KL to study Sarawak’s festival formula as Kuching’s food, culture model draws national attention

Abdul Karim (centre) and other dignitaries photographed during the symbolic gimmick of the opening ceremony for Samarahan Food and Cultural Festival 2026 at Aiman Mall Kota Samarahan on June 27, 2026. Photo credit: Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS)

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, June 28: Sarawak’s successful formula for organising food and cultural festivals has attracted national attention, with Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) set to study the State’s approach following growing recognition of its tourism and economic impact.

Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah revealed that Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh had recently contacted Kuching South City Council (MBKS) mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng to enquire about the dates of the Kuching Food and Cultural Festival (KFCF).

According to Abdul Karim, Hannah also informed him that she intends to send DBKL officers to Kuching to observe first-hand how the annual festival is planned and organised.

“Just this week, Hannah Yeoh sent a message to Dato Wee Hong Seng asking about the dates of the Kuching Food and Cultural Festival.

“She also told me she plans to send DBKL officers to Kuching to see for themselves how preparations for the festival are carried out because it is organised so well,” he was quoted as saying by TVS during the opening ceremony of the Samarahan Food and Cultural Festival (SFCF) at Aiman Mall Kota Samarahan last night (June 27).

Abdul Karim said Sarawak’s food and cultural festivals have evolved beyond tourism attractions into powerful economic drivers that create business opportunities for local food entrepreneurs while providing artists and cultural practitioners with a platform to showcase the State’s rich heritage.

He said the State government has expanded the concept across Sarawak, encouraging every division to organise its own signature food and cultural festival to stimulate local economies and attract more visitors.

Besides Kuching and Samarahan, similar festivals are held in Sibu through the Borneo Cultural Festival, Miri with Taste of Borneo, and Bintulu through the Bintulu Culture and Food Festival, each highlighting the unique identity, cuisine and traditions of their respective regions.

Abdul Karim noted that some vendors have recorded sales worth tens of thousands of ringgit throughout festival periods, underscoring the significant economic returns generated by such events.

He expressed hope that local authorities throughout Sarawak would continue strengthening their respective food and cultural festivals, turning them into annual flagship events capable of drawing more tourists, preserving the State’s cultural identity and generating sustained economic growth for local communities. — DayakDaily