LINGGA: Physical development here must be accompanied by a change in mindset and attitudes among the community to ensure that the Lingga District can fully benefit following its declaration as a full-fledged district.

Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg said community readiness to embrace change is crucial so that development initiatives implemented can have a comprehensive impact on local residents.

According to him, the implementation of strategic development projects such as the construction of the Lingga Bridge, the Lingga Waterfront and the provision of other public amenities are among the Sarawak Government’s efforts to stimulate economic growth and improve the people’s quality of life.

“The upgrading of Lingga to a full district requires the community to be prepared to adjust its mentality and be more open to the new opportunities created as a result of this development,” he said.

He said this in a prepared speech read by Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development Sarawak, Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee, during the opening ceremony of the Lingga Regatta 2025 at the Lingga River Waterfront on Saturday.

Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari added that the Sarawak Government is not only focused on physical infrastructure development, but is also placing strong emphasis on shaping the mindset and attitudes of the community so that they are able to take advantage of economic and investment opportunities that come alongside development.

“The Lingga Bridge project will strengthen connectivity and enhance economic access between surrounding areas, while the development of the Lingga Waterfront is expected to become a new tourism attraction capable of generating economic activities and creating job opportunities for the local population,” he said.

Meanwhile, the organisation of large-scale events such as the Lingga Regatta was described as an effective platform to introduce the district to a wider audience, while supporting the tourism development agenda in line with the Sarawak Maju 2030 aspirations.

The third edition of Lingga Regatta 2025 saw the participation of 41 teams from across Sarawak as well as international teams from Brunei Darussalam.

A total of 29 teams competed in the Raja Sungai category, while 12 teams battled it out in the Battle of Titans category.

At the same time, Lingga Assemblywoman Dayang Noorazah Awang Sohor said that the winner of the Raja Sungai category would take home RM15,000 in cash along with a trophy, while the champion of the Battle of Titans category would receive RM30,000 in prize money.

“My hope is that the Lingga Regatta will continue to be a symbol of unity, sportsmanship and community identity. May this year’s event have a greater impact on local economic development, further stimulate tourism, and introduce Lingga as an important destination in Sarawak’s events calendar,” she said.

Also present were Batang Lupar Member of Parliament Shafizan Kepli, Simunjan Assemblyman Awla Dris, and Sri Aman Division Resident Mahra Salleh. -UKASnews