Dr Sim: Sarawak to host Chinese New Year Open House on Feb 17

KUCHING (Feb 5): Sarawak will host the state-level Chinese New Year (CNY) Open House 2026 on the first day of the celebration, Feb 17, at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK), announced Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.

He said a formal press conference outlining the programme is scheduled for next week.

“The open house will be held from 10am to 2pm, with the Head of State, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, as the guest of honour,” he said after officiating the lighting-up ceremony of the Padungan White Cat Statue here.

He also extended well wishes to Sarawakians returning home for the festive season, urging them to prioritise road safety.

“Many people are travelling and driving more, especially now that our roads are improving. We want everyone to drive safely, and if you drink, don’t drive,” he said.

Dr Sim emphasised that festive celebrations reflect Sarawak’s long-standing values of unity and harmony.

“This reflects the Sarawak spirit of coming together — mutual respect and celebrating each other’s festivals.

“That is also in line with Sarawak’s Post-Covid Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, which emphasises prosperity, inclusivity and environmental sustainability,” he said.

Meanwhile, Kuching South Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng shared details of this year’s Chinese New Year design concept for the Padungan White Cat Statue.

“If you look closely at this year’s design, you will notice elements of our Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART).

“You can even see the track incorporated into the design,” he said.

The concept blends well with the Year of the Horse, symbolising progress, success, speed, and freedom.

“The horse represents movement and momentum, moving fast towards success,” he added.

He added that the overall design reflects Sarawak’s forward-looking vision, with the white cat positioned as the ‘driver’ leading progress.

“The track is in front, the cat is driving, and the message of ‘Sarawak Maju Makmur’ (A Progressive and Prosperous Sarawak) is clearly portrayed.

“We hope the public will appreciate and support the government’s vision. Constructive feedback is always welcome, as that is how we improve together,” he said.

Also present were Kuching South deputy mayor Dato Zaiedi Suhaili, MBKS councillors and other guests.