KUCHING: The iconic White Cat statue at Padungan here has been dressed up in Chinese New Year finery – including a red face mask – for the coming festive occasion.It is also lit up at night with ornamental lights and lanterns as part of the Kuching South City Council’s (MBKS) festive decorations.

       Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian said it was MBKS’ annual tradition to light up the areas under its jurisdiction during every festival.

       “We want to create a festive atmosphere for the people to enjoy.

       “We still have to be careful due to Covid-19 but it doesn’t mean we cannot create the atmosphere,” he said at the statue’s lighting ceremony on Monday night.

       Dr Sim also urged Sarawakians to stay safe and exercise caution during the festive season, especially for those returning from Peninsular Malaysia or overseas, to prevent any surge of the Omicron variant.

       “A lot of people will be coming back, so I urge everyone to take extra precautions.

       “Make sure you do not bring Omicron back to Sarawak and to your immediate family,” he said.

       Kuching South mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng said decorative lights had been put up at the Stutong, Petanak and Kenyalang Park markets, besides the White Cat statue.

       “This is our routine for the festive season. At the moment, there are still restrictions because of the pandemic, but we try to create the ambience even though we cannot have large-scale celebrations,” he said.