KUCHING: Yayasan Sarawak’s longboat, Puteri Dang Balai, achieved a ‘hat-trick’ of titles as the overall champion of this year's Sarawak Regatta, once again claiming victory in the event’s main competition this year.

This achievement was secured as Puteri Dang Balai successfully defeated another competitor, Landas Azam Kasihnya Warisan.

The victory earned them a cash prize of RM30,000 along with a trophy and the title of "Raja Sungai'.

Although finishing second, Landas Azam Kasihnya Warisan did not make it an easy win for the reigning champion, with the final result showing a gap of only a few seconds.

Despite not reclaiming the "Raja Sungai" title this year, Landas Azan Kasihnya Warisan accepted their second-place finish, bringing home a cash prize of RM20,000 and a trophy.

Though trailing behind both the "Raja Sungai" and Landas Azan Kasihnya Warisan, the spirits of the UDAK longboat rowers remained high as they secured third place this year.

This accomplishment awarded them RM10,000 and a trophy.

Meanwhile, His Majesty Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzadin Waddaulah Ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Sa'adul Khairi Waddien, The Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, graced the event by presenting the awards to the winners.

Also attending to celebrate the Sarawak Regatta 2024 were the Sarawak Governor, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Ja’afar, along with his wife, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, and Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg.

Other attendees include Deputy Prime Minister, Dato Sri Fadillah Yusof, Sarawak Deputies Premier, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan and Datuk Amar Professor Dr Sim Kui Hian, Sarawak Legislative Assembly Speaker, Tan Sri Datuk Amar Asfia Awang Nassar, Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts (MTCP), Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Minister of Women, Family and Community Development, Dato Sri Nancy Shukri, Sarawak Secretary, Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Sarawak Deputy Ministers, Sarawak Attorney General, Dato Sri Saferi Ali, Deputy Sarawak Secretary (Operation) Datu Hii Chang Kee, along with other guests. -UKASnews