RWMF 2022 provides an opportunity to get to know the culture of Sarawak
KUCHING: Apart from bringing home beautiful memories recorded during the World Rainforest Music Festival (RWMF) 2022, visitors can take the opportunity to buy handicrafts at the festival as ‘proof’ of their presence at the iconic Sarawak festival.
A survey by Bernama found that handicraft and food kiosks were also a focus for visitors, especially for those who appreciate and want to know the culture of the various races found in Bumi Kenyalang.
Raben Beads beaded handicraft entrepreneur, Danielle Lipang Lawai, 47, said through RWMF which is an attraction for local and foreign tourists, it can help local entrepreneurs to highlight their products.
“This bead is very synonymous with my tribe, the Kelabit. We do make beads as a daily accessory or attend ceremonies, so from there arose my interest to modernize this bead accessory and started selling it seven years ago.
“My business is all online so events like this give us a way to open kiosks. This is my fifth year joining RWMF and I think the audience can withstand since not many tourists came compared to the previous year due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” he told Bernama.
Hailing from Kampung Long Napir, located in Limbang, about 1,064 kilometers (km) from here, the mother of two said she made her own earring accessories and beaded necklaces.
Lipang said during the last RWMF, his income had reached RM5,000 and such festivals really helped online merchants like him.
Apart from accessories and handicrafts with pua kumbu motifs and woven baskets, visitors to the festival can also enjoy local food.
People can enjoy Bidayuh food at reruai Awah Cafe which is located outside Rumah Bidayuh, Kampung Budaya Sarawak which is the site of this festival.
Awah Cafe’s partner, Ojong Simuh, 65, said menus such as Dayak eggplant, pansuh chicken and fried tempoyak were a tourist attraction at home and abroad.
“I was expecting less visitors but so far I am satisfied with the number that came. Since my stall is outside Baruk and Rumah Bidayuh, people can get a better experience of Bidayuh culture.
“As the festival this time is made hybrid and physical, we expect a total income of RM20,000 compared to RM30,000 previously,” he said.
Themed ’25th Legendary Rainforest Celebration’, the festival, which runs from June 17 to 19, features performers from various countries including China, Australia, India, Singapore, Indonesia, Canada, Estonia, Italy, Japan, Madagascar, the United States and Vietnam.
source – BERNAMA
