KUCHING: The spirit of unity and patriotism filled Satok here today as more than 100 participants of all ages and races came together for two community events, the ‘Merdeka Fun Walk’ at Kampung Bandarsah and the ‘Muda Hashim II Run’, both held in the run-up to Malaysia Day on September 16.
The Merdeka Fun Walk, organised by Pergerakan Wanita Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Ranting Bandarsah, in collaboration with Jawatankuasa Kemajuan dan Keselamatan Kampung (JKKK) and Kawasan Rukun Tetangga (KRT) Kampung Bandarsah, was a three-kilometre event that drew women, men, children and veterans, reflecting the rich harmony of local society.
Meanwhile, the ‘Muda Hashim II Run’ was flagged off at Rumah Warisan Tan Sri Datuk Amar Abang Haji Ahmad Urai, which was organised by JKKK Kampung Muda Hashim with support from Kejiranan Mesra (KJM) Kampung Muda Hashim and PITSA Satok.
The run featured a three-kilometre category for women and a five-kilometre category for men, attracting a similar multi-racial and multi-generational turnout.
Both programmes were officiated by Datuk Ibrahim Baki, Deputy Minister of Utility (Sarawak Energy Bhd and PETROS) and Satok Assemblyman, who praised the strong participation.
“Alhamdulillah, programmes like these are excellent as we celebrate Malaysia Day because they remind us of the struggles of our forefathers, which were not easy,” he said after flagging off the ‘Merdeka Fun Walk’ today.
Ibrahim noted that similar fun walks are taking place across Sarawak, with flags proudly displayed as a way of honouring and remembering Malaysia’s history.
“By walking together and raising the flag, we continue to uphold and remember the important history of Malaysia Day,” he emphasised.
The inclusiveness of the events impressed him most.
“These activities cover all age groups, not only women but also men and children. I also saw participants from different ethnic backgrounds, including the Chinese community.
“This shows the strength of our unity, and when there is unity, peace will continue. This is the beauty of Satok and of Sarawak as a whole,” he said.
Both the ‘Merdeka Fun Walk’ and the ‘Muda Hashim II Run’ were more than fitness activities; they were a celebration of harmony and shared nationhood.
By bringing together residents of different ages and ethnicities, the events highlighted the enduring bonds of togetherness that underpin Sarawak’s society.
Ibrahim called on Sarawakians and Malaysians to never lose sight of the meaning of Malaysia Day.
“We hope that all Sarawakians, and Malaysians everywhere, will always remember and reflect on the significance of Malaysia Day: one people, one nation,” he said.
