Kuala perlis: The five-day Kuala Perlis International Water Festival 2025, which runs until September 16 and involves the participation of 11 foreign countries, is expected to boost tourism and the economy of Perlis. State Tourism, Arts and Culture and Rural Development Committee chairman Abu Bakar Hamzah said the highlight of the festival - the Dragon Boat Race - will feature teams from Thailand, Brunei, the Philippines, as well as expatriate teams representing Australia, England, Syria, Brazil, Libya, Canada, the United States, and Indonesia.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, a total of 55 teams, including government agencies, public universities (IPTA), and international participants, will compete in the dragon boat category, making this one of the largest events ever organised. Abu Bakar made these remarks during the opening ceremony in Kuala Perlis last night.

The festival was officially opened by the Raja of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Jamalullail, with the Raja Perempuan of Perlis, Tuanku Tengku Fauziah Tengku Abdul Rashid, also in attendance.

Abu Bakar mentioned that apart from promoting Perlis as a water sports tourism destination, the festival provides economic benefits for locals, particularly those involved in food, accommodation, handicrafts, and tourism-related services. He noted that events like this create opportunities for small traders and local communities to generate extra income, thanks to the influx of thousands of visitors from both within and outside the country.

The festival also featured a traditional boat race involving 15 villages around Kuala Perlis, along with a variety of folk games, such as pillow fights, slippery pole climbing, and fishing competitions - all aimed at preserving and celebrating local cultural identity.