BETONG: Betong Food and Art Festival 2023 (BeFA Fest 2023) which will take place from June 30 to July 2 is an important event to highlight the cultural diversity and uniqueness of local food here.
Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu said the community should take this opportunity as a platform to showcase a variety of food in the district.
“BeFA Fest 2023 is one of the efforts to highlight the cultural diversity and uniqueness of food in the Betong District.
“This is an important initiative to highlight the uniqueness and differences that exist…otherwise we will be left behind and only see the effects of the development of better relationships,” he said at the BeFA Fest 2023 media conference at the Betong District Office, yesterday.
The Layar assemblyman explained that the festival to be held for the first time, if well received, would be held as an annual event in Betong.
“Thankfully this time the Betong District Office, which cooperated with Gerempung Tuai Rumah Layar and Sarawak Betong Metro Polytechnic as the organizer, received support from the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts and from other representatives of the people.
“This is our effort as elected representatives to create a platform for the people to be able to sell with more fun activities to improve their respective socioeconomy.
“Therefore, I hope for the support of all parties to come to Betong to enjoy the difference for themselves. One uniqueness in Betong that cannot be denied is unity,” he said.
He added that the relationship between the people and the authorities was improving and believed the community should not be left behind.
BeFA Fest 2023 with the theme “Food and Art of National Cultural Identity” will take place at Betong Night Market and about 50 stalls are expected to sell various food, beverage and handicraft products there.
The objective is to introduce and promote the traditional ethnic food of the Betong District, strengthen friendships among entrepreneurs and make food one of the methods of promoting Betong.
Cultural performances from various ethnicities here, traditional dance competition, colouring competition for children and handicraft competition will also be organised during the event.
Betong MP Dr Richard Rapu and Betong District Officer Alfred Geling Ason, who is also the organising chairman of BeFA Fest 2023 were also present.
