KUCHING: The 2026 Sarawak Day celebration to be held in Sibu from July 20 to 22 is expected to strengthen patriotism, unity and appreciation of the state’s history through a series of programmes highlighting Sarawak’s identity and development.
Theme “Sarawak Maju Makmur, Segulai Sejalai” (A Progressive and Prosperous Sarawak, Together as One), the celebration is expected to draw thousands of people, particularly from the central region of Sarawak, to commemorate the state’s journey and achievements since Jul 22, 1963.
Minister for Transport and minister responsible for the 2026 Sarawak Day celebration Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin said Sibu was selected as the host city to provide greater opportunities for communities in the central region to participate in the historic celebration.
He said Sibu’s strategic location would make it easier for people from surrounding areas to attend, allowing more Sarawakians to learn about the state’s history and witness the progress achieved over the past six decades.
“By choosing Sibu as the venue for this year’s Sarawak Day celebration, we are making it more convenient for people in the central region to take part.
“We hope they will come to learn about the history of Sarawak Day and better understand the progress the state has achieved since Jul 22, 1963,” he said.
Lee said this during the Juh Randau talk show produced by the Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS) at the UKAS Studio on Monday (Jul 6).
Lee said the three-day celebration would feature a wide range of programmes reflecting Sarawak’s history, culture and racial harmony.
Among the highlights are a historical exhibition showcasing Sarawak’s development since July 22, 1963, a Unity Walk involving about 10,000 participants, a public concert, an interfaith thanksgiving ceremony, a Sarawak Day town hall session, historical drama performances and various community activities involving people of different races and age groups.
“The main event would be the Sarawak Day Assembly, which is expected to bring together the state’s leaders as a symbol of unity and their shared commitment to continuing Sarawak’s development agenda,” he said.
Lee added that the annual celebration also serves as an educational platform to help younger generations better understand Sarawak’s journey towards self-government, the formation of Malaysia and the significance of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) in shaping the state’s development.
Visitors will also be able to explore 50 booths offering a variety of food, beverages, handicrafts and locally made products throughout the celebration.
All Sarawakians particularly those from the central region including Kapit, Kanowit, Sarikei, Bintangor and Mukah are encouraged to attend the celebration in Sibu and join in commemorating the state’s historic occasion themed “Sarawak Maju Makmur, Segulai Sejalai”.
