Kota Kinabalu: The 9th International Dragon Boat Race organised by the Federation of Chinese Associations Sabah (FCAS) is expected to attract thousands of local and international tourists, with over 100 teams participating.
FCAS President Tan Sri TC Goh said such an encouraging response will once again ignite the Dragon Boat Festival fervour in East Malaysia and Sabah, as well help to promote traditional Chinese culture and contribute to the recovery of Sabah’s tourism industry.
The organising committee of FCAS 9th International Dragon Boat Race, led by Goh, paid a courtesy call on the Director of the Sabah Fire and Rescue Department, Abdul Razak Muda.
The latter was briefed on the progress of the event.
Goh informed Razak that the event had become a cultural symbol for East Malaysia and Sabah, representing a highly anticipated event that not only showcases dragon boat racing but also serves as a cultural feast of diversity.
Meanwhile, FCAS Deputy President cum Organising Chairperson of the Event, Datuk Susan Wong Siew Guen, said the organising committee invited Razak to attend the grand opening of the event.
His Department promised to provide two maritime rescue teams, two rescue boats as well as relevant support and resources to ensure the smoothness of the event and safety of the participants. He pledged to send a team to participate in the race, in support of the event.
The event will take place on June 7-9, with the Sabah Head of State, Tun Juhar Mahiruddin and his consort Toh Puan Norlidah RM Jasni as Guest of Honours, and the special guest being the Sabah Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Haji Hajiji Mohd Noor.
Various Cabinet Ministers will also be invited to attend.
It will feature 11 categories with total prize money of RM94,000. These include the Sabah Governor Cup (Men’s category; 800m), the Sabah Chief Minister’s Cup (Men’s category; 800m), the FCAS International Dragon Boat Race Cup (Mixed category; 800m), the FCAS Cup (FCAS members mixed category; 800m), the FCAS Cup (Chinese Men’s Category; 800m), the Kinabalu Cup (Youth Team), the Kinabalu Cup (Men’s Team), the Kinabalu Cup (Mixed category; 200m), the Kinabalu Cup (Women’s category; 200m), and the Huazong President Cup (for the 13 states Chinese Assembly Halls members mixed category, Mixed category 800m).
Various dragon boat teams will undergo training at the Kota Kinabalu Yacht Club, as well as at the Gayang River in Tuaran.
Other teams who are keen to participate in the race can contact Regina Ngu at +60 12 411 5534, landline +60 88 253 433, or email fcasinfo@gmail.com.
Also in attendance were the three Vice Presidents of FCAS, Kapitan Fung Chun Fatt, David Chan and Chang Jeng Yung, and its Central Committee members Tan Guan Hock and Vice Youth Chief, Regina Ngu.
