Boat racing fosters stronger ties

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

THE boat racing competition organised by the Kg Menunggol Consultative Council (MPK) that took place yesterday aimed to foster ties among families and villagers while raising the profile of the village, said spectators of the race.

Md Faisal Kambar told The Brunei Times that such events encouraged families to gather especially those that lived far from the village. Md Faisal, for example, was watching the race with his spouse and theirnewborn baby.

“Members of my family are amongst the participants and also the organising committee, so it is also quite fun to see them in action,” he said.

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Md Faisal also said the races get interesting when participants from across the border, such as the Limbang team that joined yesterday, compete with Bruneian teams.

“What is also good is that these kinds of competitions are ways to promote our village because not many people know about Kg Menunggol,” he said.

Meanwhile, Ridzuan Talib, who came to watch the race from the captial with his wife and child, said watching the race was a good outdoor activity for him and his family.

“This kind of race is actually passed down from older generations, but is not well shared among the people,” he said.

“It would be better if they have a proper grand stand for spectators to watch the race from,” he further said.

“I suggest that events like these should have more locals participating in them, especially those from other villages, so Kg Menunggol could be better promoted and boat racing can also be developed as a proper sport,” said Ridzuan.

Siti Ismasuhaidah Matali, was also excited at being able to watch such races which are considered a rarity in the country.

“Aside from that, this race is also quite convenient for us – people of Kg Menunggol – as most celebrations are always held closer to the capital which is quite far from us,” she said.

“At least this is something we can watch, sit back and enjoy together with family and friends.

These kinds of events are quite suitable for outdoor family activities,” she added.

Saimi Hj Salleh, the assistant chairperson of the event was quite happy the event was well-received by the people and also proud of the committee who handled the race flawlessly.

“This event is organised solely by the villagers inclusive of the racers and the MPK.

“There are not many people who have the courage to hold such competitions, which is why I am quite proud of my village,” he said.

The assistant chairperson noted the popularity of boat racing among the people of Kg Ayer and explained that one reason such races are organised is to prevent illegal racing and provide propervenues for enthusiasts.

The chairperson of the event, Malik Tunggal said the boat race held yesterday was the fourth of its kind since 2011.

Each edition of the competition has been held in conjunction with national celebrations like National Dayand His Majesty’s birthday.

“I plan to establish an association to look after the welfare of boat racing,” said Malik.

“If boat racing receives more favourable response from the people, we might organise more racing events in the future,” he said. He added that in the past, there have been invitations to compete in races abroad with some participating, despite no funding to join these races.

Held at the Berambang Island, the participants consisted of local racers and those from Limbang, Lawas, Mukah and Sundar.

Attending the race as the guest of honour was Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS) Hj Mohd Rozan Dato Paduka Hj Mohd Yunos.

The Brunei Times