SERIAN (Nov 22): Sarawak Deputy Minister of Transport Datuk Dr Jerip Susil has proposed that future editions of the Siburan Carnival include an Agrofest, additional cultural programmes, and community educational activities.

The Mambong assemblyman made the suggestion following the overwhelming response from local communities to this year’s carnival.

“One of the objectives of this carnival is to help generate our local economy; this is proven by the responses from the stall operators, requesting for the carnival to be extended as having a two-day carnival is not enough.

“As such, we will discuss further in extending the days for the carnival, and one of the programmes that we can include is Agrofest.

“With this programme, we can showcase the local agriculture products, which can help generate the local economy,” he said when officiating Siburan Carnival on Friday.

Dr Jerip added that the carnival not only brought together communities from diverse backgrounds in Siburan but also provided a platform to showcase the talents, creativity, and potential of local youths.

He said the objectives of the carnival were reflected in activities that promote unity among multiracial communities, strengthen local cultural identity, and support entrepreneurs and small-scale businesses.

He noted the impact of the event could be seen in the strong visitor turnout, increased social interactions, and active participation in competitions.

This year’s Siburan Carnival, held from Nov 21-22, featured two main highlights: Siburan Idol and the Miss Siburan Carnival 2025 Beauty Pageant, alongside numerous sales booths, local product exhibitions, and participation from government agencies.

Among those present were Puncak Borneo MP Datuk Willie Mongin and Siburan district officer Ranum Bari.