THE Penang International Dragon Boat Regatta, which has traditionally been held at the Teluk Bahang Dam since the 1990s, will be moved to a new venue this year. It is set to take place at Straits Quay Marina on Nov 23 and 24.
State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai announced that the venue has been changed today.
“The change is due to the low water level at the dam, and considering that dragon boat races abroad are traditionally held at sea, we decided to shift the event to Straits Quay Marina,” he said during a press conference in Komtar today.
Wong explained that the event, which originally took place at Gurney Drive in the 1990s, was later moved to Teluk Bahang Dam.
“The water level at the dam currently stands at around 30%, a stark contrast from 90% last year.
“As a result, we decided to relocate the event,” he said, expressing confidence that the international teams will adapt to the new venue.
Approximately 70 teams from 12 countries are expected to participate in the competition this November.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Alissala Thian