Bajau boat builder keeps lepa tradition alive

SEMPORNA: At 74, Biskal Mastal is keeping alive a Bajau boat-building tradition he learned from his father when he was 12.

The Kg Tonggulangan villager has built about 30 lepa boats, each taking about a year to complete and measuring about 11m long.

"It takes about a year to make one. There are many carvings. Its elaborate design also carries cultural meaning.

"Once you are skilled, you can do the carving by hand," he said when met during the inaugural Igal-Igal Festival held off Mantabuan Island here.

Semporna, on Sabah's southeastern coast, is a diving destination and gateway to islands such as Mabul and Sipadan.

The boats are made from red seraya wood, which can last for decades, even when used at sea.

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Biskal said the Bajau community once used lepa boats for fishing and travelling at sea, but they have since been replaced by modern speedboats.

Now, he builds the boats mainly for his own use and for Regatta Lepa, the annual celebration of Bajau culture and the traditional boat.

He said during cultural events and important community occasions, including khatam Quran ceremonies and other major gatherings, the boats are decorated with multi-layered flags and sail decorations known as sambulayang.

"The red colour on sambulayang represents courage, while yellow symbolises dignity or status.

"Lanterns serve as lights; they are must-have items on the boat."

Biskal's talent and patience in boat-making have borne fruit, with his work providing him with lucrative income of up to RM100,000 per boat.

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He also custom-makes miniature versions of the boats as souvenirs and said five full-sized boats are located in Putrajaya.

Despite the demand and the annual Regatta Lepa celebration, Biskal remains worried that the boat-making tradition could disappear as fewer people are interested in learning the craft.

"There used to be four of us who were skilled at making the boats, but I am the only one who is still alive.

"My youngest child is now learning it. But I also hope the government would encourage more people to learn it."