KUCHING – Thousands of residents gathered in the early hours of Wednesday, 22 July 2026, to participate in the 722 Walk, a significant event commemorating Sarawak Day.
The mass walk, which began at 6.00 am and concluded at 9.00 am, served as a unifying activity for citizens across the greater Kuching area, marking the state’s historic journey towards self-governance.
This year’s edition was a collaborative effort involving three major local authorities: the Kuching South City Council (MBKS), the Kuching North City Hall (DBKU), and the Padawan Municipal Council (MPP).
MBKS acted as the host for the event, coordinating logistics and ensuring a smooth experience for the large number of participants who turned out to show their support.
The flag-off ceremony was officiated by YB Datuk Amar Prof. Dr. Sim Kui Hian, the Deputy Premier of Sarawak and Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government.
He was joined by key local government leaders, including YBhg. Dato Wee Hong Seng, Mayor of MBKS; YBhg. Cr. Tan Kai, Chairman of MPP; and Mr. Ramzi bin Abdillah, Director of DBKU.
The presence of such high-ranking officials underscored the importance placed on community engagement and historical remembrance by the state administration.
Also in attendance were YBhg. Cr. Abang Ismawi bin Abang Ali, Chairman of the Kota Samarahan Municipal Council (MPKS); Mr. Wong Ming Kong, Acting City Secretary of MBKS; and Ir. Ts. Goh Thiam Ho, Municipal Secretary of MPP.
Their participation highlighted the cross-jurisdictional cooperation that characterises modern urban management in Sarawak.
Participants embarked on a four-kilometre route that wound through some of Kuching’s most iconic streets.
Starting from the MBKS headquarters, the path led walkers along Jalan Padungan, turning into Jalan Central Timur, then proceeding through Jalan Ellis and Jalan Lumba Kuda.
The route continued via Jalan William Tan before looping back to Jalan Padungan and finally returning to the MBKS grounds.
This circuit allowed residents to traverse the heart of the city, reflecting on its development and heritage with every step.
Dr Sim Kui Hian used the occasion to remind attendees of the deeper significance behind the physical activity.
He emphasised that the event was not merely about covering distance but about reconnecting with the state’s identity.
“Today is not just about walking four kilometres — it is about remembering who we are and how Sarawak’s independence was achieved. Let us celebrate Sarawak Day in our own meaningful ways,” he stated during the ceremony.
His remarks resonated with the crowd, many of whom were dressed in traditional attire or clothing featuring the state’s colours.
The atmosphere was one of camaraderie and pride, with families, friends, and community groups walking together in a display of unity.
For many, the walk serves as an annual ritual that reinforces their connection to Sarawak’s history and its people.
The joint organisation by MBKS, DBKU, and MPP demonstrates a strategic approach to public events, pooling resources to create larger, more impactful celebrations.
Such collaboration ensures that festivities are inclusive, reaching residents from all parts of the metropolitan area rather than being confined to a single district.
As the sun rose over Kuching, the sight of thousands of walkers moving in unison provided a powerful visual symbol of social cohesion.
The event concluded with participants returning to the starting point, where refreshments and further cultural activities awaited them.
The success of the 722 Walk reaffirms the enduring spirit of Sarawakians and their commitment to preserving the legacy of their state for future generations.
