State-level CNY Open House 2025 to be held at BCCK, says Dr Sim

KUCHING (Jan 20): Sarawak will host the state-level Chinese New Year (CNY) Open House 2025 on the first day of the celebration (Jan 29) at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK), announced Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.

He said a formal press release containing comprehensive details will be issued on Jan 22.

“The open house will run from 9am-2pm with Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar will be the guest of honour.

“Our Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, along with Cabinet members, are expected to attend and join the rakyat (people) in celebrating this Anak-Anak Sarawak event,” he said after officiating the light-switching ceremony at the Padungan White Cat Statue here today.

The light-switching ceremony, held in conjunction with the upcoming CNY celebrations, is part of the efforts to enliven the festive atmosphere in Kuching.

Earlier, Dr Sim officiated several light-switching ceremonies starting at the Stutong Community Market, followed by the Kuching South City Council before proceeding to the Padungan White Cat Statue. He concluded the events at the Petanak Market.

“These LED decorations create a festive atmosphere, not only for those celebrating Chinese New Year but also those returning to Kuching or taking advantage of the holidays to visit,” he said.

He emphasised the importance of unity and focusing on matters critical to Sarawak’s nation-building efforts.

“There are those who admire our progress, but some feel it overshadows other parts of Malaysia and would prefer us to move forward slowly. To them, I say this: Sarawak has been left behind for many years.

“It is time for Sarawak to move forward. If Sarawak prospers, Malaysia as a whole will benefit,” he said, attributing the state’s development to its unity.

On a related note, Kuching South mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng urged Kuchingnites to actively participate in city-building.

“Kuching does not belong solely to the city council or government. We need everyone to work together so we can move forward,” he said.

Wee also highlighted the spirit of community engagement, with tenants within Padungan voluntarily donating lanterns to decorate the area, thus enhancing its vibrancy during the festive season.

Also present were Kuching South deputy mayor Dato Zaiedi Suhaili, MBKS councillors and other guests.