KUCHING: The Festival Gendang Sarawak has been described as a platform for people across Sarawak to cultivate love and appreciation for the state’s heritage and cultural traditions.
Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Project Coordinator for Regional Development Agencies, DBKU and Islamic Affairs) Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi said that the Sarawak Government, through the Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Ministry (MTCP), has allocated an annual fund in the form of the Dana Mudahcara Warisan to support various tourism, arts, culture and heritage-related programmes in the state.
“The Sarawak Government, through MTCP, will continue to provide support in any form, whether financial assistance, advisory services, or manpower, to ensure the success of various programmes throughout Sarawak.
“In 2025, the Sarawak Drum Festival 2025 is among the programmes implemented under the MTCP’s grant, in collaboration with the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry (MOTAC).
“This programme is also held in conjunction with the Sarawak Regatta and Kuching Waterfront Festival 2025, organised by the Kuching Division Resident’s Office.
“It is a synergised initiative between the Federal and Sarawak Governments that has been ongoing since 2014,” he said during the festival’s launch at Kuching Waterfront on Saturday.
He added that large-scale events such as the Kuching Waterfront Festival 2025 and Sarawak Regatta will undoubtedly bring positive economic impact to small traders, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), business premises, and the hospitality industry.
“They will be able to multiply their returns and, in turn, contribute to Sarawak’s overall income,” he said.
Dr Abdul Rahman also emphasised that the Sarawak Government remains committed to empowering the state’s creative industry at the global level.
He noted that special funding, including entrepreneurship training, infrastructure facilities, and guidance in technology and digital utilisation, will continue to be provided to creative industry players in Sarawak.
“This ensures that these creative practitioners can compete globally and elevate Sarawak’s cultural identity on the world stage.
“It is in line with the vision and mission of making Sarawak the Borneo Cultural and Creative Hub by 2030,” he said.
The launch was graced by His Royal Highness Sultan of Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah, and Her Royal Highness Tengku Ampuan Pahang, Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah, along with Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi.
Also present were Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Amar Fadillah Yusof, and Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail.
