KUCHING, Sept 25: The traditional Jong Regatta is among the many exciting programmes lined up for the Tasik Biru Festival.
Initially, it was a mini-sailboat race derived from a Chinese boat design better known as ‘Jong’ to the local community.
It is no longer a foreign event to the people of Bau because the traditional water sport has been organised since the British colonial era with its own history and uniqueness.
The boat depends entirely on the wind, the race is also closely related to the culture of the Chinese who migrated from China to Bau using sailboats to work as gold miners in the 18th century.
The race was held for the first time in Bau on August 8, 1950, by the Bau District Office led by the District Officer at that time, A.J.N Richard.
This year, a total of 135 boats will be competing in six categories, namely Jong Skunar, Skuci, Batong Bandung, Kotak, Campuran and Raja Tasik Biru, which takes place over two days.
Tasik Biru Festival, which will run from Sept 22 to Oct 2, will have exciting programmes such as the Miss Tasik Biru beauty pageant, motorsports, arm wrestling, government agency sales and exhibitions and more for its estimated 60,000 visitors. — DayakDaily
