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New Straits Times
3 days ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Kelantan supports proposed cross-border boat race to boost tourism
SUNGAI GOLOK: The Kelantan government has expressed full support for a proposed cross-border traditional boat race between Malaysia and Thailand on the Golok river, describing it as a potential annual international tourism event. State Tourism, Culture, Arts and Heritage Committee chairman Datuk Kamaruddin Md Nor said similar races had been held in the past, but only informally and on a smaller scale. "We have received proposals from several parties to organise a 'Yor Kong' boat race between the two countries along the Golok river. "In principle, the state government fully supports this initiative and, God willing, we plan to elevate the event with participation from teams representing Kelantan and Thailand's Narathiwat province," he said. Speaking to reporters after attending the closing of a boat racing competition here this evening, Kamaruddin said further discussions would be held with the relevant authorities soon. He added that the proposed venue would be Pangkalan Pohon Jambu, a well-known site near the Malaysia-Thailand border, which has long served as a hub for social and cultural interaction between the two communities. "This place is a beautiful and suitable location, with a river that is not too wide and existing facilities that can accommodate the event. "We also appreciate the positive co-operation from the Mayor of Sungai Golok, Saleeha Mayutoh," he added. On today's event, he said it had attracted large crowds from both sides of the border. "This kind of event can help further stimulate cross-border tourism," he added. He then described the "blindfold boat race" as a potential crowd-puller. "This is not just about sports; it's about cultural exchange and strengthening ties between the two regions. "The blindfolded boat racing could offer visitors a memorable experience," he said. The two-day boat race, which started yesterday, featured 40 teams, including five from Malaysia. About 2,000 people attended the event, which was closed by Deputy Governor of Narathiwat Wicharn Chaisetsamphan.
New Straits Times
4 days ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Tight security for cross-border boat race at Sungai Golok
KOTA BARU: The General Operations Force (GOF) will step up security at the Pohon Jambu post near Sungai Golok during the two-day Muhibbah Boat Race starting tomorrow along the Malaysia-Thailand border. The move comes as more than 1,000 visitors from both countries are expected to gather near the riverbank, which borders the Thai town of Sungai Golok. Kelantan police chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat said enhanced patrols and checks will be carried out to prevent any illegal cross-border activity during the event. "We don't want any parties taking advantage of the large crowd to commit illegal crossings. With the influx of visitors, including tourists from both sides, stricter control is essential," he told Bernama today. The traditional boat race, known locally as Yor Kong, will feature 40 teams, including five from Malaysia. The annual event is a highlight for locals, with residents of Kampung Pohon Jambu expected to gather along the riverbank with their families. The race is also expected to be officiated by Narathiwat Governor Trakul Thotham. – BERNAMA
New Straits Times
4 days ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
40 teams take part in Golok river boat contest
RANTAU PANJANG: Forty teams, including five from Malaysia, took part in the two-day boat competition held along the Golok river here today. The event, held at the Pohon Jambu jetty on the Thai side of Sungai Golok town, attracted over 1,000 villagers from Malaysia and Thailand. They were seen sitting along the riverbank at Kampung Pohon Jambu here, accompanied by their family members, including children. The five teams from Malaysia include those from Pasir Mas and Machang district councils. The Thai teams comprised various agencies, including those from the Sungai Golok district office. The "Yor Kong" boat contest is an annual event and will be officiated by Narathiwat governor Acting Sub-Lieutenant Trakul Thotham. Meanwhile, Kelantan police chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat said he had directed the General Operations Force (GOF) to increase their checks in the area to prevent any illegal border crossing. "I have ordered the GOF personnel to conduct more surveillance against those who tried to cross to Thailand," he said, adding that this would ensure people don't exploit the competition to cross the river unlawfully. It is learnt that more than 10 GOF personnel were deployed to the scene since 8am this morning to monitor the situation until the competition ended at 6.30pm.
