Abdul Karim (seated third left) and Ibrahim on his left in a photocall with other organising committee members at the press conference to announce the event.
KUCHING: The Samarahan Regatta 2019 from July 12-14 this year will introduce a 20-paddler category in the competition.
According to Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, the new category would be for villages in the area and among the 11 categories in the three-day event.
“The Samarahan Regatta to be held at Kampung Tambirat, which was last held in 2015, is back again to prepare competitors for the coming Sarawak Regatta,” he told reporters here yesterday at a news conference to announce the event.
Abdul Karim also said ‘Raja Sungai’ title will also be up for grabs in the Samarahan Regatta 2019 which offers RM7,500 cash prize, higher than those offered previously.
Entry forms can be obtained from Asajaya District Office and Samarahan Resident’s Office from June 10.The closing date for entry is July 4.
Abdul Karim said Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg is expected to officiate the opening ceremony on July 13 while Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud will officiate the closing ceremony.
Abdul Karim said he expected more than 20,000 people to come to witness the three-day event.
This he said was in view of the good road accessibility to Kpg Tembirat, particularly with the completion of Samarahan Bridge and Batang Sadong Bridge.
He added that several government departments and agencies, both federal and state, will also be holding exhibitions.
Food and drink stalls will also be made available during the event. Also present was Samarahan Resident Ibrahim Lumpu.