By Christopher Lidom
KUCHING, Oct 25: Wearing life jackets should be mandatory for all future water sports events in Sarawak, says Minister of Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneur Development Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
Abdul Karim emphasised that his Ministry has repeatedly urged participants to change their mindset and make life jackets compulsory, particularly for local events like the Sarawak Regatta.
“Participants highlighted that wearing life jackets restricts their movement. However, I believe that for any water sports event, life jackets should eventually be a requirement.
“This year, we will encourage the use of life jackets, but soon we aim to make it mandatory,” he said in a recorded interview following a water tank handover ceremony to village residents in Asajaya today.
He made these remarks in response to questions from reporters on safety preparations for the International Dragon Boat Regatta and Sarawak Regatta, set to begin tomorrow at the Kuching Waterfront.
The came after a tragic incident on Oct 18, when a boat carrying 15 rowers capsized during a training session along the Sarawak River. Five rowers from the Sarawak Security and Enforcement Unit (UKPS) drowned, with their bodies recovered on Oct 20 after a three-day search.
Regarding the International Dragon Boat events, Abdul Karim noted that certain safety standards, including mandatory life jacket use for all participants, are already in place.
The International Dragon Boat Regatta 2024 is scheduled for Oct 25 to 27 at Kuching Waterfront, followed by the Sarawak Regatta 2024 from Nov 1 to 3. — DayakDaily
