By Wilfred Pilo
KUCHING, Oct 14: This year’s participation in the Padawan Raft Safari to be held on Oct 22 has seen a significant leap in the number of participants from 100 teams in the previous edition to 213.
Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Sarawak (MTCP) Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah expressed his delight and attributed the surge in participation to the event’s strong brand reputation and Padawan’s growing recognition as a premier adventure tourism destination.
“The event continues to attract adventure enthusiasts and spectators from across the region and the world.
“Sometimes, these participants come not for the monetary rewards but to seek thrill, fun, and adventure,” he said at a press conference at Serapi Hotel Satok today.
He added that out of the 213 teams, the event will see the participation of 13 international teams from Thailand, Indonesia, the United States, Russia, Belarus, China, Singapore, Brunei, and the Philippines.
Abdul Karim said the presence of the international team underscores the event’s global appeal and recognition.
He also estimated to see around 3,000 spectators at the event.
“Spectators can join the flagging-off at Kampung Annah Rais for the kayak category at 7.30am, Kampung Temurang for the open category at 8.30am, and Kampung Danu for the women open, government agencies, hotel, and tour categories at 9.30am.
“The closing ceremony is expected to occur at Kampung Git at 3pm,” he said.
Abdul Karim advised spectators to come early if they use their own vehicles or to carpool with others as there could be limited parking spaces and traffic congestion.
“It would be good that shuttle bus services be provided to avoid traffic congestion to the event,” he suggested.
MTCP permanent secretary Datu Sherrina Hussaini and Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) chairman Tan Kai were also at the press conference. — DayakDaily
