By Dayangku Hidayatul
KUCHING, July 15: The Kuching Festival Food Fair 2026 has received a boost with a RM45,000 sponsorship from Magnum 4D, marking more than two decades of partnership between the corporate sponsor and the annual food extravaganza.
Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng said Magnum remains one of the festival’s longest-standing corporate partners, having continuously supported the event since its early years.
“We deeply appreciate your commitment to making this annual celebration a success,” he said during the sponsorship handover ceremony at the MBKS headquarters today.
Wee said the Kuching Festival Food Fair has grown into one of Malaysia’s largest and most anticipated food festivals, serving as a platform for local entrepreneurs and food vendors while celebrating Kuching’s rich multicultural heritage.
This year’s festival will run for 26 days, from July 22 to Aug 16, featuring 314 stalls offering a wide variety of local and international food, beverages and products.
The festival will be officially opened on July 24, with a fireworks display planned to mark the occasion.
Among the highlights is the Chinese Home Cook Delicacy Corner, where nine Chinese clan associations will take turns showcasing traditional home-cooked dishes passed down through generations.
The participating associations are the Federation of Chinese Associations of Kuching, Samarahan and Serian Division, Sarawak (July 22–23); Kuching Hainan Association (July 24–26); Kuching Hing Ann Association (July 27–29); Kuching Foochow Association (July 30–Aug 1); Kuching Teochew Association (Aug 2–4); Sarawak Hakka Community Association (Aug 5–7); Kuching Hokkien Association (Aug 8–10); Kuching Kwong Wai Siew Association (Aug 11–13); and Sarawak Chawan Association (Aug 14–16).
Wee said the special culinary corner plays an important role in preserving traditional food heritage while introducing it to younger generations and visitors.
He added that the continued success of the festival would not be possible without the support of sponsors, business partners, participating associations, vendors and the public.
Addressing concerns over stall rental rates, Wee stressed that MBKS does not profit from higher vendor charges, as stall rates are determined through a tender process in which bidders may offer higher amounts for premium locations.
“Additional revenue is used to subsidise stalls for small businesses and young entrepreneurs. Vendors pay slightly more than RM600 for the entire 26-day festival, which amounts to less than RM30 a day. It is among the lowest rates offered for food events in Sarawak.
“I can confidently say that nowhere else in Sarawak are food vendors offered rates like these, whether at shopping malls, private events or other venues,” he said.
Also present were MBKS Deputy Mayor Dato Zaiedi Suhaili, Magnum East Malaysia Regional head and vice president II Liew Kee Chuan, operations associate Max Ong, and councillors. — DayakDaily
