MIRI: Miri City continues to strengthen its position as a regional cultural hub through the organisation of the fourth edition of The Taste of Borneo Carnival, scheduled to take place from 1 to 12 July, featuring broader international participation including Indonesia, Brunei, Sabah and, for the first time, a delegation from Yunnan, China.

Miri City Mayor Adam Yii Siew Sang said this year’s international participation further reinforces the objective of positioning Miri as a centre for regional cultural exchange.

“Among the main attractions for this year are the participation of Indonesia, Brunei and Sabah which have been part of previous editions, as well as the inclusion of a new entry from Yunnan, China,” he said.

The Pujut Assemblyman said this during a press conference after a courtesy visit to Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg at the Satria Pertiwi Complex on Wednesday.

During the event, Miri is set to formalise a Friendship City relationship with Lijiang Municipal Council on 4 July, which will be witnessed by the Sarawak Premier.

The initiative stemmed from a visit by the carnival committee to Yunnan in 2025, where they observed notable similarities between ethnic communities in Yunnan and local communities in Borneo, including shared cultural and historical links among several ethnic groups.

In addition to cultural exchanges, the cooperation is also expected to open up potential opportunities in the tourism and education sectors between both parties.

Meanwhile, the organisers also explained that the participation of 24 ethnic associations this year marks the largest involvement to date, reflecting the strength of unity within Miri’s multiracial community.

This achievement simultaneously aims for recognition in the Malaysia Book of Records (MBOR) under the category of the highest ethnic participation in a single street parade event, involving all 24 ethnic associations. -UKASnews

Translator: Suhaila AW