The Balance Party is expected to attract more than 15,000 visitors.

LIMBANG, Sept. 18: The 2026 Balance Party that opened the curtains on Thursday is expected to attract more than 15,000 visitors from Borneo over its four-day event ending Sunday.

Deputy Minister of Food Industry, Commodities and Regional Development of Sarawak, Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail said the party was not only expected by the community in northern Sarawak but also potentially promoted Limbang as a major venue for popular water sports events such as regattas and speedboat races.

He said the celebration of the 2026 Balance Party was very encouraging with thousands of visitors, including from Brunei, Lawas and surrounding areas, flooding the Balance Square.

"I believe that during the four days of the Balanced Party from Thursday to Sunday, the number of visitors can reach up to 15,000 people.

"This shows that the party has been very well received and has had a direct impact on the Balanced Economy, especially the food, accommodation and transport sectors", he said.

He said this when he was met by the media after witnessing the Speed Boat Race and the presentation of awards at the Balance Party on Balance Square, today.

Abdul Rahman who is also a Member of the National Assembly (ADUN) from Bukit Kota said that the celebration involves cooperation between various parties including Resident Office, Sarawak Government and Federal Government, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) as well as the Ministry of Tourism.

He said the Balance Festival which was last organized in 2017 will continue on a biennial basis as one of the annual events that can attract tourists to the area.

He said the absence of the festival since nine years ago due to COVID-19 pandemic in addition to paving the way for implementation of the Balance River Bank development project which is now fully completed.

"This Balance Party is an important initiative in promoting Balance as a major gateway to tourism in northern Sarawak.

"Some of the events organized include speedboat competitions, boating and dragon boat races, cultural nights, sales outlets and lucky draws", he said.