IPOH: After a 15-year hiatus, the Kuala Kangsar Water Sports Festival is set to make a splash once again, coinciding with the birthday celebrations of Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah.
Scheduled for Oct 26 at Dataran Lembah Sungai Perak, this two-day festival is organised by the state government in partnership with the Majlis Belia Negeri Perak and Muafakat Anak Jati Kuala Kangsar (Gemuda).
The Water Sports Festival Committee chairman Tan Sri Dr Mohd Zahidi Zainuddin said this inaugural event would commemorate the 10th anniversary of Sultan Nazrin's reign.
A variety of exciting activities suitable for all ages will be featured, including dragon boat racing, kayaking, jet skiing, and a decorated boat contest.
For land sports enthusiasts, there will be street soccer, netball, slippery pole, and pillow fighting competitions.
"This festival will see participation from all 12 districts in Perak, with a target attendance of 50,000 visitors, including participants from Singapore and Thailand," he said at a press conference today.
The last Kuala Kangsar Water Sports Festival was held in 2009 during the reign of the late Sultan Azlan Muhibbuddin Shah, son of the late Sultan Yussuf Izzuddin Shah Ghafarullahu-Lah.
Sultan Nazrin was crowned as the 35th Sultan of Perak. He ascended the throne following his father's passing on May 28, 2014.
Sultan Nazrin's 68th birthday falls on Nov 1.
Regarding safety, Mohd Zahidi said that the committee was closely monitoring weather conditions during this monsoon transition phase.
"We are collaborating with the Department of Irrigation and Drainage to ensure the water levels of Sungai Perak are safe. We are also working with the Department of Wildlife and National Parks to address safety concerns related to aquatic animals. The safety of our visitors is our top priority," he said.