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Borneo Post
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
SMC enters Malaysia Book of Records with iconic ‘itut' at BCF 2025
Yeoh (fifth left) hands over the MBOR certificate to Ting, witnessed by Tiang (sixth left), while Kampung Nangka Melanau Welfare Association chairman Councillor, Abang Carrol Abang Dris, who is also the itut organising chairman (right), Chieng (third left), Ling (fourth left), (from second right) Joshua, Hii, Lau and others look on. – Photo by Peter Boon SIBU (July 12): The Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) has made it into the Malaysia Book of Records (MBOR) for the highest number of visitors swinging on the 50-foot 'itut' – a traditional Melanau swing – set up at Dataran Tun Tuanku Bujang Phase 1 during this year's Borneo Cultural Festival (BCF). A total of 2,288 people took part, surpassing the original target of 2,000. MBOR representative Edwin Yeoh presented the certificate to SMC chairman Clarence Ting during the BCF closing ceremony tonight, witnessed by Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government, Datuk Michael Tiang. In a speech read by Tiang, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said festivals like BCF not only entertain but foster social cohesion, tourism, and public well-being. 'They build social cohesion, attract tourism, and promote public well-being by fostering pride in our identity and locality. 'These are elements critical to the fabric of strong, resilient communities, something we prioritize in our public health and development agendas,' he said. Dr Sim also commended the dedication of attendees, performers, vendors, and enforcement personnel who ensured the success and safety of the event. 'Your engagement keeps the spirit of BCF alive and relevant in every passing year. 'As we close this year's edition, I encourage everyone to carry forward the goodwill, knowledge, and appreciation gained. Let 'The Rhythm of Borneo' guide us in building inclusive communities where culture continues to thrive,' he said. Earlier, BCF organising chairman and SMC deputy chairman Mohammed Abdullah Izkandar Roseley said this year's edition stood out for its unity and renewed spirit. 'We saw new talents take to the stage with confidence, alongside cultural groups who have long championed the preservation of ancestral heritage. 'We tasted the richness of cuisines from various communities, admired crafts that blended tradition and innovation, and appreciated diversity with open hearts. 'This is the true beauty of the festival,' he said. The evening featured traditional dance performances and a prize presentation for the Food Premises Toilet Cleanliness Competition. Also present at the event were Sibu MP Oscar Ling, Bukit Assek assemblyman Joseph Chieng, Senator Robert Lau, Deputy State Secretary (operation) Datu Hii Chang Kee, Sibu Resident Abang Mohamad Porkan Abang Budiman, Political Secretary to Premier Joshua Ting, BCF deputy organising chairlady Cr Michelle Law, and acting Consul-General of the Republic of Indonesia in Kuching, Musa Derek Sairwona.
Borneo Post
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
SMC eyes Malaysia Book of Records for most visitors to 50-foot ‘itut' at BCF
Ting riding the itut while Abang Carrol (second left) watches. – Photo by Peter Boon SIBU (July 3): The Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) is aiming for a Malaysia Book of Records (MBOR) entry for the highest number of visitors to the towering 50-foot 'itut' — a traditional Melanau swing — erected at Dataran Tun Tuanku Bujang Phase 1 in conjunction with this year's Borneo Cultural Festival (BCF). SMC chairman Clarence Ting said the council hopes to double last year's visitor count to the attraction. 'According to Kampung Nangka Melanau Welfare Association chairman Councillor, Abang Carrol Abang Dris, who is also the itut organising chairman, last year's record was about 1,100 visitors. So, we want to surpass that figure or double it. 'I am very proud, as SMC is part of this. So, I urge the public here to turn up in droves to help us achieve MBOR. (Front row) Ting flanked by Izkandar on his left, and Abang Carrol in a photocall after soft-launching the itut. – Photo by Peter Boon 'Please come and register yourselves, and also be part of the Malaysian Book of Records,' he told reporters after officiating at the soft opening of itut tonight. He also thanked the Melanau community for their support and contribution to the initiative. Abang Carrol said the goal is achievable, especially with favourable weather conditions expected throughout the event. Visitor numbers will be recorded throughout the duration of the 21st BCF, which runs from July 3 to 12 at Dataran Tun Tuanku Bujang Phases 1 and 2. Ting (right) registers himself for a visits to the itut accompanied by Izkandar. – Photo by Peter Boon He clarified that visitors do not need to swing on the itut to be counted — registration and presence at the structure are sufficient. Also present at the event was SMC deputy chairman Mohammed Abdullah Izkandar Roseley. BCF 2025 Clarence Ting crowd Itut Malaysia Book of Record Sibu SMC
Borneo Post
28-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Record-breaking ‘itut' to swing into action at BCF 2025
Abang Carrol (standing sixth left) joins the volunteer crew for a group photo following the successful installation of the itut today. SIBU (June 28): A record-breaking 'itut' — a giant Melanau swing measuring 50 feet in height — has been erected at Dataran Tun Tuanku Bujang Phase I for the upcoming 21st Borneo Cultural Festival (BCF), set to take place from July 3 to 12. Kampung Nangka Melanau Welfare Association chairman, Councillor Abang Carrol Abang Dris, said the itut has become a symbolic highlight of the festival since its introduction in 2015. 'This marks the 11th consecutive year that the itut has been featured at the BCF. It is gaining popularity as it attracts people of all backgrounds to participate,' he told The Borneo Post when met during the ceremonial installation of the swing today. Abang Carrol, who also chairs the itut organising committee, noted that this year's structure stands slightly taller than last year's 46-foot version. He explained that the swing's poles were sourced from the Permai area, while the steps were crafted using logs from Kampung Banyok. 'Due to the nature of the timber used, the logs are only suitable for one-time use. We will dismantle the itut after the festival and replace it annually. Typically, the wood lasts only up to six months,' he said. The swing will be open to the public from 7pm to 11pm throughout the festival. Last year, organisers faced challenges in achieving their target of 100 participants per day due to three consecutive days of rain. This year, they hope to attract up to 1,200 visitors over the course of the celebration. Abang Carrol highlighted that the itut has evolved into an inclusive attraction, drawing increasing participation beyond the Melanau community, especially among children. 'This is the most meaningful part- bringing people together in unity through a traditional activity,' he said. On safety, he stressed that strict precautions are in place. 'We ensure participants are fit to use the swing. Individuals with high blood pressure, a fear of heights, or those under the influence of alcohol are not permitted to participate,' he said. He also pointed out that the swing would be closed during rain to prioritise public safety. Construction of the itut involved the installation of two large poles with the assistance of a crane and support from volunteers and government agency representatives. A test run is scheduled for Monday (July 1).
Borneo Post
26-06-2025
- Climate
- Borneo Post
Record 50-foot-tall ‘Itut' to be erected for 21st Borneo Cultural Festival
Abang Carrol (second left) is seen with some committee members at the site where the 'Itut' will be erected. – Photo by Peter Boon SIBU (June 26): A towering 'Itut' or giant Melanau traditional swing will be erected at Dataran Tun Tuanku Bujang Phase 1 here on Saturday for the 21st Borneo Cultural Festival (BCF). Kampung Nangka Melanau Welfare Association chairman Councillor Abang Carrol Abang Dris said the Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) has appointed the association to manage the 'Itut', which has been a popular feature at the annual festival. 'The structure is slightly higher than last year's at 46-feet tall. This year it is about 50 feet in height. We will start working on it tomorrow evening. We can't do it in the afternoon due to the hot and dry weather. 'Then, on Saturday, with the help of a crane, we will raise up the two poles of the swing and followed by other components. On Sunday, we will work on the steps and we expect everything to be ready by next Tuesday for the testing as safety is our top priority,' Abang Carrol, who is also Itut organising chairman, told The Borneo Post at the site today. He shared that the longer logs for the swing's poles were from the Permai area, while the logs for the steps were from Kampung Banyok. Abang Carrol pointed out that, as with previous years, those wishing to swing on the 'Itut' must register themselves. 'The reason is that both the Sarawak Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts and the Ministry for Public Health, Housing and Local Government are seeking a report on the response,' he said. Abang Carrol added that the response from the public last year was very positive, except for a few days when it rained. 'On rainy days, the swing is off limits to all, as safety comes first,' he said. The 'Itut' will be open from 7pm to 11pm throughout the BCF, which will run from July 3-12 at Dataran Tun Tuanku Bujang Phase 1 and 2. Previous report: 'Itut' a hit among visitors at BCF's opening night (Video)
