20,000 turnout expected for Sematan Festival

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KUCHING: The Sematan Sub-District Office is banking on several events in drawing more visitors to its annual Sematan Festival this weekend.

Hamsien (fifth left) handing a promotional poster on Sematan Festival 2014 Muaythai and Kick-boxing Championships to Sarawak Muaythai Association deputy president Sulaiman Salleh (second right) after the press conference.

The three-day festival will kick off on Friday, with Tourism Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg expected to officiate at the venue on Saturday around 9am.

During a press conference at Sarawak Golf Club here yesterday, Sematan Sub-District officer Hamsien Atar said his office expected a turnout of at least 20,000 this year, adding that the activities lined up would be those that could only be found in Sematan.

“Everybody – locals and tourists alike – should not miss these events as they portray Sarawakian culture and heritage. We are inviting all to come to Sematan town this weekend.”

Among the activities scheduled for the weekend festival are traditional water sports, cultural dances by the natives of Lundu District as well as those from the neighbouring Sambas region of Indonesia, performances from popular Malaysian singers and exhibitions by various government and non-government organisations.

Hamsien also pointed out that it had been the tradition of Sematan folk to serve free traditional food to visitors on that day.

“Ten stalls will be set up by the Sub-District Office to distribute these culinary treats to the public that Saturday. For traditional food lovers, they will not be disappointed.

“We promise that we won’t let anyone be left hungry,” Hamsien quipped. The highlight of the festival, he added, would be the state-level muaythai and kick-boxing championships on Saturday.

“We are delighted upon having the support from Sarawak Muaythai Association, which will organise the outing at the town’s centre,” Hamsien enthused.

According a statement from the association, some 60 exponents will slug it out for various Pro and Amateur category titles, including a major challenge between Sarawak TYT Cup holder Shafilaludin Nordin and Sabah’s two-time Muaythai D1 champion Faizal Ismail. Entrance for the showdown is free.