TAWAU: LB Paddle Tuaran Sabah emerged champions of the Open category at the 39th Tawau Dragon Boat Race organised by the Federation of Tawau Chinese Associations (PPCT) at Cowie Bay, Sabindo Waterfront, on Sunday.
The Tuaran-based team secured the title over the 800-metre course with a time of 3:59.50s. Gayang Kalumpang Family finished second in 4:00.78s, followed by Warisan Kg Baru Sandakan in third with 4:00.96s, while Batara Bone X KBKP and BB Bersaudara Kg Pukat placed fourth and fifth respectively.
Warisan Kg Baru Sandakan won the Mixed category in 4:04.41s, ahead of PPCT Youth (4:26.59s) and BB Bersaudara Kg Pukat (4:33.87s). Tawau Yacht Club and Hospital Sadefiat finished fourth and fifth respectively in the Mixed category.
PPCT Youth dominated the Chinese Descent category, claiming the title and recording the fastest overall time of the competition with 3:58.32s. Persatuan Penganut Dewi Kuan Yin Tinagat finished second in 4:09.97s, while Sehati Dragon Boat Team took third place in 5:17.44s, with two other teams failing to complete the race.
PPCT President Henery Wong Chen Khiong said the event attracted 16 teams from Tuaran, Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan and Tawau, with cash prizes, trophies and medals awarded to winners.
“The dragon boat race is organised to promote Chinese culture while encouraging unity and harmony among all races, as participation is open to people from various backgrounds,” he said.
In his officiating speech, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor commended PPCT, which comprises 44 Chinese associations, for successfully organising a programme that showcased Chinese culture while promoting harmony within the multicultural community.
“We hope this association will continue to be an important representative and voice of the Chinese community in Tawau, while preserving the beauty of Chinese culture and traditions and contributing more positive energy to the community,” he said.
His speech was delivered by Youth Development, Sports Advancement and Creative Economy Minister Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan at the opening and launch of the dragon boat race.
Hajiji said PPCT had proven itself to be the largest Chinese community organisation in Tawau, with a long history, rich cultural heritage and an important role linking the Chinese community with the wider society.
“Therefore, I call on all parties to work together and unite their efforts to enable this organisation to carry out its responsibilities more effectively, including providing greater support and services to the community.
“I also sincerely hope PPCT will forge close cooperation with the Sabah Government because only through such efforts can we drive more initiatives that benefit Sabah’s prosperity,” he said.
In a separate statement, Nizam expressed confidence that Tawau’s tourism sector has significant potential for further growth through various activities capable of promoting the district as a destination for both domestic and international visitors.
He said sporting events such as the annual dragon boat race not only promote a healthy lifestyle, sportsmanship and racial harmony, but could also further boost the district’s tourism sector, particularly with the future realisation of the Tawau International Cultural Centre.
