Yeoh (fifth left) hands over the MBOR certificate to Ting, witnessed by Tiang (sixth left), while Kampung Nangka Melanau Welfare Association chairman Councillor, Abang Carrol Abang Dris, who is also the itut organising chairman (right), Chieng (third left), Ling (fourth left), (from second right) Joshua, Hii, Lau and others look on. – Photo by Peter Boon SIBU (July 12): The Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) has made it into the Malaysia Book of Records (MBOR) for the highest number of visitors swinging on the 50-foot ‘itut’ – a traditional Melanau swing – set up at Dataran Tun Tuanku Bujang Phase 1 during this year’s Borneo Cultural Festival (BCF). A total of 2,288 people took part, surpassing the original target of 2,000. MBOR representative Edwin Yeoh presented the certificate to SMC chairman Clarence Ting during the BCF closing ceremony tonight, witnessed by Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government, Datuk Michael Tiang. In a speech read by Tiang, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said festivals like BCF not only entertain but foster social cohesion, tourism, and public well-being. “They build social cohesion, attract tourism, and promote public well-being by fostering pride in our identity and locality. “These are elements critical to the fabric of strong, resilient communities, something we prioritize in our public health and development agendas,” he said. Dr Sim also commended the dedication of attendees, performers, vendors, and enforcement personnel who ensured the success and safety of the event. “Your engagement keeps the spirit of BCF alive and relevant in every passing year. “As we close this year’s edition, I encourage everyone to carry forward the goodwill, knowledge, and appreciation gained. Let ‘The Rhythm of Borneo’ guide us in building inclusive communities where culture continues to thrive,” he said. Earlier, BCF organising chairman and SMC deputy chairman Mohammed Abdullah Izkandar Roseley said this year’s edition stood out for its unity and renewed spirit. “We saw new talents take to the stage with confidence, alongside cultural groups who have long championed the preservation of ancestral heritage. “We tasted the richness of cuisines from various communities, admired crafts that blended tradition and innovation, and appreciated diversity with open hearts. “This is the true beauty of the festival,” he said. The evening featured traditional dance performances and a prize presentation for the Food Premises Toilet Cleanliness Competition. Also present at the event were Sibu MP Oscar Ling, Bukit Assek assemblyman Joseph Chieng, Senator Robert Lau, Deputy State Secretary (operation) Datu Hii Chang Kee, Sibu Resident Abang Mohamad Porkan Abang Budiman, Political Secretary to Premier Joshua Ting, BCF deputy organising chairlady Cr Michelle Law, and acting Consul-General of the Republic of Indonesia in Kuching, Musa Derek Sairwona.

Mohammed Abdullah Izkandar (left) presents a souvenir to Ting at the conclusion of tonight’s event. SIBU (July 11) : The Cultural Night of the Borneo Cultural Festival (BCF) 2025 was more than a showcase of traditional performances and colourful costumes – it highlighted Sibu’s growing stature as a cultural hub for the Borneo region, said State Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government, Datuk Michael Tiang. In a speech read by Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) chairman Clarence Ting, Tiang described the festival as a platform that strengthens cultural resilience and unites communities across borders. “Sibu is more than the gateway to Central Sarawak. It is the cultural heartbeat of Borneo,” he said during BCF 2025 Cultural Night tonight. The evening featured a vibrant programme of traditional music, dance, and crafts, with performances by cultural troupes from across Sarawak and international guests from West Java, Indonesia. The presence of foreign delegations was seen as a sign of Sibu’s rising prominence in regional cultural diplomacy. “Tonight, we are not only witnessing performances. We are witnessing stories of identity, resilience and beauty expressions that connect generations and communities. “Culture is not a luxury. It is our legacy,” Ting said. He urged Sarawakians to view culture as a living heritage that must be preserved and passed down, especially amid globalisation and rapid digital change. “Let this festival be more than a celebration. Let it be a call to action, a shared commitment to ensure our cultural heritage remains part of our future, not just our past,” Ting added. The night’s performances reflected Sarawak’s rich ethnic diversity, including Iban, Bidayuh, Orang Ulu, Malay, Melanau, and Chinese traditions. Participation from Indonesian groups added a spirit of cross-cultural appreciation. Also present were Lanang MP Alice Lau, SMC Deputy Chairman Mohammed Abdullah Izkandar Roseley, Political Secretary to the Premier of Sarawak Joshua Ting, Acting Consul General of the Republic of Indonesia Musa Derek Sairwona, Sibu District Police Chief ACP Zulkipli Suhaili, Deputy Organising Chairman Cr Michelle Law, and other invited guests. The Borneo Cultural Festival continues through the weekend, featuring themed nights dedicated to various ethnic groups, culinary showcases, and cultural exhibitions.

Aaron (centre) in a group photo with the various ethnic group performers during the event. SIBU (July 9): Malaysia will soon launch its first official Minority Ethnic Festive Calendar, a reference guide highlighting the celebrations and cultural practices of the country’s minority ethnic communities. The inaugural edition is set for release in January next year. National Unity Minister Dato Sri Aaron Ago Dagang announced the initiative during the opening of the Borneo Cultural Festival (BDCF) 2025 Dayak Cultural Night at Dataran Tun Tuanku Bujang here tonight. He said the calendar will not only list festive dates, but also provide insights into their meanings, origins, and associated traditions. “This calendar is not just a schedule of events, it is an awareness tool to help Malaysians better understand and respect each other’s cultures,” he told a crowd of over 3,000 at the vibrant multicultural event. Aaron said the calendar will be made available both digitally and in print, and distributed to all ministries, government agencies, schools, universities, and relevant stakeholders. “With this calendar, we will know when our friends celebrate festivals such as Irau Aco (Lun Bawang), Kalimaran Festival (Murut), Lepa-Lepa Festival (Bajau), Magahau Festival (Rungus), and many more. It promotes greater cultural sensitivity,” he said. He added that the initiative forms part of the ministry’s broader effort to promote its ‘Harmony in Diversity’ agenda by recognising and celebrating minority cultures that are often underrepresented nationally. Praising Sarawak as a model of unity in diversity, Aaron said genuine national harmony can only be achieved when Malaysians embrace and celebrate their cultural uniqueness. “Sarawak has proven that diversity does not weaken us, it makes us stronger. Differences should not be walls but bridges that connect us,” he said. BCF 2025 marks the 21st edition of the annual cultural celebration. This year’s theme, “Rhythm of Borneo”, is accompanied by a new mascot – the Clouded Leopard (Neofelis diardi) – symbolising Borneo’s rich biodiversity and the importance of wildlife conservation. The week-long festival showcases traditional music, dance, handicrafts, and food from the Dayak, Malay, Melanau, and Chinese communities of Sarawak. Also present at the event were Tamin assemblyman Christopher Gira Sambang, Sibu Municipal Council Chairman Ting Ing Horh, SMC Deputy Chairman Mohammad Abdullah Izkandar Roseley, Dayak Pavillion 2025 lead coordinator Augustine Merikan and other invited guests.

Snowdan (fifth from right) marking the launch of BCF 2025. He is flanked by (from third, left) Chieng, Ting, Mohammed Abdullah Izkandar and Tiang. SARAWAK’S vibrant traditional arts could soon captivate international audiences, as a state deputy minister has suggested sending the state’s cultural troupes abroad. “Our traditional performers have reached international standards and deserve more exposure through overseas performances,” said Sarawak Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Deputy Minister Datuk Snowdan Lawan. “That is why we have a creative industry portfolio in our ministry – because we recognise the immense talent in Sarawak. “Sarawak regularly receives invitations from countries such as Italy, Japan, South Korea, Spain and the Philippines to present traditional dances abroad. “It is time to take a more proactive approach in sending cultural troupes to represent the state internationally.” Snowdan was speaking at the opening ceremony of the Borneo Cultural Festival (BCF) 2025 in Sibu, Sarawak. He said showcasing cultural dances such as those from Melanau, Iban, Bidayuh, Orang Ulu, Malay and Chinese communities would help promote Sarawak’s multicultural identity to global audiences. “People from abroad are very interested in our traditional dances; it is something they do not see every day. “Sending our troupes to perform internationally is not just about performance, it is about telling the story of who we are as Sarawakians,” said the Balai Ringin assemblyman. BCF is an annual event that celebrates the region’s cultural diversity through music, dance, food and traditional arts, drawing performers and visitors from across Sarawak and beyond. The 21st edition, themed “Rhythm of Borneo”, is ongoing until July 12 at Dataran Tun Tuanku Bujang. Snowdan, who was representing minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah at the opening ceremony, said BCF not only showcases Sarawak’s rich cultural landscape, but also plays a crucial role in preserving it for future generations. “The festival has become a vital platform where tradition meets modernity and where our younger generation can reconnect with their roots while the world gains a glimpse of Borneo’s unique identity. “It also plays a multifaceted role in promoting tourism, supporting the creative economy and positioning Sibu as a vibrant cultural hub,” said Snowdan. Highlighting the significance of BCF’s 21-year legacy, he lauded the dedication of all who had made the festival a success. “To reach this milestone is no small feat. “It reflects the passion, teamwork and unwavering commitment of countless individuals who have nurtured this event over the decades,” said Snowdan. BCF organising chairman and Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) deputy chairman Mohammed Abdullah Izkandar Roseley said the council was promoting waste reduction and recycling throughout the festival. “Visitors are encouraged to dispose of rubbish responsibly using clearly labelled bins for general and recyclable waste,” he said. “BCF’s official mascot ‘Engkuli’ a clouded leopard, serves as a powerful reminder of our shared responsibility to conserve Borneo’s biodiversity and to inspire environmental awareness,” he added. Also present at the opening ceremony were Sarawak Public Health, Housing and Local Government Deputy Minister Datuk Michael Tiang, SMC chairman Clarence Ting, and Bukit Assek assemblyman Joseph Chieng.