KAPIT: The organising committee for this year’s Baleh-Kapit Raft Safari is calling for entries for the two-day raft race which will be held on April 1 and 2.
Chairing the committee meeting held in the conference room of the State Office Complex at Jalan Bleteh here recently, Kapit Resident, Joseph Belayong Punan who is also the organising chairman, told the press that participants from both local and outside teams are invited to take part in the competition.
“The entry forms are available from Kapit Resident Office. We will distribute the entry forms to all the ministries and resident offices in the state with effect from Monday, Feb 20 as we want more participation this year,” he said.
He disclosed that the rafting competition has five main categories: Men’s Bamboo Open, Men’s Bamboo Closed (Inter-Department), Women’s Bamboo Open, Free Style and Paddle Boat—the last two categories are open to both men and women. The paddle event is to remind the people of the importance of water transport in earlier days which until today, remains the main mode of transport here in the absence of a road network.
The first flag-off point for this year’s Baleh-Kapit Raft Safari is at Rumah Ansi, Nanga Sepajie at Sungai Majau, a tributary of Mujong River.
Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Jemut Masing is expected to officiate at the first flag-off.
The trip from Rumah Ansi to Kapit is estimated to take about 6–7 hours, along the Rajang River, Baleh River, Sungai Mujong and Sungai Majau. The rafters will be able to enjoy the pristine clear water of Sungai Majau while at the same time take in scenic views of Iban longhouses along the river. Rumah Ansi comprises some 29 families.
Belayong cautioned rafters that Sungai Majau has numerous boulders and rocks across the river that pose a danger to river users.
“However this is good as this will make the rafting competition more challenging” he said.
Meanwhile, the second flag-off point for the race is at Rumah Along at Nanga Majau which has some 18 families. Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development, Datuk Alexander Nanta Linggi is expected to officiate at this flag-off.
This year marks the 22nd edition of the annual international rafting competition since it was introduced in 1996.
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