RM6 mln state govt grant to boost buffalo farming in Limbang, says Deputy Premier
MIRI (June 28): The Sarawak government has approved a grant of approximately RM6 million to the Sarawak Bisaya Charitable Trust to expand buffalo farming in Batu Danau, Limbang.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, when announcing this, said the funding, approved by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, aims to strengthen buffalo breeding efforts and production of buffalo-based products in northern Sarawak, particularly in Lawas and Limbang.
'This is a good initiative because the Sarawak government has decided that Limbang and Lawas will be key areas for buffalo production, with strong community involvement to support the state's broader economic goals,' he said during the opening of Babulang Festival and Buffalo Race 2025 here today.
Awang Tengah, who is State Natural Resources and Urban Development, and State International Trade, Industry and Investment Minister, added that the Maragang Buffalo Breeding Station in Lawas had already demonstrated the potential of producing high-quality buffalo milk.
He encouraged the Bisaya community to seize the opportunity by leveraging the natural strengths of their environment to venture into agriculture and livestock production.
'I believe they are capable of planning and implementing this project effectively. They have experience, and other communities in Limbang can also benefit from this economic opportunity,' he said.
Also present at the event were State Deputy Food Industry, Commodities and Regional Development Minister Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail; Lawas MP Datuk Henry Sum Agong; Batu Danau assemblyman Dato Paulus Palu Gumbang; Limbang Resident Unos Tambi; and Sarawak Bisaya Association (PBS) president Joseph Blandoi.
Meanwhile, Awang Tengah said the Babulang Festival has grown to become a major annual event in Sarawak's tourism calendar, drawing both local and international visitors.
The festival features traditional Bisaya cultural events such as the buffalo races, Ratu Babulang and Nakod Babulang competitions, raft races, tug-of-war, and other cultural performances. These events celebrate and showcase the vibrant heritage of the Bisaya people.
Held every year in early June, Pesta Babulang is more than just a celebration, it is a deeply meaningful cultural gathering that unites the Bisaya community and highlights their traditions to a wider audience.
'The uniqueness of Babulang not only strengthens community bonds but also promotes Bisaya culture at both national and international levels,' Awang Tengah added. Awang Tengah Babulang Festival buffalo farming limbang
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