KOTA SAMARAHAN – The Stakan Unity Carnival 2026 will bring together residents, youth groups, government agencies and community organisations for five days of activities at UniCentral Commercial Park from 26 to 30 August.
The programme was announced during a media conference held by the Kota Samarahan Municipal Council (MPKS) on 20 August. The briefing was delivered by MPKS chairman Cr. Haji Abang Ismawi bin Abang Ali and attended by the council’s deputy chairman, municipal secretary, council members, officers and staff.
The carnival is being organised through cooperation between MPKS, the Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS), the N.17 Stakan Assemblyman Service Centre, the Sarawak Malay Cultural Foundation (YBMS), Stakan Youth and SABERKAS Stakan. Government agencies, non-governmental organisations and local communities are also involved in the programme.
Organisers have prepared a range of activities aimed at different age groups and interests. These include Stakan Idol, Puzzle Battle, Street Soccer, Penalty Kick, Fun Shot, traditional archery, carom, Beyblade and a colouring competition.
A Patriotic OKU Competition and a fashion show featuring clothing and accessories made from 3R materials will also form part of the programme. The 3R concept, referring to reduce, reuse and recycle, is intended to encourage participants to find creative uses for discarded materials while highlighting the importance of responsible waste practices.
Environmental awareness will also feature through a Buy Back Campaign scheduled for 29 August. Members of the public will be able to bring recyclable materials to the event for repurchase, with the programme aimed at encouraging recycling and greater public awareness of waste management.
Visitors will also be able to watch a K9 demonstration showcasing the capabilities of trained dogs and their handlers in security and enforcement-related duties. The demonstration is intended to give members of the public a better understanding of the role of K9 teams.
Food and refreshments will be available throughout the carnival, with 60 food and beverage vendors participating in the event. The organisers said the presence of vendors would provide visitors with a range of options while contributing to the overall activity at the venue.
Seven agencies and organisations are also scheduled to operate exhibition booths. They are MPKS, UKAS, the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM), the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM), Sarawak Metro, the Community Welfare Department (JKM) Gold Card programme and the Stakan Community Welfare Association.
The exhibition is expected to provide an opportunity for residents to obtain information and engage directly with representatives from public bodies and organisations covering local government services, security, defence, public transport and welfare matters.
The carnival will conclude with the National Day Night Run – The Threshold of National Day on 30 August, the eve of National Day. The run will be officiated by N.17 Stakan assemblyman Yang Berhormat Hamzah bin Brahim.
Organisers expect between 2,500 and 3,000 people to take part in the night run. Beyond its recreational and fitness element, the event is intended to bring residents together ahead of the National Day celebrations on 31 August.
MPKS said the wider carnival is intended to strengthen interaction between the local community, young people, government agencies, NGOs and other stakeholders. The council also sees the event as an opportunity to promote greater community participation and encourage a more inclusive and active environment in Kota Samarahan.
With activities ranging from sports and entertainment to environmental initiatives, public exhibitions and the National Day night run, the five-day programme is designed to provide several avenues for residents to participate in the community event.
The Stakan Unity Carnival 2026 will run from 26 to 30 August at UniCentral Commercial Park, Kota Samarahan, with the final day’s National Day Night Run serving as its main closing event.
