SIBU: The Sibujaya Carnival is playing a pivotal role in indirectly boosting the local economy of Sibujaya, said Sibu Rural District Council (SRDC) chairman Petrus Ngelai.
He said The event provides local businesses with opportunities to set up stalls at the fairgrounds.
“Thereby it contributes to the economic development of Sibujaya,” he said when officiating the opening ceremony of Sibujaya Carnival 2023 last night (Sept 16).
Sempurai said that the Sibujaya Carnival, with its carnival-like concept, would feature a variety of exciting events from September 16 to October 8.
“I’ve been informed by the organisers that this year’s Sibujaya Carnival will commence with the introduction of the Sibujaya Ethnic Queen tonight, followed by the Creative Poco-Poco competition, Cupcake Decoration competition, Tango Class, registration for the ‘Kenyalang Gold Card,’ Special Aid for Senior Citizens, and a Dart competition.
“The festivities will conclude with the highlight event on October 7, featuring the Sibujaya Semi-Marathon, Water Fiesta, and the Carnival Sibujaya 2023 Concert, attended by Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg,” he said.
Sempurai said the Sibujaya Carnival can also serve as a platform to introduce Sibujaya to visitors from outside Sibu and Sarawak, potentially becoming one of the key tourist attractions in Sibujaya and Sarawak as a whole.
As an example, he highlighted the Water Fiesta, which could be developed into an attraction for both local and international tourists, reminiscent of Thailand’s Songkran Water Festival.
He also said that the Sibujaya Water Fiesta is the only water festival held in Sarawak, and last year’s event drew around five thousand visitors from Sibujaya, Sibu Town, and beyond.
Sempurai observed that the Water Fiesta event not only serves as a local tourism product but also as a platform for fostering unity and strengthening relationships among various ethnic groups in a single event.
In addition to the Water Fiesta, the Sibujaya Carnival 2023 introduced a new event, the Sibujaya Mini Marathon 2023.
It is hoped that this marathon event can attract participants from outside Sarawak and eventually grow into a renowned international marathon in the country.
Sempurai expressed his gratitude to all the sponsors who contributed to the success of the Sibujaya Carnival 2023 and officially inaugurated the event with these words.
“I would like to extend my thanks to the co-organizers of the Sibujaya Carnival 2023, Amcorp Sibujaya Sdn. Bhd, and our fellow co-organizers for inviting me here tonight and for inaugurating the fifth edition of the Sibujaya Carnival 2023,” he said.
Also present were Ng Shiang Wei, Secretary of the Sibu Rural District Council, Chiong Siew Ping, Deputy Secretary of the Sibu Rural District Council, members of the Sibu Rural District Council, officers, and representatives from Amcorp Sibujaya Sdn Bhd, among others.
