Ting (second from left) getting a better feel of a motocross scrambler together with Sempurai (second from right).
Youths are encouraged to take part in healthy activities such as the Sibujaya Motocross Challenge 2022 held in Sibu, Sarawak.
Dudong assemblyman Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing pledged to continue supporting community events like this two-day event organised by GP Sibujaya Extreme Motorsports Club.
“I am hopeful that with the presence of a motocross circuit here, enthusiasts will be able to dispel the notion that motorcycling activities are associated with unsavoury elements like illegal racing,” he said in a speech that was read out by Sibu rural district councillor Joshua Ting.
Tiong said there was no excuse for youths to indulge in illegal racing when they had within their reach tracks that they could put to good use.
“Do it properly. Do it legally. Safety first and learn the sport the right way,” he added.
At the opening ceremony of the challenge, Sibu Rural District Council chairman Sempurai Petrus Ngelai revealed that he had always supported motocross activities.
“I am an enthusiast too and I believe the motocross circuit will be a wonderful addition to the vibrant township of Sibujaya,” he said.
He added that he owned a scrambler in his younger days and had many fond memories of riding, especially at a time when roads to the interiors were not as good as they were now.
Sempurai hoped the motocross challenge would be an annual event and was optimistic that it would draw the masses to Sibujaya.
A total of 100 riders from Selangor, Brunei and different parts of Sarawak – Kuching, Sibu, Kanowit, Sarikei, Bintulu and Miri – took part in the event.
Organising chairman Sii How Ping and secretary Ching Leong Hook were among those present at the motocross challenge.
Earlier, Sarawak Deputy Public Health and Housing Minister Michael Tiang Ming Tee was quoted as saying that Sibujaya was being seen increasingly as the go-to place for community events and sports and recreation as well.
“There is nothing to stop Sibujaya from becoming the centre of attraction for community-oriented events.
“As it is, residents from upriver are making a beeline for Sibujaya on weekends for food and shopping.
“With more activities, even residents from downtown Sibu will be drawn to the township,” he said.
Sibujaya played host to more than 30 sporting events over a period of two months recently.
“I believe that apart from sports, other community events like the Sibujaya Carnival will also draw people to the place.
“Looking at the Sibujaya masterplan, you can see that there will be a green lung with water bodies in the centre of the township.
“The completion of this massive tract of land will give rise to even more venues for various activities from RC (remote control) boating to kite flying and 4x4 off-road challenge,” he said.
Touching on the overall Sibujaya master plan, Tiang said it was common knowledge the plan was conceived by Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg when he was leading the housing ministry.
“We can all see the success of Sibujaya as a township. This is due to the foresight of the Premier,” he said, adding that it was now up to the relevant parties to fully implement Abang Johari’s vision and bring it to total fruition.
Ting (second from left) getting a better feel of a motocross scrambler together with Sempurai (second from right).
A rider soars through the air during a practice session at the event.
