KUCHING, Sept 20 (Bernama) -- The Sarawak government is considering organising a Regatta Circuit as a new approach to coordinate the staging of regatta racing in the state, which is increasingly growing as a water sports culture among people of various ethnic backgrounds.
Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the proposal to improve the organisation of regatta sport throughout the state would not only strengthen community ties but also strengthen the local economy.
“(Organising) the Regatta Circuit means that venues hosting regattas should be supported through a new approach.
“Regattas not only foster unity among communities of different races and religions, but each time the event is held, it also stimulates local economic activity that benefits small and medium enterprises (SMEs),” he said when opening of the 2025 Sri Aman Tidal Bore Festival at Sri Aman Waterfront today.
Abang Johari said the Regatta Circuit has the potential to become part of the state’s economic stimulus, with the government set to assess budgetary support so that the impactful event can be held continuously.
According to him, over the past three years, regatta sport has been gaining more attention with events being organised in several areas throughout the state including Tatau, Gedong, Sebuyau and Sri Aman.
“Therefore, our New Year (2026) Budget has had to be adjusted with the organisation of the Regatta Circuit, which is something unique and only found in Sarawak,” he said.
Apart from organising cultural and water sports events, Abang Johari stressed that the state government is also focusing on infrastructure development in Simanggang, including the construction of the Batang Lupar 2 Bridge, an iconic bridge that will connect Sri Aman with Betong, Lingga and Sebuyau.
The bridge, expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2026, will become the tallest cable-stayed bridge in Malaysia, with a height of 145.5 metres and a length of 870 metres.
“We will also plan what we call the restructuring of Simanggang town so that it can become a town that can compete with our other towns in enhancing economic, social and agricultural activities,” he said.
-- BERNAMA
