Calls for greater support to sustain Miri Arts Festival, boost cultural tourism

MIRI (Jan 3): Relevant government agencies and corporate organisations have been urged to step forward with stronger funding support to ensure the long-term sustainability and growth of the Miri Arts Festival (MAF).

The State Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Sebastian Ting said major cultural events such as MAF require consistent backing to enable them to evolve into a regional platform.

“Big dreams require substantial support. Therefore, I urge relevant agencies and corporate organisations to take notice and allocate funding to help sustain and grow this important festival in the years ahead,” he said in a speech read by Pujut assemblyman Adam Yii during the MAF 2025 at Miri Indoor Stadium on Friday.

Ting, who is also Piasau assemblyman, described MAF as a crucial initiative in positioning Miri not only as a tourism city but also as a vibrant, living city that embraces creativity and the arts.

Such festivals, he added, play an important role in strengthening cultural and creative tourism while keeping the city attractive to visitors.

He noted that diversity is Miri’s strength, with communities such as the Kedayan, Jatti Miriek, Lun Bawang, Seping and Berawan living harmoniously alongside the Iban, Kayan, Bidayuh, Kenyah, Melanau and Chinese communities.

Each contributes its own language, traditions and artistic expressions, making Miri truly unique.

“Looking ahead, I hope future editions of MAF will expand further to include theatre, literature and architecture, and potentially develop into a regional ethnic arts event for Borneo with participation from Brunei and the Philippines,” he said.

The five-day festival, held from Dec 31 to Jan 4, marks the second edition of MAF following the success of its inaugural event in 2024.

The opening ceremony also featured a special recognition, with the ‘MAF Arts Recognition Award’ presented to Dato Indera Tom Abang Saufi for her contributions in bringing Sarawak’s heritage to the global stage through fashion.