KUCHING: The fifth edition of Semadang International Tagang Festival kicks off tomorrow evening with a Bidayuh Traditional Dance and Gong Beating competition at Kampung Semadang, Jalan Puncak Borneo, 40km from here.
The festival is one of many local events that have gained international attention. It’s an interesting festival that revolves around the tagang system.
Introduced to the people of Kampung Semadang at Jalan Puncak Borneo by the Agricultural Department of Sarawak back in 2007, the tagang system is a fish conservation programme that has been successful in preserving high-value fish species in the Semadang River.
Implemented in certain parts of the river, the system prohibits any fishing in those areas except once a year during the Semadang River Tagang Fishing Festival.
This responsible method of fish harvesting ensures that the fish have ample time to mature and even breed. The villagers in turn will have a healthy supply of fresh fish for consumption. The villagers are allowed to catch the fish at certain sections of the river only.
To make sure fish continue to thrive at the selected areas of the Semadang River where the tagang system is implemented, fish fry are released into the river every year during the festival.
Smaller fish or those of breeding size that are captured during the harvest are released back into the river. This ensures that they continue to grow and breed.
This year, (fifth edition) the Semadang International Tagang Festival will be held from August 30 to September 1.
The festival’s organising committee chairman Samson Mangang said the festival will kick off with a Bidayuh cultural dance and gong beating competition on August 30, followed by a fishing competition at the Semadang River the next day.
Various activities including cooking competitions, talks on river cleanliness, zumba dance, colouring contest, karaoke, dart competition and games will also be held throughout the festival.
The Miss Tagang beauty pageant featuring 12 contestants will be held on August 31 at 7.30pm, together with the official opening of the festival by Assistant Minister of Transport Datuk Dr Jerip Susil.
“To add more excitement to the festival, this year we are inviting the Asean Pacific Song Contest 2019 winner, who is also Bintang RTM 2016 champion Rosario Ninih Bianis from Sabah to perform on August 31 evening,” Samson said.
Rosario’s performance will be accompanied by a popular local band Megaforce.
“Be sure to check out the bazaar, where locals sell snacks and refreshing drinks, even handicrafts as well as vegetables harvested directly from the jungle,” said Samson.
The festival is held amidst a natural setting of pristine waters and evergreen jungle. This means that participants and visitors get to be close to nature and enjoy a much-needed escape after a long stressful week at work.
“The fresh and clear water of the Semadang River entices you to jump in for a swim.
“Also while you’re there, grab an opportunity to cross the suspension bridge at Kampung Semadang, which can be very wobbly. It is after all one of the highlights every time visitors come to the village.”
The annual festival is jointly organised by JKKK Kampung Semadang and Kampung Semadang Tagang System Committee and Department of Agriculture Sarawak. It is supported by the state Ministry of Tourism, Art and Culture, and Ministry of Transport.
