Sempurai (centre) hitting the gong to launch the 2023 Sibujaya Carnival.
Thailand has its famous Songkran Water Festival and now, Sibu Rural District Council (SRDC) is considering having its own annual water event to attract both local and foreign tourists.SRDC chairman Sempurai Petrus Ngelai said, “Our 2022 Water Festival attracted about 5,000 visitors who are mostly residents of Sibujaya and Sibu town.
“I am confident that a water fiesta will not only be an attractive tourism product but also a fun social gathering for the residents of all ages and races.”
He was speaking at the launch of the fifth Sibujaya Carnival.
“We hope that the Sibujaya marathon will attract participants from outside Sarawak.
“It is possible that it will become an international marathon later,” he said.
On the carnival, Sempurai said it would indirectly stimulate the local economy, including providing an opportunity for residents to be involved in business through the setting up of stalls at the Pesta Ria site.
“I hope that this Sibujaya Carnival will have a positive impact on the residents of Sibujaya and can be held every year with improvements in organisation and quality,” he added.
Other events at Sibujaya Carnival, which is ongoing until Oct 8, are Sibujaya Ethnic Queen, creative poco-poco competition, cupcake decoration contest, tango class, Kenyalang Gold Card registration and dart competition. — By ANDY CHUA
