SIMANGGANG: The popular Benak Festival should be extended to at least five days, said Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Datuk Francis Harden Hollis.
“Every year, the festival, a beloved event for Sarawakians and especially Sri Aman residents, spans three days from Friday to Sunday.
“This year, it runs from November 29 to December 1. However, I’ve received feedback from the public requesting a two-day extension, bringing the total to five days,” said the Simanggang assemblyman during the 21st Benak Festival’s opening ceremony at the main stage near the Batang Lupar riverbank yesterday.
The festival’s significant positive impact on the community is evident, particularly in the increasing number of visitors.
“This year, we anticipate between 65,000 and 70,000 visitors. This influx presents a golden opportunity for small traders, food and retail shop operators, entrepreneurs, and associations to generate income by selling local products, including agricultural goods, handicrafts, and various food and beverages,” he said.
This year’s sales activities are taking place at 628 sites.
