Culture, food festival boosts tourism – Tiong
SIBU: The inaugural Sibu Malay Culture and Food Festival has the potential to lure more visitors to this riverine town to boost the local tourism industry.
The unique event showcases the culture and mouth-watering traditional food of the MalayMelanau community, said Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) chairman Datuk Tiong Thai King at the launch of the 10-day festival in Dataran Tun Tuanku Bujang, Phase II here on Friday night.
The festival, organised by Sibu Malay-Melanau Association (PMMS), runs from Nov 16 till 25.
“I hope programmes such as this can attract more domestic visitors and those from outside Sibu. I am confident it can elevate the tourism sector in Sibu,” Tiong added.
Tiong, who is also Dudong assemblyman, pointed out that the programme also promotes the spirit of unity among the communities of various backgrounds. Adding on, he noted that the various programmes slotted into the festival included ‘bermukun’, ‘bergendang’, ‘busana pengantin’ exhibition,karaoke competition and traditional performances.
Fifty stalls are selling Malay traditional food, clothing and electronic goods during the festival.
Organising chairman Cr Rabek Ali Hamid said the festival is for all to enjoy and a good platform to gel racial unity and solidarity. Rabek suggested that the inaugural event be made an annual affair.
Among those present at the launching ceremony were PMMS secretary Mohd Safree Mohd Kassim and Cr Ibrahim Laili.