By DayakDaily Team
SRI AMAN, Dec 1: The grand finale of the 21st Regatta Benak Sri Aman Festival 2024 witnessed the dominance of the Khazanah Kasihnya Warisan team, claiming the title of Raja Sungai in the Bidar 30 Final race.
According to a report by the Sarawak Information Department (JaPen), the team clocked an impressive time of 6 minutes and 48 seconds, securing a cash prize of RM25,000 and the championship trophy.
The event was graced by the Governor of Sarawak, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, and his wife, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, at the Regatta Benak Grandstand.
The runners-up, MRG Gedong II, finished with a time of 6 minutes and 57 seconds, earning RM10,000 and a consolation trophy.
Todak Berjaya took third place with a time of 7 minutes and 1 second, winning RM5,000 and a trophy.
The race, the highlight of the festival, drew thousands of spectators from both local and international audiences, marking a vibrant conclusion to this year’s festivities.
The event underscored the unique cultural heritage of the Batang Lupar River and fostered unity and pride among its participants and attendees.
In her welcoming speech, Sri Aman MP Dato Sri Doris Sophia Brodie emphasised how the festival bolsters local income by promoting agricultural products, food, and crafts.
She also highlighted its role in elevating Simanggang as a tourism hub, enhancing the local economy.
The event was also attended by Sarawak Minister of Food Industry, Commodities, and Regional Development (M-FICORD) Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom; Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development II (Talent Development) Datuk Francis Harden Hollis; Bukit Begunan assemblyman Datuk Mong Dagang; Engkelili assemblyman Johnichal Rayong Ngipa; and 2024 Benak Festival organising chairman Mahra Salleh. — DayakDaily
