Eda Igar
MIRI: Ratu Baram Regatta 2011 is calling all single Malaysian ladies to participate in the beauty pageant to be held on Oct 1 in Marudi.
According to organising chairperson Eda Igar, the winner will walk home with RM3,000 cash prize while the first and second runner-up will receive RM2,000 and RM1000 respectively apart from other complementary prizes.
Finalists will not walk away empty handed as they will also receive RM300.
Those eligible to participate must be 18 to 30 years of age and application forms are obtainable from Marudi District Council, which can be contacted at 085-755755.
The closing date is on Sept 25.
“This event is also meant to promote unity and racial integration. At the same time, it could also help boost the tourism industry of Baram in particular,” said Eda yesterday.
Since the beauty pageant will be held as one of the activities for the Baram Regatta, she said participants must equip themselves with information pertaining to the history and development of Baram and the Regatta, was first held here 109 years ago.
“IQ test on the top four finalists will be one of the important factors to determine who will be named Miss Baram Regatta as she will be the ambassador to promote Baram,” she hinted.
The wife of the Head of State, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Hajah Norkiah is expected to give away prizes to the winners.
The regatta will be held from Sept 30 to Oct 2.
Apart from the 32 paddling events, various other activities including cultural night, best traditional design boats parade and sape competition are also in the pipeline to spice up the event.
Assistant Minister of Water Supply and organising committee chairman, Sylvester Entri, urged those interested in participating in the various events to contact the Marudi District Council.
He said the Regatta, themed “Our Culture, Heritage, Peace and Unity”, is expected to attract thousands of people from both within and outside the country.
The regatta, he added, will showcase the rich cultures and traditions of the people in the Baram district who are predominantly Orang Ulu.
Baram regatta was first held in 1899 to commemorate peace among warring tribal groups in the Baram region. It marks the people’s appreciation and willingness to work together towards peace.