By Doreen Ling
KUCHING, Sept 20: The Sarawak government is exploring the possibility of establishing a regatta circuit, following the increasing interest in boat racing across the State.
According to Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, the past three years have seen a rising trend of regattas throughout Sarawak, as several areas have begun organising their own events.
“Everywhere has its own regatta—so much so that we tend to receive letters (requesting funds) because the cost (to organise it) is high.
“Because of that, we are thinking of establishing a regatta circuit,” he said while officiating at the Pesta Benak Sri Aman held in Simanggang today, which was streamed live with the Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS).
He said regattas not only strengthen bonds within the community, but such events would also help to generate income for the community, which will help improve the local economy.
“We have to restudy it as part of our economic injection into the local economy that can benefit the people, including small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
“Because of that, adjustments need to be made to our budget for next year. This (regatta circuit) is unique to Sarawak; no other place has it,” he said.
Simanggang assemblyman and Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation, and Talent Development Sarawak, Datuk Francis Harden Hollis; Minister in the Premier’s Department, Dato Sri John Sikie Tayai; Deputy Minister for International Trade and Investment Sarawak, Datuk Dr Malcom Mussen Lamoh; and Sri Aman Resident, Mahra Salleh, were among those present.
Regattas are popular in Sarawak, as they not only strengthen the State’s cultural identity and water sports traditions but also act as a catalyst for local economic growth through business opportunities generated during the event.
In the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) sitting in May this year, Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Datuk Sebastian Ting said that eight regatta events are currently listed in the 2025 Sarawak Tourism Calendar:
- Pesta Saratok (July 11–13)
- Pesta Sebauh (July 19–20)
- Belaga Regatta (August 3–10)
- Baram Regatta (September 18–21)
- Pesta Besaug Dalat (September 26–28)
- Telaga Air Regatta (October 3–5)
- Sarawak Regatta – Kuching Waterfront Festival (October 31–November 2)
- Lingga Regatta (November 28–30)
— DayakDaily
