KUCHING: Four traditional bamboo raft races in Sarawak have been brought together under the newly established Borneo Raft Safari to enhance eco-tourism while encouraging participants to compete across multiple destinations in the state.
Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the league would not only promote healthy competition but also stimulate tourism movement and create economic opportunities for rural communities.
“This league encourages participants to travel across Sarawak to compete in multiple destinations, fostering healthy competition while stimulating tourism movement and local economic activity throughout the state,” he said during the Borneo Raft Safari press conference here today (July 14).
Abdul Karim said the long-term vision was to grow the league into a premier eco-adventure tourism product and eventually establish a network of traditional bamboo raft races involving Sarawak, Sabah, Brunei Darussalam and Kalimantan.
“We aspire for the Borneo Raft Safari to become one of the world’s leading eco-adventure tourism experiences.
“While rafting events are organised in many countries around the world, very few offer participants the opportunity to race on traditional bamboo rafts through pristine rivers while experiencing authentic local culture, warm hospitality and vibrant community life,” he said.
This year’s league comprises four sanctioned events: the Mulu Eco Challenge, Selangau Raft Safari, Mukah Raft Safari and Padawan Raft Safari.
The Mulu Eco Challenge was held on Mar 29, while the Selangau Raft Safari will be taking place on July 26, followed by the Mukah Raft Safari on Aug 22 and the Padawan Raft Safari on Oct 3 and 4.
Race director Awang Saifuleuddin Awangku Karim said competitors would earn points at each sanctioned event throughout the season, with cumulative standings determining the overall champions in their respective categories.
He said the league was also introduced to raise the standard of traditional bamboo raft races through a common platform that includes standardised event management, online registration, participant insurance and uniform competition categories.
“By creating a certain standard and elevating these events, we are able to attract more participants and bring more visitors to the rural areas where these events are organised,” he said.
He said organisers of other rafting events across Sarawak were welcome to join the league, provided they met the required standards.
On safety, he said organisers would continue working with the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) and Sarawak Rivers Board ahead of sanctioned races, including conducting crocodile flushing operations where necessary.
“We will involve SFC for the flushing operation. We are already working together with SFC, as well as the Sarawak Rivers Board because the rivers fall under its jurisdiction while wildlife comes under SFC,” he said.
