A Bidayuh lass in her traditional costume leads others in a dance at the dinner.
MIRI: Performers of the 10th Borneo Jazz Festival were treated to the best of Sarawak’s hospitality with food, cultural dances and musical performances during the welcoming dinner on Thursday.
The dinner was held to officially launch the two-night festival held at a separate venue – the ParkCity Everly Hotel Miri.
Among those present at the dinner were the Resident of Miri Division Antonio Kahti Galis, Miri City Mayor Lawrence Lai, Sarawak Tourism Board chief executive officer Datuk Ik Pahon Joyik, Tourism Malaysia Sarawak director Salahuddin Mohd Ariffin and Miri Housing group chairman Dato Prof Lau Siu Wei.
Apart from being treated to various Sarawak’s signatures dishes and local fruits, the guests were entertained to sape performance and dances.
All the jazz performers were each presented with a local rattan basket as a souvenir.
Speaking at the function, Ik Pahon encouraged the performers to explore Sarawak as much as possible, especially Miri, which has many tourist attractions.
“Miri is famous for its many national parks including the Mulu National Park – a world heritage site, the prehistoric Niah Caves and the Lambir National Park which has a rich biodiversity.
“Additionally, you can enjoy the rich culture and traditions of our multi-racial people along with the peace and great hospitality we have in Sarawak and Malaysia in general,” he said.
Prior to the dinner, the Nylons from Canada performed at the preview show at the Miri Trade Fair 7 organised by See Hua Marketing at Bintang MegaMall.