The 99-metre flagpole at our "Dataran Ibu Pertiwi" in Petra Jaya, Kuching has been recognised by the Malaysia Book of Records (MBOR) as the tallest flagpole in the country and also in Southeast Asia.
I had the pleasure of being invited to witness the presentation of the certificate by MBOR representative, Mr Edwin Yeoh to State Secretary of Sarawak, Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki during a walkabout session with our Right Honourable Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg on New Year's day.
Our esteemed Premier had spoken to our media friends after the walkabout and had mentioned that the "Ibu Pertiwi" flagpole is an iconic project for Kuching and Sarawak. The placement of the flagpole near historical Fort Margherita and the Sarawak Legislative Assembly building had made it an essential addition to the state’s tourism infrastructure.
Costing RM30 million, the flagpole was jointly funded by Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas), Shell Malaysia and Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros). The multifaceted role of the flagpole, not only as a symbol of the region’s economic development but also as a vital part of Sarawak’s tourism landscape.
The site of the flagpole boasts amenities such as an English Tea House, offering visitors a unique experience to capture the essence of the state’s history and progress. Providing an insight into the inspiration behind the flagpole’s towering design.
Our Premier had also revealed its connection to the nine-pillar structure of the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) building and the nine-pointed star on the Sarawak flag. He said Sarawak have nine divisions in Sarawak, hence the nine-pointed stars in the Sarawak flag. That also is why the DUN building also has nine pillars.
Additionally, the total height of the flagpole including the foundation is 101 metres. Looking ahead, our Premier had shared plans for a monument at Dataran Ibu Pertiwi to showcase the history of the economic development in Sarawak contributed by Petros, Petronas, and Shell.
Sarawak’s journey towards development commenced in 1910 with the advent of the oil and gas industry. Subsequently, in 1958, the Oil Mining Ordinance was introduced to regulate oil mining activities in the region.
Fast forward to 1974, the establishment of Petronas took place, assuming a pivotal role in overseeing the oil and gas industry. In the contemporary landscape, the management of oil and gas companies is a collaborative effort, with the Sarawak government overseeing operations through Petros, and the federal government playing a role through Petronas.
As a testament to the state’s economic evolution, we aim to showcase this historical trajectory. The funding support for the Ibu Pertiwi Flagpole from Petros, Petronas, and Shell is a strategic move to portray the intertwined history of these three influential companies. “Through this initiative, we seek to narrate the economic development of the state, highlighting the pivotal contributions of Petros, Petronas, and Shell.
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