LIMBANG: Pesta Babulang and Buffalo Race has evolved beyond a cultural celebration into a key tourism and economic driver for northern Sarawak, generating opportunities for local businesses, entrepreneurs and rural communities.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said high-impact cultural events such as Pesta Babulang have the potential to stimulate local economic activities by attracting visitors and creating income-generating opportunities for tourism industry players and small businesses.
He said the festival’s economic impact extends across various sectors, including accommodation providers, transportation services, handicraft producers, food vendors and community-based tourism operators.
“When festivals such as this successfully attract thousands of visitors, the economic benefits are felt by hotels, homestays, small traders, transport operators and local entrepreneurs.
“Therefore, the government will continue to support the organisation of cultural events such as this,” he said in his text speech read out by Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah during the opening ceremony of the 21st Edition of the Pesta Babulang and Buffalo Race 2026 here yesterday (June 6).
Abang Johari said the efforts to strengthen cultural and heritage-based events are in line with Sarawak’s development strategy, which emphasises balanced economic growth between urban and rural areas.
He added that the government remains committed to empowering regional development through the implementation of various strategic projects, including the Coastal Road, Second Trunk Road, Sarawak-Sabah Link Road (SSLR), as well as development initiatives under the Northern Region Development Agency (NRDA).
He stressed that Pesta Babulang represents a valuable cultural legacy of the Bisaya community and should be safeguarded as part of Sarawak’s rich cultural heritage.
“Pesta Babulang is not merely an entertainment event or competition. It is a symbol of the identity, heritage and cultural roots of the Bisaya community that must continue to be preserved and passed on to future generations,” he said.
He added that the cultural elements such as buffalo racing, Agak Babulang, traditional games, heritage cuisine and Bisaya customs are unique tourism assets that can further strengthen Sarawak’s position as a culture-based tourism destination.
Abang Johari also encouraged youths, especially those from the Bisaya community, to explore opportunities in entrepreneurship, technology, modern agriculture and the creative industry to benefit from the state’s ongoing development initiatives.
