MIRI: Lawas Festival, better known as ‘Pesta Lawas’, has a rich history which is linked to three regattas: Lawas, Trusan and Sundar.
In the old days, these were major occasions even though road network in this district was virtually non-existent then.
Trusan Regatta caters to those in the hinterland along the Trusan Basin, Sundar Regatta for the Sundar sub-district, which included those in Awat-Awat, while Lawas Regatta was the biggie for people in Punang, Kuala Lawas and Lawas town.
Pesta Lawas started in the late 70s, combining all the three regattas into one major celebration.
In the past 10 years, it has grown in size and stature as a platform for promoting water sports, economic stimulation, tourism and regional interactions.
Participants and visitors from Brunei, Sabah, Labuan and Kalimantan Indonesia, apart from other parts of Sarawak, are expected to head in big numbers to Lawas for the regatta, food, cultural performances, concerts, expos, floats and a slew of other activities from May 25-27.
A bevy of stars roped in to keep the people entertained include Hafiz, Adira AF8, Jaclyn Victor, Jimmy Palikat, Saiful Apek and Dahlan Zainuddin.
RTM Sarawak would be joining in the celebration with its food expo roadshow ‘Gegar Olimpik’.
However, Lawas Regatta would continue to be the main attraction, and locals would be looking to the battle royale for the `Raja Sungai Lawas’ (King of Lawas River) title.
Kuala Lawas-based Putera, which won the Brunei International Regatta title earlier this year, would be fighting the likes of Sarawak River champions Landas and Pusaka, apart from defending champion Citra Alti and teams from Brunei and Sabah.
Continue reading at: Three days of fun, excitement await Lawas festival visitors
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