KUCHING: The Sarawak Regatta-Kuching Waterfront Festival 2025 has made wearing life jackets a mandatory rule for all participants throughout the race as a key step to ensure their safety.

Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts and Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the new rules are being closely monitored to ensure compliance following the drowning incident that occurred in the previous boat race.

“Among the new things that are mandatory this year is the wearing of life jackets. Previously, participants often refused to wear them, but this time if they refuse, we will not allow them to race.

“If there are boats with competitors not wearing life jackets, the panel judges have the right to disqualify their participation.

“We cannot bear to see lives lost because of last year's incident, where a participant perished during the race in Beladin," he stressed during a press conference in conjunction with the festival here on Friday.

This prestigious festival will take place from October 24 to November 2 with the participation of 62 teams from 22 countries including Abu Dhabi, Egypt, the United States, Canada, England, Japan, Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Brunei as well as local teams from Sarawak, Sabah, Penang and Kuala Lumpur.

A total of 2,143 participants took part, making this competition one of the largest ever organised.

Apart from the safety aspect, the festival also introduced a new category, namely the Kenyalang 10-Oar Men's and Women's Boat specifically for government department and agency staff with a distance of 300 metres, in addition to the unique event, Battle of The Dragon or Dragon Tug 6's which is being contested for the first time.

The culmination event of the Sungai Raja Cup is scheduled for November 2 and will be witnessed by the Sarawak Governor, Tun Pehin Sri Dr. Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar together with Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, as well as the guests of honour, the Sultan of Pahang and Tengku Ampuan Pahang.

The organisers have provided a total prize pool of RM433,500 including cash, trophies and medals, with the winner of Raja Sungai taking home the trophy and RM30,000 in cash.

The launch ceremony was also graced with the presentation of mock cheques from sponsors, witnessing strong support from various parties.

Among the main sponsors is Petros as the Platinum sponsor with a contribution of RM500,000, followed by Petronas (RM400,000), Sarawak Energy Berhad (RM100,000), Petra Energy (RM100,000), ENEOS Xplora Malaysia Limited (RM50,000) and Ta Ann Holdings Berhad (RM50,000).

Also contributing were Hock Peng Realty Sdn Bhd, Sarawak Plantation Berhad, Borneo Housing Mortgage Finance Berhad and several other sponsors who also helped make this year's festival a success. -UKASnews