Abang Johari (third left) flagging off the Pump Boat Racing Open Category, as Entri (left) and others applaud.
MARUDI: Baram Regatta 2014 kicked off with a teaser of water sports activities including the roaring pump boats and fishing competition in the mighty Baram River at Marudi yesterday.
Minister of Tourism and Minister of Housing Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg graced the open category of the pump boat race which proved to be a crowd-puller in all the four sections.
The specially-designed boats powered by water pump engines were a delight to watch as the racers had to compete with each other in the choppy waters with propellers and steering mechanism custom-made for the competition.
“This is a prelude to the Baram Regatta,” he said at the RC pontoon wharf next to the stage overlooking the river.
The Baram Regatta ‘kick-off’ activities were organised by Saberkas Marudi branch, and Abang Johari is the state Saberkas chairman.
The fishing competition dubbed ‘Joran Ria Saberkas’ drew overwhelming response, with an angler hauling up a ‘serkam’ (catfish) to walk away with RM300 cash prize in the last minute of the hour-long competition.
Abang Johari said his ministry will consider the idea of a river fishing competition akin to the ‘GP Joran’ competition for the open sea in Semananjung Malaysia.
A ‘senamrobik’ competition was held while the activities last night included decorated bicycles and motorcycles competition and presentation of the rich cultural heritage of Baram.
Among them were Sayau Titot, Datun Julud (long dance), Ngajat, Fan Dance and Malay Drums cultural performances.
Assistant Minister of Public Utilities (Water Supply) and Marudi assemblyman Datuk Sylvester Entri, Baram MP Anyi Ngau and local dignitaries welcomed Abang Johari’s entourage which included Assistant Minister of Youth Development Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah and Pantai Damai assemblyman Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi.