KOTA SAMARAHAN: The 5th edition of the Simunjan Festival will be held in full swing for four days, beginning from 2 to 5 October 2025 in Simunjan town.

This was announced by Simunjan Assemblyman, Awla Dris, in a special press conference on the organisation of the Simunjan Festival 2025 held at the Samarahan Division Resident's Office on Tuesday.

According to him, the biennial festival is expected to attract more than 100,000 visitors with more than 20 programmes and activities in various segments specially organised to attract participation from all walks of life.

“Among the main attractions is the Simunjan Festival Regatta Competition which will be held on the banks of the Batang Sadong River.

"A total of six race categories will be contested with a total cash prize of RM75,500, including the main prize of RM20,000 for the title of ‘Raja Sungai Simunjan Festival 2025’,” explained Awla.

Apart from water sports, among the events highlighted will be the Bike Gathering, which according to Awla, managed to attract foreign participation including from Brunei Darussalam, Pontianak (Indonesia), Sabah as well as from Kuching and Samarahan.

“Brunei is to send around 100 participants, while from Pontianak, Indonesia, more than 280 high-powered motorcycles will be involved,” he added.

The Simunjan Festival 2025 also presents various interesting activities such as the Muaythai Showcase which will be held for the first time, Simunjan Kitchen, Simunjan Festival Queen Competition, Battle of the Band Competition, Open Futsal Competition, e-Sports & People’s Sports, Traditional Cuisine Competition, Legend Cake & Frames, Children’s Fashion Show & Colouring, Mini Health Carnival, Pentarama and performances by local and national artists.

The opening ceremony is expected to be officiated by the Sarawak Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan on 3 October 2025.

The ceremony will also see the Official Launch of ‘Simunjan Kitchen’, a platform promoting the uniqueness of Simunjan’s local cuisine.

The event will culminate on 5 October 2025 with the Bidar 30 Men’s Paddler Race for the Regatta event, followed by a closing ceremony expected to be officiated by the Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg.

The Closing Night Concert at 'Pentas Rakyat', featuring popular artists from the country as well as local talents, will bring the curtain down on the 2025 Simunjan Festival to an unforgettable close.

“The Simunjan Festival is not just an entertainment event, but also plays a major role in empowering local culture, boosting the local economy and uniting the community,” added Awla, calling on the public to attend the festival.

Also present at the press conference was the Samarahan Division Resident, Mohamad Irwan Bahari Bujang and Simunjan District Officer, Sanuyah Mohamad. -UKASnews