KUCHING: The state-level National Day celebration will be held in a hybrid format and on a smaller scale this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

       Minister in charge, Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, said the celebration, themed Malaysia Prihatin (Malaysia Cares), will take place at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly complex here on Aug 31 with a limited number of guests.

       "The number of guests will be limited to 100 people in compliance with the standard operating procedures," he told a press conference at Wisma Bapa Malaysia here on Tuesday (Aug 17).

       Karim said Sarawak Governor Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud and his wife Toh Puan Raghad Kurdi Taib will be the guests of honour, along with Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg and state Cabinet members.

       The highlights of the celebration include a musical titled "Semangat Anak Sarawak", inspired by the true story of the Sarawak Rangers' exploits during the Emergency.

       There will also be a special performance depicting the hard work of frontliners to free the country from Covid-19, as well as a documentary on the road to independence from Sarawak's perspective.

       "We celebrate National Day every year to foster patriotism, love for the country and unity.

       "It is also an opportunity for the younger generation to understand the struggles of our leaders to gain independence," Karim said.

       The celebration will be broadcast live on the TVS television channel, RTM radio and the Sarawak Public Communications Unit's Facebook page.