01 May 2014| last updated at 09:44PM
The 21st Regatta Lepa Festival has made it into the Malaysia Book Of Records for Most Colourful Lepa In Malaysia, writes Olivia Miwil
MAMAN Indanan, 53, was crowned champion for the third time for the best decorated traditional boat at the 21st Regatta Lepa Festival in Semporna, Sabah last week.
The fisherman from Kampung Tampi Tampi water village won RM5,000, a boat engine worth RM7,000, a certificate and a trophy.
The father of two, who has participated in the competition since 2001, said his family’s hard work has finally paid off.
“Engaging family members to produce a lepa (or boat in the local dialect) teaches them to be proud of their culture beside showcasing it to others,” he said, adding that they took about a year to build the boat.
A functional lepa, about 15m long and 3m in width, costs between RM3,000 and RM7,000.
The soft red seraya wood is usually used as it is easier to carve and its low density enables it to float.
“My wife and children sewed the sambulayang and kipas-kipas which help to sail the boat, indicate wind direction and ward off evil spirits.
“Both beautify the boat and their colours reflect the identity of the owners,” said Maman who also added traditional musical instruments such as kulintangan and gong to enhance its cultural value.
The lepa has been used for many generations by the fishermen community in the town. These sea gypsies live on the vessel and only came onshore to collect freshwater, firewood or attend funerals.
They do everything from fishing, bartering and trading, hold weddings as well as feasts on Semporna waters. The lepa now serves as a decorative novelty for the locals.
The first lepa-crafting centre started at Bum Bum island water village, which is 3km from the town. Other villagers soon learnt the craft.
Newly appointed district officer Dr Chacho Bulah says hundreds of colourful boats were on display prior to the four-day event,
“People have to see to believe that this festival is worth a visit, at least once in their lifetime. This year, 340 fishing vessels paraded at sea. It was the largest participation since the festival was introduced in 1993,” he said.
Chacho, who is also the organiser, said the event made it into Malaysia Book Of Records for Most Colourful Lepa In Malaysia.
The event received overwhelming response as hotels and other accommodations were fully booked two weeks before the festival.
“We estimated that 30,000 visitors from other States and other countries flocked in for event.”
Seventy booths showcased handicrafts, seafood and agricultural products. Demonstrations on making a boat were held at a booth.
Other attractions were the sea sports activities such as boat racing and a tug-of-war as well as a beauty pageant.
Present at the event were Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun, Sabah Tourism Board chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai and Senallang assemblyman Datuk Nasir Sakaran.
Tourists take part in cultural performances.
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