LINGGA – The Lingga Regatta 2025 concluded with resounding success, drawing thousands of visitors and reinforcing its role as both a tourism attraction and a symbol of racial harmony.
The three-day festival, held along the Lingga River, attracted an estimated 10,000 attendees. The regatta, which dates back to 1873, remains one of Sarawak’s oldest water sports traditions and continues to serve as a cultural bridge among diverse communities.
Sarawak’s Minister of Trade, Tourism, Creative Industries and Performing Arts, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, highlighted the regatta’s enduring significance. He noted that the event was formally renamed in 2018 and has since been included in the state’s tourism calendar as a biennial programme.
“This year, 41 teams took part, including participants from Brunei Darussalam. Of these, 29 competed for the title of Raja Sungai Lingga, while 12 battled in the Battle of Titans category,” he said during the closing ceremony.
He added that the regatta’s appeal lies not only in its competitive spirit but also in the unique setting of the Lingga River, which flows into the Batang Lupar River and is steeped in folklore such as the tale of Bujang Senang.
The Minister encouraged participants to act as “small ambassadors” in promoting Lingga District as a destination rich in heritage and natural beauty. He emphasised that the regatta is more than a sporting event, serving as a platform for cultural preservation and community engagement.
Batang Lupar MP Mohamad Shafizan Kepli echoed these sentiments, expressing gratitude to the state government and organisers for their support. He stressed that the regatta embodies the spirit of cooperation and unity, describing it as a heritage that has long been intertwined with the identity of the local people.
Beyond the races, the festival featured exhibitions, entertainment, and stalls offering local products. Organisers reported that vendors could expect daily earnings between RM1,000 and RM2,000, providing a welcome boost to the local economy.
The regatta’s success underscores its dual role as a sporting spectacle and a cultural celebration. It continues to attract both domestic and international participants, reinforcing Sarawak’s reputation as a destination where tradition and tourism converge.
Among those present were Lingga assemblyman Dayang Noorazah Awang Sohor, Balingian assemblyman Abdul Yakub Arbi, MTCP deputy secretary Julin Alen, Sri Aman resident Mahra Salleh, and Lingga district officer Frank Lani, all of whom underscored the importance of sustaining the regatta as part of Sarawak’s living heritage.
With its blend of competition, culture, and commerce, the Lingga Regatta 2025 has once again demonstrated its ability to unite communities while showcasing Sarawak’s vibrant traditions to the wider world.
