Kuching Food Festival 2024 showcases city’s unity, says Dr Sim

KUCHING (July 31): The Kuching Food Festival (KFF) 2024 highlights Kuching as the ‘City of Unity’, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.

He said this is particularly significant considering the crises in other countries.

“For us in Sarawak, we are known for racial harmony and religious respect. We want to strengthen these bonds, extend our hands in friendship, and share with everyone what Sarawak stands for,” he said when opening the festival at the Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Theatre last night.

Dr Sim said the event aligns with the aspirations of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg’s vision for 2030, which focuses on prosperity, inclusivity, and environmental sustainability.

“The heart and soul of this KFF are in line with Kuching’s aspirations,” he said, pointing out the festival’s role in bringing together people of different races and ages to showcase their creativity.

He said it also served as a platform for entrepreneurs to display their talents.

“When you come to the festival, you don’t just look for a laksa or kolok mee. You come to see the creative talents of our people,” he said.

Kuching South mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng said the festival, conceived by MBKS, serves as a vibrant platform for all Kuchingites to celebrate the city’s diverse food and cultures.

“It is an opportunity to share these treasures with our international delegates and visitors,” he said.

Among those in attendance were performers from South Korea, China, and Japan.

Also present were Utility and Telecommunication Deputy Minister Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi, Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts I (Tourism) Datuk Sebastian Ting, Kuching North Datuk Bandar Hilmy Othman, and Kuching South deputy mayor Datuk Zaiedi Suhaili.

KFF 2024 will run until Aug 18.