National Chinese Cultural Festival torch relay reaches Miri

MIRI: The Sarawak Federation of Chinese Associations (SFCA) torch relay continued its journey by arriving at its second destination here last night (Jul 6), following its commencement in Limbang on June 22.

The event is part of the 39th National Chinese Cultural Festival and will culminate in Kuching on September 15.

Miri Mayor Adam Yii Siew Sang said the event plays a crucial role in promoting multicultural harmony.

Exciting moment as a participant of the torch relay at the 39th National Chinese Cultural Festival eagerly awaits the flag off.

“This event is very poignant and important because we live in a multiracial, multicultural, and multi-religious society. Northern Sarawak is home to more than 30 ethnic groups, and Miri epitomises this diversity. The motto ‘Multicultural Coexistence Drives National Prosperity’ is not only relevant but essential for our society,” he said.

Yii, who is also Pujut assemblyman, emphasised the commendable nature of races living harmoniously together, fostering national prosperity.

The torch relay symbolises unity and cultural heritage, highlighting the importance of multicultural coexistence in driving national prosperity, he added.

The ceremony in Miri, organised by the Federation of Chinese Associations Malaysia and the Federation of Chinese Associations Sarawak, saw the participation of 2,000 people.

The torch relay started from Jalan Marina Bay and covered a 4km route to Tua Pek Kong, followed by a segment at Eastwood Golf Valley and Country Club.

The evening concluded with a torch-handing ceremony to representatives from the Bintulu division.

The tradition, initiated in 1984 and organised by various Chinese associations in Malaysia, returned to Sarawak after a decade.

The event will continue its journey through Bintulu before reaching its grand finale in Kuching.

Yii (7th right) and SFCA chairman Dato Richard Wee (9th right) with other guests during the flag off of the torch relay at Jalan Marina Bay Miri.

SFCA chairman Dato Richard Wee(right) handing over the torch to Bintulu division representative during the event in Eastwood Golf Valley and Country Club Miri, later that night.