Premier moots biennial Regatta Festival

KUCHING:Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has proposed that the Regatta Festival be held every two years in the state.

He said the Regatta Festival has been held almost in every area in Sarawak, including in Lingga soon.

“I have talked to Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah on this matter.

“Therefore, if possible, we will organise it once every two years. Although we do have cultural festivals every year with their own activities, a regatta is not necessarily held every year.

“The Regatta Festival could be held alternately with other activities that could generate income to the villagers as well,” he said at the closing of the Telaga Air Regatta Festival 2023 at Telaga Air Esplanade, here on Sunday (Dec 3).

Meanwhile, Minister of Women, Family and Community Development Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said the regatta was organised by Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) and the Telaga Air community and has previously been held every year.

“Since this festival involves quite a lot of organising costs, we plan to make the Telaga Air Regatta Festival a bi-annual event or once every two years,” she said.