DALAT: The Kpg Kekan mini regatta which ended on Saturday evening was a wonderful manifestation of the existence of the spirit of togetherness among the locals.
It was not only the interrelation between the colourful communities of Dalat District but also between the kampungs in the area.
“Being the inaugural event, the lack of facilities was obvious; however, it was not at all a hindrance for the organiser. And thank you to Kampung Balan for being willing to lend them one of the most important facilities, that is the pontoon of the village,” said Welfare, Community Well-being, Women, Family and Childhood Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah who is also Dalat assemblywoman. She stated this when officiating at the watersports dubbed as “Mini Regatta Santo Fest Kpg Kekan 2018”.
As the two villages were located about 10 kilometres away along Oya River with Dalat Bazaar, Kpg Dalat and Kampung Tanam in between, the organiser had to tow the pontoon from Kpg Balan going upper river to Kpg Kekan.
Realising the importance of a proper facility for staging such river activity, Fatimah announced an allocation totalling RM350,000 from her minor rural project (MRP) for the construction of Kpg Kekan mini-waterfront next year.
“I am keen to create a retaining wall cum mini-waterfront for the villages in the district, besides the main Dalat Bazaar Waterfront and Pekan Sabtu Oya. At present, we have such mini waterfronts in Kpg Balan, Kpg Brunei, Kpg Medong, Kpg Tanam, with Kpg Klid and Kpg Teh in the process of construction,” she said.
She admitted that boat racing or locally known as Besaug is among the most popular recreational activities for the residents of Dalat constituency, regardless of their racial, social and religious backgrounds.
“It does not only benefit the people in the social aspect but also fosters closer rapport among the residents, promoting the team spirit and above all spirit of unity. And at the same time, it also produces a positive impact on the economy of the people in the area and community prosperity index,” added Fatimah.
Hence, she challenged the district’s second largest village, Kpg Tanam Dalat, to have its own mini regatta too.
“If the smaller village like Kpg Kekan can do it, there is no reason a bigger village like Kpg Tanam cannot have it too. And now Kpg Tanam has the just completed mini-waterfront. If I am not mistaken, the next regatta will be in Kpg Medong,” she said, adding that Kpg Balan had it held successfully on several occasions already.
The Santo Fest was held in conjunction with the 40th anniversary of St James’ Chapel of the village which is located near SK St Jude.
Various categories of boat racing and other appealing side items were featured during the two-day event on Dec 28 and 29.
Also present at the function were Dalat District Officer Kueh Leh Poh, Temenggong Hendi Suhai and local community leaders.
