MARUDI: The Baram Regatta, which has a long history since its first organisation in 1899, continues to serve as a symbol of community unity along the Baram River.
Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring) Datuk Gerawat Gala said that the Baram Regatta did not merely serve as competition grounds for the championship, but instead continues to serve as a platform for the unity of the multi-racial and multi-cultural Baram community.
"Even though the Baram people come from various areas such as Ulu Baram or Telang Usan, Sungai Tutoh, Sungai Apoh, Sungai Tinjar, Sungai Bakong and Batang Baram, they are still united in the same spirit and pace of unity.
"Like many tributaries that flow into Sungai Baram, we all come from various branches and flow in the same direction with the same rhythm, until finally becoming one big and strong river, which is Batang Baram," he said.
He said this while speaking at the Baram Regatta 2026 Closing Ceremony in Marudi, on Sunday.
In the meantime, the Mulu Assemblyman added that the organisation of the Baram Regatta this time is estimated to generate an economic impact of around RM10 million to Marudi throughout the four days of its organisation.
He said, based on the estimated average expenditure of RM500 for each of the approximately 20,000 visitors, the regatta would benefit the local economy.
"A total of 147 food and handicraft stalls operating throughout the event also recorded sales of around RM76,000, not including sales from local shops and accommodation premises," he explained.
According to Datuk Gerawat, the figures prove that the Baram Regatta not only strengthens community unity, but also serves as a catalyst for economic growth and tourism in Marudi.
The Baram Regatta 2026 which ran for four days saw the participation of 62 high powered boat teams involving 162 drivers as well as 23 long boat racing teams involving 920 paddlers.
More than 15,000 visitors attended the Baram Regatta 2026, while 147 food and handicraft stalls operating throughout the event recorded a total of RM76,000 in sales.
He also congratulated the Terawan-Mukunyang team who managed to defend the championship as Raja Batang Baram for the second time in a row.
Also present were Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government and Chairman of the Baram Regatta 2026 Main Committee Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil and his wife Datin Monica Ukong, Political Secretary to the Sarawak Premier Dominic Nyurang Ajang and Marudi District Officer Rose Edward Tarang. -UKASnews
