DEBAK: The “nyagang” (catching) of puffer fish, part of the Pufferfish Festival in Kampung Mangut from July 19 until 21, is expected to attract 20,000 visitors.
Deputy Minister of Women, Childhood, and Community Wellbeing, Datuk Mohammad Razi Sitam, said that the iconic event in Saribas was stalled for several years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“However, this year we are grateful to have the event again in July. We are sure to come up with the main attraction of catching or ‘nyagang’ the pufferfish,” he said during the Betong division-level 2024 Sejambak Kasih Gawai Dayak Ceremony held at Rumah Basil Teraie, officiated by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas on Sunday.
He added that throughout the event, the Saribas river will be full of fishermen catching pufferfish.
“Not only local fishermen, but also those from other areas who bring their boats to catch pufferfish. Therefore, we expect more than 20,000 visitors to come to Kampung Mangut to witness the popular festival, with the main event being the Saribas Regatta boat racing,” he said.
The Saribas assemblyman said that the pufferfish festival was first held in August 2002.
“This year, the festival aims to highlight the potential of the yellow puffer fish, or Lagocephalus lunaris,” he said.
Razi added that this year’s event includes some changes, especially in the Saribas Regatta event, with attractive prize offerings.
Also present were Betong MP Dr. Richard Rapu, Sarawak Social Welfare Department director Adana Jed, Betong Resident Richard Michael Abunawas, and Betong Division Social Welfare officer Abdul Shamat Kassim.
