KUCHING – A royal visit to Sarawak is set to deepen collaborative efforts in the craft sector between two Malaysian states. The arrival of Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, the Sultan of Pahang, and Tengku Ampuan Pahang Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah, along with other royal family members, is anticipated to foster new opportunities in this cultural domain.
Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg confirmed the upcoming visit, noting that the Sultan of Pahang has accepted an invitation to attend the forthcoming Sarawak Regatta.
The Sultan and his family are expected to witness the renowned river festival and tour a craft exhibition, which will feature traditional items such as keringkam, Sarawak’s distinctive gold thread embroidery.
This engagement follows a reciprocal visit to Pahang two months prior by the Sarawak Premier and the Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar. They attended the Pahang Heritage Festival at the personal invitation of the Sultan.
Premier Abang Zohari, speaking to reporters after launching the Sarawak Regatta 2025 on the Kuching Riverbank, affirmed that both states are committed to continuing their partnership in craft development.
In a separate announcement, the Premier revealed significant international interest in the Sarawak International Dragon Boat Race (SIDBR) 2025.
The event has attracted a substantial number of applications, with participants from 23 different countries registered to compete.
The launch ceremony for the dragon boat event featured the traditional eye-dotting ritual, a practice believed to awaken the dragon spirit and bring the boats to life, followed by the flag-off for the “Battle of the Dragons” competition. This year’s race has drawn 62 teams, comprising over 2,000 athletes, showcasing the event’s growing global stature.
The competition will feature seven distinct categories, catering to a wide range of participants. These include the International Premier Open for 20 paddlers, various 12-paddler events for Open, Mixed, Premier Women, and Master Open crews aged 40 and above.
A specially dedicated category for International Cancer Survivors will also be held, alongside the shorter, intense “Battle of the Dragons” tug race for crews of six.
The convergence of the royal visit and the major sporting event highlights Kuching’s role as a hub for both cultural exchange and international sports tourism.
The cooperation in crafts is seen as a vital initiative to preserve and promote traditional Malaysian artistry, providing economic opportunities for local artisans while strengthening interstate relations.
The high-profile attendance at the Regatta is expected to significantly boost the event’s profile and attract further tourist interest to the region.
