Powerboat Race Pesta Tatau 2024 draws over 200 entries

TATAU (Sept 15): The Powerboat Race Pesta Tatau 2024 kicked off yesterday at Tebingan Batang Anap, attracting participants from across Sarawak and even Brunei.

The two-day event, running from 8am to 5pm, witnessed an extraordinary turnout with 204 entries, reflecting the growing popularity of powerboat racing in the region.

The powerboat race featured nine categories, with trophies presented by Deputy Minister of Digital Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong.

The event is being live-streamed on the official Pesta Tatau Facebook page, allowing a wider audience to enjoy the excitement.

The long stretch of Batang Anap River, spanning three kilometres, provides an ideal venue for powerboat racing, contributing to the high number of participants.

In his speech, Ugak commended the organising committee for their successful execution of the event.

He highlighted the strong participation from various regions and emphasised the need for a waterfront development at Tebingan Batang Anap, similar to those in Song and Kanowit, to better accommodate spectators in future events.

Ugak also proposed the construction of a three-star hotel in Pekan Tatau to address the accommodation shortage, which currently forces visitors to stay in Bintulu.

He encouraged local residents to start homestay businesses to support the influx of tourists during such events, which significantly boosts the local economy, particularly benefitting the small traders.