Sarawak Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts who is also the Minister in charge of the celebration, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the festivities will commence with a thanksgiving ceremony on October 10 at Masjid Jamek Kuching, followed by a thanksgiving event organised by the Unit For Other Religions (UNIFOR) on October 11 at the Riverside Majestic Hotel.

"The main event on October 12 will kick off with a parade involving 78 contingents from various government agencies.

"Following that, the investiture ceremony for state honours will take place at the Astana Negeri Sarawak, and the day will conclude with the State Banquet in the evening," he said.

He said this when met by reporters after leading a courtesy visit by the Organising Committee for the Sarawak Governor's 78th Birthday Celebration at the Astana Negeri Sarawak on Tuesday.

Dato Sri Abdul Karim informed that a Hi-Tea Reception on October 13 will involve the asnaf (underprivileged) groups and orphans, during which Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi will present contributions to them.

Meanwhile, TV Sarawak (TVS) and the Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS) will broadcast the parade live on October 12, giving Sarawakians and Malaysians the opportunity to witness the event.

A 'Sarawak Kitchen' will also be held at the Sarawak Waterfront, offering a variety of special dishes to those attending the celebration.

Also present during the courtesy visit were Sarawak Deputy Minister for Utility and Telecommunication, Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi, Sarawak Deputy Minister for Energy and Environmental Sustainability, Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni, Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Integrity and Ombudsman), Datuk Dr Juanda Jaya, Sarawak Deputy Minister for Transport, Dato Henry Harry Jinep, Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Native Law and Customs), Datuk Jefferson Jamit Unyat, Director of the Sarawak Protocol, Ceremonial and Event Management Unit (UPPANS), Hamdan Sharbini, UKAS Director, Samuel Simon, as well as representatives from UNIFOR, the Sarawak Islamic Religious Department (JAIS), and other distinguished guests. -UKASnews