MIRI: Niah Regatta is back and this year a total of 250 categories, including rowing and speedboat events, are being contested after two years’ gap following the COVID-19 restriction.
Yesterday, thousands of spectators from all over the northern region and other districts converged at the venue during the official opening of the Niah Regatta at Sepupok Niah Phase 1 and 2 Waterfront.
The race offers cash prize worth RM8,000 for the ‘Raja Sungai’ or King of the River championship title.
The champion for this year’s event will also receive a six-foot high wood carving trophy.
The official launching yesterday morning was graced by Deputy Minister for Women, Childhood and Community Development I (Women and Childhood Development) Datuk Rosey Yunus cum Bekenu assemblywoman and Sibuti MP Lukanisman Awang Sauni who is also the event’s patron.
Rosey in her opening remarks was impressed with the overwhelming response received from the local community.
“I was informed that homestays around this area (Niah) are full house reflecting the overwhelming response for the event that is coming back after a two-year’s absence,” she said.
The last Niah Regatta or formerly known as Subis Regatta was held in 2017.
The first regatta held in this area was in 1959 along the Sibuti Riverbank.
“Compared to the olden days, now the crowds are able to enjoy the event at the just completed Sepupok Niah Waterfront Phase 1 and 2 comfortably,” said Rosey.
She added the waterfront has drastically changed the area’s landscape.
“This is one of many other development projects done by the state government under the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) for the rakyat. Many things will become a reality when you choose GPS,” she pointed out.
Also present were the Ministry of Local Government and Housing permanent secretary Datuk Antonio Kahti Galis, political secretary to the Premier of Sarawak Sharkawi Suhaili and Subis district officer Norlila Ulis.
