SRI AMAN: The iconic Pesta Benak event is seen as a catalyst for a series of new developments in the Sri Aman area.

Sarawak Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development, Datuk Francis Harden Hollis, said Sri Aman is currently experiencing active infrastructure development in line with the organisation of the Pesta Benak which is increasingly popular among Sarawakians and foreign visitors every year.

In this regard, he said, this development is being made to empower the people's economy, in addition to providing comfort to visitors who come to Sri Aman to witness the Pesta Benak and other annual events.

“The closest example of the development we have made is the Sri Aman Waterfront, which was originally a jetty that has been developed into one of the iconic and more comfortable waterfronts for visitors.

“So, this year we can see changes in terms of the size of the sites for us to organize this Benak Festival,” he said.

He said this while delivering the welcome speech for the 22nd edition of the Benak Festival, at the Sri Aman Waterfront, on Saturday.

Meanwhile, he also took the opportunity to express his appreciation for the presence of the Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg to grace this year’s Benak Festival.

Meanwhile, Datuk Francis, who is also Simanggang Assemblyman and Advisor to the Pesta Benak Organising Committee, said that the addition of new content in conjunction with Pesta Benak Festival indicates that this event is still relevant in attracting visitors from both the old and young generations.

It is understood that two new content will be featured in Pesta Benak 2025, namely the Unity Stage and the Sarawak Drum Festival, in addition to eight pther events include Benak Road Trail Run, Benak Batang Lupar Regatta, Miss Tourism Benak and many more. - UKASnews