SIBU (July 24): More than 30 performing teams will gather here for the Borneo Cultural Festival (BCF) 2024, running from Aug 8-17 at Dataran Tun Tuanku Bujang Phase 1 and Phase 2.

Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) deputy chairman Mohammed Abdullah Izkandar Roseley, who is BCF organising chairman, said the festival will feature performances from China, Thailand, Indonesia, Kelantan and Sarawak.

Themed ‘Mystical Borneo’, the festival promises a celebration of the region’s cultural heritage and aims to raise awareness on the conservation of endangered wildlife animals, he added.

“Our official mascot is the Clouded Leopard, or locally known as ‘Engkuli’ by Dayak natives.

“Limited edition soft toys of the mascot will be made available for purchase at SMC’s booth during the festival,” he said during a press conference held here recently.

The festival, supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, includes a BCF parade, an ACE exhibition, a ‘Puppet Clown Story’, and a traditional attire competition.

Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian is expected to grace the opening ceremony on Aug 9, while Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah is set to officiate the closing ceremony on Aug 17.

Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing, and Local Government Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil will officiate the ‘International Night’ on Aug 16, while the Chinese, Dayak, and Malay Pavilions are to be officiated by federal Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, and Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee, respectively.

In reminding the public to maintain cleanliness during the festival, Izkandar said SMC’s Public Health and Enforcement section will monitor and issue fines for non-compliance.

For safety purposes, he said Jalan Bujang Suntong will be closed on Aug 9, Aug 16, and Aug 17 for the opening ceremony, International Night, and closing ceremony, respectively.