SEMPORNA: More than 100 'lepa', traditional Bajau community boats, will participate in the decorated boat competition in conjunction with the Regatta Lepa Festival in Semporna this year.
Regatta Lepa and Sea Sports Committee chairman, Abd Manan Indanan, said that thus far, there are 10 entries for traditional carved lepa while 100 entries consist of lepa kumpit (passenger boats) from villages around the district and the number of entries is expected to rise before the closing date on November 15 (next Wednesday).
"It is hoped that there will be more participation from the villagers, and as an incentive to participate, attractive prizes up for grabs, namely RM7,000 for the winner of the traditionally carved lepa category while RM3,000 for the winner of the lepa kumpit category," he told Bernama.
In addition to the decorated lepa competition, he said that various sea sports will also be carried out including kayaking, tug-of-war and duck catching.
In the meantime, Regatta Lepa Implementing Committee chairman Alexander Liew, who is also the Semporna district officer, said that the three-day festival starting November 17 (next Friday), will also be attended by delegations from Indonesia and the Philippines.
"These delegations come to Semporna solely to witness the Regatta Lepa Festival this year, so this is a matter of pride for the district because we can highlight Semporna as a district rich in culture and also the beauty of the islands and marine life," he said.
He added that the launch of 'Sambulayang', or the marker of the community's cultural activities, today, is symbolic of the start of the 28th Regatta Lepa Festival which is expected to attract 15,000 visitors.
He said that the festival not only promotes Bajau cultural heritage but also promotes Semporna as a rapidly growing cultural destination as well as stimulating the local economy.
Meanwhile, the Regatta Lepa organising chairman Adam Shah Mohamad said this year's festival will feature additional events involving participants aged 12 and below, for the Ratu Cilik Budjang Manis and Ratu Cilik Lallah Dorogan competitions.
"Also, there will be another event involving participants aged 15 and below for the 'Titik Tagunggu' event," he added.
According to him, the involvement of young participants is to give them exposure to the Bajau cultural heritage. – Bernama