This Content Is Only For Subscribers
By Wilfred Pilo
KUCHING, Sept 2: Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) Dato Sri Tiong King Sing is optimistic that the Bung Bratak Festival can attract local and foreign visitors during Visit Malaysia 2026.
Tiong said the annual festival is attractive as it showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Bidayuh Community in Bau District.
He commended the joint effort by MOTAC, the Office of the Sarawak Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, and the Bau District Office for organising the festival and for making the Bung Bratak Heritage Centre which hosts the festival a tourism product through their “Program Merakyatkan Seni” (PMS).
“Through PMS, the ministry can introduce the local Bidayuh community in Bau and the surrounding areas to using their arts and culture as a tourism attraction,” he said.
Tiong said this during the launching of “Program Merakyatkan Seni (PMS) Festival Bung Bratak 2023” held at the Bung Bratak Heritage Centre. His speech text was read out by MOTAC secretary-general Datuk Roslan Abdul Rahman who also represented Tiong at the launch.
Tiong also said that Bung Bratak Heritage Centre has had a big impact on Sarawak’s arts, culture and tourism industry and also the Bidayuh community in the area.
“The centre sees an increase in revenue every year, and from January to June of 2023, the income from domestic and foreign visitors is as much as RM35,455.
“In the same period, the number of tourist arrivals at Bung Bratak Heritage Centre recorded a total of 3,334 domestic visitors and a total of 90 foreign visitors, he revealed.
Tiong said through PMS, MOTAC hopes to be able to increase public relations activities and create business opportunities and networks to support operators, hotels and tourism agencies.
“MOTAC is committed to supporting all activities under the tourism and culture sectors whether it is implemented by the department or agencies under this ministry,” he said.
Opar Assemblyman Billy Sujang, Bau District Officer Constantine Gerald David Jonas, and Bung Bratak Heritage Association deputy chairman Rayan Narong were also present at the launching of the festival. — DayakDaily
