Simunjan communities show the way: Celebrating Chap Goh Meh and breaking of fast together at Dewan Tua Pek Kong

SIMUNJAN, March 12 2-26: The various communities in Simunjan showed the way this evening when they held two very important events together at the same venue.

Caption: Simunjan SLM Awla Idris (seated, fourth from left) and Batang Sadong MP Rodiyah Sapiee (seated, centre) at the combined Chap Goh Meh and breaking of fast at Dewan Tua Pek Kong, Pasar Simunjan - Photo by Ukas 

It certainly shows that the unique harmony of Sarawak's multi-racial communities is very much alive when residents from various backgrounds gathered to hold the combined Cap Goh Mei celebration and breaking of fast ceremony held at the Tua Pek Kong Dewan, Pasar Simunjan. 

Simunjan State Legislative Member (SLM), Awla Dris said the organisation of the ceremony reflected the spirit of tolerance, understanding and close cooperation which have long been the pillar of community unity in the state.

According to him, the situation where two festivals with different religious and cultural backgrounds can be celebrated together in one ceremony is something special and symbolises the true identity of the people of Sarawak who live in harmony.

“This is Sarawak, where the Chinese, Malays, Ibans and other races can live together in an atmosphere of mutual respect and tolerance.

Dance performance

“I hope that this spirit of brotherhood between the races will continue to be preserved and inherited by future generations,” he said, quoted by Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas).

He also expressed his appreciation to the organizers, especially the Pasar Simunjan Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK) led by Kapitan Liew Jau Kheng for their efforts to make the event a success in collaboration with the Simunjan District Office and several other local agencies.

The organization of the event not only serves as a platform to celebrate the cultural diversity of the community, but also strengthens the relationship between leaders and the people at the grassroots level.

Batang Sadong Member of Parliament Rodiyah Sapiee, Simunjan District Officer Sanuyah Mohamad, Simunjan District Council Representative Secretary Mokhtar Ramli and Pemanca Liew Wee Tchiun were among those present.

lso present were Kapitan Liew Jau Kheng as Chairman of the Pasar Simunjan JKKK, Kapitan Lai Pian Sin as Chairman of the Kampung Gunung Ngeli JKKK and Kapitan Tan Chiew Sia who is the Chairman of the JKKK Terasi Cina.