KUCHING: The Regatta Simunjan and Festival Simunjan is set to return from Oct 2 to 5, with the town’s first-ever Muay Thai showcase.
Simunjan assemblyman Awla Dris confirmed that preparations are underway for the biennial festival, which was last held in 2023.
“This time, we’re introducing something different — Muay Thai has never been staged here before.
“We see it as a way to promote healthy, competitive sports and attract the interest of local youth,” he told Sarawak Tribune when met at his office here yesterday (July 11).
Awla expressed hope that young people from Simunjan would make a name for themselves in Muay Thai at various competitive levels.
As such, the idea was proposed to organise a Muay Thai demonstration in conjunction with Simunjan Festival 2025, scheduled from Oct 2 to 5.
He explained the close-combat sport will be presented through a special performance featuring invited participants.
“There will be a dedicated Muay Thai showcase during the festival. I believe it can spark interest among the younger generation, especially those in the Simunjan district,” he said.
He added Muay Thai has been gaining momentum in Sarawak, and this initiative seeks to build on that positive growth.
Beyond the combat sport, overall participation in the festival is expected to rise, given the strong public response in previous editions.
“Two years ago, the community’s response was very encouraging. We’re confident that with the new additions, the 2025 edition will draw even more people,” he said.
