The people started coming in as early as 8am and the civic centre was continuously packed with people until 12.30pm.

Hosted by Bintulu MP Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing and Senator Pau Chiong Ung, the CNY open house was graced by Head of State Tun Datuk Patinggi Abang Muhammad Salahuddin and wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Norkiah.

Lion dances, singing and cultural dances were among activities held to celebrate and entertain the audience.

Salahuddin and his entourage then visited the homes of several well-known residents here including prominent businessman Dato Sri Yek Min Ek and Kapitan Francis Toh.

Among the guests at the open house were Minister of Social Development and Urbanisation Dato Sri William Mawan Ikom, Sarawak United People’s Party Bintulu branch chairman Henry Ling, Resident Ismail Mohd Hanis, Bintulu Development Authority (BDA) deputy chairman Dato Sri Celestine Ujang and wife, BDA general manager Datu Mohidin Ishak and other dignitaries.