BAU: The Jong Regatta Festival in Tasik Biru needs to be improved to be promoted as a national
event before invitations can be made to international participants, said Assistant Minister of Community Services, and Industrial Estate Development Datuk Peter Nansian at the closing of the Jong Regatta 2011 yesterday.
Nansian said he was currently working with the relevant government departments to upgrade the facilities and infrastucture near Tasik Biru so that the event could handle the volume from events of national standard.
Nansian who is also Tasik Biru assemblyman said he hoped the goal would be realised in two years through strong collaboration and support between the government and the community.
“What we’re trying to do now is to work with the relevant government departments and the people to look into all the facilities, programmes and side activities to further improve the event so that it will be more exciting and festive,” he said.
He also urged the community to take advantage of the Jong Regatta to earn extra income by selling handicrafts related to the event.
“We need to encourage people to promote and sell crafts such as miniature Jongs as souvenirs,” he added.
The two-day regatta has several categories namely Jong Skuci A and B, Jong Kotak A and B, Jong Bandung A and B, Jong Jenis Skunar A and Jong Jenis Barong A and B.
Side activities consist of a remote-controlled powerboat race, a fireworks showcase, performances by local artists, a sketch by the state Information Department, a duck catching game in the lake, and an all-terrain vehicle showcase.
The winner for the Miscellaneous Category was ‘Final Countdown 2011’ owned by Muhd Hafizuanie Hasli who received RM300.
‘Kris Patih Biru 2’ by Mohamat Muslim Marzuki took second place while ‘Asmara’ by Wahab Zainol was third, receiving RM200 and RM100 respectively.
Jong Regatta is a mini boat race which depends entirely on the boat’s design and the wind to push it to the finishing line.