By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Oct 3: Sarawak Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah has stressed that the idea of relocating the Sarawak Regatta from Kuching Waterfront to Telaga Air is only a long-term vision and not something that will happen anytime soon.
He explained that his remarks at the closing of Telaga Air Regatta last Sunday (Sept 28) had been taken out of context, which led to confusion and anger among some members of the public.
“I didn’t say it is next year. I mentioned 30, 40 or 50 years from now. We have to look far ahead because Kuching is growing fast, and in the future, big events here will cause massive jams,” he told a press conference after attending the Sarawak Regatta Presentation of Sponsorship Mock Cheques Ceremony held at The Waterfront Hotel here today.
Abdul Karim highlighted that Kuching has hosted the Sarawak Regatta since 1963, but with the city’s rapid urbanisation, space and traffic management will become major concerns in the decades to come.
He said Telaga Air offers natural advantages as a venue due to its vast lagoon and calm waters, which allow water sports to be held year-round, even during the monsoon season.
However, he stressed that the site would still need significant development before it could host an event of such scale.
“Those who only think of this year or next year get angry quickly without listening properly.
“Visionary leaders and governments must plan 20, 30, even 50 years ahead so the next generation can benefit,” he reminded.
On a separate matter, Abdul Karim said he also welcomes the proposal of establishing a Sarawak Regatta Circuit given the sport’s immense popularity across the State.
“In one year, there are not less than 15 regattas—Baram, Gedong, Simunjan, Samarahan, Telaga Air and many more. If we turn that into a circuit, sponsorship and organisation will be easier and more systematic,” he said.
He added that such an initiative would help elevate the sport and attract major sponsors, similar to other racing circuits like Formula 1.
Such a structure, he explained, would allow major corporations like Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS), Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (PETROS) and Petra Energy to come in as regular sponsors, with their contributions spread across multiple regattas instead of on a one-off basis.
The idea of a Regatta Circuit was first mooted by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, and Abdul Karim said his ministry will further study and discuss how to make the proposal a reality. – DayakDaily
