SIMANGGANG: The Sarawak government is establishing a statewide regatta circuit to build on the growing popularity of regattas and streamline their organisation.

According to Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, the regatta circuit is designed to introduce a more systematic and cost-effective approach to hosting regattas, which are often expensive undertakings.

He also highlighted the economic benefits, noting that the events will create valuable opportunities for local small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to generate additional income.

"We have to review it as part of the economic injection into the local economy that can generate beneficial activities for the people, including small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

"Therefore, we have to modify this year's budget because of the circuit regatta considering it is something unique to Sarawak," he said.

He said this when opening the Pesta Benak Batang Lupar 2025 at the Sri Aman Riverbank on Saturday.

He said that the government is taking into account the economic trajectory for SMEs in addition to also strengthening ties between the multi-racial and multi-religious communities in the hosting area.

Meanwhile, the Sarawak Premier said the benak phenomenon, which is an attraction in the Benak Festival, should be promoted as the phenomenon is unique to Sri Aman and Simanggang town with positive spillover effects.

Thus, he called for long-term upgrade for the Sri Aman division through the construction of infrastructure such as the Batang Lupar 2 Bridge.

This, he said, will provide connectivity for Tanjung Bijat, Lingga and Sebuyau, and one of the roads will also connect to Betong which will shorten the journey to only 30 minutes.

"This will be a 'hinterland' that can create economic activities, both from a social and agricultural perspective. Therefore, we are planning comprehensively so that Bandar Simanggang, Sri Aman Division, is linked to Betong Division and also Samarahan Division.

"With the road network, we can open up new areas so we can assess the economic potential in those areas," he explained.

Also present were Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department, Dato Sri John Sikie Tayai, Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development, Datuk Francis Harden Hollis, Deputy Minister of International Trade, Industry and Investment, Datuk Dr Malcolm Mussen Lamoh, Deputy Sarawak Secretary (Economic Planning and Development), Dato Sri Dr Muhammad Abdullah Zaidel, Sri Aman Division Resident, Mahra Salleh, heads of departments and other guests of honour. - UKASnews