Baram Regatta to be held triennially from now

MARUDI: The Baram Regatta will from now only be held once every three years to ensure it remains an exclusive event, said Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil.
Speaking at the launching of the Baram Regatta 2023 at Marudi Waterfront on Saturday, Penguang who is this year’s organising chairman said a total 370 rowers are taking part in various race categories in this year’s regatta.
It features various exciting race categories such as traditional boat racing, powerboats and remote-controlled boats with participation drawn from not only those residing in the Baram area, but also from Brunei Darussalam and others divisions of Sarawak.
Also showcased during the event are decorated floats by various ethnic groups in Baram.
The long awaited event, which was last held in 2017, has been described as the ‘the mother of all regattas’ as it dates back to 1899 as a peace-making effort to stop headhunting and warring among ethnic tribes in Marudi, said Penguang who is Marudi assemblyman.
“The officer-in-charge of Baram at that time, Charles Hose, had suggested that the Baram Regatta be made an annual event for boat races that involve longhouses in the Baram area.”
Penguang said this regatta bore much significance as it depicted unity among the various ethnic group here.
This year’s Baram Regatta was declared opened by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Also present were Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah ,his deputy Datuk Sebastian Ting, Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Labour ,Immigration and Project Monitoring) Datuk Gerawat Gala, Baram MP Datuk Anyie Ngau and Telang Usan assemblyman Dennis Ngau.