SIMANGGANG: Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi graced the 21st Sri Aman Tidal Bore Festival 2024 (Pesta Benak) here.
Wan Junaidi was accompanied by Minister of Food Industry, Commodities, and Regional Development, Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom along with his wife, Datin Seri Loreta Sawat at the Batang Lupar Waterfront.
Also present at the Sri Aman Tidal Bore Festival 2024 were Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation, and Talent Development Datuk Francis Harden Hollis, who is also Simanggang assemblyman; Member of Parliament for Sri Aman Datuk Seri Doris Sophia Brodie; Bukit Begunan assemblyman Datuk Mong Dagang; Engkilili assemblyman Johnichal Rayong Ngipa
and acting Resident of the Sri Aman Division and chairperson of the Pesta Benak 2024 Main Committee, Mahra Salleh.
Upon his arrival, Wan Junaidi was greeted by cultural performances, such as a silat demonstration, a lion dance, and the beating of Iban drums, followed by a tour of the available governmental agencies’ display booths.
According to Doris, the festival has been held for almost three decades.
“This year marks the 21st edition of the Pesta Benak, which started on Nov 29, 2024, a festival held since 1999.
“The “soft launching” of the Pesta Benak was held on Nov 29 and officiated by Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Sarawak Datuk Snowdan Lawan.
“And, this event also included the launch of the book “The Wonders of the Tidal Bore Phenomenon in Batang Lupar”, authored by Sri Aman local Tan Chek Boon,” she said during her closing speech at the Pesta Benak, held at the Batang Lupar Waterfront yesterday.
She also expressed her delight at the ambience of the festival’s location.
“These past few days, I have observed a significant influx of visitors who come to shop or attend events like the Regatta Benak Batang Lupar.
“I am also pleased to see traders busy catering to visitors’ needs with the bustling coffee shops and food courts.
“This creates an opportunity for traders and local businesses to generate additional income from their products, agricultural produce, and culinary offerings.
“Moreover, visitors from diverse backgrounds demonstrate the enduring harmony and unity among Sarawakians, and this is the spirit we aim to foster,” she expressed.
She also said the Pesta Benak Sri Aman enhances Simanggang’s reputation as a tourism destination.
“The Pesta Benak Sri Aman contributes significantly to elevating Simanggang’s image as a tourism destination.
“It promotes eco-tourism, boosts the local economy, and highlights the uniqueness of the Sri Aman region’s natural heritage,” she concluded.
The official opening ceremony of the Pesta Benak Sri Aman was officiated by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas on Saturday.
