Aaron (centre) in a group photo with the various ethnic group performers during the event.
SIBU (July 9): Malaysia will soon launch its first official Minority Ethnic Festive Calendar, a reference guide highlighting the celebrations and cultural practices of the country’s minority ethnic communities. The inaugural edition is set for release in January next year.
National Unity Minister Dato Sri Aaron Ago Dagang announced the initiative during the opening of the Borneo Cultural Festival (BDCF) 2025 Dayak Cultural Night at Dataran Tun Tuanku Bujang here tonight.
He said the calendar will not only list festive dates, but also provide insights into their meanings, origins, and associated traditions.
“This calendar is not just a schedule of events, it is an awareness tool to help Malaysians better understand and respect each other’s cultures,” he told a crowd of over 3,000 at the vibrant multicultural event.
Aaron said the calendar will be made available both digitally and in print, and distributed to all ministries, government agencies, schools, universities, and relevant stakeholders.
“With this calendar, we will know when our friends celebrate festivals such as Irau Aco (Lun Bawang), Kalimaran Festival (Murut), Lepa-Lepa Festival (Bajau), Magahau Festival (Rungus), and many more. It promotes greater cultural sensitivity,” he said.
He added that the initiative forms part of the ministry’s broader effort to promote its ‘Harmony in Diversity’ agenda by recognising and celebrating minority cultures that are often underrepresented nationally.
Praising Sarawak as a model of unity in diversity, Aaron said genuine national harmony can only be achieved when Malaysians embrace and celebrate their cultural uniqueness.
“Sarawak has proven that diversity does not weaken us, it makes us stronger. Differences should not be walls but bridges that connect us,” he said.
BCF 2025 marks the 21st edition of the annual cultural celebration. This year’s theme, “Rhythm of Borneo”, is accompanied by a new mascot – the Clouded Leopard (Neofelis diardi) – symbolising Borneo’s rich biodiversity and the importance of wildlife conservation.
The week-long festival showcases traditional music, dance, handicrafts, and food from the Dayak, Malay, Melanau, and Chinese communities of Sarawak.
Also present at the event were Tamin assemblyman Christopher Gira Sambang, Sibu Municipal Council Chairman Ting Ing Horh, SMC Deputy Chairman Mohammad Abdullah Izkandar Roseley, Dayak Pavillion 2025 lead coordinator Augustine Merikan and other invited guests.
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