LUNDU: The Narakng Parade, organised by the Bidayuh Selako Rara community, has been proposed for inclusion in the official calendar of cultural and traditional events.
Opar Assemblyman, Billy Sujang, stated that he has instructed the Lundu District Council (MDL) to take steps to incorporate the program into the calendar.
“It’s time for the Narakng celebration to be officially recognised. I want it included in next year’s calendar.
“I will also designate May 23, 2026, as the date for the next Narakng Salako Rara celebration,” he announced while officiating the Narakng Salako Rara Closing Ceremony at the Kampung Serayan Baru Multipurpose Hall today.
He also highlighted the participation of the Salako Rara community, including their decorated vehicles that will be showcased in the upcoming ‘Niti Daun’ State Parade on June 21, which highlights the community’s vibrant cultural expressions.
In addition, Billy emphasised that culture plays a key role in economic development, particularly through the sale of handicrafts and the arts.
“We can see today that there are many stalls selling local products – these represent high-value economic assets. People are also drawn to the unique beauty of traditional dances,” he said.
“I believe that with continuous promotion, events like Narakng have the potential to become significant ethnic tourism products in Sarawak and Malaysia as a whole.”
Earlier in the day, the Narakng Parade kicked off at 7:00 am from several ‘Rumah Adat’ – Kampung Biawak, Kampung Jangkar, Kampung Pasir Tengah, Kampung Semapu, Kampung Sebako and Kampung Paon, before culminating at the Kampung Serayan Baru Community Hall.
