Towering ‘itut’ to be featured again in Borneo Cultural Fest this year

SIBU (Aug 6): The 46-foot high ‘itut’ (Melanau traditional giant swing) at Dataran Tun Tuanku Bujang here undergoes a test-run today, subject to weather condition.

This is a prerequisite in every Borneo Cultural Festival (BCF) edition, before the organiser can open it to the public, says the ‘itut’ lead coordinator Councillor Abang Carrol Abang Dris.

After all aspects are checked and verified to be safe, the game is open to visitors daily between 7pm and 11pm, throughout the festival’s period from this Aug 8 to 17.

“This year, the ‘itut is 46 feet in height, versus 43 feet last year. The ‘itut’ organiser is Melanau Welfare Association of Kampung Nangka, of which I am the chairman.

“I’m also the lead coordinator for the ‘itut’, appointed by Sibu Municipal Council (SMC),” said Abang Carrol when contacted yesterday.

According to him, young children and youths simply love the swing, which is among the most popular attractions during the festival.

“(Last year), the folks were even willing to queue up for half an hour, awaiting patiently for their turns to play the swing.”

In addition, he said for BCF 2024, group bookings for ‘itut’ would be open from 6pm to 7pm daily on weekdays, and 4.30pm and 6pm on weekends.

Nevertheless, Abang Carrol also stressed about the aspects of safety, assuring all visitors that the SMC had put all the required measures in place.

“It would be prerequisite for the ‘itut’ operators to ask any visitors wanting to play the swing if they had phobia of heights or history of high-blood pressure.

“Additionally, on rainy days, the swing is off limits to all, as safety comes first.”

It projected that more than 30,000 visitors will throng the BCF 2024 ground at Dataran Tun Tuanku Bujang Phase 1 and 2 here throughout the 10 days of the festival this year.