SIBU: The rebranding of Pesta Rakyat Durin to Karnival Kebudayaan Durin (KKD) is necessary to further expand the event not only locally but internationally, said Datuk Teo Boon Siew.
The KKD organising chairman acknowledged the inquiries surrounding the decision to rename the event, which had been a fixture for 25 years.
“The name change aims to streamline our efforts in securing additional funding and elevating our profile beyond a local festival limited to Durin’s community,” he said in his speech at the KKD’s opening ceremony at Durin Bazaar here today (April 27).
The ceremony was officiated by political secretary for Sarawak Premier, Joshua Ting Fu Ying, representing federal Minister for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing.
Teo highlighted the carnival’s growing significance within the community, noting its contribution to local development.
“Not only does it stimulate our economy through its stalls, but it’s also responsible for the establishment of the area we stand in today (Durin Bazaar).
“This area is actually a riverbank cliff. I have requested the authorities and also obtained funding from the elected representative to build a wall here to serve as the site for organising community development programmes,” he said.
Teo expressed his hope for increased financial support to further enhance Durin and ensure the annual event’s expansion with improved infrastructure.
The KKD spanned three days, from April 26 to 28, featuring diverse activities such as remote-control boat competitions, sepak takraw matches, Iban karaoke song contests, a Chinese cultural stage, blowpipe competitions, duck-catching contests, ngajat performances, and mini regattas.
Also present were political secretary to Sarawak Premier Fung Kok Shiun @ Brian Fung, organising chairman Datuk Teo Boon Siew, and Sibu Rural District Council (SRDC) chairman Sempurai Petrus Ngelai.
