SPAOH – The Saribas Puffer Fish Regatta, widely known as PUFFEST, has been formally designated as an annual event by the Sarawak Government.
This decision follows the festival’s demonstrated ability to stimulate the local economy, particularly by enhancing the livelihoods of fishermen, small-scale traders, and regional entrepreneurs.
The 2026 edition of the event marked a significant milestone in its evolution from a local initiative to a state-backed programme.
Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, the Deputy Premier of Sarawak, officiated the opening of PUFFEST 2026 at Dewan Sri Saribas in Manggut on Saturday.
He highlighted that the festival has successfully elevated the profile of puffer fish as a distinctive culinary product of Sarawak.
Beyond cultural promotion, the event has played a crucial role in increasing the commercial value of this marine resource, thereby ensuring better financial returns for the fishing community.
The economic impact of the festival is evident in the market prices of the catch. When the event was first launched several years ago, a single puffer fish was valued at approximately RM3.
Through sustained promotion and growing consumer interest driven by the festival, the price of fresh puffer fish has risen significantly.
Current market rates now range between RM13 and RM18 per piece. This substantial increase underscores the effectiveness of the festival in adding value to local produce.
“When the price of puffer fish increases, it means that the income of fishermen also increases. That is one of the main goals of organising the Puffer Fish Festival, which is to create more economic opportunities for the local community,” stated Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.
His remarks emphasised the direct link between strategic promotional events and tangible improvements in household incomes for rural communities.
The benefits of PUFFEST extend beyond the fishing sector. The Deputy Premier noted that the 2026 festival provided a platform for more than 100 hawkers to showcase and sell a variety of goods.
These included local foods, pastries, agricultural produce, and other handicrafts. This diverse participation highlights the festival’s role as a comprehensive economic driver that supports multiple segments of the local business ecosystem.
Datuk Uggah, who also serves as the state assemblyman for Bukit Saban, expressed hope that more residents would take advantage of such opportunities in the future.
He encouraged locals to actively participate in the festival to boost their earnings and contribute to the vibrancy of the local economy. The event serves as a model for how traditional resources can be leveraged for modern economic gain.
Reflecting on the broader context of Sarawak’s progress, the Deputy Premier attributed the state’s current development trajectory to the visionary leadership of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He specifically cited the Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030) as a key framework guiding Sarawak towards becoming a high-income, inclusive, and sustainable region.
Various government initiatives have been instrumental in improving the quality of life for Sarawakians. These include the Sarawak Basic Needs Contribution (SKAS), the Golden Kenyalang Card, and savings schemes for newborns.
Additionally, significant investments in infrastructure, healthcare facilities, and flood mitigation projects have been rolled out across the state. These policies aim to address fundamental needs while fostering long-term economic resilience.
The Deputy Premier also pointed to the strong social fabric of Sarawak as a critical factor in its success. The unity among people of different races and religions has enabled the effective implementation of development agendas.
This social cohesion has contributed to a remarkable increase in state revenue, which grew from RM5.6 billion in 2017 to over RM14 billion in recent years.
He urged the public to maintain this spirit of unity and continue supporting government efforts. Such collaboration is essential to ensure that the progress achieved today is sustained for the benefit of future generations. The call for continued support reflects the government’s emphasis on shared responsibility in nation-building.
The opening ceremony was attended by several notable figures, including Sarawak Deputy Minister of Community Wellbeing Development Datuk Mohammad Razi Sitam, Betong Member of Parliament Dato Dr Richard Rapu, and Political Secretary to the Premier Roseline Mapong Sabai.
Also present were Betong Division Resident Datu Richard Michael Abu Nawas, Betong District Officer Laga Kueh, along with various community leaders and representatives from government agencies. Their presence underscored the multi-level support for initiatives that drive local economic growth.
