Latest news with #BabulangFestival
Borneo Post
28-06-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
RM6 mln state govt grant to boost buffalo farming in Limbang, says Deputy Premier
Awang Tengah (fourth right) and other guests during the opening ceremony. MIRI (June 28): The Sarawak government has approved a grant of approximately RM6 million to the Sarawak Bisaya Charitable Trust to expand buffalo farming in Batu Danau, Limbang. Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, when announcing this, said the funding, approved by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, aims to strengthen buffalo breeding efforts and production of buffalo-based products in northern Sarawak, particularly in Lawas and Limbang. 'This is a good initiative because the Sarawak government has decided that Limbang and Lawas will be key areas for buffalo production, with strong community involvement to support the state's broader economic goals,' he said during the opening of Babulang Festival and Buffalo Race 2025 here today. Awang Tengah, who is State Natural Resources and Urban Development, and State International Trade, Industry and Investment Minister, added that the Maragang Buffalo Breeding Station in Lawas had already demonstrated the potential of producing high-quality buffalo milk. He encouraged the Bisaya community to seize the opportunity by leveraging the natural strengths of their environment to venture into agriculture and livestock production. 'I believe they are capable of planning and implementing this project effectively. They have experience, and other communities in Limbang can also benefit from this economic opportunity,' he said. Also present at the event were State Deputy Food Industry, Commodities and Regional Development Minister Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail; Lawas MP Datuk Henry Sum Agong; Batu Danau assemblyman Dato Paulus Palu Gumbang; Limbang Resident Unos Tambi; and Sarawak Bisaya Association (PBS) president Joseph Blandoi. Meanwhile, Awang Tengah said the Babulang Festival has grown to become a major annual event in Sarawak's tourism calendar, drawing both local and international visitors. The festival features traditional Bisaya cultural events such as the buffalo races, Ratu Babulang and Nakod Babulang competitions, raft races, tug-of-war, and other cultural performances. These events celebrate and showcase the vibrant heritage of the Bisaya people. Held every year in early June, Pesta Babulang is more than just a celebration, it is a deeply meaningful cultural gathering that unites the Bisaya community and highlights their traditions to a wider audience. 'The uniqueness of Babulang not only strengthens community bonds but also promotes Bisaya culture at both national and international levels,' Awang Tengah added. Awang Tengah Babulang Festival buffalo farming limbang
Borneo Post
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Babulang Fest returns to Batu Danau with new elements to feature alongside traditional buffalo race
Abang Johari (centre) in a photo call with (from left) Antonio, Paulus, Joseph and Jack during the courtesy call. MIRI (June 21): The annual Babulang Festival and Buffalo Race 2025 promises new and exciting experiences for both local and international visitors when it returns to Batu Danau from June 27 to 29. In stating this, Batu Danau assemblyman Datuk Paulus Palu Gumbang said the 20th edition of the festival – a significant cultural event for the Bisaya community – is expected to draw thousands of visitors from Sarawak, Sabah, Brunei and neighbouring regions. 'This year, in addition to the traditional buffalo race which remains the main highlight, we are introducing new elements such as raft and small boat races,' he said in a Sarawak Public Communications Unit report. He was speaking to reporters after leading a Sarawak Bisaya Association (PBS) delegation to call on Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg at Wisma Bapa Malaysia in Kuching last Friday. The visit was to brief the Premier on the full programme lined up for the three-day festival, and to extend an official invitation to the Premier to officiate the main event scheduled for June 28. Adding on, Paulus said traditional components of the festival, such as the Ratu and Panglima Babulang pageants and cultural drum performances, will also continue to be part of the programme. The Babulang Festival is the largest cultural celebration of the Bisaya community in Sarawak showcasing traditional music, dances, crafts, food, and sporting events, with the buffalo race being the most anticipated spectacle. Accompanying Paulus for the courtesy call were PBS advisor Datu Antonio Kahti Galis, president Joseph Blandoi, and vice-president I Datu Jack Liam. Babulang Festival Batu Danau Paulus Palu Gumbang
