SIMANGGANG: The 22nd Pesta Benak, running from Sept 19 to 21, is expected to draw about 70,000 visitors with an expanded line-up of programmes and attractions.
Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development II (Talent Development) Datuk Francis Harden Hollis said the annual festival continues to expand in scale and appeal, offering more activities and facilities for both locals and tourists.
“This year, we have lined up 10 major programmes, including the Benak Road Trail Run, Regatta Benak Batang Lupar, Miss Tourism Benak 2025, exhibitions, entrepreneur showcases, cultural performances, and the Bazaar Ria Benak,” he said at the opening ceremony today (Sept 20).
He added that two new events have been introduced this year, namely the Unity Stage organised yesterday (Sept 19) by Yayasan Perpaduan Sarawak and the Sarawak Drum Festival 2025 coordinated by the Department of Culture and Arts Sarawak (JKKN Sarawak).
The Benak Road Trail Run, held earlier this month with 1,156 participants in the 5km and 10km categories, is set to expand to 12km and 21km distances next year.
The highlight of the festival, the Regatta Benak Batang Lupar, offers RM25,000 to the champion and total prize money of RM135,560, with the final race to crown the Raja Regatta Batang Lupar taking place tomorrow (Sept 21).
Francis also noted that 609 stalls have been approved this year, compared with 420 last year, selling a wide range of goods, food, and beverages to meet the demand of festival-goers.
He said visitors are expected not only from Sarawak but also from Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, Brunei, and Indonesia.
He stressed that Pesta Benak serves not only as a tourism attraction but also as a cultural and social platform that unites communities.
“It brings people of all races, religions, and backgrounds together in harmony, while boosting the local economy and promoting Sri Aman as a tourism destination,” he said.
