Jack (ninth right), Chin (seventh right) and members of the organising committee hold up posters of the festival following their meeting yesterday.

BINTULU: Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg is expected to officiate at the opening ceremony of Bintulu Tanglung Carnival 2018.

Bintulu Resident Jack Aman Luat said the festival will run from Sept 13-17 at Naim Paragon street mall.

“The chief minister will be accompanied by his wife Datin Patinggi Datuk Juma’ani Tuanku Bujang and others for the official opening on Sept 15.

“He will officiate at the flag-off of the Sarawak Maju Run 2018 at 8pm followed by the launching of Naim Malaysia and Borneo Highpole Lion Dance Championship 2018,” he told the media after chairing the coordination meeting with the committee at the Resident’s Office here yesterday.

Among the activities to be held are Bintulu Food Fair 2018, multi-racial cultural performance, Xianggi (Chinese chess) tournament, superior dancing and singing performance, Borneo traditional lion dance competition, Halal mooncake-making, folk dances, tanglung harmony ride, Nite of Forca, Zumba, lantern-making competition, children’s talent contest, calligraphy competition, tea party, Bintulu showdance and a one-on-one all-style battle.

The carnival will culminate with a fireworks display on Sept 17 at 10.15pm.

The event is organised by Federation of Registered Chinese Association (Forca) in collaboration with Bintulu Development Authority and Bintulu Resident’s Office.

Organising chairman Chin Che Fui said prior to the start of the carnival, a clean-up programme will be held at Tanjung Batu beach here on Sept 9 from 7.30am to 11am.

“I urge non-governmental organisations, associations and government departments to send their staff and members to join us in this spring cleaning programme.

“This event is in line with the local authority’s effort on its anti-littering campaign and we want to show the public and educate them on their role in keeping the environment clean,” he  said.

He added the focus area is Tanjung Batu beach because they want the people to appreciate its beauty and to take care of the new facilities in the area.