the Nieuwenhuis mountains, where it forms the political boundary between Malaysia and Indonesia. There is more than of rainfall each year in these mountains, which forms the headwaters of Rajang. The river flows from northeast to southwest. The Punan Bah people reside at the headwaters of the Rajang. One of the Rajang tributaries, the Balui River, north of the Hose Mountains, flows into the lands of the Kayan people and Kenyah people. At the western end of a great bend in the river is the Belaga District, and further downstream are the Pelagus Rapids where the Iban people dominate. The rapids are located from the Rajang river mouth. As the Balleh River joins the Balui river from south of the Hose Mountains, the Rajang becomes broader and deeper. It is estimated that about 25% of the people of Sarawak live in the region where the Rajang is at its broadest. At this intersection point, about from the river mouth, the river begins to flow from east to west, near the town of Kapit. Kapit is the last stop for express boats coming from Sibu, and is inhabited by the Chinese, Iban, and Kayan people. Kapit is the biggest town in the upper Rajang river. Further downriver are smaller towns such as Song, which is located at the mouth of the Katibas River. At about from the sea, there are owned by both Chinese and Iban people. The lands are divided into parcels measuring several acres, where smallholders clear the land for agricultural activities. In the midst of these Mixed Zone Lands, miles from the sea, is the town of Kanowit; the river here is wide. The biggest town on the banks of the river is Sibu, some upriver from the mouth of the Rajang. It can be reached by ocean-going vessels, and is the political, economic, cultural, and education centre of the central region of Sarawak. Other towns located further downriver are Sarikei ( from Rajang town) and Bintangor ( from Sarikei). These two towns have been mainly settled by the Chinese. Tanjung Manis District ( from the river's mouth) is located near the Rajang delta where the Malay and Melanau people dominate. Bruit Island is situated inside the Rajang delta, with a lighthouse at Sirik Point. The Rajang delta is bounded by the towns of Igan in the north and Rajang ( from the river's mouth) in the south.