Hold Kuching City Street Parade on specific date, Dr Sim suggests
KUCHING: The Kuching City Street Parade should be set on a specific date each year to make it one of Sarawak’s tourism events and attract more contingents.
Minister of Local Government and Housing Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian, who made this suggestion, said the annual parade which celebrates the elevation of Kuching to a city on Aug 1, 1988, is also a reflection of unity in diversity in the city.
“People from different races and religions all came together to celebrate the occasion which is a very colourful and high in quality,” said Dr Sim during the handing over of prizes to the winners of this year’s parade yesterday.
Organised by Kuching South City Council (MBKS), Dr Sim added that the parade if fixed on a specific date would enable the organisers to attract more participants.
“If there is a fixed date, sure they (contingents) will mark their calendar and make preparations,” said Dr Sim, noting that a total of 54 contingents took part in the parade this year.
Holding the parade on a specific date would also let it be known globally, especially within the Asean region, and make it a grander event, he reasoned.
Also speaking was MBKS mayor Datuk James Chan, who applauded the members of his council for the success of this year’s celebration that marked the 30th anniversary of Kuching City.
He admitted that organising a large scale event such as the city parade is not an easy feat, for which he said this year’s organising chairman Cr Mohamad Taufi k Abdul Ghani and his team deserved a round of applause for their perseverance.
“I would also like to convey my gratitude to the people of Kuching for taking part in the parade which shows the spirit of participation,” said Chan.
Meanwhile, winner of the Cultural Troupe category went to Chung Hua Middle School No. 3 Kuching, which took home RM5,000 and a trophy.
Coming in second place was SIDMA College Sarawak (RM4,000) while Sri Bandaraya City Dancer ( RM3,000) was in third place.
In the Fancy Dress Costume category, the winner was The Dance Academy (Kuching B) which received RM5,000 and a trophy, followed by Fit Aerobics and Dance Academy (RM4,000) and De Jackie Inspiration ( RM3,000) in second and third places respectively.
In The Fancy Costume Junior category, the winner was The Dance Academy ( Kuching A), taking home the prize of RM5,000 and a trophy.
Coming in second place in the same category was KBS Culture and Dance Troupe B ( RM4,000) followed by Sutra Kencana Dancers ( RM3,000).
In the Marching Band category, the first place went to Golden Hornbill Drumline UiTM Sarawak which won RM5,000, followed by Pancaragam PDRM Sarawak ( RM3,000) and Pancaragam Gabungan 1 Divisyen ATM ( RM1,000) in second and third places respectively.