KUCHING: The recent Rice Heritage Festival was not just a celebration of tradition but also an endeavour to support our local rice farmers.
Sharzede Askor Salleh, Chief Executive Officer of the Sarawak Tourism Board (STB), emphasised the need to spotlight the festival’s broader impact, showcasing the diverse varieties of Sarawakian rice that are largely unfamiliar to the public.
“Through this festival, our goal is to raise awareness about these rice varieties, fostering a deeper appreciation for our local produce and, ultimately, bolstering the livelihoods of our rice farming communities.”
During the launch of the inaugural Rice Heritage Festival, Sharzede said, “This venture has the potential to evolve into a sustainable tourism offering that appeals to families, food enthusiasts, and cultural aficionados alike.”
The festival received support from the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts (MTCP). It was organised by WhatMatters in collaboration with Kelab Rekreasi Pengguna & Pengurusan Dewan Serbaguna Kpg Tematu. The event was facilitated by the Kuching City South Council (MBKS), Kuching Creative City, and the Sabah Cultural Board.
Acknowledging the significance of collaboration, Sharzede commended the Sabah Sarawak Labuan Joint Tourism Collaboration and Cooperation Heritage Committee for uniting the regions of Sabah, Sarawak, and Labuan, celebrating their shared heritage and cultural diversity.
She believed that with the ongoing support of the Sabah Sarawak Labuan Joint Tourism Collaboration & Cooperation Heritage Committee and key stakeholders, the festival had the potential for significant growth in the future.
“We can explore avenues to broaden the festival’s reach, potentially engaging our ASEAN neighbours, fostering a wider platform for cultural interchange and cross-border tourism development.”
Sharzede highlighted that the festival perfectly embodies Sarawak’s tourism pillars — culture, adventure, nature, food, and festivals (CANFF) — which showcase the state’s essence globally.
“This event encapsulates each of these pillars: it celebrates culture through the sharing of traditions and performances, offers an adventure for food enthusiasts discovering new flavours, pays homage to nature and our farming heritage, provides an immersive experience of local cuisine, and acts as a vibrant gathering that unites people.”
The festival was attended by key figures, including festival director and WhatMatters Director Marian Chin, Kelab Rekreasi Pengguna & Pengurusan Dewan Serbaguna Kpg Tematu President John Pata James Jumin, Datin Senorita Linang from the Dayak Cultural Foundation (DCF) Performing Arts, and representatives from Bung Bratak and the Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DCNA).
Running from September 27 to 29 at MBKS Lake Park Theatre, the Rice Heritage Festival showcased over 12 indigenous groups from Sarawak and Sabah, presenting their culinary customs, sharing knowledge about rice, and offering insights into their ancestral legacies.
Featuring 24 jungle chefs preparing more than 20 traditional protein dishes and 15 rice dishes, alongside live demonstrations like the Kelabit hearth symbolising the heart of the village, the festival embodied the richness of our heritage through food and culture.
WhatMatters has a history of organising similar events like the Food-Over-Fire Festival in 2022 and 2023. It is known for curating fine dining experiences with local and international chefs.
Recently, they orchestrated an event named FEAST (Food Exchange About Sarawak Traditions), facilitating a culinary exchange between local and international chefs at the UCCN Kuching Creative Cities Forum at Sarawak Cultural Village.
