By DayakDaily Team
SIBU, Aug 19: Sibu’s beloved kampua noodles are aiming for a Malaysia Book of Records (MBOR) entry with a mass noodle-tossing event during the Borneo Cultural Festival (BCF) 2026 on Sept 10.
BCF 2026 Organising Committee chairman Councillor Michelle Law Wan Ling said the kampua tossing, one of the highlights of Spectacular Night, aimed to transform one of Sibu’s most recognisable foods into a cultural showcase while attempting to set a new record.
“Kampua is not just food, but also part of Sibu’s identity and heritage.
“This record attempt aims to showcase local culture in a unique and interesting way, while bringing together people from diverse backgrounds,” she said at a BCF 2026 press conference today, as reported by TVS.
The 22nd edition of BCF will be held from Sept 3 to 12 at Dataran Tun Tuanku Bujang Phases 1 and 2, starting at 7.30pm, under the theme “Echoes of Borneo”.
Organised by the Sibu Municipal Council (SMC), with support from the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, the festival will feature cultural performances, community entrepreneurship and sustainability initiatives.
This year’s festival will also bring together performers and participants from China, Indonesia, Brunei, Sabah and various parts of Sarawak.
From China, Ningde City, Gutian County and Fuding City will take part, while Jakarta will represent Indonesia and Kuala Belait will represent Brunei.
Sabah will be represented by Tompuvan, an ethnic Borneo fusion music group, and Kumpulan Budayawan, which will showcase the traditional Magunatip dance.
BCF will also unveil a limestone cave-inspired entrance featuring stalactite and stalagmite elements, flowing water features and sounds of nature.
The festival’s official mascot, the clouded leopard or Engkuli (Neofelis diardi borneensis), will return in a new Stone Age-inspired outfit modelled after Barney Rubble from The Flintstones.
All business stalls will be fully operational from Sept 3, with three main pavilions at Dataran Tun Tuanku Bujang Phase 1 dedicated to traditional food, beverages, handicrafts and heritage products.
Meanwhile, Phase 2 will host BCF Tradex, providing young entrepreneurs and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with a platform to showcase lifestyle products, services and modern food offerings.
The covered parking area behind the main stage will also host the annual Photographic Society of Sibu exhibition, alongside bonsai and horticulture exhibitions and sales.
As part of its sustainability efforts, SMC will integrate Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 12 and 13 into the festival by replacing Engkuli figurine souvenirs with practical and reusable items such as bamboo vacuum bottles and umbrellas.
Visitors are also reminded to keep the festival grounds clean, with regular inspections and compounds imposed on those caught littering.
Jalan Bujang Suntong will also be temporarily closed on Sept 6 for the Opening Night, Sept 11 for International Night and Sept 12 for the Closing Night for public safety.
The Opening Night on Sept 6 will be officiated by Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, followed by Chinese Night on Sept 7 and Spectacular Night on Sept 10, which will be attended by Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing.
Dayak Night on Sept 8 will be officiated by Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi, while Malay/Melanau Night on Sept 9 will be attended by Deputy Minister of Education and Innovation Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee.
International Night on Sept 11 will be attended by Deputy Minister of Local Government Datuk Michael Tiang Ming Tee.
The festival will conclude on Sept 12 with a closing ceremony officiated by Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
Spectacular Night will also feature a professional fire show by Budakapi Movement from Peninsular Malaysia, combining choreography, fire and high-tech elements.
BCF 2026 will culminate in a pyromusical fireworks display and a special performance by local versatile DJ and musician Belle Sisoski. — DayakDaily
