(From left) Hii, Bujang and Chieng looking at the development plan of Pulau Li Hua.
AN INTERNATIONAL dragon boat race is being mooted for Sungai Rajang, the longest river in the country, to promote tourism.
Bukit Assek assemblyman Joseph Chieng said although the Sibu-Kapit road network was already in place, activities in the Rajang area were decreasing, hence there was a need to plan something for the river to make it lively again.
“Sungai Kuching has the International Dragon Boat Race which attracts many participants from abroad and this could be emulated for the Rajang,” said Chieng at the inauguration of the Rajang River Festival at Pulau Li Hua in Sibu, Sarawak.
Chieng said on Sept 30, he had discussed the matter with Tourism, Creative Industries and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah to have the International Dragon Boat Race in Sarawak twice.
“I suggested to him that maybe the first round should take place in the Kuching River while the second round, in the Rajang River in Sibu,” he said, adding that Abdul Karim had agreed.
He said effort needed to be put in by relevant parties to make the International Dragon Boat Race in Sibu a reality.
“The Rajang River has a lot of potential if we promote water sports.
“We can also attract international participation.
“Sungai Rajang is unique as it is bifurcated by two rivers, Batang Igan and Batang Lebaan,” he explained.
Others present at the event were Sibu Municipal Council deputy chairman Bujang Abdul Majid, Pulau Li Hua Recreational Sports Club chairman Wong Ming Yew and Sungai Rajang Festival management committee chairman Sean Hii. — By ANDY CHUA
