| Achong Tanjong |
THE Brunei Darussalam Regatta 2018 held in conjunction with His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam’s 72nd birthday celebration will be held on August 12.
This was confirmed by Permanent Secretary (Municipal and District) at the Ministry of Home Affairs Salminan bin Haji Burut, who is also the Co-Organising Chairman of the Brunei Darussalam Regatta 2018 during a press conference held at the multi-purpose hall of the Ministry of Home Affairs building yesterday.
He added that this year, the regatta race will be participated by boat racing teams from foreign countries, including from Malaysia – two from Sarawak and one from the Federal Territory of Labuan, one team from the People’s Republic of China, and one from Indonesia.
A total of 12 boat race categories will be contested at the event: six will be contested in the morning and another six in the afternoon.
The race will include a 15-Paddler Special Fibreglass Boat Race, 25-Paddler Traditional Boat Race, 15-PaddlersFibreglass Boat Race Between Institutions of Higher Learning, 15- and 20-Paddler for Under 30 Youth Fibreglass Boat Race, and 15-Paddler Colleges and Secondary Schools Fibreglass Boat Race, among others.
Salminan noted that this year’s event has undergone several changes in a bid to enliven it.
For instance, the 1,000m race will now start from the Brunei Arts and Handicraft Centre building and end in front of the Dermaga Diraja. The 2,000m race will start from Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha Bridge and end in front of the Dermaga Diraja. The 5,000m marathon race meanwhile will start from the end of Pulau Sibungur and finish in front of Dermaga Diraja.
Acting Director of Fire and Rescue Colonel (Rtd) Pengiran Haji Maiddin bin Pengiran Haji Said stressed on the importance of safety at the event.
“The public should take extra precautions, especially those using water taxis. They should also drink enough water to prevent dehydration,” he said.
Meanwhile, Acting Operation Head of Operations and Traffic Division Hamri Aslan bin Haji Abu Hanafiah highlighted that there will be no road closures during the event.
He added that only a section of Jalan McArthur near the Dermaga Diraja will be supervised by the police. Road users are advised to plan their journeys ahead of time, and make provisions for alternative routes to get to the city centre.
“All road users who will be crossing the Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha Bridge should not stop or park their vehicles along the bridge,” Hamri Aslan said. “The Traffic Control and Investigation Department is also urging drivers and road users to obey the road rules and regulations for the safety and harmony of all.”
As for the Bandarku Ceria event, Deputy Permanent Secretary (Municipal and District) at the Ministry of Home Affairs Abdul Walid bin Haji Matassan, who is also the deputy organising chairman of the event, said that the day’s activities will be limited.
“There will be no cycling activity around the capital area until the roundabout of the Prime Minister’s Office. This is to make it easier for members of the public wishing to witness the regatta to get to the event venue,” he said.
Stalls selling food and other items will also be only allowed to be set up along Jalan Pemancha and Jalan Pretty. All roads in the city centre on the day will be accessible as usual, with only a few roads under police control for the convenience of the public.
“The public especially road users and water taxi operators should pay special attention to safety on the day. I hope to see the general public obeying all rules and regulations, and water taxi passengers wearing lifejackets,” Abdul Walid added.
He also reminded the public to maintain the cleanliness of public areas such as the roadsides, parks and rivers.
“Rubbish bins will be provided at strategic areas during the event, so please make use of them. Let’s all do our part to keep Brunei clean and green,” he added.
Acting Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism Wardi bin Haji Mohammad Ali said, “We welcome the public to come together with friends and family to witness the event. Travel agencies in the country are also invited to promote the event. We hope also to see tourists joining in the merriment in the city and witness the regatta with the locals.”