KUCHING: The Decorated Boat Event is making a comeback ten years on in conjunction with Sarawak’s 60th anniversary of independence.
It is expected to be a top attraction at the Kuching Waterfront on July 29.
The event, which was last held in 2013, is expected to attract more than 10,000 local visitors as well as outsiders.
Deputy Minister of Transport Datuk Henry Harry Jinep said a total of 20 decorated vessels have confirmed participation consisting of various ministry agencies, statutory bodies and private companies.
“There are 20 entries, the first being the Premier’s Department, the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Urban Development, the Ministry of Utilities and Telecommunications, the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts the Ministry of Infrastructure and Port Development, the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development, the Ministry of Public Health, Housing and Local Government, the Ministry of Food Industry, Commodities and the Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development.
“Also the Ministry of International Trade, Industry and Investment, the Ministry of Women, Early Childhood and Community Well-being, the Ministry of Energy and Environmental Sustainability, Sarawak Energy Berhad, Bintulu Port Holding Sdn Bhd, Samling Timber Malaysia, Sin Yang Group, North Kuching City Hall (DBKU), Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC), and the Regional Corridor Development Authority (RECODA),” he said at a media conference on the event here yesterday.
Cash prizes await the winners of the main event, namely, RM10,000 for the winner, RM7,000 for the first runner-up, RM5,000 for the second runner-up and consolation prizes of RM3,000 will be given to seven participants.
Henry also confirmed that the winning boat will be exhibited at the venue until the night of July 30 to give the public a chance to see it up close.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg will officiate at the ceremony.
Henry said Kuching Waterfront will also be enlivened with the appearance eight jet skis and 25 taxi boats as well as three marshall boats.
Apart from that, the closing of the event will see a stage show by local artistes Hafiz Suip and Dayang Norfaizah.
“So on the night of July 29, we invite all to come to the waterfront to witness the parade of decorated boats.
“This parade is in conjunction with our 60th anniversary of independence, so it must be different compared to 10 years ago,” he explained.
The last time the Decorated Boat event was held was in 2013 in conjunction with Sarawak’s 50th anniversary of Independence.
