KUCHING: Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, officiated the Sarawak Regatta 2025, which was held in a vibrant and festive atmosphere at the Kuching Waterfront on Friday.

His arrival at the ceremony around 3pm was warmly welcomed by distinguished guests who graced the event, followed by a captivating cultural performance showcasing Sarawak’s diverse ethnic traditions.

Also present were Sarawak Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Prof. Dr. Sim Kui Hian, Speaker of the Sarawak Legislative Assembly, Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar, Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Sarawak Deputy Ministers, former Deputy Chief Minister, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Alfred Jabu Numpang, Resident of Kuching Division, Dayang Joanita Azizah Abang Morshidi, and other esteemed guests.

The ceremony began with a pantomime narrating the origins of the Regatta, which was created as a peaceful means to resolve inter-tribal conflicts through boat racing rather than warfare.

During the performance, Dayang Joanita presented a symbolic box inscribed with “Race For Harmony” to the Sarawak Premier, signifying the passing down of the Regatta’s legacy and spirit of unity.

The symbolic launch continued as Dayang Joanita handed over a ceremonial paddle to the Controller of the Sarawak Rivers Board and Chief Race Marshal, Lt Col Ding Tiew Wong, witnessed by the Sarawak Premier as a gesture marking the official commencement of the Regatta races.

Following that, Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari officiated the Dragon Boat Regatta 2025 “Eye-Dotting” Ceremony in conjunction with the Sarawak International Dragon Boat Race (SIDBR) 2025, before sounding the horn to flag off the Battle of the Dragons (a six-a-side tug-of-war event).

After officiating the Sarawak Regatta 2025, the Sarawak Premier also took the opportunity to officiate the mini launch of the Borneo Sarawak Craft Festival 2025 and toured the Sarawak Regatta Entrepreneur Showcase, held in conjunction with the prestigious annual event. -UKASnews

Translator: Uilson Ng