BETONG: Arrangements are being finalised for the Ulu Paku Montain Bike Challenge 2019.
Yesterday, a meeting chaired by Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas was held at his longhouse Rumah Francis Nyanggau in Penom near here.
The longhouse — one of the few traditional ones in the division — will host the race for the second time from October 3 to 5.
In his brief address at the meeting Uggah said the first one held last year had benefitted the people as it provided an opportunity for them to sell pre-prepared food and drinks, and some agricultural produce.
“We hope to do the same again this year on a grander scale to attract more visitors to Paku area.
“This year, we have lined up a number of interesting programmes including more cultural activities such as ‘gendang rayah’ (beating of traditional skin drums), ‘betaboh’, ‘ngajat’ and a blow pipe competition.
“We also want to demonstrate the traditional Iban blacksmithing, making of ‘Baju Burie’ (traditional Iban vest adorned with shells) and various other traditional activities,” he said.
Uggah said there would be stage shows, a food fair, cooking events and visits to other nearby longhouses.
“We are anticipating cyclists from as far as Kalimantan, Brunei and Sabah. Some of them may want to bring their families so we are preparing home stay facilities at my longhouse, too,” he continued.
Uggah, who is Bukit Saban assemblyman, Agriculture, Native Land and Regional Development Minister and Second Finance Minister, said the prize presentation ceremony would be held in the evening of the last day.
He added that there would be a lucky draw event where the grand prize would be a motorcycle. Other prizes being offered would be farming tools.
Among those present at the meeting were a political secretary to the chief minister Dr Richard Rapu and longhouse chief Francis Nyanggau.
