BETONG: The Betong Division is at its highest state of readiness to host the 2026 Sarawak-Level Celebration of the Official Birthday of His Majesty the 17th Yang di-Pertuan Agong, scheduled to take place on 13 and 14 June.

This preparedness was evident through the full rehearsal of the Tea Reception Ceremony held at the Tan Sri Datuk Amar Stephen Kalong Ningkan Sports Hall on Friday, involving various government agencies to ensure every programme element proceeds smoothly and in an orderly manner.

As early as 10 in the morning, personnel from multiple agencies were seen busy coordinating every aspect of the event, which is set to bring together distinguished guests and members of the public from across the state.

The rehearsal was witnessed by the Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department, Dato Sri John Sikie Tayai, Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneurship Development who is also the Layar Assemblyman, Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu, Resident of Betong Division, Datu Richard Michael Abunawas and the Director of the Sarawak Protocol, Ceremonial and Events Management Unit, Datu Hamdan Sharbini.

The rehearsal also reflected the strong commitment of all parties in ensuring that the Betong Division successfully carries out this prestigious state-level celebration.

Beyond the preparations for the official events, the festive atmosphere has already begun to take shape around the venue through various activities and attractions laid out for visitors.

These include Betong Kitchen, which showcases the uniqueness of local cuisine, and the Raja Kita Exhibition, which serves as a strategic platform to deepen public understanding of the Constitutional Monarchy institution while fostering patriotism and love for the nation.

This year's celebration will also be enlivened by a People's Concert on 14 June, which is expected to be one of the most anticipated events for the local community.

Performances by well-known artists such as Aina Abdul, Ramles Walter, Mawat, Carrie Gares, Masterpiece, Stanley, and Chien are expected to draw thousands of visitors to the grounds of the Tan Sri Datuk Amar Stephen Kalong Ningkan Sports Hall.

The attendance of the Sarawak Governor, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, accompanied by his wife, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, at the Thanksgiving Ceremony and Tea Reception is set to be the highlight of the two-day celebration. -UKASnews

Prepared by : Gabriel Rommy
Translator : Uilson Ng