KUCHING: Cheers echoed along the Sarawak River as paddlers gave their all in a thrilling final day of the Sarawak Regatta 2026, with teams vying for the coveted ‘Raja Sungai’ title.
The final-day races were also attended by the Head of State, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, and his wife, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, who arrived at the Regatta Grandstand at about 2:20 pm.
Their arrival was warmly welcomed by Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, and Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Dr Ripin Lamat.
Meanwhile, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg arrived at the grandstand at about 3:00 pm, following the officiating of the Sarawak Energy E-Boat Naming Ceremony at nearby Pangkalan Sapi.
Earlier, Abang Johari had boarded the newly named ‘Seri Batang Ai’ with Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, Datuk Len Talif Salleh and Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni, crossing the Sarawak River towards the regatta grandstand.
The dignitaries then watched several races, including the Perahu Bidar 30 Pekayuh Lelaki (Antarabangsa Borneo) for the Piala MTCP Terbuka, Perahu Kenyalang 20 Pekayuh Lelaki (VIP) for the Piala Premier Sarawak and Perahu Bidar 30 Pekayuh Lelaki (Raja Sungai) for the Piala TYT Sarawak.
The much-anticipated ‘Raja Sungai’ contest saw teams battling for the prestigious title, with Todak Berjaya-1 emerging as champion, followed by Landas Saga Sebuyau 3 and Udak-8
Before the dignitaries departed at about 4:25 pm, participating boats lined up along the river for a ceremonial salute as a mark of respect.
A downpour shortly afterwards did little to dampen the atmosphere, as the prize presentation ceremony proceeded about 10 minutes later, with Wan Junaidi presenting the ‘Raja Sungai’ award.
The programme continued with a group photography session and the symbolic postponement of the Race of Harmony before the dignitaries departed at about 5:00 pm.
