Lucy Robinson
Rain severely impacted the preparations for the upcoming parade celebrating the 78th birthday of Sarawak’s Governor, Tun Pehin Sri Dr. Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar. As heavy rain poured down this afternoon, Padang Merdeka transformed into a scene of soggy decorations and flooded roads, raising concerns about the event scheduled for tomorrow, October 12.
Flooding at Padang Merdeka
Reports emerged that several inches of water accumulated at the event venue. Footage shared by the Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) showed the canopied seating area for guests almost submerged. The covers of the chairs were stained, carpets soaked, and debris littered the ground, swept in by the rising water.
In response to the flooding, teams from Bomba Sarawak were dispatched to assess conditions across Kuching. They checked several roads, including:
- Jalan Pending
- Jalan Kwong Lee Bank
- Jalan Pearl
- Padang Merdeka itself
While the rain began around 2 PM and caused immediate concerns, Bomba reported that water levels around the celebration venue have started to recede.
What to Expect at the Parade
Despite the weather challenges, the grand parade, marking the Governor’s birthday, is set to kick off at 8 AM tomorrow. This celebration marks Wan Junaidi’s first official birthday event since he took office on January 26, 2024, for a four-year term.
A total of 78 contingents, involving about 3,100 participants, will take part in this year’s parade. The event is expected to attract a large crowd, including key figures such as Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and his wife, Puan Sri Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tun Tuanku Bujang.
Festivities and Performances
The Sarawak Arts Council (MSS) has planned an exciting lineup of performances to honor the Governor:
- 50 students will perform “Dirgahayu” by Faizal Tahir and Dayang Nurfaizah.
- A medley featuring Dayang Nurfaizah and Bob Yusof, showcasing popular hits from the 1960s.
- A cultural segment titled ‘Rampaian Etnik Kreatif,’ featuring 100 participants from six Sarawak ethnic groups, highlighting the region’s rich diversity and traditions.
Looking Ahead
Officials are hopeful that the lingering effects of today’s rain will not dampen the spirits of the celebratory events planned for tomorrow. While the flooding posed immediate concerns, preparations for both the parade and cultural performances are still underway.
As the community comes together for this significant occasion, the enthusiasm for celebrating the Governor’s birthday remains strong—rain or shine. For updates on the event, locals can check official channels or news sources like DayakDaily.
despite today’s adversity, Sarawak’s heartfelt celebration of its Governor’s birthday is expected to proceed with vibrancy and pride, honoring tradition and fostering unity in the face of challenges
