His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, yesterday attended the adjournment of the Sarawak Regatta – Kuching Waterfront Festival 2024, which was held in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia.
Upon arrival at Kuching International Airport, His Majesty was welcomed by Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sarawak Tun Pehin Sri Dr Haji Wan Junaidi bin Tuanku Jaafar; Premier of Sarawak Dato Seri Setia Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg; and Deputy Premier of Sarawak Dato Paduka Seri Laila Jasa Datuk Amar Haji Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, as Minister-in-Attendance.
His Majesty then proceeded to the Kuching Waterfront to attend the adjournment of the Sarawak Regatta – Kuching Waterfront Festival 2024, in which the arrival of His Majesty was welcomed by the Premier of Sarawak and Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak Dato Sri Haji Abdul Karim bin Rahman Hamzah as Minister Responsible for the Sarawak Regatta – Kuching Waterfront Festival 2024.
During the event, His Majesty witnessed two categories of boat races for the Sarawak Regatta – Kuching Waterfront Festival 2024, namely, the men’s Kenyalang 20 Paddlers (VIP) (open); and the main highlight of the Sarawak Regatta, the final race of the men’s Bidar 30 Rowers (local), to claim the title of ‘Raja Sungai 2024’.
After the boat races concluded, His Majesty presented prizes to the winning teams including the Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sarawak’s Trophy to the winners of the men’s Bidar 30 Rowers (local), who were crowned as the ‘Raja Sungai 2024’, as well as the Trophy for the men’s Kenyalang 20 Paddlers (VIP) (open), which saw the Brunei Darussalam Boat Race Team successfully securing a third-place win. His Majesty then attended an afternoon tea reception at the Hilton Hotel, Kuching.
Prior to departure from Kuching, a Doa Selamat was recited by Deputy Imam Besar of Sarawak Haji Mohammad Ihsan bin Haji Haidzir.
Present at Kuching International Airport to bid farewell to His Majesty were Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sarawak; Premier of Sarawak and Deputy Premier of Sarawak as Minister-in-Attendance.
The Sarawak Regatta, which takes place along the Sarawak River, was first introduced in 1872 and has since been organised almost annually to showcase boat races with participants from various government agencies, the private sector as well as neighbouring countries including Brunei and Indonesia.
In addition, His Majesty’s visit to Kuching not only cements the longstanding friendship between the Sultanate and Sarawak, but also reflects His Majesty’s interest, particularly in the field of boat racing, as well as further enlivens the highly-anticipated Sarawak Regatta 2024, awaited by all members of Sarawak’s community.
