24-07-2025
Sibu RC Powerboat Race attracts 759 participants, eyes Malaysia Book of Records
Porkan (left) sounds the horn to mark the launch of the Sibu International RC Powerboat Race River Challenge.
SIBU (July 14): The Sibu International Remote Control (RC) Powerboat Race River Challenge, held at Pulau Li Hua Waterfront, has attracted a record-breaking 759 local and international participants, setting the stage for a potential entry into the Malaysia Book of Records.
According to Sibu Resident Abang Mohamad Porkan Haji Abang Budiman, this year's edition welcomed participants from Perlis, Selangor, Sabah, Labuan, Sarawak, and as far as Brunei and Thailand.
'Such an extraordinary number of participants is not only a significant milestone for the Sibu Division, but also for Sarawak and Malaysia as a whole,' he said, expressing optimism that the event could become a prominent annual feature at the regional and national levels.
Porkan noted that the event does more than unite water sports enthusiasts as it also helps to position Sibu as a vibrant hub for recreational and competitive tourism.
'The official Certificate of Recognition from the Malaysia Book of Records will be presented during the event's closing ceremony this Sunday evening,' Porkan announced during the launching of the event today.
'I hope all participants will give their full cooperation to race officials and the event secretariat to ensure our effort to achieve this prestigious record is successfully realised,' he added.
Porkan also encouraged participants and visitors to take the opportunity to explore Sibu's cultural richness and natural charm, noting the event's broader role as a catalyst for tourism and local economic growth.
Beyond the high-speed excitement of the powerboat races, the event also featured community-focused programmes, including a children's coloring contest, a creative waste competition in collaboration with Pustaka Negeri Sarawak (Sibu Branch), and a special programme for 20 children from the Methodist Children's Home.
'These initiatives reflect a spirit of inclusivity and social care — values that are crucial in building a compassionate, inclusive, and progressive society,' Porkan said.
He extended his appreciation to the Sarawak Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts for its RM100,000 grant, as well as to key sponsors and dignitaries who contributed to the event's success.
These included Deputy State Minister of Public Health, Housing, and Local Government and Pelawan assemblyman Datuk Michael Tiang; Bawang Assan assemblyman Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh; Ngemah assemblyman Allan Siden Gramong; KTS Trading Sdn Bhd; and Hock Peng Realty Sdn Bhd.
