SARIKEI – The Christmas Tree Lighting programme and the inaugural Christmas Tree Decorating Competition 2025, organised by the Sarikei District Council, brought festive cheer to the town while promoting environmental sustainability and community unity.
The event, held on Friday, was officiated by Dato’ Sri Huang Tiong Sii, Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability and Member of Parliament for Sarikei.
His speech, delivered by Council Chairman Stephen Wong Kie Yong, emphasised that the programme was more than a seasonal celebration. It also served as an educational platform to encourage residents to embrace sustainable practices.
“This programme is not just about celebrating the spirit of Christmas, but also serves as a platform to educate the community about the importance of sustainability and the responsibility of caring for the environment,” said Huang.
The Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony transformed public spaces with decorative lights and festive installations, creating a joyful and harmonious atmosphere for residents and visitors alike.
The initiative was designed to foster inclusivity while highlighting Sarikei’s commitment to sustainable development.
For the first time, the Christmas Tree Decorating Competition was introduced, focusing on recycled materials and eco-friendly concepts.
Each participating team was required to use at least 70 per cent recycled items in their decorations, reflecting a strong commitment to the green agenda.
A total of nine creative entries were submitted, including Green Gift, Green Christmas, Christmas with Less Waste, Wowlife Nutri Home, Methodist Town Church, Green Christmas Crew, The Zero Waste Squad, Eco Heroes The Christmas, Nyelong Park Methodist Church, and Jingle Kringle Christmas.
The competition ran from 7 November to 12 December 2025, with on-site judging conducted on 10 December.
The entries showcased innovative approaches to festive decoration, blending creativity with environmental responsibility.
The programme highlighted Sarikei’s broader efforts to integrate sustainability into community activities.
By encouraging the use of recycled materials and promoting awareness of environmental stewardship, the event reinforced the importance of collective responsibility in building a greener future.
Local leaders believe that such initiatives not only strengthen festive traditions but also nurture a sense of unity among residents.
The combination of cultural celebration and environmental education reflects Sarawak’s ongoing commitment to inclusive and sustainable development.
