Kota Kinabalu: The State Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment is all geared up for the 28th Regatta Lepa scheduled to take place at the Dataran Regatta Lepa in Semporna from Nov 17 to 19.
Preparations include ensuring cleanliness, uninterrupted water and power supply, and sufficient lodging to accommodate some 30,000 to 50,000 projected visitors.
“The Regatta Lepa is one of Sabah’s world renowned heritage and attractions. It serves as a cultural link and unity among our community, including in intensifying the tourism sector,” its Minister Datuk Christina Liew told a media conference, here, Monday.
“Every year we try to do something different, to upgrade or improve the event,” she said.
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“I have attended this event before. God has truly blessed the area whenever we have events like this, but we take note of the importance of having backup plans in case of rain or other unforeseen occurrences,” she said.
“We are working together with the Semporna District Office to ensure the event runs smoothly,” she said.
She urged all parties to continue to work together to achieve a common vision and make Sabah, especially Semporna, which is famous for its beautiful islands, a major tourist destination that is known around the world.
The Regatta Lepa held annually in Semporna is a festival that depicts the rich customs and culture of the Bajau Laut community, attracting the attention of thousands of tourists from home and abroad.
The purpose of the event is to preserve the cultural heritage of the Bajau Laut community, strengthen unity, improve the local economy through tourism, promote Semporna as a cultural destination, as well as preserve the traditional Lepa-lepa boat-making skills.
This year’s event, themed “Regatta Lepa: Lambang Perpaduan Masyarakat Madani”, will again feature a variety of exciting programmes, including Regatta Lepa Run and Igal-igal performances, among others.
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