THERE were thrills and spills at the annual Sibujaya Water Festival in Sarawak as 2,000 visitors turned on each other with water guns.
Sibu Rural District Council (SRDC) chairman Sempurai Petrus Ngelai said the annual festival, introduced in 2018, has evolved from a modest community gathering into a vibrant celebration that blended leisure, cultural expression and economic significance.
“This is not merely about water activities and entertainment.
“The festival brings families together, attracts visitors and positions Sibujaya as a cultural and lifestyle destination,” he said when launching the event.
The festival was jointly organised by Amcorp Sibujaya Sdn Bhd and SRDC, with the support of Sarawak Tourism, Creative Industries and Performing Arts Ministry.
Having been interrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021, the festival is now in its sixth edition.
Sempurai said the festival embodied their collective spirit.
“Sibujaya is no longer just a residential area – it is developing into a hub for recreation, tourism and cultural diversity.”
In addition to water-based activities and traditional games, this year’s festival also featured a lively entertainment lineup, with performers including Ramles Walter, Winnie Albert and Harry Francis.
Food festivals, cultural showcases and children’s events also filled Sibujaya with festivity.
Sempurai said the inclusion of music, art and cultural performances aligned with the council’s vision of transforming Sibujaya beyond being a housing area.
The festival also provided opportunities for small businesses and local traders as food stalls, handicraft vendors and entrepreneurs benefitted from the influx of visitors.
