The inaugural Borneo Tribal Music Festival drew a big crowd.

THE new Borneo Tribal Music Festival (BTMF) could become an international event, similar to other music festivals in the state.

Sarawak Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Ministry permanent secretary Hii Chang Kee said BTMF could also achieve the same status as the Kuching Jazz and Rainforest World Music Festival and the Borneo Jazz Festival in Miri.

“If BTMF is held every year with strong support from Sibu Municipal Council and those related to the tourism industry, it could become an international event,” he said at the launch of the inaugural BTMF.

Hii said the Borneo Cultural Festival, Sibu International Dance Festival (SIDF) and Sibu International Base Jump (SIBJ) were known internationally.

With BTMF, he said major towns and cities in Sarawak would now have their own music festival.

“BTMF is the first for Sibu. Kuching has two in Kuching Jazz, and Rainforest World Music Festival while Miri is famous for its Borneo Jazz,” he elaborated.

Hii assured that his ministry would continue to support any festival activity in the state, including BTMF.

Meanwhile, organising chairman Wilfred Gan, who is also La Vie Event and Management managing director, said, “We have artistes and popular deejays from several countries including Indonesia and Vietnam, while locals and those from peninsular Malaysia are also taking part.” — By ANDY CHUA