THE Penang 45th International Dragon Boat Regatta at the Teluk Bahang Dam is scheduled for Nov 23 and 24, with the current low water levels expected to improve by then.
Penang tourism and creative economy committee chairman Wong Hon Wai noted a wet spell has been forecast at the end of the year. He shared that nevertheless, contingency plans were in place so that the regatta could be held as scheduled.
Speaking at a press conference in Komtar, Wong said that over 60 teams from various countries would be taking part in the event. “This annual event promises to be a spectacular showcase of cultural heritage, international sportsmanship and fierce competition, with teams from around the world expressing interest in participating,” he said.
“It has attracted teams from as far as the United Arab Emirates, the Netherlands and United Kingdom.”
Wong also pointed out that this year is the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and China. “This year’s festival will feature a special friendship celebration event. “We are honoured to collaborate with the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Penang to mark this significant milestone, reflecting the deep and enduring ties between our two nations,” he said.
Wong added that Penang was collaborating with the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO) in Jakarta to foster ties and boost participation. “This partnership is aimed at encouraging more teams from Hong Kong to join the festival, to further enrich the event with diverse participation,” he said.
China’s acting consul general in Penang Ding Qiao, who was present, said that the dragon boat race was deeply embedded in the cultural fabric of the state. “Originating from the traditional Chinese Dragon Boat Festival, which dates back over 2,000 years and celebrates the Chinese scholar and poet Qu Yuan, the event has grown significantly.
“Initially featuring mainly local teams, it has now become a global event with international teams competing, enhancing the festival’s cultural exchange and global unity,” she said. According to her, China would send five teams while Hong Kong and Taipei would have nine teams and one team, respectively.
The Penang dragon boat race has a storied history that dates back to the 1950s.
In 1956, there was a dragon boat race to mark the centennial of the establishment of the municipality of George Town.
In 1977, Penang sent a 30-member team to compete in the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Race Festival.
On July 8, 1979, Penang hosted the inaugural Penang International Dragon Boat Festival with 66 teams from Indonesia, Singapore, Hong Kong and Malaysia.