KAPIT: Powerboat racing is an iconic water sport in this part of Sarawak, and every event holding this race here is a guaranteed crowd-puller.

The annual Baleh-Kapit Raft Safari, which took place at the waterfront here last weekend, was a prime example in that the event drew thousands of competitors and spectators, coming from near and far. Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Jemut Masing, who is Baleh assemblyman, was the guest-of-honour.

The elected people’s representatives on the VIP guest-list were Kapit MP Datuk Alexander Nanta Linggi, Hulu Rajang MP Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong, Assistant Minister of Native Laws and Customs of Sarawak Datuk John Sikie Tayai who is Kakus assemblyman, Assistant Minister Youth and Sports Datuk Snowdan Lawan who is Balai Ringin assemblyman, Bukit Goram assemblyman Jefferson Jamit Unyat, and Murum assemblyman Kennedy Chukpai Ugon.

Political secretaries to the chief minister Tapah Ata, Nicholas Kudi Jantai and Charles Chad Nissom, as well as Kapit District Walikota Dato Philimon Nuing were also present. The powerboat race is run here twice yearly – the first during the annual Baleh-Kapit Raft Safari, and the next will be this Sept 16 in conjunction with Malaysia Day celebration. The race held during last weekend’s Baleh-Kapit Raft Safari was organised by Kapit Division Powerboat Association, in collaboration with Kapit Youth and Sports Department.

It covered three categories – Tunnel Boat 18Hp and Below, Tunnel Boat 30Hp and Below, and Tunnel Boat 50Hp Open.

For the race, the participants could modify their engines and design their own boats – skills that would take years to be honed.

In this regard, the powerboat racers from Kapit are touted as being the best in the business. They are known for their very good reputation when it comes to racing their powerboats along the Rajang River. It is said that the ‘Number 1 Fan’ of powerboat racing is none other than Masing himself, who not only strongly supports the event but like many other enthusiasts, he has his own fleet of powerboats.

Powerboat racing can be considered as ‘an expensive sport’ – each boat would cost at least RM15,000 and to just modify the propellers, an owner has to fork up over RM3,000; for engine modification, it could cost another RM5,000.

Nevertheless, the adrenaline and satisfaction weigh more than the costs for any true powerboat enthusiast, in that the thrill is in the participation and the race itself, rather than just to win.