Citrawarna gala night limited to 2,450 visitors

SIMUNJAN (Sarawak): Only 2,450 visitors will be allowed to attend the gala night of the Keluarga Malaysia Citrawarna Programme on Feb 26 at the Kuching Waterfront, says Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri.

She said that in view of the latest wave of rising Covid-19 infections, the ministry, together with the Sarawak State Disaster Management Committee, has formulated strict standard operating procedures (SOP) for visitors attending the event.

“Among them, we have increased the number of canopies from one to seven. Each canopy will accommodate 350 people and every movement in and out will be controlled by enforcement to comply with the number of visitors present.”

Nancy said this after visiting the Batang Sadong parliamentary constituency Keluarga Malaysia Sales Programme at the Dewan Mesra Simunjan parking area, about 85km from Kuching yesterday.

The two-day sales event which began yesterday gave more than 40,000 locals a chance to buy daily necessities at prices up to 20% cheaper than what is available at the local markets.

On the Keluarga Malaysia Citrawarna Programme, Nancy said the festival themed Unity in Diversity is a colourful fiesta with a variety of tourism activities as well as Malaysian arts and cultural performances.

It is expected to be officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

She said it is imperative to stage the festival despite the threat of the Covid-19 outbreak because as the minister responsible for tourism, arts and culture, she believed that the event would help many affected industry players revitalise the economy.

The delivery of the Keluarga Malaysia Citrawarna Programme is also a benchmark for the execution of future events by the ministry under the new normal.

“Indeed, when we hold the event at this time, there will be a ‘fear factor’ among the community. I myself am also worried but due to economic factors and other industry players who depend on the boost, it should be continued,” she said.

Besides the gala night planned for the Citrawarna programme that will be held over four days from Feb 24 to 27, other activities include a Sarawak craft festival, sape concert, Sarawak drum festival, Malaysian textile craft fashion show, food bazaar and a fireworks display and musical fountain show.