SIMANGGANG – The Chap Goh Mei celebration in Sri Aman is being positioned as a major tourism product, with leaders highlighting its potential to strengthen community unity and stimulate the local economy.
Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development, Datuk Francis Harden Hollis, said the festival has evolved into a community-wide event that draws participation from people of diverse backgrounds, not just the Chinese community.
He noted that each year, more than 5,000 visitors flock to Simanggang Town to witness the colourful procession of deities.
“Thousands of visitors are from the Iban, Malay and other races. This attendance proves that this festival has been accepted as part of the identity of the local community,” he said when officiating the Chinese New Year Reception and the launch of the Sri Aman Divisional Chap Goh Mei Festival at the Sri Aman Ciyun Temple on Tuesday.
The Simanggang Assemblyman added that Chap Goh Mei should complement existing tourism products such as the Benak Festival, which has long been the district’s main attraction.
He explained that combining two major cultural events with different backgrounds would highlight Sri Aman as a destination rich in traditions and community harmony.
“The organisation of this festival not only opens up a space for the community to celebrate culture but also provides economic benefits to small traders, food entrepreneurs and the local tourism industry,” he said.
At the same event, Datuk Francis announced an allocation of RM30,000 under the Minor Rural Project (MRP) to the Soon Heng Simanggang Association to support the organisation of this year’s Chap Goh Mei celebration.
The launch was attended by several local leaders, including Anthony Abell Chendan, Chairman of the Sri Aman District Council; Tay Chiew Hua, Chairman of the Soon Heng Simanggang Association; Temenggong Kueh Aik Seng, Deputy Chairman; Joshua Martin, representative of the Sri Aman District Office; and Tay Cho Seng, Secretary of the Che Chuan Khor Sri Aman Moral Uplifting Organisation.
Community leaders expressed optimism that the festival will continue to grow as a tourism highlight, bringing together people of different ethnicities while boosting local businesses.
The event is seen as a reflection of Sarawak’s cultural diversity and inclusivity, reinforcing Sri Aman’s reputation as a district where traditions thrive alongside modern development.
With the Chap Goh Mei celebration gaining momentum, Sri Aman is expected to benefit from increased visitor numbers, stronger community ties and enhanced recognition as a hub of cultural tourism in Sarawak.
