KUCHING – The Kuching North City Hall, widely recognised by its acronym DBKU, recently convened the July edition of its monthly Motherland Flag Raising Ceremony at Motherland Square. Held on Saturday, 18 July 2026, the event was specifically themed to commemorate the upcoming Sarawak Day festivities.
The prestigious gathering was officially officiated by Yang Berhormat Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Anak Utom, the Minister of Food Industry, Commodities and Regional Development. His presence underscored the state government’s active support for local initiatives that promote civic pride and historical awareness.
This particular ceremony was strategically aligned with Sarawak Day, an annual observance held on 22 July. The date marks the historic milestone in 1963 when Sarawak achieved self-governance from British colonial administration, preceding the formation of the Federation of Malaysia
www.lagotravel.com. The event serves as a profound manifestation of patriotism, encouraging citizens to appreciate the region’s unique historical trajectory while strengthening communal unity.
A focal point of the proceedings was the majestic hoisting of the Motherland flag. The banner, measuring 25 metres in length and 12.5 metres in width, is notably substantial, weighing approximately one tonne
nativecustoms.sarawak.gov.my. It was raised in full ceremonial order atop a 99.4-metre high pole, which is widely recognised as the tallest flagpole in Southeast Asia
www.facebook.com. This towering structure stands as a prominent landmark within the city, symbolising the enduring pride of the Sarawakian people.
The formal programme commenced with a disciplined inspection conducted by the DBKU Local Guard of Honour. This was immediately followed by the solemn singing of the Sarawak state anthem, “Ibu Pertiwiku”, setting a respectful and unifying tone for the morning.
To further enrich the celebratory atmosphere, the ceremony featured dedicated cultural performances. The SMK Green Road Band and Color Guard delivered a spirited display, which was complemented by a vocal rendition of the song “Pertiwiku Tercinta” performed by Ermie Sanisha and Azam Pitt. These artistic contributions added a vibrant layer of local flavour to the official proceedings.
Beyond the formal flag-raising, the event incorporated a Mini Local Fruit Festival. This supplementary activity was thoughtfully designed to highlight and promote the rich agricultural diversity of the region. It offered attendees a practical opportunity to sample and appreciate native produce, thereby supporting local growers and educating the public on the importance of regional food heritage.
The Motherland Flag Raising Ceremony is a staple monthly programme organised by the city authority. Although traditionally scheduled for the first Sunday of each month, this July edition was conducted on a Saturday to accommodate the broader Sarawak Day commemorations. The initiative remains open to the general public, serving as an accessible platform to instil patriotism and reinforce a shared sense of identity among residents.
The event drew a distinguished array of attendees, reflecting broad institutional support. Among the notable figures present was Yang Berhormat Datuk Martin Ben, Deputy Minister of Food Industry, Commodities and Regional Development.
Also in attendance were Yang Berhormat Datuk Dr Haji Abdul Rahman bin Haji Junaidi, Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department, who holds the specific portfolio for regional development, the city hall, and Islamic affairs. He was joined by Dato Haji Hilmy bin Haji Othman, the Mayor of Kuching North, alongside various other community leaders, civil servants, and dignitaries who gathered to witness the proceedings.
Through such consistent and visible civic engagements, the Kuching North City Hall continues to demonstrate its commitment to fostering a cohesive society. By blending historical reverence with community participation, the authority ensures that the symbolism of the state flag remains a living, breathing part of the urban landscape.
Ultimately, this seamless execution highlights the ongoing collaboration between state leadership and local governance. It reinforces a shared vision where technological and civic progress is harnessed to genuinely uplift the daily experiences and well-being of the people residing in these rapidly evolving communities.
