SIBU: The second Rajang River Music Festival (RRMF) will be held on May 1-2 at Robert’s Wooden House here, continuing its vision of transforming the Rajang River into a living cultural space where music, art and community come together.
Organised by the Sibu Film Art Association (MICROWAVE) in collaboration with the National Consumer Action Council (MTPN) Sibu Branch, RRMF is a multidisciplinary programme that extends beyond music, featuring art installations, artisan markets, tattoo culture, and curated coffee and F&B experiences.
The festival reflects a growing movement to reimagine Sibu as an emerging cultural destination.
At its official launching here Tuesday, RRMF Director, Chris Ling said this year’s lineup brings together a diverse mix of regional and local artists, including Nadhif Basalamah (Indonesia), Ivy Lee (Taiwan/Malaysia), Alena Murang (Sarawak), and At Adau (Sarawak), alongside a new generation of voices from across the region.
He said that RRMF began as an idea to reconnect people with the Rajang River through culture and experience.
“We wanted to create a space where music and stories meet — not just as a festival, but as a platform for connection. With each edition, we are building something that belongs to the community, while opening it up to a wider audience.
“In addition to its artistic programme, the festival introduces a Student Access Programme, aimed at bringing young audiences into the festival environment and exposing them to live music and creative industries, reinforcing its commitment to education and accessibility.
“Since its inaugural edition, RRMF has received strong support from the local community and continues to grow as a cultural platform contributing to tourism, youth engagement, and the creative economy in Sarawak,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Sibu Rural District Council (SRDC) Deputy Chairman, Wong Ching Yong said the RRMF is not merely a celebration for the young, but a powerful catalyst that injects fresh energy into the city’s cultural landscape and unites all races in a shared forward vision.
Rajang River, he pointed out, the longest river in Malaysia, is more than a geographical feature to the people of Sibu and its beauty lies not only in its vast natural expanse, but more profoundly in its enduring relationship with the communities along its banks, it represents a deep interdependence, woven into livelihoods and daily life.
“Let us not forget that Sibu’s earliest development began when pioneers led by Wong Nai Siong journeyed across the seas and settled along these waters, laying the foundation for what Sibu is today. The Rajang River carries within it the weight of history…it is the starting point of our stories and an inexhaustible source of creative inspiration.
“Through the RRMFl, founded by Microwave, the riverbank will be transformed into a cultural space. It is a declaration to the world that Sibu is far from a cultural desert. Rather, it is a fertile ground brimming with creative potential.
“I am particularly impressed by the choice of “Kaleidoscope” as the theme of this festival. It not only reflects the diversity of the programme but also perfectly captures the essence of Sibu,” he said.
He hoped that RRMF will grow beyond a local gathering into an international platform that connects artists and creative minds from across the region and beyond.
Also present were Senator Robert Lau Hui Yew, Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) Chairman, Clarence Ting and MTPN Sarawak President Lucas Lau Sieu Sing.
