Great potential for powerboat race in Kapit — Masing

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The big crowd watching the powerboat race.

The big crowd watching the powerboat race.

KAPIT: There is great potential for powerboat racing here to be a tourism product, said Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Masing.

Masing, who is also the Minister of Infrastructure Development and Transportation, stated this when speaking at the prize presentation for the two-day powerboat race that was held in front of the Kapit Waterfront in conjunction with Sarawak Day yesterday.

He said it had become an attraction for people from far and near and with aggressive promotion he believed more people would come to watch the water sport. Held from July 22 to 23, the event was organised by the Kapit Division Powerboat Association in collaboration with Kapit Youth and Sports Department.

“Powerboat racing is Kapit’s specialty. People here are creative and adept in designing and making powerboats and are even good in modifying engines for racing. We have over the years earned a very good reputation in producing very good powerboat racers along the Rajang River,” he said.

He noted that local young people, especially those in their early twenties, were good in designing and building powerboats, which he said would take them away from social vices.

“I hope the government will support this healthy activity by building more facilities along the river bank to accommodate the growing number of enthusiasts,” he added.

Powerboat racing is held annually at the Kapit waterfront and is the number one crowd puller. This year, the powerboat race was first held in April in conjunction with the Baleh/Kapit Raft Safari. Among the prominent powerboat enthusiasts here are Masing himself, Rural and Regional Development Deputy Minister Datuk Alexander Nanta Linggi, Hulu Rajang MP Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong, Kapit Walikota Philimon Nuing, Temenggong Datuk James Jimbun Pungga, Bukit Goram assemblyman Jefferson Jamit Unyat and Pelagus assemblyman Wilson Nyabong Ijang.

Kapit Power Boat Association chairman Koh Kumbong disclosed that 17 powerboat clubs were registered with the association, which he said illustrated the enthusiasm and interest of people of all races in the water sport.

He explained power boat racing is popular here because of Kapit’s physical terrain of numerous streams and rivers.

Another popular water sport here is remote-controlled boat racing. The winners in the 50hp Tunnel Boat race were Orion 13 (champion), Song Team 09 (second) and Sigat Tuai 22 (third place).

In the 30hp final, Legion 75 was the champion, Lelingai 69 was second and Athena 31 was in third place. BGRT 69 was champion in the 35hp Piston Tunnel Boat race 2 while Lakin Belaga 91 was second and Pasaka 11 finished in third place. The 18hp Tunnel Boat race was won by Antena 17. In second and third places were Bueng Warrior 89 and Song Team 09 respectively.

Pang Tray 54 was champion in the Engine Pump 7.5hp race 2, and Ma Jeniezs 84 was second and Ma Jeniezs Turbo 89 was third. In the 18hp Tunnel Boat loser pool, BGRT 66 was champion, Dixon 17 was second and Sebiro Warrior 67 was in third place.

Masing (centre, back row) with his racing team ‘JM’.

Masing (centre, back row) with his racing team ‘JM’.

Masing (centre, back row) and champions of the various races giving the thumbs-up to the powerboat race.

Masing (centre, back row) and champions of the various races giving the thumbs-up to the powerboat race.