The Sarawak government is considering organising a regatta circuit to coordinate the staging of traditional boat races, which is increasingly growing as a sport in the state.
Sarawak premier Abang Johari Openg said the proposed circuit would not only strengthen community ties, but also the local economy.
“Regattas not only foster unity among people of different backgrounds, but also stimulate local economic activity, benefitting small and medium enterprises,” he said when launching the tidal bore festival at Sri Aman waterfront in Kuching today, Bernama reported.
He said the festival was a distinct attraction for Sri Aman and Simanggang, as “only Simanggang has the benak (tidal bore).”
Abang Johari said the state government would assess budgetary support so regattas can be held continuously.
He said over the past three years, the sport has been gaining more attention, with events organised in several areas throughout the state including Tatau, Gedong, Sebuyau and Sri Aman.
“Our 2026 budget has to be adjusted to accommodate the organisation of the regatta circuit, something unique and only found in Sarawak,” he said.
Apart from organising cultural and water sports events, Abang Johari said the state government is also focusing on infrastructure development in Simanggang, including the construction of the Batang Lupar 2 bridge, which will connect Sri Aman with Betong, Lingga and Sebuyau.
Expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2026, it will be the tallest cable-stayed bridge in Malaysia, with a height of 145.5m and length of 870m.
