KUCHING: The 28th edition of the Sarawak Harvest and Folklore Festival (SHFF) will return this May, featuring the legendary Kayan deity Belawan Burieng as the centrepiece musical drama.
The festival, one of Sarawak’s signature cultural events, will be held at the Sarawak Cultural Village (SCV) from May 23 to 24.
Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said this year’s theme, “Celebrating Heritage, Inspiring Future”, reflects efforts to honour ancestral traditions while encouraging younger generations to preserve their cultural identity.
“This event is one of the key initiatives by Sarawak Cultural Village and the Ministry to position Sarawak as a premier destination for cultural tourism,” he said during a press conference at the Media Room, Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) Complex today (May 14).
The highlight of the two-day festival will be the lakeside musical drama “Belawan Burieng: The Hercules of the Keliman River”.
Based on an original script by Livan Tajang, the production tells the story of a legendary deity believed to be half-man and half-god and the show is scheduled to begin at 9 pm on both nights.
Abdul Karim revealed that public response has been encouraging, with 3,875 tickets already sold through the festival’s official website.
“Day entrance tickets, valid from 9 am to 6 pm, are priced at RM20 for adults and RM10 for children.
“Tickets for the evening programme and musical drama, from 6 pm to 11 pm, are priced at RM50 for adults and RM30 for children,” he said, adding that affordable ticket prices have helped attract a wider audience.
The festival’s Culturalvaganza will include dance, music, and interactive workshops supported by various associations including the Sarawak Dayak Iban Association (SADIA), the Ring Ladies of Borneo of Kampung Semban and the Sarawak Tagal (Okolod) Association.
Beyond the stage performances, visitors can take part in traditional games inspired by the leisure activities of Sarawak’s indigenous communities.
A “Food and Drink Galore” segment will also showcase a variety of ethnic cuisines, offering visitors an authentic taste of Sarawakian flavours.
Abdul Karim said the festival is more than just an entertainment event, describing it as a celebration of unity and cultural continuity involving local communities, students and cultural enthusiasts.
“Their participation adds authenticity and vibrancy, while strengthening the connection between generations in preserving our diverse heritage,” he said.
He added that the festival also serves as an educational platform while supporting local livelihoods and cultural practitioners.
To ease expected traffic congestion along the Santubong peninsula, organisers will provide shuttle services from the Sarawak Sports Village and Damai Golf and Country Club starting at 9 am.
The shuttle fares are set at RM5 one-way for adults and RM3 for children.
SHFF 2026 is supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts (MTCP), the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia (MOTAC), Tourism Malaysia and the Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC).
Also present were deputy ministers of MTCP Datuk Snowdan Lawan, Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew, permanent secretary Morshidi Fredrick and chief executive officer of SCV Jane Lian Labang.
