Terengganu is a state located in the east coast of Malaysia. It is not only famous for its beautiful nature and traditional culture, but also for being the hub of the prestigious sailing sports.

The sports not only provides recreational opportunities for the locals and tourists, but also provides a source of income for the state with the slogan “beautiful state, good people.”

Among the main factor that makes Terengganu the main destination for sailing sports is its geographical location. Terengganu has a long coastal line with clear waters and consistent wind speed, making it ideal for sailing sports. Tourists may also gain experience exploring the beauty and the miracles of underwater Terengganu at islands such as Redang Island, Perhentian Island, Kapas Island, and Tenggol Island.

Terengganu is popular for having organized international regattas such as the Monsoon Cup. The event has become one of the most awaited in the world. The Monsoon Cup was the third most popular sports in the world during its glory days about 20 years ago. It drew participants from various countries and was broadcast live on international media, putting Terengganu on the world’s stage. The presence of professional sailors and spectators from around the world brought a source of income that benefitted the communities, through accommodations, food, transport, facilities, and other services.

The effort made by the government to establish the prestigious sports should be lauded. The idea came from the fifth Prime Minister, Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, with the aim to develop Terengganu and ensure the people of the state can benefit from the event and sustain their livelihood during the monsoon season each year.

Although the world-class event was last held in 2012 with stiff competition among 12 world’s best sailing team them, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) still continues the legacy of the sports that had become so popular among the residents of the state famous for the turtles.

UMT Adjunct Professor Datuk Patrick Lim Soo Kit in his public lecture organized by UMT Sailing Training Centre said the fifth Prime Minister had a clear vision when developing Terengganu using the available resources.  

“Pak Lah saw Terengganu as a unique state, owning various natural resources and attractive islands”

“He came up with the idea to hold a sailing sports competition to provide a source of income to the people of Terengganu who are mostly affected during the monsoon seasons.

He said having a leader with a strong leadership skills is a necessity in bringing an organization to a greater height.

Meanwhile, UMT Sailing Training Centre Director Mohd Hafizi Said said the centre has been very active in its effort to promote sailing activities among university students and the public.

“The centre was established in August 2019. It owns several sailing assets and facilities such as sailing boats, rescue boats, clubhouse rooms that serve as the platforms in the effort to transfer knowledge to the local community.

“The centre is also given the thrust to develop competitive graduates through physical activities in order to produce future captains for the country.

According to Mohd Hafizi, the effort that was started a few years back has born fruit when UMT sailing team has achieved many successes at the international arena.

“UMT sailing team won first place in the Kingdom Match and Fleet Race (Bahrain) and third place in One Design Platu World Championship (Thailand) last year.

“We have also been honoured when being invited to represent Malaysia to participate in the FISU World University Championship in Italy from 4 – 11 June this year.

The six UMT students to be participating in the tournament are  Nur Muhammad Aqil Nadzri, 21, Mohamad Hanif Mohd Shafiee, 20; Nur Zulaikha Mohd Zafarin, 21; Nur Sofea Balqis Kamal Azalan, 21; Nur Ainul Izzati Zil Husham, 23, and Muhammad Faris Aiman Basri, 22. They will be competing against six teams from America, the Netherlands, Ireland, Germany, Japan, China, dan France.

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Corporate Communications Office

Universiti Malaysia Terengganu