MIRI (Dec 7): The Miri City Christmas Parade 2025 drew over 40,000 of participants and spectators on Saturday night, reaffirming its role as one of the city’s strongest symbols of unity, harmony and shared community spirit.

Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, in his officiating speech, said the annual celebration has evolved far beyond a festive procession.

According to him, the celebration, which has become a proud tradition in Miri for the past 15 years, is not just a parade of lights, music and colours but a symbol of unity, peace and goodwill among the people of Miri, regardless of race, religion or background.

He added that the parade serves as a reminder that Sarawak’s greatest strength lies in its diversity and its people’s ability to celebrate one another’s culture and faith with mutual respect.

“It reminds us that Sarawak’s strength lies in our diversity — in our ability to come together and celebrate one another’s faith and culture with mutual respect,” he said.

His speech text was read by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, who represented him at the event.

In his address, the Premier also commended the participating churches, Miri City Council and volunteers for their dedication in organising the well-loved event, which continues to grow in participation and significance each year.

Meanwhile, Miri Mayor Adam Yii Siew Sang, in his welcoming speech, said the strong turnout reflects the deep significance of the parade to the Christian community in Miri.

He said the overwhelming participation proves that the Christian community recognises the importance of the event, describing it not merely as a parade but as a union of all Christian denominations developed through the collective involvement of churches in Miri.

Yii, who is also Pujut assemblyman, highlighted that 16 churches from across the city marched together this year.

These included the Roman Catholic Church, Anglican Church, Methodist Church, Borneo Evangelical Mission, Baptist Church, Seventh-day Adventist, Calvary Charismatic Church, Christ the Livingstone Fellowship Church, Full Gospel Assembly, Agape Kingdom Church, Open Heaven Tabernacle, 611 Bread of Life Church, Cornerstone Community Church, New Generation Church, Bethel Church of Malaysia, Malaysia Presbyterian Miri Branch and Gereja Life Point Miri.

At the event, Uggah also announced allocations in support of the parade. He committed RM50,000 from his office, while Minister of Transport Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin pledged RM20,000.

Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Sebastian Ting, Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring) Datuk Gerawat Gala, and Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil each allocated RM15,000.

Yii, Telang Usan assemblyman Dato Dennis Ngau and Baram MP Anyi Ngau each pledged RM10,000.

The Miri City Christmas Parade, first held in 2008 with 5,000 participants from seven churches, has grown into one of the most anticipated annual events in the state.

This year’s edition, led once again by the Methodist Church, saw more than 40,000 participants taking part, walking the route from Miri City Fan to the city centre and back.

The parade featured illuminated floats, music and carolling as well as Christmas greetings shared by church leaders.

Also present at the parade were Bishop of the Methodist Church of Malaysia Rt Rev Dr T Jeyakumar; Bishop of the Catholic Church of Miri Diocese Rt Rev Richard Ng and the event joint organising chairman district superintendent of the Methodist Church of Miri, Rev Ngian Seng Chue.