SIBU: The Borneo Cultural Festival is set to return on a grander scale this year, featuring increased participation from international teams not only during its international night but also on its traditional stages.
Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) deputy chairman Mohammed Abdullah Izkandar Roseley said the event will take place from Aug 8 to 17, and it will not only feature local performances but also performances from China, Thailand, Indonesia, and Kelantan.
He said that the 10-day event, themed Mystical Borneo, will showcase three traditional stages: the Chinese Stage on Aug 10, the Malay/Melanau Stage on Aug 11, and the Dayak Stage on Aug 15.
“One of the unique aspects this year is the BCF parade during the opening ceremony, scheduled for Aug 9, and the blowpipe competition on Aug 10,” he said at a press conference in conjunction with BCF 2024 held at Dewan Rajang, Wisma Sanyan here today.
Izkandar who is also the organising chairman said that Tradex, which will feature various types of sales stalls, will also take place at Dataran Tun Tuanku Bujang Phase Two, along with the Art and Culture Exhibition Belt (ACE Belt) BCF 2024, located to the right of the main stage at Dataran Tun Tuanku Bujang Phase One.
“The official mascot for BCF 2024 will be our clouded leopard, or Neofelis diardi borneensis, locally known as ‘engkulik’ by the natives.
“The initiative aims to raise awareness about the conservation and the beauty of our endangered wildlife species.
“We will also have a sale on the soft toys of the ‘engkulik’, which is quite limited. So, this mascot will be available at our ACE exhibition area where our SMC booth is,” he added.
Izkandar also encouraged local artists interested in performing during the BCF to scan the QR code on the official SMC website, which remains open until this Friday.
On cleanliness, he advised the public to cooperate in ensuring that the venue remains clean, as strict action will be taken against anyone who fails to maintain cleanliness throughout the BCF.
