Abdul Karim greets members of the public with handshakes upon his arrival at the Samarahan Food and Culture Festival (SFCF) at MPKS Desa Ilmu Market Site.
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KOTA SAMARAHAN: Over RM300,000 in nine-day sales has set a new benchmark for the Samarahan Food and Culture Festival (SFCF), surpassing its RM250,000 target since the event began nine years ago.
Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the figure reflected the festival’s growing appeal and the rapid development of Kota Samarahan as a vibrant education and commercial hub.
Samarahan festival exceeds sales expectations
KOTA SAMARAHAN: Over RM300,000 in nine-day sales has set a new benchmark for the Samarahan Food and Culture Festival (SFCF), surpassing its RM250,000 target since the event began nine years ago.
Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the figure reflected the festival’s growing appeal and the rapid development of Kota Samarahan as a vibrant education and commercial hub.
“Last year, the festival collected around RM200,000, and the organisers aimed slightly higher this year.
“I believe the amount will continue to grow in the years ahead,” he said during the closing of the festival at Kota Samarahan Municipal Council (MPKS) Desa Ilmu Market Site on Saturday night.
He added that the festival, organised by MPKS, had once again successfully combined culinary showcases, cultural performances and community activities.
“I am proud that the organisers not only manage the sales aspect but also preserve the cultural elements, with sports programmes included to add more excitement.
“This is why we feel proud – the festival truly benefits the people,” he said.
Abdul Karim said next year’s 10th-anniversary edition must set an even higher benchmark, with efforts to include the festival in Sarawak’s official tourism calendar.
He also highlighted the rise of young entrepreneurs, particularly among the Bumiputera community, as a positive outcome of the festival.
“This festival shows that many young Bumiputera are now bold enough to venture into the business sector.
“With profits like these, their drive to succeed will continue to grow,” he said.
Abdul Karim also congratulated MPKS, UNIMAS, enforcement agencies, community leaders, and all participating vendors for the success of the festival.
“For the 10th anniversary next year, I hope the allocation can be increased.
“If I am still heading this ministry, I will try to ensure a bigger budget,” he added.
“Last year, the festival collected around RM200,000, and the organisers aimed slightly higher this year.
“I believe the amount will continue to grow in the years ahead,” he said during the closing of the festival at Kota Samarahan Municipal Council (MPKS) Desa Ilmu Market Site on Saturday night.
He added that the festival, organised by MPKS, had once again successfully combined culinary showcases, cultural performances and community activities.
“I am proud that the organisers not only manage the sales aspect but also preserve the cultural elements, with sports programmes included to add more excitement.
“This is why we feel proud – the festival truly benefits the people,” he said.
Abdul Karim said next year’s 10th-anniversary edition must set an even higher benchmark, with efforts to include the festival in Sarawak’s official tourism calendar.
He also highlighted the rise of young entrepreneurs, particularly among the Bumiputera community, as a positive outcome of the festival.
“This festival shows that many young Bumiputera are now bold enough to venture into the business sector.
“With profits like these, their drive to succeed will continue to grow,” he said.
Abdul Karim also congratulated MPKS, UNIMAS, enforcement agencies, community leaders, and all participating vendors for the success of the festival.
“For the 10th anniversary next year, I hope the allocation can be increased.
“If I am still heading this ministry, I will try to ensure a bigger budget,” he added.
