16th edition of harvest, folklore fest to be held at SCV

April 18, 2019

Abdul Karim (centre) gives the thumbs up alongside Jane (second right), Hii (third left), Edwin (third right) and other guests as they unveil the buntings for SHFF.

KUCHING: The Sarawak Harvest & Folklore Festival 2019 (SHFF) is back with its 16th edition and will be held at the Sarawak Cultural Village (SCV) in Santubong from April 26-28.

Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said this year’s event is expected to attract a bigger crowd in view of the promotion undertaken by Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) and SCV since last year.

“The staging of this four-day festival is also timely because we are expecting a lot of local and foreign tourists who are coming to Kuching for a number of events including the Asean International Film Festival and Awards (Aiffa) 2019 which is on from April 25-27.

“I was also informed that Aiffa organisers will be arranging the local and international artistes to go to SHFF and this is something good for Sarawak tourism because we want to see people coming in and appreciating what Sarawak has to offer,” he said at the SHFF press conference held at a leading hotel here yesterday.

Also present were Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports permanent secretary Hii Chang Kee and SEDC deputy general manager Edwin Abit.

Abdul Karim pointed out that Sarawak government is very supportive of such events and through his ministry will continue to support the organising of arts and culture festivals that showcase the rich traditional treasures of the state.

He also commended SEDC and SCV for organising SHFF, a colourful and vibrant ethnic festival, which serves as a prelude to the Gawai Dayak celebration in June.

Meanwhile, SHFF organising chairperson Jane Lian Labang said among the highlights of this year’s festival is none other than the musical drama entitled ‘Dang Buncu – the mystical beauty of Bukid Batu Barit’ which will be staged on April 27 at 8pm.

“The Bisaya folklore drama is about the mystical journey of a young maiden of great beauty and grace by the name of ‘Dang Buncu’,” she explained.

Another highlight not to be missed is the grand final of Miss Cultural Harvest Festival 2019 ethnic beauty pageant on April 26 at 8pm.

“There will also be a Sape World Competition and Workshop which is open to any individual regardless of age, gender and origins.

“The preliminary round of the competition will be held on April 20 at SCV while the top seven players will compete in the final on April 27,” said Jane, adding that Sape Workshop will be held during the day throughout the festival and is open to the public.

Those interested to join the competition can obtain the official entry form at www.sarawakharvestfestival.com.my or visit its Facebook page under ‘Sarawak Harvest & Folklore Festival.’

Tickets to SHFF is priced at RM60 per adult and RM30 for children. They can be purchased directly at SCV or via online at www.sarawakharvestfestival.com.my.

For further information, call Grace or Rashida at 082-826108 or 082-826411 or email to scv4you@gmail.com. -TheBorneoPost