Monday July 23, 2012

Exciting time at the beach

By ELWEEN LOKE
elween@thestar.com.my

THE usually serene beach front at Pantai Pasir Bogak was filled with adrenaline pumping adventure as scores of jet ski riders raced across its waters in the Pangkor World Jetrace Challenge 2012.

Held over two days, the international event had attracted 14 teams from Malaysia, the United Kingdom, the Philippines, Brunei, Singapore and Indonesia, and hundreds of spectators from around the island.

Last checks: Participants getting ready for the race at Pantai Pasir Bogak.

A student Chan Kah Man, 18, said many locals had taken the opportunity to see for themselves what was a jet ski race after learning about the event.

“I have never heard or seen one before this. In Pangkor, we only see tourists riding jet skis for fun. This is really an eye-opener for us,” said Kah Man, who was with three of his classmates.

Temple attendant Lam Chee Kein, 54, said it was exhilarating to watch the participants race against each other across the sea.

Try this for size: Dr Zambry (middle) putting on a lifejacket. Looking on are Khairul Azwan (right) and Manjung Municipal Council president Datuk Zamri Man (left).

“They rode so fast, my eyes could not keep up with them.

“It is also unfortunate that they are racing quite a distance away from the shore,” he said.

Organising chairman Khairul Azwan Harun said the event was initiated by the state government in conjunction with Visit Perak Year 2012.

Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir, who happened to be in Lumut during the opening day of the race, managed to take time off for a brief visit.