BAU: Thousands of people converged on Tasik Biru here on Saturday and yesterday to watch the Bau Jong Regatta organised by the Bau District Council and Kelab Legasi Jong D’Bau.
The regatta was held in conjunction with the three-day Tasik Biru Festival 2019, which started last Friday and ended yesterday.
The unique sporting event started way back in 1954 during the time of British rule.
It was, however, disrupted many times for various reasons including the confrontation, communist insurgency and lack of funds, and was once totally forgotten.
It was revived in 2009 as one of the many tourism products in the Bau district.
According to chairperson of Kelab Legasi Jong D’Bau, Marina Aminan, 112 participants and 240 jongs participated in the two-day regatta which was divided into six categories, namely katok, barong, skunci, badong, skonda and the most beautiful jong.
She said the competition was held with the hope of continuing the jong’s legacy in Bau district.
Marina added similar jong regattas had also been held at the Reservoir Park, Tasik Pustaka in Kuching and Tasik Danu Serian.
Meanwhile, Tasik Biru assemblyman Datuk Henry Harry Jinep said efforts were being taken to preserve and popularise the event.
“The event could be popular outside Malaysia,” he said adding that it should be promoted as an international event.
