Marudi town now and then, according to Penguang
MARUDI: Marudi was once known as Claude Town when it was chosen by Rajah Charles Brooke as the administrative centre for the northern region of Sarawak at a time when there was conflict between the races in Baram.
The then Resident, Charles Hose, then made a suggestion that a boat race among all the conflicting races be held to stop the bloodshed, which was wellreceived by the people.
Thus started the Baram Regatta in 1899 as a peace-making competition among all the tribes, that attracted some 6,000 people from Baram comprising Ibans, Kenyahs, Kayans, Narums, Melanaus, Malays and Madangs.
Since then, the regatta has become an annual event that draws people of all races from Baram and elsewhere.
This story was related by Datu Dr Penguang Manggil, the Marudi assemblyman and Assistant Minister of Local Government, at the launching of Marudi Waterfront and the GPS roadshow yesterday.
Saying that the peace has prevailed until now, Penguang shared that his dream is to see more development in Marudi state constituency.
He was glad that the muchawaited waterfront project would be started despite some setbacks when there was a change in federal government from Barisan Nasional to Pakatan Harapan in May last year.
He also said the Chief Minister had approved the Marudi bridge and other projects in the constituency to improve the livelihood of the people.
He also informed that the Baram Team was working on a proposal to upgrade Baram into the 13th division in Sarawak.
The launching of the Waterfront project was graced by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg at the Marudi Town Square.
Others attending the ceremony were Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, state ministers and assistant ministers, Baram MP Anyi Ngau and Telang Usan assemblyman Dennis Ngau.