KUCHING: This year's Sarawak Day celebration will once again be held on a small scale in view of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

       State Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian said only one formal event would be held to celebrate Sarawak Day on July 22 at the State Legislative Assembly complex here.

       He said guests would be limited to 100 people, with strict compliance to standard operating procedures such as face masks, temperature checks and hand sanitisation.

       "The guest list will not consist of VIPs only. It will also include NGOs and unsung heroes in the fight against Covid-19, such as rubbish collectors and food delivery riders, as we want to acknowledge them," he told a press conference after chairing a meeting on the celebration here on Tuesday (July 13).

       Sarawak Day commemorates the state's attainment of self-government from the British on July 22, 1963. It was declared a public holiday by the late chief minister Tan Sri Adenan Satem in 2016.

       Dr Sim said the celebration would feature a mix of virtual and live performances, including a welcome dance, video presentations conveying messages from leaders and the people, the "I Am Sarawak" short film and a documentary titled "The Struggle".

       He said the highlight would be a special song performance titled "Sarawak Gemilang" composed for the occasion by Sarawak-born producer and composer Alvin Wee.

       The song explores the celebration's theme "Sarawak Gemilang Untuk Semua" and will be performed by local singer Nurafizah Busman.

       "The theme showcases Sarawak's fighting spirit and solidarity, especially in the last one year of Covid-19 when every Sarawakian came together and played their part.

       "That spirit goes back to the earlier days of how our forefathers fought for Sarawak. It carries on until today as seen in how Sarawakians are fighting Covid-19 together," Dr Sim said.

       Similar to last year, the celebration will be broadcast live on Sarawak's television channel TVS, RTM Radio and the Sarawak Public Communications Unit's (Ukas) Facebook and YouTube channels at 8.15pm on July 22.