Betong Waterfront proposed as permanent venue for Betong Regatta

Richard (back row, fifth left) holding a trophy in a group photo with the winning team at the closing ceremony of Betong Regatta 2026 on April 26. Photo credit: UKAS

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, April 27: The Betong waterfront has been proposed as the permanent venue for Betong Regatta following the strong response to this year’s event.

According to Sarawak Public Communications Unit (UKAS), Betong MP Richard Rapu who represented Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, said the site is suitable to host the regatta on a long-term basis, with plans to develop it into a more structured annual programme.

“Discussions will be held with elected representatives under the Betong parliamentary constituency to assess the proposal,” he was quoted as saying at the closing ceremony of Betong Regatta 2026 at the main grandstand at the Betong Waterfront yesterday (April 26).

He noted that while the waterfront already has basic facilities, several upgrades are being considered to support larger-scale events in the future.

Among the proposed improvements are additional parking spaces, road upgrades, a dedicated area for traders, and better public amenities such as toilets, electricity supply, and clean water access.

Richard said the proposal would help strengthen the regatta as a tourism product while boosting economic opportunities for local traders and the surrounding community.

The Regata Betong 2026, last held in 2010, has received encouraging response and is seen as having strong potential to be expanded into a regular annual event. — DayakDaily