SIBU: This town is seen taking steps to emerge from the shadows as a traditional trading centre when it hosts the Rajang River Music Festival (RRMF) 2026 on May 1 to 2 at Robert’s Wooden House at Jalan Kong Yit Khim here.
Entering its second edition, the festival is not just an entertainment event, but rather a high-impact platform that can attract the younger generation and foreign tourists to see Sibu’s true potential as a growing creative hub.
Sarawak National Consumer Action Council (MTPN) President, Lucas Lau Sieu Sing, said the town needs more large-scale initiatives like the RRMF to stimulate the development of local talent and strengthen Sibu’s rebranding at the national and international levels.
According to him, an approach based on arts, music and community can breathe new life into the local economic landscape which has been heavily dependent on the trading sector.
“Festivals like this open up space for the younger generation to create, innovate and see their future in the creative industry.
“At the same time, it attracts foreign tourists to come and experience the uniqueness of Sibu’s culture for themselves,” he said in a statement today.
The involvement of MTPN Sarawak as the official adviser to the event also adds value to the organisation this time, especially in ensuring that aspects of visitor welfare, management transparency and compliance with event standards are always maintained.
RRMF 2026 is expected to feature a line-up of local and international artistes including Indonesian singer, Nadhif Basalamah, and Malaysian-Taiwanese artist, Ivy Lee.
Also enlivening the festival are Sarawakian cultural icons such as Alena Murang and the At Adau group, which is known for its blend of traditional and contemporary music.
Apart from the musical performances that take place from noon to midnight, the festival also offers various side activities such as traditional body art exhibitions, artisan handicraft markets and a lifestyle zone that highlights local coffee culture.
In the socio-economic context, Lau stressed that organising a large-scale festival can trigger wide economic chain, including increased demand in the hospitality, transportation and food sectors.
He said temporary job opportunities will also open up, in addition to providing space for small and medium entrepreneurs to market their products to a larger audience.
“This is a strategic move to put Sibu on the regional music tourism map. With quality organising, we will not only attract visitors, but also build a reputation as a professional event destination,” he said.
Lau added that the success of events like RRMF not only provides economic returns, but also plays a role in educating the community about the value of art and culture as well as strengthening social unity.
With the support of various parties including MTPN Sarawak, RRMF 2026 is expected to become a prestigious annual event that can elevate Sibu’s image as a dynamic city, thus proving that its potential goes far beyond the traditional trading sector.
