Bisaya’s Irau Aco expects to attract over 30,000 tourists
LIMBANG: The forthcoming Bisaya culture- based festival ( Irau Aco) from May 31 to June 2 in Lawas is expected to attract over 30,000 foreign and local visitors.
Organising chairman Petrus Lasong said some 3,000 Lun Bawangs and 70 volunteers would take part in the three- day event centred at the Lun Bawang Heritage Centre, aimed at promoting the culture and heritage of the Lun Bawang community so that its younger generation in particular could see, appreciate and learn them.
“The festival too can strengthen
The festival too can strengthen the multi-racial people besides promoting Limbang Division as one of the premier tourist destinations in northern Sarawak.
the multi- racial people besides promoting Limbang Division as one of the premier tourist destinations in northern Sarawak,” Petrus told a media conference at the Limbang Resident office yesterday.
Limbang Resident Ahmad Denney Ahmad Fauzi, Sarawak Lun Bawang Association ( PLBS) deputy president and secretary respectively Willie Liau and Daniel Punang, PLB Limbang chairman Frederick Lalung, and heads of government departments were also present.
Petrus who is also PLBS Youth branch chairman said the festival themed ‘ Culture the Nation’s Heritage’ (Ayu Inul Pupuh Tau) would showcase various cultural and arts activities.
“Among them are traditional sports open to villages and associations outside Lawas, Lawas Tagap, cultural heritage night, beauty pageant, Lun Bawang special event ( sending of dowry), devotional and other activities,” he said.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Abang Openg has been invited to officiate at the festival opening on June 2.
“We have also invited Lun Bawang associations throughout Borneo to enliven the annual festival,” Petus said.
All the associations attending the event are encouraged to don their traditional attires, he said.
He also said PLBS had purchased a RM900,000-building in downtown Lawas as its administration centre, where cultural activities could also be held.
Petrus Lasong, organising chairman