Sibu Aims To Become International Powerboat Hub, Rajang River A Strategic Advantage
SIBU: The Sibu Division is taking strategic steps to emerge as an international-standard powerboat racing hub, with the natural advantage of the Rajang River serving as a primary driving factor.
Sarawak Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, said that the state government plans to institutionalise the hosting of the event by including it in Sarawak’s official tourism calendar.
According to him, this move will provide certainty for international participants to plan their involvement, thereby strengthening Sibu’s position as a competitive water sports destination on a global level.
He said this while officiating the 2026 Sibu International Powerboat Race (SIPR) at the Pulau Li Hua Waterfront on Friday.
He added that the vastness of the Rajang River provides a larger hosting capacity, allowing for a high number of boat entries compared to other locations that are increasingly limited.
In a related development, SIPR 2026 recorded a significant achievement by successfully gathering 251 powerboats in a single event, thus qualifying it for recognition in the Malaysia Book of Records (MBOR).
This achievement further reinforces Sibu’s capability as a location for large-scale water sports events, while proving the level of logistical readiness and the encouraging response received.
These efforts are seen as a catalyst for Sibu’s transformation into a premier international water sports destination, simultaneously stimulating the growth of the local tourism sector and economy.
The event, which runs from 24 to 26 April, also drew a crowd of visitors who flooded the venue in a lively atmosphere, highlighting its great potential as a sports tourism product.
Also present were the Deputy Minister of Digital and Member of Parliament for Hulu Rajang Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry Julin Alen, Meluan Assemblyman Dato Rolland Duat, and the Resident of Sibu Division and Chairman of the Sibu Division Tourism Task Group (DTTG) Abang Mohamad Porkan Abang Budiman. -UKASnews
