KOTA SAMARAHAN: ‘Karnival Jom Heboh 2026’ officially opens today in Kota Samarahan, making its debut in the district with a family-oriented line-up and a showcase of Sarawak’s homegrown talent.
Project director, Elleen Lim, said the opening night’s ‘Jom Lokal Jam’ concert will feature local artistes, including Malay and Bidayuh performers, as well as talents from other ethnic communities across the state.
“We are dedicating our main stage tonight to local talents because we want to celebrate the diversity of Sarawak’s music and give homegrown performers the opportunity to showcase their abilities,” she said during a media session at the carnival site beside the Kota Samarahan Municipal Council (MPKS) today.
The spotlight will shift to nationally recognised acts over the weekend, with legendary rock band Kristal X, singer Baby Shima and actors from popular TV3 and ‘Tonton Drama Sangat’ headlining the concerts and meet-and-greet sessions.
Lim said the carnival has always been built around the concept of family entertainment, with programmes designed to cater to visitors of all ages.
She added that ‘Jom Heboh’ also goes beyond entertainment by incorporating community initiatives such as free health screenings by the Ministry of Health (KKM), a mobile dental clinic providing free dental check-up, and the non-competitive ‘Jom Heboh Fun Run’ to encourage healthy lifestyles and quality family time.
Other attractions include the Buletin Challenge, where aspiring news presenters can try reading the news alongside Media Prima personalities through a mini audition, while the Media Prima Club booth offers exclusive TV3 and ‘Jom Heboh’ merchandise, including designs created especially for the Sarawak edition.
Lim described Kota Samarahan as a meaningful venue for the carnival’s first stop outside a major city centre, noting its strategic location and improved accessibility through the newly opened Batang Lupar 1 bridge, which connects surrounding districts such as Simunjan, Asajaya and Sebuyau.
The three-day carnival which began today, will run until Sunday (August 2), featuring concerts, family-friendly activities, community programmes, and interactive booths throughout the weekend.
She also confirmed that ‘Jom Heboh’ will return to Sarawak later this year, with Miri set to host the next edition at the end of September.
