KUCHING: The Siburan Carnival is positioning the area’s local products, food and culture for wider exposure while creating opportunities for local traders to benefit from increased visitor interest.
Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister Datuk Seri Roland Sagah Wee Inn said the carnival, which has been held since 2024, also helped introduce Siburan to visitors from outside the area.
Sagah, who is also the Tarat assemblyman, said the event was aimed at ensuring Siburan’s local products, food and culture received greater exposure while making the local community the main beneficiaries of the carnival’s growth.
“We want Siburan to be known. We want Siburan’s local products to be known. We want the food and culture of the Siburan community to be showcased.
“And most importantly, we want the local people to be the main beneficiaries of the development and vibrancy of this carnival,” he said at the Siburan Carnival 2026 opening ceremony at Eastern Mall, Siburan here on Sunday (Aug 23).
He added that this year’s carnival featured 28 food and beverage stalls and nine dry goods stalls, giving local traders an avenue to market their products.
He also expressed hope that the carnival would continue to grow as an annual event and attract visitors from across Sarawak, bringing greater economic benefits to the local community.
Meanwhile, Siburan district officer and organising committee chairman Ranum Bari said several main carnival events had to be cancelled after taking into consideration the air quality and haze conditions in the interest of public safety and health.
He said the cancelled events were the Tanju Concert at Ribo Jewa Buran, the KMKK and JKKK Strengthening Workshop, Battle of the Band, the Miss Siburan 2026 grand finale and the Siburan Carnival Fun Run.
“We have to comply with the prevailing conditions and directives. Although several programmes had to be cancelled, we are grateful that the opening ceremony could still proceed.”
