SARATOK: The Ministry responsible for organising boat racing regattas in Sarawak is proposed to become the coordinator, responsible for arranging the schedule of events every year.
Kalaka assemblyman Mohamad Duri said that there are many boat racing regattas in Sarawak and they are held in various locations.
He said that among the popular ones are in Kuching (Sungai Sarawak), Saratok (Regatta Kalaka), Simanggang (Regatta Batang Lupar), Mangut (Pesta Buntal), Tuie, Pusa, Lingga, Marudi, Sejijak, and many others.
“But until now, the events have not been coordinated by anyone… whoever wants to organise it, schedules it themselves.
“Therefore, it is proposed that starting next year, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture or the Ministry of Youth and Sports and Entrepreneur Development, as the body responsible for arranging the schedule of events every year, can be further discussed.
“And, the Ministry should place all boat racing regatta events in Sarawak in the domestic sports tourism calendar.
“Inadvertently, this traditional water sport can be organised more efficiently and at the same time can be revived,” he said.
He said this after the second meeting of the Saratok Festival Regatta Kalaka 2023 at the Saratok District Office yesterday.
He explained that the proposal could attract total government involvement.
In addition, he said the boat racing regattas in Sarawak could be lifted as a permanent sports tourism programme throughout the year.
“Most importantly, the scheduling of events will be more organised. For example, in which month of the year, such as January or February, and so on.
“And organisers can get funds from the ministry for the smooth running of the events,” he said.
Regarding the second meeting, which was also attended by Krian assemblyman Friday Belik, Mohamad said that the discussion focused on programme planning and other related matters, especially the regatta.
He said that various interesting programmes and activities were proposed to be carried out throughout the Saratok Festival and Regatta Kalaka.
These include the Sakai 20 longhouse special bidar boat Race and the decorated boat race.
To provide opportunities for traders to increase their income, the Saratok Kitchen is also included in addition to the sales site.
