Boat fishing competition cancelled due to strong winds

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN - THE boat category of the “Cabaran Johan” (fishing competition) that was scheduled to begin yesterday along Brunei River has been cancelleddue to strong winds.

The Bandar Seri Begawan (BSB) Municipal Department said that the strong winds had kept competitors from turning up.

The fishing competition was organised by the department in collaboration with Capt Fred Fishing and Marine Supply.

The Brunei Darussalam Meteorological Service Department said in a statement issued yesterday that wind speeds over Brunei waters are expected to go up to 60km/h until December 30.

The current conditions are dangerous for small boat operators including sea sports and beach activities, the department said, adding that the height of the tide will reach three metres. The tide level typically reaches two metres in December.

The department said it will send out an advisory once the tide level is 1.5m, and also issue warnings once it reaches two metres.

While the boat category has been cancelled, the onshore category scheduled for today at 8.30am will go on as planned.

The BSB Municipal Department shared that over 100 participants had pre-registered with more expected to register today.

They told The Brunei Times that registration for the boat category was closed at 5pm on Friday but they also allowed people to register yesterday morning.

However, no one turned up to register for the category. Officials attributed this lack of response toadverse weather conditions.

In the cancelled boat category, competitors were permitted to fish in all legal Brunei territorial waters, however, they are not permitted to fish at restricted area such as oil rigs.

Categories for the onshore competition include individual, team, fastest catch and children (seven-15 years old).

Competitors are limited to water areas by the promenade along Jalan Residency.

Cash prizes are given for the individual and team category: first place $600, second place $300, and third place $150.

Five consolation prizes of $50 will be handed out.

Meanwhile, the winner of the on-shore fastest catch category would receive $100.

The competition was held to mark the 43rd anniversary of the naming of the capital to Bandar Seri Begawan.

The last “Cabaran Johan” in the capital was held three years ago, organised by BSB Municipal Department in collaboration with the Fisheries Department at the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources.

The Brunei Times