THE Baram Regatta this year is the best ever to be held in the state.
Minister in-charge and Deputy Chief Minister, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu Numpang said the Regatta, attracting some 60,000 people – twice that of 2008 – was successful in all aspects.
The visit by Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei was also the first ever in the history of the Regatta since its inception over 100 years ago.
BEAUTY QUEENS: Contestants of the Ratu Regatta Baram 2011. The winner is Suljirina Lucas (centre) .
“His Royal Highness’ comment was very favourable and indeed, we are very thankful to him. During his visit, he was accompanied by two ministers – Finance and Energy – and two permenantsecretaries. This is very important historical event, especially for the people of Baram,” Jabu said in Marudi.
Among the dignitaries gracing several events in the programme were the Head of State, Tun Datuk Patinggi Muhammad Salahuddin and Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud.
Others included Deputy Minister of Tourism Datuk Dr James Dawos Mamit, Assistant Minister of Tourism Datuk Talip Zulpilip and elected representatives, among whom was Datuk Sylvester Entri Muran, Assistant Minister of Agriculture (farmers’ organisation) and the organising chairman.
The programme included speed and remote control boat competitions, Baram Idol and Ratu Regatta Baram, Sape competition, exposition and exhibition, sales of various products and IMalaysia Cultural Night.
In the Regatta, Long Terawan, Mulu, retained the Raja Batang Baram title for the second time in a row while Jayong Belaga emerged the overall champion to win the Charles Hose Memorial Cup.
The Jayong 9 Belaga Unlimited Men B team captured the Sultan Brunei’s Challenge Trophy.
The TYT Challenge Trophy went to Long Terawan and the Chief Minister’s Challenge Trophy to the Masyarakat Nelayan Sibuti.