By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Aug 21: The 22nd edition of Pesta Benak Sri Aman, scheduled from Sept 19 to 21, 2025, is expected to attract even larger crowds this year with refreshed programmes and several strategic improvements.
According to a Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) news report, Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation, and Talent Development and Simanggang assemblyman Datuk Francis Harden Hollis said the festival, synonymous with the unique tidal bore phenomenon of the Batang Lupar River, will feature a wide array of activities.
“Among the highlights are the Batang Lupar Benak Regatta, Benak Road Trail Run, Miss Tourism Benak 2025, Unity Stage performances, Bumiputera Entrepreneur Exhibition, as well as cultural showcases by the Malaysian Armed Forces with the community.
“We want Pesta Benak to remain a symbol of identity and pride for the people of Sri Aman,” he said during RTM’s KUPPA KUPPI programme yesterday (Aug 20).
Meanwhile, Sri Aman Resident and Pesta Benak 2025 organising chairman Mahra Salleh said key upgrades are being put in place to elevate visitor experience.
These include the restructuring of bazaar clusters, additional mobile toilets, systematic cleaning schedules, and greater participation of local entrepreneurs and SMEs.
He added that the official Pesta Benak website and mobile app will also be launched to make information more accessible for visitors.
Furthermore, District Officer and Benak Regatta Committee chairman Sharrif Bujang emphasised that the regatta will remain the main highlight, while also promoting the Batang Lupar River as a unique tourism product with strong potential.
The festival will kick off with a soft launch officiated by Lingga assemblywoman Dayang Noorazah Awang Sohor on Sept 19, followed by the official opening by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg on Sept 20.
The closing ceremony will be graced by Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, on Sept 21 at the Main Stage, Sri Aman Waterfront.
With the theme ‘Exploring the Uniqueness and Challenge of the Benak Phenomenon in Batang Lupar, Sri Aman, Sarawak’, the festival is expected to elevate Sri Aman as an international tourism destination while bringing economic and social benefits to the local community. — DayakDaily
