KUCHING: If the Bisaya Pesta Bebulang or famous Buffalo Race manages to make a comeback after a two-year hiatus then it will be quite a sight to behold – one of the most interesting touristic events that Malaysia has to offer to the tourists.
However, Sarawak Bisaya Association president Joseph Blabdoi lamented that the stagings of the Buffalo Race are now subjected to the latest COVID-19 pandemic situation.
“Our supreme council in a recent meeting had outlined the festival and race as among the main events in its activities calender this year,” he said in a press statement here on Sunday (Feb 6).
Since the pandemic two years ago, he said many activities had either been shelved or put on the backburner, including its 50th anniversary celebration last year.
“We may have to modify the holding of our festival this year where several events will be held either physically or virtually or in hybrid manner.
“This shall be possible with technology. Some of the events which are normal parts of the festival can be split up and be held spread out throughout the year.
“Such options are inevitable to avoid over crowding so as to comply with the health standard operating procedures (SOPs),” he added.
Nonetheless, not all is bleak for this year’s tourism calender of events in Malaysia, generally, as Joseph said premier events such as the buffalo race, cultural night stage show and the ‘panakod babulang’ (receiving of the guest of honour) would be carried out from June 3 to 5.
“These are very popular with tourists from Brunei, Labuan and Sabah and from Sarawak itself,” he said.
With a positive note, Joseph said other activities are also being lined up such as the opening of the association’s building, a development seminar/workshop, ‘rakit babulang’ (rafting), babulang charity golf, fun run and the annual appreciation dinner gathering.
Hence, all’s well and ends well with this awesome and interesting Buffalo Race festival despite the ups and downs of the SOPs due to the pandemic.
