KUCHING: Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, are scheduled to officiate the closing ceremony of the 22nd edition of Pesta Benak Sri Aman on September 21.
The invitation was formally extended during a courtesy visit at the Astana Negeri in Petra Jaya today, led by Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development Datuk Francis Harden Hollis, who is also Simanggang assemblyman.
He led the delegation representing the festival’s main organising committee.
During the meeting, Wan Junaidi and Fauziah were briefed on the festival’s latest developments and preparations.
This year’s edition of Pesta Benak will be held from September 19 to 21 at the Sri Aman Waterfront.
The festival’s soft launch on September 19 will be officiated by Lingga assemblywoman Dayang Noorazah Awang Sohor, while the official opening on September 20 will be graced by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
The three-day event will highlight the natural tidal bore phenomenon of Batang Lupar through a variety of activities including the Benak Batang Lupar Regatta, Benak Road Trail Run, Miss Tourism Benak 2025, development exhibitions, Bumiputera Entrepreneur Development Council (MPUB) booths, Bazaar Ria, cultural and unity performances, and community programmes with the Malaysian Armed Forces.
Themed “Explore the Uniqueness and Challenges of the Benak Phenomenon in Batang Lupar, Sri Aman, Sarawak”, the festival is expected to draw local and international visitors while showcasing the region’s natural beauty, cultural heritage and tourism potential.
