MARUDI: Long Terawan-Mulu team emerged as the overall champions of Baram Regatta 2017 and crowned King of Batang Baram through its Tedung Melancar No.9 boat recently.
The team manager Steplus Jalong, 56, expressed his relief and gratitude on his laurels.
He said the team’s success came as a result of close collaboration between management, rowers and the whole team.
“We have been undergoing intensive training for three months through various challenges and obstacles. This is the result of our hard work, thanks to the efforts of all parties.
“After this, we will take part in the races in Long Lama as well as the Sarawak Regatta at Kuching Waterfront. Our dream is to become ‘King’ in every race,” Steplus enthused.
The team from Berawan tribe have a total of 150 specially trained paddlers consisting of young and middle aged and also nine racing boats.
Steplus, who is working in Mulu National Park, hoped the spirit of goodwill among competing teams can be maintained and that the event will lift Regatta Baram as a glorious event and always be a reference to both foreign and domestic tourists.
Meanwhile, Michael Malang, a rower from the Long Terawan team said, all the tiredness during the training was worth it with the victory.
Ajeng Ngau, a veteran rower from Kampung Long Panai added that in his childhood, he never missed any such event. Even now, he will not miss the opportunity to witness the event because of his deep interest in the sport.
“In my time, there were only three teams from neighbouring villages namely, Kampung Long Bemang, Kampung Long Panai and Kampung Long Terawan which were famed because of the speed of their boats.
“I was once offered to serve with other teams but I refused because I wanted to help my own team. Through this event, I have the opportunity to meet with friends and relatives from other villages,” said Ajeng, recalling his past moments in the event.
Ajeng urged the young people involved to take care of their health because the sport required a high level of stamina and discipline.
This year, a total of 28 teams with 68 boats competed for the Raja (King of the River) Batang Baram title which also saw participation by the people in Lawas and Brunei Darussalam.
Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg, in his opening remarks, said he was proud with the efforts of local leaders in holding the event which has succeeded in gathering people from various races and religions in the district.
He said a bridge will be built to connect Miri and Marudi and he also suggested that a three-star hotel to be built to facilitate the public to visit Marudi as an effort to upgrade Marudi/Baram as a tourist centre and generate the local community economy.
The working visit to Marudi is the first time for him after becoming Sarawak’s Chief Minister.
