Brunei to take part in Labuan fest
By Rosli Abidin Yahya

A number of participants from Brunei Darussalam will take part in races such as Labuan Jet Sports Challenge, Nusantara Sampan Race and Round Island Kayak Race in the National Water Festival 2004 to be held in Labuan next month.

Malai Hashim bin Malai Hassan, a representative of Labuan Tourism Action Council and Labuan Corporation, yesterday confirmed their participation in the event.

"A number of exhibitors from the Sultanate are also expected to exhibit their products at the Water Festival Exhibition to be held from May 7 to 8," he said.

Malai Hashim yesterday renewed his invitations for Bruneians to attend the event as competitors, exhibitors or spectators.

He said there are extra accommodation at the Universiti Malaysia Sabah's student apartment which has 3 rooms per unit, if hotel accommodations in the town are full.

Malai Hashim also told the Bulletin yesterday that the opening ceremony for the National Water Festival 2004 will take place on May 2 at 7.30 pm and it will be officiated by the Malaysian Minister of Federal Territories, Tan Sri Mohd Isa Samad.

"After the opening remark of Datuk Hj Suhaili and the opening declaration by Tan Sri Mohd Isa, there will be performances by groups and artistes such as May, Sheeda and Bienda as well as cultural dances presented by dancers from the Cultural Body of Labuan Corporation.

"Prize presentations will also be held for events that had already ended such as underwater treasure hunt, Labuan Jetsport Challenge and beach volleyball," he said.

Meanwhile, the closing ceremony of the event will be officiated by Dr Leo Michael Toyad, the Malaysian Tourism Minister on May 8 at 8 pm at the same venue.

A Member of Parliament of Labuan, Datuk Hj Suhaili bin Abdul Rahman, will attend both opening and closing ceremonies.

The finals of Nusantara Boat Race and Tug-of-War On Boat will also be held before the closing ceremony. "There are also performances by the Malaysian Royal Navy, fireworks display and entertainment by popular local groups and artistes such as Ella, Waheeda, Senario, Akademi Fantasia, Hazami, Ahmad Jais, Ogy Ahmad Daud, Velerri Wong and Banu Mita."

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin