Waterfront’s new sculptures signify regatta heritage
MARUDI: The new sculptures at Marudi Waterfront are meant to honour the tradition that this town is most well-known for, the Baram Regatta.
A ceremony took place on Marudi Square yesterday to mark the installation of the black-steel structures depicting several race boats with paddlers.
Assistant Minister of Local Government and Housing Datu Dr Penguang Manggil, who officiated at the event, said the whole implementation of the waterfront project was based on the Baram Regatta, which he hailed as the ‘Mother of All Regattas’.
The event came to existence when then-Baram Resident Charles Hose held a peace conference in April 1899, meant to address the fights amongst the tribes in the region.
Originally, the regatta involved representatives of the tribes taking part in longboat races, but over the years, it has evolved to also include other activities such as food and cultural festivals, as well as a beauty pageant.
“Today, the Baram Regatta is known as an event that gathers people of various races and this ‘Humanoid Archway’ truly represents this heritage,” said Penguang, who is Marudi assemblyman.
The sculptures are a part of the Marudi Waterfront Phase 1 project costing over RM11 million. It is expected to be ready by next month.
In addition, the second phase of the development would cover a 750m section along the Baram River, from the Tua Pek Kong Temple to SK Datu Sharif Hamid, costing RM63 million.
“These are amongst several projects going on here,” said Penguang.
“One of them is the road from Marudi to Nanga Melinau in Mulu, and then to Long Lama Bazaar. The works are underway.”
Penguang also said the land connectivity to this town had improved with the completion of the 20km R5-standard road connecting Miri and Marudi.
“Previously, the driving journey between Miri and Marudi would take at least one and a half hours, but now with this road, travelling time has been cut to less than 30 minutes,” he added.
Among those present yesterday were Mulu assemblyman Datuk Gerawat Gala, political secretary to chief minister Charles Balan Seling, permanent secretary to Ministry of Local Government and Housing Datu Antonio Kahti Galis, and Marudi District Council chairman Edward Mendai.
Today, the Baram Regatta is known as an event that gathers people of various races and this ‘Humanoid Archway’ truly represents this heritage.
— Datu Dr Penguang Manggil, Assistant Minister of Local Government and Housing