KUCHING, May 13: Kapit member of Parliament Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi wants the Kapit Dayak Cultural Festival (KDCF) to be permanently incorporated into the annual Sarawak tourism calendar.
Gracing the event in Kapit last night (May 12), Nanta who is also Federal Works Minister, emphasised that the annual festival not only serves as a catalyst for promoting Kapit as a tourist destination but also to elevate the Dayak community’s “main asal” (original play) culture to the international stage.
The highly anticipated festival commenced with great enthusiasm in celebrating and promoting the unique Dayak community’s cultural treasures.
“Of course I see the KDCF as very conducive in promoting Kapit as a tourist destination.
“I would like to recommend that the KDCF be included in the annual Sarawak tourism calendar in the future,” he said in a post on his social media today.
Spanning from May 5 to 28, the festival has created a vibrant atmosphere pulsating through Kapit, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of Dayak culture.
A multitude of traditional programmes took centre stage, including the mesmerising “berpantun”, “beramban”, “bertoh”, “ngajat”, and “pekit kumang”, among others.
With its lively ambiance and colourful festivities, the festival has the potential to attract international attention, showcasing the beauty and richness of the Dayak heritage while placing Kapit on the global tourism map.
It also highlights the importance of preserving and promoting cultural traditions while fostering cross-cultural exchange.
By including KDCF in the annual Sarawak tourism calendar, Sarawak can showcase its rich heritage and create lasting economic opportunities through increased tourism.
Nanta lauded the remarkable achievements and overwhelming response the festival has received, and expressed his unwavering support for the grand affair, which was organised by the Kapit District Office in collaboration with the Sarawak Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industries, and Performing Arts, alongside various government agencies and non-governmental organisations (NGOs). — DayakDaily
