More than 40,000 join Miri’s Christmas parade
Over 40,000 Christians, along with members of the wider community, were part of the 15th Miri City Christmas Parade.
Dec 21, 2024

MIRI: Over 40,000 Christians, along with members of the wider community, were part of the 15th Miri City Christmas Parade. Held on the evening of December 7, the event emphasised the harmony of Miri’s multiracial and multireligious community. The theme Jesus Christ the Life and the Light of All People, inspired by John 1:4, “In Him is life, and that life is the light of all mankind,” highlighted the unity of people from different backgrounds.
Hosted by the Anglican Church, the event began with a praise-worship session before the parade, which covered a 10 km route through the city, passing through several main streets. The parade, which has been an annual tradition in Miri since 2005 (with a pause from 2020 to 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic), was flagged off by deputy premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and featured performances by various Christian denominations, school bands, and youth groups. Participants also enjoyed Christmas carols and street performances.
Miri’s mayor, Adam Yii, estimated the turnout at around 40,000 people, many of whom were non-Christians joining in the spirit of unity.
In his speech, Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg praised the parade for promoting respect, tolerance, and unity among Miri’s diverse communities. He emphasised Sarawak’s commitment to fostering a harmonious, multiracial, and multireligious society, exemplified by the establishment of the Unit for Other Religions (Unifor), a unique initiative in Sarawak that provides funds to various religious groups.
Abang Johari also highlighted the state’s long-standing tradition of supporting all religions, noting that since 2017, RM385 million had been allocated for the construction and rehabilitation of houses of worship across Sarawak. He stressed that Sarawak’s approach to social inclusiveness was reflected in both policy and action, with financial assistance being provided in a structured way to religious groups beyond Islam, a rarity in Malaysia.
The event was further marked by the presentation of donations to six local charity organisations, including the Human Life Service and Miri Red Crescent Dialysis Centre. A grant of RM120,000 was also announced to support the Christmas Parade Committee, with contributions from various political leaders, including Datuk Uggah and Miri Mayor Yii.
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