Goh (fifth from right) and Wong (fifth from left) inviting Masidi to the third Sabah FCAS International Dragon Boat Race 2016.
KOTA KINABALU: The State Government will fully support the third Sabah FCAS International Dragon Boat Race 2016 despite the call for prudent spending, said Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun.
Masidi said the Malaysian Tourism and Culture Ministry has resorted to slashing its expenditure this year by substantially reducing various allocations. Likewise, the State Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry has also taken prudent measures on its resources, he said.
However, Masidi assured that the State Government would render its support to the dragon boat race, as organizing the event involved large manpower, funds and various resources.
“The dragon boat race is a major event for the local community. The dragon boat race is not only a Chinese traditional event, it has gained the attention and participation from local bumiputeras,” Masidi said, during a courtesy call by the Federation of Chinese Associations Sabah (FCAS) committee led by its president, Datuk Seri Panglima Dr. T.C. Goh.
Also present were Sabah Tourism Board (STB) general manager Gordon Yapp, FCAS vice president cum organizing chairperson of the dragon boat race Datuk Susan Wong Siew Guen, and vice president Datuk Agnes Shim.
Goh briefed Masidi on the progress of organizing the dragon boat race and the event itinerary.
He thanked the government for its support, adding that the federation would do its level best to ensure the success of the event.
Meanwhile, Wong said FCAS has adopted the suggestion to hold the event in May in conjunction with the Harvest Festival celebrations in Sabah in order to showcase our colourful cultural activities to tourists.
The third Sabah FCAS International Dragon Boat Race 2016 will be held at Likas Bay on May 21-22. More than 100 teams are expected to compete in the event.
FCAS has invited Masidi to grace the Sunset Beach Welcome Party on May 20, while the Head of State, Tun Datuk Seri Panglima (Dr.) Haji Juhar bin Datuk Haji Mahiruddin will officiate at the opening ceremony of the dragon boat race on May 22.
Wong said she is happy that local Chinese organizations and community associations were signing up for the race, and urged those who have not done so to take part in the event in effort to promote Chinese culture and racial harmony.
It is learnt that the participating teams have begun their training at Sutera Harbour Marina Club and Gayang.
FCAS will also release a magazine on the third Sabah FCAS International Dragon Boat Race 2016. Businesses are welcomed to advertise in the magazine. For advertisement inquiry or to register for the dragon boat race, please contact FCAS secretariat at 088-253433 or email to [email protected].