Selangau Festival is an important event that brings people together, says Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Masing.

In this regard, he has expressed his appreciation to the Sibu Rural District Council (SRDC) for having revived the festival, which was themed ‘One Heart, One Path’ this year.

“I think it’s important for authorities in Selangau to make a concerted effort in organising such a function that gets the people together, and also allows the business community to earn some extra income,” Masing told a press conference after the opening of the festival at Selangau Bazaar yesterday.

He said the event would promote not only Selangau Bazaar, but also the whole district to those from the outside.

Masing said despite having been in and out of Selangau many times, he had never seen such a big crowd as the one that turned out yesterday.

“It is a good sign of support by the local community,” he pointed out.

On the first Selangau Rafting Challenge incorporated in the festival, the minister said the event would draw people from outside to the town.

Masing later announced an allocation of RM20,000 for the organisation of the Selangau Festival next year.

Meanwhile, festival organising chairman Ho Kok Munting said the SRDC hoped to turn Selangau Bazaar into a tourism attraction.

It is believed that Selangau has the potential because of its strategic location near Mukah, Bintulu and Sibu.

Other activities for the festival are a street soccer challenge, singing competition, and water rafting. For water rafting, there were 40 teams taking part including participants from the United States and Germany.

Present at the opening ceremony were Assistant Minister for Arts and Culture Datuk John Sikie Tayai, Tamin assemblyman Christopher Gira, Balai Ringin assemblyman Snowdan Lawan, Sibu Resident Hii Chang Kee, and SRDC chairman Sempurai Petrus Ngelai.

Source:
courtesy of THE BORNEO POST

by Jane Moh

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