TYT: Overwhelming Raya open house turnout reflects close-knit spirit among Sarawakians

KUCHING (March 25): Sarawak Governor Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar has expressed his gratitude following the overwhelming response to his Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house at the Astana on the first and second day of Syawal.

The Yang di-Pertua Negeri said he, along with wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi and family, were touched to see nearly 27,000 well-wishers turn up during the two-day celebration to extend their festive greetings.

“On the first day alone we received about 25,000 visitors, while nearly 2,000 guests attended on the second day.

“This turnout far exceeded our initial expectations and it reflects the close-knit spirit among Sarawakians, with visitors coming from various divisions including Kuching, Kota Samarahan, Betong and Sibu, as well as from within Kuching city,” he said in a statement.

The Head of State said to cater to guests, 14 stalls—mostly operated by small-scale traders from around Kuching—were set up, offering a wide selection of traditional dishes such as satay, ketupat, rendang, curry, ice kacang, kolo mee, mee jawa, and Sarawak’s iconic layer cake.

He expressed appreciation that the food and beverage supply was sufficient to accommodate the large number of attendees.

“The celebration this year was truly lively. Toh Puan and I were very happy to see people from all walks of life, ages, races and religions in attendance.

“This is a form of unity that cannot be measured in monetary terms,” he said.

Wan Junaidi added that the beauty of Sarawak’s diversity was further highlighted as guests arrived in their respective traditional ethnic attire.

“I myself wore a ‘tengkolok’ while Toh Puan donned a baju kurung adorned with ‘keringkam’, synonymous with Sarawak’s cultural heritage,” he said.

He extended his appreciation to all who attended the open house, expressing hope that the Syawal celebration would continue to strengthen ties and unity among Sarawakians.