KAPIT: Kapit Division Acting Resident Elvis Didit has called on all powerboat enthusiasts in Borneo including those from Sabah, Brunei and Federal Territory of Labuan to turn out in full force, to develop powerboat racing here as a top tourist attraction.
“We’re calling on all powerboat enthusiasts in Borneo to participate. Apart from Belaga, Song, Kanowit, Mukah, Dalat, Bintangor, Bintulu, Baram, Lawas and Sibu, we hope those from Sabah, Brunei and Labuan will participate in the two-day ‘Kapit Powerboat Race on Sept 12-13 2015’ at Kapit waterfront.
“The event is held to coincide with Malaysia Day”, explained Elvis who is the organising chairman of this year’s Kapit level Malaysia Day celebration.
“The main event powerboat race is organised by Kapit Division Powerboat Association while the side events slotted over the two days are ‘Tarian Jamilah’ by KEMAS Hulu Rajang, Kapit Idot by the Police, Sukan Rakyat by the Department of Urban Development and handicraft exhibition and sale by SIDS (Sarakup Induk Dayak Sarawak,” added Elvis.
Elvis chaired the Kapit level Malaysia Day 2015 celebration main committee on Thursday afternoon at the conference room at Bletih State Complex here that was attended by the government departments and non-governmental organisations.
He disclosed that the powerboat races offered attractive prizes with a total of RM30,400 up for grabs. He thanked Minister of Land Development Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Jemut Masing who chipped in the money for the race.
Chairman of Kapit Division Powerboat Association, Jack Janda who is the Kapit Sports and Youth officer, said entries are now open. He is hoping to attract more participation from outside the district to increase the level of competitiveness among the powerboat enthusiasts.
“Kapit has great potential for powerboat race to be developed into a tourist product Our association has registered over 200 members here. We hope to organise races at least twice a year to create activity for the members,” said Jack.
On Sept 12 (Saturday), the races commence from 9am to 3:30pm: 9am – Engine Pump 7.5 HP below Race 1 (4 laps), 9:30am – 50 HP Tunnel Boat Below Heat 1 (10 laps), 10am – 50 HP Tunnel Boat Below Heat 2 (10 laps), 10:30am – 30 HP Tunnel Boat Heat 2 (8 laps), 11:30am – 30 HP Tunnel Boat Heat 2 (8 laps).
In the afternoon, 2pm – 18 HP Tunnel Boat Heat 1 (10 laps), 2:30pm – 18 HP Tunnel Boat Heat 2 (8 laps), 3pm – 18 HP Tunnel Boat Heat 3 (6 laps) and 3:30pm – Engine Pump 7.5 HP Below Race 2 (4 laps).
On Sept 13 (Sunday), races commence from 9:30am to 12 noon: 9:30am – 50 HP Tunnel Boat Below Final Race (10 laps), 10am – 30 HP Tunnel Boat Final Race (8 laps), 10:30am – 18 HP Tunnel Boat Final Race (6 laps), 11:30am – Engine Pump 7.5 HP Below Final (4 laps) and 12 noon – Closing cum prize-giving ceremony by James Masing.