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Borneo Post

Harmony Run marks end of Unity Week, celebrates Sarawak's diversity

Dirwana (fourth left) joins participants for a group photo at Dataran Tun Tuanku Bujang, before flagging off the Harmony Run. SIBU (July 28): A total of 530 participants from various walks of life took part in the Harmony Run held at Dataran Tun Tuanku Bujang here yesterday, marking the conclusion of the state-level 2025 Unity Week celebration. Organised by the Department of National Unity and National Integration (JPNIN) Sarawak, the run aimed to foster a spirit of unity and harmony among Sarawak's multiracial community while promoting the religious diversity that exists in Malaysia. Sarawak JPNIN director, Dirwana Azool, said participants passed through three symbolic locations along the route — a mosque, a church, and a temple — as a gesture to showcase and celebrate the nation's cultural and religious pluralism. 'At the very least, we want to show that this is our culture, one that always embraces diversity among races,' Dirwana said after the event. He emphasised that the Harmony Run is not just about competition, but more importantly about nurturing a society that views its differences as strengths. Dirwana added that the run was one of the main highlights of Unity Week, which is held annually at different locations throughout the state. 'The response for this year's event in Sibu is very encouraging. We hope to see more people participating in the future,' he said. He also noted that Sarawak currently has 1,096 Kawasan Rukun Tetangga (KRT) or neighbourhood committee areas, making it the third highest in the country in terms of such community groups. 'This year, we are targeting the establishment of 10 more KRTs, especially in urban and suburban areas in line with the development of new settlements,' Dirwana added. In addition, Sarawak has 549 Skim Rondaan Sukarela (SRS) or Voluntary Patrol Scheme units under JPNIN, which play a vital role in assisting police with neighbourhood safety efforts. Dirwana Azool diversity Harmony Run Unity Week