SIMANGGANG: Pesta Benak has grown into a catalyst for development in Sri Aman, boosting tourism, spurring economic activity, and opening new opportunities in education and sports.
Simanggang assemblyman Datuk Francis Harden Hollis said the festival, which began in 1999, has transformed the division from a small riverfront town into a destination that attracts visitors throughout the year.
“Beyond tourism, Pesta Benak serves as a gathering point for communities and families, fostering harmony and mutual respect among all races and religions,” he said at the opening ceremony today (Sept 20).
On the economic front, he noted, the influx of visitors generates income for local traders, with thousands of transactions occurring over the three-day event.
Regarding education, Francis highlighted that Sarawak Skills Sri Aman has begun offering short technical courses for youths, with plans underway to establish a permanent campus in Simanggang providing training opportunities comparable to those in larger towns.
“This will reduce costs for students from rural areas who would otherwise need to travel far to pursue technical education,” he added.
Sports development is also a key focus, with Sri Aman selected to host boxing events during the 2027 Southeast Asian Games (SEA) following strong support from local boxing fans.
“In preparation, we are proposing the construction of a national-standard boxing arena in Sri Aman. With strong community support, the division is ready to host more national-level sporting events,” Francis said.
He expressed gratitude to government agencies, corporate partners, and sponsors for contributing to the success of Pesta Benak 2025, noting that the festival has become both an economic driver and a platform for long-term progress.
