KUCHING – A striking new Ibu Pertiwiku flag has been proudly hoisted at Dataran Ibu Pertiwiku, following the unfortunate incident where the previous flag fell into the Sarawak River during a storm last Monday. This event has prompted the Sarawak government to implement new Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
According to Deputy Minister of Utility and Telecommunication, Datuk Dr. Abdul Rahman Junaidi, the flag was brought down due to a combination of strong winds and a storm that resulted in the flag’s cable breaking. The flag, which had been a symbol of pride, tore away and fell into the river. This incident occurred just before the scheduled monthly flag-raising ceremony at the Dataran Ibu Pertiwiku.
In response to the incident, a new flag of superior quality has been installed. Dr. Abdul Rahman explained that the cable supporting the flag has been reinforced to ensure greater durability. The new flag will be replaced monthly during the flag-raising ceremony, and should an incident like this occur again, the updated SOPs mandate that a replacement flag be put in place on the same day or within 24 hours.
The new Ibu Pertiwiku flag is subjected to rigorous quality checks. Dr. Abdul Rahman, who also oversees the Kuching North City Commission (DBKU), stated that the standards applied are in line with those used for flags at Dataran Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur and in Istanbul, Turkey. This ensures that the flag not only meets high quality standards but also stands resilient against harsh weather conditions.
Currently, the flag is sourced from China, but efforts are underway to find local suppliers or entrepreneurs who can produce these flags. This move is expected to support local businesses and ensure a steady supply of high-quality flags in the future.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas highlighted the significance of the flag-raising ceremony, emphasizing its role as a meaningful event that could attract tourists. He noted that the Ibu Pertiwiku flag is a special landmark and one of the tallest flags in Malaysia, making it a potential tourist attraction.
The event was attended by several prominent figures, including Deputy Ministers of Infrastructure and Port Development Datuk Aidel Lariwoo and Datuk Majang Renggi, as well as DBKU mayor Hilmy Othman. Their presence underscored the importance of the flag-raising ceremony and the commitment of the local government to preserving and promoting this iconic symbol.
The installation of the new Ibu Pertiwiku flag, along with the enhanced SOPs and quality checks, marks a significant step in maintaining the flag’s grandeur and ensuring its resilience against adverse weather conditions. The renewed focus on local production and the flag-raising ceremony’s potential as a tourist attraction further highlight the commitment of the Sarawak government to cultural preservation and community engagement.
