5,000 reusable bags to be distributed at Malaysia Day celebration

KOTA KINABALU (Sept 13): Five thousand reusable bags will be distributed to the public during the Malaysia Day celebration on Sept 16 at Padang Merdeka here.

Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew said this is part of the state government’s efforts to reduce the use of single-use plastics.

This campaign is a continuation of the environmental awareness programmes implemented by the Environment Protection Department, she said at a press conference today to announce the national level Malaysia Day celebration programmes.

The Kota Kinabalu City Hall has banned the use of plastic bags from August 1, this year.
Liew expects round 30,000 people to attend the Malaysia Day celebration.

The theme for the celebration is “Malaysia Madani: Jiwa Merdeka”, which symbolises the nation’s aspiration to become a modern nation, united and free from negative elements that could threaten her harmony.

Various activities have been prepared. They include the State flag raising ceremony by the Royal Malaysian Navy; Heart of Sabah welcome dance; Special Malaysia Day 2024 Commemorative Book signing ceremony by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor and Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg which will be witnessed by Liew and Federal Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil as co-chairpersons of the Malaysia Day 2024 main committee; Malaysia Day cake cutting ceremony; Jalur Gemilang Merdeka Convoy; and Jalur Gemilang Handover Ceremony.

Liew said that the highlights of this year’s celebration include a special performance titled

“Rumah Madani Jiwa Merdeka”, which showcases the various aspects of Malaysia’s achievements, reflecting the strength of unity, dynamic progress and the nation’s transformation.

The performance will be divided into five captivating segments.

The first segment illustrates the patriotic spirit, pride and appreciation for the country’s history, culture and heritage.

“It highlights the strong love for the homeland among Malaysians,” said Liew.

The second segment showcases Malaysia’s unique and diverse cultures, and focuses on the unity among various ethnic groups in Malaysia such as the Malays, Chinese, Indians and the indigenous people of Sabah and Sarawak.

“It symbolises the harmony that is the foundation of our country’s strength,” she said.

The third segment, Dynamic Progress, showcases the continuous changes and development happening in the country, encompassing economic, social, political and technological advancements that have elevated Malaysia’s name on the global stage.

Segment four, National Transformation, is a reflection on the pride in the changes and achievements Malaysia has attained since independence.

It’s a portrayal of Malaysia’s journey toward becoming a developed nation.

The fifth segment, The Spirit of Independence, portrays the freedom of the people from negative elements, while expressing patriotic spirit through social, economic and intellectual integration.

“It represents the spirit of independence that unites the people into a solid, harmonious and progressive nation,” said the minister.

Among the arts groups performing on September 16 are the National Culture and Arts Department, Borneo Art, Satelit, Art UMS, SK Sembulan and Ngalay.

Also performing are local Sabah artists such as Elica Paujin, Nick Arddley, Den Bisa, Yico Wong, Dhania and Rosario Bianis.

Liew said that prior to the main event, a pre-show will be held from 5pm to 7.30pm.

“This will feature guest arrivals, performances by artists, and a special appearance by superhero mascots at the event venue. Post-show activities will continue after the fireworks display and the departure of the VIP guests,” she said.

Special guest artists include Akim, Stacy, Amir Jahari, Gary Chaw and Faizal Tahir.
There will also be exhibits, sales bazaars, patriotic song singing competitions, treasure hunts at the state archives and art gallery, Night at the Archives, e-sports competitions, national quizzes, and drawing competitions based on the theme “Malaysia MADANI, Jiwa Merdeka”, she said.

Additionally, the “wow factor” will be highlighted with unique cultural performances, hologram shows, drone performances, light and sound shows, and creative elements reflecting the theme “Malaysia MADANI: Jiwa Merdeka.”

Meanwhile, preparations for the Malaysia Day celebrations are now over 60 per cent completed.

Deputy Permanent Secretary II of the Sabah Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment, Alesia Sion said that all preparations are going very smoothly.

She said the first day’s rehearsal held on Thursday day focused on technical preparations involving stage props, lighting and sound systems.

“The full dress rehearsal will be held on the second day on Friday and the third day (Saturday) which will focused on the entire preparations such as stage decorations and performances from the Sabah State Department of Culture and Arts (JKKN).

“JKKN will present a special performance which is a combination of ethnic traditional dances of Sabah, Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia as a symbol of the unity for harmony of our country,” he said when inspecting the rehearsal at Padang Merdeka on Thursday.

Commenting further on the three days of rehearsals, she was confident that the rigorous preparations being carried out this time will pay off well and stamp the name of Sabah as host of this year’s Malaysia Day celebrations.

A survey at Padang Merdeka on Thursday night found staff busy installing sound and light equipment, in addition to the stage and event tent being pitched.

Meanwhile, several roads and parking spaces will be temporarily closed to make way for the celebration.

In a statement, the Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK) informed that Jalan Padang will be closed from 4pm to 11pm, while the parking space along the road, including the bus terminal and the old library site behind the DBKK building, will also be closed from 1pm to 11pm.

DBKK also announced that several parking spaces will be temporarily closed to make way for the state-level Maulidur Rasul celebrations at Sabah International Convention Centre on September 16.

The parking spaces affected from 1am to 11am are near Jalan Tugu starting from the Kampung Air roundabout to the Horizon Hotel roundabout, and near the Kota Kinabalu Community Hall.