MIRI: More than 30,000 visitors are expected to converge in the city next month as the federal government brings one of Malaysia’s largest creative festivals to northern Sarawak, a move expected to provide a significant boost to tourism, local businesses and the creative economy.
The three-day RIUH OOHA! 2026 festival, to be organised by the Ministry of Communications from July 24 to 26 at the Musical Corridor, Eastwood Valley Golf & Country Club here, will feature over 20 performances, 60 local vendors, and 20 creative workshops.
Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia, who is also Miri Member of Parliament, Chiew Choon Man, welcomed the decision to host the event in the city, describing it as a major opportunity to position Miri as a vibrant cultural and tourism destination.
The announcement follows discussions between the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) and senior officials from the Ministry of Communications on preparations and collaboration for the event.
Speaking after the meeting, the Communications Ministry’s Secretary-General, Datuk Abdul Halim Hamzah, and Deputy Secretary-General, Datuk Bahria Mohd Tamil, Chiew said both ministries had agreed to work closely to ensure the festival’s success.
“MOTAC will support this event and establish a dedicated booth to promote tourism in Malaysia, particularly the attractions of northern Sarawak,” he said.
He added that Tourism Malaysia had been instructed to intensify promotional efforts to attract visitors from across Malaysia as well as neighbouring Brunei.
The festival is expected to draw visitors not only from Miri but also from Bintulu, Sibu and Kota Kinabalu, while international arrivals from Brunei are anticipated to contribute to visitor numbers.
Chiew said the event would provide an important platform to showcase Miri’s growing creative sector while supporting broader tourism development efforts in the region.
“Miri is home to many talented artistes, performers and creative entrepreneurs. I hope this event will further strengthen the local creative industry while providing a platform for our creative community to showcase their talents and products,” he said.
The festival will feature creative marketplaces, art installations, live performances, food experiences, and public workshops, alongside concert-style performances by artistes from Miri and other parts of Malaysia.
Beyond its cultural significance, the event is expected to generate economic spillover effects for accommodation providers, food and beverage operators, transport services, and other tourism-related businesses in the city.
Chiew said large-scale events such as RIUH OOHA! played an important role in stimulating economic activity and strengthening Miri’s appeal as a tourism destination.
“I thank the federal government and am pleased to work together with the Ministry of Communications in bringing a major event such as RIUH OOHA! to Miri,” he said.
“Events like this bring positive economic and tourism benefits to the city, while creating opportunities for local businesses, artistes and entrepreneurs.”
He added that revitalising and strengthening Miri’s tourism industry remained one of his key priorities and pledged to continue supporting initiatives capable of attracting more visitors to the northern Sarawak city.
RIUH OOHA! has become one of Malaysia’s flagship creative festivals, bringing together artistes, entrepreneurs, performers and communities through a blend of culture, innovation and creative expression.
Its arrival in Miri is expected to further enhance the city’s growing reputation as a regional hub for tourism, culture and events in northern Borneo.
