By Jacob Achoi
SERIAN, Aug 26: The Serian Raft Challenge 2026 is making a comeback after a one-year hiatus, with 80 teams already registered for the 25km event.
Offering a total prize pool of RM17,600, the challenge will be held on Sept 26 along Batang Kayan, starting from Kampung Tema Mawang and ending at Kampung Tebakang Dayak.
Serian MP Dato Sri Richard Riot Jaem said the event had already attracted international participation, with the number of teams expected to increase in the coming days.
“We already have 80 teams, including international participants, for the coming event, and the number may increase over the next two or three days,” he said when announcing the event at the Serian Community Hall today.
He said the event, organised by the Serian District Council (SDC), would also help promote Serian as the division continues to develop rapidly.
The Serian Raft Challenge is part of the Borneo Raft Safari series, which also includes the Mulu Eco Challenge, Selangau Raft Safari, Mukah Raft Safari and Padawan Raft Safari.
Meanwhile, SDC chairman Dato Peter Minos said preparations were on track for the event, while expressing hope that the haze situation would improve by Sept 26.
“Hopefully, by that time (Sept 26), the haze will have cleared so that we can proceed with the event. If it has to be postponed, we will duly inform everyone,” he said.
Minos stressed that the organiser would not compromise on participants’ safety, with various strategies and safety measures being put in place, including the involvement of the Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) and the provision of communication facilities.
He also said the Bukit Sadong Climbathon, which had previously been postponed, would be held, with the new date to be announced later.
“We intend to proceed with the Bukit Sadong Climbathon, which was postponed,” he said.
According to Minos, the Serian Raft Challenge, Bukit Sadong Climbathon and Serian Eco Run at Kampung Daha Kisau are the three main events being organised in the division to promote Serian as a tourism and sporting destination. — DayakDaily
