KUCHING: The Sarawak International Dragon Boat Regatta 2025 has set a new record with grand participation from 23 countries, the highest since its introduction.
Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, said more than 2,000 paddlers from around the world are currently in Kuching for the three-day competition which began today.
“This is the first time we are receiving entries from 23 countries. Never before have we recorded this level of participation in the International Dragon Boat,” he told reporters on the sidelines of the Sarawak Regatta-Kuching Waterfront Festival (SR-KWF) 2025 today.
The festival, officiated by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, features a week-long programme of water sports and cultural events.
Abdul Karim said the Sarawak Regatta would follow next weekend, highlighted by the ‘Raja Sungai’ category which has long been a crowd favourite.
He added that for the first time, all paddlers in the regatta will be required to wear lifejackets, a new safety measure introduced to prevent accidents and fatalities.
“Last year we witnessed tragedies during regatta races, including at Beladin. To avoid this, lifejackets are made compulsory this year,” he said.
Other attractions during the festival include the Festival Gendang and craft sales, which generated more than RM2 million last year and are expected to perform strongly again.
