SIBU, Feb 12: Over 2,000 bikers from Sibu, Brunei, Sabah, and Kalimantan have gathered here for the 3rd Sibu Bike Fest, exceeding initial expectations.
Bukit Assek assemblyman Joseph Chieng said initially only about 500 participants were expected.
He said the strong public interest in the event means it could be turned into another attraction for Sibu town, along the lines of the annual Sibu Tower Run and Sibu International Base Jump events.
Chieng hoped the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industries, and Performing Arts as well as Ministry of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development will support this event to facilitate funding and programme development.
“This is a very welcomed programme, especially by the youth. I think it’s important for us to able to link this programme with the relevant ministry,” he said after officiating at the event at Taman Selera Harmoni here today.
Organising chairman Abdul Taib Rosli said the event is a good platform to unearth new talent, especially among the youth.
“There usually a stereotype we always hear about this sport, where people always see them (bikers) as ‘mat rempit’. Actually, the youth need a good platform to show their talent and this is one of them.
“As you can see it is not easy to win this competition. You need to have the knowledge, talent as well as creativity to win,” he said.
Abdul Taib added that they are planning to organise a similar event in July at a bigger and more suitable venue.
He is expecting 200 biker associations across Borneo to join the event. — DayakDaily
