KAPIT: The annual Baleh-Kapit Raft Safari is a good event to promote eco-tourism.
Deputy Kapit Resident (social development) Zul Usop said this is because of the unique rugged terrain and numerous rivers flowing through the green jungles in the Kapit Division.
He said besides having the opportunity to be close to nature, with the rich flora and fauna in the rainforest and rivers, participants and visitors get to sample local culture when they spend two nights in different host longhouses along the tributaries of Baleh River during the safari.
To local participants, he opined that the event can promote close rapport between participating government departments, agencies and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and even bring communities closer.
“Participants will feel the hidden paradise of this scenic interior of Sarawak along the tributary of Baleh River flowing down to the Rajang River,” he added.
The 16th edition of Baleh-Kapit Raft Safari, which started last Friday (Oct 4), came to a close on Sunday with the prize-giving officiated by Land Development Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Masing at the Kapit Terminal.
This year 26 teams participated in various regatta competitions organised in conjunction with the safari that included the Men’s Bamboo Open, Men’s Bamboo Closed, Free Style, Women Bamboo Closed and newly-introduced Paddle Boat and Best Decorated Raft categories.
Champion of Men’s Bamboo Open was Kelab Rekreasi Pejabat Pendidikan Daerah Kapit (time of 4:41:13 hours). First runner-up was PBB Boys (4:42:43 hours) followed by 9th Ranger Brigade (5:00:55 hours).
In the Men’s Bamboo Closed, champion was Sempulang Gana F1 while second and third places went to Kadico and Raja Genali (Public Works Dept) respectively.
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