Preserve, share ‘bak chang' culture to strengthen Sarawak's harmony, says Kota Sentosa rep
Goh (third right) presents some bak chang to Yap while other organising committee members look on. – The Borneo Post photo
KUCHING (May 24): The tradition of making bak chang (glutinous rice dumplings) should not only be preserved by the Chinese community but also promoted among all races in Sarawak to strengthen racial unity, said Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap.
He emphasised that bak chang making is an important part of Chinese cultural heritage and encouraging participation from other communities can foster greater understanding and harmony.
'We live in a multi-racial Malaysia and Sarawak and organising this kind of event will help promote unity among Sarawakians especially when everyone is invited to come and participate,' he said at 'A Taste of Heritage Vegetarian Bak Chang Making Demonstration' at Aeroville Mall here today.
Yap noted that Sarawak has seen significant progress under the leadership of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, who has led the state government since 2017.
'The state revenue was then RM6.8 billion then but now we are anticipating that our annual revenue will increase to RM14.2 billion next year,' he said.
'Our reserves now is RM400 billion. That is strong proof that Sarawak has prospered much under the GPS-led government.
'We must stay united if we want to continue to prosper and don't let people from outside the state disrupt our unity,' he added.
As a show of support for the event, Yap announced a RM5,000 grant to the organiser Taman Riverview Bintawa Kuching Community Association in collaboration with Persatuan Tukang Masak Hou Yu Kuching.
The event attracted a diverse group of participants from various ethnic backgrounds, many of whom eagerly tried their hand at making 'vegetarian chang'.
Also present was Hoi Tin Lau Restaurant head chef Goh Ah Seng, who is president of Taman Riverview Bintawa Kuching Community Association and Persatuan Tukang Masak Hou Yu Kuching. bak chang culture Kuching unity Wilfred Yap
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