Regatta turns town into sea of colour, festivities

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WARM TRADITIONAL WELCOME: Taib and his wife Puan Sri Raghad given a warm welcome by the people of Baram. — Photos by Jeffry Mostapa

MARUDI: This town exploded into a riot of colours as the rich cultural heritage dating back over a century came to the fore with the Baram Regatta 2011 hitting full steam yesterday.

Head of State Tun Datuk Patinggi Tun Datuk Patinggi Abang Haji Muhammad Salahuddin and his wife Toh Puan Norkiah were given a rousing, colourful welcome upon their arrival in Marudi town whichwas painted with a riot of colours from the communities turning out in their best traditional costumes.

A total of 100 boats are participating in Baram Regatta 2011, coming from Kuching, Saratok, Brunei, Sibuti and the Baram in this event which dated back over a century at the onset of a landmark peace-making ceremony to end blood-letting tribal rivalries.

The event this year is another historical milestone with the Sultan of Brunei Sultan Hassanal  Bolkiah expected to grace the event today, and Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud and his wife Puan Sri Raghad Kurdi Taib arriving here for the event yesterday.

The visit by the Sultan of Brunei was an event to look forward to by those at the Baram Regatta where Sarawak has regarded it as an honour, the biggest for the people of Marudi.