Iconic White Cat shines with early CNY spirit

KUCHING: Once again, this city is getting ready to celebrate Chinese New Year (which is next month), and the iconic White Cat statue at the Padungan roundabout is at the centre of a lot of excitement.

Cloaked in a striking red samfu and adorned with an elegant Chinese hat, the cat statue stands proudly, capturing the attention and hearts of netizens and citizens alike.

The Padungan roundabout has been transformed into a festive spectacle, with Chinese New Year paraphernalia surrounding the statue. Chinese fans flutter in the breeze, gold ingots sparkle in the sunlight, and the God of Wealth stands nearby, promising prosperity and good fortune for the year ahead.

The iconic White Cat statue dons in Chinese New Year attire.

New Sarawak Tribune takes the opportunity to speak to MBKS mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng, who discloses that this year’s cat statue reflects MBKS’ commitment to sustainability through the three Rs: reuse, reduce, and recycle.

“The decoration you see before you is a testament to our dedication to sustainable practices,” Mayor Wee explains. “We have reused old tires and repurposed the frames from last year’s Christmas trees to create this stunning display that celebrates Sarawak’s rich culture.”

He expresses his gratitude for the partnerships that make this project possible. Sar Alam Indah sponsors the tires, while charitable societies like Tze Chi and San Seng Tong Buddhist Association contribute to the design and execution of the decorations. It is truly a collaborative effort that showcases the spirit of unity within the community.

The cat statue, lovingly designed by local artist Yong Kee Yet, has been an integral part of Kuching’s identity since the city was elevated to city status in 1988. It was the first of the many other cat statues that now populate Kuching.

Despite numerous imitations, the original cat remains the most sought-after, attracting both visitors and residents to stop and capture a photo with it.

Chinese New Year decorations that surround the statue.

With its diverse wardrobe changes throughout the year, the cat has secured its status as the city’s most prominent Instagram personality, featuring prominently in various promotional videos showcasing the city.

According to Mayor Wee, the statue has so many visitors that it leads to a shortage of parking space at the compound.

“That is why we are trying to free up parking space nearby so that it can be appreciated by all,” he says.

Beyond its role as a symbol of the city’s identity, Mayor Wee describes the statue as friendly, quirky, and charming, qualities synonymous with Kuching and its residents.

“It is part of our community, unique to here, and Kuching people seem to love this statue. Nowhere in the world has anything like it. Every time a Kuching person sees it, I believe they feel that sense of recognition and belonging, with a little smile on their face,” he expresses.

He also expresses his appreciation towards the Kuching community for their affection towards the statue last year.

“Now we have set the bar. We look forward to doing better for upcoming celebrations like Hari Raya and Gawai Dayak, as well as every other special occasion that defines Kuching’s renowned festivities. Just as the cat celebrates all cultures, so do we. We all love the giant Kuching just as we all love Kuching,” he says with a beaming smile.