BAU: The Junk Regatta can be a stepping stone to develop Bau into a tourist attraction.

Tasik Biru assemblyman Datuk Peter Nansian Ngusie said this at the opening of the regatta here yesterday.

“The regatta is a unique event in the state and country. We should capitalise on the uniqueness of this event and promote the junk as our tourism icon,” he said.

Nansian asked the council to explore this potential so souvenirs of junks could be produced and even a junk museum set up.

“The bigger picture is to promote Bau as a tourism hub. The junk regatta is just the tip of the marketing potential. We develop one part, the rest will also reap the benefit. Don’t just be confined to the event itself,” Nansian said.

“The event must be held annually without fail. We must push for it to be added to the state tourism calendar of events. It must be held here so we can use Tasik Biru as a tourism asset for the town.

“Bau is in a strategic location as it is not far from Kuching. The surrounding beauty will provide tourism opportunity. The junk regatta can be a product that gives publicity to the town. As we draw tourists in, we could add more side events.”

Nansian suggested that the council hire a professional event management company to manage the event, attract sponsors and generate publicity.

From there, the council could make the event bigger to attract a bigger crowd each year.

“The event should be held on a grand scale. Once we have put this event on the tourism map, the next step is to acquire Tasik Biru to be managed by the council,” Nansian said.

The lake is still under the mining list which makes it a state property, so it is difficult for the council to develop it and its surroundings.

Nansian said: “Once we can rectify this, the council can concentrate on capitalising on the lake’s tourism potential. We can organise many kinds of events here. The revenue can come up to millions of ringgit. We can boost our food and beverage market, accommodation, souvenirs and crafts.”

People will flock to Bau, thus boosting its economy to benefit its residents, Nansian said.

Earlier Bau District Officer Tom Hem Mijod said: “There are plans to upgrade the surrounding. The council plans to erect a bridge across the lake. On the other side will be a recreational park, eateries and we even plan a jogging track.”

“For a start, we have upgraded the facilities by the lake with more in the pipeline. Even the National Landscape Department wants to be involved but due to the land status, there is nothing much we can do.”

After his speech, Nansian officiated at a ceremony where 14,000 fishes were released into the lake.

He hoped the council can organise a fishing contest at the lake.

Nansian was then presented with a memento before witnessing the regatta.

Other events held were the ‘Most Beautiful Junk’ contest exhibition and a battle of the band in the evening.