SIMANGGANG: The tradition of “ngabang” (house visits) in Simanggang town during Christmas serves as an important platform to maintain racial harmony for future generations to inherit.
Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation, and Talent Development Datuk Francis Harden Hollis stated that the practice of visiting one another during festive seasons in Sarawak was a cornerstone of unity that ensured harmony among different races.
“I am deeply touched by the visits from people of various ethnicities… each coming to wish me and my family a Merry Christmas.
“I hope such culture can be preserved in Simanggang town so that the well-being and prosperity can be passed down to the next generation who will become future leaders,” he said.
The Simanggang assemblyman (ADUN) said this during the Christmas Open House at his residence here yesterday.
He explained that unity, which ensured harmony and sustainable development, had the potential to attract foreign investors to the area.
Harden and his wife, Datin Simba Nalang, expressed their gratitude to the community for attending the 2024 Christmas Open House.
It is estimated that 3,000 people of various races and religions attended the event.
The programme, which started at 9 am and ended at 3 pm was enlivened by Christmas choir performances from churches around Simanggang town, such as Methodist Church Pasir Panas, Methodist Church Jalan Paya, Saint Luke’s Church Sri Aman, and Saint Lawrence’s Church Sabu.
