Baram Regatta 2008

Baram Regatta expected to attract 80,000 visitors
By Norni Mahadi

MIRI: The International Baram Regatta (IBR) 2008 which will be held from August 15 to 17 in Marudi is expected to attract some 80,000 people from Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, Brunei and West Kalimantan.Assistant Minister of Water Supply cum Organising Chairman of IBR, Sylvester Entri Anak Muran said the preparation was in progress to ensure the smooth running of the regatta which is being organised on a bigger scale to lure more foreign tourists.“The event is held in conjunction with Sarawak’s 45th Anniversary of Independence and the theme for this year is, “Culture, Unity, Heritage and Peace”,” he said in a joint press conference with Telang Usan Assemblyman Lihan Jok at RTM Miri yesterday.Sylvester added that some 800 participants would compete in 48 events and the decorated traditional boats competition would be the highlight for the event.The other events are the non-traditional boat paddling, speedboats and Jetski racing, Regatta Baram Queen 2008 and Baram Idol Contest. Lihan said the closing date of the Borneo Sape International Competition is on July 31. He said five international sape performers, one each from England and West Kalimantan and three Sarawakians will entertain VIPs during the Cultural Arts Night.The 3-day regatta is expected to draw experts of indigenous stringed musical instruments accompanied by traditional dancers.Chief Minister Pehin Sri Haji Abdul Taib Mahmud will officiate at the opening ceremony on August 16.While the Head of State, Tun Datuk Patinggi Abang Muhammad Salahuddin will grace the closing on August 17.Minister of Tourism, Datuk Seri Azalina Othman and Minister of Unity, Cultural, Art and Heritage, Datuk Seri Shafiee Apdal will be among the VIPs at the event.