SRI AMAN: The Sri Aman Tidal Bore (Pesta Benak) Festival has gained increasing recognition and admiration from the global community, to the extent that it is now considered one of the best tidal bore events worldwide.
In stating this, Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said that Simanggang Town has been nicknamed as the Malaysian Tidal Bore Town, as it is one of the 65 locations worldwide to exhibit such a unique phenomenon within the country.
“Thus, the local community and those from outside the Sri Aman Division can come here (Sri Aman) to showcase, introduce, and market products such as agricultural goods, handicrafts, as well as food and beverages.
“All these are able to enhance the socioeconomic, well-being, and allow the locals to generate more income,” he said.
He said this during the opening ceremony of the 2023 Sri Aman Tidal Bore Festival held at the Sri Aman Waterfront yesterday (Sept 29).
Abdul Karim added continuous efforts are made to promote festivals and ecotourism products like the Batang Lupar Tidal Bore as well as the Sri Aman Tidal Bore Festival through mass media or print media.
“I also want to encourage the local community to explore opportunities and potential sources of income not only during the Tidal Bore Festival, but also beyond,” he said.
The Sri Aman Tidal Bore Festival is currently underway from September 29 to October 1, between the hours of 9am to 9pm.
In addition to the festival, the Benak Regatta, a highlight of the Benak Festival taking place at the stunning Batang Lupar River, is expected to draw approximately 50,000 visitors, including those from outside the Sri Aman area.
