Sarawak Merdeka Convoy: Central Region

~ Minister of Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development, Dato Sri Hajah Fatimah Abdullah, Deputy Minister of Education, Datuk Hanifah Hajar Taib flagged off the Sarawak Merdeka Convoy in Mukah.

The Sarawak Merdeka Convoy made its way to the Central Region with its arrival in Mukah in mid-June. MUKAH’s Civic Centre played host to the celebrations, which hit its peak on June 17, 2023, with the Sarawak Merdeka Convoy being flagged off by Minister of Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development, Dato Sri Hajah Fatimah Abdullah, Deputy Minister of Education, Datuk Hanifah Hajar Taib, Deputy State Secretary, Datu Hii Chang Kee and Tellian Assemblyman, Royston Valentine. 

Throughout the three-day event, the local community can be seen joining in on the Sarawak X-Tive programmes as well as the Lukut longboat races, held at the open field opposite the Civic Centre. Meanwhile, the Sarawak 60 Years Digital Exhibition and booths happening indoors drew thousands, especially senior citizens and students. 

~ Students not missing out on the exhibition booths happening alongside the Sarawak 60 Years Digital Exhibition.

~ During the Sarawak X-Tive programme in Mukah.

~ Local man preparing the Lukut longboats.

After the flagging off, the convoy made its way to the Swan City of SIBU, just in time for the convoy to leave again the next day on June 18. A significant stop for the permanent convoy, Sibu Indoor Stadium was abuzz with excitement, with ongoing cultural performances as well as the staples like the Sarawak 60 Years Digital Exhibition, government booths, Sibu Kitchen and X-Tive programmes, attended by over 4,500 people in total.

At 10am on June 18, guests of honour, Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development Sarawak, Datuk Dr. Haji Annuar bin Rapaee, Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government, Michael Tiang Ming Tee, Deputy State Secretary, Datu Hii Change Kee and Sibu Resident, Wong Hee Sieng flagged off the Sarawak Merdeka Convoy in a massive affair, joined by hundreds of spectators. 

~ Sarawak's Ministry of Transport during the Sarawak 60th Anniversary celebrations.

~ The Sarawak Merdeka Convoy flags off from Sibu Indoor Stadium.

~ Locals flocking to the Sibu Kitchen for some grub.

The following weekend, the Sarawak Merdeka Convoy made its way to the town of KAPIT. Thanks to the completion of the Sibu-Kapit road back in 2021, the state’s 60th Anniversary celebration marked the first time the Sarawak Merdeka Convoy made a stop at all 12 Divisions of Sarawak. On June 24, a massive crowd of 3,450 gathered at Kapit Town Square and cheered on the convoy as Works Minister, Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi, flagged them off.

~ The Sarawak Merdeka Convoy being flagged off by Works Minister, Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi (centre).

~ Part of the convoy are big bikes.

~ Works Minister, Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi taking a look at a veteran's medals.

~ The people of Kapit eagerly awaiting the Sarawak Merdeka Convoy flagoff, decked in traditional attire.

The convoy flagged off from the quaint town of SARIKEI the next day on June 25, 2023, by Deputy Minister for Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Sarawak, Datuk Haji Len Talif Salleh, Sarikei Resident, Michael Ronnie Lenggong and Sarikei District Officer, Kathleen Lalai Eddy. Over 2,000 people, who took part in events such as the Sarawak X-Tive programme, the Merdeka Fun Run, free health screenings as well as karaoke competitions!

~ Sarawak Merdeka Convoy flagoff.

~ Capturing memories of the Sarawak Merdeka Convoy flagoff.

~ The local community signing up for the Sarawak X-Tive programmes in Sarikei.

~ During the Sarawak X-Tive Aerobics programme.

The celebrations continued on the final leg of its journey, into the Southern region of Sarawak, covering the towns of Betong, Sri Aman, Serian, Samarahan and Kuching.