KOTA SAMARAHAN: The Simunjan Festival 2025 will take place on Oct 2-5 in Simunjan, with a host of exciting events on the cards.
More than 100,000 visitors are expected at the festival, now in its fifth edition, which will feature over 20 major activities, including the Simunjan Regatta, a bikers’ gathering, an open futsal tournament, the Simunjan Festival Queen competition, Battle of the Band, Strongest Man competition, Simunjan Kitchen, etc.
According to Simunjan assemblyman, Awla Dris, the success of previous editions has been a major motivation for this year’s event.
“The response in the past has been very encouraging. We hope this year will be even more lively and attract visitors from both within and outside the country,” he said during a press conference on Simunjan Festival 2025 at the Resident;s Office, here today (June 17).
This year’s Simunjan Regatta offers a total prize pool of over RM75,500, including RM20,000 for the winner of the ‘King of the River’ title.
Race categories include balok boats with 10, 15, 20, and 25 rowers, bidar boats with 30 male rowers, and a 30-man marathon race. The competition is open to all teams.
The bikers’ gathering is another major highlight, with over 100 participants expected from Brunei, 280 from Pontianak, and many more from Sabah, Bintulu, Miri, Kuching, and Samarahan.
Interestingly, it will feature not only high-powered motorcycles but also smaller-capacity bikes.
For the first time, a Muay Thai showcase will be held in Simunjan to introduce the sport to local youth.
The open futsal tournament is expected to once again receive overwhelming support, as in previous years, where teams from Bintulu, Miri, and Sabah participated. Notably, a team from Sabah won the tournament two years ago.
“Although Simunjan is a small town, the tremendous response from outside participants proves the appeal of this festival,” Awla added.
The opening ceremony will be officiated by Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, while the closing ceremony is expected to be graced by Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.