KAPIT: Some minor changes will be made to this year’s Baleh-Kapit Raft Safari, especially on the size and specification of the rafts and the number of participants.
“Previously, the size of the raft was not less than six feet in width and not less than 24 feet in length. The raft needed 100 per cent made of bamboo.
“This year, the rafts should be four feet in width and not less than 25 feet in length. They now can be made 100 per cent of bamboo or a combination of bamboo and wood.
“If it’s a combo raft, then the number of wood should not be more than four pieces,” said Kapit Deputy Resident Galong Luang during a meeting with the organising committee here.
The difficulty to source for bamboo was the reason behind the change.
“We have organised the competition for 23 years and this year’s the 24th edition, hence this has led to the depletion of bamboo along the Baleh and its tributaries like Sungai Mujong and its tributaries, Sungai Merirai, Sungai Kain and Sungai Gaat,” Galong explained.
The number of participants would also be reduced to four to six participants in one team. Previously, this was six to eight participants in one team.
“This is to encourage more participation from government agencies, non-governmental organisations, local clubs and associations, and the Village Security and Development Committee while reducing the operational costs for each team,” said Galong.
This year’s race is from April 5-7 with the first leg from Rumah Lugat, Nanga Semawang, Sungai Majau Baleh beginning April 6.
The second day route covers Rumah Ekau, Nanga Mujong, Baleh River to the Kapit Express Passenger Terminal.
The race is a major tourism event in Kapit and “helps to remind the people on the importance of water transport in the early days, which until today, is still the main mode of transportation in the absence of roads”, said Galong.
Other activities to run together include the powerboat races and the Rainforest Baleh-Kapit Run early April 5, covering a distance of some seven kilometres.
