Sibu to host three-day Sarawakku Sayang 2026 programme featuring 47 agencies, 158 services

Datu Hii Chang Kee, Sarawak Deputy State Secretary (Operations) cum chairman of the Divisional Committee (Sibu, Sarikei, Mukah and Betong) (6th from left), during preparations for the SKS 2026 programme in Sibu. Also seen are Saferi Awang Said, Sibu Division Resident (5th from left); Henry Jalin, Sibu Municipal Council Secretary (5th from right); and Ashree Wee, Deputy Director of the Sarawak Implementation Monitoring Unit (SIMU) (4th from right).

By Shikin Louis

SIBU, July 6: The highly anticipated three-day Sibu Division Sarawakku Sayang (SKS) Programme 2026 is set to kick off at Dataran Tun Tuanku Haji Bujang Phase 1 from July 10 to 12.

The event marks the fifth destination of the program’s State-wide tour this year, following successful runs in Limbang, Miri, Bintulu, and Kapit.

According to Sarawak Deputy State Secretary (Administration) Datu Hii Chang Kee, all main logistics and infrastructure setups at Sibu Town Square are in their final stages of completion.

“If we look at the site today, almost all main facilities are already prepared. We are just waiting for final installations such as air conditioning, air coolers, carpeting, and the arrangement of chairs,” Hii told reporters during a doorstep interview following the final coordination meeting for the programme today. An audio recording of his remarks was later shared with DayakDaily.

Adopting a comprehensive ‘One-Stop Centre’ concept, the event is designed to bring the Sarawak government closer to the community under one roof. The Sarawak Pavilion will house 47 government agencies providing 158 different types of services across various counters.

Rakyat can easily check and apply for major State initiatives including the Sarawak Basic Needs Contribution (SKAS), the Sarawak Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES), welfare assistance, and health screenings.

For job seekers, the JobSarawak counter will feature 10 private companies conducting on-the-spot interviews. Members of the public can also lodge complaints directly through the Talikhidmat counter.

The grand opening ceremony will be officiated by Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg on July 11 (Saturday) at 10.30am at the main tent.

“We are inviting the public to come out in full force.

“Our target is to gather more than 5,000 people inside the main tent to listen to the Premier’s keynote address, where many key development initiatives will be highlighted,” Hii added.

Also expected to attend the ceremony are Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Amar Fadillah Yusof, Sarawak Deputy Premiers, State and federal ministers, local assemblymen, and community leaders.

Before the main event on Saturday morning, the Premier is scheduled to conduct a site visit to the ongoing RMK-13 community project at the Bukit Lima Nature Reserve to inspect the newly completed 600-meter plankwalk. Following that, he will join the community for breakfast at the Sibu Central Market at 8.30am.

The three-day event is packed with activities for the entire family. Food lovers can head to the ‘Sibu Kitchen and Sales’ segment, which opens daily from 9.00am starting Friday (July 10), featuring iconic local delicacies such as ‘kampua’, ‘kompia’, ‘dabai’, and ‘tumpik’.

The excitement begins on July 10 (Friday) with a soft opening by the State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki at 10.00am, followed by a Civil Service Medal Presentation Ceremony to be officiated by the Premier at the RH Hotel at 3.00pm. The first night will then conclude with a vibrant Cultural Night organised by the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak (MTCP).

Separately, the Premier is expected to attend a private dinner with local community leaders in Sibu at the Kingwood Hotel that same evening.

On July 11 (Saturday), a massive Konsert Rakyat featuring popular local and national artists will take place at 8.00pm. The concert is scheduled to be officiated by National Unity Minister Dato Sri Aaron Ago Dagang.

The final day on July 12 (Sunday) kicks off early at 6.30am with the SKS Fun Walk covering 2.5 kilometers and a 3.5-kilometer Fun Run, both to be flagged off by Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Michael Tiang. The first 2,000 finishers across the line will receive exclusive medals. Various community sports, aerodance sessions, and e-sports tournaments will also run concurrently throughout the weekend.

Visitors also stand a chance to win massive prizes through the program’s ‘E-Peraduan’ (E-Contest) lucky draw, which offers over 70 attractive prizes. This includes a grand pool of 11 motorcycles, with daily draws held every evening. To participate, visitors simply need to locate and scan the provided QR codes around the event site. However, winners must be physically present during the daily evening draws to claim their prizes. — DayakDaily