Abd Karim: Future Sarawak Regatta may mandate life jackets for paddlers

ASAJAYA (Oct 25): The Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneurial Development is considering making life jackets mandatory for paddlers participating in the future Sarawak Regatta.

Its minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah stated that although this year’s regulations for the Sarawak Regatta do not currently require the wearing of life jackets, the use of these safety devices is strongly encouraged.

“For the International Dragon Boat event, there are specific requirements that must be adhered to, including the necessity for every participant to wear a life jacket.

“In the case of the Sarawak Regatta, we are trying to change the mindset of the paddlers. We have repeatedly attempted to enforce the wearing of life jackets, but many of the local participants provide various excuses, claiming that it is difficult to paddle while wearing one.

“This year, we will strive to encourage their use. Eventually, it will become mandatory for anyone entering a rowing competition to wear a life jacket,” he said after the handover ceremony for water tanks at Kampung Serpan Laut in Asajaya today.

This encouragement is particularly directed towards competitors, as life jackets are mandated for participants in the 10th Sarawak International Dragon Boat Regatta which starts today until Oct 27 at the Kuching Waterfront.

Regarding the preparations for the International Dragon Boat Regatta, Abdul Karim assured that all arrangements are progressing well, including comprehensive safety measures for both land and water.

“The safety controls along the riverbank and within the water have been thoroughly detailed. Measures for safety on land, including traffic management, have also been effectively implemented,” he stated.

Recently, a tragic incident involving a training boat for the Sarawak Regatta was reported, resulting in the vessel capsizing last Friday.

The incident claimed the lives of five paddlers, whose bodies were recovered early Sunday morning.