KUCHING: Medical staff and volunteers at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) vaccination centre dressed up in colourful traditional attire to celebrate Sarawak Day on Thursday (July 22).

       Unimas vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Mohamad Kadim Suaidi said this was an opportunity to showcase Sarawak's unity in diversity amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

       "We are celebrating Sarawak Day by wearing Sarawak traditional costumes, including Iban, Bidayuh, Orang Ulu, Chinese, Malay and Indian.

       "There is no question that the patriotic spirit is still strong despite the challenges of the pandemic.

       "Everyone at this vaccination centre is contributing their time and energy, regardless of their background, race or religion.

       "The harmony and unity among all races in Sarawak remain strong and can be seen here," he said.

       Sarawak Day, which falls today (July 22), commemorates the state's attainment of self-government from the British in 1963. It was declared a state public holiday in 2016.

       Nurse Debbie Bohan from the medicine and health sciences faculty, who was wearing a Bugis costume, said she was proud of Sarawak's unity.

       "In Sarawak, we come from all races and religions," she said.

       Vaccine recipient Ayredale Syera Tommy Pila said she was impressed to see the staff in traditional costumes when she arrived for her jab.

       "The beautiful costumes were worn by people from various races. I feel proud because in Sarawak everyone lives in harmony," she said.

       Meanwhile, Dr Kadim said the Unimas vaccination centre had given out 100,000 doses of vaccine as of Wednesday (July 21) since it started operations on June 14.

       He said the centre used an automated queue management system developed by Unimas researchers, while all staff and volunteers were from Unimas.

       "Nearly 800 people are involved in the centre's operations. Every day there will be about 300 people on duty and they have all been working hard.

       "Some have been getting up early to collect the vaccines from the Sarawak Heart Centre at 5.30am and bring them here.

       "Each day's operations end at 9.30pm or 10pm, so many will be on duty for more than 12 hours a day," he said.