Organiser out to serve record-entry number of ‘ulam’ at food fest
The organiser of Samarahan Food and Cultural Festival (SFCF) this year aims to enter the Malaysia Book of Records (MBOR) for the most types of ‘ulam’ (vegetables served raw) at an event.
According to Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, the attempt involves showcasing 70 types of different ulams on the last day of the festival, to be staged on Aiman Mall in Kota Samarahan from May 10 to 19.
He says among the raw vegetables up for display are the ‘paku uban’ (a type of jungle fern), ‘tepus’ (wild ginger shoot), tapioca leaves, ‘bunga kantan’ (torch ginger flower) and ‘dabai’ (local olive).
“I love ulam and there are so many types, but I never knew that the number could reach up to 70. This would help to promote Sarawak’s traditional food,” he told reporters during a press conference at his office in Bangunan Baitul Makmur II here yesterday.
Adding on, Abdul Karim said the festival would also showcase traditional products and the local culture, with 83 stalls selling local food and crafts.
He said the nightly cultural performances such as ‘bermukun’ (singing, dancing and classic Malay poetry recital accompanied by drums), the traditional ‘Malay Zapin Sindang’ dance, Chinese orchestra, Iban traditional drumming, and Bugis musical showcase would be highlighted throughout the 10-day festival – open from noon to 10pm daily.
“Apart from these, other activities include a cooking competition using local fish species like ‘terubok’, an all-youcan-eat pineapple challenge, and also a talent search,” added the minister.
Abdul Karim also believed that the festival would bring more visitors to Samarahan, as it had attracted 98,819 visitors when it was held two years ago.
“Samarahan used to be regarded as a downtrodden place – but not anymore. It is now the fringe of Kuching and a food belt producing fruits, vegetables and fish,” he added.
Among those present at the press conference were Deputy Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Rubiah Wan, who is Kota Samarahan MP, and Kota Samarahan Municipal Council (MPKS) chairman Dato Peter Minos.