Kota Kinabalu: The Borneo Native Festival (BNF) is back for its fourth year, promising an exciting celebration of Borneo’s diverse cultures, traditions and heritage.
It would be held from May 23 to 25 at Central Market (Pasar Seni) in Kuala Lumpur from 10am to 10pm daily.
Supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (Motac), the Festival is a platform for indigenous communities from Sabah and Sarawak living in Kuala Lumpur, local residents and international visitors ahead of Hari Gawai (June 1) in Sarawak and Pesta Kaamatan (May 30-31) in Sabah, two significant festivals marking the rice harvest season.
window.googletag = window.googletag || {cmd: []};googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.defineSlot('/22826383987/dailyexpress_inline', [1, 1], 'gpt-passback').addService(googletag.pubads());googletag.enableServices();googletag.display('gpt-passback');});Deputy Minister of Economy Dato Hajah Hanifah Hajar Tun Pehin Sri Hj Abdul Taib is expected to officiate the event, representing the Prime Minister.
According to BNF President Raffy Syazwan Arpandi, the festival will feature cultural competitions, performances and exhibitions.
One of the highlights is the Miss Ethnic Competition where contestants from various ethnic groups will showcase their traditional attire while sharing their cultural identity.
The Borneo Cultural Dance Competition will present captivating age-old dances that preserve the folklore and heritage of Sabah and Sarawak.
Visitors can also explore locally produced goods such as handwoven textiles, jewellery, organic skincare and handicrafts. Food lovers will enjoy authentic Bornean delicacies like Kek Lapis, Hinava (pickled raw fish), Tuak and Lihing (rice wine), with an array of street food showcasing Bornean flavours.
The event will also feature food preparation demonstrations, showcasing Borneo’s traditional cuisine. Linopot, a Sabahan delicacy, which is expected to be a crowd favourite this year.
“From the last three events, I noticed visitors always look forward to our traditional food and drinks. This is our highlight this time,” said Raffy, adding Linopot will be among the foods served and demonstrated.
For a hands-on experience, arts workshops will offer opportunities to learn traditional weaving, beadwork and pottery-making. Adding to the festivities, the Borneo Beatz Concert will feature a fusion of indigenous sounds and contemporary music, together with performances by Tuni Sundatang.
The Mob Dance, a communal dance event, will invite Festival-goers to participate in an inclusive movement experience, fostering unity and engagement.
Raffy also emphasised the Festival’s commitment in uplifting Sabahan and Sarawakian communities in Kuala Lumpur.
Government agencies such as DIDR, Scenic and IDS are involved in promoting local vendors and their products.
“This is a way to introduce our cultures to others while also attracting millennials, locals and tourists alike.
“It will be like a pre-introduction to the Hari Gawai and Pesta Kaamatan celebrations, encouraging visitors to later experience the festivals in Sabah and Sarawak,” said Raffy.
Scenic, under the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation Sabah, aimed to provide market access for social entrepreneurs and raise awareness for their products outside Sabah.
This year, 11 social entrepreneurs will participate, showcasing crafts, food, beverages and health industry products.
Since its inaugural event in 2022, Scenic had been a strong supporter of BNF.
IDS representative Paul Canigea emphasised their mission to uplift local entrepreneurs from the grassroots level, providing them exposure to new markets.
“National events like BNF expose vendors to a larger audience and help them gain confidence,” said Paul.
This year, IDS is bringing two entrepreneurs, namely Hanissa Boumin from Kota Marudu, one of Sabah’s poorest districts, who will present her innovative craft work using banana fibres, and Jess Boubie from Kota Belud, who will showcase her traditional brass jewellery.
DIDR representative Juinah Lipat said 12 social entrepreneurs will showcase their local products, helping to elevate the status of vendors.
DIDR is joining BNF for the first time and looks forward to increased participation in the future.
One of the standout vendors will be promoting Linopot (wrapped rice), a traditional Sabahan delicacy.
Raffy noted that 60pc to 70pc of BNF revolves around social entrepreneurs and their products, while the remaining portion consists of entertainment elements such as singers, dances, and performances.
Popular local singer Dabra Sia from Sabah is among the entertainers set to perform at BNF 2025.
As Malaysia gears up for Visit Malaysia Year 2026, Raffy said BNF serves as a timely cultural event to promote the country ahead of the campaign.
“The festival is also a platform for unity, bringing communities together while elevating local entrepreneurs and boosting their economy,” he added.
Music, singing, and dancing, he noted, are powerful ways to unite Malaysians through culture.
Reflecting on the festival’s growth, Raffy shared that the first BNF event attracted around 20,000 visitors, and the number has continued to increase every year.