By DayakDaily Team
SIBU, Sept 2: The Borneo Cultural Festival (BCF) 2026 will now begin on Sept 5, two days later than originally scheduled, as the Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) takes precautionary measures amid prevailing haze and deteriorating air quality.
The festival will run until Sept 14 at Dataran Tun Tuanku Bujang, covering Phase 1 and TRADEX at Phase 2, with all stall operators scheduled to commence business on Sept 5.
In a statement yesterday (Sept 1), SMC said the postponement was made with the health and safety of the public, performers, staff and participants as its priority.
The council said the main stage performances would continue as scheduled from Sept 6 to 12, while attendance and participation in outdoor activities would be on a voluntary basis.
Members of the public have been advised to exercise personal discretion, wear suitable masks where appropriate, stay hydrated and drink plenty of water, as well as take necessary precautions against the haze and hot weather.
Meanwhile, SMC is also reminding visitors to play their part in keeping the festival grounds safe, clean and orderly throughout BCF 2026.
Visitors have been urged to park their vehicles properly and avoid obstructing traffic or parking on road medians and dividers for the safety, comfort and convenience of everyone attending the festival.
SMC also reminded the public that unauthorised activities and illegal hawking are not permitted within the festival grounds.
Visitors are further urged not to litter and to help maintain cleanliness and order at the festival venue.
The council said appropriate action, including the issuance of compound notices and other necessary enforcement measures, would be taken against those found violating the regulations.
SMC said it would continue to monitor the situation closely and reserved the right to suspend or modify programmes should conditions pose a risk to public health and safety. — DayakDaily
