Ting releasing a bird for the duck-catching competition during the carnival.
THE annual Durin Cultural Carnival should be included in the Sarawak Tourism Calendar (STC), said Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing.
He said the event was a tourism draw with an increasing number of visitors every year.
He welcomed suggestions and opinions on how the carnival should be highlighted among the events in the STC.
“Organising a carnival like this will bring many changes and benefits to the local community, especially in terms of economic development and further develop the potential of Pekan Durin,” he said in a speech read out by Joshua Ting Fu Ying, political secretary to Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg, during the opening of Durin Cultural Carnival 2024.
Tiong, who is Bintulu MP and Dudong assemblyman, also said the three-day carnival succeeded in strengthening unity and the sense of belonging among people of various races and cultures in Sarawak, especially in Durin.
He hoped such carnivals could foster the interest of local residents to venture into the business field even if on a small scale.
He added that Borneo, especially Sarawak, was known throughout the world for its rich biodiversity that should be showcased and protected.
“I urge all community leaders, heads of department and agencies of the federal and state governments, non-governmental organisations and all levels of society in Durin to continue to empower and preserve the art, culture and heritage of our nation as best we can,” he said.
Tiong said the state’s natural treasures could not be replaced and should be passed down to the next generation, in addition to being a catalyst for the heritage-based tourism sector.
The Durin Cultural Carnival 2024 featured a number of events including remote control boat race, sepak takraw, karaoke competition and Chinese cultural show.
There was also Batang Rajang Symphony Night, featuring local and international artists.
