukah Division Administration and Sarikei Division Administration placed second and third respectively.

Contingents marching during the grand parade.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Urban Development (MUDeNR) emerged winner in the Ministries Category, ahead of the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts and the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development.

Meanwhile, Amanah Khairat Yayasan Budaya Melayu Sarawak won the Creative Special Category, with DBNA and the Ministry of Energy and Environmental Sustainability placing second and third respectively.