Consider Ilau Assimpung Long Tengoa River Rafting Challenge Festival for inclusion in Sarawak tourism calender, Awang Tengah suggests

LAWAS, Oct 25 2026: Deputy Premier Awang Temgah Ali Has suggested that Ilau Assimpung Long Tengoa River Rafting Challenge Festival 2026 be considered for inclusion in the Sarawak tourism calendar to further expand the promotion of tourism in the state.

Caption: Deputy Premier Awang Tengah Ali Hasan (standing, centre) says he believes the festival will continue to serve as a vital platform for strengthening community unity, preserving cultural heritage, and promoting the tourism potential of Lawas.

He said the festival play a role in promoting the Long Tengoa area and Lawas as tourism destinations, while also highlighting the unique culture and traditions of the local community.

He added cultural heritage, including traditional dance performances must be preserved and passed down to the younger generation as a symbol of the community’s identity.

Awang Tengah, who is also Bukit Sari State Legislative Member (SLM), also believed the festival will continue to serve as a vital platform for strengthening community unity, preserving cultural heritage, and promoting the tourism potential of Lawas.

Speaking at the prize-giving ceremony for the Ilau Assimpung Long Tengoa River Rafting Challenge Festival 2026, held at the Kampung Long Tengoa Cultural House here today, Awang Tengah stressed that the harmony and cooperation among a multi-ethnic society are essential foundations for ensuring the continuous development of the state.

According to him, a spirit of unity enables people from diverse backgrounds to live in an environment of peace and mutual respect, thereby supporting the government’s efforts to enhance the well-being of the populace.

“If our state were not peaceful and harmonious given that our people come from various ethnic groups, religions, and backgrounds we would not be able to live in a stable environment,” he said.

Also present were Lawas Member of Parliament Henry Sum Agong; Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Urban Development (MUDeNR) Abdullah Julaihi; Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Energy and Environmental Sustainability (MEESTY) Abang Ahmad Abang Morni; Director of the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) Dr Ismail Parlan; General Manager of the Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (PUSAKA) Zainal Abidin Abdullah; and Limbang Division Resident Unus Tambi.