KUCHING, MALAYSIA: The city of Kuching commemorated its 20th City Day with a street parade and a colourful show at Padang Merdeka here on Friday night.

A total of 39 contingents from government agencies, schools and associations took part in the street parade from Jalan Padungan to Padang Merdeka.

The contingents then put on presentations in front of the VIP stage at the Padang where Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud, Kuching North mayor Mohamad Atei Abang Medaan, Kuching South mayor James Chan and other dignitaries were in attendance.

The ceremony also marked the launch of the month-long Kuching Festival jointly organised by the Kuching North City Hall and the Kuching South City Council.

Earlier, Taib witnessed the hoisting of the Kuching Festival flag and cut a cake to commemorate City Day.

In his speech, he said Kuching had come a long way since it was declared a city 20 years ago.

He praised the city's two councils for their efforts in bringing about improvements and called for greater cooperation in administration.

"The city will keep expanding, so both councils need to have a common vision as to what they want Kuching to be in the future," he added.