KUCHING: Preparations for the Sarawak-level National Day 2026 celebration in Kapit are progressing smoothly, with final arrangements being made ahead of the festivities at the end of this month.
Kapit Resident Elvis Didit said preparations for the main celebration site next to Dewan Suarah Kapit and the ‘Ambang Merdeka’ venue at Kapit Town Square were now in their final stages.
He said only the construction of the stage at the main site had yet to be fully completed, while non-physical preparations, including programme coordination and event activities, were already at a good level of readiness.
“The Kapit Division is acting as the secretariat to ensure there are no obstacles in the preparations, that the events run smoothly and that there is active participation from the local community as well as visitors from outside Kapit,” he said.
He said this during an interview on the ‘Juh Randau’ programme produced by the Sarawak Public Communications Unit (UKAS) on Thursday (Aug 20).
Elvis said logistics and accommodation were also being given attention due to the limited hotel capacity in Kapit.
As such, homestays and commuting between Sibu and Kapit are among the alternatives available to visitors expected to attend the celebration.
He said this year’s celebration was also hoped to become a historic occasion for Kapit and an opportunity to showcase what the division has to offer.
“This is an opportunity for us to showcase Kapit as a division rich in cultural diversity, geographical beauty and unique local food,” he said.
A series of programmes has been lined up in conjunction with the celebration, beginning with a convoy of high-powered motorcycles travelling from Kuching to Kapit on Aug 29.
This will be followed by a visit to the Baleh Dam and the ‘Ambang Merdeka’ celebration on Aug 30.
The ‘Ambang Merdeka’ programme will feature performances by local and visiting artistes including Mawat, Ramles Water, Masterpiece and Kelly Ho, with a large turnout expected.
Meanwhile, a ‘Unity Walk’ will be held on the morning of Aug 31, where participants are encouraged to wear attire reflecting their respective identities as a symbol of unity in diversity.
The celebration will also be broadcast live through social media platforms and the UKAS portal, allowing those unable to attend in person to follow the events.
