KUCHING, NOV 15- Head of State Tun Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar is expected to grace the closing ceremony of the 21st Pesta Benak Sri Aman on December 1.

Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development, Datuk Francis Harden Tini said, various programmes have been planned in conjunction with the festival which starts from November 29 such as regatta, Miss Tourism, Fun Run and Fun Ride, in addition to sales stalls.

"So, we hope that with the presence of TYT, more of our residents in Sri Aman, local and nearby villages, to come... because they want to meet the Tun.

"Because this time Tun was just appointed as TYT and officiated the closure. So they are like waiting, very excited, " Harden said.

He was met by the media after leading a courtesy call to Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar at Astana Negeri, here, yesterday (Nov 14).

Datuk Francis, who is also a member of the Simanggang State Legislative Assembly hopes that this year more visitors will come to Sri Aman to witness the event and also help boost the economy of local traders.

Sarawak Premier, Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg is expected to officiate the opening ceremony on Nov 30.