Regatta Lepa Listed in the 2025 Tourism Calendar
24 November 2024
SEMPORNA: The Regatta Lepa Festival is among the cultural programs that will be included in the Sabah state tourism calendar for the coming year, in addition to the 2025 Museum Festival and Exotic Crafts, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor.
He stated that this effort aims to enhance the competitiveness of community-based tourism, which is an effective method for distributing the income generated by this industry more inclusively and fairly.
"All these efforts are also to ensure that this cultural heritage can be enjoyed by the current and future generations. At the same time, it will further invigorate the local tourism sector.
"Therefore, I would like to invite all the people of Sabah to continue to unite and support every government initiative so that more development can be enjoyed by the people at all levels," he said during the opening ceremony of the 29th Regatta Lepa Celebration in Semporna at the Semporna Town Field on Saturday night.
His speech was delivered by the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment, Datuk Seri Panglima Christina Liew.
Meanwhile, Hajiji stated that the current era of modernisation does not hinder the state government's commitment to continue preserving the cultural treasures and customs inherited since the time of our ancestors.
"Lepa is not just a boat; it is a symbol of skill, wisdom, and the uniqueness of traditional architecture and engineering passed down from generation to generation. The richness of cultural traditions and ethnic diversity is a unique characteristic and heritage treasure that will continue to be preserved for future generations.
"Through the organisation of the Regatta Lepa, we not only ignite the spirit of unity but also strengthen our identity as a society rich in tradition. It is our joint responsibility to empower the cultural sector in this state," he said.
He noted that the uniqueness and distinctiveness of Sabah, which boasts a diversity of heritage, ethnicities, cultures, and communities, is an important asset for attracting tourists and should continue to be preserved and protected as a symbol of the civilisation of the people of this state.
"This is in line with the Sabah State Cultural Development Master Plan 2020-2030, which encompasses the development of the Cultural Mapping System, the upgrading of tourism facilities, and the preservation and conservation of heritage and cultural documentation as well as historical areas," he said.
In connection with this, he urged all citizens to maintain the culture of unity and consensus for a more prosperous future for the people of Sabah and the generations to come.
"This aligns with the theme of this festival, 'Regatta Lepa: A Symbol of Community Unity,' which clearly shows that the regatta celebration can serve as a platform for unity among the diverse ethnic groups in this state.
"We must continue to defend and strengthen this spirit of unity; let us not allow any form of division to disrupt the harmony we have built over time," he said.
