KAPIT: The organising committee for Baleh-Kapit Raft Safari 2018 (the 23rd series of the competition since it was introduced in 1996) is calling more entries to take part in the three-day event to be held from April 6-8
Chairing the committee meeting at the State Office Complex at Jalan Bleteh here on Monday morning, Deputy Resident Galong Luang disclosed that to date only 15 teams had submitted their entry forms.
“We are hoping to see more taking part in this year’s raft safari. Entrance is now still open to both local and outside teams. April 6 will be the deadline for the submission of entry forms,” he said, adding he expected all government agencies here to take part in the competition.
Galong admitted that the annual international raft race has shown a decline in participation, citing problems such as the high cost involved, difficulty in getting bamboo to make raft and logistics.
For this year the first leg of the Baleh-Kapit Raft Safari is from Rumah Naga Anak Sulok (24-doors) at Nanga Merating, Sungai Bena, a tributary of Sungai Sut, Baleh on April 7. On the second day (April 8), the flag off point is from Rumah Bengau Anak Andah (23-doors) at Lepong Sut, Baleh River to Kapit Express Passenger Terminal.
The trip from Rumah Naga to Kapit by longboat takes between 2 to 3 hours (39.1km) passing through Sungai Bena, Sungai Sut, Baleh and finally, the Rajang River where the rafters will be able to enjoy the pristine clear water, at the same time able to see a scenic view of the Iban longhouses along the rivers. Rumah Bengau is located 19.5km from Kapit which is about an hour’s journey by longboat.
To coincide with this year’s rafting, many side events have been slotted to include Kapit Fest, mini regatta (powerboat), traditional games, exhibition booths and sale of handicraft. Kapit Division Power Boat Association will be organising a mini regatta for the powerboat competitions involving various categories such as 18hp Tunnel Boat, 30hp Tunnel Boat, 50hp Tunnel Boat and Pump Engines.
“This year, the rafting distance is very short and both the longhouses are accessible by road. With this short journey we hope to get more participants,” said Galong.
The rafting event is Kapit’s major tourism event held annually along the tributary of Baleh River and paddling down to Kapit Passenger Terminal as the finishing point. The three-day event offers participants a rare opportunity to stay overnight and experience the hospitality of the two Iban longhouses along the river bank.
The competition is organised by Kapit Resident Office in collaboration Kapit Tourism Task Group, government agencies and selected NGOs with support from Tourism and Heritage Sarawak, Sarawak Tourism Board and Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board.
Entry forms are obtainable at Kapit Resident Office Kapit during working hours. For further information, contact the secretariat at 084-796230 or 084-796445 or through their website at www.kapitro.sarawak.gov.my.
Altogether, there are six categories for the competitions – Men Open, Men Closed, Free Style, Women Closed, the Paddle Boat and Best Decorated Raft. This paddling event is to remind people on the importance of water transport in the early days which until today is still the main mode of transport in the absence of road.
Attractive prizes await the winners. The champion team in the Men’s Open category will bring home RM3,000 cash prize and a trophy, first runner up RM2500 and a trophy, second runner up RM1500 and a trophy. Fourth place will receive RM800, fifth will get RM700, the sixth will get RM600 while seventh to tenth places will get RM500 each.
For the Men Closed, Free Style, Women Closed and Paddle Boat category, the champion team will receive RM2,000 and trophy, first runner up RM1,500 and trophy, second runner up RM1,000 and trophy. Fourth will get RM700, fifth will get RM600, sixth will get RM500 while seventh to tenth places will get RM400 each.
Also present at the meeting were Deputy Resident, Belayong Pok, Bukit Mabong District Officer, Douglas Pungga, representatives from Song and Belaga District Office, KDC secretary Jabang Juntan, representatives from various government departments and community leaders.
