KUCHING: The city’s White Cat statue has come alive for the Gawai Dayak celebration as it is now dazzling in a traditional Dayak costume.
This year, the Kuching South City Council (MBKS), in collaboration with Sar-Alam Indah (SAI), took a creative approach by designing and constructing the festive decorations using recycled materials, including used tyres.
The cat is intricately decorated with Gawai Dayak paraphernalia made from recycled tyres, featuring an Iban war shield and a set of three gongs situated on its right side.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian officiated at the light-switching ceremony in conjunction with Gawai Dayak celebration at the cat statue here, last night (May 29).
He highlighted that dressing up the cat statue for major celebrations is a conscious effort to demonstrate unity and mutual respect, and reminded Sarawakians not to take the state’s unity for granted.
“Unity is the basis of Sarawak. We are united because we always find ways to come together and practice unity. We come together for each other’s festivals, showing that spirit.
“It’s not just the mayor or deputy mayor who turns up; everyone participates. We treat everyone the same,” he said.
He also stressed the importance of unity for Sarawak’s growth over the coming years.
“We are transitioning from adolescence into adulthood. These next few years are important under Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. Our efforts to achieve prosperity are evident.
“We see progress with initiatives like acquiring banks, setting up free tertiary airlines, and getting our own port authority. Thus, unity is important as this stage of our progress,” he said.
Meanwhile, MBKS mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng said the decorations made out of recycled materials symbolised MBKS and SAI’s efforts to promote environmental sustainability.
“Not just festive seasons, we are using every opportunity to raise environmental awareness among the public, even through decorations of the cat statue,” he said.
