MARUDI: The Baram Regatta could see more visitors coming this year, if the number of arrivals yesterday is anything to go by.
Visitors lining the river bank at Marudi for this year’s Baram Regatta.
Apart from the annual race, the completion of Sungai Arang bridge last month has also played a significant role in bringing in visitors here.
Organising chairman, who is also Assistant Minister of Public Utilities (Water Supply) Datuk Sylvester Entri Muran, said this year’s committee had listed various activities for the people during the regatta.
“The preparation has been much better with the newly completed Sungai Arang bridge which not only saves cost, but also the time for those using road to get here,” he said. He said Baram Regatta was different from any other of its kind in the state as it was more colourful, with people wearing traditional costumes of the Orang Ulu community comprising the Kenyahs, Kayans, Berawans, Penans and Kelabits. The event, which kicks off today, will see 2,015 paddlers aboard 89 longboats slugging it out for the win.
“Apart from participants from Marudi, we also have teams from other areas such as Miri and also Brunei,” Entri said.
The cultural showcase tonight will be another event that should not be missed by visitors.
Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud is expected to officiate at the opening.