Masing: Develop support services for boat racing in Kapit
KUCHING: Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Masing wants the relevant government agencies to develop support services in the boat racing sector in Kapit, his hometown.
He singled out assembling parts of outboard engines as a particular service industry that could be embarked on.
The Baleh assemblyman said he was impressed with some youths in Kapit when they showed him how they assembled dismantled parts of a boat outboard engine in less than an hour’s time.
“These youths are creating a spin- off industry from the outboard engine boat racing activities being held in the Rajang River. I was impressed with how they could assemble parts in less than an hour. They are mechanically-inclined youths. Therefore I want the relevant agency or ministry to help these youths and also improve the development of the boat racing sport,” he said when met at his Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Transportation
All these can help divert youths from social ills or unhealthy activities like ‘Mat Rempit’ (illegal racing activity) in particular. With all these infrastructures put in place later on, the youth can then express their interest as well as harness talent in sports. Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Masing, Deputy Chief Minister
office at Masja, Petra Jaya here yesterday.
Masing also wanted the Youth and Sports Ministry to look into the possibility of utilising the abandoned airstrip in Kapit for Go Karting sports.
He also suggested that the ministry develop sports involving motorcross and boat sailing.
“All these can help divert youths from social ills or unhealthy activities like ‘Mat Rempit’ (illegal racing activity) in particular. With all these infrastructures put in place later on, the youth can then express their interest as well as harness talent in sports,” he said.
Masing also pointed out that the recent Kapit Rafting Safari, into its 23rd year, has been organised successfully.
With road linking Kapit and the rest of Sarawak, Masing said he could foresee Kapit becoming a more vibrant town with an influx of foreign tourists and domestic visitors.
Also present was Assistant Minister of Youth and Sports Datuk Snowdan Lawan, Murum assemblyman Kennedy Chukpai Ugon and president of Sarawak Lawn Tennis Association Dato Patrick Liew.
Chukpai noted that the reservoir at Bakun and Murum HEP dams are also good for activities like boat sailing and nature photography safari.
He said: “Apart from the flora and fauna, the Bakum Dam especially also provides panoramic view of numerous little islands.”
Like Masing, Chukpai also wanted the dams and surrounding areas be developed into sports tourism spots.