39 teams in the fray at 2012 Baleh Kapit Raft Safari

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ALL SYSTEM GO: Dahim (left) chairing the task force and organising committee meeting of the Baleh Kapit Raft Safari at the Bletih State Complex in Kapit.

KAPIT: A total of thirty-nine teams have confirmed their participation in this year’s Baleh Kapit Raft Safari to be held from 6-7 April.

“Rumah Salang at Pulau Sibau, Mujong a tributary of Baleh River will be the first launching point and Rumah Bangkong at Nanga Sebala, also along the Mujoing river at the second transit station of this year’s Baleh Kapit Safari. This year, a total of 39 teams are taking part in the annual race,” said Kapit resident Dahim Nadot who is also the organizing chairman of Baleh Kapit Raft Safari.

Twelve teams are competing in the Men’s Bamboo Open category, another twelve in the Men’s Bamboo Closed, five in the Men’s Free Style event, five in the Women’s Bamboo Open category and another five teams in the new category; the Paddle Boat Freestyle event. Senior Minister and Land Development Minister Tan Sri Dr James Jemut Masing will flag-off the raft race at the first launching station at Rumah Salang on April 6.

The flag-off for the second launching point at Rumah Bangkong at Nanga Bala will be held the next day.

“This year is the 17th series of the international event since it was introduced in 1996. A total of RM 46,200 in prize money are up for grabs. The organising committee has decided to omit the Best Decorated Raft category this year and replaced it with the Kayak 1Malaysia programme”, said Dahim.