04-08-2025
Sarikei Festival 2025 showcases river's role in culture, sports
Len receives a memento from Datu Michael Ronnie Langgong.
SARIKEI (Aug 4): The mighty Rajang River continues to be more than a natural waterway – it is the lifeblood of Sarikei's economic, cultural, and social identity and now serves as a world-class venue for water sports events.
Deputy Minister of Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment, Datuk Len Talif Salleh, said the river's iconic role makes it the perfect stage for international-standard events such as the Power Boat Race 2025, which concluded on Saturday in conjunction with the Sarikei Festival 2025.
'Rajang River is not merely a river flowing from upstream to downstream – it is the heartbeat of Sarikei's growth and connectivity,' he said.
'It has witnessed the movement of fishermen's boats, passenger sampans, agricultural traders, and now serves as the arena for world-class water sports events,' he added.
Len officiates the flag-off for one of the boat racing categories on the final day of the competition.
Speaking at the festival's closing ceremony at Terminal Penumpang 1, Len noted that the former Pineapple and Fruits Festival has now been rebranded as the Sarikei Festival, with a renewed vision to position the district as a destination for vibrant, competitive, and inclusive aquatic sports and tourism.
This effort, he said, symbolises a fresh revival of the festival, blending Sarikei's traditional heritage with modern elements to appeal to both local and international visitors.
He further explained that the rebranding signifies more than just a name change; it reflects a broader transformation across Sarikei's tourisn, economy, and community development strategies.
'Sarikei is rich in multi-ethnic cultural heritage, living traditions, and breathtaking landscapes – from paddy fields and plantations to rivers and forests – all enriched by the warmth of its people,' he added.
Also present at the closing ceremony were Sarikei Division Resident Datu Michael Ronnie Langgong, Sarikei District Officer Louis Yeo Soon, and Meluan assemblyman Rolland Duat Jubin. lead Len Talif Salleh Rajang River Sarikei Festival water sports
