Federal Govt Prepared To Continue Supporting Sibu International Powerboat Race - DPM Fadillah

SIBU, April 26 (Bernama) -- Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said the federal government is prepared to continue supporting the Sibu International Powerboat Race.

He praised the second edition of the race, which has received an increasingly encouraging response, describing it as a proud achievement resulting from the cooperation of all parties involved.

He said this success also presents a challenge to organisers to maintain and improve their performance in the future.

"As long as I hold this position, I will continue to assist and support this event because it brings a positive impact on sports and tourism," he said at the closing ceremony of the Sibu International Powerboat Race 2026 here today.

Fadillah added that the event not only revitalises river activities but also has the potential to restore Sibu's position on the powerboat sports map, both in Malaysia and across ASEAN.

Fadillah, a Sibu native, said the race holds historical value for the town and could become a major annual event alongside the Regatta to boost local tourism.

He also called for better infrastructure at Pulau Li Hua Waterfront, including pontoons and a permanent stage, through a state-government and developer collaboration.

He added that this year's 251-boat participation set a Malaysia Book of Records for the most powerboat entries in a single event.

Meanwhile, Sibu Division Resident and Divisional Tourism Task Group (DTTG) chairman Abang Mohamad Porkan Abang Budiman said the event received RM300,000 from Fadillah and RM150,000 from the Sarawak Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts.

He said such support is crucial, given the high cost of hosting an international event, which requires continuous commitment from all parties.

Abang Mohamad Porkan said the goal is to establish Sibu as an international powerboat racing hub and river-based tourism destination along Sungai Rajang, an aspiration captured by the theme "The Awakening of the Mighty Rajang River."

The three-day event, which started last Friday, drew approximately 20,000 visitors.

It was organised by the DTTG in collaboration with the Sibu Powerboat Association, featuring nine racing categories across various hull and engine classes.

-- BERNAMA