Labuan’s premier cultural event surpasses expectations, attracting regional crowds and boosting local economy with RM38 million waterfront development.
LABUAN: The Borneo Arts Festival 2025 concluded tonight with a record-breaking turnout of nearly 40,000 visitors, surpassing its initial target of 30,000.
The five-day festival from November 13-17 at the Labuan International Sea Sports Complex attracted crowds from across Malaysia, Brunei and Kalimantan, Indonesia.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof officiated the closing ceremony.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa said the overwhelming response reflected the festival’s success as a flagship tourism and cultural event.
“The strong turnout demonstrates how the Borneo Arts Festival, enhanced with new cultural and ethnic attractions, continues to elevate Labuan’s identity as a vibrant destination,” she said.
Dr Zaliha noted the festival significantly boosted the local economy through increased spending on accommodation, transportation, food and local products.
The festival featured performances, exhibitions, traditional ethnic showcases and creative installations with strong participation from local and international artists.
Dr Zaliha emphasised the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting Labuan’s economic and cultural development through targeted investments.
“Labuan continues to receive due attention from the government, particularly in ensuring that the island develops on par with the other two Federal Territories,” she said.
She highlighted the RM38 million Phase One development of the Labuan Waterfront as a key initiative to enhance tourism and public spaces.
“The project not only uplifts the waterfront as a new attraction, but also ensures that essential facilities such as power and water supply continue to receive focused improvements,” she added. – Bernama
