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.
