KOTA SAMARAHAN: Kota Samarahan recorded its strongest turnout yet at this year’s Samarahan Food and Cultural Festival (SFCF), with organisers reporting the highest sales and participation levels since the event began.
Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the 10-day festival, which ran from Jun 26 to Jul 6, drew thousands of visitors from Kota Samarahan, Kuching, Serian and beyond.
“This is not just an annual event, but a symbol of progress, unity and confidence in the future of Kota Samarahan,” Abdul Karim said while officiating at the closing ceremony of the Samarahan Food and Cultural Festival 2026 on Monday night (Jul 6).
Sales from participating stalls were expected to hit RM600,000 by the end of the festival, up from RM407,000 last year, he said, adding that the figure does not include sales from shops within the festival grounds, which also saw an increase.
Abdul Karim said the festival continues to showcase Sarawak’s multi-ethnic identity, with cultural performances from the Malay, Iban, Bidayuh, Chinese and other communities forming a key highlight each year.
He said such festivals directly benefit local entrepreneurs, food operators and craft producers by giving them a platform to reach new customers and grow their businesses.
The minister noted that every division in Sarawak now holds its own annual food and culture festival under his ministry’s policy, citing the Borneo Culture Festival in Sibu and Taste of Borneo in Miri as examples.
