Celebrate Kuching City Day: Deputy Premier highlights historical significance of Kuching Festival

Dr Sim touches on the historical significance of Kuching Festival in a Facebook video posted on his official Facebook page. Screenshot: Dr Sim Kui Hian/Facebook

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, July 25: As the annual Kuching Festival approaches, Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian has called on Sarawakians, both local and abroad, to participate in the festivities that celebrate the unique heritage and culture of Kuching city.

In a Facebook video, Dr Sim highlighted the historical significance of Kuching Festival, which will take place this year from July 26 to Aug 18, emphasising its role in commemorating the establishment of Kuching as the third city in Malaysia after Kuala Lumpur and Ipoh.

“Every year, in July and August, many Sarawakians living outside Sarawak think about coming home because of what is commonly known as the Kuching Festival,” he noted. “But do you know what the Kuching Festival is? It is a celebration of Kuching City Day.”

Dr Sim, who is also Minister of Public Health, Housing, and Local Government (MPHLG) Sarawak, elaborated on the unique nature of Kuching, which consists of Kuching City North and Kuching City South, each with its own mayor.

According to the minister, the Kuching Festival was initiated 36 years ago to mark the creation of Kuching City, with the Kuching Food Festival becoming its most renowned aspect.

This year’s festival promises an array of activities, including food stalls, music performances, and garden shows, fostering a spirit of unity among attendees.

“I hope as many of you can come together to celebrate Kuching City Day and enjoy all the activities, food, music, garden show, and so on because we want to celebrate the City of Unity,” Dr Sim said. — DayakDaily