SIBU, Dec 13 – The inaugural Sibu RC Powerboat Race River Challenge has shown immense potential to become a yearly tourism magnet for Sibu, said Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture.
Speaking at the opening ceremony through his special administrative officer, Agatha Ting, Tiong emphasized his commitment to supporting this event and future editions to draw more participants and tourists.
“This is the first time the Sibu RC Powerboat Race River Challenge is being held, and I hope it is not the last. With collaboration, we can transform this competition into an international event, attracting participants and visitors from around the world,” said Tiong.
The event, held at Pulau Li Hua Waterfront, runs until Dec 15 and is aimed at fostering camaraderie and promoting Sibu as a hub for tourism and international sports.
“This event is more than just a race; it’s an opportunity for shared interests to connect, exchange experiences, and showcase the beauty of Sibu and the iconic Rejang River,” Tiong added.
A total of 137 local and international racers, representing 516 remote-controlled boats, are participating in this year’s challenge. Event chief coordinator Maria Nadja Jimmy Jalil expressed hopes for an even larger turnout in the future.
“We hope for more participants in next year’s edition. This year we have 516 remote-controlled boats; next year, we aim for 1,000,” she said.
Winners of the competition stand to win RM2,000, RM1,500, and RM1,000 for the top three positions.
The event is spearheaded by the Sibu Divisional Tourism Task Force and AB Racing Team, with support from various local agencies and organizations, making it a collaborative effort to boost Sibu’s tourism profile.
