MIRI: Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah has proposed a gastronomy festival in the Lambir constituency, aimed at preserving traditional culinary heritage while boosting tourism in the region.
Speaking at the Hari Raya gathering at Kamlung Beraya Batu 1 on Monday (Apr 28), Abdul Karim highlighted Lambir’s strategic location between Bintulu and Miri and its proximity to Brunei and Sabah as ideal for hosting a major food festival.
“I recommend a gastronomy festival in the Lambir area to preserve our traditional food,” he said, adding that his ministry would provide the fund for the initiative.
“We want to preserve our traditions, including food. For the Lambir festival, I will approve funding from the Sarawak Ministry of Tourism,” he assured.
He also invited ideas and activities that could enhance the festival and meet the organisers’ requirements, saying, “I am interested in exploring what Lambir has to offer.”
The proposal comes as Sarawak celebrates the recent inscription of Niah Cave as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, joining Mulu Cave as the state’s second such designation.
Niah Cave’s location between Bekenu and Lambir, Karim noted, presents a significant opportunity for regional development.
“Spillover development from this designation will benefit surrounding areas, including Beraya, Lambir, and Bekenu. These locations hold tremendous potential for the tourism sector,” he said.
Abdul Karim emphasised the need for local communities to actively engage with these opportunities: “The potential is huge, the future is very bright. We must ensure that development benefits the people and does not leave anyone behind.”
He hoped the community would remain united and harmonious, qualities he described as essential for the smooth implementation of development programmes.
In addition to the gastronomy festival, Karim revealed that plans are underway to build an international school in the Beraya area.
He praised Sarawak’s strong financial management, crediting it for enabling the state to pursue extensive development projects.
“Our administration’s sound financial stewardship allows us to fund programmes like the Lambir gastronomy festival and the Minor Rural Project (MRP) allocations, such as the RM50,000 set aside for the Raya programme,” he said.
Abdul Karim also noted that Sarawak is in the process of constructing 18 mini sports complexes across the state, underscoring the broader commitment to rural development.
Returning to the festival, Karim underlined its cultural importance: “The gastronomy festival is about more than just food , it is deeply connected to our culture. My ministry will assist in making this event a reality.”
The initiative is seen as part of a broader strategy to elevate Lambir and its neighbouring areas into emerging tourism hubs, building on the momentum created by Sarawak’s growing international recognition.
Also present was Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneur Development, Datuk Dr Ripin Lamat.
