MIRI – Preparations are underway for the Taste of Borneo Cultural Carnival (TOBC) 4.0, which will take place from 1 to 12 July 2026 at Boulevard Miri. The launch ceremony was held at Pei Min Secondary School and officiated by Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew, Sarawak Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industries and Performing Arts.
The upcoming edition is expected to be the city’s largest cultural carnival, involving 23 ethnic associations to showcase Sarawak’s cultural diversity. The event also supports Visit Malaysia Year (TMM) 2026, positioning Miri as a key cultural hub in Borneo.
Organisers confirmed that the carnival will retain the popular Cultural Village concept, offering visitors an immersive experience of Sarawak’s major ethnic groups.
In addition, the 2026 edition will welcome international participation, with a cultural delegation from Yunnan, China, whose minority communities share similarities with the Iban, Bidayuh and Melanau.
Delegations from Indonesia, Sabah and Brunei have also been invited, reflecting the aspiration to make TOBC a comprehensive Borneo cultural showcase.
A major highlight will be a mini-exhibition of over 1,000 bamboo and rattan woven baskets, presented with a museum-style concept.
Organisers aim to set new records with the Guinness World Records and Malaysia Book of Records through this unique display.
The carnival also emphasises education and youth development. With approval from the Miri District Education Office, TOBC 4.0 will host a cultural dance competition for secondary schools, a 3R fashion competition for primary schools, and secondary school bands participating in the road parade.
All student involvement will be recognised with PAJSK points, encouraging cultural awareness, sustainability and talent development among the younger generation.
Beyond competitions and exhibitions, TOBC 4.0 will feature open concerts, Cultural Exchange Nights, and opportunities for local entrepreneurs to rent stalls selling food, handicrafts, creative products and cultural items.
These activities will run throughout the 12-day carnival, ensuring vibrant participation from both local and international communities.
Datuk Sebastian Ting praised the initiative, noting that the carnival not only preserves Sarawak’s cultural heritage but also strengthens its role as a destination for cultural tourism.
He highlighted the importance of youth involvement, which ensures the continuity of traditions and the growth of Sarawak’s cultural identity.
