SIBU: Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing has called for more international participants to enter the Sibu International Powerboat Race.
Speaking at the opening of the three-day event here on Friday (April 25), he said the race was not only important as a tourist event but also served as a platform for the development of water sports among the youth.
“I hope we can bring in more international participants.
"If the prizes are more attractive... more people will be interested. We want to make this a stage for young people to learn and compete at the international level,” he added.
Tiong said increased foreign participation would help elevate the race to the status of a global event.
He also gave his assurance that he would help in every way possible to boost the event's attractiveness to international crews.
“I know the application to the ministry is for RM500,000. I will try to help. We can sit down and discuss and see how to strengthen this event,” he said, adding that this year's race received an allocation of RM250,000 from his ministry.
He also invited NGOs and international organisations to have a hand in future events, suggesting that the organisers begin meetings and planning sessions earlier to draw more tourists and overseas participants.
This year's event at the Pulau Li Hua waterfront has drawn a total of 262 powerboat crews from Malaysia and Brunei.
