MIRI – The 16th Miri City Christmas Parade 2025 drew a record-breaking crowd of more than 40,000 participants and spectators at Miri Fan Recreation Park on Saturday, making it one of the largest gatherings since the parade’s inception in 2008.
The event brought together 16 church denominations, reflecting Sarawak’s enduring spirit of unity, harmony and tolerance among its diverse communities of different races and religions.
The official ceremony was graced by Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, who represented the Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr.) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg.
In a speech delivered on behalf of the Premier, Uggah emphasised that the parade symbolised the importance of peace, love and harmony as the foundation of Sarawak’s strength.
He praised the dedication of the Miri City Council and local churches for sustaining the parade as a meaningful tradition for over 15 years.
“This parade is not merely a colourful celebration, but a symbol of the unity and communal spirit of the people of Miri, who celebrate diversity with mutual respect,” the Premier’s message noted.
Miri Mayor Adam Yii Siew Sang, serving as Co-Chairman of the event, highlighted that the massive turnout demonstrated the commitment of the Christian community and the wider Miri public to preserving social harmony.
He added that this year’s edition was spearheaded by the Methodist Church Miri in close collaboration with the City Council.
Yii urged the community to embrace values of love, hope and reconciliation, in line with this year’s theme, while ensuring the parade continues to serve as a platform for universal unity.
During the ceremony, Uggah announced a special allocation of RM145,000 from Sarawak Assembly Members to support the organisation of the parade.
Six NGOs also received grants of RM5,000 each, including Wishesland Miri, Kenosis Women Centre, Sarawak Children’s Cancer Society (Miri), Prison Fellowship Malaysia, Human Life Service, and the Malaysia Christian Association for Relief.
The evening was filled with vibrant performances, music and festive cheer, reinforcing Sarawak’s identity of “Unity in Diversity.”
The parade once again showcased how communities of different faiths and backgrounds can come together to celebrate Christmas in an atmosphere of mutual respect and harmony.
