Premier to officiate at Sarawak Literature Festival

MIRI: The inaugural Sarawak Literature Festival (SLF) 2026 will be held from Sept 23 to 27, bringing together writers, publishers, cultural practitioners and the public to celebrate Sarawak’s literature and heritage.

According to the statement by Pustaka Negeri Sarawak, the five day festival will be held mainly at Miri Indoor Stadium with selected programmes at Pustaka Negeri Sarawak, Miri and the Miri Handicraft Centre.

The festival also supports the aspiration for Miri to be recognised as a UNESCO City of Literature.

The statement said SLF 2026 combines the Book Fair Festival, Book Authors Festival and Festival Sarawakiana into one integrated programme connecting reading, publishing and cultural appreciation, and is designed for book lovers, educators, students, families and the public across all ages.

The official opening ceremony is set for Sept 24 at 2pm at Miri Indoor Stadium, officiated by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

A highlight of the ceremony will be the presentation of the Anugerah Perpustakaan Premier Sarawak, recognising excellence among public and rural libraries, alongside the launch of selected books by Sarawak writers, publishers, organisations and agencies, the statement said.

The programme includes book exhibitions and sales, literary forums, author sessions, book talks, creative writing workshops, storytelling, youth programmes, bibliotherapy sessions, cultural performances, traditional craft workshops, music and poetry showcases, cosplay competitions and a Food and Handicraft Bazaar.

SLF 2026 is expected to draw between 20,000 and 50,000 visitors over its five days, with potential benefits for local accommodation, food, transport and tourism-related businesses, the statement added.

Following the Miri edition, the festival is proposed to rotate to Sibu in 2027 and Kuching in 2028.

Enquiries can be directed to Pustaka Negeri Sarawak, Miri, at +60 11 5882 0533 or +60 85 422525.