SEMPORNA: The Regatta Lepa Festival in Semporna this year will feature over 100 traditional Bajau community boats known as ‘lepa’ in the decorated boat competition.
Abd Manan Indanan, the Regatta Lepa and Sea Sports Committee chairman, has stated that there are currently 10 entries for traditional carved lepa and 100 entries for lepa kumpit (passenger boats) from villages around the district. The number of entries is expected to increase before the closing date on Nov 15.
Indanan hopes for more participation from the villagers and has announced attractive prizes, with RM7,000 for the winner of the traditionally carved lepa category and RM3,000 for the winner of the lepa kumpit category,” he told Bernama.
Aside from the decorated lepa competition, various sea sports including kayaking, tug-of-war, and duck catching will also be carried out, according to Indanan.
Regatta Lepa Implementing Committee chairman Alexander Liew, also the Semporna district officer, mentioned that the three-day festival starting Nov 17 will be attended by delegations from Indonesia and the Philippines.
Liew further stated, “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.”
The launch of “Sambulayang”, or the marker of the community’s cultural activities, on Thursday (Nov 9), is symbolic of the start of the 28th Regatta Lepa Festival which is expected to attract 15,000 visitors, added Liew.
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, according to Liew.
Regatta Lepa organising chairman Adam Shah Mohamad announced that 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,” Mohamad added.
Mohamad also explained that the involvement of young participants is to give them exposure to the Bajau cultural heritage. – Bernama
