KOTA KINABALU: Sabah is hosting the Malaysia Day on a small scale today amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

       With strict standard operating procedures (SOP) in place to curb the spread of Covid-19, only a selected few are allowed to witness this event in person, while others can opt to watch live broadcasts of the event.

       The celebration that starts this evening will be attended by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, Sabah Governor Tun Juhar Mahiruddin, as well as other federal and state ministers.

       This will be Ismail Sabri’s first official visit to Sabah after being appointed Prime Minister. He will be accompanied by a limited number of invited guests including Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.

       Guests are expected to arrive from 6pm, while the main event is scheduled to start at 8.35pm.

       The national and state anthems and a welcome dance will kick-start the celebration, followed by speeches from the two co-chairmen of the organising committee, Communications and Multimedia Minister Tan Sri Annuar Musa, and Deputy Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin.

       Ismail Sabri will give his speech thereafter, followed by a special Malaysia Day book signing ceremony.

       A Malaysia Prihatin montage show as well as special performance will also be showcased at the event.

       Those wishing to watch the live telecast can follow it through RTM, as well as social media channels owned by government agencies, including merdeka360.my.