Long boat races to be revived after 37 years

It has been a long time since the boat race was held last here. It will draw people to the Engkilili Festival.

Awang Said Awang Dollah, organising committee member

ENGKILILI: Long boat races are making a comeback to Engkilili town after 37 years.

It was revealed yesterday by organisers that the event would be part of Engkilili Festival scheduled for September this year.

According to the festival’s organisers, the last time a long boat race was held here was in 1978. Jointly organised by the Lubok Antu District Council (MDLA) and a few other agencies, the long boat race was meant to draw people to the Engkilili Festival l.

A few locals interviewed yesterday expressed their excitement over the race being organised in the town again. Awang Said Awang Dollah, one of the organising committee members during the last race in 1978, commented that he at first found it hard to believe that the town would witness the long boat races once again. “It has been a long time since the boat race was held last here. It will draw people to the Engkilili Festival,” he added.

Awang Said recalled that the last race which took place 37 years ago brought much excitement, making Engkilili town lively from many people flocking there. There were no more long boat races held there after 1978.

Tila Adin who participated in one of the races back in 1978 was only 17 years old then. Like Awang Said, he could hardly believe that the long boat races were making a comeback to Engkilili.

“Now 54, I might as well register for the veterans event if there is one. It will sure bring back fond memories,” he said. A meeting was also held at the MDLA office yesterday by the organisers of Engkilili Festival.

Engkilili assemblyman Dr Johnical Rayong Ngipa chaired the meeting which was attended by Lubok Antu district officer Jack Aman Luat, councillors, MDLA staff and representatives of the agencies involved. Rayong said like many Engkilili locals, he looked forward to the festival which could promote unity among the people.

Organising committee members for Engkilili Festival with Rayong (seated fourth left) and Jack (seated third left) after the meeting at the MDLA office yesterday.