BETONG: The Sarawak Governor, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, accompanied by his consort, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, attended the Thanksgiving Ceremony in conjunction with the Sarawak-Level Celebration of the 17th Yang di-Pertuan Agong's Official Birthday Anniversary 2026 at Masjid Jamek Betong on Saturday.

The ceremony, which brought together government leaders, civil servants and the local Muslim community, was held in an atmosphere of profound gratitude and reverence, as an expression of thankfulness and loyalty to the institution of the Constitutional Monarchy.

Representing the Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, was the Deputy Minister in the Premier of Sarawak's Department (Coordinator for Regional Development Agency, Kuching North City Hall (DBKU) and Islamic Affairs), Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi.

Also present were the Sarawak Secretary, Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Deputy Minister of Women, Early Children and Community Wellbeing Development (Community Wellbeing), Datuk Mohammad Razi Sitam, Director of the Sarawak Islamic Religion Department (JAIS), Datu Mual Suaud and other honoured guests.

The ceremony commenced with the congregational Maghrib obligatory prayer, followed by the recitation of Yaasin and a Thanksgiving Prayer led by the Deputy Chief Imam of Sarawak, Sahibul Fadilah Ustaz Muhammad Ihsan Haidzir.

The atmosphere was further enriched by the melodious rendition of Zikir Marhaban by the Combined Zikir Groups of Betong Division, adding to the spiritual depth and festivity of the occasion in a harmonious setting.

The Sarawak Governor and fellow congregants then performed the congregational Isyak obligatory prayer before the ceremony concluded.

Later, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi and Toh Puan Fauziah subsequently attended a dinner banquet held to further enliven the Thanksgiving Ceremony.

Also in attendance at the banquet were Sarawak Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department, Dato Sri John Sikie Tayai, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Datuk Snowdan Lawan, Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneurship Development, Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu, Member of Parliament for Betong, Dato Dr Richard Rapu, Resident of Betong Division, Datu Richard Michael Abunawas, and other invited guests.

The Thanksgiving Ceremony is among the key highlights of the Sarawak-Level Celebration of the 17th Yang di-Pertuan Agong's Official Birthday Anniversary 2026, held in the Betong Division. -UKASnews

Prepared by : Gabriel Rommy
Photographer : Ibanez Jeffery
Translator : Uilson Ng