BETONG – A series of thanksgiving and cultural ceremonies were held in Betong to mark the official birthday of His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong XVII at the Sarawak level in 2026. The events brought together state leaders, dignitaries, and community members in a display of loyalty and unity.
On 13 June, His Excellency the Governor of Sarawak, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Haji Wan Junaidi bin Tuanku Jaafar, accompanied by his wife, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Hajjah Fauziah binti Mohd Sanusi, attended the Thanksgiving Ceremony at Jamek Betong Mosque.
Their arrival was greeted by senior government officials, including Sarawak Government Secretary Datuk Amar Haji Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki; Deputy Minister Datuk Dr Haji Abdul Rahman Junaidi; and several assemblymen from Betong, Kalaka, Lingga, and Beting Maro.
Also present were religious leaders, the Consul General of Brunei Darussalam, and heads of state and federal departments.
The programme began with the congregational Maghrib prayer, followed by the recitation of Yassin and a thanksgiving prayer led by Deputy Grand Imam of Sarawak, Ustaz Haji Mohamad Ihsan bin Haji Haidzir.
The Betong Division Zikir Group Association then performed Zikir Marhaban before the Isyak prayer. The governor and his wife later mingled with the congregation, reinforcing ties between leaders and the community.
The evening concluded with a dinner attended by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Minister Dato Sri John Sikie Tayai, Deputy Minister Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu, Deputy Minister Datuk Snowdan Lawan, and other elected representatives.
The Governor and Toh Puan expressed prayers for the continued health and wisdom of His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and Her Majesty the Raja Permaisuri Agong.
The following day, 14 June, the Betong Auditorium hosted a tea ceremony in conjunction with the royal birthday. The governor and his wife were welcomed by the Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, and his daughter.
Before entering the hall, they toured the Raja Kita Exhibition, which highlighted the historical role of the Malay monarchy in Malaysia’s governance and development.
The celebration featured cultural performances, a special video presentation, and the symbolic cutting of yellow glutinous rice to commemorate the 17th anniversary of His Majesty’s official birthday.
Welfare assistance was distributed to 50 recipients, including aid for the elderly, disabled persons, foster children, and patients requiring care.
The tea ceremony was attended by more than 1,000 guests, including the Deputy Premier, the Speaker of the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly, and senior ministers.
The event underscored the people’s loyalty to the monarchy while promoting unity and patriotism among Sarawak’s diverse communities.
The director of the Sarawak Islamic Religion Department, Haji Mual bin Haji Suaud, also joined the thanksgiving ceremony at Jamek Betong Mosque, emphasising the importance of gratitude and loyalty to the constitutional monarchy.
Together, these ceremonies in Betong highlighted Sarawak’s respect for the royal institution and its role in fostering harmony, cultural pride, and community spirit across the state.
