Manyin (third right) shows the working paper on Pesta Birumuh 2017, as Ranum (second left), Ik Pahon (third left) and Martin (right) look on.
SERIAN: About 10,000 people are expected to converge on Serian Sports Complex this April 1 for Pesta Birumuh (Harvest Festival), where Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg will officiate at the opening ceremony.
Minister of Youth, Sports and Solidarity Dato Sri Michael Manyin said this year’s festival would be the fourth edition since the inaugural event in 2009.
“The first was held here in 2009 and then-chief minister Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud officiated at the opening ceremony. The second event was held at DBNA headquarters in Kuching, where Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak officiated.
“The late chief minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem came to officiate at the third Pesta Birumuh here in 2015.
“The (coming) festival also coincides with YB Abang Johari’s first official visit to Serian since his appointment as chief minister,” Manyin told a press conference on the festival after the meeting of the organising committee at the District and Resident’s Office here yesterday.
Manyin, who is Tebedu assemblyman, said a crowd of about 10,000 comprising 8,000 spectators and 1,500 participants of the cultural parade is expected.
He said Pesta Birumuh was not confined only to the Bidayuhs, who make up the majority of the population in the division, but also involved other communities such as the Malays, the Ibans and the Chinese.
“Just like in the previous Pesta Birumuhs, this will also be a colourful event where the participants will be wearing their respective cultural costumes,” he said.
The festival co-organising chairmen Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry permanent secretary Datu Ik Pahon Jayok and Serian Resident Jonathan Lugoh, Kedup assemblyman Martin Ben and Opar assemblyman Datu Ranum Mina were also present at the meeting.
Jonathan said yesterday’s meeting was the fourth and final meeting of the committee.
He also said a full rehearsal would be held on March 31 to ensure smooth running of the event.
“We are ready for the big day,” he said.