KOTA KINABALU: Five thousand reusable bags will be distributed to the public during the Malaysia Day celebration on Sept 16 at Padang Merdeka.
Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew said this is part of the state government's efforts to reduce the use of single-use plastics.
This campaign is a continuation of the environmental awareness programmes implemented by the Environment Protection Department, she said when announcing Sabah's Merdeka Day programme at a hotel here.
The programme will run from 6pm to 10pm and is open to the public.
Liew congratulated the Kota Kinabalu City Hall for banning single-use plastics in selected premises in the city from Aug 1.
"More than 30,000 visitors are expected to turn up for the Merdeka Day celebration themed 'Malaysia Madani: Jiwa Merdeka'," said Liew, who is the organising chairwoman.
She said part of the programme was a book-signing event with the Sarawak premier, the Sabah chief minister and the prime minister.
Performances have been planned to rouse people's patriotic spirit, including a welcoming dance dubbed 'Heart of Sabah'.
Liew said one of the highlights of the event is a performance titled 'Rumah Madani Jiwa Merdeka' to showcase Malaysia's success, progress and transformation.
The event will also feature guest artistes Akim, Stacy, Amir Jahari, Gary Chaw and Faizal Tahir.
"The wow factors of the event are the unique cultural performances, a hologram show, a drone show and a light and sound show," Liew said.
Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry permanent secretary Josie Lai said the state and federal governments allocated between RM2 million and RM4 million for the event.
Present were Environment Protection Department director Vitalis Moduying, Sabah Tourism Board chief executive officer Julinus Jeffrey Jimit and other officials.