KUCHING: Safety will take centre stage at the Sarawak Regatta 2025, as life jackets are now compulsory across all categories.
This is a firm measure introduced after several drowning incidents in previous years, Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said.
This year’s regatta will feature a total of 18 categories across two divisions: the Local Category and the Open Category, with nine events each.
Among the highlights are the Raja Sungai (King of the River) 30 Men’s Paddlers Category — TYT Trophy in the Local Category, and 30-Paddler Men’s International Marathon (3km) in the Open Category.
He said the ruling, which takes effect this year will be strictly enforced, with teams that refuse to comply barred from racing.
“For the International Dragon Boat Regatta, the ruling has always been clear, competitors must wear life jackets.
“But for the Sarawak Regatta, all these years, some have resisted. This time around, if they reject, we don’t allow them to race,” he told reporters during a press conference at the Sarawak Regatta–Kuching Waterfront Festival 2025, held at the Waterfront Hotel today.
Abdul Karim stressed that even swimmers with strong abilities will not be exempted from the rule, and any team found to be competing without life jackets risk having their races cancelled by the jury.
“We cannot afford to see and hear of further tragedies. Last year, we faced that kind of problem even though it was not during the finals, but in training, when they did not wear life jackets, five perished.
“Recently, in Beladin, one competitor also died when the boat capsized. We cannot afford this anymore.
“After hearing from the leaders above, we have decided it must be mandatory,” he said.
The Sarawak Regatta 2025 will be held from Oct 31 to Nov 2, while the Sarawak International Dragon Boat Regatta is scheduled for Oct 24 to Oct 26.
