KAPIT: Hulu Rajang MP Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong, on behalf of Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr James Jemut Masing, officiated at the meet-the-people session at Rumah Lugat, a 21-door longhouse in Nanga Semawang, Sungai Majau to coincide with this year’s Baleh Kapit Raft Safari.
The two-day international competition was held last weekend with Rumah Lugat for the first leg while Rumah Ekau in Nanga Mujong, Baleh for the second.
Ugak lauded the organising committee headed by Kapit Resident Joseph Belayong Punan for successfully organising the event.
“I hope this competition that promotes eco-tourism would be continued although the number of participants is declining. Perhaps, we should analyse why there is a decline,” Ugak said.
Expressing his disappointment at the poor response to this year’s race, Ugak called on the relevant agencies such as the Tourism Task Force Group and Tourism Ministry to find out the reasons why and to take remedial actions.
On complaints by longhouse folks about the limited supply of electricity to each household through solar power, Ugak called on Sarawak Energy Berhad to further look into the matter to increase the power limit.
At present each household is allocated only 2,000 watts while the village headman is allocated 3,000 watts, which are insufficient.
During the function Ugak also announced a grant of RM10,000 to the Women’s Bureau of JKKK Rumah Lugat.
Pelagus assemblyman Wilson Nyabong Ijang, Ngemah assemblyman Alexander Vincent and Murum assemblyman Kennedy Chuk Pai Ugon also spoke at the function.
The trio pledged a government grant of RM5,000 each to the Women’s Bureau of JKKK Rumah Lugat and RM10,000 each to the Baleh Kapit Raft Safari Committee.
Among those present were Deputy State Secretary Datuk Jaul, Kapit Deputy Resident Galong Luang, political secretaries to the Chief Minister, Nicholas Kudi Jantai and Edwin Banta Bukit Mabong, district officer Douglas Pungga, local community leaders, heads of the various government departments, KDC councillors and team managers of the raft teams.
On Saturday morning, Ugak flagged-off the first leg of the raft race.
The first raft from Rumah Lugat to arrive at Rumah Ekau the second transit station, was Lakin Belaga at 11am while the last raft arrived at 12.02pm. Four teams took part in the Men’s Open category.
In the Paddle Boat category, the first boat to arrive was Lakin Belaga while the second boat was Dewan Suarah. Six teams took part in the category.
This year, the 24th series saw the participation of 29 teams compared to 35 last year.
