Dato' Mukhriz with the winners

Akar Jerlun, Kedah 28 July 2010 - The Akar Jerlun 2010 was concluded successfully at Kuala Tunjang, Kedah today. Johore Canoe Association (A) emerged as winner for the National Open category with a winning prize of RM10,000 (Ringgit Malaysia Ten Thousand). Second and third place of the same category went to the Johor Canoe Association (B) and team from Terengganu (A) respectively.

Paddlers getting ready for the race

A national level kayak competition, Akar Jerlun is co-organised with the Malaysian Ministry of Youth and Sports in collaboration with ANSARA, UMNO Jerlun, Malaysian Canoe Association, and Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris. This three-day event showcased 140 canoes representing 33 teams participating from all over the country.

 According to the Malaysian Canoe Association’s (MASCA) representative who is in charge of the technical organisation for Akar Jerlun, this year’s event set new standards to the nation’s kayaking competition scene. The event presented the highest number of teams participating as well as introducing a new category for kayak competition namely a Still Water Obstacle Marathon category. It also included the participation of local folks by way of foster parent concept within the Tournament Village for the participants and team members. Also introduced were Sprint Zones, Support Crew as well as a mandatory female kayaker to be part of the team.

Akar Jerlun will be organised as an Annual Event with next year to be held sometime in April 2011. Kayak enthusiasts from the region namely from Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, Philippines and Brunei will also be invited.