By Dayangku Hidayatul
KUCHING, Sept 9: The annual Kuching Intercultural Mooncake Festival (KIMF) 2026 returns from Sept 15 to 26, bringing together food, culture and community across about 100 stalls along Carpenter Street and Ewe Hai Street.
Speaking on behalf of Kuching Old Market Community Association (KOMCA) president Kapitan Lim Chuan Chan, Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) Batu Lintang branch chairman Sih Hua Tong said the festival continues to provide a shared space for people from diverse backgrounds to connect and celebrate.
“Over the years, KIMF has grown from a celebration rooted in the traditional Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival into a much-loved annual community event in the heart of Kuching.
“The Mid-Autumn Festival traditionally carries the beautiful meaning of reunion, togetherness and gratitude. Here in Kuching, we have taken that spirit of reunion a little further,” he told a press conference held at a restaurant today.
He said the festival would see an influx of young traders and entrepreneurs this year, bringing fresh energy and creativity to the event.
Beyond providing commercial opportunities, Sih said KIMF also offers local vendors an accessible platform to showcase their products to a wider audience while helping preserve cultural heritage for younger generations.
The festival is supported by several Chinese dialect and cultural associations, including the Kuching Hainan Association, Kwong Wai Siew Association Kuching, Malaysia Hakka Cultural Association (Sarawak Branch), Sarawak Kwang Tung Association, Kuching Chiang Chuan Association, Padawan Foochow Association Kuching, Sarawak Lui Chiu Association and Hing Ann Association Kuching.
Sih said while these associations play an important role in preserving ancestral traditions, KIMF remains an inclusive platform where people of all ethnic backgrounds can interact naturally through food, performances and shared experiences.
“Harmony should never be taken for granted. It is strengthened through interaction, mutual understanding and appreciation,” he said.
Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah is scheduled to officiate the opening ceremony on Sept 15.
Members of the public are invited to join the festivities daily from 5pm to 10pm throughout the 12-day event. — DayakDaily
