SIBU: Some 2,000 villagers thronged the beach near Kampung Igan for the colourful Kaul Festival on Thursday.

The Melanau festival this year was timed to coincide with the school holidays to get greater student participation.

Jemoreng assemblyman Abu Seman Jahwie officiated at the event where dozens of community-based activities were held.

“The rapid pace of modernisation has left us with less time for interaction as we go about busily earning our living and providing for our families.

“Like Kaul Mukah, Kaul Igan is an excellent platform for people to come together to mingle, interact and foster solidarity. It is also an avenue for us to enrich our knowledge through exchanging views and suggestions,” said Abu Seman, who is also a political secretary to the Chief Minister.

He called on the younger generation to keep the community’s traditions alive amidst a world of modernisation and globalisation.

The programme included beach soccer, badminton, sepak takraw and a fishing competition.

Meanwhile, Abu Seman said the newly tar-sealed and upgraded 1.5km road from the village to the beach costing about RM1.2 million had greatly improved conditions for residents.

“Unlike in the past, the stretch of road leading to the beach was muddy and sandy, making it a hassle for people to go there. Now, they can conveniently go to the beach in the evening for a stroll or just to enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the sunset,” he said.

Abu Seman added that the improved road would increase the tourism potential of the festival.

“Although still at the infancy stage, I believe that with more promotion the Igan Kaul Festival can be a crowd-puller,” he said.

He announced a minor rural project (MRP) grant of RM5,000 for the event organising committee headed by Putit Ramli to carry out the event.