KUCHING: Emart Batu Kawa’s Golden Paradise Street 2026 has become a living showcase of Sarawak’s nation-building spirit, drawing people of all races to celebrate Chinese New Year together under one roof.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said the Chinese New Year in Sarawak is never just a celebration for one community, but a shared festivity embraced by all races, similar to Hari Raya, Hari Gawai and other major celebrations in the state.
“In Sarawak, Chinese New Year is celebrated by everyone. Just like Hari Raya has Ramadan markets and Gawai has Gawai markets, Chinese New Year also has its markets. This is our Sarawak way,” he said in his speech during the officiating ceremony on Friday.
Dr Sim said the atmosphere at Emart Batu Kawa, filled with festive decorations, traditional goodies, stalls from different communities and the sound of laughter, reflected genuine unity that should not be taken lightly.
“And for us, just now, I went and walked past here. You see, Chinese New Year is celebrated by all races. Malay stalls, the Chinese stalls, the Dayak stalls, all these. And this is the type of understanding that we have.
“We do not need to say, okay, you know, a certain type of store, you’re right at the corner, and so on. We just eat together. They sell their things together. They laugh together. They make money together. And for the shoppers, right, we shop together,” he said.
He stressed that such grassroots activities play an important role in Sarawak’s nation-building efforts, especially at a time when many parts of the world are becoming increasingly divided.
“Today, you see many countries torn apart by conflict and racism. A divided country cannot do nation-building. In Sarawak, we choose to stay united and happy together, because only then can we move forward,” he said.
Dr Sim also thanked Emart Batu Kawa for creating an inclusive festive environment that encourages people to return home and reconnect with family and friends during Chinese New Year, including those from outstation, Peninsular Malaysia and overseas.
He noted that Emart Batu Kawa is one of only two Emart outlets in Kuching operating 24 hours a day, a sign of a vibrant local economy and an active community.
“A 24-hour supermarket means you have people, crowds and economic activity even at two o’clock in the morning. This shows that the community here is alive, moving forward and participating in development,” he said.
Dr Sim added that initiatives like Golden Paradise Street embody the spirit of ‘Sarawak Maju dan Makmur’, proving that progress is built not only through big policies but also through small, meaningful efforts that bring people together.
