Penang Dragon Boat Web Site

The Pesta Penang Dragon Boat Race 2012 was forced to be canceled on Sunday, 9^th of December when an incident occurred involving Race Official, Jacob Issac Fletcher (19).

During break time at 12.50pm, Jacob jumped into the Teluk Bahang Dam for a swim and disappeared from sight after he shouted for help. One of the technical officers who witnessed the scene quickly jumped into the water to rescue him, but to no avail.

A few moments later, the Marine Police, Bomba and Life Saving Guards on duty also rushed to scene. But unfortunately, they also fail to locate Jacob. Some 20 participants from the Malaysia Navy Paddlers Club who are trained divers quickly volunteered to help the search. At approximately 7.30 pm, the search had to be postponed since it has approached night-time and vision is limited.

On Monday, 10^th of December, 16 professional Scuba divers were brought in from Lumut to continue the search mission. The search and rescue operations continued with the assistance of Marine Police, Bomba and the Civil Defense Department.

Jacob had been involved in dragon boat activities since he was 14 and was appointed as a Race Official last year. He is an excellent swimmer and an internationally qualified steerer for Dragon Boat Competitions.

UPDATE: This morning (12^th December) at approximately 8.15am, the body of Jacob Issac has finally been found at the Teluk Bahang Dam.

The Penang International Dragon Boat Committee would like to offer our condolences and prayers to Jacob Isaac Fletcher and his family. It is indeed a great loss to the committee members especially those who was close to him.

May his soul Rest In Peace.

Date: 8th & 9th December 2012

Time: 9.00am to 5.00pm

Venue: Teluk Bahang Dam, Penang

The Penang International Dragon Boat Festival Organizing Committee will be organizing a Penang Pesta Dragon Boat Race this weekend with an encouraging participation of 27 teams; 11 local teams from Penang and around Malaysia, and 16 foreign teams from Hong Kong, China, Singapore, Philippines, Australia and other Commonwealth countries.

The categories for this race are as follows:

22 Racers – 500m
1. Penang Closed
2. Premier Open
3. Premier Mixed

12 Racers – 500m
1. Premier Women
2. Senior 40 Open
3. Junior U23 Open
4. Premier Open – 2 x 250m Relay
5. Premier Mixed – 2 x 250m Relay
6. Junior U23 Open – 2 x 250m Relay

The public is welcome to witness this exciting race. Food and drinks are available for purchase at the site using food-coupons that will be sold at the secretariat booth during the event.

For more information about the festival, please email  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or contact 04-650 5136.

Plenitude Penang Dragon Boat Workshop

Date: 29th June 2012

Time: 9.30 am - 4.00pm

Registration fee: RM 15

The public who are interested to learn more about Dragon Boating is welcomed to join the International Dragon Boat Workshop on the 29th of June 2012, from 9.30am to 4.00pm. Some of the special classes includes "paddling skill class" by Coach Nester Ilagan from Philiphines, "water safety awareness" by Mr Ooi Win Juat and a "practical session" at the Teluk Bahang Dam itself . The registration fee is RM15 per person.

Photography Competition

There will also be a Photography Competition during this two day festival. The first prize winner of the competition will recieve RM800 cash prize, followed by RM500 and RM300 for the 2nd and 3rd prize winner. 

Shutterbugs who are interested to join this competition can email Ms. Nadia Ali at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it   OR register at the secretariat desk during the festival.

For more information about the festival, please contact 04-650 5136, 012-483 0448 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Visit our website for more details: www.penangdragonboat.gov.my.