MIRI – The Sarawak State Chief, His Excellency Tun Pehin Sri Dr Haji Wan Junaidi bin Tuanku Jaafar, together with Her Excellency Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Hajjah Fauziah binti Mohd Sanusi, arrived in Miri on Tuesday afternoon to attend the state-level Ma’al Hijrah celebration for 1448H/2026M.
The delegation touched down at Miri Airport at 12.20 pm, having departed earlier from Kuching via Hornbill Skyways.
Their arrival marked the beginning of a two-day programme centred on the Islamic New Year, which is being hosted in Miri Division this year.
Accompanying the Sarawak State Chief and Toh Puan were several senior figures, including YB Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi, Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department, who also serves as Project Coordinator for the Regional Development Agency, DBKU, and Islamic Affairs.
He was joined by his wife, YBhg. Datin Siti Shorgayah binti Ahmad Zaidin. The delegation also included YB Dato Sri Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Minister of Tourism, Creative Industries and Performing Arts, as well as Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development.
The welcoming party at Miri Airport comprised YB Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, Minister of Transport Sarawak; YB Datuk Hajah Rosey binti Haji Yunus, Deputy Minister of Women, Children and Community Wellbeing; YBrs. Encik Galong anak Luang, Resident of Miri Division, alongside tribal leaders, community representatives, and senior government officials.
A prayer was recited by Al-Fadhil Ustaz Sharafuddin bin Haji Suaut, Imam of Miri Division, to mark the occasion.
The official programme began with the End of Year 1447H and Beginning of Year 1448H Reading Ceremony, scheduled for the evening at At-Taqwa Mosque.
This will be followed by the Ma’al Hijrah Celebration Assembly Ceremony at the Miri Indoor Stadium on Wednesday.
The events are expected to draw participation from local communities, religious leaders, and government representatives, reflecting Sarawak’s commitment to fostering unity and spiritual reflection.
Ma’al Hijrah, which commemorates the migration of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) from Mecca to Medina, is observed annually by Muslims worldwide as a time for renewal and reflection.
In Sarawak, the celebration is marked by prayers, lectures, and community gatherings, highlighting values of resilience, harmony, and faith.
Speaking ahead of the ceremonies, Tun Pehin Sri and Toh Puan expressed their gratitude for the warm welcome and conveyed hopes that the planned events would proceed smoothly.
They emphasised the importance of ensuring that the celebration achieves its objectives of strengthening community bonds and promoting spiritual growth.
The state-level celebration in Miri underscores Sarawak’s tradition of rotating major religious and cultural events across divisions, ensuring inclusivity and shared participation among its diverse communities.
With the presence of top state leaders and ministers, the occasion also reflects the government’s support for religious and cultural observances that contribute to social cohesion.
As preparations continue, organisers have assured that all arrangements are in place to accommodate participants and ensure the success of the ceremonies.
The events are expected to highlight Sarawak’s cultural richness and reinforce its commitment to fostering unity across communities.
