KUCHING: The Kuching Intercultural Mooncake Festival is an epitome of unity in diversity in Sarawak.
Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the festivity showcases and promotes cultural exchange among Sarawakians of different ethnic and social backgrounds.
“There are precious historical legacies of buildings, townscapes, heritage footprints, antiques, arts, and collections.
“All these tangibles and intangibles are valuable assets to Sarawak. They remind us of the struggles and challenges that our forefathers had gone through for generations,” Abdul Karim said when officiating at the 19th Kuching Intercultural Mooncake Festival at Carpenter Street last night.
Abdul Karim, who represented Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, commended the organisers for hosting the festival after a two-year break due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“With increased exchanges and engagements, we are in fact nurturing better mutual understanding which is vital for enhancing inclusiveness in our society.
“In Sarawak, people from different social, cultural and religious backgrounds have been celebrating festivities like Gawai, Hari Raya and Chinese New Year together. We are united and respect our differences,” he said.
Earlier, he also pointed out that the recently announced Bantuan Khas Sarawakku Sayang (BKSS) 9.0, a one-off cash assistance for small business and discounts on electricity and water bills.
“Utility bills and rental discounts from July to December provide relief to the people in view of the current increase in prices of goods,” he said.
He said GPS is aware of the plight of the people who operate small businesses, like hawkers and vendors, who lost their income as activities came to a standstill during the MCO.
