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By William Isau
SIBU, July 17: The annual Borneo Cultural Festival (BCF) should be extended, opines federal Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Dato Sri Tiong King Sing.
Presently the event is held over a period of 10 days, with this year’s edition from July 14 to 23.
“I encourage SMC (Sibu Municipal Council) and UCA (United Chinese Association) to consider extending the number of days for next year’s edition of the Borneo Cultural Festival (BCF). This should get even more people to come join the festivities, events, and see the shows that feature the nuances and uniqueness of our Borneo cultural groups,” said Tiong when declaring open the Chinese pavilion at BCF here last night.
“Sibu has held the Borneo Cultural Festival yearly since 2002 with the purpose of gathering the cultures of all the dialect groups and promote their unique cultures in Malaysia. In the past 20 years, all the participating groups have responded very positively to this event,” he added.
Separately, the Bintulu MP expressed regret that nowadays some young people have less interest in learning and understanding the cultures of their own ethnic groups.
“Despite not caring about their ethnic backgrounds, they should keep in mind the development history of their own backgrounds, and the cultural wisdom that has been passed down. Our descendents must learn and understand the historical significance of cultural customs, including promoting them as an advantage to generate cultural tourism for the local community,” he said.
This was important as besides its rich natural resources, Sarawak has always been the envy of the outside world for its diverse ethnic cultures.
Tiong also said that effort should be put in to promote the mighty Rajang River.
“The scenery on Rajang River clearly show the potential for more tourist attractions, such as floating restaurants, river cruises and much more. Done well, they can stimulate local tourism and add to our economic growth,” he added
At the function, Tiong gave a grant of RM50,000 to United Chinese Association, Sibu, and RM10,000 each to the association’s Youth and Women sections for their yearly activities.
Also present were Bawang Assan assemblyman Datuk Seri Wong Soon Koh, Bukit Assek assemblyman Chieng Jin Ek, Sibu MP Oscar Ling, UCA president Lau Ing Siong, BCF oganising chairman Soh Siau Chui, SMC chairman Clarence Ting and SMC deputy chairman Councillor Mohammed Abdullah Izkandar Roseley. — DayakDaily
