MUKAH – The third edition of the Mukah Food Festival 2025 has concluded its nine-day run, drawing crowds to Pantai Kala Dana with a vibrant celebration of indigenous cuisine and cultural identity.
Organized by the Dalat and Mukah District Council, the event served as more than a gastronomic showcase, it became a catalyst for community unity and economic growth.
Councillor Aini Suhaili, chairperson of the council, highlighted how traditional dishes such as umai, linut, tebaloi, and sago-based delicacies were central to the festival’s mission of preserving heritage passed down through generations.
These foods, deeply rooted in the region’s Dayak communities, now share space with contemporary culinary innovations, reflecting a dynamic balance between tradition and modernity.
Beyond taste, officials stressed the festival’s role in empowering local livelihoods. Small business owners, fishermen, farmers, and food vendors benefited from direct market access, turning the event into a significant driver of income and job creation within the district.
Aini also underscored the alignment of the festival with national ideals of Madani Malaysia—emphasizing food safety, healthy living, and environmental sustainability. Initiatives promoting responsible sourcing and waste reduction were integrated throughout the event.
The festival was further enriched by the Kids Go Green Eco-Fashion Competition, where young participants showcased creativity using recycled materials.
Qhairil Fazmie Afiq and Nur Fazlyana Mohd Zakeri were crowned champions in the male and female categories, respectively, reinforcing the message of ecological awareness among youth.
With its blend of culture, commerce, and conservation, the Mukah Food Festival continues to position the town as a rising destination for authentic, sustainable tourism in Sarawak.
