Kuching city to organise 2012 ‘Regatta Bandarayaku’

KUCHING: Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) will be organising a regatta known as ‘Regatta Bandarayaku’ to kickstart riverine activities at Sarawak River for the New Year, 2012.

According to DBKU principal deputy director Kartina Zamhari, the event from Jan 28 to 29 is a platform to enhance the relationship between DBKU and the community.

“The event offers opportunity to statutory bodies, Ipta, governmental agencies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and the private sector to get together to improve knowledge and experience in implementing their duties or responsibilities.

“It will also make DBKU area known as a water sports tourism area. The more the merrier,” she said at a press conference yesterday.

Participation is open to all, with attractive prize money to be won.

Besides the regatta, there will be other interesting side activities such as car boot sale, expo exhibition, karaoke competition, power boat, pump ski, auto shows and more.

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Jong Regatta to be upgraded to welcome international participation

BAU: The Jong Regatta Festival in Tasik Biru needs to be improved to be promoted as a national

event before invitations can be made to international participants, said Assistant Minister of Community Services, and Industrial Estate Development Datuk Peter Nansian at the closing of the Jong Regatta 2011 yesterday.

Nansian said he was currently working with the relevant government departments to upgrade the facilities and infrastucture near Tasik Biru so that the event could handle the volume from events of national standard.

Nansian who is also Tasik Biru assemblyman said he hoped the goal would be realised in two years through strong collaboration and support between the government and the community.

“What we’re trying to do now is to work with the relevant government departments and the people to look into all the facilities, programmes and side activities to further improve the event so that it will be more exciting and festive,” he said.

He also urged the community to take advantage of the Jong Regatta to earn extra income by selling handicrafts related to the event.

“We need to encourage people to promote and sell crafts such as miniature Jongs as souvenirs,” he added.

The two-day regatta has several categories namely Jong Skuci A and B, Jong Kotak A and B, Jong Bandung A and B, Jong Jenis Skunar A and Jong Jenis Barong A and B.

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Divers find wreck of Dutch WWII sub off Borneo

THE HAGUE: Sport divers off the northern coast of Borneo have discovered the wreck of a Dutch World War II submarine, missing for the past 70 years, the Dutch defence ministry said Monday.

“The HR. MS. KXVI, which has been missing with a crew of 36 since 1941, has been found,” it said in a statement released in The Hague.

“It was discovered by Australian and Singaporean sport divers in the waters ‘above’ the island of Borneo after a tip-off from a local fisherman,” the ministry added.

It did not state the exact location of the wreck out of respect for the dead crew and their descendants.

The 1,000-tonne KXVI was part of the Allied fleet tasked with stopping the Japanese invasion of the then Dutch East Indies.

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Runners fear format change will make Mount Kinabalu climbathon less attractive

KOTA KINABALU: Top-ranked male runners in the just-concluded 25th Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon feel that the popular mountain race will lose much of its novelty when the competition takes on a different format next year.

This is because the race will not culminate at the peak any more.

Italian Marco de Gasperi believed that the race to the summit was the main attraction and was the reason why the world’s best mountain runners took part.

“A change in the format will have a negative effect as the race to the peak and down is already a tradition,” said the 34-year-old who has competed in three Mount Kinabalu Climbathons, winning in 2003 and 2010.

“I hope the organisers will retain the present format,’’ he said, adding that he might not compete next year if they did not.

Local runner Saffrey Sumping echoed de Gasperi’s views.

He said the race should be retained and held separately from the proposed new competition – the Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon: Adventure Series.

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New Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon route promises more fun

SINCE its inception 25 years ago, the Mount Kinabalu Climbathon has tested the mettle of so many participants, who have endured the gruelling climb up the 4,095m-high peak for the glory and lucrative cash prizes.

Next year, as part of celebrations to mark the 26th year of the race, the organiser will introduce several key changes to the route but will maintain the race's iconic name and the RM100,000 cash prize.

Instead of scaling the mountain, participants will run the 23km route from the Mount Kinabalu Park to Kundasang town.

Three-time open and three-time veteran champion Guainus Salagan said the new route would remain competitive for seasoned athletes and, at the same time, friendly for the thrill-seekers.

"The race to the peak, at present, has a cut-off time and participants who cannot reach the summit in about three hours will be disqualified. Not many can do this, but they take part simply for the fun of it.

"Hopefully, we will see more runners participating with the new route, which covers the summit trail from the park to the Layang-Layang area, at 2,800m above sea level, and then down the Mesilau trail.

"People may find it not as tough but I believe it will offer a different kind of challenge," said Guainus, 42, who finished third in the Men's Veteran race on Saturday.

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Spaniard wins 25th Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon title a third time

THREE races, three wins. That sums up Spaniard Killian Jornet, who clinched the Men's Open title in the 25th Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon in Kundasang yesterday.

The 23-year-old university student clocked two hours, 37 minutes and four seconds in the race up and down the mountain to beat defending champion Marco De Gasperi from Italy, who was 44 seconds behind.

Jornet, who studies sports science, was also the winner in his debut race in 2007 and repeated his feat when he returned in 2009. He bagged the top prize of RM13,500, while Gasperi won RM12,500.

Third-placed Luis Alberto Hernando, also from Spain, won RM10,500 after clocking two hours, 42 minutes and 36 seconds, while the best Malaysian finisher was park ranger Saffrey Sumping, who came in sixth in two hours, 55 minutes and 12 seconds.

A total of 203 runners started the 21km race and Gasperi, who won the race twice before, was the fastest to climb the 4,095m-high peak at one hour, 37 minutes and 49 seconds, an effort that won him a 24-carat gold pendant.

The 31-year-old runner kept his pace on the way down but Jornet, who was four minutes behind Gasperi in the climb, proved to be stronger in the descent.

"I caught up with him once we reached the steps (after clearing the rocky surface near the summit) on the way down and stayed closely behind all the way," Jornet said.

In the last 3km, Jornet overtook Gasperi and did not look back.

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Rubber tapper claims fourth title in challenging Mount Kinabalu race

KOTA KINABALU: Wearing only a pair of RM8 shoes locally known as adidas kampung, a rubber tapper broke an eight-year Malaysian jinx by grabbing the women's title at the 25th Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon.

Danny Kuilin Gongot outpaced New Zealander Anna Frost and American Brandy Erholtz, who came in second and third respectively, to bag the US$4,500 (RM14,000) prize and the gold medal in the women's category of the annual event at this World Heritage Site, near here, yesterday.

It was the fourth title for the 44-year-old Sabahan from Kampung Nadau, at the foothills of the majestic mountain in Kinabalu Park in Kundasang, about 75km from here, after her last wins in 2003, 1998 and 1997.

No Malaysian woman had won the race since 2003.

Danny clocked a time of 3:41:29 to beat 101 women climbers, who raced 21km up and down the 4,095m-high peak, the nation's highest.

Interviewed after she completed the event, Danny said she was dedicating the win to her parents, who never stopped encouraging and supporting her.

“They are not in good health now, so this win is for them,” she said, thanking the heavens for her victory.

“I never thought I could win against many younger and fitter runners,” added Danny, who trained for just two weeks running three times up the mountain in preparation for the competition that was billed “the world's toughest mountain race”.

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Sabahan Reclaims Mount Kinabalu Climbathon Women's Title

KUNDASANG -- After an eight-year drought, Malaysia's Danny Kuilin Gongot today reclaimed the Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon women's champion title.

Kuilin, 44, who last won the race in 2003, clocked 3:41.29s to win the race dubbed the world's toughest mountain race.

However, she came in second at the summit with a time of 2:20.17s behind United States' Brandy Erholtz, who romped home in 2:11.19s.

Danny Kuilin was ahead of last year's first runner-up Anna Frost of New Zealand, who finished the race in 3:50.38s, followed by Erholtz in 3:52.21s.

"I'm happy that I'm in good health today. I didn't expect to win, just to finish the race," Danny Kuilin told reporters after crossing the finish line.

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Mount Kinabalu Climbathon Hits Record Participation

KOTA KINABALU -- The 25th Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon next Thursday has hit a record participation with 568 runners from 28 countries vying for RM260,000 prize money.

State Assistant Minister of Culture, Tourism and Environment Datuk Ellron Angin said Malaysia registered the biggest number of runners at 405 followed by Singapore (33), the Philippines (26) and Japan (18).

The number of participants from the peninsula at 230 exceeded that of Sabah (156) and Sarawak (19), he told reporters here today.

Ellron said season campaigners included 24th Mt Kinabalu International Climbathon men's open winner Marco De Gasperi from Italy, Sudip Kulung from Nepal and reigning Malaysian champion Safrey Sumping.

In the women's category, last year's runner-up Anna Frost from New Zealand would be returning along with Malaysian women's champion Danny Kuilin.

Ellron, who is also chairman of the climbathon organising committee, said the sponsors included the Ministry of Tourism, Celcom, Telekom Malaysia Berhad, Malaysia Airlines, Sutera Sanctuary Lodges, Exotic Adventure, International Skyrunning Federation, Spritzer and Mcorry.

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The Best Ever Baram Regatta

THE Baram Regatta this year is the best ever to be held in the state.

Minister in-charge and Deputy Chief Minister, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu Numpang said the Regatta, attracting some 60,000 people – twice that of 2008 – was successful in all aspects.

The visit by Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei was also the first ever in the history of the Regatta since its inception over 100 years ago.

“His Royal Highness’ comment was very favourable and indeed, we are very thankful to him. During his visit, he was accompanied by two ministers – Finance and Energy – and two permenantsecretaries. This is very important historical event, especially for the people of Baram,” Jabu said in Marudi.

Among the dignitaries gracing several events in the programme were the Head of State, Tun Datuk Patinggi Muhammad Salahuddin and Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud.

Others included Deputy Minister of Tourism Datuk Dr James Dawos Mamit, Assistant Minister of Tourism Datuk Talip Zulpilip and elected representatives, among whom was Datuk Sylvester Entri Muran, Assistant Minister of Agriculture (farmers’ organisation) and the organising chairman.

The programme included speed and remote control boat competitions, Baram Idol and Ratu Regatta Baram, Sape competition, exposition and exhibition, sales of various products and IMalaysia Cultural Night.

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Good turnout expected at Samarahan Regatta

KUCHING: Kota Samarahan will be jam-packed over the weekend due to a three-day Samarahan Regatta that starts tomorrow.

The regatta to be held at Sungai Tambirat, Asajaya is also to celebrate Samarahan’s 25th year as a division.

This year’s regatta will offer more attractive prizes compared to the previous one in 2007.

Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud is expected to launch the event at 10am this Saturday while Head of State Tun Datuk Patinggi Abang Muhammad Salahuddin will grace the closing ceremony on Sunday afternoon.

At a press conference at Kota Samarahan Resident’s Office yesterday, Youth Development Assistant Minister Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said many exciting programmes and activities had been lined up for the three days.

“The boat race will see participants contest in 11 categories. Prizes for this year are much more attractive including trophies and cash totalling RM76,350,” he said.

“This will be a big event as we celebrate the division’s Silver Jubilee. Besides the boat races, we have added many programmes such as exhibition, sales of products as well as cultural and art shows.”

Organiser Abdul Karim said the event is well received by residents in Kota Samarahan.

“This big event involves many areas including Sebuyau and Kuching. It gives this area a boost in term of economic activities. It is also a platform to unite the people,” he said.

The race comes under various categories including ‘Perahu Bidar’ for 30, 20 and 15 paddlers, ‘Perahu Bidar’ for 20 and 15 mixed paddlers, ‘Perahu Bidar’ 20 VIP paddlers, ‘Perahu Bidar’ 20 paddlers from departments and agencies, ‘Perahu Balok’ 7 paddlers, ‘Perahu Tambang Berdayung’, Unlimited Horse Power Engine and Pump Ski.

Asked to elaborate on pump ski, he said it is similar to jetski but requires better skill.

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Samarahan Regatta this weekend

KUCHING: For boat race lovers, there is yet another splashing regatta to be held for three days – the Samarahan Regatta 2011 from Oct 7-9 at Sungai Tambirat, Asajaya.

This regatta among others will feature a category under the ‘engine pump boat race’ which is unique of Samarahan Regatta besides the traditional ‘bidar’, ‘balok’ and ‘perahu penambang’ categories.

The ‘bidar’ category will see 15, 20 and 30 paddlers while the ‘balok’ will have seven paddlers.

Another unique race is the ‘perahu penambang’ category.

Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud has been invited to flag-off the race at 10am this Saturday at the starting point at Sungai Tembirat Waterfront, Asajaya while the closing ceremony on Sunday, Oct 9, will be graced by the Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Datuk Patinggi Abang Muhammad Salahuddin in the afternoon.

Jointly organised by the Resident and District Office Samarahan Division and the Ministry of Social Development, the activities this Friday will see a sale and exhibition of various products, gifts and food and drinks including a development exhibition by the various government departments and agencies.

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Baram Regatta to be promoted aggressively in future

MARUDI: The state government will promote the historic Baram Regatta aggressively to both local and international tourists as part of a concerted effort to boost the state’s tourism industry.

Assistant Minister for Tourism Datuk Talip Zulpilip said the regatta, which was first held in 1899, deserved to be popularised as, among others, it had proven to be a major ‘unifying force’ for the multi-racial communities in Baram.

Promoting the regatta properly would also do wonders to Marudi in terms of becoming an important centre for water-based sports tourism and business.

“I can assure the people of Baram that the regatta will be aggressively promoted both locally and abroad. But the people must continue to make the event a success and even grander in future,” Talip said at the finale of the regatta here on Sunday.

Also present were the organising chairman Datuk Sylvester Entri Muran and Miri Resident Antonio Kahti Galis.

Talip said he believed one of the best ways to turn the regatta into a huge success would be to introduce a homestay programme as the event was a crowd-puller.

He revealed that foreign tourists loved homestay-type of accommodation, so locals should take advantage of this money-generating opportunity.

“But the people here must continue to appreciate and strengthen unity and harmony here. Without it investors will not come to Marudi. When this happens, other types of development initiative would also be hampered,” he stressed.

Earlier, Sylvester thanked the people, including the state government and sponsors, for making the regatta a success.

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Baram Regatta the ‘Mother of all Regattas’

MARUDI: The 2011 Baram Regatta which ended yesterday achieved another breakthrough when it was called the ‘Mother of all Regattas’ in Sarawak.

The presence of the Sultan and Prime Minister of Brunei His Royal Highness Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah to grace the regatta was already a historic moment which undoubtedly left lasting memories in the minds of local dignitaries and the people of Baram.

It consequently further strengthened the long established cordial bilateral relations between Brunei and Malaysia in particular Sarawak, while further promoting both countries to the world community.

Among the local dignitaries and fans of the regatta were Head of State Tun Datuk Patinggi Muhammad Salahuddin and Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud.

Long Terawan, Mulu successfully retained the ‘Raja Batang Baram’ title for the second consecutive time after winning it in 2008. Second and third placings respectively went to Citra 1 and Jayong 9 Belaga.

Meanwhile, Jayong Belaga emerged as the overall regatta champion to win the ‘Charles Hose Memorial Cup’.

Jayong 9 Belaga through its Unlimited Men B team successfully clinched the Sultan of Brunei’s Challenge Trophy.

Second and third place winners were Citra 1 and Tedung Melanca respectively.

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A truly royal buzz at Baram Regatta 2011

MARUDI: Thousands of people turned up at the Marudi airport yesterday to give Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei a warm welcome to grace Baram Regatta 2011.

The Sultan flew in from Brunei using a Black Hawk helicopter. An accomplished pilot, the Sultan brought the aircraft to a perfect landing to the delight of the welcoming party at 9.15am. His entourage flew in using two other Black Hawks.

On hand to welcome him were Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Datuk Patinggi Muhammad Salahuddin, Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud, Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu Numpang, DUN Speaker Datuk Amar Awang Asfia Awang Nassar, Second Minister of Resource Planning and Environment Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hassan, and local community leaders.

All of them later headed to Marudi town for a colourful welcome by various ethnic communities from the Baram Basin, led by Baram Regatta organising chairman and Assistant Minister of Public Utilities Datuk Sylvester Entri Muran.

The huge crowd jam-packed the streets, and many of them not only hit their digital cameras in overdrive mode but also jostled for the opportunity to shake hands with the Sultan.

Entri later accompanied the Sultan, Taib, Jabu, and Awang Tengah to a floating stage which was manually powered by two longboats filled with people paddling furiously out of the wharf for a parade downriver before ending at the main stage.

They were accompanied by a flotilla of dragon boats and longboats.

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Mount Kinabalu climbathon set to be more challenging

KOTA KINABALU: Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon is set to be even more challenging next year.

The new 23km route will require runners to race from Kinabalu Park up the mountain until Layang-Layang Hut. They will then go down the Mesilau trail before descending to Kundasang town at the foothill of the mountain.

Billed as the world's toughest mountain race, it is aimed at testing the endurance of competitors by running up and down Mount Kinabalu.

State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun said next year's competition would be known as Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon: Adventure Series.

Come Oct 22 to 23, the 25th edition of the climbathon will be the final time that participants run the traditional 21km route up and down the 4,095m mountain.

The present route requires participants to run from Timpohon Gate the entry point to the summit trail to the peak and back.

Explaining the new route, Masidi said it was time for an overhaul of the race.

The new route will be thrilling and challenging for the runners.

He said the state wanted the competition to be a sports tourism event instead of just a sporting activity.

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26 teams to compete in Baleh-Kapit Raft Safari

KAPIT: A total of 26 teams will compete in the 16th annual Baleh-Kapit Raft Safari.

Organising chairman Kapit Resident Dahim Nadot said although fewer teams were competing this year, numbers would not be the only factor determining the event’s success.

“There are only 26 teams confirmed participating after the closing date, but in terms of the number of ministers visiting, VIPs and reporters attending the safari, it is a record high,” he said after the final organising committee meeting on Tuesday.

The Baleh-Kapit Raft Safari will be held tomorrow and Saturday (Sept 23-24).

The first flag off point is at Rumah Ajai, Nanga Senuang at Sungai Majau while the 24-door Rumah Anding at Nanga Sepuna, Mujong will be the transit point.

The distance from Rumah Ajai to Rumah Anding is about 40km while the journey from Rumah Anding to the finishing point at Kapit Wharf is about 20km.

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7th Borneo International Kite Festival: Foreign kite enthusiasts set to wow

BINTULU: The 7th Borneo International Kite Festival (BIKF), which will be held from Sept 22-25, will see 84 kite enthusiasts from 22 countries converging at the Bintulu Old Airport site.

BIKF, which was first held in 2005, is jointly organised by Bintulu Kite Flyers and Bintulu Development Authority (BDA) in collaboration with the Tourism and Heritage Ministry and Tourism Ministry with support from Sarawak Economic Development Corporation.

BDA, in its effort to cement its relationship with members of the public and the participants, has created a mascot aptly named ‘Sanai Vaie’.

Sanai is a Bintulu boy who loves kite flying.

He wears a green overall and a stripped green cap, representing the freshness of nature.

He sometimes carries his Sarawak flag-inspired kite to show off to his friends and family.

This year he will be the ambassador for BIKF.

Sanai Vaie will be making a few appearances in and around town and will be looking for friends to come join him at the festival this week.

The introduction of this mascot is just another step in making the BIKF well received and fresh every year.

The idea of organising BIKF was first mooted by Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud.

Bintulu was chosen as a venue after considering its great potential after the old airport was closed down, making the basic infrastructure left behind an ideal and perfect site for such an event.

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Next year’s Sarawak Regatta to see international participation

KUCHING: Tourism and Heritage Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Abang Openg revealed that Sarawak Regatta 2012 would again see international participation.

The chairman of Permanent Organising Committee Sarawak Regatta pointed out that Sarawakians could expect an internationally-recognised side event next year though he did not go into details.

Describing this year’s event as different, he said the Sarawak Wakeboard World Cup (WWC) 2011 had heightened the profile on the Sarawak Regatta.

“We have included WWC this year and it has recorded improvement to our regatta, a cultural event to unite the people of Sarawak and motivate them to work as a team.

“With the event extended to include WWC, it also represents part of our efforts to promote tourism attractions in Sarawak,” he told a news conference after Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud launched Sarawak Regatta 2011 and International Waterski and Wakeboard Federation (IWWF) Wakeboard World Cup 2011 at Kuching Waterfront here yesterday.

Abang Johari, who is Housing and Urban Development Minister, felt that the state could organise more water-related events following the success of this year’s WWC held in conjunction with regatta.

He believed that hosting international games would help the state draw in draw more foreigners.

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Colourful longboats to liven up Baram Regatta

MARUDI: Decorated longboats will add splashes of colour to the Baram River on Oct 1 as part of events for the Baram Regatta.

Robert Laing Anyie, a political secretary to the Chief Minister, said there will be decorated longboats involving the Orang Ulu, Iban, Malay and Chinese communities.

The boats, he said, would carry the regatta torch for the handing over ceremony, or ‘Maten Tebuko Sengaran’ in Kayan, to Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud.

“After handing over the Tebuko to the Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud, the boat parade would move upriver together with the guest of honour on the boat,” he said after a technical committee meeting yesterday.

Longboats which have yet to register, he said, could do so with Baram District Officer Joseph Belayong until Sept 29.

He added that preparations by participants for the regatta have been going smoothly.

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