Sarawak Regatta 2025: LANDAS Dominates Prestigious Finals
KUCHING: The Sarawak Regatta 2025 continued to draw roaring crowds at the Kuching Waterfront as teams battled fiercely across several prestigious finals, showcasing strength, precision and teamwork along Sungai Sarawak.
Among the crowd favourites, LANDAS Azam Kasihnya Warisan once again carried the prestigious 'Raja Sungai' or 'King of the River' title, reinforcing their legacy in one of Sarawak’s most celebrated traditional sporting platforms.
The excitement was further elevated by the presence of His Royal Highness the Sultan of Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, and Her Royal Highness Tengku Ampuan Pahang, Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah, who graced the event and joined the applause from the grandstand.
Adding to the grandeur were Sarawak Governor, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, accompanied by Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, as well as the Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, whose presence highlighted the significance of the regatta.
This year’s edition saw fierce competition, with margins between teams reflecting the sport’s rising standards and preparation.
Supporters praised the display of discipline, stamina and heritage at the heart of Sarawak’s river culture.
In the Perahu Bidar 30 Paddlers Men's Final (Open) category for the Borneo International – MTCP Trophy, LANDAS 5 stormed to victory, outperforming their closest contenders and strengthening LANDAS’ prestige on the river.
LANDAS 1 secured second place, while Sinaran EF Adison Sambas claimed third in a tightly contested finish.
The Perahu Kenyalang 10 Paddlers Men's Final (Department/Agency Staff Invitational) event under the Local Category saw Bintulu Development Authority (BDA) emerged champion, with the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development (MYSED) in second place.
Land and Survey Department (Sarawak) rounded off the podium with a strong third-place finish.
Meanwhile, in the VIP open category for the Kenyalang Trophy 20 Paddlers Men's VIP – Sarawak Premier Trophy, DPRD Zulkarnain SP/PUSAKA paddled their way to top honours, followed by Datuk Len Talip Salleh & Datu Abdullah Julaihi/LANDAS in second place.
Dato Simoi Peri/KELISA secured third, maintaining a competitive edge throughout the race.
Cheers erupted along the waterfront as winning teams crossed the finish line, with paddlers celebrating by chanting their team names, waving flags and singing in spirited song of triumphant unity.
The energy reverberated across the riverbanks, heightening the festive atmosphere.
As festivities continue, the Sarawak Regatta remains a powerful symbol of unity, sporting excellence and the enduring connection between Sarawakians and their rivers.
Also present were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Amar Fadillah Yusof, Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Professor Dr. Sim Kui Hian, Speaker of the Sarawak Legislative Assembly Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar, Sarawak Ministers, Sarawak Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Deputy Ministers, as well as other distinguished guests. -UKASnews
Reporter: Alezxandria Kapple
Photographers: Shahril Haqim, M. Hanif Suhaimi, Jaed Tepus, George Skam Embie
