KAPIT – The 28th Baleh-Kapit Raft Safari (SRBK) has once again proven its value not only as a signature tourism event but also as a powerful tool to strengthen community ties and boost the rural economy in the interior of Kapit.
This year’s event saw a significant increase in participation, with 29 teams competing—up from 19 the previous year—reflecting growing interest and the improved organisation of the programme.
Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier Department (Bumiputera Law and Customs), Datuk Jefferson Jamit Unyat, said SRBK remains one of Kapit’s most iconic programmes and continues to attract attention from beyond the region.
“The SRBK provides participants with an unforgettable adventure navigating the rapids, while also promoting Kapit as a nature-based tourism destination,” he said during the Council of Leaders with the People ceremony held at Rumah Tang, Nanga Banyau, Baleh, on Saturday.
To support local development, Datuk Jefferson announced the following community allocations:
- RM10,000 to the Rumah Tang Women’s Bureau,
- RM5,000 to the JKKK Rumah Tang Nanga Banyau, and
- RM20,000 to the JKKK Rumah Tang Nanga Banyau, contributed by the Minister of Public Works and Kapit MP, Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi.
“These allocations are expected to help strengthen community leadership, improve village facilities, and boost women’s involvement in social development,” he added.
Beyond the rafting competition, the powerboat race held at Kapit Waterfront was a major crowd-puller, further elevating the festive atmosphere of the two-day event.
The rafting route began at Rumah Nyandang, Ulu Majau, continuing to Rumah Tang, Nanga Banyau, before concluding at the Kapit Passenger Terminal the following day.
Datuk Jefferson expressed his hope that SRBK will continue to be enhanced in terms of promotion and participation, with the goal of establishing it as a major annual tourism attraction in Sarawak.
Also present were Pelagus Assemblyman Wilson Nyabong Ijang, Sarawak Police Commissioner Dato Mancha Ata, and local leaders from Rumah Tang.
