Lepa Regatta A Medium To Introduce Cultural Maritime Heritage Of Semporna To The World

SEMPORNA, June 28 (Bernama) -- The lepa boats sailing majestically in the annual Lepa Regatta Festival in the waters of this district are not merely a symbol of maritime traditional aesthetics; instead, they serve as an important medium for introducing cultural heritage on the world stage while shaping the identity of the local community.

Sabah Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Environment Datuk Jafry Ariffin said that the organisation of the three-day 31st edition, which concluded today, successfully drew the presence of the local community as well as domestic and international tourists.

He added that the iconic festival has now grown into one of the most prestigious cultural and tourism events, receiving widespread recognition both nationally and internationally.

Jafry stated that the diversity of traditional activities - such as the decorated lepa boat competition, marine sports, boat races, exhibitions, the Malam Sangom Maglami-Lami (cultural night), the Lepa Run, and the Lepa Queen (Ratu Lepa) pageant - serves as a true manifestation of the community’s love for the living assets that form the state's identity.

"That is why culture is no longer just a symbol of historical legacy. In this era of globalisation, it has transformed into a strategic asset capable of generating economic growth, strengthening social unity, and enhancing the competitiveness of our tourism destinations," he told Bernama.

The Lepa Regatta is a traditional festival and iconic cultural event in Sabah that symbolises the maritime heritage of the Bajau Semporna community. It began as a tribute to the lepa boat as a primary mode of transportation in the past before evolving into a world-class event.

Commenting further, Jafry said the Lepa Regatta was born out of a close, harmonious relationship between the Bajau Semporna community and the marine treasures, islands, and surrounding natural resources that have been the lifeblood of their livelihood for generations.

In this regard, he stressed that any efforts to preserve the heritage of woodcarving craftsmanship and traditional customs would not yield sustainable results if the community ignores the conservation of the marine ecosystem, including ocean cleanliness, the health of coral reefs, and rich biodiversity.

"We want future generations to not only hear stories about the Lepa Regatta but to continue to have the opportunity to witness and appreciate it in an authentic, sustainable, and meaningful environment. Culture and the environment cannot be separated," he said.

According to Jafry, the socioeconomic impact of this festival is highly significant in stimulating the domestic economic chain through a sharp increase in demand for the accommodation, food, and transport sectors, while providing extensive promotional opportunities for handicraft entrepreneurs and small traders in Semporna.

To maintain this momentum, he urged the active involvement of the entire community, especially the younger generation, to act as co-guardians in preserving the authenticity of their indigenous cultural heritage and natural treasures so that Sabah's competitive advantage remains respected by the world.

Meanwhile, Semporna District Officer Mas Syazwan Masood said the vibrancy of this year’s 31st Lepa Regatta Festival celebration was deeply felt, enhanced by the decoration of thousands of traditional flags, known as 'sambulayang', which were put up by the local community themselves along the district's main routes.

He said the colorful landscape decorating every corner of Semporna reflects the strong spirit of togetherness and high excitement among locals in preserving and celebrating the traditional festival, which has now become a major tourism attraction.

Mas Syazwan also explained that for the people of Semporna, the lepa boat holds a deeper philosophy than its physical function as a mode of ocean transport.

He said that the structure of the lepa boat itself symbolises the wisdom of craftsmanship, the resilient survival spirit of the community, and an intimate connection with the sea as their primary source of daily livelihood and income.

"Therefore, it is imperative that the Lepa Regatta be celebrated every year as our continuous effort to sustain a great heritage that has shaped the face and unique identity of the Semporna district we know today," he said.

Meanwhile, the 2025 Ratu Lepa winner, Azirah Ramlee, said that although she handed over her crown to a new successor this year, the struggle to uphold heritage treasures should not end on the stage alone.

She explained that over the past year, she translated this responsibility through active involvement in various prestigious cultural platforms, including representing Sabah at the ASEAN Programme and the Sabah Art Star Competition organised by the National Department for Culture and Arts (JKKN) Sabah, as well as the Borneo Star Talent event in Sarawak.

The winner of the 2025 titles for Ratu Lepa, Best Attire, Popular Ratu Lepa, and Best Igal (traditional dance) also left a message for the new titleholder to view the crown as a major trust to continue introducing local culture to the world stage.

"Titles may change, but the love for culture will always remain. No matter who held the title in the past, present, or future, our goal remains the same: to be the generation that continues to guard, appreciate, and uphold our people's heritage," she said.

-- BERNAMA