Sikie: Pesta Tatau 2024 to feature over 30 events, expected to draw around 80,000 visitors

TATAU (Aug 27): The upcoming Pesta Tatau 2024, which will feature over 30 events, is anticipated to draw around 80,000 visitors, according to Dato Sri John Sikie Tayai.

The Minister in the Premier’s Department said this year, the 10-day festival will officially run from Sept 5 to 15, with sales booths opening on August 30 at the Sungai Jatan Community Park.

He said last year’s Pesta Tatau successfully attracted 50,000 attendees.

“The increase in visitors is due to the engaging programmes, such as the powerboat competition, which has already registered 95 participants.

“Interestingly, the event has also attracted participants from outside Malaysia, including Brunei,” he added.

To date, he said 17 powerboats from Brunei are set to compete in the event. Local boat racers from Kanowit, Dalat, Mukah, Limbang, Marudi, Kapit, Belaga, and Bekenu will also participate.

Sikie, who is Kakus assemblyman, said the ultimate goal for Pesta Tatau is to support local businesses and food entrepreneurs in increasing their income.

“The Pesta Tatau 2024 is projected to generate a Return On Investment (ROI) of RM5 million,” he said at the press conference for Pesta Tatau 2024 yesterday, which was also attended by Tatau district officer Jabang Juntan.

He noted that the nearly completed Pan Borneo Highway will make it easier for visitors from outside the area to travel to Tatau Town during the event.

“Although we currently lack accommodation facilities such as hotels and homestays, this is not a major issue. Visitors can stay in Bintulu Town, which is a short distance away thanks to the Pan Borneo Highway,” he said.

At the same time, he also encouraged local residents to create homestays for visitors.

Sikie also proposed for the construction of hotels in Tatau Town to accommodate the growing number of visitors in the future.

Pesta Tatau is organised by the Tatau District Office in collaboration with the Bintulu Development Authority and supported by various agencies, clubs, associations and non-governmental organisations.

Sikie said a new highlight this year is the cultural night showcase, which will feature performances from the Iban, Chinese, Taman Loh, Punan, Baketan, Kenyah, Vaie and Tetau communities, celebrating the rich cultural diversity of Tatau.

The decorated boat competition, an iconic event for the festival, has seen enthusiastic participation, with entries from IPD Tatau, SK Tatau, Keresang Timang Kenyalang Group, Anyiek Clan, Penghulu Haliza representing Kuala Tatau, Penghulu Sanok representing the Punan Kakus community, and KMKK Tatau District.

“The festival will commence with the Pengawa Nasih Ai ceremony on Sept 4, a traditional ritual seeking forgiveness before the water sports events.

“The official launch on Sept 5 will feature the Miring Muka Gelanggang ceremony and various cultural performances,” said Sikie.

The special event will be the Tatau Regatta, featuring the Raja Sungai prize worth RM10,000.