There is less than a week left for Malaysians of diverse races and religions to foster unity by joining the celebration of Unity Week 2023 which will take place from May 20-28.

Chief assistant secretary of the Ministry of Unity Faizal Yusop said the selection of Kuching Waterfront (Tebingan Kuching) in Sarawak as the location of the national-level celebration was ideal, considering the diversity and unique ethnicities found in Bumi Kenyalang (Land of the Hornbills).

“During the celebration, the most interesting presentation we have is the Ethnic Houses (Cultural Village) exhibition. We will bring together some representatives from Sarawak and the Peninsula to demonstrate the clothes and food of their respective races along the banks of the river,” he said as a guest on ‘Selamat Pagi Malaysia’ on TV1 today.

According to him, the maiden celebration will be the government’s annual initiative in fostering aspirations of national unity, in line with the concept of Malaysia MADANI.

He said besides the Ethnic Houses, the main programme that will be the focus during Unity Week 2023 include the ‘Unity Run and Ride’, Rahmah Sale stalls, sales of entrepreneur products as well as exhibitions from government agencies.

Faizal said the programme will also be held at 15 locations simultaneously nationwide from May 25-28, including Bertam Square in Penang, Papar Community Hall (Sabah), Dataran Tasik Kluang (Johor) and Pantai Balok Recreation Centre (Kuantan, Pahang).

“Therefore, we want the participation of as many Malaysians as possible to enliven this Unity Week which runs from 10 am to 10 pm. For more information, you can visit our official social media at @KembaraPerpaduan on Facebook and Instagram,” he told Bernama.

With the theme of ‘Unity in Diversity’, the main objective of organising Unity Week is to fuel the spirit of unity and spread knowledge, understanding and appreciation of the diversity of customs and cultures in Malaysian society.

The Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al Mustafa Billah Shah is expected to inaugurate the opening ceremony of the National Unity Week celebration at Kuching Waterfront in Sarawak on May 21.

Earlier, the Sarawak public communications unit (UKAS) announced that Jalan Gambir to Jalan Main Bazaar in front of Kuching Waterfront will be temporarily closed in conjunction with the Unity Week celebration from May 15-26.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency