ASAJAYA: The organisation of Ambal Festival Asajaya 2026 holds significant potential to establish a sustainable tourism platform rooted in community involvement, highlighting Sarawak’s culture, nature, and culinary traditions.
Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the festival not only preserves local cultural heritage, but also has the potential to serve as a catalyst for the economic development of the local community.
“The combination of cultural, natural, adventure, culinary and festival elements makes the festival a holistic platform that adds value to the development of this area,” he said when officiating at the closing ceremony of the Ambal Festival Asajaya 2026 held at Dataran Pekan Asajaya, here yesterday (Jan 3).
He also expressed appreciation to the Kota Samarahan Municipal Council (MPKS), Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) and the Asajaya District Office for their continued commitment and strategic cooperation, which proves the capability of the local community to sustainably organise large-scale events.
He added that the organisation of the festival complements the state government’s ongoing commitment to implementing various development projects in the Asajaya District, including improvements to basic infrastructure, public facilities, road networks and socio-economic initiatives for the well-being of the people.
Meanwhile, MPKS chairman Abang Ismawi Abang Ali said the festival is organised as a platform to introduce local identity and uniqueness to the younger generation as well as visitors from within and outside the area.
He explained that ambal is not merely a traditional food, but also a symbol of togetherness, creativity and local wisdom that has been passed down through generations among the Asajaya community.
Among the main highlights of the festival were AmbalHunt, Amballicious, traditional community sports, cooking competitions and ‘merewang’ activities, which reflect the spirit of cooperation and community unity.
